JP2001096029A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which reduces the control load of a game-control device to output commands to plural kinds of control means. SOLUTION: In case the game-control device commands one control content to each of plural-kind control means (a sound-control means controlling speakers, lamp-control means controlling lamps and a variable-display control means controlling variable displays) respectively, it exerts the control only once to output the command for only 4ms in the mode readable for each of said plural- kind control means respectively. Said plural-kind control means read out the command three times for the course of 4ms with intervals of 500 μs, and when all the contents are the same, they practice the control corresponding to the command.

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.
Specifically, a plurality of types of game components used to enhance the effect of the game are provided, and a display result of the variable display device, which is one of the plurality of types of game components, is a predetermined display mode. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can be controlled to a gaming state that is advantageous to a player when the game state becomes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a pachinko game machine which is an example of this type of game machine, a game control means for controlling a game state and a plurality of types of game parts are controlled based on command information outputted from the game control means. Are provided. For example, in addition to the "variable display device", a "lamp / LED (light emitter)" and a "speaker (sound generator)" can be given as examples of a plurality of types of game components. "Variable display control means" for controlling to derive and display the display result of the variable display device, and "sound control means for controlling to generate a sound from a speaker (sound generation device). "Light-emitting device control means" for controlling lighting of a lamp / LED (light-emitting device).

For example, on a variable display device, a symbol for determining a display result is variably displayed under the control of a variable display control means. Is specified by the command information to be output. Similarly, the effect pattern by the sound effect of the speaker (sound generation device), lamp / LED
The effect pattern caused by the flashing of the (light emitter) is also specified by command information output from the game control means to the sound control means or the light emitter control means.

[0004]

However, conventionally,
When the game control means causes the control means to perform control for operating the game component in a predetermined mode over a predetermined effect period, command information for instructing the operation is repeatedly output over the effect period.

For example, taking the case of the game control means and the variable display control means as an example, when the symbol is changed at a predetermined change speed by a variable display device for a predetermined period, the game control means switches to the variable display control means. On the other hand, a command instructing the fluctuation speed has been repeatedly output over the predetermined period.

[0006] For this reason, the control load on the output processing of the command information of the game control means is heavy. In particular, since the game control means outputs command information not only to the variable display control means but also to a plurality of types of control means as described above, the burden becomes extremely large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made 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 on a game control means for outputting command information to a plurality of types of control means. It is to be.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of types of game parts used for enhancing a game effect, and one of the plurality of types of game parts is provided. A game machine which can be controlled to a game state advantageous to a player when a display result of a certain variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode, and a game control means for controlling the game state, A plurality of types of control means for controlling the plurality of types of game parts based on command information output from the game control means, wherein the plurality of types of control means derive display results of the variable display device. Variable display control means for performing control for displaying, sound control means for performing control for generating a sound from a sound generating device which is one of the plurality of game components, and light emission which is one of the plurality of game components Light up body Illuminant control means for performing control to cause the plurality of types of control means to read each of the plurality of types of control means when one of the plurality of types of control means is instructed. The control for outputting the command information is performed only once in a simple manner, and the plurality of types of control means perform control for operating the plurality of types of game components in a predetermined manner over a predetermined effect period based on the command information. It can be started.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the command information includes information capable of specifying the effect period.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, the variable display control means controls the variable display control by using one of a plurality of types of effect patterns. It is possible to perform control to derive and display the display result of the display device, and the command information includes information that allows the variable display control means to specify the effect pattern.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the sound control means includes one of a plurality of types of effect patterns. It is possible to perform control for generating a sound from the sound generating device, and the command information includes information that allows the sound control unit to specify the effect pattern.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the illuminant control means includes any one of a plurality of types of effect patterns. The light emitting element can control to turn on the light emitting element, and the command information includes information by which the light emitting element control means can specify the effect pattern.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of types of game parts are operated in a predetermined manner over the effect period. The command information output from the game control means includes information capable of specifying an effect pattern used when each of the plurality of types of control means controls the game component, and the game control means includes: It is characterized in that the effect patterns used by each of the plurality of types of control means output command information having contents related to each other.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the game control means determines whether or not the effect period is to end when the effect period ends. Is output to the plurality of types of control means.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the game control means can specify a display result of the variable display device. Command information is output to the variable display control means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the plurality of types of game parts are operated in a predetermined manner over the effect period. Therefore, the command information output to each of the plurality of types of control means is in the same form.

The present invention described in claim 10 provides the present invention according to claims 1 to
In addition to the configuration of the ninth aspect, the plurality of types of control means are mounted on a board different from a game control board on which the game control means is mounted.

The present invention described in claim 11 provides the invention according to claims 1 to
In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 10 to 15, output of information from the game control means to the plurality of types of control means is allowed, but information from the plurality of types of control means to the game control means is allowed. Further, there is provided an irreversible input means for prohibiting the input of the input.

[0019]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game state is controlled by the operation of the game control means. By the operation of the plurality of types of control means, the plurality of types of game components are controlled based on the command information output from the game control means.
Control of causing the display result of the variable display device to be derived and displayed is performed by the function of the variable display control means. By the function of the sound control means, control for generating a sound from a sound generating device, which is one of the plurality of types of game parts, is performed. By the function of the illuminant control means, control for turning on the illuminant, which is one of the plurality of types of game components, is performed. When one control content is commanded to each of the plurality of types of control means by the game control means, the control for outputting the command information in a manner readable by each of the plurality of types of control means is performed once. Only done. Then, based on the command information, control of operating the plurality of types of gaming components in a predetermined manner over a predetermined effect period is started by the operations of the plurality of types of control means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the effect period can be specified by the command information.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect, the variable display control means can specify an effect pattern by the command information. .

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to third aspects,
The sound control means can specify the effect pattern by the command information.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to fourth aspects,
The command information enables the luminous body control means to specify an effect pattern.

According to the present invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, a plurality of types of games controlled by the plurality of types of control means in the production period. Each of the effect patterns of the parts has related contents.

According to the present invention described in claim 7, in addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 6,
By the operation of the game control means, command information for notifying the end of the effect period is output to the plurality of types of control means at the time when the effect period ends.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention,
By the function of the game control means, command information capable of specifying the display result of the variable display device is output to the variable display control means.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to eighth aspects,
When operating the plurality of types of game components in a predetermined manner over the effect period, the same type of command information is output to each of the plurality of types of control means.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the function of the first aspect, the game control board on which the game control means is mounted has the plurality of game control means. Since no type of control means is mounted, there is no need to provide a space for mounting the plurality of types of control means on the game control board.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the invention of any one of the first to tenth aspects, irreversible input means functions to allow the game control means to send the plurality of game data to the plurality of game control means. Output of information to the type of control means is permitted, but input of information from the plurality of types of control means to the game control means is prohibited.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine will be described 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 the like, which is used to enhance a game effect. A plurality of types of gaming parts provided, and a gaming state advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display device, which is one of the plurality of types of gaming parts, becomes a predetermined specific display mode. It is possible to apply to all gaming machines that can be controlled.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 in one example of a gaming machine according to the present invention. Referring to FIG.
The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape.
Having. A game board 6 is detachably mounted behind the glass door frame 2. Further, on the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hit ball supply tray 3. A surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 is provided below the hitting ball supply tray 3.
And an operation knob 5 for a player to perform a hitting operation. By operating the operation knob 5 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 7, a variable display device 8 for variably starting a special symbol as an example of identification information is provided. The variable display device 8 is provided with a variable display 10 for a normal symbol in which a normal symbol is variably displayed as a hit ball passes through the passage gate 11, and a start storage display 18 including four LEDs. ing. Further, below the variable display device 8, there are provided a starting electric accessory 15 having a starting port 14 and a variable winning ball device 19 which is in an open state where a hit ball can be won by tilting the opening / closing plate 20. Have been. The starting electric accessory 15 has left and right blade members 150. Further, as a general winning opening, a winning opening 24 is provided on the upper portion of the variable display device 8 and on the left and right of the variable winning ball device 19, respectively. Reference numeral 26 denotes an out port which is collected as an out ball when the hit ball does not win any of the winning ports or the variable winning ball devices. Reference numeral 25 denotes a decorative lamp.

On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a game effect LED 28a as a frame lamp and game effect lamps 28b, 28
c, a prize ball lamp 51 that lights up when the prize ball is paid out, a lamp burnout lamp 52 that lights up when the ball runs out, and an unpaid prize ball lamp 29 that lights up when the prize ball is not paid out. Speakers 27 for generating sound effects such as stereo sound are provided on the left and right of the upper part of the game area 7.

The variable display device 8 is configured such that a plurality of special symbols, characters for enhancing the effect of playing a game, predetermined messages, and the like can be displayed on the central variable display section 9 as images. For example, as shown in the figure, the variable display section 9 switches its display state to three variable display areas 100a, which can variably display a special symbol in the middle left and right.
100b and 100c can be displayed as images. In each of the variable display areas 100a, 100b, and 100c, a plurality of types of special symbols are scroll-displayed from top to bottom on condition that a winning winning has occurred. After that, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the scrolling of the symbol is stopped and the variable display is ended. As a result, if a big hit symbol (for example, 777) of the big hit symbol is displayed, the big hit occurs. When a big hit occurs, the open / close plate 20 of the variable winning ball device 19 is tilted to open a big 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 the specific game state (big hit state) advantageous to the player.

Inside the big winning opening of the variable winning ball device 19, a count switch 23 for detecting a ball which has won the variable winning ball device 19 is provided. The inside of the special winning opening is divided into a specific winning area and a normal winning area, and a V count switch 22 for detecting a V winning is provided in the specific winning area. The winning ball that has won the specific winning area is detected by the V count switch 22 and then detected by the count switch 23. On the other hand, a normal winning ball that has won the normal winning area is detected only by the count switch 23 in the large winning opening. Every time a winning ball that has won the variable winning ball device 19 is detected by the count switch 23, 15 winning balls are paid out.

The first state of the variable winning ball device 19 is when the number of hit balls entering the special winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, nine) or when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. When one of the earlier conditions is satisfied, the process is temporarily terminated and the opening / closing plate 20 is closed. As a result, the variable winning ball device 19 is controlled to the second state which is disadvantageous for a player who cannot make a hit ball. And
On condition that the ball hit during the period when the variable prize ball device 19 is in the first state makes a specific prize in the specific prize area and is detected by the V count switch 22, the variable prize ball device 19 is again set. 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 19 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 prize ball device 19 is used for the first round to the 16th round for 16 rounds.
State. The number detected by the count switch 23 and the number of rounds are displayed by a number display 80a composed of a 7-segment display.

Below the variable display device 8, a starting electric accessory 15 is provided. A starting port 14 provided with a blade member 150 is formed at the center of the starting electric accessory 15, and a passage gate 11 is formed on both sides thereof. A gate switch 12 (see FIG. 6) is provided on one of the two left and right passage gates 11, and the ordinary symbol display 10 is variable on the condition that a hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12. Be started. In addition, when a ball is further detected by the gate switch 12 during the variable display of the normal symbol display 10, "4" is displayed.
Is stored as the upper limit of the number of stored balls, and the number of stored balls is LE in the start memory display (not shown) for a normal symbol.
It is indicated by the number of lightings of D.

The normal symbol display 10 is a 7-segment LE.
D. When the display result of the ordinary symbol display 10 is 7, it is "hit", and when it is other than that, it is "losing". When the display result of “hit” is derived on the ordinary symbol display 10, the pair of left and right blade members 150 provided on the starting electric accessory 15 is opened once. As a result, the starting electric accessory 15 is in an open state, and the hit ball is more easily won. If one of the hit balls wins while the starting electric accessory 15 is in the open state, the blade member 150 closes to the original position, and the hit ball returns to a state where it is difficult to win.
Further, if a predetermined opening period has elapsed after the starting electric accessory 15 has been opened, the blade member 150 closes to the original position and the open state ends even if the start winning does not occur. In the probability fluctuation state described later, the starting electric accessory 15 is opened twice and one opening period is extended.

The starting winning ball which has won the starting opening 14 is detected by a starting opening switch 17 (see FIG. 10) provided on the game board 6. When the starting winning ball is detected by the starting port switch 17, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out, and the variable display device 8 is variably started based on the detected output. The starting prize detected by the starting port switch 17 during the variable display of the variable display device 8 is stored with “4” as the upper limit of the number of storages, and the stored number is displayed on the start storage display 18 by the LED
It is indicated by the number of lights.

When the result of the big hit displayed on the variable display device 8 is constituted by a specific probable change symbol (for example, “7” of a numeric symbol), after the end of the specific game state based on the big hit, The probability of occurrence of a big hit is higher than in the normal state (normal game state), and the probability is changed. Hereinafter, a jackpot based on a probability variable symbol is referred to as a probability variable jackpot. Once a probability change big hit occurs during the normal game state,
At least a predetermined number of continuations of the probability change (for example, 1
(Or twice) until the big hit occurs, the state is continuously controlled to the probability fluctuation state. Further, if a probability change jackpot occurs during the probability change state, the probability change count is counted again after the probability change hit, and thereafter, the probability change state is continued at least until the probability change occurrence count hits. And
If the jackpot that has reached the number of times of probable variation has been caused by a non-probability variable symbol other than the probable variation symbol, the game returns to the normal game state in which probability variation does not occur.

Therefore, when there is no restriction on the continuation control of the probability variation state, the probability variation state continues without limit as long as at least the big hit that has reached the number of times of the probability change continuation is the probability change big hit. In the case of the pachinko gaming machine 1, if the probability fluctuation state continues to some extent, the number of times the probability variable jackpot is continuously generated during the probability fluctuation state is determined in order to temporarily end the continuous control to the probability fluctuation state. An upper limit has been set. When the display mode of the big hit is determined to be the non-probable variable big hit based on the upper limit number, the continuous control of the probability variation state is forcibly terminated at that time. In addition,
The restriction to prohibit the jackpot in the probable symbol is called the operation of the limiter.

In the probability fluctuating state, the hit probability of the ordinary symbol increases, and the variable display period (variation time) from the start of the variable display of the ordinary symbol until the display result is derived and displayed is reduced. . Further, in the probability fluctuation state, the starting electric accessory 15 is usually caused by hitting the symbol.
The number of times of opening is increased from once to twice, and one opening period is extended from 0.2 seconds to 1.4 seconds.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. On the back of the variable display device 8, as shown in FIG. 2, a prize ball tank 38 is provided above the mechanism plate 36, and when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island, a prize ball is provided from above. Premium ball tank 3
8 is supplied. The prize ball in the prize ball tank 38 reaches the ball payout device through the guide gutter 39.

The mechanism board 36 includes a variable display control unit 129 for controlling the variable display section 9 via the relay board 30 and a game control board (main board) covered with the board case 32 and mounted with a game control microcomputer and the like. ) 31, a relay board 33 for relaying a signal between the variable display control unit 129 and the game control board 31, and a power supply board 910 (FIG. 1).
6), and a prize ball control board 37 on which a prize ball control microcomputer for controlling payout of prize balls is mounted. Further, a ball launching device 3 that launches a ball into the game area 7 using the rotational force of a motor is provided below the mechanism plate 36.
4 and a lamp control board 35 are provided.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mechanical plate 36 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the rear. A power supply unit box 319 is provided at the upper right of the mechanism plate 36. Power supply board 910 housed in power supply unit box 319
(See FIG. 16) generates a plurality of power supplies having different voltages.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ball that has passed through the guiding gutter 39 has a ball-break detection switch 187 (187a, 187).
b) and the ball supply gutter 186 (186a, 186b)
And reaches the ball dispensing device 97. Note that the guide gutter 39 is provided with a cutout detection switch 167 that detects a cutout on the upstream side of the cutout switch 187.

The balls dispensed from the ball dispensing device 97 are supplied to the hitting operation supply tray 3 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the communication port 45. On the side of the communication port 45, an excess ball passage 46 communicating with the excess ball tray 4 provided on the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is formed. When a large number of balls based on the prize are paid out and the hitting ball supply tray 3 becomes full, and finally the ball is further paid out after reaching the communication port 45, the ball is transferred to the surplus ball tray 4 via the surplus ball passage 46. Be guided. When the ball is further paid out, the sensing lever 47 presses the full tank switch 48 and the full tank switch 48 is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the payout motor 289 (see FIG. 5) in the ball payout device 97 is stopped, the operation of the ball payout device 97 is stopped, and the hitting ball firing device 3
4 is also stopped. For controlling the payout of the prize balls, the start port switch 17, the V count switch 22 and the count switch 23, and the prize ball detection that collectively detects the prize balls that have won the various prize ports by the collecting gutter on the back side of the game board. A signal from the switch 99 (see FIG. 10) is sent to the game control board 31. When the ON signals of these switches are sent to the game control board 31, the game control board 31 sends a prize ball number command to the prize ball control board 37 to specify the number of prize balls determined for each winning opening. Sent.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, pachinko gaming machine 1
The configuration of the intermediate base unit on the back side of the above will be described. Ball supply gutters 186a, 18
6b and a ball payout device 97 are installed. As shown in FIG. 4, connecting concave protrusions 182 are formed on the upper and lower sides of the intermediate base unit. The connection concave projection 182 connects and fixes the intermediate base unit and an upper base unit and a lower base unit of a mechanism plate (not shown).

