JP2000288211A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To contrive to lower the production cost and to improver the maintainability by using a serial communication system for communications between controllers for controlling the operation of a game machine. SOLUTION: A CR prize ball delivery control board 62 for controlling the delivery of prize balls and a pattern display device board 72a for controlling the operation of a pattern display device and furthermore, a decoration lamp board 12 for controlling the lighting or flashing of a decoration lamp and a voice board 122 for controlling music, voice and the like are connected directly or indirectly to a main control board 70 to be set or controlled by a command control signal transmitted from the main control board 70. A serial communication system is used for the command control signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine, and more particularly, to a pachinko gaming machine provided with a control device for setting and controlling an operation state of the gaming machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a pachinko game machine of this type, when a game ball falls into a predetermined winning opening (or gate) provided on a game board, a symbol display device starts to change and stops accordingly. It is known that a special game situation called "big hit" occurs if the symbol display mode at the time of the match is the same as the predetermined display mode. In such a gaming machine, at the time of dropping of the gaming ball or at the time of a "big hit" or the like, a decorative lamp provided on the gaming board surface and around the gaming board surface lights up and blinks to color the gaming machine, In addition, devices for enhancing the interest of the player are provided, such as voices and music being played in accordance with the occurrence of a predetermined game situation. As a result, the amusement of the player is stimulated and the expectation for the game is further increased.

[0003] The operation of the above devices is controlled by a control device. The control device is connected to a main control device that sets and controls the operation of the entire gaming machine directly or via another device or the like, and controls each device based on an operation instruction from the main control device. Is set.

[0004]

However, in such a pachinko gaming machine, the connection between the main control device and each control device is performed in a parallel manner. As a result, the number of cables for connecting the respective control devices and the number of associated members increase, so that the number of parts increases and the cost increases. Rises. Furthermore, in the case of repair and maintenance, there is a problem that repair and maintenance take time due to an increase in the number of work processes due to a large number of parts, and the maintenance efficiency is poor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a pachinko gaming machine which has a low maintenance cost and a low maintenance cost by using a serial system as a connection system between control devices provided in the gaming machine. Is to do.

[0006]

In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a plurality of control devices for setting and controlling the operation of various devices provided in a gaming machine, and a main control for controlling and instructing the operation of the control device. In a pachinko gaming machine provided with a device, a connection means in which the control device is directly or indirectly connected to the main control device via another device, and each control device connected by the connection means forms the main control device. A control device setting control unit configured to be set and controlled by a command control signal transmitted from the device, wherein the control device setting control unit is a serial communication unit using a serial communication system.

According to the pachinko gaming machine having the above configuration, a plurality of control devices for setting and controlling the operation of various devices provided in the gaming machine and a main control device for controlling and instructing the operation of the control device are provided. The control device is connected to the main control device directly or indirectly via another device by a connection means, and the connected control device is transmitted from the main control device by a control device setting control means. The setting is controlled by a command control signal, and the control device setting control means uses a serial communication method with serial communication means. This makes it possible to reduce the number of communication lines and accessories required for connection between the control devices, so that the cost can be reduced, the number of steps can be reduced, and the maintainability can be improved.

According to the present invention, the control device connected by the connection means controls a symbol display device which operates at least in accordance with a preset setting condition; Voice control means for controlling voice, music, etc. emitted according to the game situation; decoration lamp control means for controlling a decorative lamp which is lit and blinking; and a prize ball paid to the player based on occurrence of a predetermined game situation. By providing the prize ball payout control means, the operating efficiency of the gaming machine is improved, so that a gaming machine with stable operation can be provided.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming board ((a) a front view of a gaming board, (b) a perspective view of a special symbol display device) of a pachinko gaming machine used in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a special symbol display device 2 is provided at the center of the game area of the game board 10. In the upper half of the display screen 2f provided at the center thereof, a left symbol display portion 2a, a right symbol display portion 2b, and a middle symbol display portion 2c which can be individually varied.
Are provided in the lower half area, and a symbol display area 2d for displaying a picture such as various characters is provided.

