JP2003340100A - Game machine, computer program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a game machine which can detect whether or not a control command submitted by a main CPU 112 is correctly received by a sub-CPU 212. <P>SOLUTION: If the main CPU 112 judges a prize-wining status, it transmits a control command instructing a prize-winning ball to be paid-out in the order of a signal-line L1 → an input-output gate A → signal lines L5 and L6 → an input gate B. Then, if the main CPU 112 transmits an interruption signal (INT), the sub-CPU 212 takes in the control commands latched to the input gate B. The sub-CPU 212 outputs an acknowledgment signal conforming reception of the control command to the output gate C through a signal line L9. Then, the main CPU 112 sets a signal line L4 to an L level, and receives the acknowledgment signal latched to the output gate C in the order of the signal lines L7 and L5 → the input-output gate A → the signal line L1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention, as represented by a pachinko machine or the like, launches a game ball to a game board, and when the game ball passes through a predetermined area provided on the game board, The present invention relates to a gaming machine that produces the effect, a computer program for causing the gaming machine to function by a computer, and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing an electrical configuration of a conventional pachinko machine with a part thereof omitted. When the game ball launched on the game board wins the winning opening, the winning detection switch 50
Main CPU mounted on the control board 501 when 0 is turned on
502 determines that the prize is won. Then, the main CPU 502
Sends a prize ball payout command instructing payout of prize balls to the sub CPU 504 mounted on the sub control board 503.
For example, when the winning opening that has won a prize is a winning opening for paying out 15 prize balls, the main CPU 502
A prize ball payout command for instructing the payout of 15 prize balls is transmitted to the sub CPU 504. Then, the sub CPU 504
Outputs a drive signal to the prize ball payout device 505, and the prize ball payout device 505 pays out 15 prize balls. But the main C
When an external factor such as noise is added to the route for transmitting the prize ball payout command from the PU 502 to the sub CPU 504, the prize ball payout command is not transmitted to the sub CPU 504, or the prize ball payout command is garbled. The situation in which the prize balls paid out by the prize ball payout device 505 are insufficient has occurred. In particular, when the prize ball payout command is not transmitted to the sub CPU 504, the number of prize balls becomes 0, so that the player suffers a great disadvantage. Therefore, the number of prize balls paid out by the prize ball payout device 505 is determined not only by the sub CPU 504 but also by the main CPU 502.
By also counting by, the main CPU50
A method in which 2 determines the number of excesses and deficiencies of the number of prize balls, and adjusts the number of excesses and deficiencies by adding and subtracting the number of unpaid present prize balls.

[0003]

However, in the above method, even if the number of prize balls to be paid out becomes insufficient due to the occurrence of the prize ball payout device 505, the excess or deficiency is not paid. Since the prize ball payout device 505 cannot be known that the above situation is occurring because it is adjusted using the number, there is a problem that it is not possible to make a solution in consideration of avoidance of the above cause. Also, since there is no means for communicating from the sub CPU 504 to the main CPU 502, the sub CP
Even if an abnormality occurs in U504, the main CP
The U502 also has a problem that the abnormality cannot be detected.

Therefore, the present invention is a main control means (for example, the main CPU 502) for controlling game contents, and a production means (for example, the above-mentioned main CPU 502) for performing a game effect based on a control signal transmitted from the main control means. Sub CPU 50
In the gaming machine (for example, the pachinko machine) provided with 4 and the prize ball payout device 505), it is possible to realize a gaming machine that can detect whether or not the control signal is accurately received by the rendering means. To aim. Another object of the present invention is to realize a gaming machine in which the main control means can detect an abnormality in the effect means.

[0005]

Means, Actions and Effects for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a game board and a game ball to the game board. The launching device, the main control means for controlling the game contents due to the game ball shot by this launching device having passed through the predetermined area provided on the game board, and transmitted from this main control means In a gaming machine provided with a production means for producing a game on the basis of a control signal, the main control means and the production means are electrically connected by a bidirectional communication means, and the production means is A technique in which, when a control signal transmitted from the main control means is received via the bidirectional communication means, a confirmation signal indicating confirmation of the reception is transmitted to the main control means via the bidirectional communication means. Means Used.

When the main control means transmits the control signal to the rendering means via the bidirectional communication means, the rendering means sends a confirmation signal indicating confirmation of receiving the control signal to the main control means via the bidirectional communication means. Send to. In other words, if the main control means does not receive the confirmation signal from the rendering means, the control signal transmitted from the main control means is not received by the rendering means because some external factor is added to the bidirectional communication means or the rendering means. Can be estimated. Therefore, it is possible to solve the situation in which the control signal is not transmitted to the rendering means by inspecting the transmission path or the rendering means and taking appropriate measures. In addition, the presentation in the game means payout of a prize medium given to the player as a result of the game, display of images such as patterns and patterns, sound output, and lighting and blinking of LEDs and lamps. In the case of pachinko machines, this includes payout of prize balls, opening of special winning holes and opening / closing of ordinary electric auditors.

In the invention according to claim 2, a game board, a launching device for launching a game ball to this game board, and a game ball launched by this launching device are provided in a predetermined area provided on the game board. In a gaming machine provided with main control means for controlling game contents due to passing and a production means for producing a game based on a control signal transmitted from the main control means, the main control means And the production means is electrically connected by a bidirectional communication means, and the production means transmits a state signal indicating its own state to the main control means via the bidirectional communication means. Use means.

The effecting means for effecting a game based on the control signal sent from the main control means sends a status signal indicating its own status to the main control means via the bidirectional communication means. That is, the main control means can detect the state of the rendering means by receiving the state signal from the rendering means.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, a portion of the bidirectional communication means connected to the main control means transmits and receives the respective signals. The technical means that it is a common signal line for performing.

That is, of the two-way communication means, the portion connected to the main control means is a common signal line for transmitting and receiving each signal. It is possible to reduce the number of configurations (for example, connection terminals) for connecting the signal lines to the main control unit and the number of signal lines, as compared with the configuration in which the signal lines are not provided. Therefore, the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, of the two-way communication means, a portion connected to the rendering means is the The technical means that a common signal line is used for transmitting and receiving each signal is used.

That is, of the two-way communication means, the portion connected to the rendering means is a common signal line for transmitting and receiving each signal, and therefore the common portion is used.
It is possible to reduce the number of configurations (for example, connection terminals) for connecting the signal lines to the rendering means and the number of signal lines, as compared with the configuration in which the signal lines are not common. Therefore, the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the bidirectional communication means is a single signal line. To use.

That is, since the bidirectional communication means is a single signal line, a configuration (for example, a connection terminal) for connecting the signal lines to the main control means and the rendering means is more preferable than the case where a plurality of signal lines are used. The number of signal lines can be minimized. Therefore, the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be further reduced. The single signal line means that there is one signal transmission line, and the number of physical lines may be one or plural. For example, a single signal line may be formed by bundling or twisting a plurality of core wires and insulatingly coating them.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the main control means is transmitted from the rendering means via the two-way communication means. Determination means for determining whether or not the received confirmation signal is correct, and when this determination means determines that the confirmation signal transmitted from the rendering means is not correct, the control signal is retransmitted to the rendering means. A technical means is provided that includes a re-transmitting unit and an abnormality notifying unit that notifies an abnormality when the number of times the control signal is re-transmitted by the re-transmitting unit exceeds a predetermined number.

The determination means provided in the main control means determines whether or not the confirmation signal transmitted from the rendering means via the bidirectional communication means is correct.
The retransmitting means retransmits the control signal to the rendering means. Then, when the number of times of retransmission exceeds a predetermined number, the abnormality notifying unit notifies the abnormality. That is, even when the control signal is not correctly received by the rendering means due to external factors such as noise, the control signal is received by the rendering means by transmitting the control signal to the rendering means again. Can be Therefore, it is possible to realize a highly reliable gaming machine that is resistant to external factors such as noise. Further, when the number of times the control signal is retransmitted exceeds the predetermined number, the abnormality notifying unit can notify the abnormality, so that it is possible to know that the two-way communication unit or the rendering unit has an abnormality.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the effecting means transmits the prize ball payout signal transmitted from the main control means. While receiving via two-way communication means,
It is provided with sub-control means for transmitting a confirmation signal indicating confirmation of the reception to the main control means through the two-way communication means, and prize-ball payout means for paying out prize balls under the control of the sub-control means. , The main control means, due to the shot game ball has passed through the predetermined area, the control signal is transmitted to the sub-control means via the two-way communication means,
And, when the confirmation signal is received from the sub-control means via the two-way communication means, it is determined whether or not the received confirmation signal is correct, and if it is determined to be correct, the payout of prize balls is performed. The technical means of transmitting a prize ball payout signal instructing to the sub control means via the bidirectional communication means is used.

When the main control means transmits the control signal to the sub control means of the production means through the two-way communication means due to the launched game ball having passed through the predetermined area, the sub control means A confirmation signal indicating confirmation of receiving the control signal is transmitted to the main control means via the bidirectional communication means. Then, the main control means determines whether or not the received confirmation signal is correct, and when it is determined to be correct, a prize ball payout signal for instructing payout of prize balls is sent to the sub control means via the bidirectional communication means. Send. That is, when the confirmation signal received from the sub-control means is correct, the main control means can send the prize-ball payout signal to the sub-control means, so that the control signal becomes incorrect due to external factors such as noise. In the case where the prize balls have changed, the prize ball payout means can prevent the prize balls from being paid out. Therefore, there is no possibility that the player or the game store suffers an unfavorable disadvantage due to an excess or deficiency of the paid prize balls.

In the invention according to claim 8, a game board, a launching device for launching a game ball to this game board, and a game ball shot by this launching device are provided in a predetermined area provided on the game board. Main control means for controlling the game contents due to passing, production means for producing a game based on the control signal transmitted from the main control means, and the main control means and the production means electrically. Is a computer program for causing a computer equipped with a two-way communication means to be electrically connected to function by a computer, wherein the computer functioning as the rendering means sends the control signal transmitted from the main control means to the control signal. When receiving through the two-way communication means, a processing including a transmission processing for transmitting a confirmation signal indicating confirmation of the reception to the main control means through the two-way communication means is executed. The technical means of computer programs for use.

That is, since the gaming machine according to claim 1 functions by a CPU (computer) provided in a pachinko machine (gaming machine), for example, as described in an embodiment of the invention described later, By storing the computer program in a recording medium such as a ROM and causing the CPU to execute the stored computer program, the gaming machine can be caused to function.

In the invention according to claim 9, a game board, a launching device for launching a game ball to this game board, and a game ball launched by this launching device are provided in a predetermined area provided on the game board. The main control means for controlling the game contents due to passing, the production means for performing the game production based on the control signal transmitted from this main control means, the main control means and the production means. A recording medium in which a computer program for causing a computer to function by a computer, which includes an interactively connecting two-way communication means, is recorded, wherein the computer functioning as the rendering means is:
When the control signal transmitted from the main control means is received via the two-way communication means, a confirmation signal indicating confirmation of the reception is transmitted to the main control means via the two-way communication means. A technical means called a recording medium in which a computer program for executing processing including processing is recorded is used.

That is, a gaming machine that functions by using a computer is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM provided in a pachinko machine (gaming machine), for example, as described in the embodiments of the invention described later. Since the CPU (computer) executes the computer program to function, the game machine according to claim 1 can be caused to function by using the recording medium.

In the invention described in claim 10, main control means for controlling main game contents based on the input signal, and performance for performing a game effect based on the control signal transmitted from the main control means. A computer program that causes a computer to function as a game machine comprising means and bidirectional communication means for electrically connecting the main control means and the rendering means, wherein the computer functioning as the rendering means itself. The technical means called a computer program for executing processing including a transmission processing for transmitting a status signal indicating the status of 1 to the main control means through the bidirectional communication means is used.

That is, since the gaming machine according to claim 2 functions by a CPU (computer) provided in a pachinko machine (gaming machine), for example, as described in an embodiment of the invention described later, By storing the computer program in a recording medium such as a ROM and causing the CPU to execute the stored computer program, the gaming machine can be caused to function.

In the invention according to claim 11, main control means for controlling main game contents based on the input signal, and performance for performing a game effect based on the control signal transmitted from the main control means. A recording medium in which a computer program for causing a game machine having a means and a two-way communication means for electrically connecting the main control means and the effect producing means to function by a computer is recorded, and which serves as the effect producing means. A technical means called a recording medium having a computer program recorded therein, for causing a functioning computer to execute processing including transmission processing for transmitting a status signal indicating its own status to the main control means via the bidirectional communication means. To use.

That is, since the gaming machine according to claim 2 functions by a CPU (computer) provided in a pachinko machine (gaming machine), for example, as described in an embodiment of the invention described below, By storing the computer program in a recording medium such as a ROM and causing the CPU to execute the stored computer program, the gaming machine can be caused to function.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each of the embodiments described below, a pachinko machine of the first type will be described as an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention. [Overall Main Configuration] First, the main configuration of the pachinko machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a front frame 2 which can be opened and closed with a hinge 8 as an axis, and a glass frame 4 is attached to the front frame 2 so as to be openable and closable. On the right side of the front frame 2, a keyhole 3 into which a key for opening and closing the glass frame 4 is inserted is provided. Glass frame 4
Inside, a game board 5 is provided, and a firing handle 15 for operating a launching device (not shown) for firing a game ball to the game board 5 is rotatable on the lower right side of the front frame 2. Installed on. Below the glass frame 4, a prize ball / ball rental supply port 6a for supplying prize balls and ball rentals is formed.
On the supply side of the prize ball / ball rental supply port 6a, an upper tray 6 for accumulating the prize balls and ball rental supplied from the prize ball / ball rental supply port 6a is attached. Below the upper tray 6, a discharge port 7a is formed for discharging prize balls that have flowed beyond the number of the upper tray 6 that can be accommodated and game balls discharged from the upper tray 6 by operating the upper tray ball removing lever 6b. Has been done. On the discharge side of the discharge port 7a, a lower tray 7 for storing the game balls discharged from the discharge port 7a is provided. A frame lamp 9 is provided above the game board 5.

[Main Structure of Game Board 5] Next, the main structure of the game board 5 will be described with reference to the front explanatory view of FIG. 2 showing it. At the center of the game board 5, the center case 3
0 is provided. The center case 30 has a winning entrance 31 and an ordinary symbol display device 34 including three LEDs.
And, the normal symbol memory display LED35 that displays the number of times this normal symbol display device 34 can be started by four LEDs
And a special symbol display device that displays a message "Payout error 1" or "Payout error 2" when an abnormality occurs in the payout of prize balls, or displays a plurality of special symbols or background images on the liquid crystal. 32a are provided. Decorative windmills 46 decorated with LEDs are provided above both sides of the center case 30, respectively. A normal symbol operation right gate 25 for operating the normal symbol display device 34 is provided on the lower right side of the right decoration windmill 46, and a normal symbol operation is also on the left lower side of the left decoration windmill 46. A left gate 26 is provided. Windmills 24 are provided below both sides of the center case 30, a right winning opening 12 is provided below the right windmill 24, and a left winning opening 1 is provided below the left windmill 24.
3 is provided. A right sleeve winning opening 22 is provided to the right of the right winning opening 12, and a left sleeve winning opening 22 is provided to the left of the left winning opening 13.
A left sleeve winning opening 23 is provided. Center case 30
Below, is provided a first type starting port 27 having the function of starting the variation of the special symbol by the special symbol display 32a, and at the lower part of the first type starting port 27, a normal symbol display device 34 A normal electric accessory 28 is provided which opens both wings when the stop symbol of the hit symbol becomes a hit symbol. The normal electric accessory 28 with both wings open has a function of starting the fluctuation of the special symbol by the special symbol display 32a like the first type starting port 27. The special symbol display 32a
The number of times that can be started (hereinafter, referred to as a special symbol starting memory number) is displayed on the screen of the special symbol display device 32a.

Below the center case 30, there is provided a variable winning device 40 which operates when the definite symbols in the three display areas of the special symbol display 32a are big hit symbols. A plate-shaped opening / closing member 43 that opens to open the special winning opening 41 when the big hit occurs is attached to the variable winning device 40 so as to be opened and closed like a door. The lower right winning opening 14 is provided on the right side of the variable winning apparatus 40, and the lower left winning opening 44 is provided on the left side of the variable winning apparatus 40. In addition, inside the variable winning device 40,
A specific area having a function of continuously opening and closing the opening / closing member 43 and a specific area switch (indicated by reference numeral 42a in FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball passing through the specific area are provided. Further, a rail 16 for guiding the shot game balls to the game area is attached to the game board 5, and a corner ornament 11 for decorating both left and right upper corners by LEDs or the like is provided on the upper portion of the game board 5. Side decorations 2 are provided on the left and right sides of the game board 5 and are decorated with LEDs or the like.
0 is provided for each. Furthermore, on the game board 5,
An out port 45 is provided for collecting game balls that have not been won as out balls. And many nails (not shown) are driven into the game board 5, and the game balls shot on the game board 5 fall while dancing between the nails, and each prize hole and the first kind start. It is won in the mouth 27, passes through the normal symbol operation gates 25 and 26, or is collected from the outlet 45.

[Electrical Structure of Pachinko Machine 1] Next, the main electrical structure of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control board 100, and a microprocessor 110 is mounted on the main control board 100. The microprocessor 110 includes a main CPU 112 and R
The OM 114 and the RAM 116 are mounted. The main CPU 112 determines a prize based on turning on each winning opening switch, calculates an unpaid number of prize balls based on the number of award balls corresponding to the prize, determines whether or not it is a big hit, and controls a round in a big hit game. , And bidirectional communication with the sub CPU 212 of the payout control board 200. The ROM 114 stores a computer program and the like for the main CPU 112 to execute the above-described bidirectional communication and various controls. In RAM116,
Various data generated during the game such as the number of winnings, the number of unpaid prize balls, the detection result that the game ball has passed through the first type starting opening 27, the computer program read from the ROM 114, etc. are temporarily stored. .

The following are electrically connected to the main control board 100. The game ball is the first type starting port 27
Or a first type starting opening switch 27a for detecting that a prize has been given to the ordinary electric accessory 28 with both wings open, a symbol control device 32 for controlling the special symbol display 32a, a lamp control device 300 for controlling LEDs and lamps, Power board 80, payout control board 200 for controlling payout of prize balls, voice control device 79 for controlling sound effects output from a speaker during a game, winning, reach pattern, occurrence of big hit, big hit game, etc. Gaming frame information terminal board 52 for transmitting board information to a computer (not shown) provided in a management room of a pachinko hall, board relay board 5
1. The game frame relay board 53.

In the symbol control device 32, the main CPU 11
The sub CPU 32b that executes control based on the control command transmitted from the computer 2 and the computer program for executing the control by the sub CPU 32b are recorded in R.
An OM 32f and a RAM 32r for temporarily storing a computer program read from the ROM 32f, data generated during control, and the like are provided. Also,
The lamp control device 300 includes a sub-C that executes control based on a control command transmitted from the main CPU 112.
PU 302 and ROM 30 in which a computer program for the sub CPU 302 to execute control is recorded
7 and a RAM 308 for temporarily storing a computer program read from the ROM 307, data generated during control, and the like.

The payout control board 200 includes the main control board 10
A microprocessor 210 which operates by inputting a control command sent from 0 is mounted on the microprocessor 210. The microprocessor 210 has a sub CPU 212 and a ROM 214.
And a RAM 216. Sub CPU 21
2 performs bidirectional communication with the main CPU 112, control of the prize ball unit 62, and the like. A computer program for the sub CPU 212 to execute various controls is recorded in the ROM 214, and a computer program read from the ROM 214 when the sub CPU 212 executes various computer programs and the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the RAM 216. Various data such as is temporarily stored. Further, to the payout control board 200, a power supply board 80, a launch motor drive board 15c for driving the launch motor 15e, a game frame information terminal board 52, and a payout relay board 55 are electrically connected. The firing motor drive board 15c has a firing switch 1 for outputting a drive signal from the firing motor drive board 15c to the firing motor 15e.
5d and a touch sensor 15b that detects the touch of the player's hand and turns on the firing switch 15d are connected.

On the game frame relay board 53, a full detection switch 72 for detecting that the lower tray 7 is full, and a prize ball out detection switch 73 for detecting that there is no prize ball supplied to the prize ball unit 62. And the sensor relay board 54 is electrically connected. The sensor relay board 54 is provided with prize balls payout sensors 62a, 62 provided in the prize ball unit 62.
b and the payout relay board 55 are electrically connected.
The payout relay substrate 55 is electrically connected to the ball-rental-end detection switch 61, the prize-ball payout motor 62c, and the ball-rental unit 63. On the board relay board 51, a normal electric accessory solenoid 28a for driving the normal electric accessory 28, a normal symbol display device 34, a normal symbol operation right gate switch 25a for detecting a game ball passing through the right gate 25, a normal symbol operation A left gate switch 26a for detecting a game ball that has passed through the left gate 26, a big winning hole switch 41a for detecting a game ball winning the big winning opening 41, and a right sleeve winning for detecting a game ball winning the right sleeve winning opening 22 Mouth switch 22a, left sleeve winning hole switch 23a that detects the game ball winning the left sleeve winning opening 23, right winning hole switch 12a that detects the gaming ball winning the right winning hole 12, and game winning the left winning hole 13 The left winning opening switch 13a for detecting a ball, the lower right winning opening switch 14a for detecting a gaming ball winning the lower right winning opening 14, and the gaming ball winning for the lower left winning opening 44 are detected. Lower left winning opening switch 44a, the ceiling winning opening switch 31a and winning opening relay board 50 for detecting the game balls won on the top winning opening 31
Is.

On the special winning opening relay board 50, a specific area switch 42a, a specific area solenoid 42b for operating a member for guiding the game ball won in the special winning opening 41 to a specific area or a general area (area other than the specific area). And a special winning opening solenoid 41b for driving the opening / closing member 43 is electrically connected. The power supply board 80 is electrically connected to the CR connection board 56, and the CR connection board 56 includes a frequency display board for displaying the remaining frequency of the prepaid card and a device for reading the prepaid card. It is electrically connected to the portion 71. The power supply board 80 is A
Power is supplied from the C24V (50 Hz / 60 Hz) main power supply 70, and necessary power is supplied to each substrate and device. In addition, when the power is cut off at the time of shipment from the factory or before the trial shooting before the opening of the store, the gaming state immediately before the power cutoff is the RAM 116
And the process of backing up to the RAM 216 is executed, and if the store is opened as it is, a problem such as a game being started based on the backed up data occurs. Therefore, the RAM clear switch 10 provided on the power supply board 80 is set. Turn on the power switch 18 while turning it on.
By setting N, the data backed up in the RAM 116 and the RAM 216 can be erased.

[Main Features of Pachinko Machine 1] Main CPU
When 112 determines that the prize is won, the control command is issued to the sub CPU.
Send to 212. Upon receiving the control command, the sub CPU 212 transmits a confirmation signal for confirming the reception to the main CPU 112. If the received confirmation signal is correct, the main CPU 112 transmits a payout instruction command for instructing the payout of prize balls to the sub CPU 212, and if it is not correct, the control command is retransmitted. Further, when the number of times the control signal is retransmitted exceeds three times, the main CPU 112 displays the payout error 1 on the special symbol display device 32a.

[Outline of Bidirectional Communication Performed between Main CPU and Sub CPU] Next, an outline of bidirectional communication performed between the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5A, 6 and 7. It will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal flow when bidirectional communication is performed between the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212. FIG. 5A shows the main CPU 112 and the sub CP.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the main electric constitutions when bidirectional communication is performed between U212. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the winning process executed by the main CPU 112. Figure 7
Is a flowchart showing a flow of payout processing executed by the sub CPU 212. In the following description, each of the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212 is 2 m long.
Each process is executed in s machine cycles.

(Main Electrical Structure) As shown in FIG. 5A, the main control board 100 is provided with a main CPU 112 and an input / output gate A, and the payout control board 200 is provided with a sub CPU 212. , Input gate B and output gate C
And are provided. The main CPU 112 uses the signal line L
It is electrically connected to the input gate B via 2, 2 and L3, and is electrically connected to the output gate C via a signal line L4. Further, the main CPU 112 is electrically connected to the input / output gate A via the signal line L1, electrically connected to the input gate B via the signal lines L5 and L6, and is connected to the signal lines L5 and L7. Is electrically connected to the output gate C via. The input gate B is electrically connected to the sub CPU 212 via the signal line L8, and the sub CPU 212 is electrically connected to the output gate C via the signal line L9.

In FIG. 4, L1a and L1b are shown in FIG.
The direction of signal flow in the signal line L1 of (A) is shown.
Further, L5a and L5b indicate the direction of signal flow in the signal line L5 in FIG. That is, the signal line L1 is
This is a single signal line that is commonly used when the main CPU 112 outputs a signal to the input / output gate A (L1a) and when the main CPU 112 takes in a signal from the gate A (L1b). Further, one end of the signal line L5 is connected to the input / output gate A, and the other end branches into a signal line L6 and a signal line L7 from the middle. I / O gate A
The signal output from the signal line L5 to the signal line L6 (L
5a) to output gate B and output gate C
The signal output from the signal line L7 to the signal line L5 (L
It is output to the input / output gate A via 5b). As described above, since the signal lines L1 and L5 are each a single line, but have the function of performing bidirectional communication, the signal lines L1 and L5 are more effective than the case where a plurality of signal lines are provided for each signal input / output unit. The number can be reduced. Further, since the single input / output gate A also serves as the input / output of the signal, the number of gates can be reduced as compared with the case where the input gate and the output gate are independently provided.

(Prize winning process and payout process) Main CPU
Reference numeral 112 changes each of the signal lines L1, L2 and L4 to a high level (hereinafter, referred to as H level) to put the input / output gate A, the input gate B and the output gate C into a high impedance state. The main CPU 112
It is determined whether or not the power switch 18 is turned on and the power is turned on (step of FIG. 6 (hereinafter abbreviated as S)).
10) If it is determined that the power is not turned on (S10: N
o), it is determined whether or not any winning opening switch such as the special winning opening switch 41a is turned on (S14). If it is determined that the switch is turned on (S14: Yes), the O
Number of payout balls P1 corresponding to the winning opening switch
A value obtained by adding (for example, 5) and the current unpaid number P is stored in the RAM 116 as a new unpaid number P (S16).

Subsequently, the main CPU 112 outputs a control command for controlling the payout of prize balls to the input / output gate A via the signal line L1 (S18). For example, a control command for controlling payout of five prize balls is indicated by 35H. Here, “3” indicates that the command controls payout of prize balls, and “5” indicates the number of prize balls. In addition, H
Means hexadecimal notation. As a result, the control command is latched in the input / output gate A. Then main CPU
When the signal lines L1 and L2 are changed to low level (hereinafter, referred to as L level), the interrupt signal 112 is output from the interrupt signal output terminal of the main CPU 112 to which the signal line L2 is connected (indicated as INT in FIG. 4). Is output, and the sub CPU 21
2 determines that the control command is transmitted from the main CPU 112. The control command latched in the input / output gate A is input to the input gate B via the signal line L6.
And is latched by its input gate B.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 212 determines that the power is not turned on (S60: No in FIG. 7), it receives the control command latched by the input gate B through the signal line L8 (S64). In addition, the main CPU 112
Resets the signal lines L1 and L2 to the H level. And sub C
The PU 212 inverts each bit forming the control command received in S64 (S66). For example, if the received control command is 35H, CAH is created by inverting it. Then, the sub CPU 212, S6
2 from the time when the interrupt signal was received for the data created in 6.
After 6 ms, a confirmation signal indicating that the control command has been received is output to the output gate C via the signal line L9 and latched by the output gate C (S68).

On the other hand, the main CPU 112 adds "1" to the transmission number N indicating the number of times the control command has been transmitted (S20 in FIG. 6), and as a result, it is determined whether or not the transmission number N exceeds "3". A determination is made (S22). If it is determined that the value does not exceed "3" (S22: No), the signal lines L4 and L1 are changed to the L level 4 ms after the interrupt signal is transmitted to the sub CPU 212, and the output gate C is output. The confirmation signal latched by the input / output gate A is received and latched by the input / output gate A, and the confirmation signal latched by the gate A is received via the signal line L1. Here, the sub CPU 212
Determines whether or not a confirmation signal has been received (S24), and if it has received (S24: Yes), inverts each bit of the received confirmation signal (S26) and confirms the inverted confirmation signal. And the respective bits of the control command transmitted in S18 are compared (S28). Then main CPU1
12 determines whether all the bits match (S3
0), if it is determined that they all match (S30: Ye
s), a payout instruction command (for example, 0DH) for instructing payout of prize balls is transmitted to the sub CPU 212 (S3).
2).

On the other hand, the sub CPU 212 is the main CPU
When the payout instruction command is received from 112 (S70: Y
es), and it is determined whether or not the payout is possible (S7).
2) If it is determined that the payout is possible (S72: Ye
s), a numerical value obtained by subtracting the payout number P1 from the unpaid number P is set as a new unpaid number P (S74). Subsequently, the sub CPU 212 inverts each bit of the payout instruction command received in S70, and the inverted one is used as a payout enable signal indicating that the payout is possible, to the main CPU 112.
To (S76). For example, if the received payout instruction command is 0DH, the payout enable signal F2H is transmitted. Subsequently, the sub CPU 212 outputs a drive signal to the prize ball unit 62 (S78). As a result, the prize ball payout motor 62c provided in the prize ball unit 62 is driven, and the number of prize balls corresponding to the control command received in S64 is paid out. For example, the control command is 35H
If it is, five prize balls are paid out. On the other hand, when the main CPU 112 receives the payout enable signal from the sub CPU 212 (S34: Yes), the main CPU 112 processes the prize balls as if they were normally paid out, and subtracts the payout amount P1 from the unpaid amount P to obtain a new value. RAM1 as unpaid number P
It stores in 16 (S36).

Further, when the main CPU 112 determines in S22 that the number N of times the control command is retransmitted exceeds "3" (S22: Yes), or S24.
In, when it is determined that the confirmation signal has not been received from the sub CPU 212 (S24: No), a control command for displaying the message “Payout error 1” is transmitted to the symbol control device 32, and the special symbol display device 32a displays “ A message "Payout error 1" is displayed (S3
8). That is, by displaying the message "Payout error 1" on the screen of the special symbol display 32a, the signal line electrically connecting the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212, or the sub CPU 212 itself is not functioning normally. To inform. Therefore, the person engaged in the game shop can see the message "payout error 1" as the location where the abnormality is occurring, and thus can find the transmission path or the sub CPU 212 at an early stage. Measures can be taken. If the power switch 18 is once turned off and then turned on again, the main CPU 112 executes initialization such as clearing the number of transmissions N and the error bit for displaying the payout error 1 to 0 (S12). ). At this time, RAM
The unpaid number P stored in the 116 is stored and held in the backup area of the RAM 116 by the backup process, and therefore when the power is turned on again, the main CPU
The 112 sends a control command to the sub CPU 212 based on the backed-up unpaid number P (S10 to S18). Also, the error bit is "0"
Therefore, the message "Payout error 1" is not displayed by the special symbol display device 32a.

If the sub CPU 212 determines in S72 that the prize balls cannot be paid out (S
72: No), it is determined whether or not the prize ball out switch 73 (FIG. 3) is ON, that is, whether or not the prize ball is out (S80). If it is determined that the prize balls are out (S80: Yes), a supply waiting signal indicating that the player is waiting until the prize balls are supplied is transmitted to the main CPU 112 (S82). For example, F3H obtained by adding 1 to the payout enable signal F2H is transmitted as a supply waiting signal. On the other hand, the main C
When the PU 112 receives the supply waiting signal from the sub CPU 212 (S40: Yes in FIG. 6), it is considered that the prize balls have been paid out normally, and the unpaid amount P to the paid amount P
A value obtained by subtracting 1 is set as a new unpaid amount P (S36).

Further, the sub CPU 212, in S80,
If it is determined that the prize ball has not run out (S80: No),
An abnormality signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the payout of prize balls is transmitted to the main CPU 112 (S86). On the other hand, when the main CPU 112 receives the abnormality signal from the sub CPU 212 (S42: Yes), a control command for displaying a message "payout error 2" indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the payout of the prize balls is the symbol control device. It transmits to 32 and displays the message "Payout error 2" by the special symbol display 32a (S44). That is, by displaying the message "Payout error 2" on the screen of the special symbol display device 32a, the signal line electrically connecting the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212, the sub C
It is notified that the prize balls cannot be paid out due to a cause other than the PU 212 and the prize balls running out.

Therefore, by seeing the message "payout error 2", the person engaged in the amusement store can determine the cause of the abnormality by the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU.
Signal line electrically connecting 212, sub CPU 212
Also, since it is possible to have an idea that the ball is not a prize ball out, measures can be taken at an early stage. Also here
When the power switch 18 is once turned off and then turned on again, the main CPU 112 executes initialization such as clearing the error bit for displaying the payout error 2 to 0 (S12). At this time, the unpaid number P stored in the RAM 116 is stored in the RAM 116 by the backup process.
Since it is stored and held in the backup area of 116,
When the power is turned on again, the main CPU 112 transmits a control command to the sub CPU 212 based on the backed-up unpaid number P (S10 to S).
18). Further, since the error bit is "0", the message "payout error 2" is not displayed by the special symbol display device 32a. In addition, the above winning process, ROM
The payout process is executed according to the computer program recorded in 114, and the payout process is executed according to the computer program recorded in the ROM 214.

[Effects of First Embodiment] (1) As described above, if the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment is used, it is confirmed that the sub CPU 212 has received the control command transmitted from the main CPU 112. When the main CPU 112 does not receive the confirmation signal from the sub CPU 212, a message “payout error 1” can be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display 32a. Moreover, the main CPU 112 is the sub CPU 212.
Determine whether the confirmation signal sent from is correct,
If it is determined to be incorrect, the control command is sent to the sub CPU.
When it is retransmitted to 212, and the number of times of the retransmission exceeds "3", a message "payout error 1" can be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display device 32a. As a result, the gaming shop has a main CPU 112 and a sub CPU 212.
A signal line for electrically connecting with or the sub CPU 212
It can be inferred that the control command transmitted from the main CPU 112 was not received by the sub CPU 212 because some external factor (noise intrusion, disconnection, etc.) was added to the. Therefore, the signal line or sub C
By inspecting the PU 212 and taking appropriate measures, a control command is not transmitted to the sub CPU 212, a prize ball is not paid out, or a situation in which the number of prize balls is excessive or insufficient can be solved. There is no risk of unforeseen disadvantages to players or game shops. For example, the main CP
The confirmation signal transmitted by the sub CPU 212 from the main CPU 112 as confirmation that the control command 35H (command for paying out five prize balls) transmitted from U112 is received is C2H, not CAH, and is repeated a predetermined number of times or more. If so, it can be inferred that the cause of such a signal change is not due to the influence of rare noise, but that the signal line for transmitting the data of the third lower bit is disconnected. . Therefore, in this case, the main CPU 112 may avoid transmitting the control command in which the bit corresponding to the broken signal line becomes H (1). For example, if the main CPU 112 divides the control command 35H into a control command 33H (command for instructing payout of three prize balls) and 32H (command for instructing payout of two prize balls), the main CPU 112 disconnects. It is not necessary to use the bit corresponding to the signal line. As a result, the sub CPU 212 can execute the payout of five prize balls, as in the case of receiving the control command 35H.

(2) The sub CPU 212 also supplies a supply waiting signal indicating that it is waiting for the supply of prize balls.
Alternatively, since an abnormal signal indicating that the prize balls cannot be paid out due to a cause other than the prize ball exhaustion can be transmitted to the main CPU 112, the main CPU 112 can detect the state of the sub CPU 212. Further, when the main CPU 112 receives the abnormal signal from the sub CPU 212, it can display the message “Payout error 2” on the screen of the special symbol display 32a, so that the amusement store causes the abnormality. Main CPU 11
It can be inferred that the signal line electrically connecting the two and the sub CPU 212, the sub CPU 212, and the prize ball are not used. Therefore, by investigating the cause other than the signal line electrically connecting the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212, the sub CPU 212 and the award ball out, and taking appropriate measures, the award ball may not be paid out, or the award ball number Since it is possible to solve the situation in which there is an excess or deficiency, there is no fear that the player or the game store suffers an unexpected disadvantage.

(3) Main control board 100 and payout control board 2
The signal line L5 connected to the main control board 100 is a single signal line common for transmission and reception among the signal lines used for bidirectional communication with As much as there are, rather than a configuration that does not have a common signal line,
The number of signal lines can be reduced, and the number of connection terminals for connecting the signal lines to the main control board 100 can be reduced. Therefore, the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost of the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced.

<Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components, functions, and processes will be omitted or simplified.
FIG. 4 shows between the main control board 100 and the lamp control device 300.
It is also possible to connect using the configuration described in (1) and perform bidirectional communication between the main control board 100 and the lamp control device 300. When the main CPU 112 determines that there is a prize or a big hit, an LED for displaying the occurrence of the prize or the big hit.
A control command for instructing lighting or blinking of is transmitted to the sub CPU 306 provided in the lamp control device 300, and “1” is added to the transmission count N of the control command. Subsequently, the sub CPU 306 returns a bit-inverted version of the received control command as a confirmation signal to the main CPU 112. Then, the main CPU 112 sets the number of transmissions N to “3”.
When it is determined that the confirmation signal is received, the received confirmation signal is bit-inverted, and it is compared with the control command. When it is determined that the two match, a lighting or blinking instruction command is issued to the sub C
It transmits to PU306. In addition, the main CPU 112
When it is determined that the two do not match, the control command is retransmitted to the sub CPU 306.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 306 receives the lighting or blinking instruction command, the sub CPU 306 determines whether or not the LED corresponding to the command can be turned on or blinks, and the LED can be turned on or blinked. If so, the LED corresponding to the command is turned on or blinks. Further, when the main CPU 112 determines that the confirmation signal is not received from the sub CPU 306, or when the number of transmissions N of the control command exceeds “3”, for example, a message such as “LED abnormality 1” is displayed as a special symbol. It is displayed on the screen of the container 32a. If the sub CPU 306 determines that the LED drive board and the LED cannot be turned on or blinked due to a broken wire connecting the LED and the LED itself, the sub CPU 306 returns an abnormal signal to the main CPU 112. And the main CPU 112 which has received the abnormal signal is the special symbol display device 3
A message such as "LED error 2" is displayed on the screen of 2a.

[Effect of Second Embodiment] (1) As described above, if the pachinko machine 1 of the second embodiment is used, it is confirmed that the sub CPU 306 has received the control command transmitted from the main CPU 112. When the main CPU 112 does not receive the signal from the sub CPU 306, a message “LED error 1” can be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display 32a. Moreover, the main CPU 112 retransmits the control command to the sub CPU 306 when it determines that the confirmation signal transmitted from the sub CPU 306 is incorrect, and when the number of retransmissions exceeds “3”, “LED The message "Abnormal 1" can be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display device 32a. As a result, the amusement store has the main CPU 1
12, a signal line for electrically connecting the sub CPU 306,
Alternatively, because some external factor (noise intrusion, disconnection, etc.) is added to the sub CPU 306, the main CPU 112
It can be inferred that the control command transmitted from the sub CPU 306 was not received by the sub CPU 306. Therefore,
By inspecting the signal line or the sub CPU 306 and taking an appropriate action, the control command is transmitted
Since it is possible to solve the situation in which the LED corresponding to the control command is not turned on or blinks without being transmitted to the player, there is no fear of causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

(2) Further, the sub CPU 306 can send an abnormal signal to the main CPU 112, which indicates that the LED corresponding to the received control command cannot be turned on or blinked.
The PU 112 can detect the state of the sub CPU 306. The main CPU 112 is the sub CPU 30.
When the abnormal signal is received from 6, since the message "LED abnormal 2" can be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display 32a, the amusement store causes the abnormal occurrence.
Causes other than the signal line electrically connecting the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 306 and the sub CPU 306,
For example, it can be inferred that the cause is a disconnection of a line connecting the LED drive substrate and the LED or a failure of the LED itself. Therefore, the LED can be turned on or blinked again by inspecting the disconnection of the line connecting the LED drive board and the LED or by checking the LED itself and taking appropriate measures, which makes the player feel uncomfortable. There is no fear.

<Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components, functions, and processes will be omitted or simplified.
It is also possible to connect the main control board 100 and the voice control device 79 using the configuration shown in FIG. 4, and perform bidirectional communication between the main control board 100 and the voice control device 79. When the main CPU 112 determines that there is a prize or a big hit, the sub CPU 79 included in the voice control device 79 issues a control command for notifying the occurrence of the prize or the big hit by voice.
g, and adds “1” to the control command transmission count N. Then, the sub CPU 79g uses the bit-inverted version of the received control command as a confirmation signal for the main CPU.
Reply to 112. Subsequently, the main CPU 112 determines that the number of transmissions N does not exceed “3”, and if it determines that the confirmation signal is received, it bit-inverts the received confirmation signal and compares it with the control command. When it is determined that the two match, the voice output instruction command is transmitted to the sub CPU 79g. In addition, the main CPU1
When it is determined that the two do not match, 12 retransmits the control command to the sub CPU 79g.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 79g receives the voice output instruction command, the sub CPU 79g determines whether or not the voice corresponding to the command can be output. If the voice output instruction command is output, the voice corresponding to the command is output. Is output. Further, when the main CPU 112 determines that the confirmation signal is not received from the sub CPU 79g, or when the number of transmissions N of the control command exceeds “3”, a message such as “voice abnormality 1” is displayed as a special symbol. It is displayed on the screen of the container 32a. Also, sub CPU 79g
When it is determined that voice cannot be output due to a failure that occurs between the sub CPU 79g and the speaker, the CPU returns an abnormal signal to the main CPU 112. Then, the main CPU 112 that has received the abnormality signal displays a message such as "voice abnormality 2" on the screen of the special symbol display device 32a.

[Effect of Third Embodiment] (1) As described above, if the pachinko machine 1 of the third embodiment is used, it is confirmed that the sub CPU 79g has received the control command transmitted from the main CPU 112. When the main CPU 112 does not receive the signal from the sub CPU 79g, the message "voice abnormality 1" can be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display device 32a. Moreover, the main CPU 112 retransmits the control command to the sub CPU 79g when it determines that the confirmation signal transmitted from the sub CPU 79g is not correct, and when the number of retransmissions exceeds “3”, the “voice The message "Abnormal 1" can be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display device 32a. As a result, the amusement arcade stores the main CPU 112.
It is estimated that the control command transmitted from the main CPU 112 was not received by the sub CPU 79g because some external factor (noise intrusion, disconnection, etc.) was added to the signal line electrically connecting the sub CPU 79g and the sub CPU 79g. be able to. Therefore, by inspecting the signal line or the sub CPU 79g and taking appropriate measures, it is possible to solve the situation in which the control command is not transmitted to the sub CPU 79g and the voice corresponding to the control command is not output. There is no fear of making the player feel uncomfortable.

(2) Further, the sub CPU 79g sends an abnormal signal indicating that the voice corresponding to the received control command cannot be output, to the main CPU 112.
Can be transmitted to the main CPU 112,
The state of the sub CPU 79g can be detected. Further, when the main CPU 112 receives the abnormal signal from the sub CPU 79g, it can display the message "Voice abnormality 2" on the screen of the special symbol display 32a. Therefore, the amusement store causes the abnormality. Main CPU1
12 other than the signal line electrically connecting the sub CPU 79g and the sub CPU 79g, such as the sub C
It can be inferred that the failure occurred between the PU 79g and the speaker. Therefore, the sub-CP
By inspecting between U79g and the speaker and taking appropriate measures, the voice can be output again, so that there is no fear of causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

<Other Embodiments> (1) FIGS. 5 (B) to 5 (D) are explanatory views showing a modification of the configuration shown in FIG. 5 (A). As shown in FIG. 5 (B),
The main control board 100 is provided with an output gate D and an input gate E, and the payout control board 200 is provided with an input / output gate F. The main CPU 112 is connected to the output gate D by a signal line L10 and is connected to the input gate E by a signal line L11. Sub C
The PU 212 is connected to the input / output gate F by the signal line L15. The input / output gate F is connected to one end of the signal line L14, and the other end of the signal line L14 branches into a signal line L12 and a signal line L13 from the middle. Signal line L1
2 is connected to the input gate D, and the signal line L13 is connected to the output gate E. That is, the main control board 10
Of the signal lines used for bidirectional communication between 0 and the payout control board 200, the signal line connected to the payout control board 200 is a single signal line L14 for transmission and reception. The number of signal lines can be reduced and the number of connection terminals for connecting the signal lines to the dispensing control board 200 can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the common signal lines are not provided. You can also Therefore, the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost of the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced. The pachinko machine having the configuration shown in FIG. 5B corresponds to the gaming machine according to claim 4.

(2) As shown in FIG. 5C, the main control board 100 is provided with an input / output gate A, and the payout control board 200 is provided with an input / output gate F. The main CPU 112 is connected to the input / output gate A by a signal line L16, and the sub CPU 212 is connected to the input / output gate F by a signal line L18. The input / output gate A and the input / output gate F have a single signal line L1.
Connected by 7. That is, since the signal line used for bidirectional communication between the main control board 100 and the payout control board 200 is the single signal line L17 for transmission and reception, the common signal line L17 is used. The number of signal lines can be reduced and the number of connection terminals for connecting the signal lines to the main control board 100 and the payout control board 200, respectively, can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the common signal lines are not provided. it can. Therefore, the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost of the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced. Note that FIG.
A pachinko machine having the configuration shown in (C) corresponds to the gaming machine according to claim 5. Further, the signal line L17 may have a single core wire, or may be a plurality of core wires bundled or twisted. Furthermore, the signal lines L2 and L3
Sending and receiving signals without wiring
It is also possible to serially perform processing procedures such as latching and unlatching of signals in the input / output gates A and F via the signal line L17.

(3) As shown in FIG. 5D, the main control board 100 is provided with the output gate D and the input gate E, and the payout control board 200 is provided with the input gate B and the output gate C. Is provided. Main CPU 11
2 is connected to the output gate D by the signal line L10, and is connected to the input gate E by the signal line L11. The sub CPU 212 is connected to the input gate B by a signal line L8 and connected to the output gate C by a signal line L9. The output gate D and the input gate B are
The signal line L19 connects the input gate E and the output gate C to the signal line L20. That is, it is possible to provide dedicated signal lines for transmitting and receiving signals. With this configuration, since the signal lines are not shared, the signal line in which the disconnection or the short circuit has occurred does not affect other signal lines.

(4) The main control board 100 and the symbol control device 32 may be connected using any of the configurations shown in FIG. 5, and bidirectional communication may be performed between the main control board 100 and the symbol control device 32. it can. In this case, the main CPU
The communication described in the second embodiment or the third embodiment is performed between the 112 and the sub CPU 32e. In addition, when a failure such that a message cannot be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display device 32a occurs in the symbol control device 32, it is used for an LED for displaying an abnormality of the symbol control device 32, or for other purposes. An abnormality of the symbol control device 32 is notified by turning on or off the LED. Further, in that case, an LED for notifying that a failure has occurred between the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 32e or the sub CPU 32e itself and an LED for notifying that another failure is the cause are separately provided. The cause of the abnormality can be narrowed down.

(5) Further, the present invention is a game such as a second-class pachinko machine, a third-class pachinko machine, a pachinko machine in which two or more kinds of the first-third classes are combined, an arrangement ball, and a sparrow ball. It can also be applied to machines. (6) The processing contents, processing procedures, numerical values, and the like described in each of the above embodiments can be appropriately changed without departing from the present invention.

[Correspondence between each claim and the embodiment] The touch sensor 15b, the firing switch 15d, the firing motor drive board 15c, and the firing motor 15e correspond to the firing device according to the first aspect, and the first type start. The open wings of the mouth 27 or the ordinary electric accessory 28 correspond to a predetermined area. The main control board 100 corresponds to the main control means, and the payout control board 2
00 and the prize ball unit 62 correspond to the rendering means. The signal lines L1 to L9, the input / output gate A, the input gate B and the output gate C correspond to the bidirectional communication means. The supply waiting signal and the abnormality signal correspond to the status signal according to claim 2. The special symbol display 32a corresponds to the abnormality notifying means according to claim 6. The winning process (S10 to S44) executed by the main CPU 112 functions as the main control unit according to claim 1, and the payout process (S60 to S86) executed by the sub CPU 212 functions as the rendering unit. Further, S28 and S30 executed by the main CPU 112 function as the determination means according to claim 6, and S3
In the case of 0: No, the process of returning to S18 functions as the retransmitting means, and S20, S22, and S38 function as the abnormality notifying means. S68 executed by the sub CPU 212
Corresponds to the transmission process according to claim 8 or claim 9,
A computer program for executing the transmission process corresponds to the computer program according to claim 8, and the ROM 214 in which the computer program is recorded corresponds to the recording medium according to claim 9. Sub CPU 212
S84 and S86 executed by the above correspond to the transmission processing according to claim 10 or claim 11, the computer program for executing the transmission processing corresponds to the computer program according to claim 10, and the computer program is recorded. The read ROM 214 corresponds to the recording medium according to claim 11.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view showing an appearance of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a game board 5 provided in the pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the main structure of.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical configuration of a pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1 in blocks.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal flow when bidirectional communication is performed between a main CPU 112 and a sub CPU 212.

FIG. 5A is a main C in the first embodiment.
5 is an explanatory diagram showing a main electrical configuration when bidirectional communication is performed between the PU 112 and the sub CPU 212, and FIG.
(B)-(D) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a change of the structure shown in FIG. 5 (A).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a winning process executed by the main CPU 112.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of payout processing executed by the sub CPU 212.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing an electrical configuration of a conventional pachinko machine with a part thereof omitted.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Pachinko machine (gaming machine) 32a Special symbol display (abnormality notification means) 62 prize ball unit (production means) 100 main control board (main control means) 200 payout control board (production means) L1 to L9 signal lines (bidirectional communication means) A I / O gate (two-way communication means) B input gate (two-way communication means) C output gate (two-way communication means)

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A game board, a launching device for launching a game ball to the game board, and a game ball launched by the launching device having passed through a predetermined area provided on the game board. In a gaming machine provided with a main control means for controlling game contents, and a production means for producing a game based on a control signal transmitted from the main control means, the main control means and the production means are both Is electrically connected by a direct communication means, the effect means, when receiving the control signal transmitted from the main control means via the two-way communication means,
A gaming machine characterized by transmitting a confirmation signal indicating confirmation of the reception to the main control means through the two-way communication means. 2. A game board, a launching device for launching a game ball to the game board, and a game ball launched by the launching device having passed through a predetermined area provided on the game board. In a gaming machine provided with a main control means for controlling game contents, and a production means for producing a game based on a control signal transmitted from the main control means, the main control means and the production means are both A gaming machine, which is electrically connected by means of a communication device for directing, wherein the effecting device transmits a status signal indicating its own status to the main control device via the bidirectional communication device. 3. The part of the bidirectional communication means, which is connected to the main control means, is a common signal line for transmitting and receiving the signals. The gaming machine according to claim 2. 4. The part of the bidirectional communication means, which is connected to the rendering means, has a common signal line for transmitting and receiving the respective signals. The gaming machine described in any one of the above. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the two-way communication means is a single signal line. 6. The main control means, a judging means for judging whether or not the confirmation signal transmitted from the rendering means via the two-way communication means is correct, and the determination means transmits from the rendering means. Retransmitting means for retransmitting the control signal to the rendering means when it is determined that the confirmation signal is incorrect, and the number of times the control signal is retransmitted by the retransmission means exceeds a predetermined number of times. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: an abnormality notification unit that notifies an abnormality. 7. The rendering means receives the prize ball payout signal transmitted from the main control means via the bidirectional communication means, and sends a confirmation signal indicating confirmation of the reception to the bidirectional communication means. It is provided with a sub-control means for transmitting to the main control means through and a prize-ball payout means for paying out a prize ball under the control of the sub-control means, wherein the main control means is arranged such that the launched game ball is A control signal is transmitted to the sub control means via the bidirectional communication means due to passing through a predetermined area, and the confirmation signal is transmitted from the sub control means via the bidirectional communication means. When it is received, it is determined whether the received confirmation signal is correct, and when it is determined that the confirmation signal is correct, a prize ball payout signal for instructing the payout of prize balls is transmitted via the bidirectional communication means to the sub-control. Characterized by transmitting to means The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 that. 8. A game board, a launching device for launching a game ball to this game board, and a game ball launched by this launching device having passed through a predetermined area provided on the game board. Main control means for controlling the content of the game, effect means for effecting the game based on the control signal transmitted from this main control means, and bidirectional communication for electrically connecting the main control means and the effect means A computer program for causing a gaming machine having means to function by a computer, wherein the computer functioning as the rendering means transmits the control signal transmitted from the main control means via the bidirectional communication means. A computer for executing a process including a transmission process of transmitting a confirmation signal indicating confirmation of the reception to the main control unit via the bidirectional communication unit when the reception is performed Program. 9. A game board, a launching device for launching a game ball to the game board, and a fact that the game ball launched by the launching device has passed through a predetermined area provided on the game board. Main control means for controlling game contents, production means for producing a game based on a control signal transmitted from the main control means, and bidirectional for electrically connecting the main control means and the production means A recording medium in which a computer program for causing a game machine having a communication means to function by a computer is recorded, wherein the computer functioning as the rendering means transmits the control signal transmitted from the main control means to the both sides. When receiving through the bidirectional communication means, executes a process including a transmission process of transmitting a confirmation signal indicating confirmation of the reception to the main control means through the bidirectional communication means. Recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon for. 10. Main control means for controlling main game contents based on an input signal, effect means for effecting a game based on a control signal transmitted from the main control means, and the main control means. A computer program for causing a computer to function by a computer, comprising: a two-way communication means for electrically connecting the rendering means, wherein the computer functioning as the rendering means outputs a status signal indicating its own state. A computer program for executing processing including transmission processing for transmitting to the main control means via the bidirectional communication means. 11. Main control means for controlling main game contents based on an input signal, effect means for effecting a game based on a control signal transmitted from the main control means, and the main control means. A recording medium in which a computer program for causing a computer to function of a gaming machine, which comprises: a two-way communication means for electrically connecting the rendering means, is recorded; A recording medium in which a computer program for executing processing including a transmission processing for transmitting a status signal indicating a status to the main control means via the bidirectional communication means is recorded.