A passage 18 is provided above the intermediate base unit.
4 is fixed. The ball dispensing device 97 is fixed to a lower portion of the passage body 184. The passage body 184 has ball passages 186a and 186 through which two rows of balls whose flowing direction has been changed to the left and right directions by the curve gutter 174 (see FIG. 3) flow down.
6b. On the upstream side of the ball passages 186a and 186b, ball breaking switches 187a and 187b are provided. The ball break switches 187a and 187b are connected to the ball passage 18
6a, 186b to detect the presence or absence of a ball,
When the ball cutout switches 187a and 187b stop detecting the ball, the rotation of the payout motor (not shown in FIG. 4) in the ball payout device 97 is stopped, and the ball payout is deactivated.

Note that the burnout switches 187a and 187b
Is locked by a locking piece 188 at a position where the presence of 27 to 28 balls in the ball passages 186a and 186b can be detected.

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

Below the passage body 184, a ball payout device 97 is provided.
To supply the ball to the ball, and in the event of failure, the ball payout device 97
A ball stop device 190 for stopping the supply of the ball to the ball is provided. The ball payout device 97 installed below the ball stopping device 190 is housed inside a rectangular parallelepiped case 198. Protrusions are provided at four places on the left and right of the case 198. The lower end of the case 198 is fitted into an elastic engagement piece provided at a lower part of the intermediate base unit in a state in which each projection rests on a positioning projection provided on the intermediate base unit.

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

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

Ball supply paths 281a and 281b, ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b, and ball discharge paths 283a and 283b.
Are formed in front of partition walls 295a and 295b that partition the cases 198a and 198b forward and backward, respectively.
Further, in front of the partition walls 295a and 295b, a ball pressure buffering member 285 is sandwiched between the cases 198a and 198b. The ball pressure buffering member 285 distributes the balls supplied to the ball dispensing device 97 to the left and right sides and the ball supply paths 281a and 281.
1b.

Further, below the ball pressure buffering member 285, a payout motor position sensor including a light emitting element LED 286 and a light receiving element (not shown) is provided. Light emitting element 286
And the light receiving element are provided at a predetermined interval.
The distal end of the screw 288 is inserted into the space. In addition, the ball pressure buffering member 285
Is completely housed and fixed inside the cases 198a and 198b when they are bonded to each other.

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

A recess is formed at the tip of the screw 288 so as to house the light emitting element 286, and two notches 292 are formed at 180 ° around the recess.
Is formed apart. Therefore, the screw 288
During one rotation, the light from the light emitting element 286 is detected twice by the light receiving element via the notch 292.

That is, the dispensing motor position sensor including the light emitting element 286 and the light receiving element is for stopping the screw 288 at a fixed position and for detecting that the dispensing operation has been performed. Note that the light-emitting element 286,
The wires from the light receiving element and the payout motor 289 are put together and pulled out to the outside from a drawer hole formed below the rear part of the case 198a, 198b, and connected to the connector.

When the payout motor 289 rotates while the balls are placed on the ball feeding horizontal paths 284a and 284b, the balls are directed forward on the ball feeding horizontal paths 284a and 284b by the spiral projection 288a of the screw 288. Move. And finally, the ball feed horizontal path 284a,
From the end of 284b, it falls to ball discharge paths 283a and 283b. At this time, the left and right ball feed horizontal paths 284a, 284
The drops from b are performed alternately. That is, every time the screw 288 makes a half turn, one ball falls from one side. Therefore, every time one ball falls, the light emitting element 2
The light from 86 is detected once by the light receiving element.

As shown in FIG. 4 described above, a ball sorting member 311 is provided below the ball payout device 97, and further below the ball sorting member 311, a prize ball by a proximity switch is provided. A count switch 301A and a ball lending count switch 301B are provided.

The ball distribution member 311 includes the distribution solenoid 3.
Driven by 10. In a steady state in which the solenoid 310 is not excited, the ball distribution member 311 is tilted to the left as shown by the solid line in the drawing, and the falling ball is distributed to the prize ball count switch 301A side. On the other hand, the solenoid 31
When 0 is excited, the ball sorting member 311 falls to the right as shown by the broken line in the figure, and the falling ball moves to the ball lending count switch 3.
Assigned to 01B side.

The solenoid 310 is excited when lending a ball,
Otherwise, it is not excited. Therefore, at the time of a prize ball based on winning, the ball sorting member 311 is tilted to the right, and the balls from the ball discharge paths 283a and 283b both pass through the prize ball count switch 301A. On the other hand, when the ball is lent, the solenoid 310 is excited so that the ball discharge paths 283a, 283
The ball from 83b is a ball rental count switch 301
Pass B.

As described above, by providing the ball distribution member 311, the balls flowing down the two ball flow paths can receive the prize ball count switch 301 A and the ball lending count switch 30.
1B. Therefore, the number of prize balls or the number of ball lending can be immediately grasped from the detection output of the prize ball counting switch 301A and the ball lending count switch 301B without determining whether the ball is a prize ball or a ball lending.

As described above, since the ball payout device 97 can be operated not only for lending balls but also for paying out prize balls, the cost can be reduced. In addition, by controlling the switching of the ball distribution member 311, the prize ball and the ball lending can be easily counted individually.

When the payout of the lending ball is not required, the state of the ball distribution member 311 is maintained so that the ball is guided to the prize ball count switch 301A side. Since the frequency of paying out prize balls is higher than the frequency of payout, the number of times of switching control of the ball sorting member 311 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the failure of the ball distribution member 311 and the control components related thereto caused by the repeated switching, and to prolong the life of those components.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the starting electric accessory 15. 7 is a perspective view of the ordinary electric accessory, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the ordinary electric accessory, and FIG. 9 is a front view of the ordinary electric accessory.

The starting electric accessory 15 is mounted on the game board surface using the base plate 301 as a mounting substrate. Base plate 301
Pass gates 11 are formed on the left and right sides. A gate switch 12 for detecting the passage of a hit ball is attached to one of the two left and right passage gates 11.
The front side of the two right and left passage gates 11 is covered by a decorative plate 300 attached to the front side of the base plate 301.

The decorative plate 300 is made of a transparent member. The decorative plate 300 has an insertion member 300a that is inserted into an insertion hole 150a provided in the blade member 150. On the other hand, the base plate 301 has
Two engagement holes 301a are formed to engage the insertion member 300a inserted into the first insertion member 300a. Further, the base plate 301
An opening 301b is formed in the vicinity of the center. Also,
On the back side of the base plate 301, a support piece 301c for rotatably supporting the solenoid arm 302 is formed. The supporting piece 301c has the solenoid arm 30
An insertion hole 301d for inserting the left and right ends of the arm pin 307 inserted into the second arm pin 307 is formed.

The blade member 1 is attached to the solenoid arm 302.
A blade opening / closing protrusion 302b is formed to be in contact with the contact portion 150b formed at the end of the blade 50. When the solenoid arm 302 is pivotally supported by the base plate 301 by the arm pin 307, its blade opening / closing protrusion 302 b projects from the opening 301 b of the base plate 301 toward the front side of the base plate 301, and is located below the contact portion 150 b of the blade member 150. Abut the side.

The solenoid arm 302 is further formed with a pair of holding pieces 302a. The projection 305b of the two projections 305a and 305b formed on the solenoid arm 305 is located between the pair of holding pieces 302a.
Is held.

The solenoid arm 305 further has an engagement hole 305c. Solenoid arm 30
5 is rotatably supported with respect to the solenoid base plate 303 by engaging the engagement protrusion 303a of the solenoid base plate 303 with the engagement hole 305c.

The blade member 1 is provided on the solenoid base plate 303.
A solenoid 306 for driving 50 is attached. A solenoid arm 304 is attached to a drive section of the solenoid 306. The solenoid arm 304 has a protrusion 305a formed on the solenoid arm 305.
A contact portion 304a is formed to contact the side surface of.

When the solenoid 306 is excited, the solenoid arm 304 attached to the solenoid 306 presses the projection 305a of the solenoid arm 305. As a result, the solenoid arm 305 rotates about the engagement protrusion 303a of the solenoid base plate 303 as an axis. When the solenoid arm 305 rotates, the solenoid arm 30
The other projection 305b of No. 5 is rotated downward, whereby the solenoid arm 302 holding the projection 305b by the holding piece 302a is rotated by a predetermined angle. At this time, the blade opening / closing protrusion 302 b formed on the solenoid arm 302 is in contact with the contact portion 150 b below the blade member 150.
Push up. Thereby, the blade member 150 rotates, and the tulip of the starting electric accessory 15 is opened. On the other hand, when the solenoid 306 is not excited, the tulip is closed because the solenoid arm 302 returns to the original state.

On the decorative plate 300 provided on the front side of the starting electric accessory 15, stickers (not shown) are attached at positions corresponding to the starting port 14 and the left and right passage gates 11, respectively. In particular, a seal marked "Chance" is affixed to one of the passage gates 11 where the gate switch 12 is provided, and a design-designed seal is affixed to the other passage gate 11 side. Is attached to a position corresponding to the start port 14 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a control circuit of pachinko gaming machine 1. FIG. 10 shows a game control board (main board) 31, a lamp control board 35, a prize ball control board 37, and a voice control board 70 as control boards.
, A display control board 80, and a launch control board 91.

The game control board 31, the prize ball control board 37, the lamp control board 35, the voice control board 70, the launch control board 9
A microcomputer and the like are mounted on the display control board 1 and the display control board 80. Each control board 31, 37, 35, 7
At 0 and 80, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, initialization processing such as initializing data in a RAM provided on the control board is performed, and the prize ball control board 37, the lamp control board 35, and the sound are initialized. The control board 70 and the display control board 80 can effectively receive a command from the game control board 31 when the initialization processing ends.

The game control board 31 is a board on which a game control microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as a game control microcomputer) 53 for controlling the game of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is mounted, and the other control boards 35, 37, Reference numerals 70 and 80 denote control commands (lamp control commands, prize ball control commands, voice control commands,
Control operation based on the display control command). Among these control commands, there is a common command common to the lamp control command, the voice control command, and the display control command.
It is output from the game control board 31 to each of the control boards 35, 70, 80 at the same time.

When a control command is output from the game control board 31, an INT signal (strobe signal) indicating a valid period of the command is output accordingly. IN
T signal is high level (OFF state) in invalid state
In the valid state, the signal becomes low level (on state).

The game control board 31 includes, in addition to the game control microcomputer 53, a switch circuit 58 that supplies signals from the respective switches to the game control microcomputer 53, a solenoid 16,
A solenoid circuit 59 for driving the microcomputer 21 according to a command from the game control microcomputer 53; and an initial reset circuit 63 for resetting the game control microcomputer 53 when the power is turned on.
An address decode circuit 67 for decoding an address signal given from the game control microcomputer 53 and outputting a signal for selecting one of the I / O port units (not shown) 1 / O port; Game control microcomputer 5
Jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot according to the data given from 3, starting information indicating the number of times the variable display device 8 has been started,
It includes an information output circuit 64 that outputs probability change information indicating that a probability change has occurred to a host computer such as a hall management computer. In addition, the game control board 3
1 is provided with a power supply monitoring means for monitoring a power supply voltage, as will be described later with reference to FIG.

The game control microcomputer 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 used as a work memory, and a CPU 56 for performing a control operation according to the game control program. Among them, the RAM 55 is backed up by a backup power supply from the power supply board 910, and the RAM data is retained for a predetermined time even if a power failure occurs unexpectedly.

The switch circuit 58 includes a gate switch 1
2. The starting port switch 17, the count switch 23, the V count switch 22, the winning ball detection switch 99 and the like are connected, and detection signals from these switches are input to the game control microcomputer 53 via the switch circuit 58. Is done.

The ball payout device 97 and the card unit 50 are connected to the prize ball control board 37. Award ball control board 37
Controls the ball payout device 97 based on the prize ball control command output from the game control board 31 to pay out prize balls. Further, the prize ball control board 37 includes a card unit 50.
Control for paying out ball lending based on the control signal output from the controller.

The speaker 27 is connected to the audio control board 72. The voice control board 70 controls the speaker 27 to output various sound effects based on the voice control command output from the game control board 31.

The lamp control board 35 includes a game effect LED
28a, gaming effect lamps 28b and 28c, award ball lamp 5
1, ball cut lamp 52, variable display 10 for ordinary symbols,
Start memory indicator 18 for special symbols, start memory indicator for ordinary symbols, decorative lamp 25, lamp 29 with unpaid prize balls
Are connected. However,
In FIG. 10, illustration of these connection states is omitted. The lamp control board 35 controls these lamps / LEDs based on a lamp control command output from the game control board 31.

The display control board 80 is connected to the variable display device 8 for special symbols (not shown). Display control board 8
0 causes the variable display unit 9 of the variable display device 8 to display a predetermined image in accordance with the display control command output from the game control board 31.

A drive motor 94 and an operation knob (ball hitting operation handle) 5 are connected to the launch control board 91. The launch control board 91 is designed so that a hit ball is fired from a hit ball firing device (not shown) at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.
The drive of the drive motor 94 is controlled.

FIG. 11 shows a CRT 82 for displaying an image of the circuit configuration in the display control board 80 on the variable display device 8 and output ports (ports A and B) 5 of the game control board 31.
It is a block diagram shown with 71,572 and the output buffer circuit 63. The output port 571 outputs 8 bits × 2 data as a display control command, and the output port 572 outputs a 1-bit INT signal (strobe signal).

The display control CPU 101 controls the control data R
It operates according to the program stored in the OM 102, and when the INT signal is input from the game control board 31 via the noise filter 107 and the input buffer circuit 105,
The display control command is received via the input buffer circuit 105. As the input buffer circuit 105, for example, a 74HC244, which is a general-purpose IC, can be used.
When the display control CPU 101 does not include an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuit 105 and the display control CPU 101.

The display control CPU 101 controls display of a screen displayed on the CRT 82 according to the received display control command. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command is given to the VDP 103. VDP 103 reads necessary data from character ROM 86. VDP
103 generates image data to be displayed on the CRT 82 in accordance with the input data, and
It is stored in M87. Then, the image data in the VRAM 87 is converted into R, G, B signals,
In step 4, the signal is converted into an analog signal and output to the CRT 82.

FIG. 11 shows a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillating circuit 85 for supplying an operation clock to the VDP 103, and frequently used image data (person, animal, character, figure or symbol). Character ROM that stores images consisting of
86 is also shown.

Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 11, in the display control board 80, the output of the reset switch 110 is introduced to the input port. Display control CPU 10
When detecting that the reset switch 110 has been pressed after an error has occurred, 1 returns the control to the state before the error occurred.

As an error, for example, the game control board 3
There is a case where the display control command received from No. 1 is abnormal (such as an undefined command). Display control CPU1
01 is configured to receive and store the display control command even after an error occurs, the reset switch 11
By performing display control based on the stored received command based on the pressing of 0, it is possible to reduce the influence of the occurrence of the error on the game effect.

The input buffer circuit 105 can pass signals only in the direction from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. Therefore, the display control board 80
There is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the side to the game control board 31 side.
Even if the circuit in the display control board 80 is tampered with,
The signal output by the unauthorized modification is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side. The output ports 571, 572
May be output to the display control board 80 as it is, but the output buffer circuit 63 capable of transmitting signals only in one direction.
Is provided, the game control board 31 can more reliably transmit a one-way signal to the display control board 80. Also, a noise filter 1 for blocking high-frequency signals
As 07, for example, a three-terminal capacitor or a ferrite bead is used. However, even if the display control command includes noise between the substrates due to the presence of the noise filter 107, the effect is eliminated.

As shown, the display control CPU 101 as the display control means (variable display control means) is mounted on a separate board from the game control board 31 on which the CPU 56 as the game control means is mounted. I have. Thereby, the game control board 31 is downsized.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the voice control command signal transmitting portion of the game control board 31 and the voice control board 70. The audio control board 70 is provided with a control CPU 701, a ROM 711, a RAM 712, and the like. As shown in the figure, the control CPU 701 as the sound control means is the CPU 56 as the game control means.
Is mounted on a board different from the game control board 31 on which is mounted. Thereby, the game control board 31 is downsized.

In this embodiment, according to the progress of the game,
The voice control command for instructing the voice output of the speaker 27 provided outside the game area 7 is transmitted to the game control board 31.
Is output to the voice control board 70. As shown in FIG. 12, the voice control command is output from output ports (output ports C and D) 573 and 574 of the game control microcomputer 53. The output port 573 outputs 8 bits × 2 data as control command data, and the output port 574 outputs a 1-bit INT signal (strobe signal). In the sound control board 70, each signal from the game control board 31 is input to the sound control CPU 701 via the input buffer circuit 705. When the audio control CPU 701 does not include an I / O port, the input buffer circuit 705 and the audio control CPU
701 is provided with an I / O port.