As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 1B, a decorative frame 4 is provided around the special symbol display device 2, and is provided so as to surround the special symbol display device 2 with a wall surface. . In the lower position of the left and right wall surfaces of the decorative frame 4,
The game balls that have fallen on the game board 10 face are
The transfer holes 4a, 4a are provided so that the transfer holes can be transferred into the inside. The bottom surface of the decorative frame 4 is provided with a gentle slope toward the center, and the center portion is provided with a guiding / discharging mechanism for allowing the game balls which have entered the decorative frame 4 to drop onto the game board 10 again. An outlet 4b is provided.

Further, a decorative member 5 having a three-dimensional shape on which symbols such as characters are displayed is provided on the back side of the guide discharge port 4b of the decorative frame 4, and the drive motor 5a is provided regardless of a game situation. Up and down movement is repeated at a constant cycle with driving. It should be noted that the vertical movement of the decorative member 5 does not affect the game balls that have moved into the decorative frame 4.

Also, at the left side of the decorative frame 4, 7
A normal symbol display device 6 for displaying symbols such as numbers and symbols by a segment digital display is provided. Further, at the upper right side of the decorative frame 4, a symbol change storage number in the normal symbol display device 6 is indicated by a lamp. Is provided with an ordinary symbol storage display LED 8 which is displayed by lighting. At a position between the storage display LED 8 and the ordinary symbol display device 6, a special symbol storage display LED for displaying the symbol change storage number in the special symbol display device 2 also by lighting a lamp.
12 are provided.

At a position directly below the special symbol display device 2,
A first-type start winning prize port 14, which is an ordinary electric accessory having a movable wing piece 14a that opens and closes when a predetermined symbol is displayed on the ordinary symbol display device 6, is provided. Further below, a special winning opening 16 of the first kind special electric accessory which is normally closed is provided. Inside the special winning opening 16, when the special winning opening 16 is opened, a specific area which can win a prize is provided. Winner 1
8 are provided.

A left gate 20 and a right gate 21 through which a game ball can pass are provided at left and right positions of the game board 10, respectively. Sleeve entrance prize entrance 23, and left down entrance prize entrance 2
4. A right-down winning opening 25 is provided. When the game balls fall into these ordinary winning openings, seven are placed in the right sleeve winning opening 23, the left sleeve winning opening 22 and the left and right winning winning openings 24, 25.
, Six prize balls (hereinafter, referred to as “prize balls”) are paid out at the first-type starting winning opening 14, and sixteen at the large winning opening 16 and the specific area winning opening 18, respectively. .

When a game ball passes through one of the left and right gates 20, 21, the ordinary symbol display device 6 fluctuates for 5.0 seconds with the passage. The symbols displayed on the ordinary symbol display device 6 are set to numbers from "0" to "9".
5, 7, 9 "(so-called" hit "symbol) is displayed, the movable wing piece 14 of the first-class starting winning opening 14 is displayed.
a performs the opening operation once for 0.3 seconds.

It is to be noted that the normal symbol display device 6 has a "hit"
The lottery probability at which a symbol is displayed is set to 5/10. Here, the number of game balls passing through the left and right gates 20 and 21 is counted, and a maximum of 4 is displayed on the ordinary symbol storage display LED 8.
The normal symbol display device 6 is set so as to repeat the change corresponding to the stored number.

When a game ball falls into the first-type starting winning opening 14, each symbol display section 2 of the special symbol display device 2 is provided.
Symbols displayed on a, 2b, and 2c fluctuate for 7.7 seconds. The number of game balls dropped into the first-type starting winning opening 14 is counted and stored up to a maximum of four by the special symbol storage display LED 12, and the stored number is displayed by lighting of a lamp.

On the surface of the game board 10, windmills 26, 26, etc., for randomly changing the falling speed and the falling direction of the nail member and the game ball are provided in addition to the above-mentioned winning port. Further, a large number of decorative lamps and the like (not shown) are provided around the inside of the game board 10 and in the inside thereof. For example, a prize of a game ball to the winning opening and the special symbol display device 2 and the normal symbol display device 6 are provided. When a predetermined game situation such as symbol fluctuation occurs,
Accordingly, the decorative lamp is turned on and blinks. When the predetermined game situation occurs, music, voice, and the like are emitted from a speaker (not shown) provided on a front portion of the gaming machine.

