JP2000157664A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of reducing the load in control of a main substrate. SOLUTION: A main substrate outputs a main command E to give the instruction for executing a plural kinds of sub-commands corresponding to a large prize state, to an electric decoration control substrate for controlling a lamp .LED (Sa2), and then outputs variation point indicating signals for indicating the variation time of the control during the large prize for every variation time (Sa4, 7,...). The electric decoration control substrate successively switches the sub-command on the basis of the variation point indicating signals to execute the same, which dispenses with the repeated and continuous output of the same data from the main substrate side to the electric decoration control substrate during a time from a certain variation time to the next variation time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine represented by, for example, a pachinko game machine and a coin game machine.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a gaming machine including a notifying unit capable of notifying a gaming state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally known as this type of gaming machine is a gaming machine including a notifying means capable of notifying a gaming state such as a gaming effect lamp and a speaker.

A conventional game machine of this type includes a game control board (main board) as an example of game control means for controlling a game state, an illumination control board for controlling a lighting state of a game effect lamp or the like, or And a sound effect control board for controlling the sound effect output from the speaker.

In a conventional gaming machine of this type, a game control board sends a notification operation pattern data corresponding to a game state to an electric control board or a sound effect control board at predetermined time intervals (for example, every several ms). Output, illumination control board, etc.
The game control board is configured to control a game effect lamp or the like based on the notification operation pattern data output every several ms from the game control board.

[0005]

However, in this type of conventional game machine, even when the game effect lamp or the like is controlled for a predetermined period based on predetermined notification operation pattern data, a game control board is required. For example, the same notification operation pattern data has been repeatedly and continuously output to the electric control board or the like during a predetermined period, for example, every several ms.
On the illumination control board side that receives the notification operation pattern data, for example, the notification operation pattern data received last time is discarded every several ms, and the processing is performed based on the same notification operation pattern data newly received. Was.

For this reason, there is a problem that the burden of control on the game control means side is increased. The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing a control load of a game control unit.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine including a notifying unit capable of notifying a gaming state, wherein the gaming control unit controls a gaming state of the gaming machine; A notification operation pattern data storage means capable of storing notification operation pattern data for performing notification operation in different notification operation patterns, the notification control data being used for performing notification operation of the means; Notification control means capable of selecting specific notification operation pattern data from a plurality of types of notification operation pattern data stored in the means and performing notification control on the notification means according to the selected notification operation pattern data, The game control means performs notification control based on each of a series of notification operation pattern data predetermined according to the game state within a predetermined period. The notification control data is provided to the notification control means, and from the notification control according to a certain notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification specification data within the predetermined period, the next notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification specification data is used. The time to change to the notification control is sequentially notified to the notification control means, and the notification control means includes:
Specifying a series of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the given notification designation data from the notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage unit, based on the notified time, The notification operation pattern data used for notification control in the series of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification designation data is sequentially changed in accordance with a predetermined order, and the notification means is caused to perform the notification operation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, between the game control means and the notification control means, the game control means transfers the notification control means. Data transmission is performed by one-way communication.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the game control means and the notification control means are housed in different housings and provided in the gaming machine. It is characterized by having been done.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the notifying means is turned on or off at a predetermined timing under the control of the notifying control means, thereby providing a game state. Characterized in that it is constituted by a predetermined illuminant capable of notifying the user.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the gaming state of the gaming machine is controlled by the operation of the gaming control means. By the action of the notification control means having the notification operation pattern data storage means, specific notification operation pattern data is selected from a plurality of types of notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage means, and the selected notification operation pattern data is selected. The notification means is notified and controlled in accordance with the notification operation pattern data. Further, by the function of the game control means, notification designation data for performing notification control based on each of a series of notification operation pattern data predetermined corresponding to a game state within a predetermined period is given to the notification control means. And the notification control means changes the notification control according to a certain notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification specification data to the notification control according to the next notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification specification data within the predetermined period. Notified sequentially. Then, by the operation of the notification control means, a series of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the given notification designation data is specified from the notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage means, and The notification operation pattern data to be used for notification control in a series of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification designation data is sequentially changed in accordance with a predetermined order based on the notified time, This is performed according to the notification operation pattern data after the notification operation is changed.

According to the present invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, between the game control means and the notification control means, the notification control is performed by the game control means. Since the data is transmitted to the means by one-way communication, the game control means does not receive data from the notification control means.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the game control means and the notification control means are housed in different housings, respectively, and the gaming machine is provided. Since the game control means and the notification control means are respectively protected by the container, the influence on the control means due to the damage of one of the containers does not reach the other control means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the notifying means constituted by the predetermined illuminant is controlled by the notifying control means at a predetermined timing. By turning on or off with, the game state is notified.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine or a slot machine, and can notify a gaming state. The present invention can be applied to all gaming machines including a notification unit.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 as an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention and a card unit 35 installed corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine.

A ball feed tray 3 is provided on the lower surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the lower part of the hit ball supply tray 3,
A surplus ball tray 4 for storing balls overflowing from the hit ball supply tray 3,
An operation knob 5 is provided for the player to perform a hitting operation. When the operation knob 5 is operated by the player, the pachinko balls stored in the hit ball supply tray 3 can be fired one by one. In the center of the game area 2, a starting port 16 is provided.
A variable display device 15 is provided to start variable display of a special symbol on condition that the ball is started to win. The variable display device 15 includes a variable display 17 for normally displaying a symbol variably as a hit ball is detected by the gate switch 24a, a passage storage display 17a, and a start storage display 1.
9 are provided. Further, below the variable display device 15, a starting port 16 provided with a movable piece 20 on the left and right,
The variable prize ball device 12 which is in an open state in which a hit ball can be won by tilting the open / close plate 25 is provided. Also, 28
Is an out port that is collected as an out ball when the hit ball does not win any of the winning ports or the variable winning ball device.

Further, in the game area 7, a plurality of kinds of decorations L which blink or light up in a predetermined manner according to the game state.
EDs 61 to 63 and decorative lamps 21 to 23 are provided. The decoration LED 61 is provided below the variable display device 15, and the decoration LED 62 is provided on the left and right sides of the opening and closing plate 25 provided on the variable winning ball device 12.
The ED 63 is an opening / closing plate 25 provided on the variable winning ball device 12.
Is provided inside the big winning opening that appears when tilted. On the other hand, the decorative lamps 21
The decorative lamp 22 is provided on the left and right of the decorative LED 62 provided on the variable winning ball device 12, and the decorative lamp 23 is provided on the general winning opening 25.

A plurality of game effect lamps 6 to 8 which blink or light up in a predetermined manner according to the game state, and LEDs 11, 1 are provided on the game machine frame portion on the outer periphery of the game area 2.
4, a prize ball lamp 10 that is lit when the prize ball is paid out, and a lamp ball lamp 9 that is lit while the ball is broken.

The game effect lamp 6 comprises three lamps arranged so as to surround the left side of the game area 7. On the other hand, the game effect lamp 8 includes three lamps arranged so as to surround the right side of the game area 7. In addition, the game effect lamp 7
Consists of five lamps arranged so as to surround the upper part of the game area 7.

Further, speakers 18 are provided on the left and right of the upper part of the gaming machine frame, which generate sound effects in stereo according to the gaming state, and are examples of informing means capable of informing the gaming state.

The variable display device 15 comprises a CRT display 30 (see FIG. 2) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of special symbols. Image display unit 15 at the center of the variable display device 15
In a, a plurality of kinds of special symbols are scroll-displayed from top to bottom on condition that a start winning has occurred.
Thereafter, as a result of the variable display ending after a predetermined time,
If the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes a big hit.
In addition, when a big hit occurs in a predetermined positively changing symbol among the big hit symbols, a probability variation state occurs and the big hit probability changes to a high probability. When a big hit occurs, the solenoid 27 is excited to open and close the open / close plate 25 of the variable winning ball device 12.
Tilts to open the special winning opening. As a result, the first state is controlled to be advantageous for the player who can make the ball hit the large winning opening, and the game state becomes a specific game state (big hit state) advantageous to the player.

The large winning opening of the variable winning ball device 12 is divided into a specific winning area and a normal winning area. The winning ball that has won the specific winning area is detected by the V count switch 51. On the other hand, a normal winning ball that has won the normal winning area is detected by the count switch 52. Fifteen prize balls are paid out each time a prize in both prize areas is detected. V
The number of winning balls detected by the count switch 51 and the count switch 52 is displayed on the number-of-times indicator 12a composed of a seven-segment display.