For example, a voice synthesizing circuit 702 based on a digital signal processor generates a voice or sound effect according to an instruction from the voice control CPU 701, and outputs a sound volume switching circuit 70.
Output to 3. Volume switching circuit 703 and voice control CP
The output level of U 701 is set to a level corresponding to the set volume and output to volume amplifying circuit 704. The volume amplification circuit 704 outputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker 27.

As input buffer circuit 705, 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 game control board 31. Therefore,
There is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the voice control board 70 to the game control board 31. Therefore, even if the circuit in the voice control board 70 is tampered with, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuit 705.

On the game control board 31 side, a buffer circuit 67 is provided outside the output ports 574, 575. As the buffer circuit 67, for example, a 74HC244 which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC is used. The enable terminal is always given a low level (GND level). According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the game control board 31 is blocked, a signal line to which a signal may be given from the voice control board 70 to the game control board 31 is further ensured. Can be eliminated.

Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 12, in the voice control board 70, the output of the reset switch 710 is introduced to the input port. Voice control CPU 70
When detecting that the reset switch 710 has been pressed after an error has occurred, 1 returns the control to the state before the error occurred.

As an error, for example, the game control board 31
There is a case where the voice control command received from the server is abnormal (such as an undefined command). Voice control CPU 70
1 is configured to receive and store the voice control command even after an error occurs, the reset switch 710
By performing the voice control based on the stored received command based on the pressing of, the influence of the occurrence of the error on the game effect can be reduced.

A ROM (not shown) of the voice control board 70 has a control for generating a voice corresponding to various voice control command data in a voice synthesis circuit (voice synthesis LSI: digital signal processor) 702. Data is stored. The voice control CPU 701 reads control data corresponding to the received various voice control command data from the ROM.

In this embodiment, the speech synthesis circuit 702
Are controlled by a transfer request signal (SIRQ), a serial clock signal (SICK), a serial data signal (SI), and a transfer end signal (SRDY). When the SIRQ goes low, the speech synthesis circuit 702
Synchronize with ICK, fetch SI one bit at a time, SRDY
Becomes low level, the data consisting of each SI received so far is interpreted as one audio reproduction data. In addition,
When receiving the control data through the SI, the voice synthesis circuit 702 generates a voice corresponding to the received control data.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a signal transmitting / receiving portion of the game control board 31 and the ramp control board 35. In this embodiment, the gaming effect LED 28a,
Game effect lamps 28b, 28c, award ball lamp 51, ball out lamp 52, variable display 10, start memory display 18,
Lighting of decorative lamp 25, lamp 29 with unpaid prize ball /
The lamp control command for instructing to turn off the game control board 31
Output from

The lamp control board 35 includes a control CPU 3
51, a ROM 352, a RAM 353, and the like. As shown, a control CP as lamp control means
U351 is mounted on a board different from the game control board 31 on which the CPU 56 as game control means is mounted.
Thereby, the game control board 31 is downsized.

The ramp control command is output from output ports (output ports E, F) 575, 576 of the I / O port unit 57 in the game control microcomputer 53. The output port 575 has 8 bits × 2 as control command data.
Bit data is output, and output port 576 outputs a 1-bit INT signal (strobe signal). In the lamp control board 35, a lamp control command output from the game control board 31 is input to the lamp control CPU 351 via the input buffer circuit 355. When the lamp control CPU 351 does not include an I / O port, the input buffer circuit 355 and the lamp control CP
An I / O port is provided between U351.

The lamp control CPU 351 outputs a light-on / light-off signal to each lamp / LED according to the light-on / light-off pattern of the lamp defined according to each lamp control command. In addition, the lighting / light-out pattern is ROM
352.

As input buffer circuit 355, 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 game control board 31. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the lamp control board 35 to the game control board 31. Even if a circuit in the lamp control board 35 is tampered with, a signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side. For example, even if the lamp control board 35 is modified so as to give the game control microcomputer 53 of the game control board 31 an illegal signal for causing a big hit, the illegal signal is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side. Can not. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuit 355.

Further, on the game control board 31, a buffer circuit 62 is provided outside the output ports 575, 576. As the buffer circuit 62, for example, a 74HC244, which is a general-purpose CMOS-IC, is used.
The enable terminal is always given a low level (GND level). According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the game control board 31 is blocked, a signal line to which a signal may be given from the ramp control board 35 to the game control board 31 is more reliably provided. Can be eliminated.

Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 13, in the lamp control board 35, the output of the reset switch 360 is introduced to the input port. Lamp control CPU
If the 351 detects that the reset switch 360 is pressed after the occurrence of the error, the control returns to the state before the occurrence of the error.

As an error, for example, the game control board 31
There is a case where the lamp control command received from the server is abnormal (such as an undefined command). Lamp control CPU 35
1 is configured to receive and store the lamp control command even after an error occurs, the reset switch 36
By performing display control based on the stored received command based on the pressing of 0, it is possible to reduce the influence of the occurrence of the error on the game effect.

Although not shown in FIG. 13,
Actually, a driver circuit is inserted between the built-in output port of the lamp control CPU 351 and each lamp / LED.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing components related to the prize ball, such as the components of the prize ball control board 37 and the ball payout device 97. The winning ball control board 37 includes a control C
PU 371, ROM 380, RAM 381, I / O
An O port 372 (372a to 372g), an input buffer circuit 373, an error display LED 374, and a reset switch (reset SW) 379 are provided. As described above, the control CPU 371 as the prize ball control means (value giving control means or payout control means) is mounted on a board different from the game control board 31 on which the CPU 56 as the game control means is mounted. . Thereby, the game control board 31 is downsized.

As shown in FIG. 14, a prize ball detection switch 99 for detecting prize balls prize in various prize holes at a collective gutter on the back side of the game board and a detection signal of the full tank switch 48 are connected to a relay board. I / O of game control board 31 through 71
Input to port 57. The prize ball discharge solenoid 127 drives a ball stop member provided in the middle of the prize ball flow path on the back of the game board. The prize ball is stopped when the prize ball is stopped on the ball stop member. Detection switch 99
The prize ball is detected. The full tank switch 4
Reference numeral 8 denotes a switch for detecting whether the surplus ball tray 4 is full.

The detection signals from the ball-break detection switch 167 and the ball-break switch 187 (187a, 187b) are input to the I / O port 57 of the game control board 31 via the relay board 72 and the relay board 71. The cut-out detection switch 167 is a switch for detecting a shortage of supply balls in the prize ball tank 38, and the cut-out switch 187 is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a prize ball in the prize ball passage.

The CPU 56 of the game control board 31 indicates that the detection signal from the cutout detection switch 167 or the switch 187 indicates a cutout state, or that the detection signal from the full switch 48 indicates a full state. If so, a prize ball control command for instructing ball lending is sent to the prize ball control board 37. The prize ball control CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37, upon receiving a prize ball control command instructing prohibition of ball lending, stops the ball lending process.

Further, a detection signal from the prize ball count switch 301A is also input to the I / O port 57 of the game control board 31 via the relay board 72 and the relay board 71. The drive signal from the I / O port 57 of the game control board 31 to the winning ball discharge solenoid 127 is transmitted to the relay board 7
1 is supplied to the winning ball discharge solenoid 127.
The prize ball count switch 301A is connected to the ball payout device 9
7 is provided in the prize ball mechanism portion and detects the prize balls actually paid out.

When there is a prize, the output ports (ports G and H) 577 of the game control board 31
From 578, a prize ball control command (prize ball number command) indicating the number of prize balls is output. Output port 577 outputs 8-bit × 2 control command data, and output port 578.
Outputs a 1-bit INT signal (strobe signal). The award ball control command indicating the number of award balls is input to the I / O port 372a via the input buffer circuit 373. Each buffer in the input buffer circuit 373 can pass a signal only in a direction from the game control board 31 to the prize ball control board 37. Therefore, there is no room for a signal to be transmitted from the award ball control board 37 side to the game control board 31 side. Even if the circuit in the prize ball control board 37 is tampered with, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuit 373.

On the game control board 31 side, a buffer circuit 68 is provided outside the output ports 577 and 578 for outputting the winning ball control command. According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the game control board 31 is blocked, a signal line to which a signal is likely to be given from the prize ball control board 37 to the game control board 31 is increased. It can be reliably eliminated.

The CPU 371 for controlling the prize ball outputs a lending number signal indicating the lending number to the terminal board 160 and a buzzer driving signal to the buzzer board 75 via the output port 372g. A buzzer (not shown) is mounted on the buzzer substrate 75. Further, the output port 372
An error signal is output to the error display LED 374 via e.

Further, the input port 3 of the prize ball control board 37
The detection signal of the prize ball count switch 301A and the detection signal of the ball lending count switch 301B are input to 72b via the relay board 72. The ball lending count switch 301B detects a game ball actually lent.
The drive signal from the prize ball control board 37 to the payout motor 289 is output from the payout motor 289 in the prize ball mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97 via the output port 372c and the relay board 72.
Conveyed to. A signal for driving the distribution solenoid 310 is transmitted to the distribution solenoid 310 via the output port 372d and the relay board 72.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 14, the output of the reset switch 379 is introduced to the input port 372b. Upon detecting that the reset switch 379 has been pressed after the occurrence of an error, the CPU 371 for award ball control returns the control to the state before the error.

If the award ball control CPU 371 is configured to receive and store the award ball control command even after an error has occurred, the award ball control command
By performing the prize ball control based on the stored received command, the disadvantage given to the player can be eliminated.

The card unit 50 is equipped with a microcomputer (not shown) for controlling the card unit. The balance display board 74 is connected to a frequency display LED, a ball lending switch, and a return switch provided near the hit ball supply tray 3.

From the balance display board 74 to the card unit 50
In response to the player's operation, a ball lending switch signal and a return switch signal are provided via the prize ball control board 37.

The CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 counts the number of prize balls paid out by counting the detection signal of the prize ball count switch 301A and counts the detection signal of the ball lending count switch 301B, Count the number of loaned balls.

The CPU 371 further includes a prize ball count switch 301A and a ball lending count switch 301B.
In parallel with the operation of counting the balls based on the detection signal of the above, using the detection signal from the payout motor position sensor 286,
The number of paid prize balls and the number of lending balls are counted. That is, in the ball dispensing device 97, the screw 288 for feeding out the ball is 1
Since one ball is dispensed each time the dispensing motor position sensor 286 is turned ON / OFF once by rotating by 80 degrees, based on a change in the output signal of the dispensing motor position sensor 286. The paid-out balls are indirectly detected, and the number of balls is counted.

It should be noted that, instead of the payout motor position sensor 286, the number of step pulses of the payout motor 289, which is a stepping motor, is detected to detect the payout operation amount (rotation amount) of the screw 288, thereby indirectly. The payout of the ball may be detected. However, the payout motor position sensor 2 which directly detects the rotation of the screw 288
Using 86 has the advantage that a highly accurate detection result can be obtained. When detecting the payout operation amount (rotation amount) of the screw 288 based on the number of step pulses of the stepping motor, an error occurs in the detected operation amount if the control amount per step changes for some reason. It is.

When the number of balls is counted based on the output signal of the payout motor position sensor 286, the screw 28
Although the counting operation can be performed more quickly than counting the balls based on the output signals of the count switches 301A and 301B in which a detection signal is output after waiting for the ball to drop from the ball 8, the balls are aligned in the screw 288. There is a disadvantage that one ball is regarded as having been dispensed even if an unnecessary gap is left between the balls and the ball is not dispensed when the screw 288 has rotated half a turn. Alternatively, even if the ball was not actually paid out due to a ball bite or other causes, it is considered that one ball was paid out.

For this reason, after the number of balls counted based on the output signal of the payout motor position sensor 286 reaches the expected payout number, the CPU 371 stops the rotation of the screw 288 and temporarily stops the count switches 301A, B. By referring to the counting result based on the detection signal, it is surely checked whether or not the payout of the ball as scheduled is performed. If the number of payouts is insufficient, the screw 288 is rotated again to remove the insufficient ball. Perform payout control.

By performing such two-step control, the screw 288 is used until the number of balls (prize balls or lending balls) counted based on the detection output of the payout motor position sensor 286 reaches the expected payout number. By rotating the ball at high speed and continuously paying out the balls, the payout of the balls can be expedited, and even if the payout becomes insufficient, the payout of the shortage will be performed later. Can be accurate.

A firing control signal for controlling the firing state of the hit ball is given from the prize ball control board 37 to the firing control board 91. In the firing control board 91, when the firing control signal is at the LOW level, the firing of the hit ball is prohibited,
It is controlled so that the shot cannot be fired. On the other hand, when the firing control signal is at the HIGH level, the firing of the hit ball is permitted, and the firing of the hit ball is controlled to be possible.

A card balance display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card and a ball lending possible display signal are given from the card unit 50 to the balance display board 74 via the prize ball control board 37. Between the card unit 50 and the prize ball control board 37, a unit operation signal (BRDY signal),
Ball lending request signal (BRQ signal), ball lending completion signal (EX
An S signal) and a pachinko machine operation signal (PRDY signal) are exchanged via the I / O port 372f.

When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on,
The prize ball control CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit 50. When the card is accepted in the card unit 50 and the ball lending switch is operated to input a ball lending switch signal, the microcomputer for controlling the card unit outputs a BRDY signal to the prize ball control board 37. When a predetermined delay time elapses from this point, the microcomputer for controlling the card unit outputs a BRQ signal to the prize ball control board 37. The CPU 37 for controlling the prize ball on the prize ball control board 37
1 controls the payout motor 289 to pay out a predetermined number of lending balls to the player. At this time, the prize ball control CP
U371 controls the sorting solenoid 310 to direct the ball sorting member 311 to the ball lending side. Thereafter, when the payout is completed, the CPU 371 for controlling the prize ball controls the card unit 5
The EXS signal is output to 0.

As described above, all the signals from the card unit 50 are input to the prize ball control board 37. Therefore, regarding the ball lending control, a signal is not input from the card unit 50 to the game control board 31, and there is room for an illegal signal to be input from the card unit 50 side to the game control microcomputer 53 of the game control board 31. Absent. The game control board 31 and the prize ball control board 3
7, a driver circuit for driving a solenoid, a motor, and a lamp is mounted, but in FIG. 14, those circuits are omitted.

In this embodiment, in addition to the RAM 55 of the game control board 31 (see FIG. 10), at least the RAM 381 of the prize ball control board 37 is backed up by a backup power supply of the power supply board 910. For this reason, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the RAM 55 and 381 can retain the stored contents for a certain period of time by the backup power supply.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram for explaining the power supply monitoring means in the game control board 31. As shown in FIG. As shown, the game control board 31 is provided with a power supply monitoring IC 902 for monitoring the power supply. A DC +30 V voltage to be monitored is introduced into the power supply monitoring IC 902. The voltage to be monitored is supplied from a power supply board 910 that converts an AC voltage supplied from outside the gaming machine into a DC voltage having a predetermined magnitude and supplies power to each control circuit. The power supply monitoring IC 902 detects the occurrence of power supply interruption by monitoring the + 30V voltage.
Specifically, the +30 V voltage is a predetermined value (for example, +30 V
, The signal is given to the input port 570 on the assumption that the power may be cut off. The game control microcomputer 53 anticipates that a power failure will occur based on this signal input to the input port 570,
A process (see FIG. 33) for the preparation is executed.

The predetermined value for the power supply monitoring IC 902 to detect the power-off is lower than the normal voltage, but the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 53 operates for a while after receiving the power supply to the VDD terminal. It is a voltage that can be obtained. Further, since the power supply monitoring IC 902 is configured to monitor a voltage higher than the voltage required by the CPU 56 (+5 V in this example) and immediately after conversion from AC to DC on the power supply board 910. In addition, the monitoring range for the voltage required by the game control microcomputer 53 can be extended. Therefore, more precise monitoring can be performed. Further, when +30 V is used as the monitoring voltage, since the voltage supplied to various switches of the gaming machine is, for example, +12 V, it can be expected to prevent erroneous switch-on detection upon a momentary power interruption. That is, when the voltage of the +30 V power supply is monitored, +12 V generated after +30 V generation is obtained.
It is possible to detect the decrease before V starts to fall.
Therefore, when the voltage of the + 12V power supply decreases, the switch output comes to an on state. However, if the + 30V power supply voltage, which drops earlier than + 12V, is detected and the power supply is cut off, the power supply is turned off before the switch output turns on. It is possible to enter a state of waiting for restoration and to enter a state where the switch output is not detected.

While power is not supplied due to power interruption,
The RAM 55 of the game control board 31 is backed up by a backup power supply supplied from the power supply board 910 to the VBB terminal, and the contents are stored for a certain period of time even when the power to the gaming machine is cut off. And when the + 5V power is restored,
The CPU 56 returns to the normal operation state. then,
Since necessary data is backed up, it is possible to return to the game state at the time of power failure when power is restored.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the power supply board 910. The power supply board 910 is a game control board 3
1. The display control board 80, the sound control board 70, the lamp control board 35, and the control board such as the prize ball control board 37 are provided independently of each other, and generate voltages used by each control board and mechanical components in the gaming machine. For example, in this example, AC
Generates 24V, 21V DC, 12V DC and 5V DC. The capacitor 916 serving as a backup power source for the RAM 55 in the game control board 31 and the RAM 381 in the award ball control board 37 has a DC voltage of 5 V, ie, I
It is charged from a power supply line for driving C and the like.

Further, the power supply board 910 is provided with a power supply monitoring I
DC30V which is a monitoring voltage of C902 (see FIG. 15)
Generate

Transformer 911 converts an AC voltage from an AC power supply to 24V. AC 24V voltage is applied to connector 9
15 and a rectifier circuit 912. Rectifier circuit 912
Generates + 30V DC voltage from 24V AC,
-Output to DC converter 913 and connector 915. The connector 915 outputs this +30 V to the game control board 31 for power supply monitoring. The DC-DC converter 913 generates + 21V, + 12V and + 5V and outputs the generated voltage to the connector 915. The connector 915 is connected to, for example, a relay board (not shown), and the relay board supplies power of a voltage necessary for each control board and mechanical components.

+5 V from DC-DC converter 913
The line branches to form a backup + 5V line. A large-capacity capacitor 916 is connected between the backup + 5V line and the ground level. As described above, the capacitor 916 serves as a backup power supply when power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. Further, a diode 917 for preventing backflow is inserted between the + 5V line and the backup + 5V line.

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

Format of Control Command and Control Command
Receiving mode 17 Mende, each control board from the game controller board 31 35, 3
It is a figure showing the example of composition of the control command (display control command, voice control command, lamp control command, prize ball control command) outputted to 7, 70, 80.

The control command is 16 bits (8 bits ×
2) Command data and 1-bit INT signal (strobe signal). In particular, 16-bit command data is converted to 8-bit MODE data (D7
. 0) and 8-bit (D7-0) EXT data. The MODE data is data indicating a command type, and the EXT data is data for specifically designating control contents in the command type.

FIG. 18 shows each of the control boards 35, 37, 70,
It is a timing chart for explaining a mode in which a control CPU of 80 receives a control command from a game control board 31. The INT signal output from the game control board 31 is a valid state when the signal state is at a low level, and is an invalid state when the signal state is at a high level. Game control board 3
When transmitting a new control command, the first CPU 56 switches the INT signal from the high level to the low level for 4 ms, and continuously transmits the control command necessary for the command transmission target control board for 4 ms only once. Output.

As indicated by “1” in the figure, the control CPU of each control board extracts a control command when the INT signal changes from an invalid state to a valid state, and stores the control command in a predetermined storage area. I do. Thereafter, when 500 μsec elapses, the control command is extracted again as indicated by “2” in the figure. Then, it is confirmed that the newly extracted control command matches the control command extracted at the timing of “1”. Thereafter, when 500 μsec elapses, as shown by “3” in the figure, the command data is extracted again, and control corresponding to the command data is executed on condition that the command data has not changed. That is, command data is extracted three times in succession while the INT signal is in the valid state, and when all the extraction results match, the command data is regarded as regular data.

If the results of the three extractions of command data do not coincide with each other, the extraction is repeated three times while the INT signal is in the valid state. When all the extraction results match by re-extraction, the command data is regarded as regular command data.

As described above, the command data output from the game control board 31 is monitored for a predetermined period (during the period in which the INT signal is in the valid state), and when the content of the command data has not changed (three times). When the extracted data continuously matches), the command data is regarded as regular data, and control corresponding to the command data is performed. Even when the data is changed to data different from the data, it is possible to prevent a problem that erroneous control is performed based on the data. As a result, highly accurate control can be performed.

The CPU 56 of the game control board 31
When the control content is specified for each control board, the control command is output for a predetermined output duration (4 ms) in a manner readable by the control CPU of each control board.
The control command is output only once, and when the output continuation period ends, the output of the control command is stopped until a new control content is instructed. For this reason, for example, the output / output of the same control command until the processing based on the control command is completed.
As compared with the case where the stop is repeatedly performed, the number of processes regarding the output of the control command can be reduced.
The processing load on U56 can be reduced.

When it is necessary to continuously output a plurality of control commands having different control contents, a command non-output period of at least 4 ms is provided between commands as an interval period. Therefore, when it is necessary to continuously output a plurality of control commands having different control contents, after the INT signal goes low for 4 ms and the control command is continuously output for 4 ms, During 4 ms, the INT signal goes high and output of the control command is stopped.
The signal goes low for 4 ms and the control command is output continuously for 4 ms.

Each of the control boards 35, 37, 70, 80
Various controls are executed based on control command data input when the NT signal is at a low level. In addition, when the control boards 35, 37, 70, 80 once start the control based on the command data, they continue the control until new command data is input.

Description of Common Commands Next, the types of control commands will be specifically described. As described above, the control commands can be classified into display control commands, lamp control commands, voice control commands, and prize ball control commands. Among these control commands, a display control command, a voice control command, and a lamp control command have a common command whose command data is completely the same.

The common command is simultaneously output to each of the control boards 35, 70, and 80 at a predetermined timing, and the image display, the sound effect, and the blinking of the lamp are associated with each other to effectively change a certain game state. When a power failure is about to occur, it is used to promptly notify the control boards 35, 70, and 80 of the fact. Such common commands include a fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, a power failure notice command, and the like.

FIG. 19 shows a fluctuation start command, FIG. 20 shows a fluctuation stop command, and FIG. 24 shows a stop display command.

The change start command (see FIG. 19) is a common command output at the time when the change (variable display) of the special symbol is started. The MODE data of the change start command is “80H”. The EXT data is “00”
H "to" 04H ".

For the display control board 80, this EXT
The variation pattern of the special symbol is designated by the data as shown. Note that the special symbol variation pattern is a pattern in which the variation of the special symbol is started and then the left, middle, and right symbols are stopped, and this variation pattern also includes a reach effect pattern. Further, by specifying the change pattern, a display time (variable display period) from the start of the change of the special symbol to the end of the change and the derivation and display of the final display result is also specified. The control data for varying the special symbols according to the illustrated variation patterns 1 to 5 is stored in the control data ROM 102 of the display control board 80, and the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 The special symbol is changed in a change pattern according to the change start command.

Further, the sound pattern of the sound effect (output from the speaker 27) corresponding to the fluctuation pattern specified by the EXT data is specified for the voice control board 70 as shown in FIG. Control data for generating sound effects corresponding to the illustrated variation patterns 1 to 5 are stored in a ROM (not shown) of the audio control board 70,
The control CPU 701 of the voice control board 70 generates a sound effect from the speaker 27 in an effect pattern according to the fluctuation start command from the game control board 31.

Further, for the lamp control board 35,
Lamps corresponding to the fluctuation patterns specified by the EXT data (game effect lamps / LEDs 28a to 28
The light emission pattern of c) is designated as shown. Control data for blinking the light emitters (game effect lamps / LEDs 28a to 28c) corresponding to the illustrated variation patterns 1 to 5 is stored in a ROM (not shown) on the lamp control board 35 side, and is used for lamp control. CPU 3 for controlling substrate 35
Reference numeral 51 denotes an illuminant (game effect lamp / LED2) with an effect pattern corresponding to a change start command from the game control board 31.
8a to 28c) are blinked.

As described above, when it is time to start changing the special symbol, a change start command of the same form is simultaneously output to the control boards 35, 70, and 80. For example, a change start command “8
When “0H 00H” is output, the sound control board 7
The same change start command “80H 00H” is also output to 0 and the lamp control board 35. Thereby, the variable display effect of the special symbol is performed in a mode of high effect of linking the image display, the sound effect, and the blinking of the lamp.

The change stop command (see FIG. 20) is a command which is output to the display control board 80, the lamp control board 35, and the voice control board 70 at the same time when the change (variable display) of the special symbol is stopped. MO of fluctuation stop command
The DE data is “A0H” and the EXT data is “00”.
H ". When it is time to issue this command,
The display control board 80 stops the change of the special symbol and derives and displays the display result. In addition, the sound control board 70 outputs a sound effect in accordance with the stop of the special symbol, and stops outputting the sound effect that has been generated from the speaker 27 until the display result is derived and displayed. Further, the lamp control board 35 controls the lamp in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the stop of the special symbol, and turns off the effect lamp after the display result is derived and displayed.

The power failure notice command (see FIG. 24) is a common command that is simultaneously output to the display control board 80, the lamp control board 35, and the voice control board 70 when a power failure is expected. The MODE data of the power failure notice command is “A1H”, and the EXT data is “00H”.
Upon receiving the power failure notice command, the display control board 80 interrupts the display control currently being executed and switches to the display screen before power failure. FIG. 25 shows an example of the display screen at the time of power failure.

Referring to FIG. 25, when a power failure notice command is output based on the detection of a decrease in the power supply voltage on the game control board 31, the display control board 80 performs display control such as a change in a special symbol. The variable display unit 9 displays a message prompting the user to interrupt the power supply and to turn on the power instead. This allows
The player or the store clerk at the amusement arcade can recognize that the processing for the power outage has been performed by the gaming machine, can understand that the power outage will occur soon, and provide an operation method necessary to restart the progress of the game. You can know.

After that, a power failure occurs after a while, the power supply to the display control board 80 is cut off, and no image is displayed on the variable display device 8.
If no power failure has occurred, the screen display of FIG. 25 is continued. In this case, when the power switch of the gaming machine is turned off / on according to the screen display, the suspended display control is resumed, and the game can be resumed from the middle.

On the other hand, when the lamp control board 35 receives the power failure notice command, the lamp control board 35 interrupts the currently executing lamp control and turns off all the lamps including the lamp for displaying the start-up memory. Similarly, when receiving the power failure notice command, the voice control board 70 interrupts the currently executing sound control and mutes the speaker 27. Therefore, each of the control boards 35, 7
When the power failure notice command is output to 0 and 80, the message shown in FIG. 25 is displayed, and at the same time, the game effect by lamps / LEDs and sound effects that have been performed is interrupted, and the speaker 27 Becomes silent,
All game effect lamps / LEDs are turned off. Thereafter, when the power outage is restored, the lamp control board 35 and the sound control board 70 restart the suspended effect control according to the control command output again from the game control board 31.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a common command is employed, and the variable display device 8, the speaker 27, and the lamp / LED are controlled over a variable display period from the start of the change of the special symbol to the end of the change. Since the command for operating in a predetermined mode and the power failure notice command have the same form, the form of the command can be reduced, and is required in the ROM 54 of the game control microcomputer 53 as a command data storage area. Storage capacity can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the game control board 31 has an output port for each of the control boards 35, 70, and 80. However, the game control board 31 has one output port, , The common command data may be output to the control boards 35, 70, and 80.

Description of display control commands other than common commands
Akira Next, with reference to FIG. 21, a description will be given of the display control commands other than the common command. FIG. 21 shows a fixed symbol designating command. The fixed symbol designating command is a command for designating a fixed symbol (scheduled stop symbol) on the display control board 80. With this confirmed symbol designation command, the confirmed symbol is designated for each of the left, middle, and right symbols. Specifically, the left symbol is specified by the MODE data “90H”, the middle symbol is specified by the MODE data “91H”, and the right symbol is specified by the MODE data “92H”. Twelve types of EXT data corresponding to each MODE data are provided, from "00H" to "0BH", and each EXT data specifies one specific symbol. For example, a combination of MODE data and EXT data “90H 00H” specifies that the left confirmed symbol is a symbol corresponding to EXT data “00H”.
On the display control board 80 side, each EXT data “00H” to
The symbol data corresponding to "0BH" is stored in the arrangement order, and the symbol at the arrangement position according to the received EXT data is selected as the fixed symbol.

Each design specified by the EXT data "00H" to "0BH" is defined in advance as a non-probable design or a probable design as shown in the figure. For example,
"01H, 03H, 05H, 07H, 09H, 0BH"
Each symbol specified by is a probable symbol, "0
0H, 02H, 04H, 06H, 08H, and 0AH "are non-probable symbols.

FIG. 22 shows a symbol table used by the display control CPU 101 on the display control board 80 side for display control. The data of the symbol table is stored in the control data ROM 102. On the design table,
Special symbol data corresponding to the fixed symbol designation commands “00H” to “0BH” output from the game control board 31 are arranged.

The control command output during the variable display period
Timing chart 23 is a timing chart showing the output timing of the control command output from the game controller board 31 until stop for each control board 35,70,80 from variation of the special symbols.

When the change of the special symbol is started, first, a change start command “80H × H” is set as a display control command, a voice control command, and a ramp control command from the game control board 31 to each control board 35, 70,80
Are output all at once. In addition, “80H ×× H”
Are "80H 00H" to "80H 0H" shown in FIG.
4H ". Simultaneous variation of the special symbol is started at the timing when the variation start command is received on the display control board 80 side. The presence or absence of the reach and the variable display period are specified by the type of the fluctuation start command. The display control board 80 determines a variation pattern such as reach effect content based on the command.
In the sound control board 70 and the lamp control board 35, an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern is selected, and a game effect is started.

Thereafter, following the change start command, three fixed symbol designation commands corresponding to the left middle right symbol are sequentially output as display control commands. The figure shows a fixed symbol designation command 1 “90H × H” for the left symbol, a fixed symbol designation command 2 “91H × H” for the middle symbol, and a fixed symbol designation command 3 “92HXX × for the right symbol. H "
Are output in that order. Note that “×
× H ”is one of“ 00H ”to“ 0BH ”shown in FIG. On the display control board 80 side, the type of the finalized symbol to be finally derived and displayed as the display result is determined based on the finalized symbol designating command.

When the variable display time Tn specified by the fluctuation start command (fluctuation command) has elapsed since the simultaneous fluctuation of the symbols was started, the symbol confirmation command was sent from the game control board 31 to each of the control boards 35, 70, 80 is output. Thereby, the fixed symbol is stopped and displayed, and the game effect by the lamp and the sound effect is stopped.

Description of Other Lamp Control Commands Next, other lamp control commands will be described with reference to FIGS. Other lamp control commands other than the common commands described above include a command for controlling the LED of the special symbol start memory display 18 (see FIG. 1) and a normal symbol start memory display (not shown). Command for unpaid award ball 29 (FIG. 1)
(See FIG. 1), and a command for controlling the display of the variable symbol display 10 (see FIG. 1) of ordinary symbols.

Referring to FIG. 26, the MODE data of the command for controlling the special symbol start storage display 18 is "10H", and the EXT data is "00H" to "04".
H ". Of these EXT data, "00H" designates that all four start storage display lamps (LEDs) are turned off (start storage number = 0), and "01H" corresponds to start storage number = 1. It is specified to turn on only one left end LED,
"02H" specifies that the left two LEDs should be turned on and the right two LEDs should be turned off in accordance with the start memory number = 2, and "03H" indicates that the start memory number = 3 and other than the right end LED. Lighting of three LEDs is designated, and "04H" designates lighting of all four LEDs. The MODE data of the start storage display for the normal symbol is "11H", and the EXT data is the same as the lamp control command for the special symbol.

Further, referring to FIG. 26, the MODE data of the command for controlling lamp 29 with an unpaid award ball is "04H", and the EXT data is "04H" or "05H". It is specified by the EXT data “04H” that the unpaid award ball existence lamp 29 is to be turned on.
Lamp 29 with unpaid prize ball due to XT data "05H"
Is turned off. As for the lamp control command for controlling the start memory indicator (for special symbol / normal symbol), a control command corresponding to each of the four LEDs is provided, and each LED is controlled by a lamp control command for each LED. May be specified.

Referring to FIG. 27, the MO of the lamp control command for controlling the display of variable display 10 for ordinary symbols is shown.
The DE data is “85H” and the EXT data is “00”.
H "to" 02H ". These E
In the XT data, the fluctuation start command “00H” designates the fluctuation start of the ordinary symbol, and the fluctuation stop command “0
"1H" specifies that the fluctuation of the ordinary symbol is stopped and the result is a hit, and the fluctuation stop command "02H" specifies that the fluctuation of the ordinary symbol is stopped and the result is out of order. The type of the symbol corresponding to the hit and the type of the symbol corresponding to the coming off are described on the lamp control board 3.
The lamp control board 35 receives these control commands from the game control board 31 and displays the hit symbol or the off symbol which is stored by itself. However, instead of this, the types of control commands corresponding to the fluctuation stop may be increased so that the game control board 31 can specify up to the type of the normal symbol. Further, like a command to the display control board 80, three kinds of commands of a change start command, a fixed symbol designation command, and a change stop command may be sent.

FIG. 28 is a timing chart for explaining the output timing of the fluctuation command and the fluctuation stop command of the ordinary symbol. Like the special pattern variation pattern,
The change start command “85H00H” is also issued to the game control board 3 at the timing when the change is started for the ordinary symbol.
1 is output. The lamp control board 35 starts the change of the ordinary symbol in response to the change start command. Thereafter, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the game control board 31 outputs a fluctuation stop command “85H XXH”. In response to this, the lamp control board 35 normally stops the fluctuation of the symbol and derives and displays the result of the hit or miss.

Although the symbols are normally controlled by the lamp control board, they may be controlled by the display control board 80. In this case, a fluctuation start command and a fluctuation stop command of a normal symbol are output from the display control board 80 as display control commands.

Explanation of Award Ball Control Command Next, the award ball control command output to the award ball control board 37 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown, there are a total of nine types of award ball control commands including unused data. Among them, the prize ball control command indicated by the MODE data “C1H” is a normal payout designation, that is, a prize ball number command designating payout of a prize ball.
The EXT data of the award ball number command is defined as a data area for designating the number of award balls to be paid out.

In addition, the command data whose MODE data is "C2H" is a command designating prohibition of ball lending, the command data whose MODE data is "C3H" is a command designating that ball lending is possible, and the MODE data " A command whose command is “C4H” is a firing prohibition specifying command, a command whose MODE data is “C5H” is a firing enabling command, and whose MODE data is “C6H”.
Is a prize ball prohibition designation command, and MOD
The command whose E data is “C7H” is a command for specifying a winning ball. Further, the command whose MODE data is “C8H” is power failure notice command data output when a power failure occurs, and the prize ball control board 37 receives this command data and executes a predetermined process for the power failure. Execute.

Of these award control commands, the EXT data for all commands other than the normal payout designation command is unified to “01H”.

Description of Processing on Game Control Board 31 Next, processing on the game control board 31 will be described with reference to flowcharts, with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 30A is a flow chart for explaining the game control main processing, and FIG. 30B is a flow chart for explaining the timer interruption processing.

As described below, the game control board 31
CPU 56 mainly performs two processes every 2 ms. One is a normal game control process, and the other is a process for checking whether the power supply voltage is abnormally lowered. After completing these two processes, the CPU 56 enters a standby state until the next time when the two processes can be started. The standby state ends when the timer interrupt flag is set in the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 30B, and the CPU 56 executes the above two processing again.

Referring to FIG. 30, when power is supplied to pachinko gaming machine 1, it is determined whether or not the power failure has been restored (S1). As will be described later, the CPU 56 sets a power-off flag when the power supply voltage is abnormally reduced and a power failure is expected to occur (see S23). The power-off flag is stored in the RAM 55 in the game control microcomputer 53 of the game control board 31, and is maintained by the backup power supply from the power board 910 for a while after the power-off occurs. Therefore, after a power outage,
If the power is restored within the backup time, the power-off flag is maintained in the ON state, and it is determined in S1 that the power has been restored after the power failure. On the other hand, for example, when the power of the gaming machine is turned off when the store is closed and the power is turned on before the store is opened the next morning, the power-off flag is cleared with the elapse of the backup time. Therefore, in this case, S
In step 1, it is determined that the status has not been restored after the power failure.

When it is determined in S1 that the power has not been restored after the power failure, that is, when the power is turned on the next morning after the store is closed, normal initialization processing is executed (S2). The normal initialization processing is performed when the RAM 55
This is the process of initializing all the data in.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S1 that the game has been restored after the power failure (when the power-off flag is set), the game state is returned to the state before the power failure based on the backed-up RAM data. It is. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, an initialization system timer is set (S2a). This initialization system timer is a timer for generating an interrupt after a predetermined interrupt time (for example, 2 ms) has elapsed and activating the timer interrupt process (FIG. 30B). As a result, when a predetermined interruption time has elapsed thereafter, the timer interruption processing of FIG. 30B is started.

Referring to FIG. 30 (b), when the timer interrupt process is started, the timer interrupt flag is set (S9), and the initialization system timer is set again to interrupt time. Is started (S10).

Referring again to FIG. 30 (a), after the initialization system timer is set (S2a), it is determined whether the timer interrupt flag is set to 1 (S2).
4). For example, immediately after the execution of the initialization process, the timer interrupt flag is also initialized (= 0), and the determination of NO is made in S4. Then, S
When the initialization system set in 2a measures 2 ms, the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 30 (b)) is executed, and when the timer interrupt flag is set to 1, a determination of YES is made in S4. . As a result, the processing exits the repetitive loop constituted by S4, and the timer interrupt flag is cleared (= 0) (S5).

Next, it is determined whether there is any abnormality in the power supply voltage (S6). As described above, this determination is based on the power supply monitoring IC input to the input port 570 (see FIG. 15).
902 is performed based on the input signal.

If it is determined in S6 that there is no abnormality in the power supply voltage and there is no possibility of occurrence of a power failure, normal game control processing is executed (S7). The details of the game control process will be described later with reference to FIG. When a series of game control processes is executed, the process again enters the loop configured in S4, and enters a standby state. Then, when the initialization system timer set in S10 measures 2 ms, the timer interrupt flag is changed from 0 to 1 to exit the loop,
Again, the processing after S5 is repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S6 that the power supply voltage is abnormal, power failure occurrence processing is executed (S8).
In the power failure generation process, a power failure notification command for notifying that a power failure has occurred is output to each of the control boards 35, 37, 70, and 80, and the above-mentioned power-off flag is set. Is a process for preventing the execution. For details of the power failure occurrence processing, see FIG.
Will be described later.

As described above, in the game control main process, the game control process is executed every 2 ms, and the power supply voltage is periodically checked every 2 ms.

In particular, since the voltage monitoring process in S6 is configured to be executed before the game control process in S7, compared to the case where the order of the two processes is reversed,
The execution time interval of the voltage monitoring process can be uniformly set to 2 ms. That is, if the voltage monitoring process is executed after the game control process, there is a difference in the timing at which the voltage monitoring process can be started depending on when the game control process ends. This is because the time required for completing all the steps in the game control process described later with reference to FIG. 31 differs depending on the game state. As described above, if there is a difference in the timing at which the voltage monitoring process can be started, the voltage monitoring process is executed once every 2 ms. However, since the voltage monitoring process was started last time, the voltage monitoring process is now executed. The processing time interval until the start of execution varies.

Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the voltage monitoring process in S6 is executed before the game control process in S7, so that the voltage monitoring process is periodically executed every 2 ms. It becomes possible. As a result, the reliability with which a power failure can be expected can be made uniform during the operation period of the gaming machine.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining the game control processing. This game control processing is performed in S7 of FIG.
This is a subroutine executed by

In the game control process, first, a data output process is executed (S10). Thereby, game information such as big hit information is output to the hall computer. Next, error processing is performed (S11). In the error processing, a process of setting an error state when an error state occurs and notifying the user of the error state, and a processing of releasing the error state under predetermined conditions are performed. Next, a determination random number update process is performed (S12). In the random number updating process for determination, a process for updating the random number for jackpot determination and the like is performed.

Next, special symbol process processing is executed (S13). In this special symbol process processing, a process for branching and executing a process for displaying a special symbol divided into a plurality of processes in accordance with a flag for selecting a process is performed. The special symbol processing will be described later with reference to FIG. In addition, the outline of the special symbol processing will be described separately with reference to FIG.

Next, a normal symbol process is executed (S14). In the normal symbol process process, a process for displaying a normal symbol divided into a plurality of processes is performed in accordance with a flag for selecting a process. The outline of the ordinary symbol processing will be described with reference to FIG.

Next, a display random number updating process is executed (S15). In the display random number update process, a process of updating various random numbers used for determining a fixed symbol is performed.

Next, winning ball signal processing is executed (S1).
6). In the winning ball signal processing, a process according to the detection of the winning ball is performed. For details of the processing, see FIG.
2 will be described later.

Next, an award ball command (award ball control command)
Output processing is performed (S17). In the prize ball command output processing, for example, a prize ball number command corresponding to the specified number of payouts of prize balls set in the prize ball signal processing, a power failure notice command, and other prize ball control commands are output to the prize ball control board 35. Is performed.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart for explaining the winning ball signal processing. This winning ball signal processing is a subroutine executed in S16 of FIG.

In the winning ball signal processing, first, a winning detecting mechanism (winning switch) is checked (SS1).
Checking the winning detection mechanism specifically means checking the input status of detection signals from various winning switches. Next, based on the result of checking the winning detection mechanism, it is determined whether or not a winning has occurred in any of the winning openings (SS2). If it is determined that no prize has occurred at a certain winning opening, it is determined whether or not all the prize detecting mechanisms (prize switches) have been checked (SS).
4) If there is a winning detection mechanism (winning switch) that has not been checked yet, the processing shifts to SS1 again.

In SS2, when it is determined that a winning is detected by a certain winning detecting mechanism (winning switch), 1 is added to the winning ball counter (SS3). Here, the prize ball counter is a counter that counts the number of winnings, and is incremented and updated based on the detection of the winning as described above, and every time a winning ball number command corresponding to the detected winning is output. Prize ball command output processing (S1 in FIG. 31)
In 7), the value is subtracted and updated. In this flowchart, for example, it is assumed that there are two types of prize balls to be paid out for one prize, and the prize ball counter 1 and the prize ball corresponding to each type are used as the prize ball counters. A counter 2 is used. Therefore, this SS
In the case of 3, 1 is added to the prize ball counter 1 or the prize ball counter 2.

At SS4, all winning detection mechanism (winning switch)
If it is determined that has been checked, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the prize ball counter 1 is 0 (SS5). Then, the counter value of the award ball counter 1 is 0
, The process proceeds to SS7 described later. If the counter value of the prize ball counter 1 is not 0, that is, if there is a prize for the prize ball counter 1, the prize designated corresponding to the prize is obtained. The number of balls to be paid out is set, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is added to the unpaid prize ball number counter (SS6). The payout number of the prize balls set here is added to the payout number of the prize balls set in SS8 described later. Then, the prize ball number command corresponding to the addition result is award ball command output processing (S1 in FIG. 31).
It is output in 7). The unpaid ball count counter is
This is a counter that counts the number of award balls that have not been paid out of the expected number of award balls. The counter value of the unpaid prize ball counter is subtracted and updated in SS10 every time the detection output of the prize ball count switch is obtained.

Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the prize ball counter 2 is 0 (SS7). If the value of the prize ball counter 2 is 0, the process proceeds to SS9 described later. If the value is not 0, the number of prize balls to be paid out is set in the same manner as in SS6, and the payout number is set to the number of unpaid prize balls. Prize balls are added (SS
8).

Next, it is determined whether or not the detection output of the prize ball count switch has been obtained (SS9).
11, the counter value of the unpaid prize ball number counter is decremented by 1 when the detection output is obtained (SS1).
0). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the unpaid prize ball number counter is 0 (SS11). When the value of the unpaid prize ball number counter is 0, that is, all the prize balls to be paid are paid out. In this case, it is specified that the unpaid prize ball present lamp 29 is turned off (SS13), and if the counter value is not 0, it is specified that the unpaid prize ball present lamp 29 is turned on (SS12). This SS12, SS1
The data specified in 3 is output as a lamp control command in the control data output process (SC8) of FIG.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart for explaining the power failure occurrence processing. This power failure occurrence processing is shown in FIG.
This is a subroutine executed in S8 of (a).

In the power failure occurrence processing, first, the interruption is prohibited (S20). As a result, the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 30B is not executed regardless of the elapsed time, and the interrupt flag is not set to 1.

Next, a power failure notice command (see “C8H 01H” in FIG. 29) is output to the award ball control board 37 (S2).
1) Subsequently, the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70
And the display control board 80, a power failure notice command of the same form ("A1H 00H", see FIG. 24) is output (S2
2). Upon receiving the power failure notice command, the display control board 80 causes the display screen to display a message prompting the user to interrupt the display control performed up to that point and to restart the power supply, as described above. Further, the lamp control board 35 receives the power failure notice command and, as described above,
Turn off the LED. Similarly, the voice control board 70 receives the power failure notice command and, as described above,
7 is silenced.

The prize ball control board 37 which has received the power failure notice command interrupts any control such as award ball payout control. The detailed description will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the power-off flag is set (S2).
3). This power-off flag is held for a while by the backup power supply even after the power failure, and when the power failure is restored, it is determined in S1 described above whether or not the power-off flag is set.

Next, the various data currently stored in the RAM 55 is referred to, and a checksum is calculated using a specific bit (for example, a leading bit) of a bit string constituting the various data. Then, the calculated checksum is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (S2).
4). The checksum stored here is checked in S30 of FIG. 34 at the time of restoration from power failure.

Next, it is set to prohibit access to the RAM 55 (S25). Based on this, no processing is performed until the power is turned off (S2).
6). If the power is again supplied after the power is cut off, the process proceeds to the game control main process of FIG.

According to the pre-power failure occurrence processing of FIG. 33, the access to the RAM 55 is prohibited immediately before the power failure occurs, and the progress of the game is stopped. Therefore, the power failure occurs while the CPU 56 is accessing the RAM 55. As a result, it is possible to prevent the RAM data from being corrupted. Moreover, when the progress of the game is stopped, a stop notice command is output to each of the control boards 35, 70, and 80, and the game effect by the variable display device 8, the lamp / LED, and the speaker 27 is also interrupted in S22. Therefore, those game parts can be brought into a state in which they are consistent with the game progress stop state.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining the power failure recovery processing. This power failure recovery processing is performed in S3 of FIG.
This is a subroutine executed by

In the power failure recovery processing, first, the RAM 5
The checksum stored in No. 5 is checked, and it is determined whether or not the value is abnormal (S30). As a result of the checksum check, if it is determined that there is an abnormality, the data stored in the RAM 55 may be corrupted, and the control may be restarted using the stored data. The initialization process is performed in the same manner as shown in S2 of FIG. 30 without performing (S32). Thus, all data in the RAM 55 is initialized.
On the other hand, when it is determined in S30 that there is no abnormality in the checksum, after the power-off flag is cleared (S31),
A game state restoring process for restoring the game state based on the data stored in the RAM 55 is executed (S
33). The details of the game state restoration process are shown in FIG.
5 will be described.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining the game state restoring process. This game state restoration process,
This is a subroutine executed in S33 of FIG. 34, and is a process of restoring the variable display device 8, the lamp / LED, and the speaker 27 based on the RAM data of the game control board 31 after the power failure is restored.

In the game state restoring process, first, a start memory restoring process is executed (SA1). The start memory restoration process is a process of restoring the display state of the special symbol start memory display 18 and the normal symbol start memory display to the state before the power failure based on the data stored in the RAM 55.
Specifically, from the game control board 31 to the ramp control board 35
In response to this, a lamp control command for designating the lighting pattern of the lamps of the start storage display 18 and the normal design start storage display is output. This lighting pattern is based on the number of starting memories stored in the RAM 55 of the game control board 31 before the power failure occurs, and the CPU 56 of the game control board 31
Selected by. Since the RAM 55 is backed up by the backup power supply, the starting storage number before the power failure remains unchanged even after the power failure is restored.
Is stored in

Control CPU 351 for Lamp Control Board 35
Receives the output lamp control command, and restores the display state of the special symbol start memory display 18 and the normal symbol start memory display to the state before the power failure.

As described above, after the restoration of the power failure, among the variable display device 8, the lamp / LED and the speaker 27, the display states of the special symbol start memory display 18 and the ordinary symbol start memory display are initially displayed. Return to. For this reason, there is no such a strange game control that the variable display control of the special symbol is started even though the start storage number is not displayed yet after the restoration of the power failure. Further, if the image of the variable display device 8 is restored prior to the display of the start storage display after the restoration of the power failure, the time from when the image of the variable display device 8 is restored until the display of the start storage display is restored is restored. In the meantime, it gives the player the impression that the starting memory remaining before the power failure has been reset by the power failure, giving the player an uneasy feeling, but the display of the starting memory is given priority There is no such thing to return. As described above, it is possible to smoothly return the gaming state when the power outage is restored.

Next, display restoration processing is executed (SA
2). The display restoration process is a process of restoring the display state of the variable display device 8 to the state before the power failure. Specifically, a display control command for specifying a display control pattern such as a special symbol variation pattern is output from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. The display control pattern is selected by the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 based on the control data stored in the RAM 55 of the game control board 31 before the power failure occurs. Since the RAM 55 is backed up by the backup power supply, the display control data before the power failure is still stored in the RAM 55 even after the recovery from the power failure. If the special symbol has already started to change at the time of the power failure, a change start command or the like corresponding to the change is output from the game control board 31 in this display restoration process. For this reason, if there is a power failure during the change of the special symbol, the special symbol starts to change again after the restoration of the power failure.

Next, voice restoration processing is executed (SA
3). The sound restoration process is a process of restoring the sound effect from the speaker 27 to the state before the power failure occurred. In the audio restoration process, an audio control command designating an audio control pattern corresponding to the display state of the variable display device 8 restored by the display restoration process (SA2) is output from the game control board 31 to the audio control board 70. You. This voice control pattern is stored in the RAM of the game control board 31 before the power failure occurs.
The selection is made by the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 based on the control data stored in 55. RAM55
Since the power supply is backed up by the backup power supply, the voice control data before the power failure is still stored in the RAM 55 even after the power failure is recovered.

Next, a ramp recovery process is executed (SA
4). This lamp restoration process is a process for restoring various lamps / LEDs other than the special symbol start memory display 18 and the normal symbol start memory display to the lighting state before the power failure. Specifically, a lamp control command corresponding to the display state of the variable display device 8 restored by the display restoration process of SA2 and a lamp control command for controlling the unpaid prize ball present lamp 29 are backed up by the backup power supply. The selected lamp control command is output to the lamp control board 35 by the CPU 56 based on the control data of the RAM 55 that has been selected. Since the RAM 55 is backed up by the backup power supply, the lamp control data before the power failure is still stored in the RAM 55 even after the power failure is recovered.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining the special symbol processing. This special symbol process is a subroutine executed in S13 of FIG. The outline of this special symbol processing is shown in FIG.
Will be described later.

The CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 53
At the time of performing the special symbol process, steps SC1 to SC shown in FIG.
Performs any one of C6 and SC1.
If an output request of a control command is generated in any of the processing from SC6 to SC6 or other processing, data of a control command corresponding to the output request is set in SC7, and the set control command is output in SC8. Hereinafter, each step of the special symbol process will be described.

Special symbol change waiting process (SC1): This is a process executed while waiting for the start winning port 14 to be turned on and the start port switch 17 to be turned on. Starting port switch 1
When 7 is turned on, if the number of stored start winnings does not reach the upper limit, the number of stored start winnings is incremented by one, and a random number for jackpot determination is extracted. The processing executed here will be described later with reference to FIG.

Big hit determination process (SC2): This is a process for determining whether to make a big hit or a miss depending on the value of the extracted random number for big hit determination.

Special symbol stop symbol setting process (SC3): This is a process for determining the final stop symbol (fixed symbol) of the left and right middle symbols and determining the variation pattern.

All symbols changing process (SC4): This is a process for starting the change of the special symbol. Specifically, the output request of the fluctuation start command is set.

All symbol stop processing (SC5): This is a processing for setting a symbol stop command output request after the variable display period based on the fluctuation pattern set in SC3 has elapsed.

Big hit processing (SC6): When the determined symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, this is a process of setting an output request for a display control command of the big hit control. The display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 performs display control such as displaying a big hit on the variable display unit 9 based on the command data set here.

Control data setting processing (SC7): SC1
SC6, a process for setting corresponding command data in response to a control command output request set in other processes.

Control data output processing (SC8): The command data set in SC7 is transmitted to the corresponding control boards 35, 7
This is a process of outputting to 0 and 80 as a control command. Specifically, while outputting the corresponding control command data to an output port provided corresponding to the control board,
A T signal (strobe signal) is output to an output port.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the special symbol change waiting process (SC1) in the special symbol process process. In this special symbol change waiting process, first,
It is determined whether or not there is a winning in the starting winning opening 14 (S
41) If not, the process ends, but if there is a winning start, it is determined whether the number of stored starts has already reached the upper limit (= 4) (S42). If the starting memory number has reached the upper limit, the starting prize will not be stored,
Otherwise, the value of the start storage number counter for counting the start storage number is incremented by 1 (S43). The start storage number counter is configured in a storage area of the RAM 55.

Next, the random number for jackpot determination used for the jackpot determination is extracted, and the extracted value is stored in the random number value storage area of the RAM 55 corresponding to the value of the starting storage number counter (S44), and the process ends.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of process data used in the special symbol processing. The process data is stored in the game control microcomputer 5
3 is stored in the ROM 54. Among the special symbol processing, SC1 to SC6 are performed according to the process data.

As shown, the process data is in units of 4 bytes (process timer data × 2, MODE data ×
1, EXT data × 1) is a collection of one or more data, and an end code indicating the end of the process is added to the end of the data. Hereinafter, such a set of data (4N bytes + 2 bytes) is referred to as a process data group. When there is a plurality of such process data groups, and the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 53 finishes execution of a certain process data group, the CPU 56 designates a head address of a predetermined next process data group, and Start running the data group.

In the process data group, the process timer value of the first byte and the second byte is a timer used when executing the control data of the third byte and the fourth byte. When the timer times out, If control data (set at the seventh and eighth bytes) is further added to the process data group, the added control data is executed. At that time, the process timer set in the fifth and sixth bytes is used. On the other hand, when the time of the process timer expires, if the next data is an end code, a predetermined start address of the next process data group is designated, and the process data group is executed.

The control data set in the process data group is control command data. As shown in FIG. 38, for example, MODE data of the common command data is set in the third byte, and EXT data is set in the fourth byte.

FIG. 39 is a subroutine showing process data / timer processing executed in steps SC1 to SC6 among the steps of the special symbol processing. In this process data / timer process, first, a special symbol process timer setting process is executed (S
401). In the special symbol process timer setting process, when the process data groups are switched, each of the steps SC1 to SC
The start address of the process data group to be executed in C6 is set, and the process timer of the process data corresponding to the address is set. This special symbol process timer setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the value of the process timer is decremented by 1 (S403). Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the process timer is 0 (S404). If the value is not 0, this process is assumed to be continuing (S408), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the value of the process timer is 0, the data pointer is set to point to the next data (4 bytes) in the process data group (S40).
5). Next, the values of the first and second bytes in the data group indicated by the data pointer are set as the process timer (S406), and it is determined whether or not the newly set value is the end code (S407). If it is not the end code, the process continuation is set to execute the process based on the newly set process timer (S408). On the other hand, if it is the end code, the process end is set because the processing of the process data group has ended (S409).
The process ends.

FIG. 40 is a flow chart for explaining the special symbol process timer setting process. This special symbol process timer setting process is a subroutine executed in S401 of FIG.

In the special symbol process timer setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the address of the process data group has been changed (whether the switching of the process data group has been designated) (S421). If there is no change in the address, that is, if the process of the process data group is ongoing, there is no need to change the currently set process data address. After the address is set again (S425), the process ends.

On the other hand, when the address is changed, that is, when the process data group is switched, S
A determination of YES is made in 421, and the start address of the changed process data group is set (S422).
Then, the value of the first and second bytes (timer value) in the new process data group is newly set as the process timer (S423), and the value of the process timer is stored (S424). Next, the value of the changed data address is set as the process data address (S425), and the process ends.

FIG. 41 is a flow chart for explaining the control data setting processing. This control data setting process is a subroutine executed in SC7 of the special symbol process process of FIG.

In the control data setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the control data (display control command data, voice control command data, lamp control command data) has been changed (S81). Change of control data is shown in FIG.
This occurs when control data to be executed is switched after the process timer in the process data group shown in FIG. 8 has expired. For example, this occurs when a variable display period (variation time) corresponding to the fluctuation start command has elapsed since the output of the fluctuation start command and the process timer has expired.

When the control data is changed in this way, the control command data in the changed process data group is read (S82). Then, the read control command data is output port X (X is the display control board 80: output port A 57) corresponding to each of the lamp control board 35, the voice control board 70, and the display control board 80.
1. The voice control board 70: output port C 573, and the lamp control board 35: output port E 575) are once set in the data storage area (S84). Next, an output request for the port X corresponding to each control board is set (S85).
It should be noted that the output request set here is determined in S58 of FIG.
Checked at 1. On the other hand, if it is determined in S81 that there is no change in the control data, the process ends as it is.

FIG. 42 is a flow chart for explaining the control data output process. This control data output process is a subroutine executed in SC8 of the special symbol process process of FIG.

In the control data output process, first, it is determined whether or not an output request for the port X corresponding to each of the control boards 35, 70, 80 has been set (S5).
81). Note that, as described above, this output request can be set in S85 of FIG. If the output request for port X is set, first, a process for resetting the output request for port X is performed (S582), and the contents of the port X storage area correspond to each control board 35, 70, 80. (S583).

Next, the value of the port X output counter is incremented by 1 (S584), and the port Y (Y is the display control board 8) for outputting the INT signal (strobe signal).
0: output port B 572, audio control board 70: output port D 574, lamp control board 35: output port F
576), bit 7 is set to 0 (S585). Here, when the bit 7 of the port Y is set to 0, the INT signal corresponding to each of the control boards 35, 70, and 80 changes from the invalid state to the valid state. Thereafter, the process is temporarily terminated.

Thereafter, when 2 ms elapses, the control data output processing is executed again. This is because the game control process (S7 in FIG. 30) including this control data output process is 2m.
This is because it is executed every s. Then, if this control data output processing is executed after 2 ms, S581
It is determined that there is no output request for port X. This is because the output request of the port X was reset in S582 last time. In this case, it is determined whether the output counter of the port X is 0 (S586). Here, the output counter of the port X was +1 last time in S584.
Therefore, NO is determined in S586. In this case, subsequently, the output counter of port X is 2
Is determined (S587). If the value of the output counter of the port X is still 1, the count value is further incremented by 1 (S588), and the process ends once. Thereafter, if 4 ms has passed since the INT signal was changed from the invalid state to the valid state in S585, and this control data output processing is executed again, it is determined that the value of the port X output counter is 2 in S587. It is determined that the port X output counter is cleared (S58).
9) Subsequently, the bit 7 of the port Y is changed from 0 to 1 (S590), and the process ends. Thus, the state of the INT signal is changed from the valid state to the invalid state.

By executing the control data output processing as described above, when the control command data is output from the port X, the INT signal is at the low level, that is, in the valid state for 4 ms. FIG. 43 shows the state of the signal.

FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the processing flow relating to the special symbol processing shown in FIG.

First, when the variable display of the special symbol has been completed and the variable display of the special symbol can be started again (S20: Start SW ON), the random number for judging the big hit extracted when the start winning is generated is obtained. It is read and it is determined whether or not it is a big hit determination value (S21). If the value is a jackpot determination value, it is determined in advance that the variable display result is a jackpot, and if the value is any other value, it is determined in advance that the result is a loss. In addition, when the probability change flag described later is set and the gaming state is in the probability variation state, the big hit determination value increases, and the big hit probability is improved.

When it is determined that the variable display result is a loss (NO in S21), a left-center-right loss symbol is set based on a random value for determining a loss appearance (S2).
6). More specifically, the type of the fixed symbol designating command to be output to the display control board 80 is determined. Thereafter, the flow shifts to S28a described later.

If it is determined in S21 that a big hit is to be made, a big hit flag is set (S22). next,
It is determined whether the limiter is operating (S2).
3). As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the limiter is activated (the limiter flag is turned on) when the number of times the probable change has continued continuously reaches the predetermined limit value. If it is determined that the limiter is not operating, it is determined whether or not to set a high probability (high probability large hit) based on the extracted value of the random number for determining a probability change (S24). If it is determined to be a high probability hit (probably variable big hit), a big hit symbol is determined from among the probable variable symbols (S25). More specifically, the type of the fixed symbol designating command for designating the probable change symbol is determined. Next, a probability change hit flag is set (S28). The probability-change hit flag is a flag indicating that it is determined to be a probability-change hit.

If it is determined in S24 that the jackpot is not determined to be a probability variable jackpot, or if it is determined in S23 that the limiter is operating, a jackpot symbol is selected from the non-deterministic symbols (S27). More precisely, the type of the fixed symbol designating command for designating the non-probable variable symbol is determined.

After the type of the fixed symbol designating command is determined in any of S25 to S27, the type of the variation start command is determined (S28a). Subsequently, the determined variation start command is transmitted to the lamp control board 35. Voice control board 7
0 is sent to the display control board 80 (S29). The variable display device 8 starts variable display of a special symbol by receiving the variable start command on the display control board 80 side. Further, by receiving the change start command by the ramp control board 35 and the voice control board 70, a game effect (lamp control,
Voice control).

Next, the fixed symbol designation command set in S25 to S27 is transmitted (S30). On the display control board 80 side, the variable display result of the special symbol is determined based on the finalized symbol designating command.

Next, when the variable display period specified by the change start command comes to an end, a change stop command is sent to the lamp control board 35, the voice control board 70, and the display control board 80 (S31). The change of the special symbol ends. Next, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set (S32). If the big hit flag is not set, the display result of the variable display device 8 is out of order, so that a state of waiting for start (waiting for start) is made (S33). On the other hand, if it is determined that the big hit flag is set, the probability change flag is cleared (S
34) Subsequently, a jackpot command is sent to the lamp control board 35, the voice control board 70, and the display control board 80 (S35). On receiving the big hit command, the display control board 80 performs control to switch the screen showing the big hit display result to the big hit start screen. A big hit effect (lamp control, voice control) is performed between the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70.

Next, after the big hit control is completed, it is determined whether or not the confirmed symbol is a probable variable symbol (S36), and if it is a probable symbol, a probable variable flag is set (S3).
7). As a result, the state is controlled to the probability fluctuation state. on the other hand,
If the confirmed symbol is not a probable change symbol, the probable change flag is not set, and a state of waiting for start (waiting for start) is entered (S38).

FIG. 45 relates to the ordinary symbol processing.
It is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the processing. Hereinafter, an outline of the ordinary symbol processing will be described with reference to FIG.

In the normal symbol processing, first,
If there is a detection output of the gate switch 12 which does not exceed the upper limit value (= 4) of the starting memory of the normal symbol (S2
00), a random hit determination random number is extracted, and it is determined whether the variable display result of the normal symbol is a hit or a loss (S201). When the hit determination is made, a normal symbol hit flag is set (S20).
2) Then, a winning symbol is determined (S203). Specifically, the normal symbol stop symbol designation command is “85H 0
1H ". On the other hand, when a loss determination is made, a loss symbol is determined (S20).
4). Specifically, it is determined that the normal symbol stop symbol designation command is “85H 02H”.

After that, if it becomes possible to start the fluctuation based on the starting memory of the normal symbol, a normal symbol fluctuation start command is transmitted at that time (S205). next,
When a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, a normal symbol stop symbol designating command is transmitted (S206). Thereby, the fluctuation of the ordinary symbol is stopped. Next, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol hit flag is set (S20).
7). If the normal symbol hit flag is not set, the display result is out of order, and the process waits for start (S209). Specifically, if there is a normal symbol start memory, the process proceeds to S200 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the hit flag is set, the ordinary electric solenoid is set to ON (S20).
8). Thereby, the solenoid 306 for opening the blade member 150 of the starting port 14 is excited. Next, when the predetermined excitation time has elapsed, it is determined that the operation has been completed (YES in S210), and the ordinary electric solenoid is set to OFF so that the solenoid 306 is de-energized (S211). After that, it waits for the start (S21)
2).

Lamp control board / voice control board / display control
Description of Processing on Substrate Next, referring to FIGS.
Control CPU 351 and the voice control board 70 control C
PU 701 and control CPU 101 of display control board 80
The contents of the processing will be described based on the flowchart.

FIG. 46 (a) shows each of the control boards 35, 70, 8
7 is a flowchart for explaining a main process executed by a control CPU of 0, and FIG. 7B is a flowchart for explaining a timer interrupt process.

Referring to FIG. 46 (a), in the main process, first, an initialization process (S101) is executed upon power-on of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and RAM data is initialized. Next, a predetermined interruption time (for example, 500
After elapse of (μs), an initialization system timer for generating an interrupt and activating a timer interrupt process is set (S102). Thus, after a predetermined interruption time (for example, 500 μs) has elapsed, the timer interruption processing of FIG. 46B is started.

Referring to FIG. 46B, when the timer interrupt process is started, the interrupt flag is set (S
108), the initialization system timer is set again, and the counting of the interrupt time is started.

Referring again to FIG. 46A, S102
After that, the process waits until the interrupt flag is set (S103), and when the interrupt flag is set, S1 is set.
03, a determination of YES is made, and S104 to S
The process of 106 is executed, and the process waits for the setting of the interrupt flag again. When the initialization system timer previously set in S109 has finished measuring the interrupt time, the timer interrupt processing is started and the interrupt flag is set in S108, whereby the processing in S104 to S106 is performed again. Be executed. Thereafter, each time the timer interrupt process is started for each interrupt time, the processes of S104 to S106 are executed.

Hereinafter, the processing of S104 to S106 will be described. The control command reading process (S104) is a process of reading a control command transmitted from the game control board 31 side. Thereby, the control CPU of the lamp control board 35 transmits the lamp control command to the control CP of the sound control board 70.
U transmits the voice control command to the control C of the display control board 80.
The PU reads the display control command. Details of the processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

The control command execution processing (S105) sets a ROM address at which the effect pattern data according to the newly fetched control command is stored, and performs control (ramp control, voice control) using the effect pattern data corresponding to the ROM address. This is a process of outputting a control signal for executing control and image display control) from an output port. Details of this control command execution processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

The watchdog timer reset processing is performed in (S
106), a process of resetting the watchdog timer of the watchdog timer circuit (not shown) provided on each of the control boards 35, 70, and 80 and again counting the watchdog timer from the initial value. It should be noted that this watchdog timer circuit is provided externally to the control CPU when the control CPU of each of the control boards 35, 70, 80 runs out of control and does not start the interrupt every predetermined time (for example, 500 μs). This is a circuit that serves to stop runaway by giving a reset pulse from the controller.

FIG. 47 is a flow chart for explaining the control command reading process. This control command reading process is a subroutine executed in S104 of FIG. This control command reading process is executed every predetermined time (for example, 500 μs).

In the control command reading process, first,
It is determined whether the INT signal is ON, that is, whether the INT signal is in a valid state (S50).
1) If the INT signal is not ON, the communication counter is cleared (S501), and the process ends. The communication counter is a counter used to count the number of times the same control command has been continuously received. When the communication counter reaches 3, it is determined that the received control command is a legitimate command for the first time.

If it is determined in S501 that the INT signal is ON, a process of reading a control command sent from the game control board 31 is performed (S50).
2). Next, it is determined whether the INT signal rises and is the first command, or whether the control command read in the current process is the same as the control command read in the previous process (S503). ).

The control command read in this processing is IN
When it is determined that the T signal rises and is the first command or the same command as the control command read in the previous processing, the counter value of the communication counter is set to a predetermined maximum value (MAX). Is determined (S504). As described above, the communication counter is a counter for counting the number of times that the control command extracted during the period in which the INT signal is in the valid state has been consistent with the control command extracted last time. The maximum value is set to “3”.

If it is determined that the counter value of the communication counter has not reached the maximum value, the counter value of the communication counter is updated by adding "1" (S505), and the flow advances to S507. On the other hand, if it is determined that the counter value of the communication counter is the maximum value, the process directly proceeds to S507 without adding or updating the counter value of the communication counter.

If it is determined in S503 that the control command read in the current process is not the same as the control command read in the previous process, the process of clearing the counter value of the communication counter is performed. (S50
6) Then, the process proceeds to S507. As described above, the communication counter is cleared when the INT signal becomes invalid and when the control command read in the current process is not the same as the control command read in the previous process. . Therefore, if the control commands do not continuously match, the counter value of the communication counter becomes “0”.

In S507, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the communication counter is "3". If it is determined that the counter value of the communication counter is not "3", the control command received this time is set (stored) in the work area of the RAM (S510), and the control command reading process ends. On the other hand, the counter value of the communication counter is “3”.
If it is determined that the control command is the same, a process of setting (storing) the control command that matches three times in succession in the received command storage area is performed (S509). The received command storage area is an area in which command data regarded as regular command data is set. Control based on the control command stored in the received command storage area is executed by the control CPU. Then, at step S510
Is executed, and the process ends.

FIG. 48 is a flow chart for explaining the control command execution processing. The control command execution processing is a subroutine executed by the control CPU of the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, or the display control board 80 in S105 of the main processing shown in FIG.

In the control command execution processing, first,
It is determined whether the control command has been received (S18).
1) If the control command has not been received, the process ends. On the other hand, if the control command has been received, the received command is read from the received command storage area, and it is determined whether or not the command is a power failure notice command (S182). If the command is a power failure notice command, power failure occurrence processing is executed (S183).

The contents of the power failure occurrence processing differ depending on the control board. In the case of the control CPU of the lamp control board 35, all lamps / LEs including the lamp for starting memory
A process for turning off D is executed. The control CPU of the audio control board 70 controls the speaker 27 to a silent state where no sound effect is output. CPU for controlling the display control board 80
Suspends the display control up to that point and causes the display screen of the variable display device 8 to display the message shown in FIG. As described above, when the power failure notice command is received, the variable display device 8 and the lamp
Since the game effect by the LED and the speaker 27 is also interrupted, the game components can be brought into a state in which the game parts are consistent with the game progress stop state. Note that if the power is cut off after a while after the execution of the power failure generation process, the RAM data of each of the control boards 35, 70, and 80 disappears.

If it is determined in S182 that the command is not a power failure notice command, the effect pattern data corresponding to the control command is read from the ROM (S184), and the control corresponding to the effect pattern data is executed (S18).
5). Specifically, a control signal corresponding to the effect pattern data is output from the output port. As a result, image display control, lamp control, and voice control are performed using an effect pattern corresponding to the control command.

Description of the Processing on the Award Ball Control Board Next, the processing of the award ball control CPU of the award ball control board 37 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 49A is a flow chart for explaining the prize ball control main processing, and FIG. 49B is a flow chart for explaining the timer interruption processing.

In the prize ball control main processing, when power supply is started, first, it is determined whether or not a power failure occurrence flag is set (SM1). Here, the power failure occurrence flag is set to the prize ball control CPU of the prize ball control board 37 when the power failure notice command is transmitted from the game control board 31.
Are flags set in the SM 51 in FIG. 52 described later. The power failure occurrence flag is stored in the RAM of the prize ball control board 37.
381, and is held by the backup power supply from the power supply board 910 for a while after the power failure occurs. For this reason, if the power failure is restored within the backup time after the occurrence of the power failure, the power failure occurrence flag is maintained in the ON state, and it is determined in SM1 that the power failure has been restored after the power failure. On the other hand, for example, when the power of the gaming machine is turned off when the store is closed and the power is turned on before the store is opened the next morning, the power failure occurrence flag is cleared with the elapse of the backup time. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that SM1 has not been restored after the power failure.

When it is determined in SM1 that the service has not been restored after the power failure, that is, for example, after the store is closed,
When the power is turned on the next morning, a normal initialization process is executed (SM2). Normal initialization processing is RAM
381 is a process of initializing all data.
Next, an initialization system timer is set (SMS).
a). This initialization system timer is a timer for generating an interrupt after a predetermined interrupt time (for example, 500 μs) has elapsed and activating the timer interrupt process (FIG. 49B). Thus, after that, when a predetermined interruption time has elapsed, the timer interruption processing of FIG. 49B is started.

Referring to FIG. 49 (b), when the timer interrupt process is started, the timer interrupt flag is set (SM11), and the initialization system timer is set again to interrupt time. Is started (SM1
2).

Referring again to FIG. 49 (a), if it is determined in SM1 that the power failure occurrence flag is set, after the power failure recovery processing is executed (SM3), the power failure occurrence flag is reset. (SM3a).

Here, the power failure recovery processing is processing for initializing a RAM area other than the RAM area in which the value of the remaining prize ball number counter is stored. The remaining prize ball number counter is a counter that stores the number of prize balls to be paid out (the number of unpaid prize balls), and the counter value is held by the backup power supply when a power failure occurs. There are two remaining prize ball counters. One is a remaining prize ball number counter 1 that is subtracted and updated based on the detection output of the prize ball count switch 301A, and the other is a residual prize that is subtracted and updated based on the detection output from the payout motor position sensor 286. The ball number counter 2. Both counters are added and updated in parallel in accordance with a normal payout designation command (prize ball number command) from the game control board 31 side.

This power failure recovery processing is different from the initialization processing of SM2 in that the data on the expected payout number of prize balls (the value of the remaining prize ball number counter) stored in the RAM before the power failure is not initialized. Only. After SM3, the power failure occurrence flag is reset (SM3a), and subsequently, the initialization system timer is set in SM2a.

After SM2a, a payout control designation process is executed (SM4). For details of the payout control designation process,
This will be described later with reference to FIG. The payout control designation process includes a power failure occurrence process executed when a power failure notice command is received.

Next, ball lending payout control processing is executed (S
M5). By executing the ball lending payout control process, when a ball lending request is issued from the card unit 50, a ball lending is paid out. Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the remaining prize ball number counter is 0. If the value is not 0, that is, if there is a prize ball to be paid out, a prize ball payout control process for paying out a prize ball is executed (SM7). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is 1 (SM8). If the timer interrupt flag is not 1 (if 500 μs has not elapsed), the process returns to SM4. On the other hand, when the timer interrupt flag is 1, the timer interrupt flag is cleared (= 0) (SM9), and subsequently, a prize ball control command reading process is performed (SM10). After that, SM4
Move to The details of the award ball control command reading process will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart for explaining the award ball control command reading processing. The award ball control command reading process is a subroutine executed in SM10 of FIG. The award ball control command reading process is executed every predetermined time (for example, 500 μs).

This prize ball control command reading process is performed as shown in FIG.
The other control boards 35, 70, 80 already described using
This is almost the same as the control command reading process executed on the side. This is as described with reference to FIG. The difference from the control command reading processing executed on the other control boards 35, 70, and 80 is that the same control command can be received three times in succession, so that the control command can be determined to be a legitimate command. If the control command is a normal payout designation command (prize ball number command), the number of prize balls specified by the command is set to each of the remaining prize ball number counter 1 and the remaining prize ball number counter 2. Is also performed (SM30).

The other points are the same as those of the control command reading processing executed on the other control boards 35, 70, and 80 already described with reference to FIG. 47, so that further description will be omitted.

FIG. 51 is a flow chart for explaining the payout control designation processing. This payout control designation processing
It is a subroutine executed in SM4 of FIG.

In the payout control designation processing, first, it is determined whether or not a control command designating a power failure occurrence processing, that is, a power failure notice command is received (SN0).
a). S if no power failure notice command is received
The process proceeds to N1, but when a control command for power outage occurrence processing designation has been received, power outage occurrence processing is executed (SN0b). FIG. 52 shows the contents of the power failure occurrence processing.
Will be described later.

If it is determined in SN0a that the power failure notice command has not been received, it is determined whether a ball lending prohibition command has been received (SN1). If it is determined that the ball lending prohibition command has been received, a process of setting a ball lending prohibition flag is performed (SN3). This indicates that ball lending prohibition has been instructed. Thereafter, the payout control designation processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the ball lending prohibition command has not been received, it is determined whether or not the prize ball prohibition command has been received (SN2). If it is determined that the winning ball prohibition command has been received, a process of setting a winning ball prohibition flag is performed (SN5). This allows
This indicates that a prize ball ban has been commanded. Thereafter, the payout control designation processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the prize ball prohibition command has not been received, it is determined whether or not the firing prohibition command has been received (SN4). If it is determined that the firing prohibition command has been received, the firing prohibition flag is set (SN7), and the firing control signal is set to the LOW level (SN8). As a result, it is indicated that the prohibition of firing is instructed, and the state is controlled such that the firing of the ball cannot be performed. Thereafter, the payout control designation process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the firing prohibition command has not been received, it is determined whether or not a ball lending prohibition release command has been received (SN6). If it is determined that the ball lending prohibition release command has been received, processing for resetting the ball lending prohibition flag is performed (SN10).
As a result, it is not indicated that the ball lending prohibition is instructed. Thereafter, the payout control designation processing ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the ball lending prohibition release command has not been received, it is determined whether or not the prize ball prohibition release command has been received (SN9). When it is determined that the prize ball prohibition release command has been received, processing for resetting the prize ball prohibition flag is performed (SN1).
2). As a result, it is not indicated that the prize ball prohibition has been commanded. Thereafter, the payout control designation processing ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the prize ball prohibition release command has not been received, it is determined whether or not the firing prohibition release command has been received (SN10). If it is determined that the firing prohibition release command has been received,
The firing prohibition flag is reset (SN13).
The firing prohibition flag is reset (SN14). on the other hand,
If it is determined in SN10 that the firing prohibition release command has not been received, the payout control designation processing is terminated because the prize ball control command has not been received yet.

As described above, according to the payout control designation processing,
The award ball control command is decoded, and various flags are controlled and control signals are controlled in accordance with the control content specified by the award ball control command.

FIG. 52 is a flow chart for explaining the power failure occurrence processing. This power failure occurrence processing is a subroutine executed in SN0b of FIG.

In the power failure generation processing, the R
A setting is made to prohibit access to the AM 381 (SM
50) Then, a power failure occurrence flag is set (SM)
51). This power failure occurrence flag is a flag confirmed in SM1 of FIG. Next, based on the setting of SM50, the control enters an infinite loop until the power is turned off (SM5).
2). As a result, the control CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 becomes substantially in a state where it cannot execute the process,
Access to M381 is prohibited.

As described above, the prize ball control board 37
The control CPU 371 on the side executes a power failure generation process in preparation for a power failure at the timing of receiving the power failure notice command from the game control board 31, and prohibits access to the RAM 381. As a result, the control CPU 371
It is possible to prevent unexpected occurrence of a power failure while accessing to 81. Therefore, the control CPU 37
It is possible to prevent a situation in which the RAM data is corrupted due to a power failure occurring while the device 1 is accessing the RAM 381 and the control cannot be resumed based on the backed up RAM data after the power failure recovery.

In particular, the control C on the award ball control board 37 side
The PU 371 does not independently proceed with the power failure occurrence processing in anticipation of the power failure, but starts the power failure occurrence processing at the timing when the power failure notice command is received from the game control board 31 side. Therefore, the control CPU 37 on the prize ball control board 37 side
1 starts the power failure generation processing first, so that the winning ball control command (for example, the number of winning balls command) transmitted from the game control board 31 is ignored by the control CPU 371 on the winning ball control board 37 side. There is no end.
Thus, for example, the expected payout number of the prize balls recognized by the game control board 31 and the expected payout number of the prize balls recognized by the prize ball control board 37 do not conflict.

Another Embodiment Next, referring to FIGS. 53 to 56, a lamp control board 35 will be described.
Another embodiment relating to the control of is described.

In the above embodiment, the sound control board 7
0 and the display control board 80 as well as the lamp control board 35
Since no backup power is supplied to the RAM 353 (see FIG. 13), all lamps are turned off in response to a power failure notice command (S183 in FIG. 48). The data in the RAM 353 disappears. For this reason, when the power outage is restored,
In the game state restoring process shown in (1), a control command for returning to the lamp state before the power failure is transmitted to the game control board 31.
(SA1, SA4).

On the other hand, in this embodiment, at least the power supply board 9 is stored in the RAM 353 of the lamp control board 35.
Backup power is supplied from the power supply 10. The control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35 turns off all the lamps in response to the power failure notice command, and then prohibits the access to the RAM 353 in the same manner as the control CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 in the above-described embodiment. And the like, and then waits for power-off. When the power failure is restored, the lamp state of the starting memory is restored based on the backed-up RAM data at the timing when the "return command" is received from the game control board 31, and then the other lamps for the effect are produced. Is restored. The “return command” does not specify the type of the lamp control data at all, but has only a function of transmitting the return timing to the lamp control board 35.

Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the drawings. FIG.
Is a flowchart for describing a game state restoring process executed by the control CPU 56 of the game control board 31. The processing shown in FIG. 53 is executed in place of the gaming state restoration processing shown in FIG.

In this alternative embodiment, the control CPU 56 of the game control board 31 is constructed as shown in FIGS.
) Are executed.

In the game state restoring process, first, a ramp restoring process is executed (SB1), followed by a display restoring process (SB2) and a sound restoring process (SB3).
Among these processes, the display restoration process and the audio restoration process are the same as the respective processes shown in FIG.
On the other hand, in the lamp restoring process of SB1, a special “return command” prompting the return of the lamp / LED is output from the game control board 31. This "return command"
Only instructs the return of the lamps / LEDs, but does not designate in what manner and in what order the normal design and special design start storage display and other effect lamps are to be returned.

The lamp recovery processing is performed first among the lamp recovery processing, the display recovery processing, and the audio recovery processing, so that the display state of the lamp, the display state of the variable display device, and the sound effect from the speaker 27 are changed. First, the display state of the lamp returns to the state before the power failure. The return procedure will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 54 shows the control C of the lamp control board 35.
5 is a flowchart for describing a main process executed by a PU 351. This main processing is executed instead of the main processing of FIG. Note that the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 46B is also executed in this alternative embodiment.

In the main processing, first, it is determined whether or not the power failure has been recovered (S1010). Specifically, it is determined whether the power failure occurrence flag is set. The power failure occurrence flag is set in SM502 in FIG. 56 when the power failure notification command is received.

If the power failure occurrence flag is not set, normal initialization processing is executed (S1011). On the other hand, when the power failure occurrence flag is set, the RAM area of the lamp control board 35 backed up by the backup power supply is used to store the special pattern and the area for storing the lamp pattern of the normal pattern start memory display. The data of other areas except for the area for storing the effect pattern is initialized (S1012).

Thereafter, the respective processes of S1014 to S1018 are executed in the same order as in the main process described with reference to FIG. Among these processes, the control command execution process in S1017 is different from that shown in FIG. S10
The control command execution process of No. 17 will now be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 55 is a flow chart for explaining the control command execution processing. This control command execution processing is a subroutine executed in S1017 of FIG.

In the control command execution processing, first,
It is determined whether the control command has been received (S18).
10) If the control command has not been received, the process ends. On the other hand, if the control command has been received,
The content of the received command is identified, and it is determined whether the command is a power failure notice command (S1).
811). If the command is a power failure notice command, power failure occurrence processing is executed (S1812).

The contents of the power failure occurrence processing in the lamp control board 35 are different from S183 in FIG. S1 in FIG.
In the case of 83, only the process of turning off all the lamps / LEDs including the lamp for starting storage was executed. However, in this alternative embodiment, the RAM 35
For example, a process for prohibiting access to the server 3 is performed. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

If it is determined in S1811 that the command is not a power failure notice command, it is determined whether or not the command is a return command (S1813). As described above, the return command is a command unique to the other embodiment, and is a command output from the game control board 31 when the power failure is recovered. If it is determined that the command is the return command, the data designating the display state of the special symbol and the normal symbol start storage display unit is read out of the backed-up RAM data (S1814), and the read data is read out. The display state of the special symbol and the normal symbol start storage display is controlled based on, so that the display state of the special symbol and the normal symbol start memory display returns to the state before the power failure (S181).
5). Subsequently, data for designating the display state of the other lamps for the effect is read from the backed-up RAM data (S1816), and the display state of the other lamps is controlled based on the read data. Then, the display state of the other lamps returns to the state before the power failure (S1817). Next, the power failure occurrence flag is reset (S1018).

As described above, when the power outage is restored, first, the display states of the special symbol and the ordinary symbol start storage display are restored, and then the display states of other lamps for effect are restored. .

If it is determined in S1813 that the command is not a return command, control data corresponding to the control command is read from the ROM (S1818), and control corresponding to the control data is executed (S1819).

FIG. 56 is a flow chart for explaining the power failure occurrence processing executed in S186 of FIG.
In this power failure generation process, first, all lamps
Control for turning off the LED is performed (SM500). Next, access to the RAM 353 of the lamp control board 35 is prohibited (SM501). Next, a power failure occurrence flag is set (SM502). Next, a power-off wait state is set (SM503), whereby the control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35 cannot perform any processing until the power-off occurs.

Next, modifications and features of the embodiment of the invention described above will be enumerated below. (1) In another embodiment, the lamp control board 35
Is configured to be backed up by a backup power supply.
Also, the RAM of the audio control board 70 may be configured to be backed up by a backup power supply. And
When a return command is output from the game control board 31 to each of the control boards 35, 70, and 80, the game state is restored based on the RAM data backed up by each of the control boards 35, 70, and 80. It may be configured as follows.

(2) In another embodiment, the control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35 is configured to receive a control command (return command) from the game control board 31 after the power failure is restored, and to return the lamp / LED. However, when the power failure is restored, the control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35 may be configured to return the lamp / LED based on the backup data in the RAM without receiving a control command from the game control board 31. . For example, as soon as power is supplied to the lamp control board 35 and the control CPU 351 becomes operable, data other than the backup data is initialized, and the lamp / LED is returned based on the backup data. Constitute. At this time, the variable display device 8 and the speaker 27
After the power failure is restored, the display control board 80 is restored so that the LED of the start storage display is restored before the LED is restored.
And a delay circuit for delaying the time when the control CPU on the voice control board 70 side can start processing.
0 and the voice control board 70 may be provided.

(3) In S183 of FIG. 48, based on the power failure notice command output from the game control board 31, only the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 executes the preparation processing for the power failure. A variable display device 8 displays a message as an example of the identifiable power failure preparation information.
Display control. However, the control CPU 701 of the audio control board 70 may also be configured to notify the power failure preparation information having the same contents using the speaker 27. In this case, the control CPU 701 does not mute the speaker 27 based on the power failure notice command,
Based on the power failure notice command, the effect sound for performance is stopped, and power failure preparation information is output from the speaker 27. Similarly, in the control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35, instead of turning off all the lamps based on the power failure notice command, a specific mode in which the lamp is not seen during a normal game based on the power failure notice command is used. May be turned on or off (for example, only the two LEDs in the special symbol start storage display 18 are turned on and the LEDs at both ends are turned off) to notify the power failure preparation information.

(4) The form of the power failure notice command is shown in FIG.
4 and FIG. 29, for the display control board 80,
The same form is used for each of the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70, and only the power failure notice command for the award ball control board 37 is different from that for the other control boards. However, instead of this, the other control boards (the display control board 80,
The lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70) may be the same.

(5) Although the commands output to the control boards 35, 70, and 80 include a command in a common form such as a common command, it is not always necessary to use a common form. , Each control board 35, 70,
The configuration of each command may be different at 80.

(6) In FIG. 23, the fixed symbol designating command is unnecessary for the voice control board 70 and the lamp control board 35. Therefore, the game control board 31 displays this fixed symbol designating command. It is output only to the control board 80. That is, the output destination of the fixed symbol designation command is selected and transmitted on the game control board 31 side. However, instead of this, the fixed symbol designation command is also output simultaneously to each of the control boards 35, 70, 80, and it is determined whether or not each of the control boards 35, 70, 80 receives the command. You may make it determine.

(7) 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.

[0342]

Specific Examples of Means for Solving the Problems (1) The pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a plurality of types of game components used to enhance the effect of the game, and one of the plurality of types of game components is provided. A gaming machine is configured that can be controlled to a gaming state advantageous to a player when the display result of one of the variable display devices becomes a predetermined specific display mode. Game effect LED 28a and game effect lamp 2
8b and 28c, the speaker 27, the variable display device 8, and the like constitute the above-mentioned plurality of types of game parts. The specific display mode is configured by a big hit symbol arrangement (for example, 777). The big hit state (specific game state) constitutes a game state that is advantageous for the player. The game control means for controlling the game state is constituted by the CPU 56 of the game control board 31. The display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80, the control CPU 701 of the audio control board 70, and the control CPU 351 of the ramp control board 35 control the plurality of types of game components based on command information output from the game control means. And a plurality of types of control means. The command information is constituted by control commands (display control command, voice control command, lamp control command).

Display Control CPU 10 of Display Control Board 80
The variable display control means 1 controls the derivation and display of the display result of the variable display device.

The control CPU 701 of the sound control board 70 constitutes sound control means for performing control for generating a sound from a sound generating device which is one of the plurality of types of game components. The speaker 27 constitutes the sound generating device.

The CPU 351 for controlling the lamp control board 35
Thus, a luminous body control means for performing control for lighting a luminous body, which is one of the plurality of types of game parts, is configured. Game effect LED 28a and game effect lamp 28
The light-emitting body is constituted by b and 28c.

According to the timing chart of FIG. 18, the timing chart of FIG. 23, the flow chart of FIG. 42, and the flow chart of FIG. 47, the game control means is capable of controlling one type of control to each of the plurality of types of control means. Performs only once the control of outputting the command information in a manner that each of the plurality of types of control means can read, and the plurality of types of control means performs the control over the predetermined effect period based on the command information. It is disclosed that control for operating various types of game components in a predetermined manner can be started. For example, the variable display period (Tn) shown in FIG.
, The predetermined effect period is configured, and the command information is configured by a change start command.

(2) As described above, the change start command described with reference to FIG. 19 is a variable display period (display time).
Is included in the EXT data. This allows
It is disclosed that the command information includes information that can specify the effect period.

(3) As described with reference to FIG.
The variable display control means can perform control to derive and display a display result of the variable display device in one of a plurality of types of effect patterns (variation patterns 1 to 5). The variable display control means includes information (EXT data) capable of specifying the effect pattern.

(4) As described with reference to FIG.
The sound control means can perform control for generating a sound from the sound generating device in one of a plurality of types of effect patterns (patterns corresponding to each of the variation patterns 1 to 5). The information includes information (EXT data) by which the sound control unit can specify the effect pattern.

(5) As described with reference to FIG.
The illuminant control means can perform control to turn on the illuminant in one of a plurality of types of effect patterns (patterns corresponding to each of the variation patterns 1 to 5). And information (EXT data) by which the illuminant control means can specify the effect pattern.

(6) As described with reference to FIG.
The command information output from the game control means for operating the plurality of types of game parts in a predetermined manner over the effect period (variable display period) is such that each of the plurality of types of control means controls the game parts. Information (EXT data) that can specify an effect pattern to be used when performing. Then, the game control means outputs command information in which the effect patterns used by each of the plurality of types of control means have contents related to each other during the effect period. That is, the change start command is transmitted to each of the control boards 35, 70, and 80.
Are output in the same form, but the pattern specified by the change start command is associated with each other as described with reference to FIG. And a variable display effect of a special symbol is performed in a mode of a high effect of the effect related to.

(7) As described with reference to FIG. 20 or FIG. 23, the game control means sends the command information for notifying the end of the effect period at the end of the effect period to the plurality of types of control means. Output to The command information for notifying the end of the effect period is constituted by the fluctuation stop command shown in FIG.

(8) As described with reference to FIG. 21 or FIG. 23, the game control means outputs to the variable display control means command information capable of specifying the display result of the variable display device. Command information capable of specifying the display result of the variable display device is constituted by the fixed symbol designating command shown in FIG.

(9) Command information output to each of the plurality of types of control means in order to operate the plurality of types of game parts in a predetermined manner over the production period by a common command is the same. Is disclosed. For example, the change start command, the change stop command, and the power failure notice command are illustrated as common commands.

(10) As shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, the plurality of types of control means are provided on a board (display control board) different from a game control board (game control board 31) on which the game control means is mounted. Mounted on the board 80, the lamp control board 35, and the sound control board 70).

(11) Buffer circuits 62, 63, 6
7, 68, input buffer circuits 105, 705, 355,
373, irreversible input means for allowing output of information from the game control means to the plurality of kinds of control means, but prohibiting input of information from the plurality of kinds of control means to the game control means, I have.

[0357]

The effect of the concrete example of the means for solving the problems.
As for the game control means, the control for outputting the command information to each of the plurality of types of control means is performed only once, so that the control for operating the plurality of types of game parts in a predetermined manner over a predetermined effect period is started. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the control burden on the game control means for outputting the command information to a plurality of types of control means.

Regarding the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, since the command information includes information capable of specifying the effect period, the game control means can specify an appropriate effect period.

According to the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, since the command information includes information by which the variable display control means can specify the effect pattern, an appropriate effect pattern relating to the variable display control is provided. Can be designated by the game control means.

With respect to claim 4, claims 1 to 3
In addition to the effects relating to any of the above, since the command information includes information that allows the sound control means to specify the effect pattern, the game control means can specify an appropriate effect pattern relating to sound control.

With respect to claim 5, claims 1 to 4
In addition to the effects relating to any of the above, since the command information includes information that allows the light emitting element control means to specify the effect pattern, the game control means can specify an appropriate effect pattern relating to the control of the light emitting element.

According to the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, command information in which the effect patterns used by each of the plurality of types of control means have contents related to each other is output. Therefore, in the effect period, it is possible to perform a consistent game effect.

With respect to claim 7, claims 1 to 6
In addition to the effect of any one of the above, since the instruction information for notifying the end of the effect period is output to the plurality of types of control means at the time when the effect period ends, the end time of the effect period You can check it.

With respect to claim 8, claims 1 to 7
In addition to the effects of any of the above, the command information capable of specifying the display result of the variable display device is output to the variable display control means, so that the game control means can specify the display result of the variable display device.

With respect to claim 9, claims 1 to 8
In addition to the effect of any one of the above, the command information output to each of the plurality of types of control means in order to operate the plurality of types of game parts in a predetermined manner over the effect period is in the same form. Because of this, the form of the command information can be reduced, and the storage capacity of the command information can be reduced.

Regarding claim 10, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 9, the plurality of types of control means are mounted on a board different from the game control board on which the game control means is mounted. Therefore, the game control board can be made compact.

According to the eleventh aspect, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to tenth aspects, since the input of information from a plurality of types of control means to the game control means is prohibited, a plurality of types of control It is possible to prevent fraudulent acts of operating the game control means by inputting fraudulent information from the means to the game control means.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine.

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

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine showing a configuration around the mechanical panel.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an intermediate base unit on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ball payout device.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the starting electric accessory.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a starting electric accessory.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a starting electric accessory.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the starting electric accessory.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a game control board.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a signal transmission portion of a display control command in the game control board and a circuit configuration in the display control board.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a signal transmission portion of a voice control command in the game control board and a voice control board.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a signal transmission / reception portion of the game control board and the ramp control board.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing components related to a winning ball control board.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram for explaining power supply monitoring means in the game control board.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a power supply board.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a control command.

FIG. 18 is a timing chart for explaining a control command receiving mode.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a change start command.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a fluctuation stop command.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a fixed symbol designating command.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a symbol table.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart for explaining the output timing of each control command.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a power failure notice command.

FIG. 25 is a screen view of the variable display device 8;

FIG. 26 is a diagram for describing a lamp control command.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for describing a lamp control command.

FIG. 28 is a timing chart for explaining output timings of a fluctuation command and a fluctuation stop command of a normal symbol.

FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining winning ball control commands.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a game control main process and a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a game control process.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a winning ball signal process.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a power failure occurrence process.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining a power failure recovery process.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a game state restoration process.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining a special symbol process process.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a special symbol change waiting process.

FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining process data.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart for describing process data / timer processing.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a special symbol process timer setting process.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a control data setting process.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a control data output process.

FIG. 43 is a timing chart for explaining a control command data receiving mode.

FIG. 44 is a view for explaining an outline of a special symbol process process.

FIG. 45 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a normal symbol process process.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating main processing of a display control board, a lamp control board, and a sound control board, and a timer interrupt processing;

FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a control command reading process.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating a control command execution process.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating a winning ball control main process and a timer interrupt process.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart for explaining a winning ball control command reading process.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating a payout control designation process.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart for explaining a power failure occurrence process.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart illustrating a gaming state restoration process.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart illustrating a lamp control main process.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart illustrating a control command execution process.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart for describing a power failure occurrence process.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 pachinko gaming machine, 8 variable display device, 14 starting port, 15 starting electric accessory, 27 speaker, 28a-
28c Game Effect Lamp and Game Effect LED, 18
Start memory display, 31 game control board, 37 prize ball control board, 53 game control microcomputer, 55
RAM of game control board, 56 CPU of game control board,
62, 63, 67, 68 buffer circuit, 70 sound control board, 80 display control board, 97 ball payout device, 10
1 CPU of display control board, 105, 705, 355,
373 input buffer circuit, 371 C of prize ball control board
PU, 351 CPU for lamp control board, 352 ROM for lamp control board, 353 RAM for lamp control board,
381 RAM of prize ball control board, 701 CPU of voice control board, 711 ROM of voice control board, 712 RAM of voice control board, 902 power supply monitoring IC, 910
Power supply board, 916 Capacitor for storage of backup power supply.

Claims (11)

[Claims] A plurality of types of game components used to enhance the effect of a game are provided, and a display result of a variable display device, which is one of the plurality of types of game components, is a predetermined specific one. A game machine that can be controlled to a game state advantageous to a player when the display mode is set, a game control means for controlling a game state, and the plurality of game machines based on command information output from the game control means. A plurality of types of control means for controlling a plurality of types of game parts, wherein the plurality of types of control means include: a variable display control means for performing control for deriving and displaying a display result of the variable display device; and Sound control means for performing a control to generate a sound from a sound generation device which is one of the game components; Rarely, the game control means, when instructing each of the plurality of types of control means one control content, controls the output of the command information in a manner readable by each of the plurality of types of control means. The game is performed only once, and the plurality of types of control means can start control for operating the plurality of types of game parts in a predetermined mode over a predetermined production period based on the command information. Machine. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the command information includes information capable of specifying the effect period. 3. The variable display control means can perform control for deriving and displaying a display result of the variable display device in one of a plurality of types of effect patterns. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means includes information capable of specifying the effect pattern. 4. The sound control means is capable of performing control to generate a sound from the sound generation device in one of a plurality of types of effect patterns. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising information capable of specifying the effect pattern. 5. The illuminant control means is capable of performing control of turning on the illuminant in one of a plurality of types of effect patterns. The information including information capable of specifying an effect pattern is provided.
The gaming machine according to claim 4. 6. The command information output from the game control means for operating the plurality of types of game parts in a predetermined manner over the production period, wherein each of the plurality of types of control means controls the game parts The game control means outputs command information in which the effect patterns used by each of the plurality of types of control means have contents related to each other during the effect period. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The game control means outputs command information for notifying the end of the effect period to the plurality of types of control means at the time when the effect period ends.
A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. The variable display control means according to claim 1, wherein said game control means outputs to said variable display control means command information capable of specifying a display result of said variable display device. The gaming machine described. 9. The command information output to each of the plurality of types of control means in order to operate the plurality of types of game components in a predetermined manner over the effect period is the same. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein 10. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of types of control means are mounted on a board different from a game control board on which the game control means is mounted. The gaming machine described. 11. An irreversible input means for permitting output of information from said game control means to said plurality of types of control means, but prohibiting input of information from said plurality of types of control means to said game control means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the gaming machine includes: