JP2001212290A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: Not to increase load for sending a control command of a play control means even when an electric parts control means is installed independent of the play control means. SOLUTION: An interpretation control CPU, that is, an interpretation control means installed in an interpretation control board 500 receives an interpretation control command from a play control means on a main board 31. Based on the received command, a display control of an illumination lamp 25, play effect lamps.LED 28a, 28b, 28c, a prize ball lamp 51, an end of ball lamp 52, a starting memory display 18 and a gate pass memory display 41 is performed as well as voice generation control from a speaker 27. The form of the interpretation control command transmitted from the play control means to the interpretation control means is common to the form of a transmission control command transmitted from the play control means to the transmission control means installed in a transmission control board 37.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, a slot machine, etc., in which a game is played in response to a player's operation. To a gaming machine for providing

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a gaming machine, for example, a game medium such as a game ball is fired into a game area by a launch device, and when a game medium wins a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prizes are won. In some cases, a game value such as a ball is paid out to a player. Further, a variable display unit whose display state can be changed is provided, and a predetermined value is given to the player when a display result of identification information such as a symbol on the variable display unit becomes a predetermined specific display mode. There is one that is configured.

The game value is a concept that includes not only game balls and coins that can be used as game media, but also points added according to the progress of the game, data recorded on an IC card, and the like. It is exchangeable. Further, the predetermined value is such that the state of the variable winning ball device provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes an advantageous state for a player who is likely to win a hit ball, or an advantageous state for the player. In other words, the right is to be generated, and the condition for paying out the prize game medium as a game value is likely to be satisfied.

In a pachinko gaming machine, when a display result of a variable display section for displaying a special symbol is a combination of a predetermined specific display mode, it is generally called a "big hit". When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the state shifts to a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win. In each open period, a predetermined number (for example, 10
) Will be closed when there is a prize in the special winning opening.
The number of opening of the special winning opening is a predetermined number (for example, 16
Round). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and if the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the winning opening is closed. Further, at the time when the special winning opening is closed, predetermined conditions (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the special winning opening)
Is not established, the big hit gaming state ends.

In such a gaming machine, a speaker is provided, and various sound effects are emitted from the speaker as the game progresses in order to enhance the game effect. In addition, lamp and LE
Light emitting elements such as D are provided, and these light emitting elements are turned on and off as the game progresses in order to enhance the game effect. Generally, sound control for generating sound effects is performed by game control means for controlling the progress of a game. In addition, the lighting / extinguishing control of the luminous body is performed by a game control means for controlling the progress of the game. Then, different types of gaming machines have different ways of generating sound effects, and the patterns of turning on / off the lamps and LEDs are different, so the configuration of the game control means must be changed accordingly.
Therefore, if the model is different, it is necessary to redesign the game control means, and there is a problem that the design cost increases.

In order to avoid such a problem, a sound control board on which sound control means is mounted is provided separately from a game control board on which game control means is mounted, or a light emitting body control board on which light control means is mounted. May be provided separately from the game control board, and a control command may be sent from the game control unit to the voice control unit or the luminous body control unit in accordance with the progress of the game. In addition, a symbol control board is provided for performing display control of the above-described variable display section and the like, and a control command is transmitted from the game control means to a symbol control means formed on the symbol control board. Hereinafter, each substrate may be referred to as an electric component control substrate. The control means mounted on the electric component control board may be referred to as an electric component control means.

[0007]

However, when a voice control board, a luminous body control board, a symbol control board and the like are provided in addition to the game control board, the game control means sends a control command to each board. Must be sent. Then, the burden of sending the control command of the game control means increases. Since the game control means performs overall control of the game effect of the gaming machine, if the load of the control command transmission increases, the time and the like that can be used for the original game control decreases accordingly.
As a result, enriching game effects is hindered.

In a gaming machine in which a player shoots a game medium such as a game ball into a game area by a launching device to play a game, when the game medium wins a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the game area. , Predetermined prize balls are paid out to the player. The payout of the game medium is performed by the payout means. Then, the payout means is controlled by the payout control means. Therefore, the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning is instructed to the payout control board from the game control means for controlling the game progress of the gaming machine. The payout control means controls to pay out the number of game media according to the instruction from the payout means.

The player borrows a game ball by inserting a coin or by inserting a prepaid card or the like into a card slot. The payout means of the gaming machine pays out a predetermined number of game balls to the player by detecting coin insertion or card insertion. Since the payout means is controlled by the payout control means, the control of lending the game balls is also executed by the payout control means.

When a payout control board, a voice control board, a luminous body control board, a symbol control board and the like are provided separately from the game control board, the game control means sends a control command to the payout control board and the like. Must. Therefore, the control load for transmitting the control command is further increased, and the load on the game control means is extremely increased.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a gaming machine which does not increase the burden of sending control commands to the game control means even when the electric component control means is provided independently of the game control means. Aim.

[0012]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A game machine in which a player can play a predetermined game, a game control means for controlling the progress of the game, and a game effect component provided in the game machine in response to a command from the game control means. Effect control means for performing processing for controlling, and value providing control means for performing processing for providing a player with a game value in accordance with a command from the game control means, and at least effect control from the game control means. It is characterized in that the form of the command sent to the means and the form of the command sent from the game control means to the value giving control means are shared.

[0013] The effect control means is, for example, a process for controlling a sound generating component as a game effect component provided in the game machine and a light emitting component as a game effect component provided in the game machine. It is configured to perform.

The gaming machine includes a variable display section as a game effect component whose display state can be changed, and the effect control means includes, for example, a display state of the variable display portion and a game effect component provided in the game machine. The processing for controlling the sound generating component is performed.

The gaming machine includes a variable display section as a game effect component whose display state can be changed, and the effect control means includes, for example, a display state of the variable display portion and a game effect component provided in the game machine. And a process for controlling the light-emitting component of the first embodiment.

The gaming machine includes a variable display section as a game effect component whose display state can be changed. The effect control means includes, for example, a display state of the variable display section and a game effect component provided on the game machine. , And a process for controlling a light emitting component provided as a gaming effect component provided in the gaming machine.

The game control means may be configured to share at least a command creation module when sending a command to the effect control means and when sending a command to the value giving control means.

The game control means may be configured to share at least a command output module when sending a command to the effect control means and when sending a command to the value giving control means.

The form of the command sent from the game control means to the effect control means and the form of the command sent from the game control means to the value giving control means are, for example, the same in the data amount of the command outputted at one time. It is commonalized by

The game control means, at least when sending a command to the effect control means and when sending a command to the value assignment control means, outputs the information only once so that the command sending destination control means can receive the information. It may be configured to do so.

The game control means may be configured such that an output circuit for a command sent to the effect control means and an output circuit for a command sent to the value assignment control means are provided respectively.

The command from the game control means may be configured to be transmitted through the irreversible information output means capable of only outputting information.

The input circuit into which the command for the effect control means and the command for the value assignment control means are inputted may be constituted as irreversible information input means capable of only inputting information.

The gaming machine includes payout means capable of paying out a game medium as at least a game value, and a command output from the game control means to the value provision control means is:
It may be configured to be a command for designating the number of game media to be paid out.

The payout means is capable of paying out the game medium based on the lending request signal, and has at least two flow paths for allowing the game medium to flow down. By switching the flow path of the game medium and the flow path of the game medium based on the lending request signal, it is possible to perform both the payout control based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition and the payout control based on the lending request signal. It may be.

When the game control means detects that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the game control means may be configured to be able to immediately output a command indicating the game value provision quantity to the value provision control means. .

[0027]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the front. Here, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine or a slot machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 comprises:
It has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hit ball supply tray 3. Below the hitting ball supply tray 3, a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing payout balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing a hitting ball are provided. Behind the glass door frame 2,
The game board 6 is detachably attached. A game area 7 is provided on the front of the game board 6.

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, a variable display section 9 for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols and a 7-segment L
A variable display device 8 including a variable display 10 using an ED is provided. In addition, a pass storage display (ordinary symbol storage display) 41 including four LEDs is provided below the variable display 10. In this embodiment, the variable display section 9 has three symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. On the side of the variable display device 8, a passing gate 11 for guiding a hit ball is provided. The hit ball that has passed through the passing gate 11 is guided to the starting winning opening 14 via the ball exit 13. In a passage between the passage gate 11 and the ball outlet 13, there is a gate switch 12 for detecting a hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 11. The winning ball that has entered the starting winning port 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and is turned on by the starting port switch 17.
Is detected by In addition, a variable winning ball device 15 that performs opening and closing operations is provided below the starting winning port 14.
The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16.

An opening / closing plate 20 which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state) is provided below the variable winning ball apparatus 15. In this embodiment, the opening and closing plate 20 serves as a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. The winning ball that enters one (V zone) of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6 is detected by the V count switch 22. The winning ball from the opening / closing plate 20 is detected by the count switch 23. Variable display device 8
A start winning prize storage display 18 having four display sections for displaying the number of winning balls entering the starting winning prize port 14 is provided below. In this example, the start winning prize storage display 18 increases the number of lit display units by one each time there is a starting prize, with the upper limit being four. Then, each time the variable display of the variable display unit 9 is started, the number of the lit display units is reduced by one.

The gaming board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning ports 19 and 24, and the winning of the game balls to the winning ports 19 and 24 is detected by the winning port switches 19a and 24a. At the left and right sides of the game area 7, there are provided decorative lamps 25 which are displayed blinking during the game, and at the lower part there is an out port 26 for absorbing hit balls which have not won. In addition, two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided at upper left and right sides outside the game area 7. A gaming effect LED 2 is provided on the outer periphery of the gaming area 7.
8a and gaming effect lamps 28b and 28c are provided.

In this example, one of the speakers 27
Prize ball lamp 5 that lights up when there are remaining prize balls near
1 is provided, and near the other speaker 27, a ball-out lamp 52 is provided which lights when the supply ball is below a predetermined storage amount. Further, FIG.
2 also shows a card unit 50 installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming table 1 and enabling lending of a ball by inserting a prepaid card.

The card unit 50 has an available indicator lamp 151 for indicating whether or not the card can be used. If there is a fraction (a number less than 100 yen) in the balance information recorded in the card, the fraction is displayed. Fraction display switch 1 for displaying on a frequency display LED provided near hit ball supply tray 3
52, a connecting stand direction indicator 15 indicating which side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 the card unit 50 corresponds to
3. Card insertion indicator 154 indicating that a card has been inserted into card unit 50, card insertion slot 155 into which a card as a recording medium is inserted, and a card reader provided on the back of card insertion slot 155 A card unit lock 156 is provided to release the card unit 50 when checking the mechanism of the writer.

The hit ball fired from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hitting rail, and thereafter, the game area 7
Come down. When a hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 through the passage gate 11, the display number of the variable display 10 is changed continuously. Further, when a hit ball enters the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 17, the symbol in the variable display section 9 starts rotating if the symbol can be changed. If it is not possible to start changing the symbol, the start winning memory is increased by one.

The rotation of the image in the variable display section 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of images at the time of stop is a combination of big hit symbols, the game shifts to a big hit game state. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls is won. Then, when a hit ball wins in the specific winning area while the opening and closing plate 20 is opened and is detected by the V count switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the opening and closing plate 20 is opened again. Generation of the continuation right is permitted a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

If the combination of images in the variable display section 9 at the time of stop is a combination of big hit symbols with probability fluctuation, the probability of the next big hit increases. That is, a high probability state, which is more advantageous for the player, is obtained. Also, when the stop symbol on the variable display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability state, the probability that the stop symbol on the variable display 10 hits the symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times the variable winning ball device 15 is opened are increased.

Next, each board disposed on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a ball storage tank 38 is provided above the mechanism plate in the frame 2A, and above the pachinko gaming machine 1 installed on the gaming machine installation island. The game ball is supplied to the ball storage tank 38 from. The game balls in the ball storage tank 38 pass through the guiding gutter 39 to reach a ball dispensing device covered by the case 40A.

On the back side of the gaming machine, a variable display control unit 29 for controlling the variable display section 9 and a game control board (main board) 31 on which a game control microcomputer and the like are mounted are installed. A payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer or the like for performing ball payout control is mounted;
And a hit ball launching device that launches a hit ball into the game area 7 using the rotational force of a motor. Furthermore, the decoration lamp 25, the game effect LED 28a, the game effect lamp 28
b, 28c, a lamp control board 35 for transmitting signals to the prize ball lamp 51, the ball cut lamp 52, and the like, and the speaker 27.
There is also provided a voice control board 70 for controlling the generation of voice from the player and a launch control board 91 for controlling the hit ball launching device.

Further, DC30V, DC21V, DC1
A power supply board 910 on which a power supply circuit for generating 2V and 5V DC is mounted is provided, and a terminal board 1 provided with terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the gaming machine is provided above.
60 are installed. Also, near the center, the main substrate 3
An information terminal board (external information output device) 34 having terminals for outputting various types of information from 1 to the outside of the gaming machine is installed. In FIG. 2, signals from the lamp control board 35 and the sound control board 70 are transmitted to the speaker 27, the game effect LEDs 28a, the game effect lamps 28b and 28c, the prize ball lamp 51, and the ball cut lamp provided on the frame side. 5
Although an illuminated relay board A77 for supplying to the second relay board is shown, other relay boards may be provided as necessary for signal relay.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mechanical plate of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the rear. The game balls stored in the ball storage tank 38 pass through the guide gutter 39 and, as shown in FIG. 3, the ball-out detectors (ball-out switches) 187a and 187.
b passes through the ball supply gutters 186a and 186b to reach the ball dispensing device 97. The game balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 are supplied to the hit ball supply tray 3 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the communication port 45. On the side of the communication port 45, an excess ball passage 46 communicating with the excess ball tray 4 provided on the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is formed. A large number of prize balls are paid out based on the prize, and the hitting ball supply tray 3 becomes full. Finally, after the game balls reach the contact port 45, the game balls are further paid out. It is led to the ball tray 4. When the game ball is further paid out, the sensing lever 47 is set to the full switch 4.
By pressing 8, the full tank switch 48 is turned on. In that state, the rotation of the stepping motor in the ball discharging device 97 stops, the operation of the ball discharging device 97 stops, and the driving of the hit ball firing device 34 also stops.

Signals from a winning port switch (not shown), a starting port switch 17 and a V count switch 22 are sent to the main board 31 to perform the prize ball payout control. When the starting port switch 17 is turned on, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 knows that a winning corresponding to the payout of six winning balls has occurred. Further, when the count switch 23 is turned on, it is known that a winning corresponding to the payout of 15 prize balls has occurred. Then, when the winning opening switch is turned on, it is known that a winning corresponding to the payout of 10 prize balls has occurred. In this embodiment, for example, a game ball that has won the winning opening 24 is detected by the winning opening switch 24 a provided in the winning ball flow path from the winning opening 24, and the game ball that has won the winning opening 19 is detected. Is
It is detected by a winning opening switch 19a provided in a winning ball flow path from the winning opening 19.

Next, the structure of the intermediate base unit installed on the mechanism plate 36 will be described. The intermediate base unit includes the ball supply gutters 186a and 186b and the ball discharging device 9
7 is installed. As shown in FIG. 4, connecting concave protrusions 182 are formed on the upper and lower sides of the intermediate base unit. The connection concave projection 182 connects and fixes the intermediate base unit and the upper base unit and the lower base unit of the mechanism plate 36.

A passage member 18 is provided above the intermediate base unit.
4 is fixed. The ball dispensing device 97 is fixed to a lower portion of the passage body 184. The passage body 184 is a payout ball passage 186 that allows two rows of game balls whose flow direction has been changed left and right by the curve gutter 174 (see FIG. 3) to flow down.
a, 186b. Dispensing ball passages 186a, 186b
On the upstream side of the ball, ball breaking switches 187a and 187b are provided. The ball out switches 187a and 187b
It detects the presence or absence of a game ball in the payout ball passages 186a and 186b, and detects a ball out switch 187a or 187b.
Stops detecting the game ball, the payout motor (not shown in FIG. 4) of the ball payout device 97 stops rotating, the ball payout is immobilized, and the ball out lamp 52 enters the ball out notification state.

Note that the ball cut switches 187a, 187b
Is locked by a locking piece 188 at a position where it can be detected that about 27 to 28 game balls exist in the payout ball paths 186a and 186b.

The central portion of the passage body 184 is formed in a shape curved right and left so as to reduce the ball pressure of the game ball flowing down inside. And the payout ball passages 186a, 186b
A stop hole 189 is formed therebetween. The mounting boss provided on the intermediate base unit is fitted into the back surface of the stop hole 189. The set screw is screwed in that state,
The passage body 184 is fixed to the intermediate base unit. Before being screwed, the positioning of the passage body 184 can be performed by a locking projection 185 provided on the intermediate base unit.

A ball dispensing device 97 is provided below the passage body 184.
To supply the game balls to the ball, and in the event of failure, the ball payout device 9
A ball stopping device 190 for stopping the supply of game balls to the game ball 7 is provided. The ball dispensing device 97 installed below the ball stopping device 190 is housed inside a rectangular parallelepiped case 198. Protrusions are provided at four places on the left and right of the case 198. The lower end of the case 198 is fitted into an elastic engagement piece provided at a lower portion of the intermediate base unit with each projection being related to a positioning projection provided on the intermediate base unit.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ball payout device 97. The configuration and operation of the ball payout device 97 will be described with reference to FIG. In the ball dispensing device 97 of this embodiment, the stepping motor (dispensing motor) 289 has the screw 2
The pachinko balls are paid out one by one by rotating 88. The ball payout device 97 pays out not only premium balls based on winnings but also game balls to be lent.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ball payout device 97
There are two cases 198a and 198b. The ball dispensing device 9 is provided at two places on the left and right of each case 198a, 198b.
7 is provided with an engagement projection 280 that is in contact with a positioning projection provided at the upper part of the installation position. In each case 198a, 198b, a ball supply path 281a,
81b are formed. Ball supply path 281a, 281b
Has curved surfaces 282a and 282b, and has curved surfaces 282a and 282b.
Below the end of 282b, there is a ball feed horizontal path 284a, 2
84b are formed. In addition, ball feed horizontal path 284
Ball discharge passages 283a and 283b are formed at the ends of a and 284b.

The ball supply paths 281a and 281b, the ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b, and the ball discharge paths 283a and 283b.
Are formed in front of partition walls 295a and 295b that partition the cases 198a and 198b forward and backward, respectively.
Further, in front of the partition walls 295a and 295b, a ball pressure buffering member 285 is sandwiched between the cases 198a and 198b. The ball pressure buffering member 285 distributes the ball supplied to the ball payout device 97 to the left and right sides and the ball supply paths 281a, 281.
81b.

Further, a payout motor position sensor including a light emitting element (LED) 286 and a light receiving element (not shown) is provided below the ball pressure buffering member 285. Light emitting element 2
86 and the light receiving element are provided at a predetermined interval. The distal end of the screw 288 is inserted into the space. The ball pressure buffering member 28
When the cases 198a and 198b are attached to each other, the case 5 is completely stored and fixed therein.

The ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b have a screw 28 rotated by a payout motor 289.
8 are arranged. The payout motor 289 is fixed to the motor fixing plate 290, and the motor fixing plate 290 is
Fixing grooves 291a, 2 formed behind 5a, 295b
Fits into 91b. In this state, the motor shaft of the dispensing motor 289 projects forward of the partition walls 295a, 295b, so that the screw 288 is fixed forward of the projection. On the outer periphery of the screw 288, a spiral protrusion 288a for moving the game ball placed on the ball feed horizontal path 284a, 284b forward by the rotation of the payout motor 289.
Is provided.

A recess is formed at the tip of the screw 288 so as to house the light emitting element 286, and two notches 292 are formed 180 degrees apart from each other on the outer periphery of the recess. Therefore, while the screw 288 makes one rotation, the light from the light emitting element 286 is
Is detected twice by the light receiving element via the.

That is, the dispensing motor position sensor including the light emitting element 286 and the light receiving element is for stopping the screw 288 at a fixed position and detecting that the dispensing operation has been performed. The wires from the light emitting element 286, the light receiving element, and the payout motor 289 are collectively pulled out to the outside through drawout holes formed below the rear portions of the cases 198a, 198b, and connected to the connector.

The game balls are moved horizontally by ball 284a, 284b.
When the payout motor 289 rotates in a state where the screw 288 is placed on the
The game ball moves forward on the ball feeding horizontal paths 284a and 284b. And finally, ball feed horizontal path 28
4a, 284b from the end of the ball discharge path 283a, 283b
To fall. At this time, the left and right ball feed horizontal paths 284a,
The drop from 284b is performed alternately. That is, every time the screw 288 makes a half turn, one game ball falls from one side. Therefore, every time one game ball falls, light from the light emitting element 286 is detected by the light receiving element.

As shown in FIG. 4, a ball distribution member 311 is provided below the ball payout device 97. The ball distribution member 311 is driven by the distribution solenoid 310. For example, when the solenoid 310 is on, the ball sorting member 311 falls to the right, and when it is off, it falls to the left. Below the distribution solenoid 310, a prize ball count switch 301A and a ball lending count switch 301B are provided by proximity switches. At the time of the prize ball based on the winning, the ball sorting member 311 falls to the right side and the ball discharge path 283
The balls from a and 283b are both prize ball count switches 3.
Pass through 01A. Also, when lending a ball, the ball distribution member 3
The ball 11 from the ball discharge paths 283a and 283b both passes through the ball lending count switch 301B. Accordingly, the ball payout device 97 can switch the payout flow path between the time of winning a ball and the time of lending a ball, and can pay out a predetermined number of game media.

By providing the ball distribution member 311 in this way, the balls falling down the two ball passages can receive the prize ball count switch 301A and the ball lending count switch 30.
1B. Therefore,
The number of prize balls or the number of ball lending can be immediately grasped from the detection output of the prize ball counting switch 301A and the ball lending count switch 301B without determining whether the ball is a prize ball or a ball lending.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board 31. FIG. 6 also shows a payout control board 37, a lamp control board 35, a voice control board 70, a firing control board 91, and a symbol control board 80. On the main board 31, a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 12,
The switch circuit 58 that supplies signals from the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, the winning port switches 19a and 24a, the full tank switch 48, and the prize ball count switch 301A to the basic circuit 53, and the variable prize ball device 15 A solenoid 16 for opening and closing the solenoid 16 and a solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the opening and closing plate 20 in accordance with a command from the basic circuit 53 are mounted.

Also, according to data provided from the basic circuit 53, jackpot information indicating occurrence of a jackpot, start information indicating the number of start winning balls used to start image display on the variable display section 9, and occurrence of probability fluctuation. Is output to a host computer such as a hall management computer.

The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 as an example of storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing a control operation according to a control program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54,
The RAM 55 is built in the CPU 56. That is,
The CPU 56 is a one-chip microcomputer.
The one-chip microcomputer has at least R
It is sufficient if the AM 55 is built-in.
The / O port section 57 may be externally mounted or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 is a terminal capable of inputting and outputting information in the microcomputer.

Further, the main board 31 has an initial reset circuit 65 for resetting the basic circuit 53 when the power is turned on.
And an address decode circuit 67 that decodes an address signal provided from the basic circuit 53 and outputs a signal for selecting one of the I / O ports in the I / O port unit 57. Although there is switch information input from the ball dispensing device 97 to the main board 31, FIG.
Then they are omitted.

A hit ball launching device that hits and launches a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on a launch control board 91. Then, the driving force of the driving motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. That is, the circuit on the firing control board 91 is controlled so that the hit ball is fired at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

In this embodiment, the lamp control means mounted on the lamp control board 35 is used to display the start memory display 18, the gate passage memory display 41 and the decorative lamp 25 provided on the game board. Controls the game and the game effect lamp / LED 28 provided on the frame side.
a, 28b, and 28c, display control of the award ball lamp 51, and the ball out lamp 52 are performed. Here, the lamp control unit is an example of the illuminant control unit. The display control of the variable display unit 9 for variably displaying special symbols and the variable display 10 for variably displaying ordinary symbols is performed by symbol control means (display control means) mounted on the symbol control board 80.

Decorative lamp 25 and game effect lamp L
The EDs 28a, 28b, 28c are decoratively controlled in various displays as the game progresses. Also, the start memory display 1
8 and the gate passage storage display 41 are light emitters for notifying the player of the number of reserves. Furthermore, the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball cut lamp 52 are also luminous bodies for notifying a player or a game clerk of the existence of a non-prize ball and the ball being cut.
In this embodiment, a lamp control means provided separately from the game control means controls the display of the decorative lamp 25 and the game effect lamps / LEDs 28a, 28b, 28c, and is further provided for information notification. Starting memory display 18, gate passing memory display 41, prize ball lamp 5
Display control of the lamp 1 and the out-of-ball lamp 52 is also performed. Therefore,
The game control means does not need to perform specific lighting / extinguishing control of the light emitter provided in the gaming machine, and the control load on the light emitter control of the game control means is greatly reduced.

FIG. 7 shows the circuit configuration in the symbol control board 80 by using an LCD (liquid crystal display) 82 as an example of the variable display section 9, the variable display 10, and the output ports (ports A, B) is a block diagram shown together with 571 and 572 and output buffer circuits 63A and 63B. Output port 571 outputs 8-bit data, and output port 572 outputs a 1-bit strobe signal (INT).
Signal) is output.

The symbol control CPU 101 controls the control data R
It operates according to a program stored in the OM 102, and receives an INT signal from the main board 31 via the noise filter 107 and the input buffer circuit 105B, and receives a symbol control command via the input buffer circuit 105A. As the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B, for example, 74HC540 and 74HC14, which are general-purpose ICs, can be used. When the symbol control CPU 101 does not include an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B and the symbol control CPU 101.

The symbol control CPU 101 controls display of a screen displayed on the LCD 82 according to the received symbol control command. Specifically, a command corresponding to the symbol control command is given to the VDP 103. VDP103
Reads necessary data from the character ROM 86. The VDP 103 controls the LCD 8 according to the input data.
2 to generate image data to be displayed on the LCD 2, and output R, G, B signals and a synchronization signal to the LCD 82.

FIG. 7 also shows a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillation circuit 85 for supplying an operation clock to the VDP 103, and a character ROM 86 for storing frequently used image data. The frequently used image data stored in the character ROM 86 is, for example, a person, an animal, or an image composed of characters, figures, or symbols displayed on the LCD 82.

The input buffer circuits 105A and 105B
Signals can be passed only in the direction from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80. Therefore, the symbol control board 8
There is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the 0 side to the main board 31 side. That is, the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B together with the input ports constitute irreversible information input means. Even if the circuit in the symbol control board 80 is tampered with, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 31 side.

Although the outputs of the output ports 571 and 572 may be output to the symbol control board 80 as they are, the output buffer circuits 63A and 63B capable of transmitting signals only in one direction.
, The main board 31 to the symbol control board 8
One-way signal transmission to 0 can be more reliably performed. That is, the output buffer circuits 63A and 63B together with the output ports constitute irreversible information output means.

For example, a three-terminal capacitor or a ferrite bead is used as the noise filter 107 for cutting off the high-frequency signal. The effect is eliminated. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 63A and 63B of the main board 31.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the voice control command signal transmission portion on the main board 31 and the voice control board 70. In this embodiment, according to the progress of the game, the voice control command for instructing the voice output of the speaker 27 provided outside the game area 7 is:
It is output from the main board 31 to the voice control board 70.

As shown in FIG. 8, the voice control command is
The data is output from output ports (output ports C and D) 573 and 574 of the I / O port unit 57 in the basic circuit 53.
8-bit data is output from the output port 573,
The output port 574 outputs a 1-bit INT signal. In the audio control board 70, each signal from the main board 31 is input to the audio control CPU 701 via the input buffer circuits 705 and 705B. The voice control C
When the PU 701 does not have an I / O port,
Input buffer circuits 705A, 705B and audio control CP
An I / O port is provided between U701.

The voice synthesizing circuit 702 using, for example, a digital signal processor is
The sound and the sound effect corresponding to the instruction 01 are generated and output to the volume switching circuit 703. The volume switching circuit 703 sets the output level of the voice control CPU 701 to a level corresponding to the set volume and outputs the output level to the volume amplification circuit 704. The volume amplification circuit 704 outputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker 27.

As the input buffer circuits 705A and 705B, for example, a 74HC54 which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC
0,74HC14 is used. Input buffer circuit 70
5A and 705B can pass signals only in the direction from the main board 31 to the voice control board 70. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the voice control board 70 side to the main board 31 side. Therefore, even if a circuit in the voice control board 70 is tampered with, a signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 31 side. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuits 705A and 705B.

In the main board 31, the output port 5
Buffer circuits 67A and 67B are provided outside 73 and 574. As the buffer circuits 67A and 67B, for example, 74HC250 and 74HC which are general-purpose CMOS-ICs
4HC14 is used. According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the main board 31 is blocked, a signal line to which a signal may be supplied from the voice control board 70 to the main board 31 is more reliably eliminated. be able to. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 67A and 67B.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a signal transmitting / receiving portion of the main board 31 and the lamp control board 35.
In this embodiment, a game effect LED 28a and game effect lamps 28b, 28 provided outside the game area 7 are provided.
c and lighting / extinguishing of the decorative lamp 25 provided on the game board, and lighting / extinguishing of the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52.
A lamp control command indicating turning off is output from the main board 31 to the lamp control board 35. Also, the start memory display 1
8 and the lamp control command indicating the number of lighting of the gate passage memory display 41 are also transmitted from the main board 31 to the lamp control board 35.
Is output to

As shown in FIG. 9, the lamp control command relating to the lamp control is output from the output ports (output ports E, F) 575, 5 of the I / O port unit 57 in the basic circuit 53.
76. The output port 575 outputs 8-bit data, and the output port 576 outputs a 1-bit INT signal. In the lamp control board 35, the main board 3
1 is input to the input buffer circuit 355A,
The signal is input to the CPU 351 for lamp control via 355B. When the lamp control CPU 351 does not include an I / O port, the input buffer circuit 355A,
I / O between the CPU 355B and the lamp control CPU 351
A port is provided.

On the lamp control board 35, the CPU 351 for lamp control includes a game effect LED 28a, a game effect lamp 28b, and a game effect lamp 28b defined in accordance with each control command.
8c, according to the lighting / extinguishing pattern of the decorative lamp 25,
Game effect LED 28a, game effect lamps 28b, 28
c, output a light-on / light-off signal to the decorative lamp 25; The ON / OFF signal is output to the game effect LED 28a, the game effect lamps 28b and 28c, and the decoration lamp 25. It should be noted that the lighting / extinguishing pattern is determined by the lamp control CPU.
351 is stored in an internal ROM or an external ROM.

On the main board 31, the CPU 56
When there is an unpaid prize ball remaining number in the memory contents of M55, the control command for instructing lighting of the prize ball lamp 51 is output, and the control command is provided upstream of the payout ball passages 186a, 186b on the back of the game board. Ball switch 187a, 187b
When the game ball is no longer detected (see FIG. 4), a control command to instruct lighting of the ball out lamp 52 is output. In the lamp control board 35, each control command is transmitted to the lamp control CPU via input buffer circuits 355A and 355B.
351. The lamp control CPU 351 turns on / off the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52 according to the control commands. The light-on / light-off pattern is stored in a built-in ROM or an external ROM of the lamp control CPU 351.

Further, the lamp control CPU 351 outputs a light-on / light-off signal to the start storage display 18 and the gate passage storage display 41 according to the control command.

As the input buffer circuits 355A and 355B, for example, 74HC54 which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC
0,74HC14 is used. Input buffer circuit 35
5A and 355B are connected to the lamp control board 35 from the main board 31.
The signal can be passed only in the direction toward. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the lamp control board 35 side to the main board 31 side. For example, even if a circuit in the lamp control board 35 is tampered with, a signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 31 side. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuits 355A and 355B.

In the main board 31, the output port 5
Buffer circuits 62A and 62B are provided outside 75 and 576. As the buffer circuits 62A and 62B, for example, 74HC250, 7 which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC
4HC14 is used. According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the main board 31 is blocked, a signal line to which a signal may be supplied from the lamp control board 70 to the main board 31 is more reliably eliminated. be able to. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 62A and 62B.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing components related to the prize ball, such as components of the payout control board 37 and the ball payout device 97. As shown in FIG. 10, the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 is input to the I / O port 57 of the main board 31 via the relay board 71. The full tank switch 48 is a switch that detects whether the excess ball tray 4 is full.

The ball out switch 187 (187a, 187)
The detection signal from b) is transmitted to the relay board 72 and the relay board 7.
1 is input to the I / O port 57 of the main board 31. The ball out switch 187 is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a game ball in the payout ball passage.

When there is a prize, a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is input to the payout control board 37 from the main board 31. The payout control command indicating the number of winning balls is input to the I / O port 372a via the input buffer circuit 373A. Further, the INT signal is input to the interrupt terminal of the CPU via the input buffer circuit 373B. Each buffer in the input buffer circuits 373A and 373B is
The signal can be passed only in the direction from 1 to the payout control board 37. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the payout control board 37 to the main board 31. Even if the circuit in the payout control board 37 is tampered with, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 31 side. Further, on the main board 31, buffer circuits 68A and 68B are provided outside the output ports 577A and 577B for outputting the payout control command. According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the main board 31 is blocked, a signal line to which a signal may be given from the payout control board 37 to the main board 31 is more reliably eliminated. be able to.

The CPU 56 of the main board 31 determines whether or not the detection signal from the out-of-ball switch 187 indicates the out-of-ball state.
Alternatively, when the detection signal from the full tank switch 48 indicates the full tank state, the control unit sends out a payout control command for instructing the ball payout prohibition. When receiving the payout control command instructing the ball payout prohibition, the payout control CPU of the payout control board 37
Step 371 stops the ball payout process.

Further, a detection signal from the prize ball count switch 301A is also input to the I / O port 57 of the main board 31 via the relay board 72 and the relay board 71. The prize ball count switch 301A and the ball lending count switch 301B are provided in a payout mechanism of the ball payout device 97, and detect the actually paid out game balls.

When there is a prize, the payout control board 37 has output ports (ports G, H) 577A, 57 of the main board 31.
A payout control command indicating the number of winning balls is input from 7B. The output port 577 outputs 8-bit data, and the output port 578 outputs a 1-bit strobe signal (INT signal). The payout control command indicating the number of winning balls is:
I / O port 372a via input buffer circuit 373
Is input to The payout control CPU 371 inputs a payout control command via the I / O port 372a, and drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with the payout control command to perform award ball payout. In this embodiment, the payout control CPU
Reference numeral 371 denotes a one-chip microcomputer having at least a RAM.

The payout control CPU 371 is connected to the output port 3
Via 72g, a ball lending number signal indicating the number of lending balls is output to the terminal board 160, and a buzzer drive signal is output to the buzzer board 75. A buzzer is mounted on the buzzer board 75. Further, an error signal is output to the error display LED 374 via the output port 372e.

Further, the input port 3 of the payout control board 37
The detection signal of the detection signal of the winning ball count switch 301A is input to 72b via the relay board 72. The drive signal from the payout control board 37 to the payout motor 289 is:
The output is transmitted to the payout motor 289 in the winning ball mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97 via the output port 372c and the relay board 72. A drive signal from the payout control board 37 to the sorting solenoid 310 is transmitted to the sorting solenoid 310 of the ball payout device 97 via the output port 372d and the relay board 72.

The card unit 50 is provided with a microcomputer for controlling the card unit. Also,
The card unit 50 is provided with a fraction display switch 152, a connection board direction indicator 153, a card insertion indicator lamp 154, and a card insertion slot 155 (see FIG. 1). The balance display board 74 is connected to a frequency display LED, a ball lending switch, and a return switch provided near the hit ball supply tray 3.

[0092] From the balance display board 74 to the card unit 50
In response to the operation of the player, a ball lending switch signal and a return switch signal are given via the payout control board 37. In addition, the balance display board 74 is provided from the card unit 50.
, A card balance display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card and a ball lending possible display signal are given via the payout control board 37. Between the card unit 50 and the payout control board 37, a unit operation signal (BRDY signal), a ball lending request signal (BRQ signal), a ball lending completion signal (EXS signal)
A pachinko machine operation signal (PRDY signal) is exchanged via the I / O port 372f.

When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on,
The payout control CPU 371 of the payout control board 37 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit 50. When the card is accepted in the card unit 50 and the ball lending switch is operated to input a ball lending switch signal, the microcomputer for controlling the card unit outputs a BRDY signal to the payout control board 37. When a predetermined delay time has elapsed from this point, the microcomputer for controlling the card unit outputs a BRQ signal to the payout control board 37. The payout control CPU 37 of the payout control board 37
1 turns on the EXS signal in response to the BRQ signal, drives the payout motor 289, and pays out a predetermined number of loaned balls to the player. When the payout is completed, the payout control CPU 371 causes the card unit 50 to turn off the EXS signal.

As described above, all signals from the card unit 50 are input to the payout control board 37. Therefore, regarding the ball lending control, the card unit 5
No signal is input from 0 to the main board 31, and there is no room for a signal to be incorrectly input from the card unit 50 side to the basic circuit 53 of the main board 31. The main board 31 and the payout control board 37 are provided with a solenoid and a driver circuit for driving a motor and a lamp, but those circuits are omitted in FIG.

In this embodiment, the RAMs of the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 are backed up by a backup power supply. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the contents of the RAM are stored for a predetermined period. When detecting a drop in the power supply voltage, each CPU performs a predetermined process, and then enters a power recovery wait state. When the power is turned on, when data is stored in the RAM, each CPU restores the state before the power was turned off based on the stored data. Each input port shown in FIG. 10 may be built in the payout control CPU 371.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration around the CPU 56 of the main board 31 for power supply monitoring and power supply backup. As shown in FIG. 11, a voltage drop signal from a first power supply monitoring circuit (first power supply monitoring means) is connected to a non-maskable interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) of the CPU 56. The first power supply monitoring circuit is a circuit that monitors the voltage of any one of various DC power supplies used by the gaming machine and detects a drop in the power supply voltage. In this embodiment, the power supply voltage of VSL is monitored, and when the voltage value falls below a predetermined value, a low-level voltage drop signal is generated. VSL
Is the largest DC voltage used in gaming machines, and is +30 V in this example. Therefore, the CPU 56
Can confirm the occurrence of power interruption by interrupt processing. In this embodiment, the first power supply monitoring circuit is mounted on a power supply board described later.

FIG. 11 also shows the initial reset circuit 65, but in this embodiment, the initial reset circuit 6
Reference numeral 5 also serves as a second power supply monitoring circuit (second power supply monitoring means). That is, the reset IC 651 sets the output to a low level for a predetermined time determined by the capacity of an external capacitor when the power is turned on, and sets the output to a high level after a predetermined time has elapsed. That is, the reset signal is raised to a high level to make the CPU 56 operable. Also,
The reset IC 651 monitors the power supply voltage of VSL, which is the power supply voltage equal to the power supply voltage monitored by the first power supply monitoring circuit, and sets the voltage value to a predetermined value (the power supply voltage at which the first power supply monitoring circuit outputs a voltage drop signal). (Lower value), a low-level voltage drop signal is generated. Therefore, CPU5
6 performs a predetermined power supply stop processing in response to a voltage drop signal from the first power supply monitoring circuit, and then performs a system reset. In this embodiment, the reset signal and the voltage drop signal from the second power supply monitoring circuit are the same signal.

As shown in FIG. 11, the reset IC 651
Is input to the NAND circuit 947 and also to the clear terminal of the counter IC 941 via the inverting circuit (NOT circuit) 944. When the input to the clear terminal goes low, the counter IC 941 counts the clock signal from the oscillator 943.
The Q5 output of the counter IC 941 is output to the NOT circuit 9
45, 946 and input to the NAND circuit 947. The Q6 output of the counter IC 941 is input to a clock terminal of a flip-flop (FF) 942.
The D input of the flip-flop 942 is fixed at a high level, and the Q output is input to an OR circuit (OR circuit) 949. The other input of the OR circuit 949 is connected to the NAND circuit 9.
The output of 47 is introduced via NOT circuit 948. The output of the OR circuit 949 is connected to the reset terminal of the CPU 56. According to such a configuration, two reset signals (low-level signals) are supplied to the reset terminal of the CPU 56 when the power is turned on.
Starts operation reliably.

Then, for example, the detection voltage of the first power supply monitoring circuit (the voltage at which the voltage drop signal is output) is increased by +
22 V, and the detection voltage of the second power supply monitoring circuit is +9 V. In such a configuration, since the first power supply monitoring circuit and the second power supply monitoring circuit monitor the voltage of the same power supply VSL, the timing at which the first voltage monitoring circuit outputs the voltage drop signal The difference between the timings at which the second voltage monitoring circuit and the second voltage monitoring circuit output the voltage drop signal can be reliably set to a desired predetermined period. The desired predetermined period is a period from the start of the power supply stop processing in response to the voltage drop signal from the first power supply monitoring circuit until the power supply stop processing is completely completed.

In this example, the first detection condition under which the first power supply monitoring means outputs a detection signal is that the +30 V power supply voltage has dropped to +22 V, and the second power supply monitoring means outputs the detection signal. The second detection condition to be output is that the +30 V power supply voltage has dropped to +9 V.
However, the voltage value used here is an example,
Other values may be used.

However, although the monitoring range is narrowed, the monitoring voltage of the first voltage monitoring circuit and the second voltage monitoring circuit is +
It is also possible to use a 5V power supply voltage. Also in that case, the detection voltage of the first voltage monitoring circuit is set higher than the detection voltage of the second voltage monitoring circuit.

While power is not supplied from the + 5V power supply which is the driving power supply of the CPU 56 and the like, at least a part of the RAM is backed up by the backup power supply supplied from the power supply board, and the contents are maintained even if the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. Is saved. Then, when the +5 V power supply is restored, a reset signal is issued from the initial reset circuit 65, and the CPU 56 returns to the normal operation state. At that time, since the necessary data is backed up, it is possible to return to the gaming state at the time of the occurrence of the power failure when recovering from a power failure or the like.

In FIG. 11, when the power is turned on, the CPU 5
6 shows a configuration in which a reset signal (low-level signal) is applied twice to the reset terminal. However, in the case of using a CPU in which reset is surely released even if the reset signal rises only once, , Reference numerals 941 to 9
The circuit element indicated by 49 is unnecessary. In that case, the output of the reset IC 651 is directly connected to the reset terminal of the CPU 56.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a power supply board 910 of a gaming machine. The power supply board 910 is installed independently of the electric component control boards such as the main board 31, the symbol control board 80, the voice control board 70, the lamp control board 35, and the payout control board 37, and controls each of the electric component control boards in the game machine. Generates voltages used by mechanical components. In this example, AC24V, VSL (DC + 30V), DC + 21
V, + 12V DC and + 5V DC. Also,
The capacitor 916 serving as a backup power supply is DC + 5
V, that is, charged from a power supply line for driving an IC or the like on each substrate.

Transformer 911 converts an AC voltage from an AC power supply to 24V. AC 24V voltage is applied to connector 9
15 is output. Further, the rectifier circuit 912 includes an AC24
A DC voltage of +30 V is generated from V and output to the DC-DC converter 913 and the connector 915. DC-D
The C converter 913 has + 22V, + 12V and + 5V.
V is generated and output to the connector 915. Connector 91
5 is connected to, for example, a relay board, from which electric power of a voltage required for each electric component control board and mechanism components is supplied.

+5 V from DC-DC converter 913
The line branches to form a backup + 5V line. A large-capacity capacitor 916 is connected between the backup + 5V line and the ground level. The capacitor 916 is provided with an electric power so as to be able to hold a storage state in a backup RAM (power-backed-up RAM, that is, storage means that can be in a storage state) when the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. Backup power supply. Also,
A diode 917 for preventing backflow is inserted between the + 5V line and the backup + 5V line.

Note that a battery that can be charged from a +5 V power supply may be used as a backup power supply. In the case of using a battery, a rechargeable battery is used which runs out of capacity when power is not supplied from a + 5V power supply for a predetermined time.

The power supply board 910 has the first
The power supply monitoring IC 902 constituting the power supply monitoring circuit of FIG. The power supply monitoring IC 902 detects the occurrence of power interruption by introducing the VSL power supply voltage and monitoring the VSL power supply voltage. Specifically, when the VSL power supply voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value (+22 V in this example), a voltage drop signal is output assuming that power supply is cut off. The power supply voltage to be monitored is preferably higher than the power supply voltage (+5 V in this example) of the circuit element mounted on each electric component control board. In this example, VSL, which is a voltage immediately after conversion from AC to DC, is used. The voltage drop signal from the power supply monitoring IC 902 is supplied to the main board 31, the payout control board 37, and the like.

The predetermined value for the power supply monitoring IC 902 to detect the power-off is lower than the normal voltage, but is a voltage at which the CPU on each electric component control board can operate for a while. Further, the power supply monitoring IC 902 is configured to monitor a voltage higher than a voltage for driving a circuit element such as a CPU (+5 V in this example) and a voltage immediately after conversion from AC to DC. Therefore, the monitoring range can be extended for the voltage required by the CPU. Therefore,
More precise monitoring can be performed. Furthermore, when VSL (+30 V) is used as the monitoring voltage, since the voltage supplied to the various switches of the gaming machine is +12 V, prevention of erroneous switch-on detection upon momentary power interruption can be expected. That is, when monitoring the voltage of the + 30V power supply,
The drop can be detected at a stage before + 12V generated after the generation of 0V starts to fall. Therefore, when the voltage of the + 12V power supply decreases, the switch output comes to the on state. However, if the + 30V power supply voltage that drops faster than + 12V is monitored and the power cutoff is recognized, the power supply is turned on before the switch output turns on. It is possible to enter a state of waiting for restoration and to enter a state where the switch output is not detected.

Since the power supply monitoring IC 902 is mounted on the power supply board 910 separate from the electric component control board, the first power supply monitoring circuit supplies a voltage drop signal to the plurality of electric component control boards. Can be. Regardless of how many electric component control boards require a voltage drop signal, it is sufficient that only one first power supply monitoring means is provided, so that each electric component control means in each electric component control board performs a return control described later. Doing so does not add much to the cost of the gaming machine.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the detection output (voltage drop signal) of the power supply monitoring IC 902 is supplied to the respective electric component control boards (for example, the main board 31 and the payout control signal) via buffer circuits 918 and 919. Transmitted to the board 37). For example, one detection output is transmitted to the relay board,
The same signal may be distributed from the relay board to each electric component control board. Further, a buffer circuit may be provided according to the number of substrates requiring a voltage drop signal.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the CPU 56 on the main board 31. When the power to the gaming machine is turned on, in the main process, the CPU 56
First, it is confirmed whether or not it is time to recover from a power failure (step S1). Whether or not recovery from a power failure has occurred is confirmed by, for example, a power-off flag set in the backup RAM area when the power is turned off.

If it is time to recover from a power failure, a data check of the backup RAM area (parity check in this example) is performed (step S3). If the power is restored after an unexpected power failure, the data in the backup RAM area should have been saved, and the check result becomes normal. If the check result is not normal, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state at the time of power failure, an initialization process executed at the time of power-on without power recovery is executed (steps S4 and S2).

If the check result is normal, the CPU 56
Performs the game state restoring process for returning the internal state to the state at the time of power-off (step S5), and clears the power-off flag (step S6). Then, the program returns to the address indicated by the program counter (the execution address when the power is turned off) stored in the backup RAM area.

When the power is not restored from the power failure, the CPU
56 executes a normal initialization process (step S1,
S2). Thereafter, in the main process, the process shifts to a loop process in which the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S6) is confirmed. In the loop, a display random number update process (step S7) is also executed.

Here, in step S1, it is confirmed whether or not the power is restored from the power failure. If the power is restored from the power failure, the parity check is performed. First, the parity check is executed and the check result is normal. Otherwise, it is determined that it is not the recovery from the power failure, and the initialization processing of step S2 is executed, and if the check result is normal, the game state return processing may be performed. That is, it may be determined based on the result of the parity check whether recovery from a power failure has occurred.

Further, when determining whether or not to execute the power failure recovery processing, that is, when determining whether or not to recover the game state, the special process flag or the like in the stored RAM data and the number of start winning prizes are stored. According to the data, the gaming machine is in the game waiting state (the symbol is not changing, the jackpot is not playing, the probability is not changing, and there is no start winning memory)
When it is confirmed that the game state is restored, the initialization processing may be executed without performing the game state restoration processing.

In the normal initialization process, as shown in FIG. 14, the register and RAM are cleared (step S2).
a) and the initial setting (timeout is 2 ms) of the timer register provided in the CPU 56 so that the timer is periodically interrupted every 2 ms after the necessary initial value setting processing (step S2b) is performed. And a setting for operating the repetition timer) is performed (step S2c). That is, in step S2c, a process of activating a timer interrupt and a process of setting a timer interrupt interval are executed.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 56
Is set to repeatedly generate a timer interrupt. In this embodiment, the repetition period is 2 ms
Is set to Then, as shown in FIG. 15, when a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 sets a timer interrupt flag (step S11).

When detecting that the timer interrupt flag is set in step S8, the CPU 56 resets the timer interrupt flag (step S8).
9), a game control process is executed (step S10). According to the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the game control process is executed in the main process.
The game control process may be executed by a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the game control processing in step S10. In the game control process,
First, the CPU 56 performs a process of outputting the data set in the storage area to the output port (data output process: step S21). Next, while performing processing for setting various output data output to each output port in the storage area,
Output data setting processing for setting output data such as jackpot information, start information, and probability variation information output to the hall management computer in a storage area is performed (step S22).
Further, various abnormality diagnosis processing is performed by a self-diagnosis function provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error processing:
Step S23).

Next, a process for updating each counter indicating a random number for determination such as a random number for big hit determination used in game control is performed (step S24).

Further, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol process (step S25). In the special symbol process control, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Also, a normal symbol process is performed (step S26). In the normal symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable display 10 using the 7-segment LED in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

Further, the CPU 56 includes a switch circuit 58
, The state of the gate sensor 12, the starting port sensor 17, the count sensor 23, and the winning port switches 19a and 24a are inputted, and it is determined whether or not each of the winning ports and the winning devices has a winning (switch processing: step S27). .
The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating a display random number such as a random number that determines the type of stop symbol (step S2).
8).

The CPU 56 performs signal processing with the payout control board 37 (step S29). That is,
When a predetermined condition is satisfied, a process for outputting a payout control command to the payout control board 37 is performed. Dispensing control board 37
The payout control CPU mounted on the device drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with the payout control command.

As described above, the main processing includes the processing for determining whether or not to shift to the game control processing.
Since a flag is set to determine whether or not to shift to the game control process in the timer interrupt process based on the timer interrupt that is periodically generated by the 56 internal timers, all the game control processes are reliably executed. Is done. In other words, until all of the game control processes have been executed, it is not determined whether or not to shift to the next game control process, so it is guaranteed that all processes in the game control process will be completed. ing.

In the conventional general game control processing, the game machine is forcibly returned to the initial state by an external interrupt that occurs periodically. Explaining with reference to the example shown in FIG. 16, for example, even during the process of step S31, the process is forcibly returned to the process of step S21. In other words, there is a possibility that the next game control process will be started before all the processes in the game control process are completed.

In this case, the CPU 56 of the main board 31
Is executed in response to a flag set in a timer interrupt process based on a timer interrupt that is periodically generated by an internal timer of the CPU 56, but the signal is periodically (for example, every 2 ms). A hardware circuit which generates the signal may be provided, a signal from the circuit may be introduced to an external interrupt terminal of the CPU 56, and a flag for determining whether or not to shift to the game control process based on the interrupt signal may be set. Good.

Even in such a configuration, the flag is not determined until all the game control processes have been executed, so that it is guaranteed that all the processes in the game control process have been completed. You.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the state of fluctuation of the ordinary symbol variably displayed on the variable display 10 and the hitting operation (in this example, the opening and closing of the variable winning ball device 15). As shown in FIG. 17, at the start of the change of the normal symbol, a command indicating the change pattern and the stop symbol is transmitted from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80. Also, at the time of the fluctuation stop, a command indicating the normal symbol stop is transmitted.

FIG. 18 shows the progress of the game and the variable display section 9.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a relationship such as fluctuation of a special symbol variably displayed in FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the progress of the game is from power-on, during the customer waiting demonstration, from the change of the special symbol to the confirmation, from the confirmation of the special symbol to the opening of the first big winning opening, from the opening of the first big winning opening, From the closing of the final winning opening to the closing of the final winning opening of the final round until the change of the next special symbol.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the change of the special symbol and the symbol control command. As shown in FIG. 19, at the start of the change, the commands of change pattern designation, left symbol designation, middle symbol designation, and right symbol designation are issued on the main board 3.
1 is transmitted to the symbol control board 80. Also, at the end of the change, a command indicating all symbols stop is transmitted. Thus, in this embodiment, five commands are transmitted for one change.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the command form of the symbol control command. In this embodiment, the symbol control command has a 2-byte configuration, and the first byte is M
Represents ODE (command classification), the second byte is EXT
(Command type).

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the symbol control command. In the example shown in FIG. 21, commands 8000 (H) to 8022 (H), 8100
(H) to 8122 (H) are design control commands for designating a variation pattern of the special design on the variable display unit 9 for variably displaying the special design. Note that the command for designating the variation pattern also serves as the variation start instruction. Command 88
XX (X = arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a symbol control command relating to the variation pattern of the ordinary symbol variably displayed on the variable display 10. The command 89XX is a symbol control command for designating a stop symbol of an ordinary symbol. Command 8
AXX (X = arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a symbol control command for instructing stop of variable display of a normal symbol.

Commands 91XX, 92XX and 93X
X is a symbol control command for designating a left-middle-right stop symbol of a special symbol. The command A0XX is a symbol control command for instructing stoppage of the variable display of the special symbol.
The command BXXX is a symbol control command sent from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. The commands C000 and EXXXX are symbol control commands relating to the display state of the variable display unit 9 irrespective of the special symbol fluctuation and the jackpot game. Note that 〜 shown in FIG. 21 corresponds to the period shown in FIG. When the symbol control means of the symbol control board 80 receives the above-described symbol control command from the game control means of the main board 31, it changes the display state of the variable display section 9 and the variable display 10 according to the contents shown in FIG. I do.

FIG. 22 is a timing chart showing an example of a symbol control command transmission form. In this embodiment,
A symbol control command is output by the 8-bit symbol control signals CD to CD7. And 1 of the symbol control command
When the byte and the second byte are output, I
The NT signal turns on (low level in this example). IN
The ON period of the T signal is, for example, 1 μs or more, and a period of 4 μs or more is provided between the first byte and the second byte. The symbol control means inputs the symbol control signals CD to CD7 by an interrupt process according to the INT signal.

Note that the symbol control command is sent only once so that the symbol control means can recognize (receive). Recognizable (receivable) means that the INT signal is in the ON state in this example, and is transmitted only once in recognizable (receivable) means that the INT signal is only once in this example. It is to be turned on. Since the game control means is configured to send the command only once, the load required for sending the command is reduced from this point as well. However,
Since it is necessary only to be transmitted once so as to be recognizable, another transmission method may be used.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the command form of the voice control command. In this embodiment, the voice control command has a 2-byte configuration, and the first byte is M bytes.
Represents ODE (command classification), the second byte is EXT
(Command type).

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of the voice control command. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the command 8XXX (X = arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a voice control command for designating a sound generation pattern during the fluctuation period of the special symbol. The command BXXX (X = arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a voice control command for designating a sound generation pattern from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. Other commands are voice control commands that are not related to special symbol fluctuations and big hit games. Note that 〜 shown in FIG. 24 corresponds to the period shown in FIG. The voice control means of the voice control board 70 includes:
When the above-mentioned voice control command is received from the game control means of the main board 31, the voice output state is changed according to the contents shown in FIG.

FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing an example of the transmission form of the voice control command. In this embodiment,
An audio control command is output by the 8-bit audio control signals CD to CD7. Then, the voice control command 1
When the byte and the second byte are output, I
The NT signal turns on (low level in this example). IN
The ON period of the T signal is, for example, 2 μs or more, and a period of 30 μs or more is provided between the first byte and the second byte. The audio control means inputs the audio control signals CD to CD7 by an interrupt process according to the INT signal.

The voice control command is sent only once so that the voice control means can recognize it. Recognizable means that the INT signal is turned on in this example, and sent only once so as to be recognizable means that the INT signal is turned on only once in this example.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the command form of the lamp control command. In this embodiment,
The lamp control command has a 2-byte configuration, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte is E.
XT (command type).

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the lamp control command. In the example shown in FIG.
Commands 8000 (H) to 8022 (H), 8100
(H) to 8122 (H) are lamp control commands for specifying a lamp / LED display control pattern corresponding to the variation pattern of the special symbol on the variable display unit 9. Also,
The command A0XX (X = arbitrary value of 4 bits) is a lamp control command for instructing a lamp / LED display control pattern when variable display of a special symbol is stopped. Command B
XXX is a lamp control command instructing a lamp / LED display control pattern from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. The command C000 is a lamp control command for instructing a lamp / LED display control pattern during a customer waiting demonstration.

The commands 8XXX, AXXX, BX
XX and CXXX are ramp control commands sent from the game control means according to the progress of the game. Also,
27 shown in FIG. 27 correspond to the period shown in FIG. When the lamp control unit receives the above-described lamp control command from the game control unit of the main board 31,
The display state of the lamp / LED is changed in accordance with the contents indicated in 7.

The command E0XX corresponds to the start storage display 18
Is a lamp control command indicating the number of lights. For example,
The lamp control means operates the "X
The number of indicators specified by "X" is turned on. The command E1XX is a lamp control command indicating the number of lighting of the gate passage storage display 41. For example, the lamp control means turns on the number of indicators designated by “XX” in the gate passage storage indicator 41.
That is, these commands are commands for instructing control of the light emitter provided for notifying the information of the number of held units. In addition, the command regarding the lighting number of the start storage display 18 and the gate passage storage display 41 may be configured to indicate the increase or decrease of the lighting number.

Commands E200 and E201 are lamp control commands relating to the display state of award ball lamp 51, and commands E300 and E301 are lamp control commands relating to the display state of ball out lamp 52. The ramp control means sends “E2” from the game control means of the main board 31.
01 ”when the lamp control command is received.
The display state of No. 1 is a predetermined display state where there is a prize ball remaining, and when a lamp control command of “E200” is received, the display state of the prize ball lamp 51 is a display state where there is no prize ball remaining. State. Further, when the lamp control command of “E300” is received from the game control means of the main board 31, the display state of the out-of-ball lamp 52 is changed to a display state in which a ball is present, and when the “E301” lamp control command is received, the out-of-ball lamp 52 Is set to the display state in which the ball is out. That is, the command E20
0 and E201 are commands indicating that a light emitting body provided for notifying a player or the like that there is a game ball of a non-winning ball is controlled, and commands E300 and E201 are provided.
Reference numeral 301 denotes a command indicating that a light emitter provided for notifying a player or a game clerk that the supply ball has run out is controlled.

The command E400 is issued when the power of the gaming machine is turned on or when a specific gaming state (high-probability state or time-saving state, in this example, high-probability state) changes to a normal state (low-probability state or non-time-saving state, in this example, low-probability state). This is a lamp control command for instructing a lamp / LED display control pattern at the time of transition to (state). The command E401 is a lamp / LED display at the time of transition from a normal state (low-probability state or non-time-saving state, in this example, low-probability state) to a specific game state (high-probability state or time-saving state, in this example, high-probability state). This is a lamp control command for instructing a control pattern. Command E402 is
This is a lamp control command for instructing a lamp / LED display control pattern when an error generated during the big hit game is released. The command E403 is a lamp control command for instructing a lamp / LED display control pattern when an error occurs in the count switch 23.
That is, those commands are commands instructing that the gaming state is notified by the light emitting body. In this embodiment, when the lamp control means receives a command instructing to notify the gaming state, the decoration lamp 25,
Game effect LED 28a and game effect lamp 28b, 2
Lighting / extinguishing control for notifying the gaming state is performed using a part or all of 8c. Decorative lamp 2
5. Game effect LED 28a and game effect lamp 28
Each of b and 28c may be constituted by a group of a plurality of light emitters. In this case, the gaming state is notified by using a part of the decorative lamp 25, the game effect LED 28a, and the game effect lamps 28b and 28c. To do is to
For example, it also means that a part of the plurality of light emitters constituting the decorative lamp 25 may be used.

As described above, in this embodiment, (1) a lamp control command (system 1) related to a lamp / LED display control pattern that changes according to the progress of a game. (2) A lamp control command for notifying the number of displays on the start storage display 18 (system 2). (3) A lamp control command for notifying the number of displays on the gate passage storage display 41 (system 3). (4) A lamp control command related to notification by the prize ball lamp 51 (system 4). (5) A lamp control command related to the notification by the ball out lamp 52 (system 5). (6) A lamp control command for instructing to notify the gaming state (system 6). The lamp control commands are systematized.

Further, in this embodiment, a test command (F000 (H)) is also prepared. Upon receiving the test command, the lamp control unit turns on, off, blinks, and the like all the light emitters controlled by the lamp control unit for a predetermined period according to a test pattern stored in advance.

Then, for each system, the first byte (MODE
Bytes) are classified. Therefore, the ramp control unit that has received the ramp control command from the game control unit can immediately determine which system command has been received based on the MODE byte. Therefore, a lamp control program executed by the lamp control CPU 351 can be systematically constructed. As a result, the program capacity can be reduced and the program can be easily created. Furthermore, program analysis is easy. Easier program creation means easier gaming machine design. The fact that the program analysis is easy means that the program can be easily changed and that the program can be partially modified and used for another model.

FIG. 28 is a timing chart showing an example of a mode of sending a lamp control command. In this embodiment, a lamp control command is output by 8-bit lamp control signals CD to CD7. Then, when the first byte and the second byte of the ramp control command are being output, the INT signal is turned on (low level in this example). The ON period of the INT signal is, for example, 2 μs or more, and a period of 30 μs or more is provided between the first byte and the second byte. The ON period of the INT signal is, for example, 1 μm.
s or more. The lamp control means inputs the lamp control signals CD to CD7 by an interrupt process according to the INT signal.

The lamp control command is transmitted only once so that the lamp control means can recognize it. Recognizable means
In this example, the INT signal is turned on,
To be sent only once so that it can be recognized is, in this example, IN
That is, the T signal is turned on only once.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the command form of the payout control command. In this embodiment, the payout control command has a 1-byte configuration, the upper 4 bits indicate MODE (command classification), and the lower 4 bits are E.
XT (command type).

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of the payout control command. In the example shown in FIG. 30, the command 80 (H) is a payout control command for specifying a payable state. Command 81 (H) is a payout control command for specifying a payable state. Command 9
X (H) is a payout control command for specifying the number of winning balls. The lower four bits “X” indicate the number of payouts.

When the payout control means receives the payout control command of 81 (H) from the game control means of the main board 31, the payout control means is in a state of stopping the prize ball payout and the lending of the ball, and upon receiving the payout control command of 80 (H). The player is ready to pay out balls and lend balls. Further, when a payout control command specifying the number of winning balls is received, prize ball payout control according to the number specified by the received command is performed.

FIG. 31 is a timing chart showing an example of a delivery mode of the payout control command. In this embodiment,
A payout control command is output by 8-bit payout control signals CD to CD7. Then, when the payout control command is being output, the INT signal is turned on (low level in this example). The ON period of the INT signal is, for example, 1 μm.
s or more. The payout control means inputs the payout control signals CD to CD7 by an interrupt process according to the INT signal.

Note that the payout control command is sent only once so that the payout control means can recognize it. Recognizable means that the INT signal is turned on in this example, and sent only once so as to be recognizable means that the INT signal is turned on only once in this example.

The payout control command is expected to be sent more frequently than other control commands. Therefore, while the other control commands have a 2-byte configuration, the payout control command has a 1-byte configuration. As described above, if the length of a control command that may be frequently transmitted is shorter than the lengths of other control commands, efficient control command transfer can be realized as a whole.

However, as shown in FIGS. 20, 23, 26 and 29, the symbol control command, the voice control command, the ramp control command and the payout control command are all composed of a MODE part and an EXT part. I have.
That is, the form of the voice control command and the form of the lamp control command are common. The voice control command and the payout control command have a common form. The forms of the ramp control command and the payout control command are also common. The form of the symbol control command and the voice control command are common. Also, the form of the symbol control command and the lamp control command are common. The form of the symbol control command and the payout control command is also common.

Since the form of each command sent from the game control means is common, in the program executed by the CPU 56 of the game control means, it is possible to easily make a common part and an output part of each command. as a result,
The module related to the command transmission of the game control program is simplified, so that the program can be easily maintained and the program can be easily transferred to other models.

In this embodiment, the payout control command has a one-byte structure. However, if the payout control command has a two-byte structure, the command length can be shared. When the payout control command has a two-byte configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 32, when the first byte and the second byte of the payout control command are output, the INT signal is turned on (this example). At low level). The ON period of the INT signal is, for example, 1 μs or more, and
For example, a period of 10 μs or more is provided between the byte and the byte.

Note that FIGS. 20, 23, 26 and 2
The command form shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and other command forms may be used as long as the command forms can be easily shared.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 33 is a specific process of step S25 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process, the CPU 56 of the main board 31 performs steps S300 to S300 shown in FIG. 33 according to the internal state (state of the special symbol process flag).
One of the processes in S309 is performed. In each process, the following processes are performed.

Special symbol change waiting process (step S30)
0): Wait until the special symbol variable display can be started.

Special symbol determination processing (step S301):
When the state in which the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of start winning prize stored is confirmed. If the starting prize memory number is not 0,
It is determined whether to make a big hit or an out of place according to the value of the predetermined big hit determining random number.

Stop symbol setting processing (step S302):
The special symbol stop symbol of the left and right middle symbols is determined.

Reach operation setting processing (step S30)
3): Whether or not the reach operation is performed is determined according to the value of the reach determination random number, and the variation mode of the reach operation is determined according to the value of the reach random number.

All symbols change start processing (step S30)
4): In the variable display section 9, control is performed so that all symbols start to change. At this time, with respect to the symbol control board 80,
A symbol control command for instructing a fluctuation pattern and a symbol control command for instructing a left and right middle stop symbol are transmitted.

All symbols stop waiting processing (step S30)
5): Control is performed so that all symbols displayed on the variable display section 9 are stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Big hit display processing (step S306): If the stop symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, control is performed so that a big hit occurrence symbol control command is sent to the symbol control board 80, and the internal state (special symbol process) Flag) is updated so as to proceed to step S307. Otherwise, the internal state is changed to step S309.
Update to move to. The combination of the big hit symbols is, for example, a combination in which the right and left middle symbols are aligned.

Opening process of opening the special winning opening (step S30)
7): Control for opening the special winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening. In addition, the control for transmitting a round start control command to the symbol control board 80 is performed.

Processing during opening of the special winning opening (step S30)
8): When the round end condition (for example, the number of winning balls in the special winning opening reaches a predetermined number) is established, a control for sending a round end control command to the symbol control board 80 is performed.
And if the end condition of the big hit game is not satisfied,
The special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to step S307. If the jackpot game end condition is satisfied, the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to step S309.

Big hit end processing (step S309): Control for sending a big hit end control command to the symbol control board 80 is performed. When the probability change flag is set, control is performed to transmit a symbol control command indicating a high probability state to the symbol control board 80. Further, if the state is a high probability state and the end condition of the state (for example, the specified fluctuation has been performed) is satisfied, control to send a control command indicating the low probability state to the symbol control board 80 is performed. . After that, the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to step S300.

In accordance with the processing of each of the above steps, the module for performing the processing of transmitting the symbol control command in the game control program outputs the corresponding symbol control command to the output port and outputs the INT signal to the output port. I do. Note that a voice control command and a ramp control command are also transmitted as the game proceeds as described above.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of process data used in the special symbol process processing. The process data is stored in the ROM 54 of the basic circuit 53. Then, in each process (steps S300 to S309) in the special symbol process, symbol variation control, lamp / LED control, and voice control are performed in accordance with each data set in the process data.
That is, each process (steps S300 to S309)
Is stored in the ROM 54.

In this embodiment, the process data is
It is assumed that one or more data groups each composed of 8 bytes are collected. A process timer value is set in the first and second bytes of a data group composed of eight bytes. In the third and fourth bytes, lamp control command data is set. 5th byte and 6th
In the byte, voice control command data is set.
The symbol control command data is set in the seventh and eighth bytes. At the end of the process data, an end code indicating the end of the process is added.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a process data / timer setting process subroutine executed in each special symbol process process (steps S300 to S309). In the process data / timer setting process, the CP
U56 executes a special symbol process timer setting process (step S401). Next, 1 is subtracted from the value of the process timer (step S403). If the value of the process timer is not 0, it is determined that this process is continuing (step S408), and the process ends.

When the value of the process timer becomes 0, the data pointer is set so as to point to the next data group (8 bytes) in the process data (step S40).
5). Then, the values of the first and second bytes in the data group indicated by the data pointer are set in the process timer,
This process is assumed to be ongoing (step S40).
8), end the process (step S406). If the data pointed to by the data pointer is an end code (step S407), it is assumed that this process has ended (step S409).

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the special symbol process timer setting process (step S401).
In the special symbol process timer setting process, the CPU 56
Checks whether the address has been changed (step S421). Here, the address is the head address of the process data. That is, when there is a change in the process, the processing of steps S422 to S424 is executed. If the address has not been changed, that is, if the process is continuing, the process data address is set (step S425), and the process ends. However,
When branching directly from step S421 to step S425, the contents of the process data address are not changed.

When the address is changed, that is, when the process is switched, the head address of the process data corresponding to the changed process is set as the data address (step S422). Then, the values of the first and second bytes in the process data are newly set in the process timer (step S423), and the value of the process timer is stored (step S424). Further, the value of the data address is set to the process data address (step S425).

As described above, process data as shown in FIG. 34 corresponding to each of the special symbol process processes (steps S300 to S309) is previously stored in R
OM54 is set. Then, in each process, each process timer data is set such that the process timer times out at a timing at which at least one of a lamp control command, a voice control command, and a symbol control command is transmitted.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an output data setting process (step S22 in the game control process) in the game control process shown in FIG. In the output data setting process, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the audio data has been changed (step S701). FIG.
When the process timer shown in (1) times out and the data group (8 bytes) used in the process data is switched (the next time), the audio data may be changed. However, even when the data group is switched, the audio data before and after the switching may be the same. In that case, the CPU 56 does not consider that the audio data has been changed.

When the audio data is changed, the CP
U56 reads out the voice data, that is, the voice control command data in the currently used data group in the process data (step S702). Then, the read voice data is set in the buffer area # 2 provided for storing the voice control command (step S7).
03). Further, a voice control command transmission request is set (step S704).

Next, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the lamp data has been changed (step S711). FIG.
As shown in (1), the change of the ramp data can also occur when the process timer expires and the data group (8 bytes) used in the process data is switched. However, even when the data group is switched, the lamp data before and after the switching may be the same.
In that case, the CPU 56 does not consider that the lamp data has been changed.

If the lamp data has been changed, C
The PU 56 reads out the lamp data, that is, the lamp control command data, in the currently used data group in the process data (Step S712). Then, the read lamp data is set in the buffer area # 1 provided for storing the lamp control command (step S713). Further, a lamp control command transmission request is set (step S714).

Next, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the symbol control data has been changed (step S715). As shown in FIG. 34, the change of the symbol control data can also occur when the process timer expires and the data group (8 bytes) used in the process data is switched. However, even when the data group is switched, the symbol control data before and after the switching may be the same. In that case, the CPU 56 does not consider that the symbol control data has been changed.

When the symbol control data is changed,
The CPU 56 reads out the symbol control data, that is, the symbol control command data in the currently used data group in the process data (step S716). And
The read symbol control data is set in a buffer area # 3 provided for storing a symbol control command (step S717). Further, a symbol control control command transmission request is set (step S718).

As described above, when it is time to send a command, the command to be sent is set in the corresponding buffer area. As for the symbol control command, a plurality of commands may be transmitted almost simultaneously (a fluctuation pattern and a stop symbol). In such a case, a plurality of continuous data groups (8 bytes) in the process data are used. What is necessary is just to set each symbol control command in each symbol control data inside. If each process timer value is set to 0, each symbol control command is sequentially set in the buffer area.

As for the lamp control command, a command may be set to the buffer area # 1 other than the special symbol processing. For example, the command setting is performed in the initialization process of the main process for the initialization ramp designation, and the normal symbol process process (step S2) in the game control process is performed for the gate pass storage number ramp designation.
Command setting is performed in 6).

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a portion related to the winning ball control of the switch process (step S27) in the game control process shown in FIG. In the switch processing, the CPU 56 sets an out-of-ball flag when the out-of-ball switch is detected by the out-of-ball switch 187 (steps S121 and S122). In addition, ball out switch 1
If it is detected that the ball is not out of ball, the ball out flag is reset (steps S121 and S123).

Next, when the lower tray full is detected by the full switch 48, a full flag is set (steps S124 and S125). When it is detected that the lower plate is not full by the full tank switch 48, the full tank flag is reset (steps S124 and S126).

Further, when detecting that the count switch 23 is turned on, the 15 counter is incremented by 1 (steps S131 and S132), and the winning opening switches 19a and 24a are set.
Is detected, the ten counters are incremented by one (steps S133 and S134). When the start port switch 17 is detected to be on, the six counters are incremented by one (steps S135 and S136).

In this embodiment, 15 prize balls are paid out for a prize passing through the special winning opening, 6 prize balls are paid out for a prize passing through the starting winning opening 14, and the other winning openings 19, 24 and It is assumed that ten prize balls are paid out for the prize through the prize ball device. 15 counters, 10
The individual counter and the six counter are each a counter for counting the winning number.

FIGS. 39 and 40 show winning ball signal processing (step S2) in the game control processing shown in FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows an example of 9). In this example,
In the winning ball signal processing, first, it is confirmed whether or not the payout is stopped (step S731). The withdrawal stop state is
This is the state after the command of the payout stop instruction is sent to the payout control board 37. If it is not the payout stop state, it is checked whether the above-mentioned ball out state flag or the full tank flag is turned on (step S732).

When either of them changes to the ON state,
A payout stop instruction command is set in the buffer area # 4 provided for storing the payout control command (step S733), and a payout control command transmission request is set (step S734). In step S732, when one of the flags is already on and the other flag is on, the sending control of the payout control command indicating the payout stop instruction is performed (step S7).
33, S734) are not performed.

When the out-of-ball state flag is turned on, control for sending a lamp control command to the lamp control board 35 is also performed. That is, a command to designate a lamp while the ball is running out is set in the buffer area # 1 provided for storing the lamp control command, and a lamp control command transmission request is set.

If the payout is stopped, it is checked whether both the out-of-ball state flag and the full tank flag have been turned on (step S741). When both are turned off, a payout stop release instruction command is set in the buffer area # 4 (step S742), and a payout control command transmission request is set (step S743).

When the out-of-ball state flag changes from on to off, control for sending a lamp control command to the lamp control board 35 is also performed. That is, a command for specifying a medium-sized lamp is set in the buffer area # 1 provided for storing the lamp control command, and a lamp control command transmission request is set.

Next, the CPU 56 performs control for sending out the number of winning balls according to the winning to the payout control board 37.
First, the CPU 56 checks the values of the 15 counters (step S751). As described above, the fifteen counters are counted up when the game ball wins the big winning opening and the count switch 23 is turned on. If the value of the fifteen counters is not 0, a payout number instruction command indicating the fifteen payout number instructions is set in the buffer area # 4 (step S752), and a payout control command transmission request is set (step S753). Then, 15 is added to the total number storage (step S754), and 15 is added.
The value of the individual counter is decremented by one (step S755).

If the value of the 15 counter is 0, the value of the 10 counter is checked (step S756). As described above, the ten counters are counted up when a game ball wins a winning opening and the winning opening switches 19a and 24a are turned on. If the value of the ten counter is not 0, a payout number instruction command indicating the ten payout number instructions is set in the buffer area # 4 (step S757),
A payout control command transmission request is set (step S7)
58). Then, 10 is added to the total number storage (step S759), and the value of the ten counter is decremented by one (step S760).

If the value of the ten counter is 0, the value of the six counter is checked (step S761). As described above, the six counters are counted up when the game ball wins the starting winning port and the starting port switch 17 is turned on. If the value of the six counter is not 0, a payout number instruction command indicating six payout number instructions is set in the buffer area # 4 (step S762), and a payout control command transmission request is set (step S763). Then, 6 is added to the total number storage (step S764).
At the same time, the value of the six counter is decremented by one (step S7)
65).

By the processing described above, in this embodiment, the payout control board 37 is notified of the number of prize balls in descending order of the prize balls, regardless of the prize order. However, the number of winning balls may be notified in the order of winning.

Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the content of the total number storage has changed from 0 to a positive value (step S).
351). A change from 0 to a positive value indicates that the payout control board 37 is notified of the number of prize balls and prize ball payout is started. Therefore, the CPU 56 sets the prize ball lamp 5
In order to set 1 to a display state when there is a prize ball remaining, a command indicating designation of a prize ball remaining lamp is set in a buffer # 1 provided for storing a lamp control command (step S352). A control command transmission request is set (step S353).

If the contents of the total number storage do not change from 0 to a positive value, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the total number storage is 0 (step S361). If it is not 0, that is, if the prize ball is being played, the prize ball count switch 301A is monitored (step S362).
If one prize ball payout is detected by the prize ball count switch 301A, the value of the total number storage is decreased by 1 (step S363). Then, when the value of the total number storage becomes 0 (step S364), it is determined that the prize ball payout has been completed, and control is performed to bring the prize ball lamp 51 into a display state when there is no prize ball remaining.

That is, a command indicating designation of a lamp with no prize ball remaining is set in buffer # 1 provided for storing a lamp control command (step S365), and a lamp control command transmission request is set (step S3).
66).

As described above, in the winning ball signal processing,
The payout control command is set in the buffer area # 4 provided for storing the payout control command. Also,
A lamp control command for the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 42 is set in a buffer area # 1 provided for storing the lamp control command. Since the control for setting the lamp control command is performed in both the output data setting process and the winning ball signal process shown in FIG. 37, control is performed so as not to conflict.
For example, when a command is to be set in the buffer # 1, if a command has already been set and the command has not been transmitted, no new command setting is performed.

In the output data setting process shown in FIG. 37 and the winning ball signal process shown in FIGS. 39 and 40,
The process of setting the command to be sent in the buffer area is common. That is, a command is written into the buffer area and a command transmission request is set. Then, for the symbol control command, the voice control command, the ramp control command, and the payout control command, the program portion for writing the command in the buffer area can be shared. For example, when writing a lamp control command to the buffer area, a program configuration can be adopted in which "1" is written in a certain register, a command to be transmitted is set in another register, and a buffer setting subroutine is called. In this case, in the buffer setting subroutine, when it is recognized that "1" is written in the register, the command set in another register is set in the buffer area # 1 provided for the lamp control command. .

For each of the symbol control command, the voice control command, the ramp control command, and the payout control command, a table in which all commands are set is prepared, and when the buffer setting subroutine is called, a command to be transmitted is set. May be set in the register, or an address in the table corresponding to the address or a number corresponding to the address. In this case, in the buffer setting subroutine, the table can be searched based on the address information to read the corresponding command, and the read command can be set in the buffer area.

[0209] As described above, the command creation process to be transmitted can be shared for the symbol control command, the voice control command, the ramp control command, and the payout control command. As a result, the load required for command transmission in the game control means is reduced. It should be noted that even if not all control commands are shared, if the processing for creating any two or more control commands (for example, a lamp control command and a voice control command) is shared, In comparison, the load required for command transmission in the game control means can be reduced.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing an example of a data output process (step S21 of the game control process shown in FIG. 16) for outputting a command set in the buffer area. In the data output process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the symbol control command transmission request has been set (step S771). If it is set, the value corresponding to 1 μs is set to the specific register # 1, the value corresponding to 4 μs is set to the specific register # 2, and “03” is set to the specific register # 3 (step S772). The ON period of the INT signal is set in the specific register # 1. In the specific register # 2, an interval between the first byte and the second byte of the command is set. Then, a value indicating which control command should be sent is set in the specific register # 3.

Next, the symbol control command transmission request is reset (step S773), and a command transmission subroutine is called (step S774).

Next, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the voice control command transmission request is set (step S).
776). If set, 2
Set a value corresponding to μs and set 30 μm in the specific register # 2.
s is set, and “02” is set in the specific register # 3.
Is set (step S777). Further, the voice control command transmission request is reset (step S778), and the command transmission subroutine is called (step S77).
9).

Subsequently, the CPU 56 checks whether a lamp control command transmission request has been set (step S781). If set, specific register # 1
Is set to a value equivalent to 2 μs, and 3 is set to the specific register # 2.
A value corresponding to 0 μs is set, and “0” is set in the specific register # 3.
"1" is set (step S782). Further, the lamp control command transmission request is reset (step S78).
3), call a command sending subroutine (step S784).

Then, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the payout control command transmission request is set (step S786). If set, a value corresponding to 1 μs is set in the specific register # 1, and 0 μs is set in the specific register # 2.
s is set, and “04” is set in the specific register # 3.
Is set (step S787). Further, the payout control command transmission request is reset (step S788), and the command transmission subroutine is called (step S78).
9).

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a command sending subroutine. In the command transmission subroutine, the CPU 56 sets a buffer area corresponding to the value set in the specific register # 3 (for example, if "03" is set, the buffer area # 3 = a symbol control command storage buffer area). The first byte of the data
Output to the corresponding output port (step S790).
The corresponding output port is the output port 575 if a symbol control command is transmitted (see FIG. 9).

Then, the corresponding INT signal is turned on (step S791). After a delay time corresponding to the value set in the specific register # 1 (step S792), the INT signal is turned off (step S793).

Next, the value set in the specific register # 2 is confirmed (step S794), and if it is confirmed that 0 is set, the process is terminated. If a value other than 0 is set, the second byte of the data set in the buffer area corresponding to the value set in the specific register # 3 is output to the corresponding output port (step S79).
5) After setting a delay time by a time corresponding to the value set in the specific register # 2 (step S796),
The corresponding INT signal is turned on (step S79)
7). Further, after a delay time is set for a time corresponding to the value set in the specific register # 1 (step S7).
98), the INT signal is turned off (step S79)
9).

By the above processing, the control command is transmitted from the main board 31 at the timing shown in FIGS. 22, 25, 28 and 31.

In this embodiment, a symbol control command,
Since a common subroutine is called for the voice control command, the lamp control command, and the payout control command, the command output processing to be sent can be shared. As a result, the load required for command transmission in the game control means is further reduced. It should be noted that even if not all control commands are common,
If processing for outputting one or more control commands (for example, a lamp control command and a voice control command) is shared, the load required for command transmission in the game control means can be reduced as compared with the case where the processing is not so. .

In this embodiment, the payout control command has a one-byte structure, and the other control commands have a two-byte structure. If the payout control command has a two-byte structure, the flow goes to step S794 in FIG. Processing becomes unnecessary, and the effect of commonality can be further improved.

In this embodiment, the data output process is 2
Since the control command is activated once every ms, each control command can be sent only one command within 2 ms. However, it is also possible to configure so that a plurality of commands can be transmitted within 2 ms. For example, in the game control process shown in FIG. 16, if a program is configured so as to intermittently execute a data output process and the like a plurality of times, a plurality of commands can be transmitted within 2 ms.

The operation of each electric component control means mounted on the sub-board (in this example, the symbol control board 80, the voice control board 70, the lamp control board 37, and the payout control board 37) will be described.

First, the operation of the voice control means will be described. FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the voice control CPU 701. In the main processing,
First, an initial value setting process such as clearing a RAM area is performed (step S201). Thereafter, in this embodiment, the voice control CPU 701 shifts to a loop process for checking the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S202). Then, as shown in FIG. 44, when a timer interrupt occurs, the voice control CPU 701 sets a timer interrupt flag (step S207). If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the voice control CPU 701 clears the flag (step S203) and performs the voice control process (step S205).

In this embodiment, the timer interrupt is 2 ms
Assume that it takes every time. That is, the voice control processing is performed for 2 ms.
Fired every time.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the voice control command receiving process by the interrupt process. The audio control INT signal from the main board 31 is transmitted to the audio control CPU 701.
Is input to the interrupt terminal. Therefore, when the INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, the sound control CPU 7
01, an audio control command reception process shown in FIG. 45 is started.

In the voice control command receiving process, the voice control CPU 701 first reads data from an input port assigned to input of voice control command data (step S221). Then, it is determined whether or not the first byte of the two-byte voice control command has already been received (step S222). Whether or not the data has already been received can be confirmed based on whether or not valid data is set in the first byte of the reception buffer.

If the first byte has not been received yet, it is checked whether bit 7 of the received one byte is “1” (step S223). Bit 7 should be “1” in the MODE byte (first byte) of the 2-byte voice control command (see FIG. 20). If the bit 7 is "1", it is determined that the valid first byte has been received, and the received command is stored in the first byte of the reception buffer (step S224).

When the first byte has already been received,
It is checked whether bit 7 of the received one byte is “0” (step S225). Bit 7 is “0” because E of the two-byte voice control command
It should be the XT byte (second byte) (see FIG. 20). In this case, if bit 7 is “0”, it is determined that the valid second byte has been received, and the received command is stored in the second byte of the reception buffer (step S22).
6). In addition, a communication end flag is set (step S
227). The communication end flag is a flag indicating that the voice control command has been normally received.

If bit 7 of the received data is not "0" in step S225, the received data is stored again in the first byte of the reception buffer (step S228).

As described above, in this embodiment, the voice control command is transmitted from the main board 31 only once so that the receiving side can recognize it. Then, the possibility that data is garbled due to noise or the like cannot be denied. Therefore, in this embodiment, bit 7 of the first byte (MODE) of the two-byte voice control command is set to “1”.
Bit 7 of the second byte (EXT) is set to “0” so that the receiving side can identify whether the first byte or the second byte has been received. If data is garbled in the first byte and bit 7 is no longer “1”, then step S
According to the judgment of 223, such data is discarded. In addition, data corruption occurs in the second byte, and bit 7
Is no longer "0", that is, if it has become "1", Steps S225 and S22
By the processing in 8, it is determined that the received data is the first byte.

Thereafter, the first byte of the next voice control command is transmitted from the main board 31 side. If the first byte can be received correctly, the process returns to step S.
By the process of 225 and step S228, it is determined that the received data is the first byte. That is, from that point on, the first byte transmitted from the main board 31 is also determined to be the first byte on the receiving side. Therefore, even if data is garbled between the boards, one command is not correctly received on the receiving side. However, on the receiving side, the second byte of the command sent from the main board 31 is replaced by the first byte (MODE). ) And the first byte of the command is not determined to be the second byte (EXT).

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the audio pattern table set in the ROM mounted on the audio control board 70. As shown in FIG. 46, receivable voice control commands and corresponding pattern data are set in the voice pattern table.

The ROM in which the voice pattern table is set may be built in the voice control CPU 701 or may be external. FIG. 47 also shows commands that are not received by the voice control means. However, if a column corresponding to commands that are not received is provided, for example, control of each electrical component from the main board 31 can be performed. It is possible to easily cope with a case where a common command is sent to the means. That is, in the voice pattern table, data indicating “no change” is set for an unnecessary command, and when such a command is received, the voice control contents need not be changed.

FIG. 47 shows the voice control processing (step S20).
It is a flowchart which shows 5). In the voice control process, the voice control CPU 701 checks whether or not the communication end flag has been set (step S231). The fact that the communication end flag is set means that a voice control command has been received.

Therefore, if the communication end flag is set, it is cleared (step S232), the received command is read from the reception buffer, and then the pattern data corresponding to the received command in the voice pattern table is read (step S232). S233). Then, control data corresponding to the read pattern data is read from the ROM (step S234), and the following voice control is performed based on the read control data. The control data is
This is data such as the type of sound and the sound continuation time, and is set in the ROM corresponding to each pattern data.

In this embodiment, the speech synthesis circuit 702
Are controlled by a transfer request signal (SIRQ), a serial clock signal (SICK), a serial data signal (SI), and a transfer end signal (SRDY). When the SIRQ goes low, the speech synthesis circuit 702
Synchronize with ICK, fetch SI one bit at a time,
When Y becomes low level, the data consisting of each SI received so far is interpreted as one audio reproduction data. Accordingly, the audio control CPU 701 turns on SIRQ (low level) (step S235), outputs the control data read from the ROM as SI in synchronization with SICK (step S236), and when the output is completed, sets SRDY low. The level is set (step S237). When receiving the control data through the SI, the voice synthesis circuit 702 generates a voice corresponding to the received control data.

Next, the operation of the lamp control means will be described. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the main processing executed by the lamp control CPU 351. In the main process, first, an initial value setting process such as clearing a RAM area is performed (step S241). Thereafter, in this embodiment, the lamp control CPU 351 shifts to a loop process for checking the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S242). Then, as shown in FIG. 49, when a timer interrupt occurs, the lamp control CPU 351 sets a timer interrupt flag (step S247). If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the lamp control CPU 351 clears the flag (step S243) and performs the lamp control process (step S245).

In this embodiment, the timer interrupt is 2 ms
Assume that it takes every time. That is, the lamp control process is 2 m
It is started every s.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the lamp control command receiving process by the interrupt process. Main board 31
Signal for lamp control from the CPU for lamp control
351 is input to the interrupt terminal. Therefore, the main substrate 3
When the INT signal from 1 is turned on, the lamp control CPU 351 is interrupted, and the lamp control command reception process shown in FIG. 50 is started.

In the process of receiving the lamp control command,
The lamp control CPU 351 first reads data from an input port assigned to input of lamp control command data (step S251). Then, it is determined whether or not the first byte of the 2-byte lamp control command has already been received (step S252). Whether or not the data has already been received can be confirmed based on whether or not valid data is set in the first byte of the reception buffer.

If the first byte has not been received yet, it is checked whether bit 7 of the received one byte is "1" (step S253). Bit 7 should be "1" in the MODE byte (first byte) of the 2-byte ramp control command (see FIG. 26). If bit 7 is "1", a valid 1
Assuming that the byte is received, the received command is stored in the first byte of the reception buffer (step S254).

If the first byte has already been received,
It is checked whether bit 7 of the received one byte is “0” (step S255). Bit 7 should be "0" in the EXT byte (second byte) of the 2-byte lamp control command (see FIG. 26). In this case, if the bit 7 is “0”, it is determined that the valid second byte has been received, and the received command is stored in the second byte of the reception buffer (step S25).
6). In addition, a communication end flag is set (step S
257). The communication end flag is a flag indicating that the lamp control command has been normally received.

If bit 7 of the received data is not "0" in step S255, the received data is stored again in the first byte of the reception buffer (step S258).

As described above, in this embodiment, the lamp control command is transmitted from the main board 31 only once so that the receiving side can recognize it. Then, the possibility that data is garbled due to noise or the like cannot be denied. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the bit 7 of the first byte (MODE) of the ramp control command having the 2-byte configuration is set to “1”, and the bit 7 of the second byte (EXT) is set to “0”.
The receiving side can identify whether the first byte or the second byte has been received. If data is garbled in the first byte and bit 7 is no longer "1", such data is discarded by the determination in step S253. If the data is garbled in the second byte and the bit 7 is no longer “0”, that is, if the bit 7 is “1”, steps S255 and S2 are executed.
By the process at 58, the received data is determined to be the first byte.

Thereafter, the first byte of the next lamp control command is transmitted from the main board 31 side. If the first byte can be correctly received, the processing in steps S255 and S258 is also performed. Thus, it is determined that the received data is the first byte. That is, the first byte transmitted from that time is also determined to be the first byte on the receiving side. Therefore, even if data is garbled between the boards, one command is not correctly received on the receiving side, but then, on the receiving side, the second byte of the command sent from the main board 31 is replaced by the first byte (MO).
DE) and the first byte of the command is replaced with the second byte (E
XT).

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a lamp pattern table set in the ROM mounted on the lamp control board 35. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG.
In the lamp pattern table, the receivable lamp control commands and the corresponding decorative lamps (decorative lamps 25 of the game board, game effect lamps / LEDs 25a, 25
b, 25c), lighting / display of start memory display 18, gate passage display 41, prize ball lamp 51 and ball out lamp 52
Pattern data related to the extinguished light is set.

Further, the ROM in which the lamp pattern table is set may be built in the CPU 351 for lamp control or may be externally provided. In FIG. 51,
Although commands that are not received by the lamp control means are also shown, if a column corresponding to commands that are not received is provided, for example, a common command is sent from the main board 31 to each electric component control means. It is easy to cope with the case where it is configured to be sent. That is, in the ramp pattern table, data indicating "no change" is set for an unnecessary command, and when such a command is received, the lamp control contents need not be changed.

FIG. 52 shows a ramp control process (step S2).
It is a flowchart which shows 45). In the lamp control process, the lamp control CPU 351 checks whether the communication end flag is set (step S26).
1). The fact that the communication end flag is set means that the lamp control command has been received.

Therefore, if the communication end flag is set, it is cleared (step S262), the reception command is read from the reception buffer, and then the pattern data corresponding to the reception command in the ramp pattern table is read (step S263). ). If the pattern data exists, that is, if the pattern data is described (step S264), the corresponding control pattern is changed (step S265). For example, "80
When the lamp control command of “00” is received, the control pattern relating to the decorative lamp is changed, and the other start storage display 18, gate passage display 41, prize ball lamp 5
1 and the control pattern of the out-of-ball lamp 52 are not changed. Then, the lamp / LED control processing (step S26)
Execute 6).

When a test command (F000) indicating a lamp test is received, each light emitter is turned on or off according to the lamp / LED control pattern corresponding to the test pattern. Lamp / LED control pattern is
It is stored in the ROM in advance. As a lamp / LED control pattern corresponding to the test pattern, for example,
The decorative lamps (decorative lamps 25 on the game board, gaming effect lamps / LEDs 25a, 25b, 25c on the frame side), the start memory display 18, the gate passage display 41, the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52 are sequentially turned on for a predetermined time ( For example, there is a pattern in which the control is turned on for every one second and such control is repeated for a predetermined period.

By preparing a lamp test based on such a test command, it is possible to easily confirm the quality / failure of each light-emitting body at the time of testing a gaming machine or the like.

As a trigger for the game control means to transmit a test command, for example, a switch is set on the power supply board 910 and the switch is pressed, or the power is turned on while the switch is pressed. If it was done. As a trigger for transmitting the test command, of course, another means that can easily start the lamp test may be used. Further, the lamp control means does not respond to a command from the game control means,
You may be comprised so that a lamp test can be started independently. For example, a switch is prepared in the lamp control board 35, and when the switch is pressed, a lamp test is started, or the switch output of the power supply board 910 described above is introduced into the lamp control board 35, so that the switch is activated. The lamp test may be started when is pressed.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a lamp / LED control pattern corresponding to the pattern data. The lamp / LED control pattern is also set in the ROM. The example shown in FIG. 53 is a lamp / LED control pattern in the case where control is performed such that lighting and extinguishing are repeated, and the lighting time and the extinguishing time are set.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing an example of the lamp / LED control processing (step S266). In the lamp / LED control processing, the lamp control CPU 3
51, first, checks whether or not the lighting is on (step S271). If it is during lighting, it is checked whether or not the actual lighting time has exceeded the lighting time set in the lamp / LED control pattern (step S272).
If it has elapsed, the lamp / LED to be controlled is turned off (step S273).

If not, it is checked whether or not the actual light-off time has exceeded the light-off time set in the lamp / LED control pattern (step S274). If it has elapsed, the lamp / LED to be controlled is turned on (step S275).

Although this example is a simple example in which lighting and extinguishing are repeated, even when a more complicated lighting / extinguishing pattern is realized, the lamp control is performed in a lamp pattern table as illustrated in FIG. By setting pattern data corresponding to the command and preparing a lamp / LED control pattern (table in which specific lighting times and the like are set) corresponding to each pattern data, an arbitrary lighting / lighting-off pattern can be set. Can be realized.

In the lamp pattern table illustrated in FIG. 51, “ON” or “OFF” is set for the winning ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52. In that case, the lamp L as illustrated in FIG.
In the ED control pattern, for example, infinity is set as the light-on time or the light-off time. With that setting,
For example, during lighting, the lighting is continued until a lamp control command instructing to turn off is received. Further, the display patterns of the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball cut lamp 52 are not limited to lighting or extinguishing, and other display patterns, for example, blinking patterns may be used. Further, the display color of the prize ball lamp 51 may be changed between when there is a prize ball remaining and when there is no prize ball remaining (for example, red and green), or the ball may run out when the supply ball is below a predetermined amount and when it is not. The display color of the lamp 52 may be changed (for example, red and green).

In the above embodiment, the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball cut lamp 52 are provided separately, but a single luminous body such as a lamp may be used. In this case, for example, by changing the display color of the light-emitting body, it is notified whether or not the number of supply balls is less than a predetermined amount and whether or not there is an unpaid prize ball remaining number.

As described above, in this embodiment, the lamp control means controls the illuminants such as the lamps and LEDs provided on the frame side and the lamps and LEDs provided on the game board. Control the light emitter. Therefore, in a configuration in which the lamp control board 35 is provided separately from the main board 31, light-emitting body control can be simply realized. In addition, since the game control means does not need to control the illuminants such as lamps and LEDs of the game board, the load required for the illuminant control of the game control means is reduced, and the time required for the game progress control increases, The program capacity that can be allocated to progress control increases.

[0260] The lamp control means controls both the luminous body provided on the frame side and the luminous body provided on the game board based on the pattern data. Therefore, even if the illuminant display control is performed in response to a command from the game control means, the configuration of the lamp control means can be simply realized.

Further, the lamp control means includes a prize ball lamp 5
The display control of 1 and the ball out lamp 52 is also performed based on the pattern data. Therefore, according to the command from the game control means, the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 5
2, the configuration of the lamp control means can be simply realized. Further, since the control is performed based on the pattern data, the display pattern can be easily changed. When changing the display pattern, it is only necessary to change the contents of the pattern data, and it is not necessary to change the program. As a result, the program of the lamp control means can be easily diverted to other models.

Also, the lamp control means provided separately from the game control means is provided with a decorative lamp 25 and a game effect lamp which are variously displayed and controlled in a decorative manner in accordance with the progress of the game.
In addition to controlling the display of the LEDs 28a, 28b, and 28c, the start storage display 18, the gate passage storage display 41, and the prize ball lamp 51 whose display contents may change randomly and asynchronously with the game currently in progress. Also, display control of the out-of-ball lamp 52 is performed. Therefore, the game control means does not need to perform specific light-on / light-off control for the illuminant whose display content changes asynchronously with the game currently in progress, greatly reducing the control load on the illuminant control of the game control means. Have been.

The ramp control commands sent from the game control means to the ramp control means are systematically constructed. As a result, the lamp control means that has received the lamp control command can immediately determine which system of the command has been received, thereby facilitating program creation. Further, since the program analysis is facilitated, the program can be easily changed, and it is also easy to partially modify the program and use it for another model.

FIG. 55 is a flow chart showing the main processing executed by the symbol control CPU 101. In the main process, first, an initial value setting process such as clearing a RAM area is performed (step S281). Thereafter, in this embodiment, the symbol control CPU 101 shifts to a loop process for checking the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S282). Then, as shown in FIG. 56, when a timer interrupt occurs, the symbol control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag (step S287). If the timer interrupt flag has been set in the main process, the symbol control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S283) and performs a symbol control process (step S285). In the symbol control process, a process corresponding to the current control state is selected and executed from among the processes corresponding to the control state.

In this embodiment, the timer interrupt is 2 ms
Assume that it takes every time. That is, the symbol control processing is performed for 2 ms.
Fired every time.

The symbol control CPU 101 receives a symbol control command from the main board 31 by interrupt processing based on the INT signal, as in the case of the voice control CPU 701 and the lamp control CPU 351 (see FIG. 45 and FIG. 50).

That is, the symbol control CPU 101
When an interrupt based on the NT signal is applied, first, data is read from the input port assigned to input of the symbol control command data, and it is checked whether the first byte of the two-byte symbol control command has already been received. I do. If the first byte has not been received yet, it is checked whether bit 7 of the received one byte is “1”. If the bit 7 is “1”, it is determined that the valid first byte has been received, and the received command is stored in the first byte of the reception buffer.

If the first byte has already been received,
It is checked whether bit 7 of the received 1 byte is “0”. If the bit 7 is "0", it is determined that the valid second byte has been received, the received command is stored in the second byte of the reception buffer, and the communication end flag is set.

With the above control, the symbol control unit may not receive one command correctly on the receiving side if data is garbled between the boards, as in the case of the voice control unit or the lamp control unit. Then, on the receiving side, the second byte of the command transmitted from the main board 31 is determined to be the first byte (MODE), and the first byte of the command is determined.
There is no case where the byte is determined to be the second byte (EXT).

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between control commands used in this embodiment and control contents.
Upon receiving the symbol control command as shown in FIG. 57 from the main board 31, the symbol control CPU 101 performs display control according to the received symbol control command in a symbol control process process (step S85).

FIG. 57 also shows commands that are not received by the symbol control means.
It is possible to easily cope with a case where a common command is sent from 1 to each electric component control means. That is, when the symbol control means receives such a command, the symbol control contents need not be changed. That is, the received control command may be ignored.

The game control means sends a common command to the voice control means, the ramp control means and the symbol control means, and the voice control means, the ramp control means and the symbol control means ignore unnecessary reception commands. When configured, the game control means does not need to handle the control command for each electric component control means by handling the common command, so that the load required for the game control means to transmit the control command is further reduced.

That is, the game control means determines whether or not the control command is to be transmitted at the timing of control switching of the game control.
There is no need to determine to which electrical component control means the control command has to be sent. What is necessary is just to send the control command to each electric component control means uniformly.
In addition, instead of applying a common command to all of the voice control means, the lamp control means, and the symbol control means,
A common command may be sent to any two, for example, the voice control means and the lamp control means.

Next, payout control by the payout control CPU 371 will be described. FIG. 58 is a block diagram showing a configuration example around the payout control CPU 371 for power supply monitoring and power supply backup. As shown in FIG.
A voltage drop signal from the first power supply monitoring circuit (first power supply monitoring means) is supplied to the payout control C through the buffer circuit 960.
It is connected to the non-maskable interrupt terminal (NMI terminal) of PU 371. The first power supply monitoring circuit is a circuit that monitors the voltage of any one of various DC power supplies used by the gaming machine and detects a drop in the power supply voltage. In this embodiment, the power supply voltage of VSL is monitored, and when the voltage value falls below a predetermined value, a low-level voltage drop signal is generated. VSL is the largest DC voltage used in gaming machines,
In this example, it is + 30V. Therefore, the payout control CPU
371 can confirm occurrence of power interruption by interrupt processing

The payout control board 37 is also provided with an initial reset circuit 975. In this embodiment, the initial reset circuit 975 also serves as a second power supply monitoring circuit (second power supply monitoring means). I have. That is, the reset IC 9
When the power is turned on, the output is set to the low level for a predetermined time determined by the capacity of the external capacitor, and the output is set to the high level after the predetermined time has elapsed. Also, reset IC
Reference numeral 976 denotes a power supply voltage V equal to the power supply voltage monitored by the first power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board 910.
By monitoring the power supply voltage of SL, the voltage value is set to a predetermined value (for example, +9
V), a low-level voltage drop signal is generated. Therefore, when the power is turned off, the voltage drop signal from the reset IC 976 becomes low level, so that the payout control CPU 371 is reset. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, the voltage drop signal is the same output signal as the reset signal.

Although the predetermined value for the reset IC 976 to detect the power-off is lower than the normal voltage, the payout control C
This is a voltage at which the PU 371 can operate for a while. Further, since the reset IC 976 is configured to monitor a voltage higher than the voltage (+5 V in this example) required by the payout control CPU 371, the payout control CPU 371
The monitoring range can be extended for the voltage required by the 371. Therefore, more precise monitoring can be performed.

While power is not supplied from the + 5V power supply, at least a part of the internal RAM of the payout control CPU 371 is backed up by connecting the backup power supply supplied from the power supply board to the backup terminal, and the The contents are saved even if the power is turned off. Then, when the + 5V power is restored, a reset signal is issued from the initial reset circuit 975, so that the payout control CPU 371 returns to the normal operation state. At that time, since the necessary data is backed up, it is possible to return to the gaming state at the time of the occurrence of the power failure when recovering from a power failure or the like.

As described above, in this embodiment, the first power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board 910 monitors the highest voltage of the power supply VSL among the DC voltages used in the gaming machine. Then, when the voltage of the power supply falls below a predetermined value, a voltage drop signal (power-off detection signal) is generated. At the timing when the power-off detection signal is output, the IC drive voltage is
The voltage value is still enough to drive various circuit elements. Therefore, the payout control board 37 operated by the IC drive voltage
The operation time for the payout control CPU 371 to perform the predetermined power supply stop processing is secured.

[0279] Also in this case, the first power supply monitoring circuit comprises:
Highest power supply VSL among DC voltages used in gaming machines
The power supply cutoff detection signal is generated at a timing such that the operation time for the electric component control means operating at the IC drive voltage to perform a predetermined power supply stop processing is secured. If it is timing, the monitoring target voltage need not be the highest voltage of the power supply VSL. That is, if at least the voltage higher than the IC drive voltage is monitored, the power-off detection signal can be generated at a timing such that the operation time for the electric component control means to perform the predetermined power supply stop processing is secured. it can.

In this case, as described above, since the voltage to be monitored is +12 V supplied to various switches of the gaming machine such as the prize ball count switch 301A, it is possible to prevent erroneous switch-on detection when the power is turned off. Is also a voltage that can be expected. That is, it is preferable that the voltage drop can be detected before the + 12V power supply voltage, which is the voltage (switch voltage) supplied to the switch, starts to drop. Therefore, it is preferable to monitor at least a voltage higher than the switch voltage.

In the structure shown in FIG. 58, the initial reset circuit 975 outputs a low level during a period determined by the capacitance of the capacitor when the power is turned on, and then outputs a high level. That is, the reset release timing is only once. However, as in the case of the main substrate 31 shown in FIG. 11, a circuit configuration in which a plurality of reset release timings occur may be used.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the payout control CPU 371. In the main processing,
The payout control CPU 371 first performs an initial value setting process such as clearing the RAM area (step S291).
If data is set in the RAM area (backup RAM area) of the built-in RAM where the power is backed up, those areas are not cleared. After that, in this embodiment, the payout control CPU 371
Shifts to a loop process for checking the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S292).

In the initialization processing of step S291, if the values of the total number storage and the number of lending balls storage described later are not 0, the non-backup RAM area is cleared. Then, setting for restarting the prize ball is performed. For example, a flag during processing of a prize ball is set. The backup RA
Even in the M area, if it is an area irrespective of the number of award balls, those addresses may be designated and cleared. Further, in addition to these processes, the payout control CPU 371 controls the timer to be interrupted periodically every 2 ms.
Of the timer register provided in (1) is set (timeout is 2 ms and setting of the repetition timer operates). That is, a process of activating a timer interrupt and a process of setting a timer interrupt interval are executed.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the internal timer of the payout control CPU 371 is set so as to repeatedly generate a timer interrupt. In this embodiment, the repetition period is set to 2 ms. Then, as shown in FIG. 60, when the timer interrupt occurs, the payout control CPU 371
Sets the timer interrupt flag (step S29)
7).

The payout control CPU 371 determines in step S7
In 02, when it is detected that the timer interrupt flag is set, the timer interrupt flag is reset (step S293), and a payout control process is executed (step S295). According to the above control, in this embodiment, the payout control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt processing, and the payout control processing is executed in the main processing. However, the payout control processing may be executed in the timer interrupt processing.

FIG. 61 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of use of the RAM incorporated in the payout control CPU 371. In this example,
In the backup RAM area, a total number storage (for example, 2 bytes) and a rental ball number storage are formed. The total number storage stores the total number of payouts instructed from the main board 31 side. The lending ball number storage stores the number of unpaid ball lending. The backup R
The AM area also has an area for setting various flags. In FIG. 61, a non-backup area is also shown. However, all of the RAM incorporated in the payout control CPU 371 may be backed up by a power supply.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing a payout control command receiving process by the interrupt process. The INT signal from the main board 31 is input to the interrupt terminal of the payout control CPU 371. Therefore, when the INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, the payout control CPU 371 is interrupted, and the payout control command reception process shown in FIG. 62 is started.

In the process of receiving the payout control command, the payout control CPU 371 first reads 1-byte data from the input port assigned to the input of the payout control command data (step S852). If the read data is a payout number instruction command (step S8)
53), the number specified by the payout number instruction command is added to the total number storage (step S855). Otherwise, a communication end flag is set (step S85).
4). In this example, the communication end flag is a flag indicating that a command other than the payout number instruction command has been received.

As described above, the payout control CPU 371 mounted on the payout control board 37 is
The number of award balls included in the payout number instruction command sent from 6 is stored in the backup RAM area (total number storage).

FIGS. 63 to 66 are flowcharts showing an example of the payout control process (step S295). In this example, the payout control CPU 371 first checks whether or not the payout is stopped (step S471). If the payout is not stopped, it is confirmed whether or not a payout control command indicating the payout stop instruction is received from the main board 31 (step S4).
72). If received, the payout motor 289 is stopped (step S473), and the internal state is set to the payout stopped state (step S474). That is, the payout control means is in a state in which both the prize ball payout and the ball lending are stopped.

In this embodiment, the payout motor 289 is stopped immediately upon receipt of the payout stop command, but instead of such control, the payout motor 289 is stopped at a sharp point. Is also good.
For example, the payout of game balls may be executed in units of 25, and when the payout of one unit is completed, the payout motor 289 may be stopped, and the internal state may be set to the stoppage state. As described above, the out-of-ball switches 187a, 18
7b is located at a position where it is possible to detect the presence of about 27 to 28 game balls in the payout ball passages 186a and 186b. From that point on, at least 25 payouts are possible. Therefore, no problem occurs even if the payout is stopped when the payout of one unit is completed. Further, if the payout is stopped at one unit interval, control at the time of restarting the payout becomes easy.

If the dispensing is stopped, the dispensing control CPU
371 checks whether or not a payout control command indicating a payout stop release instruction has been received from the main board 31 (step S4).
75). If not, the process returns to step S471. If the payout control command indicating the payout stop release instruction has been received, the payout stop state in the internal state is released (step S476). That is, the payout control means returns to the state where the prize ball can be paid out and the ball can be lent.

If the payout is not stopped, the payout control CP
U371 performs the process of step S481 and thereafter. In step S481, the payout control CPU 371 checks whether or not the ball is currently being lent. If you are lending a ball,
The process shifts to ball lending processing in step S532. If the ball is not being lent, it is checked whether or not the prize ball is being processed (step S482). If the award ball processing is being performed, the process proceeds to the processing during the award ball processing in step S513.

If it is not during the prize ball processing, it is checked whether the BRQ signal as a ball lending request signal from the card unit 50 as an external device of the gaming machine is turned on (step S483). If the BRQ signal is turned on, the processing from step S491 is performed. If the BRQ signal has not been turned on, that is, if a ball lending request has not been issued, it is checked whether or not the total number storage is 0 (step S491). If the total number storage is 0, that is, if it is not necessary to start the prize ball payout, the process ends.

Note that, in this embodiment, step S4
The ball lending is given priority over the prize ball processing according to the judgments of 81 to S491, but the prize ball processing may be given priority over the ball lending.

At step S492, the payout control C
The PU 371 turns on the ball lending process flag and sets the unit number in the ball lending number counter (step S493),
The EXS signal is turned on (step S494). The number of units is, for example, the number (for example, 25) of game balls lent out for a predetermined unit of 100 yen. And. Ball payout device 9
In order to set the ball distribution member 311 below 7 on the ball lending side, the distribution solenoid 310 is driven (step S49).
5). Also, the payout motor 289 is turned on (step S
496), and the process proceeds to the ball lending process shown in FIG.

The turning on of the payout motor 289 is performed by
Strictly speaking, the BRQ signal is turned off to indicate that the card unit 50 has recognized the reception. The ball lending number counter is formed in the lending ball number storage in the backup RAM area. Also, a ball lending process flag is set in the backup RAM area.

If the total number storage is not 0 in step S491, a process of starting award ball payout is performed. That is, the award ball processing flag is turned on (step S505),
The ball distribution member 311 below the ball payout device 97 is set to the winning ball side (step S506), and the payout motor 289 is turned on (step S507). Then, the processing shifts to a prize ball payout processing. The award ball processing flag is set to the backup RA
It is set in the M area.

[0299] The processing after step S513 is processing during payout of award balls. In the processing during the payout ball payout, the payout control CPU 371 checks whether or not the payout of the game ball has been made based on the detection output of the win ball count switch 301A. Then, when it is confirmed that one payout has been made (step S513), the value of the total number storage is decremented by one (step S514). When the value of the total number storage becomes 0 (step S515), the payout motor 289 is turned off (step S516), and the prize ball processing flag is turned off (step S517).

The contents of the total number storage are retained by the backup power supply of the power supply board 910 for a predetermined period even if the power of the gaming machine is turned off. Therefore, when the power is restored during the predetermined period, the payout control CPU 371 can continue the prize ball payout process based on the contents of the total number storage.

At the time of power-on, the payout control CPU 371 can determine whether to perform the normal initial setting process or to restore the state during the prize ball only by checking the data in the backup RAM area. That is, with a simple judgment,
The prize ball processing can be restarted for the unpaid prize balls.

The payout control CPU 371 manages the number of prize balls instructed from the main board 31 as a total number in the total number storage, but for each prize ball number (for example, 15, 10 or 6).
). For example, a number counter corresponding to each prize ball number is provided, and when a payout number designation command is received, the number counter corresponding to the number designated by the command is incremented by one. When the payout of each prize ball is completed, the corresponding number counter is decremented by one. Also in this case, each number counter is formed in the backup RAM area. Therefore, even if the power of the gaming machine is turned off, if the power is restored during the predetermined period, the payout control CPU 371 can continue the prize ball payout process based on the content of each number counter.

FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing processing during lending of a ball in the payout control processing by the payout control CPU 371. In the ball lending process, the payout control CPU 3
71 checks whether or not a game ball has been paid out based on the detection output of the ball lending count switch 301B. When it is confirmed that one payout has been made (step S532), the value of the ball lending number counter is decremented by one (step S533). Also, the value of the ball lending number counter is 0
Is reached (step S534), the card unit 50
The EXS signal is turned off to indicate that the next ball lending request can be accepted (step S53).
5). In addition, the payout motor 289 is turned off (step S535), and the ball lending process flag is turned off (step S537).

After the EXS signal indicating the acceptance of the ball lending request is turned off and the BRQ signal which is the ball lending request signal is turned on again within a predetermined period, the ball lending process is continued without turning off the payout motor. You may do so. That is, instead of performing the ball lending process for each predetermined unit (in this example, 100 yen unit), the ball lending process may be performed continuously.

[0305] The contents of the number-lending-ball storage are retained by the backup power supply of the power supply board 910 for a predetermined period even if the power of the gaming machine is turned off. Therefore, when the power is restored during the predetermined period, the payout control CPU 371 can continue the ball lending process based on the contents of the lending ball number storage.

In the above payout control, the backup RAM
The information on the ball lending stored in the lending ball number storage of the area is the value of the ball lending number counter. That is, 1
A predetermined unit of time (the number of units corresponding to 100 yen in this example:
25) is the number of unpaid game balls. However, the number of unpaid lending balls for all of the plurality of predetermined units may be stored in the lending ball number storage. In that case, for example, 500
The payout control CPU 371 receives all requests for lending a ball for a yen, that is, five ball lending requests in a predetermined unit, and lends information indicating that the ball lending for the predetermined unit should be performed five times in the backup RAM area. It is stored in the ball number storage.

FIG. 67 is a flow chart showing a part of the payout control process executed by the payout control CPU 371 to realize such control. The processing before the processing shown in FIG. 67 is the same as the processing shown in FIG. In this case, the BRQ from the card unit 50
When the signal is turned on (step S491), if the value of the ball lending number counter is 0, the unit number (25 in this example) is set in the ball lending number counter, and the value of the ball lending number counter becomes 0.
Otherwise, the ball lending counter is incremented by 1 (step S
497). In this embodiment, the ball lending number counter counts the number of ball lending (indicating the number of times of a predetermined unit), and the ball lending number counter is used to count the number of payouts at each time.

Further, the payout control CPU 371 sets the EX
When the S signal is turned on and the request acceptance is notified to the card unit 50, the EXS signal is immediately turned off to permit the next turn on of the BRQ signal (step S49).
8). It is preferable that a delay time be set before executing step S498 so that the card unit 50 can reliably recognize the ON / OFF state of the EXS signal.

In the process of lending a ball shown in FIG. 68, it is checked whether or not the BRQ signal, which is a lending request signal from the card unit 50, is on while one payout is not completed (see FIG. 68). Step S545). BR
If the Q signal is on, increase the ball lending counter by +
1 (step S546), and after turning on the EXS signal indicating reception of the ball lending request (step S54).
7) The EXS signal is turned off (step S548).

Also, when the value of the ball lending number counter becomes 0, the payout control CPU 371 checks whether or not the value of the ball lending number counter is 0 (step S54).
1) If not 0, the unit number is set again in the ball lending counter (step S542), and the value of the ball lending counter is decreased by 1 (step S543). If the value of the ball lending frequency counter is 0, it means that ball lending for a plurality of predetermined units has been completed, so that the payout motor is turned off (step S536) and the ball lending processing flag is turned off (step S536). S537).

According to the above-described control, when the ball lending request is continuously output from the card unit 50 a predetermined number of times, all the requests are sequentially accepted. Those that have been accepted but have not yet been paid out for the acceptance are stored in the value of the ball lending counter.

[0312] The values of the ball lending counter and the ball lending number counter are stored in the lending ball number storage in the backup RAM area, and thus are retained for a predetermined period even when the power to the gaming machine is turned off. Then, if the power is restored within the predetermined period, the payout control CPU 371 can continue the ball lending process based on the values of the saved ball lending frequency counter and the ball lending number counter. That is, even if the payout control means is configured to receive all ball lending requests a plurality of times and then sequentially execute the ball lending process, it is possible to give a disadvantage to the player with respect to ball lending. No control is realized.

It is also possible to configure so that the actual ball lending process is started at the same time when the ball lending request is received a plurality of times. However, all the ball lending requests are received and received in advance. The actual ball lending process may be started after the completion.

FIG. 69 shows that the payout control CPU 371 is
7 is a flowchart showing a power failure occurrence interrupt process executed in response to an interrupt from a power monitoring unit. Power supply board 910
When the power supply monitoring IC 902 detects a drop in the power supply voltage, the voltage drop signal indicates a voltage drop, and the power failure occurrence interrupt processing is started. In the power failure occurrence interrupt processing, the payout control CPU 371 sets the interrupt prohibition (step S
801), RAM access is prohibited (step S802), and the output port is turned off (step S802).
803), and enters a loop process. That is, no processing is performed.

Therefore, the reset IC 9 shown in FIG.
Before being externally disabled (system reset) by the reset signal from 76, the internal operation is stopped. Therefore, when the power is cut off, the payout control CP
U371 stops operating. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the contents of the RAM from being destroyed due to an abnormal operation that may occur as the power supply voltage decreases.

In this embodiment, the program is looped at the final part in the power failure occurrence interrupt processing, but a HALT instruction may be issued. If a CPU having a specification that does not cause another interrupt during the interrupt processing is used, the processing in step S801 is unnecessary. Further, in this embodiment, the power failure occurrence interrupt processing (power supply stop processing) is executed in response to the NMI, but the first voltage drop signal from the power supply board (the voltage from the first power monitoring means) is output. The lowering signal may be introduced into a maskable interrupt interrupt terminal (IRQ terminal), and the power supply stop process may be executed in the interrupt process (IRQ process).

FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing a part of the initialization processing (step S701) executed by the payout control CPU 371 when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on or the power is restored, the payout control CPU 371
First, it is checked whether the value of the total number storage or the lending ball number storage formed in the backup RAM area is not 0 (step S901). If it is 0,
Since there was no unpaid prize ball when the power was last turned off, normal initialization processing is performed. That is, the register and all RAM areas are cleared (step S903),
Initialize the stack pointer (step S90)
4).

If the value of the total number storage or the lending ball number storage is not 0, the address is specified to clear the register and the non-backup RAM area (step S90).
5). Then, a setting for restarting the prize ball or the ball lending is performed. For example, a ball lending processing flag is set (step S906). If the backup RAM area is an area irrespective of the number of prize balls, those addresses may be designated and cleared.

As described above, the payout control CPU 371
When the power is turned on, it is possible to determine whether to perform the normal initialization processing or to restore the state of paying out balls or lending balls by simply checking the data in the backup RAM area. That is, since the number of unpaid game balls, the prize ball processing flag, and the ball lending processing flag are stored in the backup RAM, the payout control CPU 371 sets the prize ball processing flag or the ball lending processing flag. If so, the process according to the contents of the total number storage or the lending ball number storage can be continued. That is, the processing can be restarted for the unpaid prize balls or the unpaid lending balls by a simple judgment.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the power supply is interrupted due to a power failure or the like, the power supply stop processing is simply performed as RA processing.
Although only M access is prohibited, parity data may be created for data in the RAM, and the created parity data may be stored. Then, in the process at the time of turning on the power, a check based on the parity data is performed, and after confirming that the data in the RAM has been correctly stored, the prize ball payout process or the ball lending process based on the stored data is continued. You may do so.

FIG. 71 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the main board 31 and the electric component control board. In this example, an effect control board 400 on which an effect control means for controlling a light emitting body, a sound generating means, and a symbol display means provided in a gaming machine is provided. The effect control means receives an effect control command from the game control means and, based on the received command, a decoration lamp 25, game effect lamps / LEDs 28a, 28b, 28c, award ball lamp 5
1. The display control of the ball out lamp 52, the start memory display 18 and the gate passage memory display 41 is performed, and the sound generation control from the speaker 27 is performed. Further, display control of a variable display unit 9 for variably displaying a special symbol as identification information and a variable display unit 10 for variably displaying a normal symbol as identification information is performed. Note that, in FIG. 71, parts related to the firing control are omitted.

In this example, the form of the production control command is:
It is assumed that the symbol control command, the lamp control command, and the voice control command are in the same form. In other words, the production control command has a 2-byte configuration, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type).

As described above, the payout control command has a one-byte structure, but also includes a MODE part and an EXT part. That is, the form of the effect control command and the lamp control command are common. Also, the form of the command sent from the game control means to the effect control means and the form of the command sent from the game control means to the payout control means have at least the same data amount of the command output at one time (this (1 byte in the example). If the payout control command has a 2-byte configuration, the command length of one command is also shared.

As a method of creating the effect control command in the game control means, for example, the processing shown in FIG. 37 can be used. That is, in the output data setting process shown in FIG. 37, an effect control command transmission request is set in place of the voice control command transmission request, the lamp control command transmission request, and the symbol control command transmission request, and the audio data to the buffer area is set. , Effect control data is set in place of the setting of the lamp data and the symbol control data. In this case, when two effect control command transmission requests are set at the same timing (for example, when the lamp data and the symbol control data are simultaneously changed), one of them may be used.

As an output method of the production control command in the game control means, for example, the processing shown in FIG. 41 can be used. That is, in the data output process shown in FIG. 41, for example, instead of checking the symbol control command transmission request, the effect control command transmission request may be checked. Then, the specific register # 3
Is set to the number of the buffer area in which the effect control data is set. By doing so, the effect data, that is, the effect control command, is sent to the effect control board 400.

Then, the processing for setting the effect control command to be transmitted in the buffer area and the processing for setting the command to be transmitted in the winning sphere signal processing shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 in the buffer area are described. It is common. That is, a command is written in the buffer area and a command transmission request is set. Then, for the effect control command and the payout control command, a program portion for writing the command in the buffer area can be shared. For example, when writing an effect control command to the buffer area, write “1” to a certain register,
Set the command to be sent in another register,
A program configuration such as calling a buffer setting subroutine can also be adopted. In this case, in the buffer setting subroutine, when it is recognized that "1" is written in the register, the command set in another register is set in the buffer area provided for the effect control command.

For each of the effect control command and the payout control command, a table in which all the commands are set is prepared, and when calling the buffer setting subroutine, the address or address in the table corresponding to the command to be transmitted is prepared. May be set in the register. In this case, in the buffer setting subroutine, the table can be searched based on the address information to read the corresponding command, and the read command can be set in the buffer area.

Further, since a common subroutine is called for the effect control command and the payout control command, the command output processing to be transmitted can be shared. As a result, the load required for command transmission in the game control means is further reduced.

FIG. 72 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the effect control board 400 together with a command transmission portion of the main board 31. As shown in FIG. 72, output port 571 of main board 31 outputs 8-bit data CD0 to CD0.
CD7 (effect control signal constituting the effect control command) is output, and a 1-bit strobe signal (INT signal) is output from output port 572. The method of transmitting the effect control command may be the same as, for example, the case of the symbol control command shown in FIG. That is, the effect control command is also output only once so that the effect control means can receive it.

The effect control CPU 401 controls the control data R
It operates according to the program stored in the OM 102, and receives an effect control command via the input buffer circuit 105A when an INT signal is input from the main board 31 via the noise filter 107 and the input buffer circuit 105B. As the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B, for example, 74HC540 and 74HC14, which are general-purpose ICs, can be used. When the effect control CPU 401 does not include an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B and the effect control CPU 401.

The effect control CPU 401 controls the display of the variable display section 9 and the variable display 10 according to the received effect control command. In order to control the display of the variable display unit 9, specifically, a command corresponding to the effect control command is given to the VDP 103. The VDP 103 reads necessary data from the character ROM 86. VDP
103 generates image data to be displayed on the variable display unit 9 according to the input data, and outputs R, G, B signals and a synchronization signal to the variable display unit 9.

The input buffer circuits 105A and 105B
The signal can be passed only in the direction from the main board 31 to the effect control board 400. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the effect control board 400 side to the main board 31 side.
That is, the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B together with the input ports constitute irreversible information input means. Even if a circuit in the effect control board 400 is tampered with, a signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 31 side.

Although the outputs of the output ports 571 and 572 may be output to the effect control board 400 as they are, the output buffer circuits 63A and 63 capable of transmitting signals only in one direction.
By providing B, one-way signal transmission from the main board 31 to the effect control board 400 can be made more reliable. That is, the output buffer circuits 63A and 63B
Irreversible information output means together with the output port.

Further, for example, a three-terminal capacitor or a ferrite bead is used as the noise filter 107 that cuts off the high-frequency signal. The effect is eliminated. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the output side of the buffer circuits 63A and 63B of the main board 31.

Further, for example, the speech synthesis circuit 702 by a digital signal processor
The sound and the sound effect corresponding to the instruction 01 are generated and output to the volume switching circuit 703. The volume switching circuit 703 sets the output level of the voice control CPU 701 to a level corresponding to the set volume and outputs the output level to the volume amplification circuit 704. The volume amplification circuit 704 outputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker 27.

[0336] The effect control CPU 401 controls the game effect LED 28 defined in accordance with each control command.
a, the game effect LEDs 28a, 28b, and 28c, and the game effect LEDs 28a,
It outputs a light-on / light-off signal to the game effect lamps 28b and 28c and the decorative lamp 25. The ON / OFF signal is output to the game effect LED 28a, the game effect lamps 28b and 28c, and the decoration lamp 25. In addition, the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball out lamp 52 are turned on / off in response to the received control command, and a turn-on / off signal is output to the start storage display 18 and the gate passage storage display 41. The lighting / light-off pattern for each light emitter is stored in an internal ROM or an external ROM of the effect control CPU 401.

FIG. 73 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pattern table set in the ROM mounted on the effect control board 400. In this embodiment,
As an effect control command, the left column (MODE and EX
IT) is used. As shown in FIG. 73, in the pattern table, receivable effect control commands and corresponding lamps (decorative lamps 2 of the game board) are displayed.
5. Game effect lamps / LEDs 25a, 25b, 2 on the frame side
5c, prize ball lamp 51, ball out lamp 52, start storage display 18 and gate passage storage display 41), pattern data relating to lighting / extinguishment, pattern data relating to voice control, and pattern data relating to symbol control are set. . The ROM in which the pattern table is set may be built in the effect control CPU 401 or may be external.

Details of each data of the lamp control in FIG. 73 are the same as those shown in FIG. Therefore, when the effect control CPU 401 receives the effect control command, as described above, the effect control CPU 401 can read the lamp pattern data corresponding to the received command, and perform the lighting on / off control of the lamp according to the read data. The contents of each data of the voice control in FIG. 73 are shown in FIG.
6 is the same as that shown in FIG. Therefore, the effect control CP
Upon receiving the effect control command, the U401 can read the voice pattern data corresponding to the received command and perform sound generation control according to the read data, as described above.

For example, when the effect control CPU 401 receives the command “8000 (H)” from the game control means, it reads out data indicating “variation # 1 variation pattern” from pattern data relating to symbol control in the ROM.
The data includes information indicating a fluctuation time, a fluctuation speed, and the like determined as the fluctuation pattern # 1. Thus, the effect control CPU 401 can control the variable display of the symbols on the variable display section 9 according to the information. At the same time, the effect control CPU 401 reads out data indicating “variation pattern designation # 1” from the lighting pattern data in the ROM. The data includes information on the blinking state (for example, the lighting continuation time, the lighting extinction time, etc.) of each light emitter according to the fluctuation pattern # 1. The effect control CPU 401 performs lighting / extinguishing control of each illuminant according to the information. Furthermore, effect control CPU
Reference numeral 401 reads out data indicating “variation # 1 voice pattern” from the voice pattern data in the ROM. The data includes information on a sound generation pattern (for example, the type of sound and its duration) according to the fluctuation pattern # 1. The effect control CPU 401 outputs a control signal to the speech synthesis circuit 702 according to the information.

As described above, the effect control command includes a plurality of light emitting parts, sound generating parts, and identification information display parts (in the above example, all of the light emitting parts, sound generating parts, and identification information display parts). Is received, the effect control CPU 401 can control each of the light emitting component, the sound generating component, and the identification information display component when receiving such one command.

Further, the pattern table also describes data indicating the display patterns of the variable display section 9 and the variable display 10. When the effect control CPU 401 receives the effect control command, it can read the variation pattern data corresponding to the received command, and perform variable display control of the variable display unit 9 and the variable display 10 according to the read data. For example, “variation # 1 variation pattern”
The symbol change speed and the change time of the change # 1 are set. Alternatively, the address of the ROM in which the symbol change speed and the change time are set is set. The effect control CPU 401 variably displays symbols for the set variation time according to the set symbol variation speed. In addition, data on the background and the character are also set. Therefore, the effect control CPU 401 can also perform control for displaying a background or displaying a character according to the set data.

As described above, in this example, the effect control means performs illuminant display control, sound generation control, and symbol display control. Therefore, the game control means mounted on the main board 31 may send one control command for a game effect or the like. As a result, the burden on sending control commands is greatly reduced.

FIG. 74 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the main board 31 and the electric component control board. In this example, the lamp control unit mounted on the lamp control board 35 receives a lamp control command from the symbol control unit. Therefore, the game control means mounted on the main board 31 does not need to send out a ramp control command. Also,
The voice control means mounted on the voice control board 70 receives a voice control command from the symbol control means. Therefore,
The game control means mounted on the main board 31 does not need to send out voice control commands.

The symbol control command is sent only once from the game control means so that the symbol control means can recognize (receive). Recognizable (receivable) means, in this example,
In this example, the INT signal is turned on, and is transmitted only once in a recognizable (receivable) state.
That is, the T signal is turned on only once. Since the game control means is configured to send the command only once, the load required for sending the command is reduced.

FIG. 75 is a block diagram showing a signal transmitting / receiving portion in the symbol control board 80 and the lamp control board 35. As shown in FIG. 75, a lamp control command related to lamp control is output from output ports (output ports E and F) 455 and 456 of the symbol control board 80. The output port 455 outputs 8-bit data, and the output port 456 outputs a 1-bit INT signal. The method of sending the lamp control command and the contents of the command are shown in FIGS.
It may be the same as that shown in FIG.

A voice control command for the voice control board 70 is also output from the output port of the symbol control board 80. The output port for transmitting data outputs 8-bit data, and the output port for outputting the INT signal is 1-bit I / O.
An NT signal is output. The voice control command transmission method and command contents may be the same as those shown in FIGS.

In the lamp control board 35, a control command from the symbol control board 80 is transmitted to the input buffer circuit 355.
A and 355B are input to the CPU 351 for lamp control. When the lamp control CPU 351 does not include an I / O port, the input buffer circuit 355
A, 355B and the CPU 351 for lamp control
A / O port is provided.

In the voice control board 35, the control command from the symbol control board 80 is input to the voice control CPU 701 via the input buffer circuits 705A and 705B as in the case shown in FIG.

In this example, the game control means sends, for example, the control commands shown in the left column (MODE and EXIT) of FIG. 73 to the symbol control board 80 as symbol control commands. That is, commands that are not directly related to the symbol display control are also transmitted as symbol control commands. The pattern data shown in the right column of FIG. 73 is stored in the ROM of the symbol control board 80, for example. Therefore, the symbol control means, that is, the symbol control CPU 101 performs the symbol display control according to the corresponding pattern data, if any. If there is no corresponding pattern data, the received control command is ignored.

The symbol control means sends the received symbol control command as it is to the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70 as a lamp control command and a voice control command. Therefore, the symbol control command, the lamp control command, and the voice control command have a common form. That is, the form of the command sent from the game control means to the symbol control means and the form of the command sent from the symbol control means to the light emitter control means and the voice control means are at least data of the command output at one time. The amount (2 bytes in this example) is commonized by being the same, and in this example, the symbol control command for the symbol control means, the illuminant control command for the illuminant control means, and the voice control command for the voice control means are Are the same commands. The same command may be used because the start time of the effect by the variable display unit corresponding to the same command and the start time of the effect by the light emitter and the sound are interrelated (see FIG. 73).

The symbol control means may transmit only the commands used by the lamp control means to the lamp control board 35 among the received symbol control commands. Further, only the command used by the voice control means among the received symbol control commands may be transmitted to the voice control board 70. Further, the symbol control board 80
In the above, the symbol control CPU 101 does not send out the lamp control command and the voice control command, but branches the symbol control command from the main board 31 by hardware so that the symbol control command is
And transmitted to the audio control board 70.

As described above, the game control means does not need to send out the lamp control command and the voice control command to the lamp control means and the voice control means provided separately from the main board. Therefore, the load required for the game control means to transmit the control command is reduced.

As in the case of the above-described embodiment, the R control board mounted on the lamp control board 35 and the sound control board 70
The OM stores a pattern table as shown in FIGS. Therefore, the lamp control means and the sound control means can control the light emitting body or the sound generating component based on the pattern data stored in advance. Further, since the symbol control means which has received the command as shown in FIG. 73 transmits the same command to the lamp control means and the voice control means, the lamp control command and the symbol transmitted from the symbol control means to the lamp control means are provided. The voice control command transmitted from the control means to the voice control means has a one-to-one correspondence with each data in the pattern data held by the ramp control means and the voice control means (see FIGS. 46 and 51). ). That is, the command is information that can specify data in the pattern data held by the lamp control unit and the voice control unit. Therefore, the lamp control unit and the voice control unit can immediately search the corresponding data in the pattern data from the received command, and can immediately determine what control should be performed.

The voice control command for the voice control board 70 is transmitted from the symbol control board 80, and the lamp control command for the lamp control board 35 is transmitted to the main board 3.
It may be configured to be sent from the first game control means,
A configuration may be such that a lamp control command for the lamp control board 35 is transmitted from the symbol control board 80 and a voice control command for the voice control board 70 is transmitted from the game control means of the main board 31. In any case, since the number of control commands to be sent from the game control means is reduced, the load required for the game control means to send the control commands is reduced.

In each of the above examples, the effect control means is a luminous body,
The case where the control of the voice and the symbol display is performed and the case where the symbol control unit supplies the ramp control command to the ramp control unit and the voice control unit have been described, but the control command transmission load of the game control unit is reduced by another configuration. It can also be reduced.

For example, an effect control board on which effect control means for controlling the illuminant and the sound is provided, an effect control board on which effect control means for controlling the illuminant and the symbol are provided, It is also possible to provide an effect control board on which effect control means for controlling symbols and symbols are mounted.
FIG. 76 shows an example in which an effect control board 500 provided with an effect control unit for controlling the light emitter and the sound is provided. Also in this case, the game control means only needs to send one kind of effect control command for the light emitter and the lamp control, and the load required for the game control means to send the control command is reduced.

In the configuration shown in FIG.
The effect control CPU mounted on 0, that is, the effect control means, receives the effect control command from the game control means,
On the basis of the received command, display control of the decoration lamp 25, the game effect lamps / LEDs 28a, 28b, 28c, the prize ball lamp 51, the ball out lamp 52, the start memory display 18, and the gate passage memory display 41 is performed.
The sound generation control from the speaker 27 is performed.

Even when the game control means is configured as shown in FIG. 76, for example, the processing as shown in FIG. 37 can be used as a method for creating an effect control command in the game control means. That is, in the output data setting process shown in FIG. 37, instead of the voice control command transmission request and the lamp control command transmission request, the effect control command transmission request is set, and the audio data and the lamp data are set in the buffer area. Instead, effect control data is set. In this case, when two effect control command transmission requests are set at the same timing (for example, when the lamp data and the audio data are simultaneously changed), one of them may be used.

As a method of outputting a production control command in the game control means, for example, the processing shown in FIG. 41 can be used. That is, in the data output process shown in FIG. 41, for example, instead of checking the voice control command transmission request, the effect control command transmission request may be checked. Then, the specific register # 3
Is set to the number of the buffer area in which the effect control data is set. By doing so, the effect data, that is, the effect control command is transmitted to the effect control board 500.

Then, the processing for setting the effect control command to be transmitted in the buffer area and the processing for setting the command to be transmitted in the winning sphere signal processing shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 in the buffer area are described. After all it is common. That is, a command is written into the buffer area and a command transmission request is set. Therefore, for the effect control command and the payout control command, a program portion for writing the command in the buffer area can be shared.

Also, the command output processing to be sent can be shared. As a result, the load required for command transmission in the game control means is further reduced.

An effect control board may be provided in addition to the main board 31, and the effect control means on the effect control board may give commands to the symbol control means, the voice control means and the lamp control means. FIG. 77 is a block diagram showing a configuration including an effect control board 600 on which effect control means for performing such control is mounted.

The effect control means on the effect control board 600
When the effect control command is received from the main board 31, a symbol control command, a voice control command, and a lamp control command corresponding to the received effect control command are created, and the symbol control board 70, the voice control board 80, and the lamp control board 3 are created.
5 The effect control commands sent from the main board 31 are, for example, each command as shown in the “name” column of FIG. 73. Then, when the effect control means on the effect control board 600 receives the effect control command, for example, it specifies the control contents shown in each column of "lamp control", "voice control", and "symbol control" in FIG. A lamp control command, a voice control command, and a symbol control command are created and sent to the symbol control board 70, the voice control board 80, and the lamp control board 35.

FIG. 78 is a block diagram showing an example of an effect control command sending portion on the main board 31 and an effect control command receiving portion and a control command sending portion on the effect control board 600. In the example shown in FIG.
The CPU 56 transmits effect control command data for instructing a game effect to the effect control board 600 via the output port 571 and the output buffer circuit 63.

In the effect control board 600, the main board 31
Is input to an effect control CPU 89 (effect control means) via an input buffer 88 and an input port 98. The input buffer 88 is an irreversible signal transmission unit that transmits a signal from the side of the main board 31 to only the side of the effect control board 600. Therefore, the production control board 6
There is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the 00 side to the main board 31 side, and even if a circuit in the effect control board 600 is tampered with,
The signal output due to the unauthorized modification is not transmitted to the main board 31 side. The main board 31 and the effect control board 600
Even if an unauthorized board or the like is connected to the wiring between the two, the output buffer circuit 63 that transmits signals only in one direction does not transmit an unauthorized signal from the unauthorized board or the like to the main board 31 side.

The production control command is transmitted from the CPU of the main board 31.
56 is sent out according to the progress of the game. The effect control CPU 89 creates a display control command for the display control means, a voice control command for the voice control means, and a lamp control command for the lamp control means based on the received effect control command.

[0367] The symbol control command is the effect control CPU 8
9 through an output port 92A (output port A) and an output buffer circuit 95A. The voice control command is sent from the effect control CPU 89 to the output port 92.
E (output port E) and output buffer circuit 95E. Then, the lamp control command is sent from the effect control CPU 89 via the output port 92C (output port C) and the output buffer circuit 95C.

The control commands sent to each of the substrates 80, 70, 35 may be exactly the same.

Even in the case of such a configuration, for example, the processing shown in FIG. 37 can be used as a method of creating the effect control command in the game control means. That is, in the output data setting process shown in FIG. 37, instead of the voice control command transmission request and the lamp control command transmission request, the effect control command transmission request is set, and the audio data and the lamp data are set in the buffer area. Instead, effect control data is set. Further, as a method of outputting the effect control command in the game control means, for example, the processing shown in FIG. 41 can be used. That is, in the data output process shown in FIG. 41, for example, instead of checking the voice control command transmission request, the effect control command transmission request may be checked.

Then, the processing for setting the effect control command to be transmitted in the buffer area and the processing for setting the command to be transmitted in the winning sphere signal processing shown in FIGS. After all it is common. That is, a command is written into the buffer area and a command transmission request is set. Therefore, for the effect control command and the payout control command, a program portion for writing the command in the buffer area can be shared.

Also, the command output processing to be sent can be shared. As a result, the load required for command transmission in the game control means is further reduced.

[0372] Further, the game control means for controlling the progress of the game may transmit an effect control command to the effect control board 600 when the game control is switched. In this case, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 600 uniquely determines one effect content from the plurality of effect contents based on the received effect control command. Then, a symbol control command corresponding to the determined effect content,
A lamp control command and a voice control command are created and sent to the symbol control board 80, the lamp control board 35, and the voice control board 70. Therefore, the game control means does not need to determine one effect content from the plurality of effect contents and create a control command according to the determined content.
The load on the game control means is further reduced.

In the case where the game control means is configured to send out an effect control command to the effect control board 600 when the game control is switched, the operation mode and operation result of the special game device (variable in this example) The symbol change time and the fixed symbol on the display unit 9 are preferably determined by the game control means. In that case, the part related to the basics in the control of the device for providing the player with an advantageous state in the gaming machine will be performed by the game control means for controlling the overall progress of the game, and Control is realized.

[0374] Also, for one having only one effect content, the effect control means creates a symbol control command, a lamp control command, and a voice control command according to the received effect control command. That is, such contents are determined by the game control means. For example, the fluctuation time of a symbol, a fixed symbol, and information (for example, the number of rounds, the number of winning prizes, and the V prize) on a state change during a jackpot game (during a specific game state) are determined and determined by the game control means. An effect control command corresponding to the information is sent to the effect control board 600. Then, the effect control means creates a symbol control command, a lamp control command, and a voice control command according to the received effect control command.

As described above, the production control board 40
If 0, 500, and 600 are provided, or if a control command is supplied from the symbol control board 80 to another electric component control board, the load of the control command transmission of the game control means is reduced, and as a result, the game effect is produced. Can be abundant.

Also, the form of the effect control command sent from the game control means to the effect control means is the same as the form of the payout control command sent from the game control means to the payout control means. Since the form of each command sent from the game control means is common, in the program executed by the CPU 56 of the game control means, the creation part and the output part of each command (effect control command and payout control command) can be easily shared. Can be That is, the game control means can be configured to share the command creation module when sending a command to the effect control means and when sending a command to the payout control means.

As described above, the command creation processing to be sent out for the effect command and the payout control command can be shared. That is, the game control means can share the command output module between the case of creating a command in the effect control means and the case of creating a command in the payout control means. Further, the game control means can share a command output module for sending a command to the effect control means and for sending a command to the payout control means. As a result, the load required for command transmission in the game control means is reduced. Further, the module relating to the transmission of the game control program command is simplified, so that the program maintenance is facilitated and the program can be easily transferred to other models.

In each of the above embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine has been described as an example. However, a gaming machine provided with a plurality of electric component control means, and the game control means can be used for other electric component control means. The present invention can be applied to other types of gaming machines as long as they are configured to transmit control commands.

In each of the above embodiments, the payout control command has a one-byte structure. However, if the payout control command has a two-byte structure, the command length can be shared. When the payout control command has a 2-byte configuration, for example, FIG.
As shown in the figure, when the first byte and the second byte of the payout control command are output, INT
The signal is turned on (low level in this example). The ON period of the INT signal is, for example, 1 μs or more, and a period of, for example, 10 μs or more is provided between the first byte and the second byte.

The command forms exemplified in the above embodiments are merely examples, and other command forms may be used as long as the command forms can be easily shared.

It should be noted that, as a reminder, in the above description, the sound is a concept that includes not only so-called meaningful sounds emitted by humans but also simple sounds such as sound effects.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a gaming machine in which a game ball as a predetermined game value is paid out according to a prize is taken as an example, but a medal or the like as a predetermined game value is paid according to a prize. The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine that puts out. Furthermore, not only gaming machines that actually pay out gaming media, but also gaming machines that add points as predetermined game values in place of paying out gaming media, and gaming machines that write data etc. on IC cards etc. The present invention can also be applied. Accordingly, in each of the above-described embodiments, the payout control means for controlling the ball payout device 97 has been exemplified as the value provision control means. And a control unit for controlling a device for writing data to an IC card or the like.

[0383]

As described above, according to the present invention, at least the form of the command transmitted from the game control means to the effect control means and the command transmitted from the game control means to the value provision control means are provided. Since the configuration is made common with the form of the above, the processing of creating and outputting those commands becomes easy, and as a result, the burden required for the game control means to send control commands can be reduced. There is an effect that can be done. In addition, the game control means does not need to perform a process of sending a command to each control means for controlling the production components, and in that respect, the burden required for the game control means to send control commands is reduced. Can be.

In the case where the effect control means is configured to perform processing for controlling a sound generating component provided in the gaming machine and a light emitting component provided in the gaming machine, the game control The means does not need to perform processing such as sending a command to each of the control means for controlling the sound generating component and the control means for controlling the illuminant component, and reduces the burden required for the game control means to send the control command. Can be.

[0385] When the effect control means is configured to perform processing for controlling the display state of the variable display section and the sound generating parts provided in the gaming machine, the game control means performs the variable display. It is not necessary to perform a process of transmitting a command to each of the control unit for controlling the unit and the control unit for controlling the sound generating component, and the burden required for the game control unit to transmit the control command can be reduced.

[0386] When the effect control means is configured to perform processing for controlling the display state of the variable display section and the illuminant parts provided in the game machine, the game control means performs the variable display. It is not necessary to perform a process of sending a command to each of the control unit for controlling the unit and the control unit for controlling the light emitting component, so that the load required for the game control unit to send the control command can be reduced.

The effect control means is configured to perform processing for controlling the display state of the variable display section, the sound generating components provided in the gaming machine, and the light emitting components provided in the gaming machine. If so, the game control means sends a command to each of the control means for controlling the variable display section, the control means for controlling the sound generating component, and the control means for controlling the light emitting component. This does not have to be performed, and the burden required for the game control means to transmit control commands can be reduced.

If the game control means is configured to share a command creation module between sending a command to the effect control means and sending a command to the value assignment control means, the game control means The control command creation portion in the game control program executed by the user is simplified.

If the game control means is configured to share at least a command output module between sending a command to the effect control means and sending a command to the value giving control means, the game control means The control command output portion in the game control program executed by the means is simplified.

The form of the command sent from the game control means to the effect control means and the form of the command sent from the game control means to the value giving control means have the same data amount of the command output at one time. In this case, commands having the same data amount can be handled in the case of common use, so that the command creation module and the command output module can be easily shared.

When the game control means sends a command to the effect control means and sends a command to the value assignment control means, the control means to which the command is sent outputs information only once so that it can be received. In this case, the control for sending the control command in the game control means is further simplified, and the load required for the game control means to send the control command is further reduced.

In the case where the game control means is configured such that an output circuit for a command sent to the effect control means and an output circuit for a command sent to the value assignment control means are provided respectively, Even if one control command is garbled, the other control command can be prevented from being affected.

If the command from the game control means is configured to be transmitted through the irreversible information output means capable of only outputting information, the input of an illegal signal to the main board is prevented, This has the effect of making it harder to receive fraud.

In the case where the input circuit to which the command for the effect control means and the command for the value assignment control means are input is configured to be irreversible information input means capable of only inputting information, the main board On the other hand, it is possible to prevent an illegal signal from being supplied via the electric component control means, thereby making it more difficult to receive an illegal act.

The game control means can send a command for notifying the number of prize game media to the value provision control means even if the payout of the game media according to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition is not completed. In this case, the game control means does not need to have a large storage area for storing the satisfaction of predetermined conditions such as winning, and reduces the burden on the prize ball control of the game control means. Can be.

[0396] At least a payout means capable of paying out a game medium as a game value is provided, and a command output from the game control means to the value assignment control means is a command for designating the number of game medium payouts. In the case of having such a configuration, in a gaming machine of a type in which a game medium is paid out as a game value, there is an effect that a load required for sending a control command by the game control means can be reduced.

[0397] The payout means can pay out the game medium based on the lending request signal, and has at least two flow paths for flowing the game medium. By switching the flow path of the game medium and the flow path of the game medium based on the lending request signal, it is possible to perform both the payout control based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition and the payout control based on the lending request signal. In this case, it is possible to perform both the value provision and the lending of the game medium by one payout means, thereby simplifying the control configuration,
Even with such a configuration, the number of value additions and the number of loans can be easily detected independently.

When the game control means detects that the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is possible to immediately output a command indicating the game value addition quantity to the value provision control means. In this case, the value giving condition occurrence time and the value giving time can be made almost simultaneously, and there is an effect that the game can proceed smoothly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing each substrate provided on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mechanical plate of the pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the rear.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration around an intermediate base unit installed on a mechanism plate.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a ball payout device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a game control board (main board).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in a symbol control board.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in a voice control board.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in the lamp control board.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing components related to a prize ball, such as components of a payout control board and a ball payout device.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example around a CPU for power supply monitoring and power supply backup.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a power supply board.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a CPU on a main board.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating initialization processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a 2 ms timer interrupt process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a game control process.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing a relationship between a state of fluctuation of a normal symbol and a hit operation.

FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing a relationship between a progress state of a game and a change in a special symbol.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing a relationship between a change in a special symbol and a symbol control command.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a command form of a symbol control command.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a symbol control command.

FIG. 22 is a timing chart showing an example of a symbol control command transmission form.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a command form of a voice control command.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of a voice control command.

FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing an example of a transmission form of a voice control command.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a command form of a lamp control command.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a lamp control command.

FIG. 28 is a timing chart showing an example of a mode of transmitting a lamp control command.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a command form of a payout control command.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of a payout control command.

FIG. 31 is a timing chart showing an example of a delivery mode of a payout control command.

FIG. 32 is a timing chart showing another example of the delivery mode of the payout control command.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a data configuration of process data.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a process data / timer setting process subroutine executed in the special symbol process process.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process timer setting process.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an output data setting process in the game control process.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a portion related to award winning ball control of a switch process in the game control process.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a winning ball signal process in the game control process.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a winning ball signal process in the game control process.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data output process.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a command sending subroutine.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a voice control CPU.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a command reception interrupt process.

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a voice pattern table.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a voice control process.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a lamp control CPU.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a command reception interrupt process.

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a ramp pattern table.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing a lamp control process.

FIG. 53: Lamp / LED corresponding to pattern data
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a control pattern.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a lamp / LED control process.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a symbol control CPU.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between symbol control commands and control contents.

FIG. 58 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example around a payout control CPU for power supply monitoring and power supply backup.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a payout control CPU.

FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing a 2 ms timer interrupt process of the payout control CPU.

FIG. 61 is an explanatory diagram showing one configuration example of a RAM in a payout control unit.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing a command receiving process executed by the payout control CPU.

FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing a payout control process.

FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing a payout control process.

FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing a payout control process.

FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing a payout control process.

FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing another example of the payout control process.

FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing another example of the payout control process.

FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing a power failure occurrence interrupting process executed by a payout control CPU.

FIG. 70 is a flowchart illustrating an example of initialization processing of a payout control CPU.

FIG. 71 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the main board and the electric component control board.

FIG. 72 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of an effect control board together with a command transmission portion of the main board.

FIG. 73 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a pattern table set in a ROM mounted on the effect control board.

FIG. 74 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the main board and the electric component control board.

FIG. 75 is a block diagram showing a signal transmission / reception portion of the symbol control board and the lamp control board.

FIG. 76 is a block diagram showing still another configuration example of the main board and the electric component control board.

FIG. 77 is a block diagram showing yet another configuration example of the main board and the electric component control board.

FIG. 78 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control command transmission / reception portion on the main board and the effect control board.

[Explanation of symbols]

 31 Game Control Board (Main Board) 35 Lamp Control Board 37 Payout Control Board 51 Prize Ball Lamp 52 Ball Out Lamp 53 Basic Circuit 56 CPU 70 Voice Control Board 80 Symbol Control Board 101 Symbol Control CPU 351 Lamp Control CPU 400, 500 , 600 effect control board 401 effect control CPU 701 sound control CPU

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A game machine in which a player can perform a predetermined game, provided in the game machine in accordance with a command from the game control means for controlling the progress of the game. Effect production control means for performing processing for controlling the game production parts, and value providing control means for performing processing for providing a game value to a player in accordance with a command from the game control means, at least A game machine wherein a form of a command sent from the game control means to the effect control means and a form of a command sent from the game control means to the value provision control means are shared. . 2. An effect control means for controlling at least a sound generating component provided as a game effect component provided in the gaming machine and a light emitting component provided as a game effect component provided in the game machine. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine performs a process. 3. The game machine includes a variable display section as a game effect component whose display state can be changed, and the effect control means includes at least a display state of the variable display section and a game effect provided on the game machine. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a process for controlling a sound generating component as a component is performed. 4. A game machine includes a variable display section as a game effect part whose display state can be changed, and the effect control means includes at least a display state of the variable display section and a game effect provided on the game machine. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a process for controlling a light emitting component as a component is performed. 5. A game machine includes a variable display section as a game effect component whose display state is changeable, and the effect control means includes at least a display state of the variable display section and a game effect provided on the game machine. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine performs processing for controlling a sound generating component as a component for use and a light emitting component as a game effect component provided in the gaming machine. 6. The game according to claim 1, wherein the game control means shares at least a command creation module when sending a command to the effect control means and when sending a command to the value giving control means. Machine. 7. The game according to claim 1, wherein the game control means shares at least a command output module when sending a command to the effect control means and when sending a command to the value giving control means. Machine. 8. The form of the command sent from the game control means to the effect control means and the form of the command sent from the game control means to the value giving control means are at least:
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the command data output at one time is shared by having the same data amount. 9. The game control means, at least when sending a command to the effect control means and when sending a command to the value giving control means, the control means to which the command is sent receives the information once so that it can be received. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein only the output is performed. 10. The game control means is provided with an output circuit for a command sent to the effect control means and an output circuit for a command sent to the value assignment control means. Gaming machine. 11. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the command from the game control means is transmitted through an irreversible information output means capable of outputting information only. 12. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the input circuit for inputting a command to the effect control means and a command to the value giving control means is an irreversible information input means capable of only inputting information. . 13. A payout means capable of paying out a game medium as at least a game value, wherein a command output from the game control means to the value provision control means is for designating the number of game media to be paid out. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a command. 14. The payout means is capable of paying out game media based on a lending request signal, and has at least two flow paths for flowing the game media. The payout control based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition and the payout control based on the lending request signal can be performed together by switching between the downflow path of the game medium and the downflow path of the game medium based on the lending request signal. 13. The gaming machine according to 13. 15. The game control means can immediately output a command indicating a game value provision quantity to the value provision control means when the satisfaction of the predetermined condition is detected. Gaming machine.