The first state of the variable winning ball device 12 is when the number of hit balls that have entered the special winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, nine) or when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. When the earlier one of the conditions is satisfied, the process is temporarily terminated and the opening / closing plate 25 is closed. As a result, the variable winning ball device 12 is controlled to a second state that is disadvantageous for a player who cannot make a hit ball. And
The ball that has entered during the period in which the variable prize ball device 12 is in the first state makes a specific prize in the specific prize area and is detected by the V count switch 51, and the variable prize ball device 12 is again turned on. Is set to the first state. The upper limit number of executions of the repetition continuation control is set to, for example, 16 times. In the repetition continuation control, a state in which the variable winning ball device 12 is in the first state is called a round. When the upper limit number of times of the execution of the repetition continuation control is 16, the variable winning prize ball device 12 is set to the first prize ball device 12 for 16 rounds from the first round to the 16th round.
State. The number of rounds of the big hit is displayed on the number-of-times indicator 12a.

A warp entrance 24 is provided on each of the left and right portions of the variable display device 15. The ball that has entered the warp entrance 24 passes through the back surface of the variable display device 15 and is discharged to the game area 2 again from below the variable display device 15. Therefore, warp entrance 2
The hit ball that has entered 4 is relatively easy to win the starting opening 16. In particular, a gate switch 24a is provided in the passage of the ball that has entered the warp entrance 24 provided on the left side portion of the variable display device 15, provided that the ball is detected by the gate switch 24a. Variable display 17
Is variably started. If a further ball is detected by the gate switch 24a while the variable display 17 is variably displaying, the passing ball is stored with “4” as the upper limit of the storage number, and the stored number is passed. It is displayed on the storage display 17a.

The variable display 17 is composed of a 7-segment display, and variably displays identification information usually called a symbol. If the display result of the variable display 17 becomes a predetermined special display mode (for example, 7), it is "hit".
When the display result of "hit" is derived on the variable display 17,
When the solenoid 26 is excited, a pair of left and right movable pieces 20 provided in the starting port 16 is opened. As a result, the starting port 16 is in an open state, and the hit ball can be more easily started and won. When the starting port 16 is in the open state,
If the player wins the start, the movable piece 20 closes to the original position, and the ball returns to the state where it is difficult to win the start. Also, the starting port 16
When a predetermined period has elapsed since the opening of the movable piece 20, the movable piece 20 closes to the original position and the opening state ends even if a start winning does not occur. The starting winning ball that has won the starting opening 16 is detected by the starting ball detector 56. When the starting winning ball is detected by the starting ball detector 56, six winning balls are paid out and the variable display device 15 is variably started based on the detected output. Note that the starting prize detected by the starting ball detector 56 during the variable display of the variable display device 15 is:
“4” is stored as the upper limit of the storage number, and the storage number is displayed on the start storage display 19. In addition, general winning opening 25
Is detected by the prize switch 58, and ten prize balls are paid out based on this.

The decorative LEDs 61 to 63, the decorative lamps 21 to 23, and the game effect lamps 6 to 8, which are examples of the notifying means capable of notifying the gaming state, are notified of a big hit when the variable display device 15 reaches a reach. When a big hit occurs, it flashes in a predetermined manner according to a game situation such as when a big hit occurs.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Mechanical panel 36 attached to the back of pachinko gaming machine 1
The storage tank 111 for storing a prize ball
The prize ball is supplied to the storage tank 111 from above in a state where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island. The prize ball in the storage tank 111 is the tank rail 1
10 to the ball payout unit 100.

Below the tank rail 110, a variable display control unit (CRT display) 30 including the display control board 40 and constituting the variable display device 15 is mounted.
Further below, an illuminated control board box 170 in which the illuminated control board 70 is accommodated and a sound effect control board box 180 in which the sound effect control board 80 is accommodated are mounted in parallel. A main board box 150 containing a main board (game control board) 50 is attached to the front side of the illuminated board box 170.
A payout control board box 160 in which the payout control board 60 is accommodated is mounted on the right side of the drawing 50.

The main board box 150, the payout control board box 160, the illumination control board box 170, and the sound effect control board box 180 are partially or entirely made of transparent synthetic resin so that the inside can be seen through. And a heat radiation hole is formed. Further, the sound effect control board 80 housed in the sound effect control board box 180 has a ROM (in particular, a ROM storing sound effect data).
OM) can be easily recycled if replaced.
Also, the illumination control board 70 accommodated in the illumination control board box 170 can be recycled by replacing the ROM similarly unless the board configuration and the number of lamps are changed. In other words, when the game board is replaced, collect all of those boxes, take out the ROM, rewrite or replace,
Since a new model having different contents can be used, various control boxes in which only the ROM is replaced when the new model is replaced can be delivered again and reused.

Further, the main board 50, the illumination control board 70,
Since the sound effect control board 80 is housed in different housings and provided in the gaming machine, not only can each control board be protected by a box, but also the effect on the control board due to damage of any box or the like. Does not extend to other control boards. Therefore, even when a control board contained in a box needs to be replaced due to damage of any box, it is not necessary to replace a plurality of control boards.

Below the main board box 150, a launcher motor 93 and a launch control board 90 for controlling the launcher motor 93 are provided. A power supply unit 112 is provided above the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

Next, various control boards used for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 and components related thereto will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various control boards used for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 and components related thereto. In particular, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the main board (game control board) 50 and various control boards and electric components. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the payout control board 60, various control boards, and electrical components.

The main board 50 includes a display control board 40 for controlling the display of the variable display device 15 and various lamps and LEDs.
Control board 70 for controlling the sound control, a sound effect control board 80 for controlling the sound effect output from the speaker 18, and a payout control board 60 for controlling the payout of balls and the lending of balls are electrically connected. ing. Further, the main board 50 is electrically connected with an information terminal board 59 for outputting various game information such as big hit information to the outside, a relay board 74, a sun pack relay board 64, and a payout unit 100. ing. Further, the starting ball detector 56 is electrically connected to the main board 50 without going through various relay boards.

On the other hand, the payout control board 60 includes the main board 50
Are electrically connected, and the emission control board 90 is electrically connected via the emission control signal relay board 95. Further, the payout control board 60 includes the balance display board 6.
5, the card unit 35, the buzzer board 54, the information terminal board 55, and the payout unit 100 are electrically connected.

The payout unit 100 includes a payout control board 60 and a main board 50 via a payout unit relay board 101.
Is electrically connected to The payout unit 100 includes
Ball lending motor position sensor board 10 to which ball lending motor position sensor 108b is connected in addition to payout unit relay board 101
8a, the prize ball motor position sensor board 109a to which the prize ball motor position sensor 109b is connected, the prize ball motor position sensor board 109a and the ball lending motor position sensor board 1
08a and a position sensor substrate 102 connected to the position sensor substrate 102 are provided. Further, the payout unit 100 includes a ball rental motor 1
03, ball lending count switch 104, prize ball motor 1
05 and award ball count switches 106a and 106b.

The power supply unit 112 includes the power supply relay board 11
A predetermined power is supplied to various control boards provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the control unit 4. The power supply unit 11
2 is provided with a power switch 113.

Signals from the full tank switch 68 and the payout unit relay board 101 are input to the main board 50 via the sunpack relay board 64. On the main board 50, switches (gate switch 24a, V count switch 51, count switch 5) provided on the game board surface are provided.
2, the detection signal of the winning switch 58) is input via the relay board 74. Further, a detection signal of the starting ball detector 56 is input to the main board 50.

The main board 50 drives and controls each of the solenoids 26 and 27 provided on the game board via the relay board 74. Further, the main board 50 outputs a control signal for controlling the special symbol display (variable display control unit) 30 to the display control board 40. The display control board 40 includes a main board 50.
The display control of the special symbol display 30 is performed based on the control signal of.

The main board 50 outputs a main command or the like according to a game situation to the illumination control board 70. The illumination control board 70 is provided with the number-of-times indicator 12a via the relay board 75,
It is connected to the passage storage display 17a and the start storage display 19, and further connected to the decoration lamp board 29 and the decoration LED board 69 via the relay board 75. The decorative lamp board 29 includes decorative lamps 21 provided on both sides of the game area 7, decorative lamps 22 provided on both sides of the variable winning ball device 12, and decorative lamps 23 provided in the winning opening 25. Is connected. On the other hand, on the decorative LED board 69, a decorative LED 61 provided below the variable display device 15, a decorative LED 62 provided on both sides of the opening and closing plate 25 of the variable winning ball device 12, and a large winning of the variable winning ball device 12. The decoration LED 63 provided in the mouth is connected. The illumination control board 70 controls lighting of each decoration lamp and decoration LED based on a main command or the like output from the main board 50.

Further, the illumination control board 70 includes an illumination relay board 72 and an illumination relay board 7 via an illumination relay board 71.
3 is connected. The game effect lamp board 7a, the game effect lamp board 10a, the game effect lamp board 9a, and the game effect lamp board 6a are connected to the illumination relay board 72.

The gaming effect lamp substrate 7a is connected to the gaming effect lamps 7 of the gaming effect lamps provided in the frame of the gaming machine, and the gaming effect lamp substrate 10a is connected to the prize ball lamp 10. The game effect lamp substrate 9a is connected to the ball-out lamp 9, and the game effect lamp substrate 6a is connected to the game effect lamp 6 and the game effect lamp 8.

On the other hand, the illumination effect relay board 73 has a game effect L
The ED board 13a, the game effect LED board 14a, and the game effect LED board 11a are connected.

The game effect LED board 13a has a game effect L
ED13 is connected to the game effect LED board 14a
Is connected to a game effect LED 14, and the game effect L
The game effect LED 11 is connected to the ED substrate 11a.

The illumination control board 70 controls each game effect lamp and game effect L based on a control signal from the main board 50.
ED lighting control is performed.

The main board 50 outputs a predetermined main command or the like to the sound effect control board 80 based on occurrence of a big hit or a winning. The sound effect control board 80 is connected to the speakers 18 via the sound effect relay board 81 and the sound effect relay boards 82 and 83. Sound effect control board 80
Performs control for outputting predetermined sound effects from the speakers 18 based on a main command or the like input from the main board 50. The sound effect control board 80 includes
A volume switch 84 is provided.

Further, the main board 50 is connected to an external hall computer or the like via an external connection terminal 59a provided on the information terminal board 59, to jackpot information, probability variation information, start-up winning information, symbol determination frequency information, and the number of characters. It outputs various game information such as information.

The main board 50 outputs a full signal to the payout control board 60 based on a detection signal of the full switch 68 input via the sun pack relay board 64, and based on the full signal, the ball is output. The driving of the lending motor 103 is stopped, or the driving of the firing device motor 125 is stopped. Further, when there is an input signal from the full tank switch 68, the output of the winning ball possible signal output to the payout control board 60 in the normal state is stopped.

Further, the main board 50 outputs a prize ball number signal to the payout control board 60 based on the winning of the hit ball. The payout control board 60 controls the driving of the prize ball motor 105 based on the input of the prize ball number signal and the prize ball enable signal to control the payout of a predetermined number of prize balls from the ball payout device. Prize ball motor 1
The prize balls paid out by driving 05 are detected by the prize ball count switches 106a and 106b. The detection signals of the prize ball count switches 106a and 106b are sent to the payout control board 60 and the main board 5 via the payout unit relay board 101.
0 is input. The main board 50 counts the number of winning balls based on the detection signals of the winning ball count switches 106a and 106b. When the number of prize balls to be paid out is detected, a clear signal for clearing the prize ball number signal is output to the payout control board 60.

Further, on the main board 50, through the payout unit relay board 101, the cutout switches 107a, 107
7b is input. The main board 50 stops outputting the prize ball possible signal to the payout control board 60 based on these input signals, and outputs a prize ball out signal to the electric decoration control board 70. The illumination control board 70 performs control to display and drive the ball-out lamp 9 in a predetermined mode based on the input of the prize-ball out signal. Further, the main board 50 outputs a prize ball signal to the illumination control board 70 each time a prize ball is counted by the prize ball count switches 106a and 106b. The illumination control board 70 controls the lighting of the prize ball lamp 10 based on the prize ball signal.

The firing control board 90 includes a single firing switch 91, a touch sensor 92, a firing device motor 93,
The firing control power supply relay board 94 is connected to each of them. The launch control power supply relay board 94 includes a power supply relay board 114.
, And supplies a predetermined power to the launch control board 90.

The balance display board 65 includes a ball lending switch 6.
6, a return switch 67 and a balance display (not shown) are connected. The payout control board 60 outputs balance information to the balance display based on the input of various information from the card unit 35, and outputs a trouble signal to the buzzer board 54. A predetermined buzzer is connected to the buzzer board 54, and a predetermined notification sound is emitted by the control of the buzzer board 54.

The ball lending motor position sensor 108b and the prize ball motor position sensor 10 provided in the payout unit 100
The detection signal of 9b is output from each of the sensor boards 108a, 109a,
It is input to the payout control board 60 through the payout unit relay board 101 and the payout unit relay board 101. The payout control board 60 accurately controls the stop positions of the motors 103 and 105 in the payout operation of the lending ball and the prize ball, that is, the stop positions of the rotating members, and rotates the rotating members based on the input signals of the respective position sensors. Is detected. Further, the payout control board 60 controls the motor so as to pay out the correct payout number of the lending ball and the prize ball based on the detection signals of the count switches 104, 106a, 106b inputted through the payout unit relay board 101. Drive control of 103 and 105 is performed, and information on the number of balls to be lent and information on the number of prize balls are output to the information terminal board 55. The information terminal board 55 has external connection terminals 55a.
Is provided, and ball lending information and prize ball information are output via the external connection terminal 55a based on an input signal from the payout control board 60.

Further, the payout control board 60 is provided with the ball-break switch 1 inputted through the payout unit relay board 101.
07a, 107b, the ball rental motor 1
03 or the driving of the prize ball motor 105 is stopped. Then, a ball breaking signal is output to the information terminal board 55. The information terminal board 55 outputs the piece of ball information to the outside via the external connection terminal 55a based on the piece of ball signal input from the payout signal board 60. When a signal from the ball-out switch 107b is input during the ball-lending operation, the ball-lending operation is stopped after the payout operation is completed.

The payout control board 60 inquires the balance information from the card unit 35 based on the input signal from the ball lending switch 66, and if there is room in the balance information, allows the ball lending request signal to allow the ball lending motor 103. And outputs a return signal to the card unit 35 to the card unit 35 based on the input signal from the return switch 67.

Further, the payout control board 60 includes the main board 50
The payout operation of the prize ball is executed via the payout unit relay board 101 based on the prize ball possible signal, the prize ball number signal, and the full tank signal from the player.
Output a stop signal for stopping the operation.

The input signal from the ball-break information switch 57 connected to the information terminal board 55 is
Instead of being input to 0, it is output to an external management computer or the like as it is as ball-out information.

In the above description, only the switch input for controlling the game operation and the switch input for controlling the prize ball payout operation are input to the main board 50, and the main board 50 and the other control boards 40 are not input. , 60, 70, 80, the main board 50 is connected to the other control boards 40, 60, 7
It becomes a one-way communication relationship toward 0,80. For this reason, there is an advantage that even if an illegal processing program is incorporated in the other control boards 40, 60, 70, and 80 to perform an illegal process on the main board 50, it cannot be executed. Since a part of the control is performed by another control board, the burden on the main board 50 can be reduced, and the inspection of the main board 50 by the regulatory agency can be facilitated.

FIG. 5 shows a main board 50, an illumination control board 70,
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a connection configuration of lamps and LEDs. In FIG. 5, illustration of various relay boards is omitted.

CPU 70a, R
It includes an OM 70b and a RAM 70c. ROM 70b
Stores a plurality of types of subcommands corresponding to various main commands as a subcommand group. CPU
70a selects a sub-command group corresponding to a main command separately output from the main board 50 from among the sub-command groups stored in the ROM 70b, and selects control signals (change point instruction signals) D0 to D7 shown in FIG. And performs a process based on each subcommand in the subcommand group.

The decoration LEDs 61 to 63 and the decoration lamps 21 to 23 are connected to the illumination control board 70 via various relay boards and the like, and the game effect lamp 7 is further connected to the game effect lamp board 7a. The game effect lamp 6 and the game effect lamp 8 are connected to each other via the game effect lamp board 6a.

On the other hand, the main board 50 is provided with a game control microcomputer including a CPU 50a and an input buffer circuit 53a. As the input buffer circuit 53a, for example, 74HC which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC
244 is used. The low level (GND level) is always applied to the enable terminal of the 74HC244, and the output level of the buffer is determined to be the input level, that is, the signal level from the main board 50. For this reason, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the illumination control board 70 side to the main board 50 side. Therefore, even if the circuit in the illumination control board 70 is tampered with, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 50 side. That is, the main substrate 50
And one-way communication of a signal between the illumination control board 70 and the illumination control board 70, and it is possible to reliably prevent an illegal act of inputting an unauthorized signal from the illumination control board 70 to the main board 50 and performing an unauthorized control. Can be.

Eight signal lines capable of transmitting control signals (change point instruction signals) D0 to D7 in parallel from the main board 50 to the illumination control board 70 are connected. The CPU 50a on the main board 50 outputs control signals D0 to D7 composed of pulses of a predetermined width to the illumination control board 70 via the input buffer circuit 53a.

The control signals D0 to D6 respectively correspond to the decoration L
ED61, 62, 63, decorative lamps 21, 22, 23,
This is a control signal for controlling the game effect lamp (frame lamp) 7. The control signal D7 is a control signal for controlling the game effect lamps (frame lamps) 6, 8.

The CPU 50a on the main board 50 outputs a main command for blinking a lamp and an LED according to the game state to the CPU 70a on the electric control board 70, and then outputs the main command to the electric control board by control signals D0 to D6. It instructs the CPU 70a on the 70 side to execute each subcommand corresponding to the main command. This allows
For example, immediately before the occurrence of a big hit, after a main command for designating a sub-command group corresponding to each lamp / LED control operation from the occurrence of the big hit to the end thereof is output from the main board 50 to the illumination control board 70. The time immediately after the occurrence of the big hit, the start time of each round, the time of occurrence of the V prize, and the like are notified to the illumination control board 70 by the control signals D0 to D7. The CPU 70a on the illumination control board 70 sequentially executes processing corresponding to each subcommand according to the status of each control signal D0 to D7.

FIG. 6 shows a signal transmission portion of a main command for voice control on the main board 50 and a sound effect control board 8.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a 0. Sound effect control board 80
Are a CPU 80a, a ROM 80b, a RAM 80c, an input buffer circuit 85, a voice synthesis circuit 87, a volume switching circuit 8,
8 and a volume amplification circuit 89. In this embodiment, a main command for instructing sound output of the speakers 18 is output from the main board 50 to the sound effect control board 80 in accordance with the progress of the game.

Eight signal lines capable of transmitting control signals D0 to D7 in parallel from the CPU 50a on the main board 50 to the sound effect control board 80 are connected. The CPU 50a on the main board 50 outputs the main command to the sound effect control board 80 by the control signals D0 to D6 via the output port (output port E) 50b and the input buffer circuit 53b. The control signal D7 is a signal indicating whether or not the control signals D0 to D6 are valid data.

The main command input to the sound effect control board 80 is input to the CPU 80a for voice control via the input buffer circuit 85. The ROM 80b stores subcommand groups corresponding to various voice control main commands. The CPU 80a reads a subcommand group corresponding to the input main command from the ROM 80b and prepares for executing a process corresponding to each subcommand. After that, the CPU 50a on the main board 50 sequentially outputs a control signal (change point instruction signal) capable of specifying a timing of executing a process corresponding to each subcommand. The CPU 80a on the sound effect control board 80 executes a process corresponding to each subcommand based on the control signal. Then, for example, the voice synthesizing circuit 87 by the digital signal processor generates a voice and a sound effect according to the instruction of the CPU 80a for voice control, and outputs it to the volume switching circuit 88. The volume switching circuit 88 adjusts the output level of the CPU 80a for voice control to a level corresponding to the set volume and outputs the adjusted level to the volume amplification circuit 89. Volume amplification circuit 89
Outputs the amplified audio signal from the speakers 18.

As input buffer circuits 53b and 85, for example, 74HC244 which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC is used. A low level (GND level) is always applied to the enable terminal of the 74HC244. Therefore, the output level of each buffer is determined to be the input level, that is, the signal level from the main board 50. For this reason,
There is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the sound effect control board 80 side to the main board 50 side. Therefore, even if the circuit in the sound effect control board 80 is tampered with, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 50 side. In particular, since the buffer circuit 53b is also provided on the main board 50 side, a signal input from the outside to the inside of the main board 50 is blocked, so that a signal is applied from the sound effect control board 80 to the main board 50. Signal lines that may be generated can be more reliably eliminated. That is, one-way communication of signals between the main board 50 and the sound effect control board 80 is ensured, and an unauthorized act of inputting an incorrect signal from the sound effect control board 80 to the main board 50 to perform unauthorized control. Can be reliably prevented.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the main board 50 and the illumination control board 70
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a main command output to the executor. The main board 50 outputs a main command shown at a predetermined timing to the electric decoration control board 70 so that the decoration lamp and the decoration LED blink or light up in accordance with the game state indicated by the variable display device 15 or the like. I do. For example, as shown in FIG.
Is a command output when the special symbol is not changed and a predetermined demonstration screen is displayed. Specifically, “01H” is output to the illumination control board 70 as the command A. The command B is a command output (except for reach) in response to the change of the special symbol on the variable display device 15. Specifically, “02H” is output to the illumination control board 70. The command C is a command output in response to establishment of the reach, and specifically, “03H” is output to the illumination control board 70. Command D is all game effect lamps and L
This command is output when the ED is turned off, and specifically, “04H” is output. Command E is a command that is output when a jackpot occurs,
Specifically, “05H” is output. The command F is a command that is output when an error occurs, and specifically, “06H” is output.

The illumination control board 70 selects a subcommand group corresponding to each main command from the ROM 70b based on the input of each main command, and determines the timing based on the control signals D0 to D7 separately transmitted from the main board 50. so,
A process based on each subcommand of the selected subcommand group is executed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the content of the game control during the big hit and the control time during which each game control is performed. It should be noted that "a ~" shown in the illustrated "section"
"F" represents each section of the timing chart shown in FIG. The relationship between each section and the timing chart of FIG. 13 will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 8, the variable display device 12 or the like operates between the time when the display result of the variable display device 15 becomes a big hit and the time when the big winning port of the variable winning ball device 12 is opened (during the big hit display). The demonstration time is 6 seconds. Further, the time from the opening of the special winning opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 12 to the closing of the special winning opening (during opening of the special winning opening), that is, the maximum duration of one round is 29.5 at the maximum.
Seconds. Next, the time from the end of a certain round and the closing of the special winning opening until the opening of the special winning opening at the start of the next round (between rounds), that is, the time between each round is one. Seconds. Also, the time of the demonstration performed when the V winning is detected (when the V winning is detected) is one second. Furthermore, the time for the demonstration to be performed immediately after the end of all rounds (big hit end 1) is 4 seconds. further,
The time for the demonstration to be performed when the predetermined time has elapsed immediately after the completion of all the rounds (big hit end 2) is 2 seconds.

The CPU 50a on the main board 50 outputs the main command E shown in FIG. 7 to the illumination control board 70 immediately before the occurrence of the big hit, and then controls signals D0 to D7 which can specify each section shown in FIG. Are sequentially output to the illumination control board 70.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing lighting pattern data of each lamp / LED from the occurrence of a big hit to the end. The illustrated lighting pattern data is stored in the RAM 70b of the illuminated control board 70 as data for specifying the processing content to be executed in response to the big hit. That is, the illustrated lighting pattern data is a subcommand corresponding to the main command E (see FIG. 7) output in response to the big hit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the blinking cycle of each lamp / LED specified by the lighting pattern data (subcommand) shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, since the lighting pattern data is composed of only two types of data, that is, the lighting duration and the lighting duration, the control of each lamp / LED as an example of a notifying means capable of notifying the gaming state is performed. The data amount can be reduced as compared with the control data amount of the speaker 18 or the like which is an example of a notifying unit capable of notifying the gaming state.

In FIG. 9, the symbol shown in each frame as “lighting pattern data” designates the blinking cycle shown in FIG. Then, every time the control signals D0 to D7 are output according to the change of the game state during the big hit,
The lighting pattern of each lamp / LED corresponding to the output control signal sequentially shifts from left to right of each frame shown in FIG.

For example, decoration L corresponding to control signal D0
In the case of the ED 61 (decorative LED A), the lighting pattern alternates with L1, L2, L1,... Every time the control signal D0 is output from the occurrence of the big hit to the end, and finally the lighting pattern. Changes to L3. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in (2), with the control signal D0 being first input to the illumination control board 70, the decoration LED 61 is turned on (ON) after maintaining the off (OFF) state for 40 ms.
State is maintained for 40 ms, and the decoration LED 61 is kept off (OFF) for 200 ms after the control signal D0 is input, and then turned on (ON) for 20 ms.
Hold 0 ms.

The decorative LED corresponding to the control signal D1
In the case of 62 (decorative LED B), since the lighting pattern is always set to L1, the decorative LED 61 is turned off (OF) with the first input of the control signal D1.
After holding the state of F) for 40 ms, the lighting (ON) state is held for 40 ms, and blinking is repeated at this cycle.

Similarly, the decorative LED 62 (decorative lamp C), the decorative lamp 21 (decorative lamp A), the decorative lamp 22 (decorative lamp B), and the decorative lamp 23 (decorative lamp C) also respond to the input of the corresponding control signals. Thus, the lighting is performed in the lighting pattern shown in FIG.

Similarly, the game effect lamp 7 (game effect lamp A) and the game effect lamps 6 and 8 (game effect lamp B) are also controlled according to the input of the corresponding control signals as shown in FIG.
The lighting is performed in the lighting pattern shown in FIG.

In FIG. 9, the lighting pattern of the gaming effect lamp 7 (gaming effect lamp A) is shown in two rows, but this is two rows after the rightmost column "LA1" in the first row. The leftmost column of the eyes is “LA2”, followed by “LA4”, “LA”
5 ". This is the same for the lighting patterns of the game effect lamps 6 and 8 (game effect lamp B).

Referring to FIG. 10, especially, lighting patterns LA1 to LA4 of game effect lamp 7 (game effect lamp A).
Are set as five types, respectively, in order to blink in a different pattern for each of the five game effect lamps 7 provided. Similarly, the lighting pattern L of the game effect lamps 6 and 8 (game effect lamp B)
The reason why three types of B1 to LB5 are set respectively is to blink in a different pattern for each of the three game effect lamps 6 and 8 provided.

For example, by executing the lighting pattern LB1 of the game effect lamps 6 and 8 (game effect lamp B), the game effect lamp 6 composed of three lamps arranged so as to surround the left side of the game area 7 is provided. Of the game effect lamps 8 composed of three lamps arranged so as to surround the right side of the game area 7, the game effect lamps 6 and 8 provided at the bottom blink first, and then the middle lamp is turned on. Flashes,
Finally, the lamp provided at the top blinks. As a result, in the gaming effect lamps 6 and 8 arranged on the left and right of the gaming area 7, a display is made such that light travels from bottom to top.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a voice control subcommand for controlling the sound output from the speaker 18. The voice control subcommands are stored in the ROM 80b of the sound effect control board 80 as data corresponding to main commands corresponding to various game states.

Note that "A to A" shown in the "section" shown in FIG.
"J" represents each section of the timing chart shown in FIG. The relationship between each section and the timing chart of FIG. 14 will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 11, subcommand "00"
"H" designates that the speaker 18 is silenced. Further, generation of the reel fluctuation sound (variation 1) is designated by the subcommand “01H”, and “02H”
Is designated to generate a left symbol stop sound (left symbol stop), and "03H" is designated to generate a right symbol stop sound (right symbol stop), and is set to "04H".
Specifies that a stop sound for a medium symbol is generated (middle symbol stop).

The sub-command "05H" specifies that a sound effect when the right symbol slides is generated (right symbol slip), and "06H" specifies a sound effect when the right symbol stops sliding. What to generate (right symbol sliding stop) is specified.

Further, the subcommands "07H" and "08
H ”, a sound effect corresponding to the image display of the jackpot notice 1 and the jackpot notice 2 is generated (notice 1,
Notice 2) is designated, and sound effects corresponding to predetermined characters are generated by each of "09H" to "0EH" (characters A-1, A-2, B-1, C-).
1, D-1, E-1). Each number of seconds indicated in the illustrated “time” indicates a period during which a sound effect is generated based on each subcommand.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between a main command for voice control and a subcommand group corresponding to the main command. FIG. 12 shows “Reach 1
The process named "sound" is executed by the CPU of the sound effect control board 80.
A sub-command group corresponding to the main command “01H” to be executed by 80a is shown. The main command “01” is stored in the ROM 80 b of the sound effect control board 80.
A plurality of types of subcommands illustrated as a subcommand group corresponding to "H" are stored in the order of selection.

By sequentially executing the sub-commands corresponding to the main command "01H" shown in the figure, a reach called "reach 1" is established after the simultaneous change of the special symbol starts on the variable display device 15. Eventually, a sound effect corresponding to the image display until the final display result is derived and displayed is output from the speaker 18.

For example, the CPU 8 of the sound effect control board 80
0a, after receiving the main command “01H” from the main board 50, waits until a control signal is input from the main board 50, and based on the input of the first control signal,
The sound effect of “fluctuation 1” corresponding to the subcommand “01H” is output. After that, based on the input of the second control signal, the sound effect of “left symbol stop” corresponding to the subcommand “02H” is output. Next, based on the input of the third control signal, the subcommand “03H”
And outputs a sound effect of “stop right symbol” corresponding to the sub-command “0” based on the input of the fourth control signal.
The sound effect of “character A-1” corresponding to “9H” is output. Hereinafter, similarly, when the control signal is input, the CPU 80a on the sound effect control board 80 switches the subcommand, and executes the processing based on the switched subcommand.

FIG. 13 shows a state in which the CPU 50a on the main board 50 side outputs the main command E (05H) from the CPU 50a on the main board 50 side to the illumination control board 70 until the big hit control ends. Illuminated control board 70
Control signals D0 to D7 constituted by pulses of a predetermined width
6 is a timing chart showing the timing at which is output. It should be noted that a to f indicating each section in the timing chart correspond to each section shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 13, control signals D0 and D2 to D7 are output at the timing when the display result of the big hit is derived and displayed on variable display device 15. The CPU 80a on the sound effect control board 80 executes the subcommands shown in FIG. 9 sequentially according to the input of each control signal.

For example, the decoration LED 61 (decoration LED A) is controlled by the lighting pattern L1 according to the input of the control signal D0, and the decoration LED 61 is controlled according to the input of the control signal D2.
63 (decorative LED C) is controlled by the lighting pattern L1.

The decorative lamp 21 (decorative lamp A) is controlled by the lighting pattern L1 according to the input of the control signal D3, and the decorative lamp 22 is controlled according to the input of the control signal D4.
(Decorative lamp B) is controlled by the lighting pattern L1,
According to the input of the control signal D5, the decoration lamp 23 (decoration lamp C) is controlled by the lighting pattern L1.

Further, according to the input of the control signal D6, the game effect lamp 7 (game effect lamp A) is turned on by the lighting pattern LA.
1 and the game effect lamps 6, 8 (game effect lamp B) are turned on in accordance with the input of the control signal D7.
It is controlled by B1.

Next, when the display of the demonstration based on the occurrence of the big hit shown in the section A is completed and the display of the first round is performed, the control signals D0, D1, D
3, D6 and D7 are output. Sound effect control board 8
9 according to the input of each control signal.
Are sequentially executed. Thereby, the decoration LED 61 (decoration LED A) and the decoration lamp 21
The lighting pattern of (decorative lamp A) changes from L1 to L2.

The lighting pattern of the game effect lamp 7 (game effect lamp A) changes from LA1 to LA2, and the lighting pattern of the game effect lamps 6, 8 (game effect lamp B) changes from LB1 to LB2.

Next, control signals D4 and D6 are output at the point of occurrence of the V prize, which is shown at the beginning of section d.
Thereby, the lighting pattern of the decoration lamp 22 (decoration lamp B) changes from L1 to L2, and the lighting pattern of the game effect lamp 7 (game effect lamp A) changes from LA2 to LA3.

Next, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of the V winning, which is shown at the end of the section d, the control signals D2 and D5 to D7 are output. By this, decoration LED
63 (decoration LED C) and the lighting pattern of the decoration lamp 23 (decoration lamp C) change from L1 to L2, and the lighting pattern of the game effect lamp 7 (game effect lamp A) becomes L
A3 changes to LA2, and the lighting pattern of the game effect lamps 6, 8 (game effect lamp B) changes from LB2 to LB3.

[0102] Next, as shown at the end of the section B _1, at the end of the first round, the control signal D0, D2, D3~D
4, D6, and D7 are output. Thereby, the lighting pattern of the decoration LED 61 (decoration LED A), the decoration LED 63 (decoration LED C), the decoration lamp 21 (decoration lamp A), and the decoration lamp 22 (decoration lamp B) is L.
It changes from 2 to L1.

The lighting pattern of the game effect lamp 7 (game effect lamp A) changes from LA2 to LA1, and the lighting pattern of the game effect lamps 6, 8 (game effect lamp B) changes from LB3 to LB1.

[0104] Next, as shown at the beginning of the interval b _2, at the start of the second round, the control signal D0, D3, D6, and D7 are output. Thereby, the lighting pattern of the decoration LED 61 (decoration LED A) and the decoration lamp 21 (decoration lamp A) changes from L1 to L2. Further, the lighting pattern of the game effect lamp 7 (game effect lamp A) is LA.
From 1 to LA2, the lighting pattern of the game effect lamps 6, 8 (game effect lamp B) changes from LB1 to LB2.

Thereafter, the same processing is performed until the final round, on condition that a V winning occurs in each round. Then, as shown at the end of the section B _16, the last of the 16
At the end of the round, control signals D0, D6, and D7 are output. Thereby, the lighting pattern of the decoration LED 61 (decoration LED A) changes from L2 to L3. The lighting pattern of the game effect lamp 7 (game effect lamp A) changes from LA2 to LA4, and the lighting pattern of the game effect lamps 6, 8 (game effect lamp B) changes to LB2.
From LB3 to LB3.

Next, at a point in time when a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the section B ₁₆ (the beginning of the section), the control signals D 6 and D 6
7 is output. Thereby, the lighting pattern of the game effect lamp 7 (game effect lamp A) changes from LA4 to LA5, and the lighting pattern of the game effect lamps 6, 8 (game effect lamp B) changes from LB3 to LB4.

Thereafter, although not shown, the main substrate 5
A main command D for turning off all lamps / LEDs is separately output from the CPU 50a on the 0 side to the electric decoration control board 70, whereby all lamps / L
The ED is controlled to be turned off.

FIG. 14 shows that after the main command “01H” (see FIG. 12) corresponding to “reach 1” is output from the CPU 50a on the main board 50 to the sound effect control board 80, the CPU 50a on the main board 50 side. 5 is a timing chart showing a timing at which a control signal is output to a sound effect control board 80. The CPU 80a on the sound effect control board 80 executes control to output a sound effect corresponding to “reach 1” from the speaker 18 according to the control signal. In addition, A to J indicating each section in the timing chart correspond to each section illustrated in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 14, the first control signal is output simultaneously with the start of the variable display in which the reach called "reach 1" is established during the variable display. The CPU 80a on the sound effect control board 80 executes a process based on “01H” among the subcommands shown in FIG. 12 according to the input of the first control signal. As a result, the fluctuating sound is output from the speaker 18. Next, a second control signal is input at a timing when the left symbol is stopped. The CPU 80a on the sound effect control board 80 executes a process based on “02H” of the subcommand in accordance with the input of the second control signal. Thereby, the left symbol stop sound is output from the speaker 18. Next, a third control signal is input at a timing when the right symbol is stopped. The CPU 80a on the sound effect control board 80 executes a process based on the subcommand “03H” according to the input of the third control signal. Thereby, the right symbol stop sound is output from the speaker 18. At this point, reach 1 is established in the variable display device 15. Next, a fourth control signal is input at a timing at which the character A-1 is displayed. The CPU 80a on the sound effect control board 80 executes a process based on the subcommand "09H" according to the input of the fourth control signal. Thereby, the sound effect corresponding to the character A-1 is output from the speaker 18.

Thereafter, similarly, CPU 80a sequentially executes each subcommand in a predetermined order shown in FIG. 12 according to the input of the control signal. Thereby, sound effects corresponding to various characters displayed on the variable display device 15 are output from the speaker 18.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the big hit lamp LED process executed by the CPU 50a on the main board 50 side. If a big hit occurs, follow the procedure for this big hit lamp LED process.
A main command and a control signal (change point instruction signal) are transmitted from the main board 50 to the illumination control board 70.

First, it is determined whether it is time to transmit a main command E (see FIG. 7) for causing the electric decoration control board 70 to execute a control process based on the occurrence of a big hit (Sa1). . For example, if the predetermined time immediately before the big hit display is reached after the variable display device 15 has established the reach, a determination of YES is made in Sa1, and otherwise, a determination of NO is made.

If it is determined that it is not time to transmit the command E, the flow shifts to Sa3 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is time to send the command E,
Is set to output (Sa2). Thereby, the command E is output from the main board 50 to the illumination control board 70.

Next, the display result of the big hit is derived and displayed on the variable display device 15, and it is determined whether or not the big hit start time has come (Sa3). If it is not the big hit start time, the process proceeds to Sa5 described later. If it is time to start jackpot, D
A setting is made to transmit a change point instruction signal (control signal) for 0 and D2 to D7 (Sa4). As a result, the change point instruction signals D0, D2 to D7 are turned ON / OFF.
Then, the illumination control board 70 controls the lamp and the LED based on each control signal.

Next, it is determined whether it is time to start each round (Sa5). If it is not the start time of each round, the flow shifts to Sa9 described later. If it is the start time of each round, it is determined whether or not it is the start time of the first round (Sa6). When it is the start time of the first round, a setting is made to transmit the change point instruction signal for D0, D1, D3, D6, and D7 (Sa).
7). Thereafter, the flow shifts to Sa9 described later. On the other hand, if it is not the first round, that is, if it is any of the second to 16th rounds, D0, D2 to D4,
The setting for transmitting the change point instruction signal is made for D6 and D7 (Sa8). CPU 70a on the illumination control board 70 side
Controls the lamp and the LED based on the change point instruction signal transmitted by Sa7 or Sa8.

Next, it is determined whether or not a V winning has occurred (Sa9). If the V winning has not occurred, the flow shifts to Sa13 described later. When a V prize occurs,
First, the setting for transmitting the change point instruction signal is made for D4 and D6 (Sa10). Next, it is determined whether a predetermined period has elapsed (Sa11). Then, on condition that a predetermined period has elapsed, a setting is made to transmit a change point instruction signal for D2, D5, D6, and D7 (Sa).
12). After controlling the lamp and the LED based on the change point instruction signal transmitted by Sa10, the illumination control board 70 controls the lamp and the LED based on the change point instruction signal transmitted by Sa12.

Next, it is determined whether it is time to end each round (Sa13). If it is not the end time of each round, the flow shifts to Sa15 described later. On the other hand, if it is the end time of each round, D0, D2, D3, D
The setting for transmitting the change point instruction signal is made for D4, D6, and D7 (Sa14). The illumination control board 70
The lamp and the LED are controlled based on the change point instruction signal transmitted by a14.

Next, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the last round (Sa15). If it is not the start time of the final round, the flow shifts to Sa17 described later. If it is time to start the last round, D0, D3, D6, D
7 is set to transmit a change point instruction signal (Sa16). The illumination control board 70 sets the lamp and L based on the change point instruction signal transmitted by Sa16.
Control ED.

Next, it is determined whether or not the end of all rounds (the end of all rounds 1) (Sa1).
7). If all rounds have not been completed, the flow shifts to Sa19 described later. On the other hand, if all rounds have been completed, a setting is made to transmit a change point instruction signal for D0, D6, and D7 (Sa18). The illumination control board 70 controls the lamp and the LED based on the change point instruction signal transmitted by Sa18.

Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of all rounds (end of all rounds 2) (Sa19). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the end of all rounds, the flow shifts to Sa21 described later. On the other hand, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of all rounds, D6
The setting for transmitting the change point instruction signal is made for D7 (Sa20). The illumination control board 70 controls the gaming effect lamp based on the change point instruction signal transmitted by Sa20.

Next, it is determined whether or not the big hit control has ended (Sa21). If it is not the time when the jackpot control has ended, the process ends. When the big hit control is finished, a setting for outputting the command D is made (Sa22). The illumination control board 70 receives this command D and turns off all lamps and LEDs. After the setting for outputting the command D is made, the big hit lamp LED process ends.

FIG. 16 shows the CPU 7 on the illumination control board 70 side.
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of lamp LED control processing performed by Oa. C on the illumination control board 70 side
The PU 70a executes a process based on a main command output from the main board 50 and a change point instruction signal (control signal) in accordance with the procedure of the lamp LED control process.

First, it is determined whether a main command has been received (Sb1). If the main command has not been received, the process proceeds to Sb3 described later. When the main command is received, an output data group (subcommand group) corresponding to the main command is set (Sb2).

Next, it is determined whether or not a change point instruction signal (control signal) has been received from the main board 50 (Sb).
3). When the change point instruction signal is received, the address of the subcommand data to be output from the output data group (subcommand group) is set (Sb4). Next, the set subcommand data is output (Sb5), and the lamp LED control process ends. Thereafter, a process of controlling the lamp / LED based on the output subcommand data is executed.

Thereafter, when the main command is not received when the lamp LED control process is executed again, the flow proceeds to Sb3. Then, when the next change point instruction signal is received, YES is determined in Sb3, and Sb4 is determined.
The address of the subcommand corresponding to the change point instruction signal is set, and the set subcommand is output in Sb5.

On the other hand, if the next change point instruction signal has not yet been received in Sb3, the process of outputting the subcommand previously set in Sb4 is continued in Sb5. Thereby, the CPU 70a on the illumination control board 70 side
Is a ramp and lamp for a predetermined period based on the same data.
Even in the case of controlling the LED, there is no need to repeatedly and continuously receive the same data from the main substrate 50 for a predetermined period as in the related art. For this reason, the control burden on the main board 50 side is reduced.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the connection configuration shown in FIG. In the connection configuration shown in FIG. 17, control signals (change point instruction signals) D0 to D7 are output from the CPU 40a on the display control board 40 that controls the variable display device 15 to the electric decoration control board 70 via the input buffer circuit 43a. Is done. CP on the display control board 40 side
The U40a controls the variable display device 15 based on a command signal input from the CPU 50a of the main board 50, and outputs control signals D0 to D7 to the electric decoration control board 70 based on the command signal.

For example, when a command signal indicating that a big hit is to be displayed on the display control board 40 is input from the main board 50 to the CPU 40a of the display control board 40,
Executes the display control for displaying the image, outputs the main command E to the illumination control board 70 side, and controls the control signals D0 to D7 at the timing of displaying the image indicating the occurrence of the big hit. Output to the substrate 70 side.

Generally, each lamp / LED often blinks in relation to an image displayed on the variable display device 15, and therefore, as shown in this embodiment, the variable display device 15
Control signals D0 to D7 from the display control board 40 side for controlling
Is output, the CPU 50a on the main board 50 side
It is not necessary to output a signal to both the display control board 40 and the illumination control board 70, and it is sufficient to output a signal only to the display control board 40. For this reason, the processing load on the CPU 50a on the main board 50 side is further reduced.

Next, modifications and features of the above-described embodiment will be enumerated below. (1) In the above embodiment, C on the illumination control board 70 side
The subcommands required for controlling the PU 70a are stored in advance in the ROM 70b on the illumination control board 70, and the subcommands required for controlling the ROM 80b on the sound effect control board 80 are stored in the ROM 80b on the sound effect control board 80. May be configured to be output from the main board 50 side necessary for control to the illumination control board 70 side and the sound effect control board 80 side each time.

For example, when the main command is output from the main board 50 side, it is conceivable to configure so that necessary subcommands are output together with the main command. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the subcommands corresponding to the control signals D0 to D7 are sequentially output in addition to the output of the control signals D0 to D7. In these cases, until the processing based on the subcommand ends,
Subcommands may be stored in the RAM 70c and the RAM 80c.

In this case, the RAM 70c and the RAM 80c are capable of storing the notification control data for performing the notification operation of the notification means and the notification operation pattern data for performing the notification operation in different notification operation patterns. Data storage means is configured.

(2) In this embodiment, the main substrate 50
The notification operation period for performing the notification operation according to the subcommand (reporting operation pattern data) corresponding to the main command (reporting designation data) is notified by the pulse signal appearing on each of the eight signal lines connecting the illumination control board 70 and the illumination control board 70. Control signals (change point instruction signals) D0 to D7 for performing the control. The number of pulse signals is used to specify which subcommand of a plurality of subcommands whose execution order is determined in advance is to be executed.

However, each control signal (change point instruction signal) may be constituted by data directly indicating the order of subcommands to be executed, such as "01H", "02H", "03H",. . Further, data indicating the order directly may be additionally transmitted. According to this structure, the electric decoration control board 70 (notification control unit) can determine whether correct control is being performed, and thus appropriate control can be performed.

In this embodiment, the main command (report designation data) is supported by the signal intervals of the pulse signals appearing on each of the eight signal lines connecting the main board 50 and the illumination control board 70. It is configured to notify the illumination control board 70 (notification control means) of an illumination control period (notification operation period) in which illumination control (notification operation) is performed according to a subcommand (notification operation pattern data).

However, the illumination control period is set to 10
The illumination control period may be notified to the illumination control board 70 by directly indicating data such as seconds, 20 seconds, and so on.

For example, when a main command is output from the main board 50 to the illumination control board 70, information on the type and execution order of subcommands to be executed corresponding to the main command, It is conceivable to configure such that information that can specify an illumination control period (a notification operation period) for executing a process based on a subcommand is output to the illumination control board 70 side together.

The modification described in (2) above is similarly applied to the control signal output from the main board 50 to the sound effect control board 80, and the control signal output from the main board 50 to the sound effect control board 80. When the main command is output to the side, together with the main command, information on the type and execution order of the subcommands to be executed corresponding to the main command, and a sound effect control period (a notification operation It is conceivable that the information which can specify the (period) is collectively output to the sound effect control board 80 side.

(3) After the main command is output from the main board 50 side to the sound effect control board 80 side, the timing at which the subcommand corresponding to the main command is executed is controlled by a control signal (change point indicating signal). ). However, the main command and the control signal (change point instruction signal) may be output together at the same time. For example, data having a predetermined data format in which a predetermined number of bits in the first half are allocated to an area indicating a main command and a predetermined number of bits in the second half are allocated to an area indicating a change point indicating signal are transmitted from the main board 50 side to a sound effect It is conceivable to configure so as to output to the control board 80 side.

(4) The speaker 18 constitutes a sound notifying means capable of notifying the gaming state by a predetermined sound. The sound effect control board 80 constitutes sound control means for controlling the sound notification means. Notification operation pattern data storage means capable of storing notification control data for causing the sound notification means to perform a notification operation and performing notification operation pattern data for performing a notification operation with different notification operation patterns by the sound effect control board 80. And selecting specific notification operation pattern data from a plurality of types of notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage means, and notifying the sound notification means in accordance with the selected notification operation pattern data. Controllable sound notification control means is provided. According to FIGS. 6 and 14, the game control means provides the sound notification control means with notification designation data for performing a notification operation according to a game state, and according to the notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification designation data. Notifying the notification operation period of the notification operation to the sound notification control unit, the sound notification control unit stores a plurality of types of notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage unit according to the provided notification designation data. Is configured to be able to select the notifying operation pattern data to be used from among the above, and to continue the control for notifying the sound notifying unit according to the selected notifying operation pattern data for the notified notifying operation period. Is disclosed.

(5) With the input buffer circuits 53a, 53b and 85 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the game control means can output predetermined command information, but the notification control means (sound notification control means) Sound effect control board 8 as an example of
0, it includes an irreversible communication unit that prohibits the input of a signal transmitted from the illumination control board 70) which is an example of the illuminant control unit. The input buffer circuits 53a, 53b and 85 constitute the irreversible communication means.

(6) The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a variable winning prize ball device that can be changed between a first state advantageous to the player and a second state unfavorable to the player. When a specific condition is satisfied in a special game that can be performed based on the establishment of the variable winning prize ball device, the variable winning prize ball device can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player in the first state. A gaming machine is configured.

The predetermined game condition is constituted by the fact that the ball hits the starting opening 9 at the starting opening. Variable display device 1
By the game while the special symbol 5 is in the changing state,
A special game that can be played based on the establishment of a predetermined game condition is configured. Variable display device 1
The specific condition is constituted by the display result of No. 5 being a jackpot result. The specific gaming state is configured by the big hit state.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a variable display device whose display state can be changed, and when the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode, the gaming state is advantageous to the player. A gaming machine that can be controlled to a suitable gaming state is configured. The variable display device 15 constitutes the variable display device. When the display result of the variable display device 15 is a jackpot display result, the predetermined specific display mode is configured. The big hit state constitutes a gaming state that is advantageous for the player.

The display control board 40 and the main board 50 constitute variable display control means for performing variable display control for deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device on condition that a predetermined variable display condition is satisfied. ing.

Game effect lamps 6-8, decoration LEDs 61-
A light emitting unit provided on the game board and having a lighting mode that changes according to the game situation is constituted by the 63 and the decoration lamps 21 to 23. The illumination control board 70 constitutes a light emitting unit control unit that controls a lighting mode of the light emitting unit based on command information output by the game control unit. The command information is constituted by a main command output from the main board 50 to the illumination control board 70.

(7) The game state of the gaming machine is controlled by the main board 50, and the game state corresponding to the game state is selected from a plurality of data groups predetermined for each of the plurality of game states. A game control means capable of outputting data group type specifying information capable of specifying a data group is configured. FIG.
The data group is constituted by the subcommand groups shown in FIG. Illumination control board 70 and sound effect control board 8
0, a data group corresponding to a game state is specified based on the data group type specifying information output from the game control means, and the notifying means is specified based on a plurality of types of operation designation data included in the specified data group. Notification control means capable of controlling the information. The operation designation data is constituted by a subcommand. According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, the notification control means sequentially switches and selects each operation specifying data included in the specified data group at every elapse of time based on predetermined time management data. It is disclosed that the notification means can be controlled based on data.

(8) Notification that can be stored by the illumination control board 70 as notification control data for causing the notification means to perform a notification operation, and notification operation pattern data for performing a notification operation in a different notification operation pattern. Operating pattern data storage means, selecting a specific notification operation pattern data from a plurality of types of notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage means, and selecting the specific notification operation pattern data according to the selected notification operation pattern data. Notification control means capable of controlling the notification means is provided. The notification operation pattern data storage means is constituted by the ROM 70b. The subcommands constitute notification control data for causing the notification means to perform a notification operation, and notification operation pattern data for performing a notification operation in different notification operation patterns.

According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, the game control means provides the notification control means with the notification designation data for performing the notification operation according to the game state, and the notification operation corresponding to the notification designation data. It is disclosed that a notification operation period in which a notification operation is performed according to pattern data is notified to the notification control unit. The notification designation data is constituted by a main command. The notification operation period is constituted by a period from when a control signal (change point instruction signal) composed of a pulse signal is output at a certain point in time to when the next control signal (change point instruction signal) is output. I have.

According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, the notification control means uses the notification operation pattern data to be used from the plurality of types of notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage means in accordance with the provided notification designation data. It is disclosed that control is performed such that operation pattern data is selected, and control for informing the notifying unit in accordance with the selected notification operation pattern data can be continued for the notified notification operation period. FIG.
According to FIG. 12, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16, a plurality of types of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification specification data are determined, and the game control means sets a plurality of types of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification specification data. A notification operation period corresponding to each of the notification operation periods is notified to the notification control unit, and the notification control unit stores a plurality of types of each notification operation stored in the notification operation pattern data storage unit every time the notified notification operation period elapses. Select and switch pattern data in sequence
It is disclosed that control is performed to cause the notifying unit to perform a notifying operation in accordance with the selected notifying operation pattern data. 9 and 12 disclose that a plurality of types of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification designation data are determined. Sa in the flowchart of FIG.
4, Sa7, Sa8, Sa10, Sa12, Sa14,
According to Sa16, Sa18, and Sa20, it is disclosed that the game control unit notifies the notification control unit of a notification operation period corresponding to each of a plurality of types of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification designation data. FIG.
According to Sb4 and Sb5 of the flowchart of the above, the notification control means sequentially switches and selects a plurality of types of notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage means every time the notified notification operation period elapses. It is disclosed that control is performed to cause the notification means to perform a notification operation in accordance with the selected notification operation pattern data.

(9) The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[0152]

Specific Examples of Means for Solving the Problems The pachinko gaming machine 1 constitutes a gaming machine including an informing means capable of informing a gaming state. Game effect lamps 6-8, decorative LED
61-63, decorative lamps 21-23, speaker 1
The notification means is constituted by 8,18.

The main board 50 constitutes game control means for controlling the game state of the game machine. Illumination control board 7
0, notification operation pattern data storage means capable of storing notification control data for causing the notification means to perform the notification operation, and notification operation pattern data for performing the notification operation for different notification operation patterns, respectively. Notification control means capable of selecting specific notification operation pattern data from a plurality of types of notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage means and performing notification control on the notification means in accordance with the selected notification operation pattern data. Is configured. The notification operation pattern data storage means is constituted by the ROM 70b. The subcommands constitute notification control data for causing the notification means to perform a notification operation, and notification operation pattern data for performing a notification operation in different notification operation patterns.

According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, for example, the game control means performs a notification designation for performing a notification control based on each of a series of notification operation pattern data predetermined corresponding to a game state within a predetermined period. Data is provided to the notification control means, and within the predetermined period, notification control according to a certain notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification specification data is changed to notification control according to the next notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification specification data. It is disclosed that the timing is sequentially notified to the notification control means. The notification designation data is constituted by a main command.

According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, the notification control means performs a series of notification operations corresponding to the given notification designation data from the notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage means. While specifying the pattern data, the notification operation pattern data used for notification control in a series of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification designation data is sequentially changed in a predetermined order based on the notified time. It is disclosed that the notification means performs a notification operation. Each of the subcommands included in the subcommand group shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 constitutes the series of notification operation pattern data.

According to the block diagrams shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, data is transmitted between the game control means and the notification control means by one-way communication from the game control means to the notification control means. Is disclosed.

The rear view shown in FIG. 2 discloses that the game control means and the notification control means are respectively housed in different housings and provided in the game machine. An illumination control board box 170 in which the illumination control board 70 is accommodated, or a sound effect control board box 180 in which the sound effect control board 80 is accommodated, constitutes an accommodation body for accommodating the notification control means. The main board box 150 in which the main board (game control board) 50 is housed constitutes a housing body for housing the game control means.

Game effect lamps 6-8, decorative LEDs 61-
The notification means is constituted by a predetermined illuminant capable of notifying the gaming state by turning on or off at a predetermined timing under the control of the notification control means by the notification means consisting of 63 and decorative lamps 21 to 23. It is disclosed.

[0159]

The effect of the concrete example of the means for solving the problems.
Regarding, the notification control means specifies a series of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification designation data from the notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage means, and is notified from the game control means. Based on the time, in order to cause the notification means to perform the notification operation by sequentially changing the notification operation pattern data used for notification control in a series of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification designation data in accordance with a predetermined order. In addition, the game control means does not need to repeatedly and continuously output the notification operation pattern data when executing the notification control based on the certain notification operation pattern data. For this reason,
The burden of control of the game control means is reduced.

[0160] Regarding claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the game control means and the notification control means may include:
Since data is transmitted by one-way communication from the game control means to the notification control means, an illegal control operation is performed by the game control means by inputting invalid data from the notification control means to the game control means. This can be prevented as much as possible.

According to the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the game control means and the notification control means are housed in different housings and provided in the gaming machine. Not only can the means and the notification control means be protected, but also the influence on the control means due to the damage of one container does not reach the other control board. Therefore, even if the control means contained in one of the containers needs to be replaced due to damage to one of the containers, it is not necessary to replace both the game control means and the notification control means.

According to a fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the notifying means is constituted by a predetermined light emitting body capable of notifying the gaming state by turning on or off at a predetermined timing under the control of the notifying control means. Therefore, the notification control means can control the notification means only by using two types of data, ie, the lighting continuation time and the extinction continuation time, whereby the control data amount can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine and a card unit installed corresponding thereto.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a relationship between a main board, various control boards, and electrical components.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a relationship between a payout control board, various control boards, and electric components.

FIG. 5 is a main board, an illumination control board, and each lamp / LE.
It is a block diagram which shows the connection structure of D.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a signal transmission portion of a main command for voice control on a main board and a configuration of a sound effect control board.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main command output from the main board to the illumination control board.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the content of the game control during the big hit and the control time during which each game control is performed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing lighting pattern data of each lamp / LED from the occurrence of a big hit to the end.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a blinking cycle of each lamp / LED specified by the lighting pattern data (subcommand) shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a voice control subcommand for controlling a sound output from a speaker.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence relationship between a main command for voice control and a subcommand group corresponding to the main command.

FIG. 13 shows a main command E from the main board to the illumination control board.
7 is a timing chart showing a timing at which a control signal is output from the main board to the electric decoration control board from the occurrence of the big hit to the end of the big hit control after is output.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing a timing at which a control signal is output from the main board to the sound effect control board after a main command corresponding to “reach 1” is output from the main board to the sound effect control board.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a big hit lamp LED process executed by the CPU on the main board side.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of lamp LED control processing executed by a CPU on the illumination control board side.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the connection configuration shown in FIG. 5;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a pachinko game machine, 6 to 8 are gaming effect lamps, 15 is a variable display device, 18 is a speaker, 21 to 23 are decorative lamps, 50 is a main board, 61 to 63 are decorative LEDs, 70 is an electric control board, 80 is a sound effect control board, 150 is a main board box, 170 is an illumination control board box, and 180 is a sound effect control board box.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine including a notifying means capable of notifying a gaming state, a game control means for controlling a gaming state of the gaming machine, and notification control data for causing the notifying means to perform a notifying operation. Has notification operation pattern data storage means capable of storing notification operation pattern data for performing a notification operation with a different notification operation pattern, and stores a plurality of types of notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage means. Notification control means capable of selecting specific notification operation pattern data from among them and performing notification control on the notification means in accordance with the selected notification operation pattern data, wherein the game control means is predetermined in accordance with a game state. The notification designation data for causing the notification control based on each of the series of notification operation pattern data to be performed within a predetermined period. Means for changing the notification control according to the notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification specification data to the notification control according to the next notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification specification data within the predetermined period. The notification control means specifies a series of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the given notification designation data from the notification operation pattern data stored in the notification operation pattern data storage means. In addition, based on the notification time, the notification operation pattern data used for notification control in a series of notification operation pattern data corresponding to the notification designation data is sequentially changed in accordance with a predetermined order, and the notification means A gaming machine characterized by causing a notifying operation. 2. The data transmission between the game control means and the notification control means by one-way communication from the game control means to the notification control means is performed. The gaming machine described. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming control means and the notification control means are provided in the gaming machine, respectively, housed in different housings. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit includes a predetermined illuminant capable of notifying a gaming state by turning on or off at a predetermined timing under the control of the notifying control unit. 2. The gaming machine according to 1.