JP2001327724A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the load on a main board for processing of game machine information and to reduce the number of wires required for transmitting game machine information to the outside. SOLUTION: In a game machine which can output to the outside a plurality of kinds of game machine information, an external information output board mounted with a microcomputer is provided in the game machine independently of the main board for a game control and a delivery control substrate for the delivery control of balls. Based on the information from the main substrate and the delivery control board, game machine information (combination of of MODE data able to classify forms and EXT data able to specify game machine information classification) containing classification specifying information which can specify classification (big hit information, prize ball information) of game machine information is produced on the side of the external information output board, and the game machine information can be outputted to the outside.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gaming machine including a plurality of types of gaming machine components such as a display device and a variable winning ball device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In this type of gaming machine, a generally known one is a pachinko gaming machine comprising a plurality of types of gaming machine components such as a variable display device and a variable winning ball device. .

[0003] In this kind of conventional pachinko gaming machine, for example, a plurality of winning holes in which a hit ball can be won are provided, and a prize ball is paid out based on the winning of the hit ball in the winning hole. In addition, when a particular starting opening is won, a symbol change is started on the variable display device, and when the display result of the variable display device becomes a specific display mode, a big hit occurs and the variable winning ball device is repeatedly operated. It continues to be open.

[0004]

In a conventional game machine of this type, for example, jackpot information indicating whether a big hit has occurred, prize ball information indicating whether a prize ball has been paid out, and a start prize indicating whether a start prize has been won. Multiple types of gaming machine information that can identify gaming situations such as information are output to a hall computer etc. outside the gaming machine through an external information output terminal board provided in the gaming machine, so that it can be used for amusement arcade management It had been.

However, a plurality of terminals are provided for each type of gaming machine information on the external information output terminal board of this type of conventional gaming machine. For example, a specific terminal among the plurality of terminals is jackpot information, The terminal next to the terminal is configured so that only predetermined specific game machine information is output from each terminal, such as prize ball information. The terminal voltage is switched between High and Low for each terminal to turn on / off the signal, and the presence or absence of a big hit and the payout of award balls are transmitted to an external hall computer or the like. Was.

That is, conventionally, the type of gaming machine information can be specified by the position of the terminal, and the ON / O of the terminal signal
The configuration is such that the presence or absence of a specific type of gaming machine information is transmitted to the outside by the FF.

For this reason, if the number of types of gaming machine information is to be increased, the number of wirings must be increased accordingly, and there is a problem that wiring work is troublesome and wiring costs are increased. In addition, when the type of gaming machine information to be output increases, the number of wirings increases in proportion to the number, and the wiring between the gaming machine and the hall computer becomes bulky. Was desired.

Conventionally, this type of game machine information is stored in a game control means for controlling a game machine constituting device such as a variable display device,
It is generated by a game machine component device control unit such as a payout control unit that controls a prize ball payout device, and the external information output terminal board has only a function of simply relaying and outputting the generated game machine information. . For this reason, the control burden of the gaming machine component device control means tends to increase.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to reduce the load on the gaming machine component device control means for processing the gaming machine information and to output the type of gaming machine information that can be output. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of minimizing the number of wires required for transmitting gaming machine information to the outside of the gaming machine without reducing the number of wires.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine constituted by a plurality of types of gaming machine constituting devices, wherein the gaming machine constituting device controlling means controls the gaming machine constituting devices. And a gaming machine information generating means provided separately from the gaming machine component device control means and for generating a plurality of types of gaming machine information for outputting to the outside based on information output from the gaming machine component device control means. And a game machine information output means for outputting a plurality of types of game machine information generated by the game machine information generation means to the outside of the game machine, wherein the game machine information output means is provided by the game machine information generation means. It is characterized in that the generated plurality of types of gaming machine information can be output to the outside of the gaming machine as a parallel signal in a data format composed of a predetermined plurality of bits.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the information output from the gaming machine configuration device control means to the gaming machine information generating means includes predetermined information. Gaming machine information data signal capable of specifying gaming machine information to be generated in the specified data format.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the present invention, between the gaming machine configuration device control means and the gaming machine information generating means,
Information is transmitted only in one direction from the gaming machine component device control means to the gaming machine information generating means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, the game machine configuration device control means outputs the information to the game machine information generating means. The information includes a gaming machine information data signal and a timing signal for notifying the gaming machine information generating means of a timing at which the gaming machine information data signal is taken.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the gaming machine component device control means outputs the gaming machine information data signal in a plurality of times. It is characterized by.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, the game machine component device control means controls a game state. It is characterized by being.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the gaming machine component device control means includes a payout device for paying out game media. It is a payout control means for controlling.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the gaming machine information generated by the gaming machine information generating means is transmitted to the gaming machine. It is characterized by further including a type-specific gaming machine information output means capable of outputting by type.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a plurality of types of gaming machine information generated by the gaming machine information generating means are provided. It is characterized by further including a plurality of information-specific gaming machine information output means capable of individually outputting each.

[0019]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by the function of the game machine information generating means provided separately from the game machine constituent device control means for controlling the game machine constituent device, the game machine constituent device control means is controlled by the game machine constituent device control means. A plurality of types of gaming machine information to be output to the outside are generated based on the output information. By the function of the gaming machine information output means, a plurality of types of gaming machine information generated by the gaming machine information generating means are output to the outside of the gaming machine as parallel signals in a data format comprising a plurality of predetermined bits. Is done.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the gaming machine information to be generated can be specified by the gaming machine information data signal.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the game machine configuration device control means and the game machine information generating means have a Information is transmitted in only one direction from the gaming machine component device control means to the gaming machine information generating means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to third aspects,
The timing of receiving the gaming machine information data signal is notified to the gaming machine information generating means by a timing signal.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the gaming machine information data signal is divided into a plurality of times by the operation of the gaming machine constituting device control means. Is output.

According to the present invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5,
The gaming machine component device control means is a game control means for controlling a game state.

According to the present invention described in claim 7, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5,
The gaming machine component device control unit is a payout control unit that controls a payout device that pays out game media.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention,
Selection of the type-specific gaming machine information output means according to the type of gaming machine is enabled.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to seventh aspects,
By the function of the plurality of information-based gaming machine information output means, each of the plurality of types of gaming machine information generated by the gaming machine information generating means is individually output from each of the plurality of information-based gaming machine information output means. .

[0028]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment,
A first type of pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this.
The present invention is applicable to a plurality of types of pachinko gaming machines such as a kind and a third kind, and is further applicable to a slot machine and the like. In short, any gaming machine constituted by a plurality of types of gaming machine constituent devices and intended to output gaming machine information is applicable. (First Embodiment) Description of Overall Schematic Configuration of Pachinko Game Machine 1 FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko game machine 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the game board 40 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, pachinko gaming machine 1
Is an outer frame 2 formed in a vertically elongated rectangular shape, and the outer frame 2
A front frame 3 which is rotatably supported inside and inside and is provided with substantially all of the main components of the ball game machine 1 collectively, and is provided so as to be freely openable and rotatable on an upper front surface of the front frame 3. And a front opening / closing frame 4. The main components provided on the front frame 3 include the front opening / closing frame 4, the game board 40, the upper plate 19, the lower plate 27, the ashtray 29, the operation handle 30, the mechanism unit 100, and the hitting device 8.
There are seven. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, a card unit 31 (for a recording medium) for renting a game ball (a game pachinko ball) as an example of a game medium to a player beside the pachinko gaming machine 1. Information processing device).

The front frame 3 and the front opening / closing frame 4 are pivotally supported at the left end when viewed from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1.
The pachinko gaming machine 1 is opened and closed with its left end viewed from the front as an open end. The front opening frame 4 has a circular see-through window 5 that can substantially see through the game area 41 of the game board 40, and a glass plate is mounted from the back of the circular see-through window 5. A plurality of decorative lamps 6 to 8 and a plurality of decorative LEDs are provided on the upper side of the front opening / closing frame 4 along the outer periphery of the circular see-through window 5.
13 and 14 are provided. These decorative lamps 6-8
The decorative LEDs 13 and 14 are lit or flashed in accordance with the game state, and inform the player when a special game state has occurred or continue, and enhance the atmosphere of the game. In addition, on the outer periphery of the circular see-through window 5, there is a shortage lamp 9 for notifying that the prize ball (prize ball) to be paid out is short (when a later-described ball-off switch 115 is operated), and a prize ball is generated. When a predetermined number of prize balls based on the prize balls are performed, a prize ball lamp 10 is provided to notify the fact by lighting. This prize ball lamp 10
When there is a number of outstanding prize balls,
Notifies that a prize ball will be played. Here, an example in which the prize ball lamp 10 is turned on when there is an unpaid number of prize balls has been described, but instead, the prize ball lamp 10 may be blinked when there is an unpaid number of prize balls. Thus, it may be notified that a prize ball has been performed.

Further, on the outer periphery of the circular see-through window 5, speakers 12a and 12b are provided on the upper right and left sides of the front opening and closing frame 4 to generate sounds such as sound effects according to the progress of the game. A mesh net (not shown) is attached to the front of the speakers 12a and 12b.
The sound generated from 12b is passed. On the outer periphery of the circular see-through window 5, a see-through lens 39 for visually recognizing a stamp attached to the game board 40 is provided.

The decorative lamps 6 to 8, 9L, 10 described above
L, ball out lamp 9, prize ball lamp 10, decoration LED1
As shown in FIG. 6, reference numerals 3 and 14 denote game effect lamp substrates 6a, 7a and 8 each composed of a printed wiring board.
a, 9a, 10a and gaming effect LED boards 13a to 13d
And is attached to the front side of the front frame 3 and the back side of the front opening / closing frame 4 shown in FIG. And each game effect lamp board 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a is connected to frame decoration relay B board 15, and each LED board 13a-13
d is connected to the frame illumination relay C board 16. The frame illumination relay B substrate 15 and the frame illumination relay C substrate 16 are connected to a frame illumination relay A substrate 96 that is fixed to a relay substrate terminal block 95 attached to the lower rear portion of the front frame 3. After that, it is connected to the illumination control board 80.

The main board (game control board) 151 includes a microcomputer 151M for game control. The microcomputer for game control is a one-chip microcomputer, a ROM for storing a program for game control, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU for performing a control operation in accordance with the program for game control.
151a and an I / O port for data input / output. Such microcomputer 1 for game control
The 51M is reset periodically (for example, every 2 msec) and repeatedly executes the game control program stored in the ROM from the beginning to perform various game controls.

The frame illumination relay A board 15 is mounted on the front side of the front frame 3 (the game effect lamp board is also mounted on the front side of the front frame 3 correspondingly). The illuminated relay B board 16 is attached to the back side of the front opening / closing frame 4 (in contrast, the game effect LED board is also attached to the back side of the front opening / closing frame 4).

The wires extending from the speakers 12a, 12b are connected to sound effect relay boards 17a, 17b (see FIG.
The sound effect relay board 97 is temporarily connected to the sound effect relay B board and the sound effect relay C board, and is then fixed to a relay board terminal block 95 attached to the lower portion of the rear surface of the front frame 3. (Displayed as a sound effect relay A board) and then connected to a sound effect control board 82. The sound effect control board 82 is controlled by the speakers 12a and 12b in response to a voice control signal instructing voice control given from the main board 151.
Is driven. In the sound effect control board 82,
An audio control microcomputer 82M for controlling audio such as sound effects is provided.

Next, the structure of the upper plate 19 attached to the lower side of the front opening frame 4 will be described. The upper plate 19 is configured by fixing a plate member obtained by combining a plurality of synthetic resin members. Above the open side of the upper plate 19, a ball-drawing operation lever 21 is provided. The ball removing operation lever 21 is provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction, and moves in one direction against the urging force of a spring (not shown) to form the balls stored in the upper plate 19 on the back side. In this case, the ball is drawn down a ball extraction path (not shown) and guided to the lower plate 27.

The above-mentioned upper plate 19 will be described in more detail. The upper plate 19 temporarily stores a prize ball paid out from a prize ball payout port 20 formed on the upstream side thereof, and then stores the prize ball in a firing position (not shown). It supplies balls. In addition, the upper plate 19 is an operation unit 232 that is operated when a game ball is lent via a card unit 31 provided adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and is a hollow member that is a hollow member for installing these. It is provided on the upper surface side of the section 190.
The operation unit 232 provided in the upper plate makeup unit 190 includes a ball lending switch 24, a return switch 25 (both shown in FIG. 7),
A ball lending display LED (not shown), a frequency display LED (not shown) as a balance display, and the like are provided on a balance display board 23 mounted thereon, so that they can be operated and visually recognized by a player. The switch and the display are arranged. This balance display board 23 is provided on the upper surface side of the upper dish decoration section 190.

The ball lending switch 24 is connected to the card unit 3
1 is a switch operated when receiving a game ball lending (also referred to as ball lending and ball lending payout). When the game is over, the return switch 25
The switch is operated when a card (a card usable for a game) inserted into the insertion slot 34 is returned.
Here, the card usable for the game is a magnetic recording type card, and a recording medium capable of recording a value (card balance) owned by the player usable for the game (for example, usable for lending a ball). It is. Here, the value refers to data such as a card balance owned by the player and used for the game.

The frequency display LED displays the frequency as the card balance (card balance) recorded on the card inserted into the card insertion slot 34 of the card unit 31. The upper wiring extending from the balance display board 23 on which the ball lending switch 24 and the return switch 25 provided on the upper plate 19 are mounted is a wiring see-through opening formed at the lower portion of the front frame 3 on the pivot side. (Not shown) to the back side of the front frame 3 to be described later.
44.

Further, at the open end of the upper plate 19, a locking device 84 (see FIG. 3) for locking the front opening / closing frame 4 to the front frame 3 and locking the front frame 3 to the outer frame 2 is provided. A cylinder lock 26 for operation is facing. In addition, a ball punching pin insertion port (not shown) is provided at the upper part of the front opening / closing frame 4 on the pivot side.
Are formed. Then, by inserting a ball extraction pin (not shown) from the ball extraction pin insertion port, a ball extraction operation tube (not shown) connected thereto is swung up and down to close or open the ball extraction port. Or so.

An undulating portion may be formed in the lower portion of the front opening frame 4 on the pivot side, and the undulating portion may be provided with an earphone jack and a selection switch for selecting music heard from the earphone jack. .

A lower plate 27 provided under the front frame 3 is also provided.
Is a prize ball overflowing from the upper plate 19 for storing an extra prize ball discharged from the connection gutter 93 (see FIG. 3) through a surplus ball passage (not shown). On the front wall of the lower plate 27, a boring operation lever 28 is slidably mounted. By operating the ball-pulling operation lever 28, the prize balls stored in the lower plate 27 can be balled down and transferred to a portable ball box. An ashtray 29 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 27, and an operation handle 30 is provided on the right side. The operation handle 30 has a built-in single-shot firing switch 91 and a touch sensor 92 (both indicated by reference numerals in FIG. 9) for starting driving of the firing motor 88 of the hit ball firing device 87 shown in FIG. To adjust.

The front structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is substantially as described above, but in the illustrated embodiment, the card unit 31 is arranged adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1.
The card unit 31 is operated by operating an operation unit such as the ball lending switch 24 and the return switch 25 provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 19, and performs predetermined processing such as information processing of a card. Various devices such as a microcomputer and a card reader / writer are provided. The operation of the card unit 31 is controlled by a microcomputer. In the card unit 31,
Usability indicator 3 for indicating whether or not it is usable
2, a link stand direction indicator 33 for displaying which side of the card unit 31 corresponds to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and a card insertion slot 34 for inserting a magnetic card as a recording medium. I have.

The card unit 31 thus configured
Are controlled by a unique control circuit, and as shown in FIG.
It is connected to the pachinko gaming machine 1. Pachinko machine 1
, The card unit wiring 35 is connected to the payout control board 1
44, and sends and receives signals to and from the card unit 31 via the payout control board 144. The card unit 31 has a power cord 1 of the pachinko gaming machine 1.
Power is supplied from an independent power cord 311 different from 35. The power cord 311 is a cord having a ground electrode. For this reason, the card unit 31
It is electrically grounded via a power cord 311.

On the other hand, on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a mechanism unit 100 equipped with various mechanisms for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls based on the occurrence of a winning ball is provided. On the back surface corresponding to the operation handle 30,
A hitting ball launching device 87 having a launching motor 88 and a hitting gutter (not shown) is fixed. The hit ball launching device 8
A connection gutter 93 for guiding a prize ball flowing down the surplus ball passage provided in the mechanism section 100 to the lower plate 27 is fixed to the side of 7. Further, a relay board mounting base 95 is mounted on the side of the connection gutter. A locking device 84 is provided on the open rear surface of the front frame 3 with respect to the outer frame 2.

In the above configuration, the hit ball launching device 87 is provided with a launch control board 90, and the firing control board 90 controls the driving of the hit ball launching device 87. As shown in FIG. 3, the firing control board 90 is covered with a firing control board cover 89, and the payout control board 14 is provided via a connector provided at a position exposed from the firing control board cover 89 to the outside.
4 and is configured to be unable to fire a hit ball upon receiving a stop signal from the payout control board 144 in a predetermined state. Also, on the relay board mounting base 95, a frame illumination relay A board 96, a sound effect relay A board 97,
A launch relay B board 98 and a launch relay A board 99 are attached at predetermined positions.

Although the overall schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been described above, the detailed configuration of each of the gaming board 40 and the mechanical unit 100 among the elements constituting the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described below. explain. Description of the game board 40 First, the game board 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. The front structure of the game board 40 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 40 is stored and fixed in a game board storage frame 36 integrally formed on the back side of the front frame 3.
It is formed of a substantially square plywood. Gaming board 40
A guide rail 42 is attached in a spiral shape to the surface of the guide rail 42. The inside of the guide rail 42 is used as the game area 41, and the shot ball shot is dropped. Gaming area 4
1, a special variable display device (special symbol display) 44, a special variable prize ball device 48, a normal variable prize ball device (normal electric accessory) 58, a normal symbol display 63, and the like are provided in the illustrated case. There are provided a winning opening for hitting a hit ball, a passing opening for passing a hit ball, a flowing direction of the hit ball, a windmill for changing the speed, and a number of obstacle nails. At the bottom of the game area 41, there is provided an out port 69 into which a hit ball that has not won any of the winning areas is taken.

The configuration of the game area 41 will be described in detail according to the game operation. On the left side slightly below the center of the game area 41, a passage (gate) 620 provided so that a ball falling in the game area 41 can pass therethrough, and the passage 62
A gate switch (pass detector) 62 for detecting a hit ball (passing ball) passing through 0 is provided.

Above the special variable display device 44 arranged substantially at the center of the game area 41, a normal symbol display 63 as a normal symbol variable display device is provided. In the present embodiment, the hit LED and the off-going LED
Although one LED is usually used as the symbol display 63, an LED that can display numbers, such as a 7-segment LED, is generally used. The normal symbol display 63 is a gate switch 62
After variably displaying (alternately blinking) for a predetermined period based on the detection signal, the display result is derived and displayed (one of them is turned on). On both sides of the ordinary symbol display 63, an ordinary symbol storage LED 64 for storing and displaying the number of hit balls passing through the gate switch 62 during the variable display of the ordinary symbol display 63.
(Up to four are stored and displayed). Normally, the display result of the symbol display 63 is a predetermined hit symbol (hit LED is turned on, and if a 7-segment display is used, 0 is displayed).
In the variable display of numbers up to 9, for example, when 7 is stopped and displayed), the normal variable prize ball device 58
Is opened for a predetermined time. The variable display time of the ordinary symbol display 63 is set relatively long (for example, 30 seconds) in the normal probability mode and relatively short (for example, 3 to 5 seconds) in the probability variation mode. ing.

The normal variable winning ball device 58 is provided in the game area 41.
Of the electric tulip type, which is arranged between the special variable display device 44 arranged substantially at the center of the game and the special variable winning ball device 48 arranged above the out port 69 of the game area 41 and is driven to open and close by a solenoid 59. It is a variable winning ball device. The ordinary variable winning ball device 58 has a built-in starting ball detector (first-type starting port switch) 60 as a starting winning detector, and detects a winning ball received during opening or closing. Has become. When a hit ball is detected by the starting ball detector 60, the special variable display device 44 starts variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information called a special symbol. The opening time of the ordinary variable winning prize ball device 58 is set to be relatively short (for example, 0.5 seconds) in the normal probability mode and relatively long (for example, 2 seconds) in the probability variation mode. In addition, even when the normal variable prize ball device 58 is not opened, a hit ball is accepted.

The special variable display device 44 is composed of a liquid crystal type variable display for variably displaying a plurality of symbols, and is arranged substantially at the center of the game area 41. If the combination of symbols at the time of stopping the variable display on the special variable display device 44 is a combination of predetermined jackpot symbols (for example, when the same symbol is aligned with any of the hit lines), In the game state, the special variable winning ball device 48 is driven to open and close in a predetermined manner as described below. Some of the combinations of the big hit symbols are set as probability variation symbols. When the jackpot game state is entered with the probability variation symbol, the probability variation mode in which the appearance probability of the hit symbol on the ordinary symbol display 63 and the appearance probability of the jackpot symbol on the special variable display device 44 after the end of the jackpot game state becomes high ( Hereinafter, it is also referred to as a probable change state or simply a probabilistic change.)
It is controlled so that The special variable display device 44 is a decorative board (unsigned) attached to the front side of the game board 40.
It has.

A decoration LED 45 is provided on the upper part of the special variable display device 44, and a decoration LED 45a is provided on the lower part. Further, in the lower center of the special variable display device 44, a special symbol start storage LED 46 (up to four storage symbols) for storing and displaying the number of balls detected by the starting ball detector 60 during the variable operation of the special variable display device 44. Do)
Is installed.

The special variable prize ball device 48, which is driven and controlled when the big hit game state is set, is provided with a large prize winning opening which allows a player to win a hit ball when opened. A large winning opening door 49 as an opening and closing plate driven to be opened and closed by the solenoid 50 is provided so as to be able to open and close the large winning opening.

Inside the special variable winning ball device 48, a specific area switch 51 as a specific ball detector and a count switch as a winning number detector for detecting a hit ball received in the special winning opening door 49. 52 are provided.

The balls that have entered the special variable winning ball device 48 from the special winning opening when the special winning opening door 49 is opened are finally guided toward the count switch 52 and detected by the count switch 52. In addition, among the balls that have entered the special variable winning prize ball device 48, the balls detected by the specific area switch 51 are thereafter guided toward the count switch 52, and are detected by the count switch 52.
Therefore, the ball that has entered the special variable winning ball device 48,
As a result, all are detected by the count switch 52.

In the case of the jackpot gaming state, the special winning opening until a predetermined time (for example, 28 seconds) elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls are won within the predetermined time. The door 49 is opened (hereinafter, this opening is referred to as an opening cycle). When the hit ball received during the opening cycle is detected by the specific area switch 51, the continuation right is established, and the above-described opening cycle is performed again. The open cycle can be repeated up to 16 times on the condition that the continuation right is established in each open cycle.

Inside the special variable winning ball device 48, a large winning opening guide plate as a seesaw type ball sorting member is provided (not shown). The guide plate in the special winning opening can be switched between a state inclined toward the direction of the specific area switch 51 and a state inclined toward the direction opposite to the specific area switch 51. Solenoid (solenoid 5 for the guide plate in the special winning opening to be described later)
The drive is controlled by 3). In that case, the grand prize entrance door 49
Is released once (during one cycle), the distribution member is inclined toward the specific area switch 51 until the specific area switch 51 detects one ball. After the specific area switch 51 detects one ball, the distribution member is inclined in the direction opposite to the specific area switch 51 after the specific area switch 51 detects one ball. Thus, the ball is hardly detected by the specific area switch 51.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the guide plate inside the special winning opening is provided at the entrance to the specific area switch 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A simple shutter may be provided. The shutter is driven by a solenoid and is kept open until the specific area switch 51 detects one ball in each open cycle. When the specific area switch 51 detects one ball, the state is controlled to the closed state. By performing such control, when the special winning opening door 49 is opened once (during one cycle), the specific area switch 51 is not used until the specific area switch 51 detects one ball.
After the specific area switch 51 detects one ball, the specific area switch 51 cannot detect the ball.

Further, the special variable winning ball device 48 has a normal winning port 54 which includes a right drop winning port switch 55a and a left drop winning port switch 55b as a winning ball detector.
a, 54b, a decorative LED 56C indicating that the special winning opening door 49 is open, a decorative LED 56R notifying that the continuation right has been established, and a notification that the continuation right has not been established in the big hit game state. Decorative LED 56L to inform and Decorative LED 57 illuminated during big hit game state
Is provided.

Further, in addition to the above-described configuration, the gaming area 41 has a sleeve decoration lamp 65Lb, 65Rb, a winning opening 65L having a built-in left sleeve winning opening switch 65La as a winning ball detector, and a right side as a winning ball detector. Sleeve entrance switch 65
A winning opening 65R containing Ra, a windmill 66, a side decoration 67L containing a side decoration lamp 67La, a side decoration 67R containing a side decoration lamp 67Ra, and the like are provided.

Various lamps and various LEDs shown above
Are all display-controlled (drive-controlled) by the illumination control board 80. The illumination control board 80 is provided with an illumination control microcomputer 80M for performing illumination control, and in accordance with an illumination control signal for instructing illumination control provided from the main board 151, the various lamps described above. And various L
Control ED.

In the embodiment described above, the prize port and the prize device where the hit ball wins are provided with detection switches 51, 52, 55a, 55 for detecting a prize ball.
b, 60, 65La, and 65Ra. Of these detection switches, switches 52, 55a, 5
5b, 60, 65La, and 65Ra are used to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls based on the detection signal. The specific area switch 51 is used to detect the establishment of the continuation right, and the count switch 52 also has a ball counting function for restricting the opening of the special winning opening door 49.

Switches 51, 52, 55a, 55b, 6
As shown in FIG. 6, the 5La and 65Ra are connected to the main board 151 via a switch relay board 77 described below. The main board 151 stores the detection signals from these switches and outputs a prize ball control signal, which is a control command, to the payout control board 144 to instruct the number of prize balls to be paid out. The payout control board 144 drives and controls the ball payout device 116 in accordance with the prize ball control signal to perform control of paying out prize balls corresponding to winning. The number of prize balls to be paid out when the switch detects a winning ball is determined in plural types in accordance with the type of winning, and the starting prize detected by the starting ball detector (first type starting port switch) 60. For each ball, five prize balls are paid out for each detection, and for the prize balls detected by the other detection switches, it is determined that 13 prize balls are paid out. The number of prize balls is instructed by the ball control signal. In addition, when it is detected by the count switch 52,
15 prize balls may be paid out, and other 5 prize balls may be paid out.
), Five winning balls are paid out (a detection of the count switch 52), and ten other winning balls are paid out.

The payout control board 144 includes a ROM for storing a payout control program and the like, a RAM used as a work memory, a CPU 144j for performing a control operation in accordance with the payout control program, and an I / O for data input / output. A payout control microcomputer 144M (one-chip microcomputer) including an / O port and controlling payout of award balls and lending balls is provided.

The prize ball control signal output from the main board 151 to the payout control board 144 includes a command indicating command contents (also referred to as prize ball control signals CD0 to CD7) and an INT signal indicating a command fetch timing. Award ball control signal INT). Here, the control command of the prize ball control signal is such that one command is composed of two bytes of data, and is one byte of MODE data for designating one of two types of modes, a prize ball payout mode and a payout stop mode. And one byte of EXT data (EXTDAT) designating any of the number of payouts, the stoppage of the payout operation, and the restart of the payout operation.
A). The microcomputer 151M for game control instructs payout control contents by sequentially transmitting such 2-byte data to the payout control board 144. The payout control microcomputer 144M performs the payout control of the prize ball in response to the command of the prize ball control signal.

As shown in FIG. 6, the starting ball detector 60 as a starting ball detector is directly connected to the main board 151 without the intermediary of the relay board 77, and receives a starting signal and a winning signal (except for other signals). Detection switches 52, 55a, 55
The number of prize balls paid out based on the detection of winning balls at b, 65La, 65Ra is relatively large, for example, 13
However, the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of a winning ball by the starting ball detector 60 is relatively small, for example, five. this is,
By connecting the wiring from the starting ball detector 60 directly to the main board 151, it is discovered whether or not a wiring (called a hanging board or the like) incorporating an incorrect circuit board is connected in the middle thereof. This is to facilitate the process. The wiring for directly connecting the starting ball detector 60 and the main board 151 is as follows:
Since the colors are clearly different from the colors of the other wirings (in the case of the present embodiment, the fluorescent colors of pink and yellow), whether the wiring from the starting ball detector 60 is incorrect is considered from this point as well. It is easy to tell whether or not.

In the game area 41 of the game board 40, a large number of electrical components such as switches and solenoids, decorative lamps and decorative LEDs are provided as described above. It is connected to the main board 151 and the illumination control board 80 via a frame illumination relay board 76 and a switch relay board 77 attached to the back surface of the cover body 70.

As shown in FIG. 6, each of the switches 51, 52, 55a, 55b, 62, 65L provided on the game board surface
a, 65Ra, and each solenoid 50, 53, 59
Are connected to the main board 151 via the switch relay board 77.

A decorative lamp board 76a mounting a decorative lamp provided on the game board surface, a decorative LED board 76b mounting a decorative LED provided on the game board surface,
Each of the storage display LEDs 46 and 64 is connected to an illumination control board 80 via an illumination relay board 76 for a frame.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the back surface of the special variable display device 44 protrudes from the back surface of the game board 40. On the back surface of the special variable display device 44,
A display control board 75 as a display control board is attached so as to cover the display control board cover 74. The display control board 75 includes a display control microcomputer 75M that performs symbol control that is variable display control of symbols in each of the special variable display device 44 and the ordinary symbol display 63. The display control microcomputer includes a symbol control CPU, ROM, RAM and the like, and performs symbol control (variable display control) of the special variable display device 44 and the ordinary symbol display 63. The display control microcomputer receives a symbol control signal from the main board 151 in accordance with a display control command instructing symbol control from the main board 151, and controls the variable display operation of the variable display of the special variable display device 44 according to the command. At the same time, the variable display operation of the ordinary symbol display 63 is also controlled. The display control command data is also similar to the command data for the prize ball control, in that one byte of MODE data and one byte of EXT data are used.
Data (EXTDATA).

Further, around the rear surface of the above-mentioned special variable display device 44, a prize ball which has won a prize port (in this embodiment, a prize port 47) located above the special variable display device 44 is guided. A first winning ball guide cover 70, which is a cover having a winning ball guideway formed on the front surface thereof, is attached, and a second winning ball guide is provided below the first winning ball guide cover 70 so as to communicate with the first winning ball guide cover 70. A cover 71 is attached.

The first winning ball guide cover body 70 has a window hole 72 formed in the center thereof through which the back surface of the special variable display device 44 penetrates, and a frame-shaped illuminated relay board 76 provided on one rear surface.
Is installed. Further, a switch relay board 77 is provided below the display control board cover 74. The frame illumination relay board 76 and the switch relay board 77
As described above, the connection between the main board 151 or the illumination control board 80 and the electrical components such as switches, lamps, solenoids, and LEDs provided in the game area 41 of the game board 40 is relayed.

On the rear side of the second winning ball guide cover 71, a control board box 161 for accommodating the illumination control board 80 and the sound effect control board 82 is mounted.

The structure of the game board 40 has been described in detail above.
The game board storage frame 36 formed on the back side of the front frame 3 is stored and fixed. As is well known, the game board storage frame 36 is formed in a step shape on the back surface of the front frame 3 so as to store a game board 40 formed in a substantially square shape. A game board locking lever 86 for pressing and fixing the back surface of the stored game board 40 is attached to an appropriate position of the game board storage frame 36. The lower part of the game board storage frame 36 is
The lower side of the game board 40 is placed as a flat support plate, and an out ball guide path for guiding an out ball is formed substantially at the center of the support plate. When the game board 40 is stored and fixed by the game board locking lever 86, the mechanism 100 is covered from the back surface thereof. The mechanism portion 100 is formed of a conductive (metal-made) projecting upward from each of the two conductive bearings 37, 37 which are separately fixed to an upper side and a lower side on the inner side surface of the game board storage frame 36. ) Shaft pin 38
In addition, the latching holes of the shaft support portions formed at the upper and lower portions of the metal mounting member 148 fixed in the vertically extending manner in the mechanism section 100 are respectively opened and closed. It is supported by. In addition, the mechanism section 100 engages a locking pin (not shown) that is planted at an appropriate position of the game board storage frame 36 with a mechanism section locking lever 149 provided on the mechanism section 100, thereby forming the mechanism section. 100 can be held in a closed state. Here, the case where the mechanism unit 100 can be freely opened and closed with respect to the front frame 3 has been described as an example, but is not limited thereto.
The mechanism may be fixed to the front frame 3 and cannot be opened and closed. Next, the mechanical unit 10 provided on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.
0 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the mechanical unit 100 is integrally formed on the mechanical unit main body 101 such that the storage tank 105, the upper component, the intermediate component, and the lower component constitute an opening window 102 when viewed from the back. Is formed.

The storage tank 105 serves mainly as a ball supply unit for storing prize balls. The upper component is provided with a ball alignment rail member 108 and a curve rail member 111 for guiding the prize balls stored in the storage tank 105 while aligning them on the downstream side. The intermediate component includes a ball passage 114 that guides a ball from the curve rail member 111 and a ball payout device 116 that pays out a prize ball based on a winning ball. The lower component is provided with a processing mechanism that mainly processes hit balls including winning balls hit into the game board.

When the mechanical section 100 is closed, the back side accommodating section of the game board 40 faces the outside through the opening window 102. For this reason, even if the back surface structure of the game board 40 is a complicated structure including the back surface of the special variable display device 44 and the control board box 161 as described above, the mechanical unit 1
00 can be smoothly opened and closed. At a position slightly below the center of the opening window 102, there is provided a horizontal projecting plate 103 which is formed so as to protrude rearward from both ends of the opening window 102, and the horizontal projecting plate 10 is provided.
3, an upper portion of a main board box 150 described later is attached. However, the plurality of connectors 801 mounted on the illumination control board 80 and the sound effect control board 8
2 are mounted on the horizontal projection plate 1.
It is located above 03 and faces outside through the opening window 102.

The configuration of the mechanism section 100 will be described below. First, a storage tank 105 for storing a large amount of prize balls and a plurality of prize balls supplied from the storage tank 105 are arranged in a plurality of rows (in this embodiment, ), And a ball alignment rail member 108 to be flowed down, and the ball alignment rail member 108
Curve rail members 111 that change the direction of the prize ball guided by this toward a ball payout device 116 described later are provided at predetermined positions.

The storage tank 105 is provided with an out-of-ball information detection lever 106 pivotally supported on the bottom surface thereof and urged upward by a spring (not shown). , Ball out information switch 10
7 is fixed. This ball out information switch 107
7 is connected to the payout control board 144 as shown in FIG. 7, and outputs a ball-out signal to the payout control board 144 when the prize balls are insufficient in the storage tank 105. The ball alignment rail member 108 disposed on the downstream side of the storage tank 105 is attached in an inclined manner from one end of the upper component to the other end, and has two partition walls (not shown) at the center thereof. The prize balls that are erected and flowed out of the storage tank 105 are arranged in three rows toward the downstream. And 3 divided by the partition wall
Of the rails in the row, one row on the back side is a rail section for lending, and two rows on the near side are rail sections for award balls.

Further, a ball leveling member 109 is swingably hung on the support shaft as a fulcrum at the upper portion on the downstream side of the ball alignment rail member 108, and flows down the ball alignment rail member 108 in two vertical steps. The prize ball is made one step by the action of the weight buried in the ball leveling member 109.

On the downstream upper portion of the ball rail member 108, an external information output board 7 to which a signal line to the outside is connected.
8 are provided. The external information output board 78 is covered with an external information output board cover 178, and is connected to the main board 151 and the payout control board 144 via a connector provided at a position exposed from the external information output board cover 178 to the outside. It is configured to be. Details of the configuration of the external information output board 78 will be described later.

In addition to the above-described structure, the mechanism portion locking lever 1
49 is rotatably provided with one end supported. The mechanism portion locking lever 149 is formed with a groove that engages with a distal end portion of a locking pin (not shown) that is planted and fixed at a predetermined position of the game board storage frame 36. By rotating the mechanism portion locking lever 149 so as to release the engagement between the groove and the locking pin, the fixed state of the mechanism portion 100 to the game board storage frame 36 can be released. Since the mechanism locking lever 149 is provided at the open end of the upper component and the open end of the lower component, the fixed state of the mechanism 100 to the game board storage frame 36 is firmly stabilized. It can be made to be.

Next, a curve rail member 111 is provided at the upper part of the intermediate component of the mechanism section 100 and communicates with the downstream end of the ball aligning rail member 108 to change the direction of the prize ball by 180 degrees and to guide it. . The curve rail member 111 is also formed so as to align winning balls in three rows and guide them toward the downstream side. A ball-off valve (not shown) is swingably provided at the hairpin-shaped bent portion of the curve rail member 111, and a ball-off passage 112 is provided from the side of the ball-off valve to the downstream side.
Are formed. The bleed passage 112 is provided when the bleed valve is operated (for example, when the business is closed and the storage tank 1 is closed).
05 when it is necessary to pull out the prize balls stored in the storage tank 105 and the ball alignment rail member 108
Is guided to the outside of the ball game machine 1.

A ball passage member is provided vertically on the downstream side of the curve rail member 111. Specifically, a ball passage member is constituted by two rows of ball passages 114 on the left and right sides.
5 is provided so as to face the passage. As shown in FIG. 6, the ball-out switch 115 is connected to the main board 151 via a frame switch relay board 142. The operation of the payout motor 118 at 116 is stopped to inactivate the payout of the balls. Here, the payout motor 118 is constituted by a stepping motor, and the number of payout units to be paid out by one payout operation is 25.

The ball-out switch 115 outputs the ball for the payout unit number (for example, 25) of the ball to be paid out to the ball payout device 1.
The detection position is set so that the ball located at the uppermost end of the balls can be detected when the ball is inside the ball 16 and the ball passage 114. Therefore, when the ball-out switch 115 no longer detects a ball, it is detected that the number of balls to be paid out is less than the unit number of payouts (25) (ball-out state).

Below the ball passage 114, a ball payout device 116 is attached. The ball dispensing device 116 is housed inside a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case, and
01 is detachably attached to the front side.

Next, referring to FIG.
An outline of the structure will be briefly described. In the case, left and right 2
Two passages communicating with the ball passages 114 in the row are formed, and a ball dispensing device 116 is provided in the middle of the passages.
A sprocket is provided for dividing the balls in the (passage portion) one by one and discharging the ball from a ball payout outlet at the lower end of the passage portion. Note that the sprocket is configured to rotate by driving of the payout motor 118. The ball discharge port is composed of two discharge ports arranged in parallel in the front-rear direction. In the ball discharge port, the front discharge port is configured as a lending ball discharge port for paying out the ball discharged from the ball payout device 116 as a lending ball, and the rear discharge port is configured to provide the ball discharged from the ball discharge device 116 as a prize. It is configured as a prize ball discharge port to be paid out as a ball. The front and rear discharge ports are provided with a ball lending count switch 119 and a prize ball count switch 120 for detecting the number of balls (the number of lending balls and the number of prize balls) discharged from the respective discharge ports. Downstream of the sprocket, a passage switching valve (not shown) for switching between a ball passage for sending a ball to a ball lending outlet and a ball passage for sending a ball to a prize ball outlet is provided. The valve is a passage switching solenoid 117
The ball passage is switched by driving (see FIG. 7). Further, a payout motor position sensor 122 (see FIG. 7) for detecting the stop position of the payout motor 118 (accurately, the stop position of the rotating member) using a photosensor is provided in order to reliably perform the ball payout operation. ing.

The case includes a passage switching solenoid 1
17, payout motor 118, count switch 119, 1
20 and a payout unit relay board 124 to which the motor position sensor 122 is connected. As shown in FIG. 7, the payout unit relay board 124 is connected to the payout control board 144 and also to the main board 151 via the frame switch relay board 142.

As described above, the ball dispensing device 116 in which various constituent members are integrated in the case,
The entire case is detachably fastened to the mounting recess formed in the intermediate component of No. 0 by tilting of the engaging portion. As described above, the ball dispensing device 116 is detachable by the engagement of the engaging portion. However, the ball dispensing device 116 may be detachable by screwing, for example, and is not particularly limited. The case is made of a transparent synthetic resin. For this reason, various constituent members housed inside can be visually recognized from the outside, and fraud on the ball dispensing device 116 can be prevented as much as possible.

Next, the lower components of the mechanism section 100 will be described. Due to the structure of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1,
Although not shown in FIG. 3, a winning ball passage is formed on the rear side of the lower component portion at one upper side thereof, and an upper plate communication port is formed at a lower end of the winning ball passage. The upper plate communication port guides a prize ball to the upper plate 19 provided on the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1. An extra sphere passage is connected to one side of the upper plate communication port. When a large number of prize balls based on the winning are paid out and the upper plate 19 is full of prize balls, and finally reaches the upper plate communication port and further prize balls are continuously paid out,
The prize ball is guided to the surplus ball passage, and then discharged to the lower plate 27 via the connection gutter described above. And when the prize ball is further paid out, the lower plate 27 is also full,
Full tank switch 12 provided on one side wall of surplus ball passage
9 (see FIG. 6), the full tank switch is turned on, and the payout motor 118 of the ball payout device 116 is turned on.
Is stopped to inactivate the award ball and ball lending payout operations. The driving of the firing motor 88 of the hit ball firing device 87 may be stopped as necessary. Note that the rear surfaces of the above-described prize ball passage, ball-drop passage, and surplus ball passage are closed by a lower passage cover body.

Although not shown in FIG. 3 due to the structure of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a game board 40 is provided on the front side of the lower component (the side that contacts the game board 40).
The prize ball collecting gutter for collecting the prize balls generated in the above is provided in an inclined shape. The winning balls collected in the winning ball collecting gutter are discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (recovery path formed inside the installation island of the pachinko gaming machine 1) through the driving ball discharging passage. In the driven ball discharge passage, not only the winning ball but also the out ball taken into the out mouth 69 and the prize ball removed from the ball removal passage 112 are discharged together.

Further, the mechanism section 1 configured as described above
The power supply unit box 136, the main board box 150, the payout control board box 143, and the frame switch relay board 142 are provided on the rear side of the lower part of the 00. The power supply unit box 136 accommodates a power supply board 137 that generates a plurality of power supplies having different voltages. The main board box 150 includes a special variable display device 44 and a special variable prize ball device 4 provided on the game board 40.
The main board 151 for controlling the operation of the gaming machine constituting device such as 8 is accommodated. The payout control board box 143 is
A payout control board 144 for controlling the operation of the ball payout device 116
Is to accommodate.

The frame switch relay board 142 relays the connection between the main board 151 and the full tank switch 129, the ball cut switch 115, and the payout unit relay board 124.

The power supply unit box 136 has the opening window 1
02 is detachably attached to the mechanism unit main body 101 at the lower position side of 02. The main board box 150 is rotatably and detachably disposed at a position overlapping the power supply unit box 136 and overlapping the control board box 161. The dispensing control board box 143 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and has a driven ball discharge passage and a ball ejection passage 112.
It is detachably attached to the rear surface side. Since the payout control board box 143 is made of a transparent synthetic resin, the inside of the box can be seen through from the outside.

An error display 145 that displays the type of the failure, such as a number or an English character, when a failure or the like occurs when the dispensing control board 144 accommodated in the dispensing control board box 143.
(See FIG. 3). This error indicator 14
Reference numeral 5 denotes a 7-segment display, which is accommodated in the payout control board box 143 in such a manner as not to be exposed from the payout control board box 143. Since the dispensing control board box 143 is made of a transparent resin, the error indicator 1
Reference numeral 45 indicates that the display can be viewed from outside the box even when housed in the payout control board box 143. Further, the payout control board 144 may be provided with a reset switch operated when the payout control board 144 is restarted.

The power supply board 137 housed inside the power supply unit box 136 on the back side of the main board box 150 has a connector for connecting a power supply line (power supply cord 135) to which AC 24 V is supplied as primary power supply, and a power supply. A variety of electrical components are mounted, including a connector for connecting to the board to which the power is supplied, and a plurality of fuse cases and the like in which fuses are mounted to interrupt overcurrent during power supply and protect various circuits. I have.

The power supply board 137 is used to release (stop) the supply of backup power as backup power when the supply of 24 VAC power supplied from the power cord 135 is cut off. A reset switch and a power switch that generates power of a plurality of types of voltages by an ON operation and supplies the power to each control board may be provided.

Further, each of the connectors for connecting to the power supply destination board is provided with a power supply line of a type required for the power supply destination board collectively for each supply destination board. They are connected as wiring.

The display control board cover 7 shown in FIG.
4, control board box 161, main board box 150,
The external information output board cover 178 and the dispensing control board box 143 are configured so that the inside can be seen through a part or the whole of a transparent synthetic resin (R).
Unauthorized alterations such as OM can be easily visually recognized), and heat dissipation holes are formed. Further, the sound effect control board 82 accommodated in the control board box 161 can be easily recycled only by replacing the ROM (in particular, the ROM storing sound effect data). Also, the control board box 1
The illumination control board 80 accommodated in 61 and the display control board 75 covered by the display control board cover 74 can also be recycled by replacing the ROM unless the board configuration and the number of lamps are changed. It is possible. That is, when the game board 40 is replaced, each box is collected and the ROM
By taking out and rewriting or replacing it, it can be used for a new model with different contents, so when replacing the new model, the control box with only the ROM changed can be delivered again and reused . The control boards and the control board and the mechanical unit 100, etc.
Although the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the configuration of the game board 40, and the schematic configuration of the mechanism unit 100 have been described above,
The mutual relationship between various control boards provided on the mechanism section 100 and the game board 40, and various control boards and the mechanism section 100,
The relationship between the game board 40, the front frame 3, and the electrical components provided on the front opening / closing frame 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3, 6, and 7. FIG.

The connector 76a of the frame illumination relay board 76 attached to the upper part of the first winning ball guide cover 70 and the connector 801 of the illumination control board 80 are connected. In addition, various types of lamp substrates provided with various types of lamps as described above (in FIG. 6, shown as decorative lamp substrates 76a as a generic name of various types of lamp substrates) are provided on the frame illumination relay substrate 76, as described above. Various L provided with various LEDs
An ED board (shown as a decorative LED board 76b as a generic name of various LED boards in FIG. 6), an ordinary symbol storage LED 64, a special symbol start storage LED 46 (a memory display LED board as a generic name of these storage LEDs in FIG. 6) 46, 64).

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of connectors 1441 are mounted on the dispensing control board 144 in addition to a connector 782a connected to the external information output board 78 by wiring. The main board 1 is connected to the plurality of connectors 1441.
51, power supply board 137, payout unit relay board 124,
The balance display board 23, the emission control signal relay board 98, and the card unit wiring 35 from the card unit 31 are connected.

In the circuit configuration in which the wiring is connected as described above, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the switches 51, 52, and 5 provided on the game board 40 are provided on the main board 151.
Signals from 5a, 55b, 62 and 65a are input via the switch relay board 77 and the starting ball detector 60
Is also input, and signals from the full tank switch 129 and the ball out switch 115 are input via the frame switch relay board 142. Further, the main substrate 15
1 includes a ball lending count switch 11 via a payout unit relay board 124 and a frame switch relay board 142.
9 and a signal from the prize ball count switch 120 are input.

The main board 151 receives the input signals from the switches 51, 52, 60 and 62 provided on the game board 40 and performs the following control. The main board 151 includes solenoids 50 and 59 provided on the game board 40 and the normal symbol display 6 according to the game state.
3, and control the storage display LEDs 46 and 64. Further, the main board 151 outputs an electric control signal as a command to the electric control board 80 to control the lamp according to the game state. Furthermore, the main board 151
Transmits an audio control signal as a command in order to control sound such as sound effects according to the game state.
Output to 2. Further, the main board 151 displays and controls a symbol control signal such as an off display control signal, a reach display control signal, and a big hit display control signal in order to control the variable display state of the special variable display device 44 according to the game state. Output to the substrate 75. In addition, the main board 151 generates gaming machine information (for example, one big hit, two big hits, probability variation information, start-up information, one symbol fixed number information, two symbols fixed number information, and information on the number of characters). A game machine information control command data (game machine information data signal) necessary for this is output to the external information output board 78.

The illumination control board 80 includes various lamps 6 to 6 in accordance with the type of illumination control signal input from the main board 151.
10, 56, 66a, 67a, various LEDs 13a, 4
5 and 57 are subjected to display drive control. The sound effect control board 82
The drive of the speakers 12a and 12b is controlled in accordance with the type of the audio control signal input from the main board 151. In addition, the display control board 75 controls so as to derive the display result of the special symbol display 44 according to the type of the symbol control signal input from the main board 151.

Further, based on the input signal from the full tank switch 129, the main board 151 outputs a full tank signal to the payout control board 144, and based on the full tank signal, stops driving the payout motor 118. I do. Alternatively, the main board 151 may stop driving the firing motor 88 based on the full signal. The full tank switch 12
9 when there is an input signal from the illumination control board 80
May be output to display a predetermined lamp or LED to notify that fact. Also,
Since the full-state signal is output to the payout control board 144, for example, the error indicator 145 or the like on the payout control board 144 may notify that effect.

Each of the switches 51, 52, 55a, 55 except the gate switch 62 provided on the game board 40 is provided.
The main board 151 outputs a prize ball control signal designating the number of prize balls to the payout control board 144 based on the input signals from b, 65La and 65Ra. The payout control board 144 drives the payout motor 118 based on the input of the winning ball control signal designating the number of winning balls, and pays out a predetermined number of winning balls.

Further, the main board 151 grasps the number of prize balls actually paid out based on an input signal from the prize ball count switch 120. Then, control command data for gaming machine information (gaming machine information data signal) necessary for generating gaming machine information relating to the number of paid prize balls is output to the external information output board 78. Furthermore, the main board 151
Are the switches 52, 55a, 55b, 60, 65L
a, when it is recognized that there is an unpaid prize ball based on the input signal from 65Ra,
An illuminated control signal is output to 0, and the prize ball lamp 10 is displayed and driven to notify that effect. In such a case, an audio control signal is output to the sound effect control
A notification may be issued by outputting a sound from a and 12b.

Further, based on the input signal from the ball cut switch 115, the main board 151 is dispensed with the payout control board 144.
The prize ball control signal that specifies the number of prize balls is not output, or the prize ball out signal is output to the illumination control board 80 to drive the ball out lamp 9 in a predetermined manner. Instead of controlling the out-of-sphere lamp 9 or the separately provided out-of-sphere lamp by the main board 151 or the payout control board 144, the power supply is supplied to the out-of-sphere lamp 9 or the separately provided out-of-sphere lamp, and the out-of-sphere switch is provided. 115 ON / O
The FF may simply be turned on and off.

As described above, on the main board 151, a switch input for controlling a game operation, a switch input for controlling an operation for paying out a prize ball, and a decorative lamp, a decorative LED, and speakers 12a and 12b are driven. Only switch input for control is input. Therefore, the main substrate 1
With respect to the relationship between 51 and other control boards 144, 80, 82, 75, 78, the main board 151
The communication relationship is one-way toward 4,80,82,75,78. For this reason, the pachinko gaming machine 1 cannot execute an illegal processing on the main board 151 by incorporating an illegal processing program into the other control boards 144, 80, 82, 75, 78. There are advantages. In addition, a part of the control of the main board 151 is
Since the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in charge of the main board 151, the burden on the main board 151 can be reduced, and the inspection of the main board 151 by the regulatory agency can be facilitated.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, the payout control board 14
4 includes a motor position sensor 122 and a count switch 1
19, 120, signals from the ball out switch 115 are input through the payout unit relay board 124, signals from the ball lending switch 24, the return switch 25 of the balance display board 23 are input, and various information from the card unit 31 are input. Is entered. Further, as described above, the prize ball control signal (including the prize ball number signal indicating the number of prize balls) is input to the payout control board 144 from the main board 151.

Based on the input signal from the motor position sensor 122, the payout control board 14
4 is a payout motor 1 in a payout operation of a lending ball and a prize ball.
The stop position of 18, that is, the stop position of the rotating member can be accurately controlled, and whether or not the rotating member is rotating can be detected.

Further, based on the input signals from the count switches 119 and 120, the payout control board 144 causes the payout motor 1 to pay out the correct payout number of the lending ball and the prize ball.
18 is driven and controlled. Further, the payout control board 144 includes:
The game machine information control command data (game machine information data signal) necessary for generating the game machine information relating to the number of paid out balls is output to the external information output board 78. The control command data for gaming machine information relating to the number of paid prize balls is transmitted from the main board 151 to the external information output board 7.
8 is output.

Further, on the basis of the input signal from the ball-out information switch 107, the payout control board 144 controls the game-machine information control command data (game-machine information data signal ) Is output to the external information output board 78.

The balance display board 23 is connected to the card unit 31 via a relay wiring (not shown) formed on the payout control board 144. The relay wiring is not connected to other signal lines and electronic devices provided on the payout control board 144, but merely relays signals.

When the ball lending switch 24 is operated, the operation signal is relayed by the payout control board 144 and given to the card unit 31, and based on the signal, the card lending is performed from the card unit 31 to the payout control board 144. A request operation signal (BRDY signal described later) is provided. In this case, the payout control board 144 does not refer to the balance information grasped by the card unit 31 and drives the payout motor 118 in accordance with the ball lending request based on the ball lending request operation signal to pay out the ball lending. . Also, return switch 2
When the operation 5 is performed, the operation signal is relayed by the payout control board 144 and provided to the card unit 31, and the card unit 31 outputs a card return signal to the card unit 31 based on the operation signal. Further, the card unit 31 outputs a balance display signal indicating the balance of the card, and the operation signal is relayed by the payout control board 144 and given to the frequency display LED, whereby the balance is displayed.

Further, based on the prize ball control signal from the main board 151, the payout control board 144 executes the prize ball payout operation via the payout unit relay board 124 as described above, or executes the launch control board 90. Or a stop signal of the firing motor 88 is output. In the power supply board 137,
24V AC power as primary power is received, and by the operation of various circuits provided on the substrate, 30V DC, 21V DC, 12V DC, 5V DC,
Generates 24V AC power. The power supply power generated in the power supply board 137 is supplied to each board as follows.

The main substrate 151 has a DC voltage of 30 V and a DC voltage of 12 V DC.
V, 5 V DC power supply power is supplied. Dispensing control board 1
44, DC30V, DC12V, DC5V, AC2
A power supply of 4 V is supplied. Power supply power of DC12V and DC5V is supplied to the sound effect control board 82. DC30V, DC21V, DC1
2 V and 5 V DC power are supplied. A DC 30 V, D is supplied to the launch control board 90 via a launch relay A board 99.
C5V power is supplied. In addition, a power supply of 12 V DC and 5 V DC is supplied from the main board 151 to the display control board 75. The external information output board 78 includes
A power supply of DC 5 V is supplied.

As described above, various control boards 15
1, 144, 80, 82, 75, and 92 are power supply boards 13
7 is configured to receive desired power supply power. However, supply of power to the display control board 75 is as follows.
The operation is performed not directly from the power supply board 137 but from the power supply board 137 via the main board 151. This is because the power supply voltage used differs between the case where the special variable display device is an electric variable display member (liquid crystal in this embodiment) as in the present embodiment and the drum type variable display member. Therefore, it is necessary to change the type or number of power supply terminals on the power supply board 137 with the replacement of the game board 40. However, the power supply wiring is branched and displayed from the main board 151 changed with the replacement of the game board 40. When the power is supplied to the control board 75, if the power supply terminals of the main board 151 are connected to only the wires of the required voltage while keeping the type or number of the power supply terminals on the power supply board 137 as they are, This is because there is no need to change the type or number of terminals. The power supply board 137
May be separately configured in accordance with the type of the variable display member.

In this pachinko gaming machine 1,
The following electrostatic discharge structure is provided. Contact members which are capable of contacting the balls and have conductivity are provided at the storage positions of the balls such as the storage tank 105, the upper plate 19, and the lower plate 27 and at the passage positions of the balls. Each contact member is connected to the above-described mounting member 14 via a wiring and a conductive member other than the wiring.
8 (made of a conductive member). The card unit wiring 35 includes a ground wiring (FG in FIG. 7) connected to the above-described ground electrode of the power cord 311 and the inside of the card unit 31.
Discharge wiring is provided on the payout control board 144, and the discharge wiring connected to the mounting member 148 and the grounding of the card unit wiring 35 are connected to the discharge wiring. The wiring and the connector are connected.
The discharge contact member and the mounting member 148 in such a discharge structure include many plate-like members,
Since it is grounded via the above-described path, it is called an earth plate 500 and is shown in FIG.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 having such a discharging structure, the contact member receives the static electricity charged on the ball. Then, the static electricity is transmitted to the mounting member 148 via wiring, conductive members, and the like provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1.
To the card unit wiring 35 from the mounting member 148 via the payout control board 144. Since the card unit wiring 35 is connected to the grounding pole of the power cord 311 of the card unit 31, the static electricity transmitted to the card unit wiring 35 inside the pachinko gaming machine 1 will
It is discharged through the eleven ground electrodes.

As the electrostatic discharge structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a structure capable of discharging the static electricity received by the contact member to the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be employed. Also, without providing the contact member, the pachinko gaming machine 1
A conductive member receiving internal static electricity is provided, and the static electricity charged inside the pachinko gaming machine 1 is received by the conductive member to discharge the card unit 31 or the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as described above. It may be performed.

By employing the above-described discharge configuration, static electricity charged inside the pachinko gaming machine 1 is discharged and removed. Elimination of static electricity charged in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be easily performed without the need for complicated work such as ground wiring outside the pachinko gaming machine. By removing such static electricity, generation of noise due to static electricity can be prevented. As a result, malfunctions of electrical equipment such as a control circuit in the pachinko gaming machine 1 due to noise due to static electricity can be prevented. In addition to preventing noise, it is possible to protect against noise caused by static electricity. Configuration of External Information Output Board 78 Next, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG.
8 will be described. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 for describing a connection state of the external information output board 78 with the main board 151 and the payout control board 144. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the external information output board 78 covered by the external information output board cover 178. In addition,
In FIG. 4, only the main symbols are given in the description, and all the symbols shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 are not shown.

The external information output board 78 is a game machine necessary for the business management of the pachinko game machine 1 based on the game machine information control command data (game machine information data signal) received from the main board 151 and the payout control board 144. A board for generating information and outputting the generated gaming machine information to a hall computer installed in a game arcade. The external information output board 78 is provided with a microcomputer 78M (see FIG. 8) for generating game machine information and controlling communication.

The external information output board 78 is connected to the main board 151 and the payout control board 144 by wiring, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. The main board 151 is provided with a connector 781a for wiring connection with a connector 781b on the external information output board 78 side. On the other hand, the external information output board 78 will be described in further detail with reference to FIG. 5 in which the payout control board 144 is provided with a connector 782a for wiring connection with the connector 782b on the external information output board 78 side. The external information output board 78 is covered with an external information output board cover 178,
A power supply unit 785 to which 5-volt power is supplied and connectors 781b, 782b, 783, 784, 131a to
131j, 132a to 132j, 133a to 133j
Are exposed outside the external information output board cover 178.

Among the above connectors, connectors 781b,
782b is information (gaming machine information control command data)
This is an input connector to which game machine information control command data is input from the main board 151 and the payout control board 144. In addition, as described later, the connectors 781b, 7
The control command data for gaming machine information is input to 82b by a parallel signal.

On the other hand, other connectors 783, 784,
131a-131j, 132a-132j, 133a-
133j are all information output connectors for outputting the game machine information generated by the external information output board 78, and the information output connector is connected to a wiring toward an external device such as a hall computer. . These information output connectors are roughly classified into the following three types.

(1) Connector 783 The connector 783 is a 9-pin connector from which game machine information is output as parallel signals. The output signal has the same format as the gaming machine information control command data output from the main board 151 and the payout control board 144, so that command machine gaming machine information is output. Details of the format will be described later.

(2) Connector 784 The connector 784 is a 6-pin connector. Of the six pins, only four pins are used, and two pins are unused. Two of the four pins used are for data transmission (TD), and the remaining two pins are for data reception (RD).

FIG. 19 shows the connection between the connector 784 and the external device (hole computer) 200. As shown, the connector 784 has a transmission line (TD +, TD-) and a reception line (RD +, RD +).
−) Is connected, and the game machine information data is transmitted. Note that + and-indicate that the signal polarities are different. From the connector 784, gaming machine information is output as a serial signal according to a basic procedure (basic data transmission control procedure), as described later.

(3) Connectors 131a to 131j, 1
32a to 132j, 133a to 133j These connectors are provided according to the type of gaming machine on which the external information output board 78 is mounted (131a to 131j).
j), (132a-132j), (133a-133)
The configuration is such that any one of the three sets of j) is valid. Specifically, (131a to 131j)
Corresponds to the first kind of pachinko machine, (132a to 13
2j) corresponds to the second type of pachinko machine, and (133a)
To 133j) correspond to a third-type pachinko gaming machine.

The type of gaming machine information is predetermined for each type of gaming machine. For example, in this embodiment,
10 types for 1st type, 7 types for 2nd type, 3rd type
The case of eight kinds will be described. In order for each connector of each set to be able to correspond one-to-one with each of a plurality of types of gaming machine information predetermined for each type, each set of a to j of 10 to 10 or more types of gaming machine information Connectors are provided. In the case of the second type in which the number of types of gaming machine information is seven, since the number of connectors is three,
The connectors 132h to 132j are spare connectors. Similarly, in the case of the third type in which the number of types of gaming machine information is eight, since the number of connectors is two, the connectors 133i,
132j is a spare connector. The spare connector can be used by rewriting the control program in response to a request to add new gaming machine information.

Each of the connectors 131a to 131j and 132a
132j and 133a to 133j are 2-pin connectors, and game machine information (for example, presence or absence of a prize ball) is transmitted to the outside by turning on / off a voltage applied to one of the pins. Therefore, a plurality of gaming machine information is externally output in parallel by the plurality of connectors. In addition,
The other of the two pins is signal ground (S
G). The non-voltage (contactless) method, that is,
A signal may be externally output from the connector using a relay, a photocoupler, or the like.

As described above, on the external information output board 78, there are connectors (1) to (7) for outputting game machine information.
The three types (3) are provided. For this reason, for the hole, an arbitrary connector can be selected from among the three types to connect the wiring to the hole computer. In addition, any connector provided on the external information output board 78 is configured so that wiring can be detachably attached. Outline of Control for Outputting Game Machine Information to Outside of Game Machine Next, an outline of control for outputting game machine information to the outside of the game will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a transmission path of a signal relating to gaming machine information among the main board 151, the payout control board 144, and the external information output board 78.

Main board 151 and payout control board 144
Is connected to an external information output board 78, and control command data for gaming machine information including information relating to the operation of the special variable winning prize ball device 48 is input from the main board 151 to the external information output board 78, and a payout control board 144 The external information output board 78 receives game machine information control command data including information on ball lending and the like. Communication between the main board 151 and the payout control board 144 and the external information output board 78 is performed only in one direction indicated by an arrow, and signals are not transmitted in the opposite direction.

A microcomputer 78M is mounted on the external information output board 78 and generates game machine information for external output based on game machine information control command data received from the main board 151 and the payout control board 144. Then, the gaming machine information is externally output in one of a command format, a serial signal format, and a parallel signal format from the connectors of the types (1) to (3).

As described above, since a plurality of types of gaming machine information to be externally output are collectively generated by the external information output board 78 and externally output, for example, the main board 151
The control load on the main board 151 side is reduced as compared with the case where the output control of all the gaming machine information is performed on the side. Also,
The external information output board 78 includes a main board 151 directly involved in the control of the special variable winning ball apparatus 48 and the like, and a ball payout apparatus 116.
From the payout control board 144 directly involved in the control of
In order to obtain the game machine information control command data necessary for the game machine information generation and generate the game machine information, it is possible to generate accurate game machine information based on the control contents of the main board 151 and the payout control board 144.

It is to be noted that the main board 151 is connected to the payout control board 14.
As described above, the control command (prize ball command) relating to the payout control of the prize ball is output to the main substrate 151 because only the signal flow relating to the gaming machine information is shown in FIG. Is not shown to be sent to the payout control board 144. Game machine information control command data (gaming machine information data signal
Description No.) Next, the main board 151 and the dispensing control board 144 for a game machine information control command data is output to the external information output board 78 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a format example of gaming machine information control command data (gaming machine information data signal). FIG. 10 shows the payout control board 1
It is an explanatory diagram for explaining gaming machine information control command data output from 44 to the external information output board 78,
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for describing gaming machine information control command data output from the main board 151 to the external information output board 78.

The game machine information control command data is composed of 2-byte data composed of MODE data and EXT data (EXTDATA), similarly to the award ball control command data and the display control command data described above. . As shown in FIG. 9, in the case of gaming machine information control command data, MODE data is called external information control mode data, and EXT data is called external information designation information data indicating various gaming situations.

Referring to FIG. 10A, MODE data "F1 (HEX)" indicates that the type of pachinko gaming machine is the first type, and MODE data "F2 (HE)".
“X)” indicates that the type of the pachinko gaming machine is the second type, and the MODE data “F3 (HEX)” indicates that the type of the pachinko gaming machine is the third type.

FIGS. 10B to 10C show the control command data for gaming machine information output from the payout control board 144 for each MODE data (that is, for each type of gaming machine). I have. The EXT data output from the payout control board 144 includes “01 (HEX)” and “02 (H
EX) ”and“ 03 (HEX) ”.

The EXT data “01 (HEX)” indicates that the detection signal of the ball out information switch 107 is ON, that is, the ball is out of ball (insufficient prize ball in the storage tank 105).
This is data indicating that EXT data "02
(HEX) "is data indicating that the detection signal of the out-of-ball information switch 107 is OFF, that is, it is not in the out-of-ball state. EXT data "03 (HE
X) "is data indicating that the ball was lent. This data is output based on the input of the detection signal from the ball lending count switch 119.

Next, the game machine information control command data output from main board 151 to external information output board 78 will be described with reference to FIG. Main board 151
As for the game machine information control command data output from the game machine, the type of the game machine is designated by the MODE data in the same manner as the game machine information control command data output from the payout control board 144, and the content of the data is indicated by the EXT data. It is specified.

FIG. 11A shows control command data for the first type of game machine information, and FIG. 11B shows control command data for the second type of game machine information. 11
(C) shows control command data for the third type of gaming machine information.

First, with reference to FIG. 11A, the first type of gaming machine information control command data will be described.
The EXT data “01 (HEX)” is prize ball information.
This EXT data indicates that the gaming machine is paying out prize balls. The EXT data "02 (HEX)"
This is the opening information. The EXT data indicates the number of winnings to the first-type starting opening (winning opening of the ordinary variable winning prize ball device 58). The EXT data “03 (HEX)” is symbol confirmation (special symbol) information. The EXT data indicates the number of variable display operations of a special symbol on the special variable display device 44. EXT data "04 (HEX)"
Is symbol confirmation (normal symbol) information. The EXT data indicates the number of variable display operations of the ordinary symbol on the ordinary symbol display 63.

The EXT data "05 (HEX)" and "06 (HEX)" are one big hit information. "05
(HEX) "indicates that the big hit 1 signal is ON, that is, the big hit game state (the open cycle during the big hit is being executed), and" 06 (H)
EX) ”means that one big hit signal is OFF,
That is, it is indicated that the game is not in the big hit game state.

The EXT data “07 (HEX)” and “08 (HEX)” are two pieces of big hit information. "07
(HEX) "indicates that the big hit 2 signal is ON, that is, that the big hit is being played or the probability is being changed (probability change mode), and" 08 (HE
X) "indicates that the big hit 2 signal is OFF, that is, it is not in the big hit gaming state nor in the probability change state.

The EXT data “09 (HEX)” and “0A (HEX)” are probability variation information. "09
(HEX) "indicates that the probability variation signal is ON, that is, that the probability variation signal is being changed (probability variation mode), and" 0A (HEX) "indicates that the probability variation signal is OFF.
That is, it indicates that the probability is not being changed (probability variation mode).

The EXT data “0B (HEX)” is the accessory operation information. This data indicates that the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary variable winning prize ball device) 58 is operating (in a state of being opened and closed by the solenoid 59).

Next, the second type of gaming machine information control command data will be described. First, the outline of the second type of pachinko gaming machine will be described.

The second type of pachinko gaming machine is generally called a “splashing object”, and a variable prize ball device of the Hikoki type provided with wings on the left and right is arranged at the center of the gaming board. This second
A kind of pachinko gaming machine is provided with a starting port 1 and a starting port 2. When a hit ball starts in the starting port 1, a variable prize ball device of the Hikoki type opens and closes once, and the starting port 2 is opened. When the hit ball starts and wins, the Hikoki-type variable winning ball device opens and closes twice. And the variable winning ball device is once or 2
When the ball that has entered the inside of the variable prize ball device while rotating and opening and closing wins a specific area in the variable prize ball device, a big hit occurs, and the variable prize ball device repeatedly and continuously enters the open state. The variable prize ball device has been opened 18 times, but 1
If the number of winnings in the variable winning ball apparatus reaches 10 before the eighth opening, the opening operation is interrupted even if the number of opening is less than 18 times. Then, under the condition that the hit ball has won a specific area during the opening operation, the opening control of the variable winning ball apparatus up to 18 times is started again. Such a cycle of the opening control that is repeated on condition that the hit ball has won a specific area is up to 16 times,
After the 16th opening control, the big hit state is ended.

The second type of pachinko game machine includes:
There is a case where a variable display device that can variably display a symbol and opens the starting port 1 or 2 for a predetermined period according to the display result is further provided. In this embodiment, gaming machine information will be described assuming a second type of pachinko gaming machine with such a variable display device.

With reference to FIG. 11B, the control command data for the second-type gaming machine information will be described based on the second-type pachinko gaming machine configured as described above. First, the EXT data “01 (HEX)” is prize ball information. This EXT data indicates that the gaming machine is paying out prize balls.

The EXT data “02 (HEX)” is the information of the starting port 1 and the EXT data “03 (HEX)” is
It is the starting port 2 information. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine of the second type is provided with the opening 1 for opening the variable prize ball device of the hikoki type only once and the opening 2 for opening it twice in response to winning. EXT data "02 (HE
X)) indicates the number of winnings in the starting opening 1, and EXT
The data “03 (HEX)” indicates the number of winnings to the starting port 2.

The EXT data “04 (HEX)” is symbol confirmation information. As described above, the second type of pachinko gaming machine may be provided with a variable display device capable of variably displaying symbols, and in the case of such a pachinko gaming machine, symbol determination information is output. EXT data "04
(HEX) "indicates the number of symbol variable display operations on the variable display device.

The EXT data “05 (HEX)” and “06 (HEX)” are big hit information. "05 (H
EX) indicates that the big hit signal is ON, that is, that the big hit game is being played (the state of the variable winning prize ball device of the Hikiki type is repeatedly and continuously opened), and “06 (HEX) ) "Indicates that the big hit signal is OFF, that is, it is not in the big hit game state.

The EXT data “07 (HEX)” is the accessory operation information. This data indicates whether the variable prize ball device of the Hikoki type is open or closed.

Next, the third type of gaming machine information control command data will be described. First, an outline of a third-type pachinko gaming machine will be described.

The well-known third-type pachinko gaming machines include:
A passing port through which a hit ball can pass, a normal symbol display device in which a variable display of a normal symbol is started based on the passing of the hit ball, and a display result of the normal symbol display device is a hit. As a result, the ordinary electric accessory which is opened, the third kind of starting port in which the hit ball can win, and the hit ball which has won the ordinary electric accessory have entered the special device operation area in the ordinary electric accessory. A large winning opening which is opened when a hit ball wins later in the third type starting opening is provided. The probability that the display result of the ordinary symbol display device hits fluctuates between a normal probability and a high probability, and a state that fluctuates at a high probability is called a probability fluctuation state (or simply a probability change).

The special winning opening changes from an open state to a closed state when a predetermined number of hit balls have been won or released and a predetermined time has elapsed, whichever comes first. The closed state also occurs when the ball enters the special device operation area in the ordinary electric accessory.

Further, in the case of the third-type pachinko gaming machine, the right to open the special winning opening is generated when the hit ball which has won the ordinary electric accessory enters the special device operation area. A state in which such a right has been generated is particularly called a “right generation state”. This right generation state may occur when the ball hits the special operating area in the ordinary electric auditorium again or when the ball hits the third state.
It disappears when there are 16 winnings in the seed starting port. In the case of the third type of pachinko gaming machine, such a right generation state is also called a big hit state.

The third type of gaming machine information control command data will be described with reference to FIG. 11C based on the third type of pachinko gaming machine configured as described above. First, the EXT data “01 (HEX)” is prize ball information. This EXT data indicates that the gaming machine is paying out prize balls.

The EXT data “02 (HEX)” is start-up port information. The EXT data indicates the number of winnings to the third type starting port.

The EXT data “03 (HEX)” is symbol confirmation information. The EXT data indicates the number of variable display operations of the ordinary symbol in the ordinary symbol display device. It should be noted that the number of variable display operations of the judgment symbol may be indicated instead of the number of variable display operations of the normal symbol.

The EXT data "04 (HEX)" and "05 (HEX)" are one big hit information. "04
(HEX) "indicates that the jackpot 1 signal is ON, that is, that the jackpot is in the jackpot state (right generation state), and" 05 (HEX) "indicates the jackpot 1
This indicates that the signal is OFF, that is, it is not in the big hit state (not in the right generation state).

The EXT data “06 (HEX)” and “07 (HEX)” are two pieces of big hit information. "06
(HEX) "indicates that the jackpot 2 signal is ON, that is, that the right-generating state is in progress and that the jackpot is being changed, and" 07 (HEX) "turns off the jackpot 2 signal. That is, it is indicated that the right is not in the state of right generation and is not in the probable change.

The EXT data “08 (HEX)” is the passing port information. This data indicates that the hit ball has passed through the passage opening. As described above, in the case of the third-type pachinko gaming machine, variable display of a normal symbol is started based on a hit ball passing through the passing opening. Transmission Mode of Game Machine Information Control Command Data Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the output mode of game machine information control command data from the main board 151 and the payout control board 144 to the external information output board 78 will be described. FIG.
5 is a timing chart showing output timings of gaming machine information control command data.

As described above, the control command data for gaming machine information includes MODE data each consisting of one byte and E
XT data. The 2-byte data is sequentially transmitted as external control signals CD0 to CD7 shown in the figure. The illustrated external control signal INT is a signal for notifying the reception timing of the external control signals CD0 to CD7 to the external information output board 78 and preventing a command from being missed on the receiving side.

As shown, external control signals CD0-CD0
After a lapse of a predetermined time A since the switching of the CD 7 to the MODE data, the external control signal INT rises for a predetermined time B. When a predetermined time C elapses from the fall timing of the external control signal INT, the external control signals CD0 to CD7 become
It is switched to EXT data. And the external control signal C
After a lapse of a predetermined time A from the switching of D0 to CD7 to the EXT data, the external control signal INT rises for a predetermined time B.

As described above, one command data is stored in the MO
The data is divided into DE data and EXT data, and is output a plurality of times. For this reason, for example, even when the amount of one transmission data is limited due to the performance of the data transmission side or the reception side, the command data having a large data amount can be transmitted without any problem by performing the transmission in a plurality of times. Can be sent.

The microcomputer 78M (see FIG. 8) on the side of the external information output board 78 enters the interrupt mode in response to the rise of the external control signal INT, and the external control signal CD
The values of 0 to CD7 are stored in the input buffer. Therefore, one command data divided and transmitted into MODE data and EXT data is input for each division unit and stored in the input buffer. External information output board 78
The microcomputer 78M on the side receives an external control signal CD.
A control is performed to analyze the data 0 to CD7 and generate and output gaming machine information based on MODE data and EXT data indicated by the external control signals CD0 to CD7. Transmission of a signal from the main board 151 to the external information output board 78
Mode FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining a mode of transmitting a signal from the main board 151 to the external information output board 78.

Referring to FIG. 13, output buffers 151b, 151e, 1 are provided on main board 151 as means for transmitting signals from microcomputer 151M for game control.
51f, and output ports 151c and 151d.

The external control signal includes a command (also referred to as an external control signal CD0 to CD7) indicating the contents of a control command and an INT signal (also referred to as an external control signal INT) indicating a command fetch timing. Substrate 78
Receives the external control signal INT, generates the gaming machine information according to the command, and controls to output the gaming machine information to the outside.

The external control signals CD0 to CD7, which are commands for external control, are supplied from the microcomputer 151M for game control to the output buffer 151b and the output port 15.
1c, and output to the outside of the main board 151 via the output buffer 151e in order. Also, the external control signal IN
T is output from the microcomputer 151M to the outside of the main board 151 via the output buffer 151b, the output port 151d, and the output buffer 151f in this order.

Microcomputer 151 for game control
M and the output buffer 151b.
Signals are transmitted by data buses between b and the output port 151c and between the output buffer 151b and the output buffer 151e. Output port 151
c and the output buffer 151e, the parallel I / O
Signals are transmitted in parallel by signal lines between ports. Between the output port 151d and the output buffer 151f,
Signals are transmitted by signal lines between single I / O ports.

The external information output board 78 includes a main board 151
Input buffer 7 as a means for receiving an external control signal from the
8b, 78c and input port 78d for command input
Is provided. Further, the CPU (sub CP) of the microcomputer 78M mounted on the external information output board 78
U) 78a is provided with an input port 78e.

The external control signals CD0 to CD7 output from the main board 151 are input to the CPU 78a on the external information output board 78 via the input buffer 78b and the input port 78d in order. External information output board 78
The external control signal INT output from the external information output board 78 is input to the CPU 78a via the input buffer 78c and the input port 78e in order.

Signal lines between the parallel I / O ports are provided between the output buffer 151e of the main board 151 and the input buffer 78b of the external information output board 78, and between the input buffer 78b and the input port 78d. Are transmitted in parallel. Signals are transmitted by a data bus between the input port 78d and the microcomputer 78M. Input buffer 7 of external information output board 78
Between 8c and the input port 78e, a signal is transmitted by a signal line between a single I / O port.

The input buffers 78b and 78c of the external information output board 78 have a function of transmitting information only in one direction from the main board 151 to the external information output board 78.
That is, the input buffers 78b and 78c have an irreversible input interface that permits input of information from the outside of the external information output board 78 to the inside but does not allow output of information from the inside of the external information output board 78 to the outside. It is. Therefore, since the input buffers 78b and 78c are provided, an unauthorized signal is input to the main board 151 by using a communication portion between the main board 151 and the external information output board 78, and an unauthorized control operation is performed. Can be prevented. Signal from payout control board 144 to external information output board 78
Aspect of a transmitting Figure 14, the external information output board 7 from the dispensing control board 144
FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a mode of transmitting a signal to the E.8;

Referring to FIG. 14, output buffers 144b and 144 are provided on the payout control board 144 as means for transmitting a signal from the payout control microcomputer 144M.
e, 144f and output ports 144c, 144d.

The transmission / reception mode of the external control signal depends on the main board 15
1 and the external information output board 78. When the external information output board 78 receives the external control signal INT, it takes in the external control signals CD0 to CD7 and generates gaming machine information according to the command. Control to output this to the outside.

External control signals CD0 to CD7, which are commands for external control, are supplied from the microcomputer 144M for payout control to the output buffer 144b and the output port
4c, and output to the outside of the payout control board 144 via the output buffer 144e. The external control signal INT is output from the microcomputer 144M to the outside of the payout control board 144 via the output buffer 144b, the output port 144d, and the output buffer 144f in order.

Microcomputer 144 for payout control
M and the output buffer 144b.
Signals are transmitted by data buses between b and the output port 144c and between the output buffer 144b and the output buffer 144e. Output port 144
c and the output buffer 144e, the parallel I / O
Signals are transmitted in parallel by signal lines between ports. Between the output port 144d and the output buffer 144f,
Signals are transmitted by signal lines between single I / O ports.

The external control signals CD0 to CD7 output from the payout control board 144 are input to the CPU 78a of the microcomputer 78M on the external information output board 78 via the input buffer 78b and the input port 78d in order. The external control signal INT output from the payout control board 144 is output to the external information output board 78 via the input buffer 78c and the input port 78e in sequence.
It is input to the CPU 78a.

Output buffer 144 of payout control board 144
e and the input buffer 78b of the external information output board 78, and between the input buffer 78b and the input port 78d, signals are transmitted in parallel by signal lines between parallel I / O ports. Input port 78d and C
Signals are transmitted to and from the PU 78a by the data bus. Between the input buffer 78c and the input port 78e of the external information output board 78, a signal is transmitted by a signal line between a single I / O port.

The input buffers 78b and 78c of the external information output board 78 have a function of transmitting information only in one direction from the payout control board 144 to the external information output board 78. That is, the input buffers 78b and 78c have an irreversible input interface that permits input of information from the outside of the external information output board 78 to the inside but does not allow output of information from the inside of the external information output board 78 to the outside. It is. Therefore, the provision of the input buffers 78b and 78c makes it possible to utilize the communication part between the payout control board 144 and the external information output board 78 and to use the payout control board 1
An illegal signal can be input to 44 to prevent an illegal control operation from being performed. Description of gaming machine information output from external information output board 78 Next, gaming machine information output from the external information output board 78 will be described. 15 and 16 are diagrams for explaining an output format of gaming machine information output from the external information output board 78.

FIG. 15 shows a format of gaming machine information output from connector 783 for parallel communication shown in FIG. On the other hand, FIG. 16 shows a format of gaming machine information output from connector 784 for serial communication shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 15, gaming machine information data for parallel communication is composed of MODE data and EXT data. That is, the game machine information data for parallel communication is the same as the form of the game machine information control command data output from the main board 151 and the payout control board 144.

The external information output board 78 receives game machine information control command data from the main board 151 or the payout control board 144, temporarily stores the data in a buffer, and then controls the game machine information control at a predetermined timing. Connector 7 for parallel communication using command data as gaming machine information
83 to output. In addition, at the time of output, an INT signal for notifying the transmission destination of the reception timing is also output, and the gaming machine information between the main board 151 or the payout control board 144 and the external information output board 78 is output. Game machine information is transmitted in the same procedure as in the case of the transfer of the control command data.

Therefore, the external information output board 78 has a function of collecting game machine information control command data output from the main board 151 and the payout control board 144 and outputting game machine information from one connector 783.

FIG. 15 (a) shows the first-type gaming machine information data, FIG. 15 (b) shows the second-type gaming machine information data, and FIG. 15 (c). Shows gaming machine information data for the third type.

Next, the format of the gaming machine information data output from the serial communication connector 784 shown in FIG. 5 will be described. The gaming machine information data is output according to a basic procedure (basic data transmission control procedure). Referring to FIG. 16, in the gaming machine information data, STX (Start of text) which is a transmission control code for indicating that the main body of the transmission data follows, is added to the beginning,
Gaming machine information, which is the main body of the transmission data, is arranged as shown. Following the gaming machine information, ETX (End of text) which is a transmission control code indicating the end of text data
Is added, and finally BCC (Block check character)
Are added to form one unit of information message. The BCC is 1-byte data used for detecting an error in transmission data on the receiving side.

In particular, FIG. 16 exemplifies gaming machine information data corresponding to the first type of pachinko gaming machine. Following the model (kind) information of the gaming machine, FIG. 10 (b) and FIG. The ball running out information, the ball lending information, the prize ball information,... The accessory operation information corresponding to the control command shown in FIG. In the case of the second type of game machine information data, the contents of the game machine information arranged between STX and ETX are different, and the control command shown in FIG. 10 (c) and FIG. Ball out information, ball lending information,
Prize sphere information, starting port 1 information...
Similarly, in the case of the third type of gaming machine information data, STX
10 (d) and FIG. 11 (c)
, Ball information, prize ball information, starting port information... Passing port information are arranged.

Next, with reference to FIG. 17, a transmission control code used for controlling the transmission of the gaming machine information illustrated in FIG. 16 will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the transmission control code.

The transmission control code is STX (St
art of text) and ETX (End of text), ENQ (Enquire), ACK (Acknowledge), NA
CK (Non-Acknowledge) or the like is used.

ENQ is a transmission control code transmitted when inquiring about the status of the other party. ACK is a transmission control code transmitted when returning an acknowledgment. NAC
K is a transmission control code transmitted when returning a negative response. These transmission control codes are composed of 1-byte data having a code value (HEX) as shown.

Next, the transmission control procedure will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a transmission control procedure of gaming machine information data. Note that “transmission” means that the external information output board 78
"Reception" indicates the hall computer side.

The external information output board 78 on the transmitting side transmits an ENQ code for inquiring the situation, and the hall computer on the receiving side which has received the ENQ code usually returns an ACK code indicating an acknowledgment within a predetermined time. The external information output board 78 that has received the ACK code transmits the game machine information data, if any, to be transmitted. The hall computer receiving the gaming machine information data returns an acknowledgment (ACK code) if the data can be received without error. If the received data is garbled, a negative acknowledgment (NACK code) is returned and a request for data retransmission is made. For this reason, the reliability of communication is improved as compared with the case where a one-way communication system from the external information output board 78 to the hall computer is employed.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the generation and output control of the gaming machine information which must be output to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are performed by the main board 151, the payout control board 144, and the like. Is performed by an external information output board 78 independent of the main board 1
The control load on the gaming machine information of the payout control board 51 and the payout control board 144 can be reduced.

Further, a plurality of types of output modes for outputting game machine information are provided by the external information output board 78.
Therefore, the hall manager can select the output mode according to the place where the gaming machine is installed in the hall, the scale of the hall, the policy, and the like, and the convenience is improved.

For example, a connector capable of performing such communication by selecting a parallel communication system for simultaneously transmitting several bits of data by using a plurality of signal lines (connector 1 in FIG. 5)
In the case where 31 to 133 or 783) is used, generally, gaming machine information can be received quickly by high-speed data transfer.

When the parallel communication system is selected, when the hall computer is connected to the connector 131 shown in FIG.
(A-j) -133 (a-j) In the case of a type that can only receive individual gaming machine information output from (a-j), among the connectors 131-133, it is suitable for the type of gaming machine. All you have to do is select a connector.

In this case, since the external information output board 78 can be applied to any type, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to prepare different external information output boards for each type of gaming machine. On the other hand, the hall computer
If it is possible to receive command-type gaming machine information output from the connector 783 of the
By using the connector 783 rather than through 133, the number of wires from the gaming machine to the hall computer can be reduced, and the labor and cost of wiring can be reduced. Further, in the case of a format such as the connectors 131 to 133, since each connector has one-to-one correspondence with each piece of gaming machine information, when it is desired to output new gaming machine information,
A disadvantage arises in that a connector and a wiring must be added or a spare connector and a spare wiring must be provided in advance in preparation for it. On the other hand, in the case of the connector 783, since a plurality of types of gaming machine information can be output to the outside of the gaming machine through the common communication path (CD0 to CD7), the gaming machine is newly added. Even when information is added, there is an advantage that there is no need to physically change the connector, and the connector can be flexibly handled.

On the other hand, when a serial communication method of continuously transmitting or receiving data one bit at a time is selected and a connector (connector 784 in FIG. 5) capable of performing such communication is used. Does not have the data shift and unevenness (skew) between the signal lines compared to the parallel communication method using multiple signal lines, and does not cause the phenomenon that the signal lines affect the voltage (crosstalk). Therefore, the gaming machine information can be accurately transmitted to a hall computer or the like that is separated from the gaming machine. In addition, even when new gaming machine information is added, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to physically change the connector, and it is possible to flexibly respond. Further, since the number of signal lines can be reduced as compared with the case of the parallel communication, the trouble of wiring and the wiring cost can be reduced. (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission path for gaming machine information among the main board 151, the payout control board 144, and the external information output board 78.

In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, control command data for gaming machine information is not directly output from main board 151 to external information output board 78. In the second embodiment, the main board 151 outputs the gaming machine information control command data described as the first embodiment to the payout control board 144. The payout control board 144 outputs the game machine information control command data (see FIG. 10) generated by itself to the external information output board 78, and relays the game machine information control command data output from the main board 151. To the external information output board 78.

In the case of the second embodiment, the main substrate 1
The output route of the signal from 51 can be reduced as much as possible, and if the main substrate 151 is improperly wired,
You can find it easily.

The main board 151 and the payout control board 144
May be serial communication or parallel communication. However, regarding the communication direction, from the viewpoint of preventing a signal from being input from the payout control board 144 to the main board 151 and causing the main board 151 to operate improperly, one-way communication from the main board 151 to the payout control board 144 is used. It is desirable. Also, here, the payout control board 144
Has been described as simply relaying the game machine information control command data output from the main board 151, but the game machine information control command data output from the main board 151 and the game machine information control After the command data is collected and converted into the format data as shown in FIG. 16, the data may be output to the external information output board 78. (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission path for gaming machine information among the main board 151, the payout control board 144, the gaming machine information generating board 79, and the external information output board 780.

In the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a gaming machine information generation board 79 is provided. Then, the main board 151 and the payout control board 144 transmit the game machine information control command data to the game machine information generation board 79.

The microcomputer 79M is mounted on the gaming machine information generating board 79, and the microcomputer 79M generates gaming machine information data based on the gaming machine information control command data. The game machine information data generated by the game machine information generation board 79 is output to the external information output board 780. The external information output board 780 has connectors 783, 784, 131a to 131a for transmitting a plurality of types of information as shown in FIG.
131j, 132a to 132j, and 133a to 133j are provided. However, the microcomputer is not mounted, and has only a function of relaying the game machine information input from the game machine information generation board 79 and outputting it to the outside in a command mode, a serial signal mode, or a parallel signal mode.

According to the third embodiment, a board for generating gaming machine information and a board provided with a connector for outputting the generated gaming machine information to the outside are provided separately and independently. Therefore, if necessary, only one of the gaming machine information generation board 79 and the external information output board 780 can be replaced. In this case, for example, the external information output board 78
0, an external information output board 780 provided only with a connector 783 and only a connector 784 are provided as information transmitting connectors without providing a large number of gaming machine information transmitting connectors as shown in FIG. An external information output board 780 provided with only connectors 131a to 131j, a connector 132a
External information output board 780 provided with only ~ 132j
And an external information output board 780 provided with only the connectors 133a to 133j so that the hole side can select a desired external information output board 780 from the plurality of types of external information output boards 780. You may.

The main board 151 and the game machine information generation board 79, the payout control board 144 and the game machine information generation board 79, and the game machine information generation board 79 and the external information output board 780 The communication between them may be serial communication or parallel communication. However, regarding the communication direction, as indicated by the arrow, the main board 151
To the gaming machine information generation board 79, the payout control board 1
It is preferable that one-way communication be performed in each of the direction from 44 to the gaming machine information generating board 79 and the direction from the gaming machine information generating board 79 to the external information output board 78. (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission path for gaming machine information among the main board 151, the payout control board 144, the gaming machine information generating board 79, and the external information output board 780.

In the fourth embodiment, the third embodiment shown in FIG.
In comparison with the embodiment, the game machine information control command data is not directly output from the main board 151 to the game machine information generation board 79. In the fourth embodiment,
The main board 151 outputs the game machine information control command data described as the first embodiment to the payout control board 144. The payout control board 144 outputs the game machine information control command data (see FIG. 10) generated by itself to the game machine information generation board 79, and also outputs the main board 151.
The control command data for gaming machine information output from is relayed and output to the gaming machine information generation board 79.

The main board 151 and the payout control board 144
Between the payout control board 144 and the gaming machine information generation board 79
And the communication between the gaming machine information generation board 79 and the external information output board 780 may be either serial communication or parallel communication.
In each case, it is desirable to use one-way communication from the former to the latter.

In this case, the payout control board 144
Although it has been described that the game machine information control command data output from the main board 151 is simply relayed, the main board 1
The control command data for gaming machine information output from 51 and the control command data for gaming machine information generated by itself are collected and converted into format data as shown in FIG. 79. (Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission path for gaming machine information among the main board 151, the payout control board 144, the display control board 75, and the external information output board 78.

In the fifth embodiment, unlike the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the display control board 75 can output game machine information control command data to the external information output board 78. It is configured as follows. For this reason, the external information output board 78 obtains gaming machine information such as the type of reach to be executed (normal reach, super reach, etc.) and the type of stop symbol directly from the display control board 75 itself for performing display control. It is possible to generate based on the information control command data, and it is possible to provide more various gaming machine information relating to display control to an external device such as a hall computer.

Communication between the display control board 75 and the external information output board 78, between the main board 151 and the external information output board 78, and between the payout control board 144 and the external information output board 78 is performed by serial communication. It may be communication or parallel communication, but it is preferable that each is one-way communication from the former to the latter as shown by arrows. (Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission path for gaming machine information among the main board 151, the payout control board 144, the display control board 75, and the external information output board 78.

In the sixth embodiment, the fifth embodiment shown in FIG.
As compared with the embodiment, the control command data for gaming machine information is not directly output from the main board 151 to the external information output board 78. In the sixth embodiment, the main board 151 outputs the gaming machine information control command data described as the first embodiment to the display control board 75 (or the payout control board 144). The display control board 75 (or the payout control board 144) transmits the game machine information control command data generated by itself to the external information output board 7.
8 and relays the gaming machine information control command data output from the main board 151 to the external information output board 78.

The main board 151 and the display control board 75
(Or the payout control board 144), the payout control board 1
The communication between 44 and the external information output board 78 and the communication between the display control board 75 and the external information output board 78 may be serial communication or parallel communication, each of which is indicated by an arrow. Thus, it is desirable that the former be one-way communication from the latter.

Also, here, the display control board 75 (or the payout control board 144) has been described as simply relaying the game machine information control command data output from the main board 151. The obtained game machine information control command data and the game machine information control command data generated by itself are collected and converted into format data as shown in FIG. 16, and the data is output to the external information output board 78. It may be configured as follows. (Seventh Embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission path for gaming machine information among the main board 151, the payout control board 144, and the external information output board 780.

In the seventh embodiment, as compared with the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8, an external information output board 780 without a microcomputer is used. In the seventh embodiment, the payout control board 14
Reference numeral 4 has a function of collecting the gaming machine information control command data output from the main board 151 and the gaming machine information control command data generated by itself, and converting the same into format data as shown in FIG. The payout control board 144 communicates with an external hall computer or the like via the external information output board 780, and transmits gaming machine information data according to the above-described basic procedure. Therefore, the external information output board 780 only has a function of simply relaying the gaming machine information and outputting the information to the outside. The gaming machine information output connector 784 shown in FIG. 5 is provided on the external information output board 780.

Next, modified examples and features of the present invention will be enumerated below. (1) RS-232C, RS-422, IrDA, USB, and IEEE are used as serial communication interfaces that continuously transmit or receive digital data bit by bit.
1394, Fiber Channel, etc. can be used. As a protocol for data transmission and reception, in addition to the basic procedure, BSC (Binary Synchronous Communication Community)
ns), HDLC (High Lebel Data Link Control Proce
dure) can also be used.

(2) In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine has been described as an example of a game machine to which the present invention is applied. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is, for example, a slot machine. Is also good. When the present invention is applied to the slot machine, examples of the gaming machine information include information on occurrence of regular bonus prize, occurrence of big bonus prize, payout of medals, increase and decrease of credits, and the like.

(3) Connectors 781b, 782b, 783, 78 provided on external information output boards 78, 780
4, 131a to 131j, 132a to 132j, 133
a to 133j constitute a gaming machine information output means for outputting the gaming machine information generated by the gaming machine information generating means to the outside of the gaming machine.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a variable display device (special variable display device 44) whose display state can be changed,
When the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode (777 or the like), a gaming machine is configured which can be controlled to a specific gaming state (big hit gaming state) advantageous to the player. . Main board 151 or main board 15
1, the microcomputer 151M mounted on
Game control means for controlling a game state of the gaming machine is configured. Dispensing control board 144 or dispensing control board 14
4, the microcomputer 144M mounted on
Payout control means for controlling payout of game media (balls) is configured. The game machine component device control means is a game control device (microcomputer 151M) that controls a game machine and controls a game machine component device (special variable winning ball device 48) provided on a game board surface.

In each of the above embodiments, a ball is illustrated as an example of a game medium, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the game media can include medals, coins, credits, and the like.

With the above-mentioned second kind of pachinko game machine,
"A starting prize winning area (starting opening 1 or starting opening 2) in which a hit ball can be won, and a variable winning prize ball device capable of changing between a first state advantageous to the player and a second state disadvantageous to the player ( A variable winning ball device of the Hikoki type) and the variable winning ball device is controlled to the first state in the first mode when a hit ball is awarded in the starting winning area. 1
A specific game state (big hit state) is generated on condition that a hit ball is won in the variable winning ball device in the state of the above, and the variable winning ball device is made more variable for the player than in the first aspect. And a control means for controlling the state to the first state in an advantageous second aspect. "

Further, the above-mentioned third type of pachinko gaming machine has a variable winning prize ball device which can be changed between a first state which is advantageous for the player and a second state which is disadvantageous for the player. And a gaming machine that satisfies the precondition that the variable winning ball device can be controlled to the first state when the hit ball passes through a predetermined passing area.

The gaming machine information generating means can generate gaming machine information in the same form (same format) as the gaming machine information data signal (command data). Further, the gaming machine information output means can output gaming machine information in the same form (same format) as the gaming machine information data signal (command data). Further, the gaming machine information generating means performs control for generating the gaming machine information and outputting the generated gaming machine information.

(4) In the description of each of the above embodiments, based on information output from the gaming machine component device control means such as the main board 151 and the payout control board 144, the “external” The information output board 78 or the game machine information generation board 79 "has described various modes in which game machine information is generated.

However, the game machine component device control means generates some of the game machine information among the game machine information to be output to the outside, and generates the game machine information by itself or other relay board (relay means). The generated gaming machine information may be externally output via the external device, and information required for generating other gaming machine information may be output (provided) to the gaming machine information generating means. Further, all the gaming machine component device control means mounted on the gaming machine output (provide) information necessary for generating the gaming machine information to the gaming machine information generating means, and the gaming machine information generating means All the gaming machine information may be configured to be generated, or among a plurality of gaming machine component device controlling means mounted on the gaming machine, information on a certain gaming machine component device controlling means is transmitted to the gaming machine information generating means. Without outputting the game machine information to be output to the outside, the game machine information generated by itself or via another relay board (relay means) is output to the outside. Good.

That is, according to the present invention, all gaming machines are configured so that at least one of gaming machine information to be output to the outside is generated not by the gaming machine component device control means but by the gaming machine information generating means. The number of gaming machine information generated by the gaming machine information generating means, the type and number of gaming machine component device controlling means for outputting information necessary for generating gaming machine information to the gaming machine information generating means, It does not matter whether or not the gaming machine component device control means generates a part of the gaming machine information by itself.

(5) Referring to FIG. 19, connector 78
4 is connected to a transmission line (TD +, TD-) and a reception line (RD +, RD-).
+, TD-), the gaming machine information data is transmitted, and the reception line (RD +, RD-) is used to check the reception status.

However, as a modified example, it is conceivable that the communication system is a one-way communication system in which communication is performed only in one direction from the connector 784 to an external device (such as a hall computer). In this case, the reception lines (RD +, RD-) shown in FIG. 19 are unnecessary, and only the transmission lines (TD +, TD-) are connected to the connector 784. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent illegal information from being input from the external device to the gaming machine via the connector 784.

(6) When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is transmitted from the pachinko gaming machine 1 to an external device (for example, a hall computer or the like) by a parallel signal using the connector 783, the communication between the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the external device is performed. Communication (i) The communication mode in this case is one-way communication from the pachinko gaming machine 1 to an external device, similar to the “transmission mode of a signal from the main board to the external information output board” shown in FIG. It may be configured as follows. In this case, the main board 151 shown in FIG.
The pachinko gaming machine 1 (external information output board 7) is replaced by a block diagram (not shown) in which the external information output board 78 shown in FIG.
8) between the pachinko gaming machine 1 (external information output board 78) and the external device only in one direction between the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the external device; In the meantime, information is transmitted only in one direction from the gaming machine information generating means to the external device. "

In this case, the connector 783 is connected to the outside (information output side) of the output buffer on the external information output board 78 side. Then, the external control signals CD0 to CD7 and the INT signal constituting the gaming machine information are output from the microcomputer 78a of the external information output board 78, and output from the connector 783 via the output port and the output buffer of the external information output board 78. Will be output. FIG. 13 shows an external device (eg, a hall computer).
Input buffers and input ports similar to the input buffers 78b and 78c and the input port 78d shown in FIG. The external control signals CD0 to CD7 and the INT signal output from the connector 783 of the external information output board 78 are input to the microcomputer of the external device via the input buffer and the input port of the external device.

In this case, the input of information (signal) is prohibited by the output buffer of the external information output board 78.
Communication direction restricting means which operates so as to permit only output of information (signal) is configured. A gaming machine information output board (external information output board 78) on which the gaming machine information output means is mounted includes the communication direction regulating means. Note that the external device is not limited to a hall computer, and may be a communication relay device that relays communication. In short, the external device may be a device different from the gaming machine and a receiving device that receives the gaming machine information output from the gaming machine information output unit.

(Ii) When transmitting the gaming machine information from the pachinko gaming machine 1 to an external device (for example, a hall computer) by a parallel signal, the gaming machine information control command data is transmitted to the main board 151 or the payout control board 144. The game machine information may be divided and transmitted in a plurality of times by the same procedure as when transmitting the information to the external information output board 78.

The details of the procedure for transmitting the gaming machine information control command data from the main board 151 or the payout control board 144 to the external information output board 78 are the same as those already described with reference to FIG. A description will be given of a procedure when the gaming machine information is transmitted from the pachinko gaming machine 1 to an external device using a parallel signal.

With the configuration adopting such a procedure,
"The information output from the gaming machine to the external device includes an external output gaming machine information data signal (CD0 to CD7) capable of specifying gaming machine information in a predetermined data format", " The information output from the gaming machine to the external device includes the gaming machine information data signal for external output (CD0
To CD7) and an external output timing signal (INT signal) for notifying the external device of a timing at which the external output gaming machine information data signal is to be captured ", and" the gaming machine information output ". Means to output the gaming machine information data signal for external output in a plurality of times ".

(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.

[0239]

Specific Examples of Means for Solving the Problems (1) The pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the like constitutes a gaming machine constituted by a plurality of types of gaming machine constituting devices. A plurality of types of game machine constituting devices are constituted by the special variable winning ball device 48, the ball payout device 116, and the like.

The microcomputer 151M mounted on the main board 151 and the microcomputer 144M mounted on the payout control board 144 constitute a game machine component device control means for controlling the game machine component device.

An external information output board 78 or a game machine information generation board 79 is provided separately from the game machine constituent device control means, and outputs information (game machine information control command data) from the game machine constituent device control means. The game machine information generating means for generating a plurality of types of game machine information to be output to the outside on the basis of) is configured. The gaming machine information shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 constitutes the gaming machine information.

The connector 783 constitutes game machine information output means for outputting a plurality of types of game machine information generated by the game machine information generation means to the outside of the game machine.
The connector 783 allows the gaming machine information output means to convert a plurality of types of gaming machine information generated by the gaming machine information generating means into a parallel signal in a data format composed of a plurality of predetermined bits. It is disclosed that output is possible outside the machine. FIG.
Discloses a data format composed of the predetermined plurality of bits according to the format of MODE data and EXT data.

(2) The information output from the gaming machine component device control means to the gaming machine information generating means includes gaming machine information data capable of specifying gaming machine information to be generated in a predetermined data format. Signal (MODE data and EX
T data).

(3) As described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, between the gaming machine component device controlling means and the gaming machine information generating means, the gaming machine component device controlling means (microcomputer 144M, 151M) to the gaming machine information generating means (external information output board 78 or gaming machine information generating board 79), information is transmitted in only one direction.

(4) The information output from the gaming machine component device control means to the gaming machine information generating means includes the gaming machine information data signal (MODE data and EXT data) and the gaming machine information data signal. And a timing signal (INT signal) for notifying the gaming machine information generating means of the fetch timing.

(5) As shown in FIG. 12 and the like, the gaming machine component device control means outputs the gaming machine information data signal in a plurality of times.

(6) The gaming machine component device control means includes:
It is a game control means (microcomputer 151M) for controlling a game state.

(7) The gaming machine component device control means includes:
A payout control unit (microcomputer 144M) for controlling a payout device (ball payout device 116) for paying out game media.

(8) Connectors 131a to 131j, Connectors 132a to 132j, Connectors 133a to 133
j, the gaming machine information generated by the gaming machine information generating means is converted into the type of the gaming machine (first type, second type, third type).
A type-specific gaming machine information output means capable of outputting each type is configured.

(9) Connectors 131a to 131j, connectors 132a to 132j, and connectors 133a to 133
j constitutes a plurality of information-specific gaming machine information output means capable of individually outputting each of a plurality of types of gaming machine information generated by the gaming machine information generating means.

[0251]

The effect of the concrete example of the means for solving the problems.
Regarding the above, a plurality of types of gaming machine information are generated by the gaming machine information generating means provided separately from the gaming machine component device control means, and the generated plurality of types of gaming machine information are output to the outside of the gaming machine. Therefore, the burden on the gaming machine component device control means for processing the gaming machine information can be reduced. Moreover, on the receiving side of the gaming machine information, it is possible to specify the gaming machine information by the data format of the received gaming machine information itself, so that between the receiving side of the gaming machine information and the gaming machine, There is no need to perform a large number of wirings, and the number of wirings required for transmitting gaming machine information to the outside of the gaming machine can be reduced as much as possible. Further, since the gaming machine information is output to the outside of the gaming machine as a parallel signal, the communication speed can be improved.

According to the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the gaming machine information generating means can specify the gaming machine information to be generated based on the gaming machine information data signal in a predetermined data format. .

In the third aspect, in addition to the effects of the first or second aspect, between the gaming machine component device control means and the gaming machine information generating means, the gaming machine component device control means transmits the information to the game machine. Since information is transmitted to the information generating means only in one direction, it is possible to prevent an act of inputting a signal to the gaming machine component device control means and causing the gaming machine component device control device to operate improperly.

Regarding claim 4, claims 1 to 3
In addition to the effects relating to any one of the above, the information output from the gaming machine component device control means to the gaming machine information generating means includes, in addition to the gaming machine information data signal, the timing of capturing the gaming machine information data signal. Since a timing signal for notifying the generating means is also included, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a loss of the gaming machine information data signal to be received as much as possible.

According to the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect of the fourth aspect, since the gaming machine information data signal is output in a plurality of times, even if the amount of data transmitted at one time is limited. By performing the transmission in a plurality of times, a gaming machine information data signal having a large data amount can be transmitted without any problem.

With respect to claim 6, claims 1 to 5
In addition to the effects of any one of the above, it is possible to reduce the load on the game control means for processing the game machine information.

With respect to claim 7, claims 1 to 5
In addition to the effect of any one of the above, it is possible to reduce the burden on the payout control means for processing the gaming machine information.

With respect to claim 8, claims 1 to 7
In addition to the effects of any one of the above, the type of gaming machine information output means capable of outputting gaming machine information by type of gaming machine is provided, so even if the type of gaming machine is changed, There is no need to replace the machine information output means.

Regarding claim 9, claims 1 to 7
In addition to the effect of any one of the above, it is also possible to output each of the plurality of types of gaming machine information individually from each of the plurality of information-specific gaming machine information output means. Information can be generated and output.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of a game board provided in the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an external information output board.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control circuit provided in the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control circuit provided in the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission path for gaming machine information among the main board, the payout control board, and the external information output board.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a format example of a gaming machine information control command.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for describing a gaming machine information control command output from the output control board to the external information output board.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for describing a gaming machine information control command output from the main board to the external information output board.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing a transmission timing of a gaming machine information control command.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining a mode of transmitting a signal from the main board to the external information output board.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining a mode of transmitting a signal from a payout control board to an external information output board.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an output format of gaming machine information output from an external information output board.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an output format of gaming machine information output from an external information output board.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a transmission control code.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a transmission control procedure of gaming machine information data.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a connection mode between an external information output board and an external device.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission path for gaming machine information among the main board, the payout control board, and the external information output board.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission path for game machine information among a main board, a payout control board, a game machine information generation board, and an external information output board.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission path relating to gaming machine information among a main board, a payout control board, a gaming machine information generating board, and an external information output board.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission path for gaming machine information among the main board, the payout control board, the display control board, and the external information output board.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a signal transmission path for gaming machine information among a main board, a payout control board, a display control board, and an external information output board.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram for explaining a signal transmission path for gaming machine information among the main board, the payout control board, and the external information output board.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Pachinko game machine (game machine), 48 special variable prize ball device, 78 external information output board, 78M, 79M microcomputer (game machine information generating means), 116 ball payout apparatus (payout means), 144 payout control board (payout) 144M microcomputer (payout control means), 151 main board (game control means), 151M microcomputer (game control means), 131a-131j, 132a-132j, 13
3a to 133j, 781b, 782b, 783, 784
Connector (game machine information output means).

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine constituted by a plurality of types of gaming machine component devices, wherein the gaming machine component device control means for controlling the gaming machine component devices is provided separately from the gaming machine component device control means. A gaming machine information generating means for generating a plurality of types of gaming machine information for outputting to the outside based on information output from the gaming machine component device controlling means; and a plurality of types of gaming machine information generated by the gaming machine information generating means. Gaming machine information output means for outputting gaming machine information to the outside of the gaming machine, wherein the gaming machine information output means includes a plurality of types of gaming machine information generated by the gaming machine information generating means, A gaming machine characterized in that it is configured to be able to output to the outside of the gaming machine as a parallel signal in a data format composed of a plurality of bits. 2. The information output from the gaming machine component device control means to the gaming machine information generating means includes a gaming machine information data signal capable of specifying gaming machine information to be generated in a predetermined data format. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. Between the gaming machine component device control means and the gaming machine information generating device, information is transmitted in only one direction from the gaming machine component device control device to the gaming machine information generating device. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
A gaming machine according to claim 1. 4. The information output from the gaming machine component device control means to the gaming machine information generating means includes: the gaming machine information data signal; and a timing at which the gaming machine information data signal is fetched. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a timing signal for notifying the means. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the gaming machine configuration device control means outputs the gaming machine information data signal in a plurality of times. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said gaming machine component device control means is a gaming control means for controlling a gaming state. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said gaming machine component device control means is a payout control means for controlling a payout device for paying out game media. . 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a type-specific gaming machine information output unit capable of outputting the gaming machine information generated by the gaming machine information generating unit for each type of the gaming machine. 7. The gaming machine according to any one of 7. 9. The game machine information output means according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of information-specific game machine information output means capable of individually outputting each of a plurality of types of game machine information generated by said game machine information generation means. The gaming machine according to claim 7.