A ball discharge port 27 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game board 10, and the game balls which have not fallen into any of the above-mentioned winning ports are sent from the ball discharge port 27 to the game board 10.
It is configured to be discharged out of the plane.

FIG. 2 shows a display screen of the special symbol display device 2 shown in FIG. As described above, the special symbol display device 2 is a symbol display unit 2 for individually changing symbols.
a, 2b, 2c and a symbol display area 2d on which symbols such as characters are displayed constitute a display screen 2f. The symbols displayed on the symbol display sections 2a, 2b, 2c are:
As shown in Table 1, 30 types are set for the left and right symbol display portions 2a and 2b, and 36 types are set for the middle symbol display portion 2c. Then, upon the occurrence of predetermined game conditions, 7.
The combination of the symbols that started to fluctuate for 7 seconds and were stopped and displayed are the normal symbols (non-specific symbols) shown in Table 2 (a) or Table 2
A special game situation called "big hit" will be generated if it matches any combination of the specific symbols shown in (b) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "big hits").

[0021]

[Table 1]

[0022]

[Table 2]

In addition, a minimum probability (1/359) and a maximum probability (6/359) are set as the lottery probabilities that the special symbol display device 2 displays any of the "big hit symbols" shown in Table 2 above. When the game starts (when the power is turned on), the lowest probability (1/359) is set unconditionally. This lottery probability varies depending on the game situation, and when a “big hit” occurs with the combination of the specific symbols shown in Table 2 (b), the “big hit” ends and the “big hit” occurs again. During the period, the lottery probability shifts to the highest probability (6/359). With this shift, each of the symbol display sections 2a, 2a
The symbol fluctuation time of b, 2c is reduced from 7.7 seconds to 5.2 seconds, and the movable wing piece 1 of the first-class start winning opening 14 is further reduced.
The opening time of 4a is extended from 0.3 seconds to 4.5 seconds.

However, if a "big hit" occurs with a combination of the normal symbols (non-specific symbols) shown in Table 2 (a), the lottery probability of the special symbol display device 2 does not change, and The probability (1/359) is set. When the lowest probability is set here, the symbol change time of each of the symbol display sections 2a, 2b, and 2c is 7.7 seconds, as described above.
The opening time of the movable wing piece 14a of the first-class start winning opening 14 is set to 0.3 seconds.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine. A prize ball tank 41 for temporarily storing game balls supplied from the island of the game arcade is provided above the mechanism plate 40 provided on the back of the pachinko gaming machine, and is further stored in the prize ball tank 41. A tank rail 42 which is a flow path when a game ball flows down to a prize ball payout device described later is provided continuously. The tank rail 42 is provided with a supply switch 46 for detecting the storage state of the game balls on the prize ball tank 41 and the tank rail 42, and is operated when the ball runs out.

At the lower end position of the tank rail 42, a prize ball payout mechanism 4 for controlling a game ball flowing down from the tank rail 42 to perform a predetermined number of prize ball payout operations.
4 are provided. Immediately before the prize ball payout mechanism 44,
An emptying prevention switch 4 for detecting the out-of-ball state of the flowing game balls and preventing the idle operation of the mechanism section 44 in advance.
When the switch 48 is operated, the prize ball payout mechanism 44 is not operated and the payout ball payout operation is stopped.

When the prize ball paid out from the prize ball payout mechanism 44 is filled in the gaming machine, a full tank switch 50 for detecting this and a full tank for mooring the prize ball to temporarily stop the payout. Stoppers 52 are also provided. When the full tank switch 50 is operated, the prize ball payout mechanism 44 is not operated in this case as well, and the payout ball payout operation is set to stop.

Further, below the mechanism plate 40, there is provided a safe ball discharging mechanism 54 for detecting a winning ball (save ball) that has won each winning opening provided on the game board 10. The safe ball is led out to the safe ball discharge mechanism 54 via a safe ball inducing gutter (not shown) provided inside a central cover 56 that covers the back surface of the game board 10, and is cut into balls for each ball. After the number or the like is detected, the paper is discharged outside the machine.

