JP2005237455A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the reliability of an output means provided with a relay for outputting the result of the drawing and decision of a game to the outside. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine provided with a drawing means for executing drawing relating to the game, a game result decision means for deciding the result of the game on the basis of the result of the drawing of the drawing means and the output means capable of outputting the result of the drawing of the drawing means and the result of the game of the game result decision means to the outside as electric signals, the output means is provided with the relay incorporating a plurality of circuits, the electric signals are controlled by the operation of the relay, and all of the plurality of circuits are connected in parallel. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine that can output a game result to the outside as an electrical signal.

  Game machines such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines display the status and results of games using a display device built into the game machine. Some gaming machines include output means for outputting an electrical signal to the outside, and the game status and the like are transmitted to an external device via the output means. The external device is, for example, a display device that displays brilliantly, such as a bonus, that the player is in a state advantageous to the player, or a monitoring device that remotely monitors the state of the gaming machine. is there. In addition, as a system using such a gaming machine, when an unauthorized operation is detected, a detection signal is transmitted to an external management device via an output means such as an external concentrated terminal board, so that an attendant of the game hall For example, a system for alarming is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

There are various types of useful information that can be transmitted to the outside by the gaming machine, and the device connected to the external concentration terminal board is not limited to a dedicated device corresponding to each gaming machine, but the operation form of the game hall and the interior decoration Depending on the concept, there are various types. In a gaming machine, an external relay terminal board is provided with an electromagnetic relay, and by transmitting a signal to the outside via this relay, a signal output to an external device is electrically separated from a control signal inside the gaming machine. It is less affected by external devices.
JP 2003-275371 A

  The external concentrated terminal board is required to maintain high reliability for a long period of time while having a relay in which contact and separation of electrical contacts are mechanically performed by electromagnetic force. In other words, it is necessary to perform the specified function without failure during the period from when the gaming machine is installed in the amusement hall until it is discarded. Furthermore, even when a gaming machine is discarded due to a model change, it is desirable that it has a long life so that the external concentrated terminal board can be removed and incorporated into a new type gaming machine as a general-purpose component for reuse. .

  On the other hand, there is a high demand for amusement halls to be more gorgeously decorated in the game hall, and various types of external display devices have been tried. For example, a rotating rod (so-called Patlite (registered trademark)) driven with a large current may be connected to each gaming machine. An arc that causes a contact failure is likely to occur between the contacts of a relay that includes a light bulb and a motor and controls a rotating rod having a large inrush current. The external concentration terminal board is required to have high failure reliability that is unlikely to cause a failure even in such a situation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides the following.

  (1) A lottery means for performing a lottery on a game, a game result determining means for determining a game result based on a lottery result of the lottery means, a lottery result of the lottery means, and a game result of the game result determining means An output unit capable of outputting a result as an electrical signal to the outside, wherein the output unit includes a relay having a plurality of circuits built therein, and controls the electrical signal by operation of the relay; All machines are connected in parallel.

  According to invention of (1), the relay with which the output means which outputs the result of a lottery or determination of a game to the outside incorporates a plurality of circuits. That is, for example, it is a relay of a plurality of circuits such as a two-circuit type, and includes a plurality of interlocking switches. Since all of these circuits or switches are connected in parallel, a larger current can flow than when a single-circuit type relay having the same rated current per circuit is used, and the range of selection of external devices that can be connected is wide. spread. In addition, when compared with a one-circuit type relay having a rating equal to the rated current when connected in parallel, even if one contact cannot be connected due to a failure, the function of current control is as long as other circuits can operate. Can be maintained, and reliability is further increased. Here, outputting an electric signal to the outside not only outputs (supplies) the signal power to the outside but also outputs a signal to the outside by controlling a current supplied from an external power source. Including.

  (2) lottery means for performing a lottery concerning a game, game result determining means for determining a game result based on the lottery result of the lottery means, results of the lottery of the lottery means, and game results of the game result determining means An output means capable of outputting a result as an electrical signal to the outside, wherein the output means includes a plurality of relays each including a plurality of circuits, and controls the electrical signal by the operation of the relay. A gaming machine in which the plurality of circuits are all connected in parallel for each of the plurality of relays.

  According to the invention of (2), the plurality of relays provided in the output means all incorporate a plurality of circuits, and these plurality of circuits are connected in parallel for each relay. As a result, in addition to the effect of the invention of (1), in a gaming machine that outputs various types of signals, the types of signals that can be output to a large-capacity external device are not limited to specific ones, The signal can be freely selected from signals that can be output.

  (3) The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein all of the plurality of relays include the same number of circuits.

  According to the invention of (3), the plurality of relays provided in the output means all incorporate the same number of circuits. Therefore, the allowable amount of current that can control the driving of the external device is not different depending on the relay, and the degree of freedom in designing the gaming machine including the output means is further increased. Also, when the gaming machine is discarded due to a model change or the like, this output means can be taken out and reused with a new type gaming machine.

  According to the present invention, the relay provided in the output means for outputting the game lottery and determination results to the outside incorporates a plurality of circuits, so that even if one contact cannot be connected due to a failure, other circuits operate. The current control function can be maintained as much as possible, and reliability is increased.

  Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on an example of a pachislot gaming machine.

[Composition of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 schematically shows a slot game machine 10. Three vertically long rectangular display windows 14 </ b> L, 14 </ b> C, 14 </ b> R are provided on the front surface of the housing 12 forming the entire slot gaming machine 10. These display windows 14L, 14C, and 14R have five winning lines, that is, three horizontally (center L1, top and bottom L2A, L2B) and two diagonally (diagonally downward L3A, obliquely upward L3B). The winning line is established. On the left end of these pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B, a pay line (hereinafter referred to as an active line) that becomes valid due to the number of inserted medals and a bet number of medals are displayed. The betting number display section 18 is provided in the order of “3”, “2”, “1”, “2”, “3” from the top.

  When the player operates the 1-BET switch 20, one of the five winning lines, for example, the winning line L1 is activated, and when the player operates the 2-BET switch 22, of the five winning lines. When three winning lines L1, L2A, and L2B, for example, are activated and the maximum BET switch 24 is operated, all five winning lines, that is, L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B are activated. The activated winning line is clearly indicated by turning on an effective line display lamp 44 (see FIG. 6) provided on the back of the betting number display unit 18.

  As shown in FIG. 2, three reels 26 </ b> L, 26 </ b> C, 26 </ b> R each having a plurality of types of symbols drawn on each outer peripheral surface are rotatably provided inside the housing 12. Each of these reels 26L, 26C, and 26R is provided so as to be visible through the display windows 14L, 14C, and 14R.

  FIG. 3 shows a plurality of types of symbol rows arranged on the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R that are variable display devices. Each identification mark is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored in a ROM 108 (see FIG. 6) described later as a data table. On each reel 26L, 26C, 26R, there is a design or identification mark indicating "blue 7", "red 7", "BAR", "bell", "plum", "Replay" and "cherry". It is represented.

  The reels 26L, 26C, and 26R are rotationally driven so that the identification mark drawn on the outer peripheral surface moves from top to bottom when viewed through the display windows 14L, 14C, and 14R.

  In the slot gaming machine 10 shown in FIG. 1, a WIN lamp 17 is provided on the right side of the display windows 14L, 14C, 14R. The WIN lamp 17 is turned on with a predetermined probability when BB or RB is won internally, and also when a BB or RB winning is established.

  A substantially horizontal pedestal 28 is provided below the display windows 14L, 14C, and 14R, and a built-in display device 30 that is a display means built in the slot game machine 10 is provided at the center thereof. The built-in display device 30 includes a liquid crystal display panel, and displays information on the number of medals acquired by the player himself and an effect screen corresponding to the state of the game.

  On the right side of the built-in display device 30, there is provided a medal slot 31 through which a large number of medals can be inserted at once.

  Also, on the left side of the built-in display device 30, a 1-BET switch 20 for targeting only one of the medals already inserted by one push operation, and an already inserted A 2-BET switch 22 for targeting only two of the medals being gamed, and a betting of the maximum number of medals that can be used for one game among the already inserted medals And a maximum BET switch 24 for the purpose. When these BET switches 20, 22 or 24 are pushed, a winning line corresponding to the pushed BET switch is validated, and the slot gaming machine 10 is ready to start a game.

  A start lever 32 is tiltably provided on the left side of the front surface of the pedestal portion 28. When the player tilts the start lever 32, the rotation of the three reels 26L, 26C, and 26R described above is started all at once. When the three reels 26L, 26C, and 26R rotate, the symbol images drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R are displayed variably in the display windows 14L, 14C, and 14R, respectively. Become.

  When the rotation speeds of the three reels 26L, 26C, and 26R described above reach a constant speed, an operation by a player on stop buttons 34L, 34C, and 34R described later is effective.

  Three stop buttons 34L, 34C, and 34R that constitute a stop operation unit are provided in the center of the front surface of the pedestal unit 28 to configure the stop operation unit. The stop button 34L corresponds to the reel 26L, the stop button 34C corresponds to the reel 26C, and the stop button 34R corresponds to the reel 26R. When the player pushes the stop button 34L, the reel 26L stops. When the player pushes the stop button 34C, the reel 26C stops, and when the player pushes the stop button 34R. The reel 26R is stopped.

  When the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R are stopped, the symbol images drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R are positioned on the above-described winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B to be stopped. To be controlled.

  On the left side of the start lever 32, a payout button 36 is provided. When the player pushes the payout button 36, the inserted medal is paid out from the medal payout port 38 at the lower front, and the payout medal is stored in the medal receiving portion 40.

  A speaker 42 is provided above the medal receiving unit 40.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot gaming machine 10 with the front door 13 opened. Inside the slot gaming machine 10, a main control board 61, a sub control board 62, and an external concentration terminal board 63 are installed. These substrates are connected to each other via a cable. Here, the external concentrated terminal board 63 has a connector and can be connected to a device installed outside the slot gaming machine 10. Examples of connectable external devices include a remote monitoring device such as a hall computer and a display device such as a rotary rod. The slot gaming machine 10 transmits the state of the gaming machine as an electrical signal to these external devices via the external concentration terminal board 63.

[Identification sign design and winning a prize]
In each of the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R described above, a predetermined number of, for example, 21 images of symbols as a plurality of types of identification marks are drawn on the outer peripheral surface as shown in FIG. Each of these symbols is assigned a code number “0” to “20”, and the relationship between the symbol image and the code number is stored in a ROM 108 (see FIG. 6) described later as a data table. ing.

  As will be described later, this data table is used for associating the rotational angle positions of the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R with the image of the symbol. For example, when the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R are stopped, the winning of the display windows 14L, 14C, and 14R is determined by referring to the data table based on the information on the rotational angle positions of the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R. It is possible to specify an image of a symbol that is stopped and displayed on the lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B.

  The ROM 108 described above also stores a winning symbol combination table in FIG. 4 that shows the relationship between the symbol combination to win as a winning combination and the number of medals to be paid out when that symbol combination is reached.

  Next, the gaming state in the slot game will be described. There are basically three types of game states in the slot game: a game in the general game state, an RB game, and a BB game. The RB game and the BB game are games that are advantageous to the player, as will be described later. Then, the game in the general game state is shifted to the game in a state advantageous to the player.

  In a game in the general gaming state, when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the active line becomes a predetermined combination, for example, “Bell”-“Bell”-“Bell” or “Plum”-“Plum”- When a combination such as “plum” or the like is made, a predetermined number of medals (see FIG. 4) are paid out to the player on the assumption that a small win is won. And one game is complete | finished.

  In addition, when the symbol on the active line is, for example, a combination of “replay”-“replay”-“replay”, a replay that can be played once again without inserting a medal, so-called replay Become.

  If it does not correspond to any combination in the winning symbol combination table on the active line, it is “out”.

  When a combination of symbols such as “7”-“7”-“7” of the same color is stopped and displayed on the active line, the game shifts to a BB game described later. Further, when a combination of symbols such as “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR” is stopped and displayed on the active line, the game shifts to an RB game described later.

  As described above, the RB game is a game that is executed when a combination of symbols such as “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR” is arranged on the active line during the game in the general gaming state. In the RB game, a single medal game called a JAC game can be played a plurality of times. In this JAC game, when combinations such as “Replay”-“Replay”-“Replay” are arranged on the active line L1, a predetermined number, for example, 15 medals are paid out, assuming that the JAC game is won. Although a “miss” occurs in the JAC game, a winning in the JAC game occurs with a high probability. The RB game ends, for example, when a JAC game win is generated eight times, or when the total number of JAC games executed during the RB game reaches, for example, twelve, and the game returns to the game in the general gaming state.

  On the other hand, in the BB game described above, an RB game and a game called a general game in BB can be played a plurality of times. When shifting to the BB game, first, a general game during BB is executed.

  In a general game in BB, when a combination of “Replay”-“Replay”-“Replay” is arranged, after a predetermined number of medals (see FIG. 4) are paid out, an RB game in which a plurality of bonus games can be performed. Transition. One set of BB games ends when, for example, a bonus game winning occurs eight times, or when the total number of bonus games executed during the RB game reaches, for example, twelve.

  When the first RB game is finished, the above-described general game in BB is performed again, and when the combination of “replay”-“replay”-“replay” occurs during this general game, the above-mentioned RB game is again performed. Done.

  The BB game is a repetitive game in which a general game in BB and an RB game are set as one set. When this set of games is played a predetermined number of times, for example, three times, the BB game is ended and the game in the general game state is completed. Return. Even when the total number of games in the general game state during BB exceeds a predetermined number, for example, 30 times, the BB game ends and returns to the game in the general game state.

  For the winning combination including the big bonus, for example, according to the probability lottery table with the distribution shown in FIG. 5, the internal winning decision is made as a result of the lottery based on the random value. When the player operates the stop button, the reels are stopped at the stop timing corresponding to each of the internal winning combinations, and the winning combination of the combination is obtained only when the corresponding identification sign symbols are aligned on the active line.

  Here, the reel does not stop immediately when the player operates the stop button, and the stop timing is adjusted so that the symbol combination corresponding to the internal winning combination at that time stops on the active line. To do. The adjustment of the stop timing of each reel is performed, for example, within a maximum of four symbols.

[Circuit configuration]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main control circuit including a control circuit for controlling the slot gaming machine 10 and peripheral devices electrically connected thereto.

  The start lever 32 is connected to the interface circuit group 102 of the main control circuit 100, and the interface circuit group 102 is connected to the input / output bus 104. The start signal generated from the start lever 32 is converted into a desired signal in the interface circuit group 102 and then supplied to the input / output bus 104. The input / output bus 104 is connected to a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a main CPU) 106 so that a data signal or an address signal is input / output.

  Further, stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R, 1-BET switch 20, 2-BET switch 22, maximum BET switch 24, and payout button 36 are also connected to the interface circuit group 102 described above. Signals generated from these buttons and switches are also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into desired signals, and then supplied to the input / output bus 104.

  The interface circuit group 102 is also connected with a medal counter 52 and a medal passage sensor 54. Signals generated from these counters and sensors are also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into desired signals, and then supplied to the input / output bus 104.

  The input / output bus 104 is also connected to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 108 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 110 which are storage means. The ROM 108 stores a control program for controlling the entire flow of the slot gaming machine 10. Further, the ROM 108 stores initial data for executing the control program. Further, a data table, a winning symbol combination table, and a probability lottery table are stored. The processing of various means such as the advertisement display determining means and the internal winning combination determining means provided in the slot gaming machine 10 is performed by the main CPU 106 cooperating with each hardware based on a control program stored in the ROM 108.

  Further, the RAM 110 temporarily stores flags and variable values used in the control program described above.

  A random number generator 112 for generating random numbers is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The random number generator 112 generates a numerical value within a certain range, for example, a random number included in the range of 0 to 16383. Note that the random number may be obtained by calculation processing of the main CPU 106.

  A motor drive circuit 114 is connected to the input / output bus 104. The motor drive circuit 114 is connected to stepping motors 56L, 56C, and 56R that rotationally drive each of the three reels 26L, 26C, and 26R. Each of the stepping motors 56L, 56C, and 56R is provided inside the three reels 26L, 26C, and 26R. The reels 26L, 26C, and 26R are provided on the stepping motors 56L, 56C, and 56R so that the rotation shafts of the stepping motors 56L, 56C, and 56R are the rotation centers of the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R.

  The drive control command issued from the main CPU 106 is converted into a drive signal by the motor drive circuit 114, and the drive signal is supplied to the stepping motors 56L, 56C, 56R. The drive control command includes a rotation speed command, and performs rotation control and stop control of the stepping motors 56L, 56C, and 56R, and also performs rotation speed control.

  The main CPU 106 controls the stepping motors 56L, 56C, and 56R, thereby performing rotation control and stop control of the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R, and controlling the rotation speed.

  Each of the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R is provided with a rotation angle position sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation angle position of each reel. The rotation angle position sensor is a reel rotation angle position detection circuit 116. It is connected to the. When a signal indicating the rotation angle position of each of the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R is generated from the rotation angle position sensor, the signal is supplied to the reel rotation angle position detection circuit 116, converted into a predetermined signal, and then input / output bus 104. To be supplied.

  The main CPU 106 calculates the code number of the symbol from the supplied rotation angle position, and refers to the data table stored in the ROM 108, thereby displaying the symbol image displayed in each of the display windows 14L, 14C, 14R. Can be identified.

  A lamp driving circuit 118 for driving the effective line display lamp 44 is also connected to the input / output bus 104, and the main CPU 106 is issued from the 1-BET switch 20, the 2-BET switch 22, or the maximum BET switch 24. In response to the signal, a driving command is issued to the lamp driving circuit 118, and the effective line display lamp 44 is driven to light.

  In addition, an output interface circuit 64 is connected to the input / output bus 104, and further, an external concentrated terminal board 63 is connected through the output interface circuit 64. The external concentration terminal board 63 can be connected to the external device 300 outside the slot gaming machine 10, and transmits a signal indicating the state of the gaming machine to the external device 300. That is, the external concentrated terminal board 63 functions as an output unit that outputs information indicating the state of the gaming machine transmitted from the main control circuit 100 of the slot gaming machine 10 to the external device 300 as a signal. As the external device 300, for example, a monitoring device composed of a computer for remotely and centrally monitoring the state of each gaming machine installed in the game hall, or the slot gaming machine 10 strongly appeals the player to the start of a bonus game. There is a lighting device such as a rotating rod for informing other players.

  A sub control circuit 130 is also connected to the input / output bus 104. Further, the built-in display device 30, the speaker 42, and the WIN lamp 17 are connected to the sub control circuit 130.

  The sub control circuit 130 includes, for example, a sub central processing unit (sub CPU), a sub RAM, a sub ROM, an image control circuit that drives the built-in display device 30, a sound source IC, a power amplifier, and a lamp that controls the WIN lamp 17. A drive circuit is installed. The sub-control circuit 130 drives the built-in display device 30, the speaker 42, and the WIN lamp 17 in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the main control circuit 100, notifies the player of the game state, and performs an effect display. To do.

[External terminal board]
FIG. 7 shows a circuit of the external concentrated terminal board 63. The external concentrated terminal board 63 includes an input connector 161, six relays 181 to 186, and an output connector 191 as main components.

  The input connector 161 is connected to the main control circuit 100 via a cable, and inputs a signal from the main control circuit 100. The input connector 161 includes terminals 162 to 168. The game medal insertion signal input terminal 163, the game medal payout signal input terminal 164, the RBCOUNT input terminal 165, the BBCOUNT input terminal 166, the external signal input 1 terminal 167, and the external signal input 2 terminal 168 are coil terminals of the relays 181 to 186, respectively. The DC terminal 162 is connected to the other coil terminal. The relays 181 to 186 are all two-circuit type electromagnetic relays, and the terminals of the normally open contacts of the relays 181 to 185 are grouped into two circuits, and the game medal insertion signal output terminal 192 and game medal payout provided in the output connector 191 respectively. The signal output terminal 193, the RBCOUNT output terminal 194, the BBCOUNT output terminal 195, and the external signal output 1 terminal 196 are connected, and the terminals of the movable contacts are connected to the relay common 1 terminal 197 all together for two circuits. The terminals of the normally open contacts of the relay 186 are connected to the external signal output 2 terminal 198 for two circuits, and the terminals of the movable contacts are connected to the relay common 2 terminal 199 for two circuits. In addition, each of the relays 181 to 186 is connected to surge absorbing diodes 171 to 176 during relay operation, and elements for noise suppression and component protection by resistors and capacitors. The output connector 191 includes terminals 192 to 199 and is connected to an external device outside the pachislot machine 10 by a cable. For example, when it is desired to turn on the rotary rod as the external device 300 at the time of winning the BB, the BBCOUNT output terminal 195 and the relay common 1 terminal 197 of the output connector 191 are connected to the rotary rod. Since the external concentrated terminal board 63 does not output power, the external device 300 needs to have its own power supply.

  The relays 181 to 186 are two-circuit type relays in which two switches of rated current 1A are built in, and have a redundant configuration in which switches for two circuits of the relays 181 to 186 are connected in parallel. For this reason, the rated current of one relay is 2 A, and the external device can be driven with a larger current than when a single circuit type relay having a rated current of 1 A is used. Compared to the case of using a single circuit type relay with a rated current of 2A, even if the contact of one circuit becomes defective due to wear or the like, the function of the other contact will function as a relay, so external concentration The reliability of the terminal board 63 and the slot gaming machine 10 including the terminal board 63 can be improved. In particular, even when an external device 300 such as a high-power drive type rotary rod having a lamp or motor and having a large inrush current is connected, the external device 300 can operate without a long-term failure.

  In the present embodiment, the relays 181 to 186 of the external concentration terminal board 63 all have the same specifications. That is, the same number of switch circuits are incorporated, and the rated current is the same. By making the specifications of the relays 181 to 186 common, it is not necessary to assign the type of signal to be controlled to a specific relay when designing the slot gaming machine 10. This not only increases the degree of freedom in designing the slot gaming machine 10, but when the slot gaming machine 10 is discarded, when the external concentration terminal board 63 is taken out and reused in another type of slot gaming machine, Regardless of the control signal combination for each machine model, the possibility of being used as a common part increases. Therefore, it is possible to reduce production costs and effectively use resources. In addition, when connecting a rotating basket in a game arcade, the rating of the output current does not differ depending on the type of signal serving as a trigger, so that the signal to be connected can be freely selected. Therefore, for example, a rotating basket can be connected to a different signal for each of the plurality of slot gaming machines 10 installed in the game hall, and variations can be given to the effects. Further, in the manufacture of the external concentrated terminal board 63, by using a common relay, it is possible to reduce the management effort of parts and processes and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[Operation]
Next, control operations of the main control circuit 100 and the main CPU 106 will be described with reference to main flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, in step S11, the main CPU 106 performs an initialization process prior to the start of the game. Specifically, the main CPU 106 performs processing for deleting data such as communication data. When the initialization process is completed, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S13.

  In step S13, the main CPU 106 determines whether or not there is an automatic insertion request for medals. If it is determined that there has been automatic insertion, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S14, and if it is determined that there has not been automatic insertion, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S15.

  In step S14, the main CPU 106 executes a process of automatically inserting game medals for the insertion request. In this process, the main CPU 106 enters a state in which the slot gaming machine 10 can start a game, that is, a medal necessary for the next game has been inserted. When the process of automatically inserting medals for the insertion request is completed, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S16.

  In step S15, the main CPU 106 executes processing for inserting game medals. The main CPU 106 determines whether or not a new medal has been inserted, that is, whether or not a signal has been input from the medal passage sensor 54 when the player has inserted a medal into the medal slot 31, and various BET switches 20 and 22. , 24 is determined as to whether or not there is an input. When a signal is input from the medal passage sensor 54, the main CPU 106 writes a negative logic pulse to the signal line of the game medal insertion signal input terminal 163 of the external concentration terminal board 63 by writing data to the output interface circuit 64. Send a signal. As a result, the relay 181 operates, the game medal insertion signal output terminal 192 and the relay common 1 terminal 197 are conducted, and a game medal insertion signal is transmitted to the connected external device 300. When the process of inserting game medals ends, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S16.

  In step S16, the main CPU 106 executes a process of determining whether or not the start switch is on. The main CPU 106 determines whether there is an input by operating the start lever 32. If it is determined in this process that the start switch is on, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S17. On the other hand, if it is determined that the start switch is not on, the process returns to step S16.

  In step S17, the main CPU 106 determines whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game. It is determined whether or not the result of the time measured from the end of the previous game by a timer (not shown) built in the main CPU 106 is 4.1 seconds or more. If it is determined that the time is 4.1 seconds or longer, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S19. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not longer than 4.1 seconds, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S18.

  In step S18, the main CPU 106 performs a process of digesting the game start waiting time. This process is a process for digesting the remaining waiting time when 4.1 seconds have not elapsed since the previous game ended. When the process of digesting the waiting time is completed, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S19.

  In step S <b> 19, the main CPU 106 executes processing for setting one game monitoring timer. The main CPU 106 sets a built-in timer and starts timing to monitor one game. When the process of setting one game monitoring timer is completed, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S31 (see FIG. 9).

  In step S31, the main CPU 106 executes a probability lottery process. By this step, processing of a lottery means for performing a lottery regarding a game is realized. In this process, a random number value for lottery is first extracted using the random number generator 112, and then the random lot value corresponds to which internal winning combination with reference to the probability lottery table (FIG. 5) stored in the ROM. Is determined. Further, a stop table used for reel stop control is also determined in accordance with the internal winning combination selected in this process. When the probability lottery process ends, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S32.

  In step S32, the main CPU 106 executes a process of rotating the reels. The main CPU 106 controls the motor drive circuit 114 to control the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R to rotate. In this control, acceleration processing is performed from the state where the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R are stopped, and after reaching a certain speed, constant speed rotation processing is performed. The stop buttons 34L, 34C, and 34R are validated on the condition that this constant speed rotation state is achieved, and the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R can be stopped. When the process of rotating the reels is completed, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S33.

  In step S33, the main CPU 106 executes processing for transmitting a start command. The main CPU 106 performs processing for transmitting game information of the main control circuit 100 at the start of the game to the sub-control circuit 130. As a command to be transmitted, there are an internal winning flag determined in the probability lottery process and a command notifying the current gaming state.

  In step S34, the main CPU 106 executes a process of determining whether or not the stop button is on. The main CPU 106 determines whether or not any of the stop buttons 34L, 34C, and 34R is operated, that is, whether or not there is a stop signal that is transmitted when the stop buttons 34L, 34C, and 34R are operated by the player. . If it is determined in this process that the stop button is on, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S36. On the other hand, if it is determined in this process that the stop button is not on, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S35.

  In step S35, the main CPU 106 executes processing for determining whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is zero. Here, “automatic stop” means that the reels 26L, 26C, 34R, 26R, 26R, 26R, 26C, 34R are not operated even when a certain period (for example, 40 seconds) has passed since the reel starts rotating, without the stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R being operated. This is a process of automatically performing stop control even when 26R is rotating. In this process, when it is determined that the value of the automatic stop timer is not 0, the main CPU 106 returns to the process of step S34 again. On the other hand, if it is determined in this process that the value of the automatic stop timer is 0, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S36.

  In step S36, the main CPU 106 executes a process for determining the number of sliding frames. “Sliding frame number” means that the reel is stopped from the symbol position displayed on the display windows 14L, 14C, 14R when the stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R are operated (this is referred to as “stop operation position”). The number of symbols (the number of frames) to be rotated (slid) before being used (the actual stop position is referred to as “stop position”). The number of sliding symbols is determined based on the result of the lottery performed in the previous probability lottery process (step S31). When the process of determining the number of sliding frames is finished, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S37.

  In step S37, the main CPU 106 performs a process of rotating and stopping the reel by a predetermined number of sliding frames. The main CPU 106 controls the motor drive circuit 114 so as to stop after rotating the reel by the number of sliding frames determined in the previous step S36. When the process of stopping the reels ends, the main CPU 106 transmits a reel stop command to the sub-control circuit 130, and then proceeds to the process of step S38.

  In step S38, the main CPU 106 executes processing for determining whether or not all reels have stopped. If it is determined in this process that all the reels are not stopped, the main CPU 106 returns to the process of step S34. On the other hand, if it is determined that all the reels are stopped, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S39 and performs a process of transmitting a reel stop command to the sub-control circuit 130. When the process of transmitting the reel stop command to the sub control circuit 130 is completed, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S41 (see FIG. 10).

  In step S41, the main CPU 106 executes a winning search process. By this step, the processing of the game result determining means for determining the game result is realized. In this winning search process, it is determined whether or not the symbol stop mode displayed in the display windows 14L, 14C, and 14R indicates that a winning has been established. Processing for storing the winning flag of the winning combination in the RAM 110 is performed. Specifically, the determination is performed by comparing the code number of the symbol on the center line L1 with the winning symbol combination table stored in the ROM. When the winning search process ends, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S42.

  In step S42, the main CPU 106 executes a process of determining whether or not the winning flag is normal. The main CPU 106 collates whether the winning flag matches the internal winning flag, and determines whether or not the current winning is normal. In this process, when it is determined that the winning is normal, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S44. On the other hand, if it is determined in this process that the winning is not normal, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S43.

  In step S43, the main CPU 106 executes processing for displaying an illegal error. The illegal error display is displayed when it is determined in step S42 that the winning flag is not normal, and is a process performed based on an instruction from the main CPU 106. If an illegal error is displayed, the game cannot be started unless the gaming state of the slot gaming machine 10 is returned to normal.

  If the winning flag is normal, game medal storage or payout processing is then performed according to the type of winning combination and gaming state established (step S44). During the game medal storage or payout process, the main CPU 106 transmits a negative logic pulse signal to the signal line of the game medal payout signal input terminal 164 of the external concentration terminal board 63 by writing data into the output interface circuit 64. To do. As a result, the relay 182 operates, the game medal payout signal output terminal 193 and the relay common 1 terminal 197 are brought into conduction, and the game medal payout signal is transmitted to the connected external device 300. When the medal payout process is completed, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S45.

  In step S45, the main CPU 106 executes a process of updating the gaming state. The process of updating the game state is a process that is performed to shift to the new game state when the game state is changed by the end of the current game. Such processing is necessary, for example, when the final prize of the bonus game, when the bonus is won internally in this game, or when the symbol stops as “7-7-7” on the active line. In some cases, a bonus game starts. When the RB wins, the main CPU 106 transmits a negative logic pulse signal to the signal line of the RBCOUNT input terminal 165 of the external concentrated terminal board 63 by writing data to the output interface circuit 64. As a result, the relay 183 operates, the RBCOUNT output terminal 194 and the relay common 1 terminal 197 are electrically connected, and the RBCOUNT signal indicating the RB winning is transmitted to the connected external device 300. When the RB wins, the main CPU 106 transmits a negative logic pulse signal to the signal line of the BBCOUNT input terminal 166 of the external concentrated terminal board 63 by writing data to the output interface circuit 64. As a result, the relay 184 operates, the BBCOUNT output terminal 195 and the relay common 1 terminal 197 are conducted, and a BBCOUNT signal indicating a BB winning is transmitted to the connected external device 300. In this way, the determination result of the game result determination means shown in the example of step S41 can be output as an electrical signal by the external concentration terminal board 63 as the output means. When the process of updating the gaming state is completed, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S46.

  In step S <b> 46, the main CPU 106 performs processing for transmitting a command indicating that one game has ended to the sub-control circuit 130. The main CPU 106 performs processing for transmitting the type of winning combination that has been established, the gaming state, and the like to the sub-control circuit 130 as a “1 game end command”. When the above process ends, the main CPU 106 proceeds to the process of step S13 again.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment was described, this invention is not limited to this.

  In the present embodiment, the slot gaming machine has been described as the gaming machine. However, the present invention can be applied not only to the slot gaming machine but also to a pachinko gaming machine. Further, the present invention can be applied to an amusement device such as a poker game using an image display device.

  In the present embodiment, the example of the determination result by the game result determination unit as the winning search in step S41 has been described as the signal output from the output unit in step S45. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be configured such that the output means outputs the result of the probability lottery process (step S31) as the lottery means to the outside as a signal.

  In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 100 and the sub control circuit 130 have been described as separate circuits, but these may be integrated into one control circuit.

  In the present embodiment, the relays 181 to 186 have been described as two-time relays. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any relay having a plurality of circuits may be used. For example, a three-circuit type relay may be used.

  Further, the external concentration terminal board 63 of the present embodiment has been described as including six relays in order to output six types of signals. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the types of signals to be output and the manufacturing cost are not limited thereto. Accordingly, the number of relays may be any number. Therefore, one relay or a plurality of relays may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the external concentrated terminal board 63 is described as being connected to the main control circuit 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the external concentrated terminal board 63 may be connected to the sub control circuit 130. Good. In this case, information on the gaming machine is first transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub control circuit 130, and then transmitted from the sub control circuit 130 to the external concentrated terminal board 63.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the slot game machine of this embodiment. It is a front view which shows the external appearance in the state which opened the door of the slot game machine of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the row | line | column of the identification mark drawn on the reel of the slot gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the combination and payout number corresponding to the winning identification mark combination of the slot gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the probability lottery table of the slot game machine of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the main control circuit of the slot game machine of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the external concentration terminal board | substrate of the slot game machine of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the main process of the main control circuit in a slot game machine. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 slot gaming machine 63 external concentration terminal board (output means)
100 Main control circuit 181-186 Relay 300 External device

Claims (3)

Lottery means for drawing lots related to games;
A game result determining means for determining a game result based on a result of the lottery means;
An output means capable of outputting the lottery result of the lottery means and the game result of the game result determining means to the outside as an electrical signal;
The output means includes a relay incorporating a plurality of circuits, and controls the electrical signal by the operation of the relay,
A gaming machine in which the plurality of circuits are all connected in parallel. Lottery means for drawing lots related to games;
A game result determining means for determining a game result based on a result of the lottery means;
An output means capable of outputting the lottery result of the lottery means and the game result of the game result determining means to the outside as an electrical signal,
The output means includes a plurality of relays each including a plurality of circuits, and controls the electrical signal by the operation of the relay,
A gaming machine in which the plurality of circuits are all connected in parallel for each of the plurality of relays.   The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein all of the plurality of relays include the same number of circuits.

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