Various control boards are mounted on the mechanism plate 40, and the operation thereof is controlled. For example, an external connection terminal 60 having a CR external connection terminal board 58 for connecting a prepaid card unit for processing information relating to a prepaid card and the gaming machine main body, the prize ball payout mechanism 4
CR prize ball payout control board 62 for controlling the operation of step 4, a card interface board 64 for controlling the CR prize ball payout control section based on the prepaid card information and frequency display information for displaying the ball lending status, and the ball lending information. Is provided.

Further, a CR relay board 66 for relaying control processing between the CR external connection terminal board 58, the card interface board 64, and the CR award ball payout control board 62, and a special symbol for detecting occurrence of a predetermined game situation. In addition to controlling the operation of the display device 2, the CR prize ball payout control board 6
2, a main control board 70 for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the display mode of the special symbol display device 2 is attached.

After these independent control boards and the like are assembled in the pachinko gaming machine, they are connected to each other with connector wiring. It should be noted that input and output of information between a prepaid card unit (not shown) provided outside the pachinko game machine and the game machine main body is performed via a card interface connection section 76.

The CR prize ball payout control board 62 detects a shortage or shortage of the prize ball and an abnormality in the supply and discharge states, and performs the stop of the prize ball payout operation and the display operation together. And CR
In the event that the prize ball dispensing control mechanism such as the prize ball dispensing control board 62 or the prize ball dispensing mechanism unit 44 has an abnormality such as a shortage of prize balls, a clogged ball, or a control circuit and a soft error, the fact is notified. An error display section 72 for displaying is provided. When the error state is released, the error display section 7
2 is provided with an error display reset button 74 for returning the device 2 to the initial setting state.

As described above, the display pattern of the special symbol display device 2, the number of times the winning device and the like are started, the number of occurrences of "big hits", the continuation information for continuing the special profit state for the player, and the "winning" Is set so as to be output to the management device provided in the monitoring room of the game hall via the external connection terminal 60 provided at the upper corner of the mechanism plate 40.

The hitting ball launching device 80 provided below the rear surface of the mechanism plate 40 includes a hitting launching motor 81, a launching device control circuit, a hitting hammer, an elasticity adjusting means, and the like. The launching device control board 82 provided in the vicinity of the launching device 80 includes the hitting launching motor 8
One drive control circuit and one touch switch circuit are included.
In the drive control circuit of the hit ball firing motor 81, the rotation speed and torque of the motor, particularly the interval of hitting the ball in one minute, the speed, etc. are set.

FIG. 4 shows an outflow path on the back of the game board and the arrangement of various switches and solenoids on the back of the game board after passing through various winning ports provided on the surface of the game board 10. As shown in FIG.
A first-type start-up switch 90 is provided on the passage of the game ball in. The passing path of the game ball in the special winning opening 16 includes a switch (counting switch) 91 for the special winning opening, and further, the passing path of the game ball in the specific area winning opening 18 provided in the special winning opening 16. , A specific area switch 92 is provided.

Further, a right-sleeve winning port switch 93 is provided in the path of the game ball in the right-sleeve winning port 23.
Further, the left and right gates 20 and 21 are provided with a left gate switch 100 and a right gate switch 102. When the passage of a game ball is detected by these switches,
Based on the detection signal, six prize balls are given at the first-type start winning opening 14, 15 at the large winning opening 16 and the specific area winning opening 18, and seven at the right sleeve winning opening 23, and the prize balls are paid out. Each is paid out from the mechanism section 44. The left and right gate switches 1 provided on the left and right gates 20 and 21
When the passing of the game ball is detected at 00 and 102, the symbol change of the ordinary symbol display device 6 is started based on the detection signal.

The first type start winning opening 14 has a solenoid 97 for a normal electric accessory which opens and closes the movable wing piece 14a when the symbol displayed on the ordinary symbol display device 6 is a "hit" symbol. Is provided. In addition, the Grand Prize Winner 1
6, a special winning opening opening solenoid 98 for opening and closing the special winning opening 16 when a "big hit" is displayed on the special symbol display device 2 is provided.
8 is provided with a specific area solenoid 99 for opening and closing the specific area winning opening 18. These solenoids operate based on a detection signal from each detection switch or the occurrence of a predetermined game situation.

A switch for detecting the winning of a game ball is not provided on the outflow path of the game ball in the left sleeve winning opening 22 and the left and right winning opening 24, 25. for that reason,
When the game balls that have won these winning ports pass through the safe ball discharge mechanism 54, six prize balls are paid out from the total difference of the winning balls counted by the safe ball detection switch 96. Become.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are control circuit diagrams showing the connection relationship between the various control boards, switches, solenoids, etc. shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown, the main control board 70 includes a relay board 71 and a CR external connection terminal board 58,
It is directly connected to the CR award ball payout control board 62. This CR
The prize ball payout control board 62 includes the safe ball discharge mechanism 5
When the safe ball detection switch 96 or the like provided on the main unit 4 is connected and the passing of the game ball is detected by the safe ball detection switch 96, the detection signal is sent to the main control board 70 via the CR prize ball payout control board 62. Output and control processing.

The main control board 70 is directly connected to a decorative lamp board 120 for setting and controlling the operation of a decorative lamp provided on the surface of the game board 10 and its surroundings. A sound board 122 for performing setting control of music and music is also directly connected to the main control board 70. These are set and controlled by the main control board 70.

A TFT-LCD module for displaying a symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 2 is connected to a main control board 70 via a symbol display device substrate 72a. The normal symbol display device substrate 6e that issues a control instruction is also connected to the main control substrate 70 via the symbol display device substrate 72a, and controls the operation thereof.

To the relay board 71 connected to the main control board 70, left and right gate switches 100 and 102 provided in the left and right gates 20 and 21 are connected. Winning Winner Board 1
6a is connected. On the special winning opening substrate 16a, a special winning opening switch 91 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the special winning opening 16, a specific area switch 92 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the specific area winning opening 18, Large winning opening opening solenoid 98 for opening and closing winning opening 16, specific region winning opening 1
8 are connected to each other to open / close the solenoid 8.

The relay board 71 includes a first-type starting port switch 90 for detecting the passage of a game ball to the first-type starting port 14, and a movable wing piece 14 of the first-type starting port 14.
The solenoids 97 for the ordinary electric accessory that actuate a are respectively connected via the ordinary electric accessory board 97a. Then, a control instruction corresponding to each game situation is issued from the main control board 70 connected via the relay board 71. Although various control boards, detection switches, and the like are connected to the gaming machine in addition to the above, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a game situation of the gaming machine. A game ball shot and fired by a player is provided on the game board 10 with a normal winning opening (left sleeve winning opening 2).
2. When one of the winning holes 24 and 25 is won (S10 "YES", S12 "NO", S14), six prize balls are paid out in accordance with the winning. However, when the player wins the right sleeve winning opening 23 (S12 "YES"), seven prize balls are paid out based on the detection signal of the right sleeve winning opening switch 93 (S16).

The hit game ball is passed through one of the left and right gates 20 and 21 without winning the normal winning opening (S10 "NO", S20 "YES").
Is detected by the left and right gate switches 100 and 102, and the ordinary symbol display device 6 starts to change based on the detection signal (S22). The normal symbol display device 6 stops when 5.0 seconds elapse after the start of the fluctuation, and any number from “0” to “9” is displayed.

When the symbol displayed on the ordinary symbol display device 6 is any one of "1,3,5,7,9", so-called "hit" symbol (S24 "YES")
Is 0.3 if the movable wing piece 14a of the first-class start winning opening 14 has the lowest lottery probability of the special symbol display device 2.
In the case of the highest probability, release is performed once for 4.5 seconds each (S26). However, during this opening, the first type starting port 14
If three game balls are won, the variable wing piece 14a is closed even during the opening time.

When the game ball falls into the first-type start winning port 14 with the opening of the first-type start winning port 14 (S28 "YES"), the game ball is guided to the decorative frame 4. When the player falls directly into the first-class start winning opening 14 via the outlet 4b (S20 "NO", S28 "YES")
In each case, six prize balls are paid out (S
29), each symbol display section 2a of the special symbol display device 2,
The display symbols 2b and 2c start to change (S3
0). The variation time varies depending on the lottery probability of the special symbol display device 2, and is set to about 7.7 seconds when the lottery probability is the lowest, and about 5.2 seconds when the lottery probability is the highest. Then, when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the fluctuation, the operation is stopped and a symbol is displayed.

Here, the combination of stopped symbols is shown in Table 2 above.
(S32)
"YES"), a special game situation called "big hit" occurs, and the condition device operates accordingly. In addition, when the "big hit" symbol displayed here is one of the specific symbols shown in Table 2 (b) (S34 "YES").
Is set as the highest probability (6/359) as the lottery probability after the "big hit" is completed, the symbol variation time of the special symbol display device 2 is 5.2 seconds, and the opening time of the first-class start winning opening 14 Is set for 4.5 seconds (S36).

If the combination of the symbols displayed on the special symbol display device 2 is any of the normal symbols shown in Table 2 (a) ("NO" in S34, S40), the lowest probability ( 1/359) is set, the symbol change time of the special symbol display device 2 is set to 7.7 seconds, and the opening time of the first-type start winning opening 14 is set to 0.3 seconds (S42). Then, after the lottery probability is set according to the "big hit" symbol, the game of "big hit" is started and the condition device is activated (S38).

As described above, the "big hit" is generated by first displaying the "hit" symbol on the ordinary symbol display device 6, and further displaying the "big hit" symbol on the special symbol display device 2. Therefore, when the "hit" symbol is not displayed on the ordinary symbol display device 6 as shown in S24 in the figure (S24 "NO"), and as shown in S28, the game ball falls into the first-type start winning opening 14. If not entered (S2
8 "NO"), if the "big hit" symbol is not displayed even though the special symbol display device 2 has changed as shown in S32 (S32 "NO"), the game status does not change and " No big hits will occur.

FIG. 8 shows the "big hit" shown in FIG.
It is a flow chart which showed a game situation in case that occurred and a condition device operated. When the "big hit" occurs,
Along with this, the condition device is activated (S38), and a "big hit" display screen is set on the special symbol display device 2 and switched and displayed (S50). When the screen is switched to the "big hit" display screen, the symbols and the respective symbol display portions 2a, 2b, and 2c (see FIG. 2) shown on the special symbol display device 2 are erased, and the screen configuration and the symbols differ from those before. Will be displayed.

When the condition device starts to operate, the special winning combination 16 of the first kind is opened for 29 seconds (S51), and a specific area winning opening 18 provided inside the special winning opening 16 is further provided. Are simultaneously released (S52). A game ball falls into the opened special winning opening 16 (S54).
"YES"), the drop of the game ball is detected by the special winning opening switch (counting switch) 91, and fifteen prize balls are obtained from the prize ball payout mechanism 44 based on a detection signal issued at that time. It is paid out (S56).

Here, the number of game balls dropped into the special winning opening 16 is counted (S58), and when the counted number reaches ten or after the special winning opening 16 is opened, 29 is counted.
When the seconds have elapsed (S60 "YES"), the special winning opening 16 is closed (S62), the operation of the "big hit" display screen is also ended (S64), and the operation of the condition device associated with the series of "big hits" is ended. (S66). However, the big winning opening 1
The number of game balls dropped into 6 is less than 10, or 29 seconds have not elapsed since opening the special winning opening 16 (S
60 "NO"), the open state of the special winning opening 16 is maintained until either one of the conditions is satisfied.

As shown in S54, when the game ball falls into the specific area winning opening 18 provided inside the special winning opening 16 (S54 "NO", S70 "YES"), the passing of the game ball is performed. Detected by the specific area switch 92, 15 prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout mechanism 44 based on the detection signal from the switch 92 (S72). Then, the specific area solenoid 99 is operated to temporarily close the specific area prize port 18 (S74), and the large prize port 16 is also unconditionally irrespective of the number of dropped game balls and the open time shown in S60. It is closed (S76).

With the closing, the first (hereinafter referred to as "round") of the continuous operation times (for example, a maximum of 16 times) set in the condition apparatus is completed, and if the number of completed rounds is less than 16 rounds, BA (S78 "N
O "), the condition device operates again (continuous operation), and the next round starts (S79). That is, the specific area winning opening 1
Whether or not the condition device operates continuously and whether or not the round proceeds are determined based on whether or not the game ball has fallen into the game ball 8.

When the condition device continuously operates and the next round starts, the "big hit" display screen displayed on the special symbol display device 2 in accordance with the switching is also changed to the display set for the next round. The screen is switched and displayed (S8
0). Further, the special winning opening 16 and the specific area winning opening 18
Is released again, and the above-mentioned game situation is repeated. However, when the continuous operation of the condition device reaches 16 rounds (S7
8 "YES"), the display of the "big hit" display screen ends at the end of the round (S64), and the operation of the condition device ends (S66). As a result, the game operation associated with the "big hit" ends, and the game returns to the normal game.

As described above, when a game ball falls into the specific area winning opening 18, the condition device operates continuously when triggered, and if it does not fall, the "big hit" ends in the round. . In the present embodiment, the maximum number of consecutive operations of the round is set to 16 uniformly, but the setting of the number of operations is different each time according to the "big hit" symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 2. May be set. For example, in the "big hit" symbol, the above Table 2 (a)
The number of actuations is set according to the distinction between the normal symbol and the specific symbol, such as 5 times when the normal symbol shown in FIG. 5 is displayed, and 16 times when the specific symbol shown in Table 2 (b) is displayed,
The odd combination is 5 times regardless of the normal design and the specific design.
It is also possible to set the number of times of operation according to the combination of symbols, such as 16 even combinations.

Next, a communication line between the main control board 70 and another control board will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a communication line between the main control board 70 and another control board, and shows a case where the communication line is a serial communication system and the transmission direction is unidirectional (first embodiment). Example). still,
As an example of the connection between the main control board 70 and the CR prize ball payout control board 62, the symbol display device board 72a, the decorative lamp board 120, and the audio board 122, (a) a first direct connection between the main control board 70 and each board. And (b) a second mode of connection to the main control board 70 via another board.

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, the main control board 70 includes the CR award ball payout control board 62, the symbol display device board 72a, the decorative lamp board 120, and the audio board 12
2 are each directly connected. These are connected by a serial data line, a control signal line, and a power supply line using a serial communication system, and a control command transmitted from the main controller 70 is received by a predetermined board via the line.

The connection between the main control board 70 and each board may be via another board as shown in the second embodiment of FIG. 9B. That is, first, the CR
The prize ball payout control board 62 is connected, and then the symbol display device board 72a is connected to the control board 62.
2. All the boards are indirectly connected to the main control board 70 by sequentially connecting them like the decorative lamp board 120. These connections also use serial data lines, control signal lines, and power supply lines. Table 3 shows the configurations of the serial data lines and the control signal lines shown in (a) the first embodiment and (b) the second embodiment.

[0061]

[Table 3]

As described above, since the serial communication system is used for the line communication system, the signal (data) transmitted from the main control board 70 is transmitted with one output line each, and this signal (data) is transmitted. Receiving the data) responds with the output line. Here, taking the main control board 70 and the CR prize ball payout control device 62 shown in FIG. 9 as an example, a circuit diagram of a serial data line between the boards is shown in FIG.

Further, the communication pattern of the signal (data) includes a pattern 1 for discriminating command control of the main control board 70 and communication in a specific command control, and a main control board 7.
From 0, two types of pattern 2 for transmitting a signal (data) to each board are set, and each board is configured not to respond to other than these signals (data). Table 4 shows the respective communication patterns and the outline.

[0064]

[Table 4]

FIG. 11 is a block diagram in the case where the transmission direction of the communication line between the main control board 70 and the other control board shown in FIG. 9 is bidirectional ((a) main control board 70 and each board). (A fourth embodiment in which the main control board 70 is connected to the main control board 70 via another board) (second embodiment). These are connected by a serial data line, a control signal line, and a power supply line connecting the main control board 70 and each board, and the transmission direction of the serial data line and the control signal line is set to bidirectional. . Also in this case, the control command to each board is transmitted from the main controller 70 via the line,
Each substrate is configured to operate based on the transmitted control command. Here, Table 3 shows the configuration of the serial data lines and control signal lines shown in (a) the third embodiment and (b) the fourth embodiment.

As described above, when the communication line is bidirectional, signals (data) transmitted and received between the main control board 70 and each board (tentatively, the CR prize ball payout board 62) are each one.
The CR award ball payout control board 62, which has been transmitted / received through the input / output lines and has received this signal (data), responds through the output line. Here, FIG.
FIG. 12 shows a circuit diagram of a serial data line between the main control board 70 and the CR prize ball payout control device 62 shown in FIG.

The communication pattern of the signal (data) is set to pattern 1 and pattern 2 shown in Table 4, and three types of pattern 3 for transmitting received data to each board are set. It does not respond to signals other than these signals (data).

As described above, each board is connected directly to the main controller or indirectly via another board, and operates based on command control from the main control board. A serial communication system is used for a communication line for communicating the command control signal (data) between these boards.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the type of the board connected to the main control board and the increase / decrease of the kind, the connection method and the order of connection, the setting control method, the increase / decrease and change of the control instruction signal (data), and the like can be appropriately made. An efficient gaming machine can be provided.

[0070]

According to the pachinko gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, the control device is connected to the main control board, and the operation of the control device is controlled by the command control signal transmitted from the main control board. By performing the setting control, a stable signal state can be always obtained, and malfunction due to noise, signal failure, or the like can be prevented. By using a serial communication system for the control processing signal, the number of communication lines and the number of parts associated therewith can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, in terms of maintainability, the number of locations requiring maintenance and inspection is reduced, so that a gaming machine with high maintenance efficiency can be provided without requiring time.

And, as in the invention according to claim 2,
The main control device includes a symbol display device board for controlling the symbol display device, an audio substrate for controlling music and voice, a decorative lamp substrate for controlling the decoration lamp, and a CR prize for controlling a prize ball to be paid out to the player. The ball payout control boards may be connected, and the operation of these boards may be set and controlled by the main control board. Thereby, the operation of the above-mentioned boards can be obtained stably, and in particular, a symbol display device board directly connected to a game situation whether or not a "big hit" occurs, and a CR prize ball payout control board related to the number of award balls to be obtained. In, since the accuracy is required, the stable operation of the board is obtained,
A fair game situation is provided to the player, and the effect is high for both the player and the game arcade.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 (a) and 1 (b) are front views of a game board of a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the special symbol display device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a layout view of outflow paths of game balls and various switches and solenoids on the back surface of the game board shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a control circuit diagram showing a connection relationship between various control boards, switches, solenoids, and the like shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a control circuit diagram showing a connection relationship between various control boards, switches, solenoids, and the like shown in FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the gaming machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a gaming operation of “big hit” in the gaming machine.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a second embodiment in which the transmission line between the main control board and another control board is in one direction.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the serial data line shown in FIG. 9;

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a second embodiment in which the transmission lines between the main control board and other control boards are bidirectional.

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of the serial data line shown in FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 game board 62 CR prize ball payout control board 70 main control board 72a design display board 120 decorative lamp board 122 sound board

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A pachinko game machine provided with a plurality of control devices for setting and controlling the operation of various devices provided in the gaming machine and a main control device for controlling and instructing the operation of the control device, wherein the control device is directly or Connecting means indirectly connected to the main control device via another device, and a control device in which each control device connected by the connecting means is set and controlled by a command control signal transmitted from the main control device A pachinko gaming machine, comprising: a setting control unit, wherein the control device setting control unit is a serial communication unit using a serial communication system. 2. A control device connected by the connection device controls a symbol display device that operates according to at least a preset setting condition, and a sound or music sound generated according to a game condition. , A decorative lamp control means for controlling a decorative lamp that lights up and blinks, and a prize ball payout control means for paying out a prize ball to a player based on the occurrence of a predetermined game situation. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein