JP2006115881A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine allowing a main control board to recognize a connecting state with a sub control board. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with the main control means controlling the progress of a game, and the sub control means connected to the main control means with a signal wire and controlling the putout of game balls based on a control signal transmitted from the main control means via the signal wire, and constituted to supply a power from a putout control means to the main control means. The main control means is provided with a power supply monitoring means detecting the power supply state from the putout control means and diagnoses the connecting state of the signal wire between itself and the sub control means based on the power supply state from the putout control means detected by the power supply monitoring means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a so-called pachinko gaming machine, an arrangement ball gaming machine, and the like.

  Conventionally, in a ball game machine, a payout control board that controls the payout of game balls is connected to a main control board that controls the progress of the game via a signal line, and the payout control board is connected to the main control board via a signal line. When the prize ball payout command signal is received, the operation of the payout device is controlled based on the received prize ball payout command, and the prize ball is paid out.

Each control unit of the gaming machine is configured to be supplied with power from an external power source, and a gaming machine having a power supply monitoring circuit for detecting the power supply state on the main control board has been proposed (for example, , See Patent Document 1). In this gaming machine, when a power failure is detected by the power supply monitoring circuit, power failure information command data notifying that a power failure has occurred is sent to the payout control board.
JP 2001-120734 A

  However, in the configuration of the above-described prior art, when the signal line that connects the main control board and the payout control board is disconnected, the main control board cannot recognize a connection failure with the payout control board. . For this reason, the main control board and the payout control board are not connected due to the harness being disconnected in the middle of the game, and the game is continued even when the payout of the game ball is stopped. Therefore, for example, if the harness is removed during the special game state, the special game state proceeds, but an abnormality that stops paying out the prize ball occurs, and when the abnormality is canceled, the special game state has already ended. As a result, there is a risk that the player may be disadvantaged such that a prize ball that the player should be able to obtain cannot be obtained.

  In view of the above-described points, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of recognizing a connection state between a main control board and a payout control board.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the first aspect of the present invention, the main control means for controlling the progress of the game is connected to the main control means by a signal line, and transmitted from the main control means via the signal line. A payout control means for controlling the payout of the game ball based on the control signal, and is configured such that power is supplied from the payout control means to the main control means. A power supply monitoring means for detecting the power supply state of the power supply, and diagnosing the connection state of the signal line with the payout control means based on the power supply state from the payout control means detected by the power supply monitoring means It is characterized by.

  As a result, when an abnormality occurs in the connection of the signal line between the main control means and the payout control means, the main control means can recognize the occurrence of the abnormality, and the main control means can stop the game, etc. By performing the above, it is possible to avoid giving a disadvantage to the player.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 2, the main control means is configured to include backup means for backing up information relating to the progress of the game when it is diagnosed that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply state from the payout control means. It is characterized by being. As a result, in the event of an abnormality in the power supply state from the payout control means to the main control means, avoiding the disadvantage of the player due to erasure of information relating to the progress of the game such as the game state Can do.

  Further, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the main control means is configured to control the launch of the game ball. Thereby, the main control means can stop the progress of the game by stopping the emission of the game ball when it is diagnosed that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply state from the payout control means.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first example showing an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A gaming machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes a main body frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. Further, the middle frame 3 is not clearly shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 4 and the like are arranged on the front side.

  The main body frame 2 is an assembly of wooden plate-like bodies in a substantially rectangular frame shape, and constitutes an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 3 is made of plastic, is fitted inside the main body frame 2, and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The middle frame 3 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided so as to overlap each other on the front side of the frame body part, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part.

  The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) constituting a game ball launcher that launches game balls onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying game balls to the launcher unit. Yes. Further, although not shown in the lower plate portion, a ball feed count switch for detecting a game ball supplied to the launcher unit, a launch ball count switch for detecting a game ball launched from the launcher unit, a launch A foul ball detection switch that detects a game ball that has not reached the surface of the game board 20 among the game balls launched from the device unit is provided. Furthermore, the lower plate portion is provided with a speaker 266 (see FIG. 7) that generates a sound effect or the like corresponding to the gaming state. Note that the speaker 266 of the present embodiment is configured to include a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) and a low tone speaker (woofer).

  The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is attached to the back surface of the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is provided with a left LED display unit 4b, a right LED display unit 4c, an upper left LED display unit 4d, an upper right LED display unit 4e, and an upper LED display unit 4f as lamps for game effects and the like. . The left LED display portion 4b and the right LED display portion 4c are provided in an arc shape on the right side and the left side around the opening 4a, respectively. The upper left LED display portion 4d is provided at the upper left of the left LED display portion 4a, and the upper right LED display portion 4e is provided at the upper right of the right LED display portion 4c. The upper LED display part 4f is formed in a circular shape, and two are provided between the upper end part of the left LED display part 4b and the upper end part of the right LED display part 4c. These LED display portions 4b to 4f are turned on / off or blinking according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the gaming effect.

  In addition, two prize ball LED display portions 4g are provided between the two upper LED display portions 4f. A sector-shaped error LED display unit 4h is provided above the prize ball display LED display unit 4g. The error LED display unit 4h of the present embodiment is configured to be capable of displaying errors in a plurality of stages as will be described later. The error LED display section 4h is lit or blinks in red when a serious error occurs and in orange when a minor error occurs. In the present embodiment, for example, a case where it is necessary to open the front frame 4 for restoration or to perform work or a part needs to be replaced is regarded as a serious error. Is a minor error.

  The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The upper dish portion 5 includes a dish outer edge portion 5a provided with a ball removal button, a game ball rental button, a return button, and the like, and a discharge port 5b for discharging the game ball from the inside of the gaming machine 1. ing. Furthermore, a first audio output unit 5c is formed in a substantially central part of the upper plate part 5 in which a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes are formed in the upper part. The first audio output unit 5c is connected to a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) of the speakers 266 via a duct, and the sound from the middle / high tone speaker is output via the duct. A volume switch board 267 (see FIG. 7) is provided on the back surface of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate part 6. In addition, a ball hole (not shown) is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate portion 6. The ball removal hole is normally closed, and is opened when the game ball stored in the lower dish portion 6 is discharged.

  A discharge knob 6b that opens and closes the ball removal hole is provided on the substantially center front side of the lower dish portion 6. The discharge knob 6 b constitutes a part of the peripheral edge of the lower plate part 6. The discharge knob 6b is normally in an upright state, and is rotatable so that the upper end is tilted toward the front side with the lower end as a rotation axis. The ball hole is linked to the discharge knob 6b. When the discharge knob 6b is in an upright state, the ball hole is closed, and the ball hole is opened by tilting the discharge knob 6b to the front side.

  A second audio output unit 6c is provided on the lower surface of the right and left sides of the discharge knob 6b in the lower plate part 6. The second audio output unit 6c is connected to a low-frequency speaker (woofer) among the speakers 266 via a duct, and the audio from the low-frequency speaker is output downward. An ashtray 7 is provided on the left side of the lower dish portion 6.

  At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for the player to operate the launching device unit. The above-mentioned launcher unit is provided with a spear that reciprocates by a launch motor to hit the game ball, and the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the launch handle 8 so that the hitting force of the game ball by the spear ( The firing force can be adjusted.

  The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed. The firing stop switch 8b of this embodiment is provided in the touch switch circuit and is electrically connected in series with the touch switch 8a.

  The locking device 9 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3 and is used to lock the front frame 4 when it is closed. A prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit) is mounted on the left side of the gaming machine 1.

  Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the back mechanism board 102 of the gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the back mechanism board 102 is provided on the opposite surface of the game board 20 in the middle frame 3, and is attached to the middle frame 3 by a pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed. In the upper left part of the back mechanism board 102, a prize ball tank 105 having a tank ball cut detection switch 104 at the bottom is provided. The tank ball cut detection switch 104 is turned on when a game ball is present in the prize ball tank 105, and is turned off when there is no game ball in the prize ball tank 105. The prize ball tank 105 stores payout game balls supplied from an external supply device. Below the prize ball tank 105, a tank rail 106 connected to the prize ball tank 105 is provided. The tank rail 106 is formed to be inclined from the bottom of the prize ball tank 105 to above the game ball payout device 109. The game balls in the prize ball tank 105 flow down the tank rail 106 from the bottom of the prize ball tank 105.

  A ball removal lever 107 is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106. A game ball payout device 109 is provided on the downstream side of the ball removal lever 107. Further, on the downstream side of the tank rail 106 and above the game ball payout device 109, a case rail for guiding the game ball payout device 109 by changing the traveling direction of the game ball flowing down the tank rail 106 ( A game ball guiding path) 108 is provided.

  Below the tank rail 106, there is provided a back case 111 to which a symbol display device 31 is attached on the front side and a lamp interface board case 112, a symbol control board case 113, and a sound lamp control board case 114 are respectively attached to the rear side. It has been. A main control board case 115 is provided below the back case 111, a power supply board case 116 is provided below the main control board case 115, and a payout control board case 118 is provided at the lower right portion of the back mechanism panel 102. Is provided. Various control boards described later are stored in these board cases.

  In the upper right part of the back mechanism board 102, there is provided a frame external terminal board 122 equipped with external connection terminals for gaming machine frames such as jackpot, launcher control, ball break, door opening, prize ball, and rental balls. ing.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic control unit includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a prize ball control unit (payout control unit) 230, a sound lamp control unit 260, and a symbol control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sound lamp control board 260a, and a symbol control board 280a as peripheral control boards, respectively. The main control unit 200 corresponds to the main control unit of the present invention, and the payout control unit 230 corresponds to the sub control unit of the present invention.

  The main control unit 200 is connected to a launch control unit 250, and the launch control unit 250 includes a launch control board 250a. The launch control unit 250 receives a ball feed permission signal and a launch permission signal from the main control unit 200, and the launch control unit 250 performs control based on the ball feed permission signal and the launch permission signal transmitted from the main control unit 200. It is configured as follows. This is because, as will be described later, the firing control unit 250 does not include a CPU, and the CPU 400 of the main control unit 200 is configured to control the firing control unit 250. Various launch control commands including a ball feed permission signal, a launch permission signal, and the like are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the launch control unit 250.

  The main control unit 200 controls the progress of the game, and transmits a command signal (command data) instructing the processing contents to each of the sub control units 230, 250, 260, and 280, and each sub control unit 230, 260, 280 is configured to perform various controls based on the command signal.

  For example, commands such as a prize ball instruction signal for instructing a prize ball payout and a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230. Also, various lamp control commands and various audio control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sound lamp control unit 260. From the main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 280, via the sound lamp control unit 260, a guide symbol display control command for instructing display of the present symbol, a winning symbol display command for instructing display of a winning symbol of 1 to 16, Various symbol control commands such as a winning symbol extinction command instructing extinction of all symbol displays are transmitted. A display control command for instructing the display of the pseudo symbol is transmitted from the sound lamp control unit 260 to the symbol control unit 280.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, and 280 is supplied with power from the power receiving board 128 connected to the main power source 129 via the power board 127 and the power relay board 121. Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each of the control units 200, 230, 260 and 280 via the power supply board 127 and the power supply relay board 121. The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a backup auxiliary power supply unit (not shown) for supplying an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is cut off, on the power supply board 127. Even when the power is turned off, the RAM data of the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 is retained.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the CPU 400 provided on the main control board 200a of the main control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 400 includes a CPU core 401, a built-in RAM 402 (hereinafter also simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM 403 (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), a memory control circuit 404, a clock generator 405, an address decoder 406, A watchdog timer 407, a counter / timer 408, a parallel input / output port 409, a reset / interrupt controller 410, an external bus interface 411, and an output control circuit 412 are provided.

  The CPU 400 controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM 402 as a work area by a control program stored in the ROM 403. In addition, the main control unit 200 constitutes a go / no-go determination unit that performs the go / no-go determination by the go / no-go determination program stored in the ROM 403, with the CPU 400 as a main body. Note that the control cycle of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

  In addition, a random number counter for various random numbers used in the gaming machine 1 is set in the RAM 402. The random numbers used in the present embodiment include a random number for determination of success / failure, a random number for symbol display, and the like. The random number for success / failure determination is used to determine whether or not to operate the accessory guiding device when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operation gate 29 (whether or not determination). A winning value for determining whether or not to win is set in advance, and it is determined that the winning or failing random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes through the guiding symbol actuating gate 29 matches the winning value. The random number for symbol display is used to determine the guidance symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 31 when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol actuation gate 29.

  The RAM 402 further includes a ball feed counter for counting (counting) game balls sent to the launcher unit, a launch counter for counting (counting) game balls launched by the launcher unit, and an input. A ball counter for counting (counting) the game balls that have entered the ball opening, and a ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 and discharged from the induction increasing device operating region 39a or the induction increasing device non-operating region. A discharge ball unconfirmed counter that counts (counts) no game balls is set.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the board external terminal board 201, the board surface relay board 210, and the game frame relay board 220 are connected to the main control unit 200. The board external terminal board 201 is provided with a plurality of test signal terminals for connecting an external test apparatus (not shown).

  Next, the payout control unit 230 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the frame external terminal board 122, the switch relay terminal board 231, the CR connection board 234, the main controller 200, and the like are connected to the payout control unit 230. The switch relay terminal board 231 is connected to a tank ball cut switch 232 and a lower pan full switch 233. The tank ball cut switch 232 is also connected to the frame external terminal board 122.

  The tank ball cut switch 232 detects that the game ball in the prize ball tank 105 has run out. The ball-out signal of the tank ball-out switch 232 is transmitted to the external replenishing device via the frame external terminal board 122, and the game ball is replenished to the prize ball tank 105 from the replenishing device. The lower tray full tank switch 233 detects that the lower tray 6 has become full. The payout control board 230a of the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU having the same configuration as the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a shown in FIG. The control cycle of the payout control unit 230 of this embodiment is set to 1 ms shorter than that of the main control unit 200.

  The payout control unit 230 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the payout control unit 230. As shown in FIG. 5, the prepaid card unit 13 and the CR display board 235 are connected to the payout control unit 230 via the CR connection board 234. A ball rental button 236 and a return button 237 are connected to the CR display board 235. The CR display board 235 is a board for inputting / outputting signals such as a rental ball and the remaining number of cards to / from the CR unit 13.

  The payout control unit 230 is connected with a payout motor 109f and payout sensors 109j and 109k via a payout unit relay terminal plate 239, and a prize ball display LED board 241 and an error display via a status display LED relay terminal plate 240. An LED substrate 242 is connected. The payout sensors 109j and 109k count the number of game balls paid out by the game ball payout device 109. The game balls that are paid out by the game ball payout device 109 include prize balls that are paid out in response to winnings and balls that are lent to players.

  The award ball display LED substrate 241 and the error display LED substrate 242 correspond to the award ball display LED display portion 4g and the error LED display portion 4h (see FIG. 1), respectively. The LED on the prize ball display LED board 241 is turned on or blinked when a prize ball is acquired, and the LED on the error LED board 242 is turned on or blinks when an error occurs. The error display LED substrate 242 includes a plurality of types of LEDs, and the error LED display unit 4h can perform a plurality of types of error notification. In this embodiment, the error LED display section 4h is configured to be lit and blinking in red and orange as error notification.

  The payout control unit 230 according to the present embodiment detects a clogged ball in the case rail 106 based on a signal from the tank ball shortage switch 232 and a signal from the payout sensor 109j. Specifically, when a game ball is not detected by the payout sensor 109j during the operation of the game ball payout device 109, and when a ball break is not detected by the tank ball break switch 232, the ball is blocked by the case rail 108. It is determined that it has occurred. On the other hand, when a game ball is not detected by the payout sensor 109j during the operation of the game ball payout device 109 and a ball break is detected by the tank ball break switch 232, a ball break occurs in the prize ball tank 105. It is judged that

  Next, the firing control unit 250 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the launch control unit 250. As shown in FIG. 6, the launch control unit 250 is connected to the launch handle 8, the origin sensor 251, the launch motor 252, the ball feed relay terminal plate 253, and the like. From the launch handle 8 to the launch controller 250, a launch start signal from the launch start switch indicating whether or not the player has rotated the launch handle 8 by a predetermined amount or more and whether or not the player is touching the launch handle 8 are shown. A touch signal or the like from the touch switch 8a is input.

  As described above, the firing stop switch 8b is connected in series with the touch switch 8a, and ON / OFF of the firing stop switch 8b is output as a touch signal. When the player is touching the touch switch 8a and the firing stop switch 8b is not pressed, the touch signal is turned on. When the player does not touch the touch switch 8a or presses the firing stop switch 8b, the touch signal is turned off.

  The origin sensor 251 detects whether or not the rotation axis of the firing motor 252 is at a predetermined origin position (origin angle). The launch motor 252 operates the basket 10a for driving the game ball sent to the launch position into the game area 21, and operates when the player operates the launch handle 8. In this embodiment, the frequency of the drive pulse signal of the firing motor 252 is a fixed value, and the rotation period of the firing motor 252, that is, the time required for one rotation is a fixed value (500 ms in this example).

  Connected to the ball feed relay terminal plate 253 are a ball feed solenoid 12a and a ball feed count switch 254 for feeding game balls stored in the upper plate part 5 one by one to the launch position of the launcher unit. As described above, the signal from the ball feed count switch 254 is transmitted to the main control unit 200 via the game frame relay board 220.

  The signal from the origin sensor 251 is transmitted to the main control unit 200 via the firing control unit 250. When the origin is detected by the origin sensor 251, the main control unit 200 is configured to allow the ball feed permission signal to be permitted (L output) for a predetermined period (60 ms in this example).

  FIG. 7 shows a circuit configuration of the main control unit 200. Here, the launch control unit 250 does not include a CPU, and performs launch control using a control program stored in the CPU of the main control unit 200 and the ROM of the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the launch control unit 250 receives a ball feed permission signal and a launch permission signal from the main control unit 200, and receives a touch signal and a launch start signal from the launch handle 8. Furthermore, a clock signal from a clock generator (not shown) provided in the CPU of the main control unit 200 is input to the launch control unit 250. The launch control board 250g of the launch controller 250 includes three AND circuits 250a, 250b, 250c, a flip-flop 250d, a frequency divider circuit 250e, and a motor drive circuit 250f.

  The first AND circuit 250a receives a firing permission signal and a signal from the flip-flop 250d (a firing condition establishment signal), and outputs a signal to a motor drive circuit 250f that drives the firing motor 252. The second AND circuit 250b receives the ball feed permission signal and the signal (launch condition establishment signal) from the flip-flop 250d, and outputs a signal to the ball feed solenoid 12a. The third AND circuit 250c receives the touch signal and the firing start signal as inputs, and outputs a signal to the flip-flop 250d. The frequency dividing circuit 250e divides a predetermined clock frequency to generate a reference clock signal having a desired pulse width, and outputs the reference clock signal to the flip-flop 250d. The motor drive circuit 250f outputs a pulse signal having a predetermined frequency to the firing motor 252 when the signal from the first AND circuit 250a becomes High.

  The firing permission signal is Low output (OFF) when launching is permitted, and is High output (ON) when launching is prohibited. The launch permission signal is inverted by an inverter and then input to the first AND circuit 250a. Therefore, the launch permission signal input to the first AND circuit 250a is High when launch is permitted, and is Low when launch is prohibited. Similarly, the ball feed permission signal is Low output (off) when ball feed is permitted, and is High output (on) when ball feed is prohibited. The ball feed permission signal is inverted by an inverter and then input to the second AND circuit 250b. Therefore, the ball feed permission signal input to the second AND circuit 250b is High when the ball feed is permitted, and is Low when the ball feed is prohibited.

  If the player does not operate the firing handle 8 at the time of launching permission and ball feeding permission, since the output signal of the flip-flop 250d is Low, the output signals of the first and second AND circuits 250a and 250b are also Low. Become. Here, when the player touches the launch handle 8 and rotates it by a predetermined angle or more, the touch signal and the launch start signal become High, and the output of the third AND circuit 250c becomes High, which is input to the flip-flop 250d. In the flip-flop 250d, when the input signal from the third AND circuit 250c becomes High, the output signal to the first and second AND circuits 250a and 250b becomes High at the rising edge of the next reference clock signal (Low → High). Become. As a result, the output signals of the first and second AND circuits 250a and 250b become High, and the firing motor 252 and the ball feed solenoid 12a start operating.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the ball feed permission signal and the reference clock signal in the launch control unit 250. As described above, after the origin is confirmed by the origin sensor 251, the ball feed permission signal is enabled (Low) for a predetermined time (60 ms), that is, in a firing permission state. In order to reliably operate the ball feed solenoid 12a, the reference clock signal needs to rise while the ball feed permission signal is enabled (Low). That is, the pulse width of the reference clock signal generated by the frequency dividing circuit 250e needs to be shorter than a predetermined time during which the ball feed permission signal is enabled (Low).

  As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the pulse width of the reference clock signal generated by the frequency dividing circuit 250e is 1 ms. In this way, the ball feeding process is reliably performed by setting the pulse width of the reference clock signal generated by the frequency dividing circuit 250e to be shorter than the predetermined time when the ball feeding permission signal is enabled (Low). Can be launched reliably. In addition, when the pulse width of the reference clock signal is smaller, the interval from when the firing permission signal is enabled (High → Low) until the ball feed solenoid 12a starts to operate is shortened, and the ball feed processing is performed quickly. Can do.

  Next, the sound lamp control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. The sound lamp control board 260a provided in the sound lamp control unit 260 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output ports and the like and a sound generator (not shown). The input / output port is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 9, various board surface LED boards 263, various game frame part LED boards 264, and the like are connected to the sound lamp control unit 260 via a lamp interface board 261. The lamp interface board 261 is provided with drive circuits for various lamps, and is configured as a separate board independent of the sound lamp control board 260a.

  A game effect LED board or the like is connected to the board surface LED board 263 and the game frame LED board 264. These lamps are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect.

  Further, an amplifier board 265 is connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. A speaker 266 and a volume switch board 267 are connected to the amplifier board 265. From the speaker 266, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game. The volume switch board 267 is for setting the output volume of the speaker 266 in accordance with an operation of a volume switch (not shown). The sound lamp control board 260 is provided with a mode changeover switch 268. The mode changeover switch 268 is configured as a DIP switch and is operated by a game hall employee when the power is turned on. The mode changeover switch 268 can change the background and the appearing character in the symbol display device 31.

  Next, the symbol control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the symbol control unit 280. Arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output port, VDP (video display processor), etc. are provided on the symbol control board 280a provided in the symbol controller 280. It is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the symbol control unit 280 is connected to a symbol display device substrate 281 that operates the symbol display device 31. In the symbol control unit 280, the CPU performs display control of the symbol display device 31 using the RAM as a work area in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM. The symbol control unit 280 is provided with a plurality of test signal terminals (not shown) for connecting an external test apparatus (not shown).

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a power supply path of the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230. As shown in FIG. 11, the power supply board 127 and the main control board 200a are connected via a harness H1 having connectors CN1 and CN2 at both ends, and the main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a are at both ends. It is connected via a harness H2 having connectors CN3 and CN4. Each board 127, 200a, 230a is provided with a connector receiving portion (not shown) into which the connectors CN1 to CN4 are fitted.

  The harness H1 connecting the power supply board 127 and the main control board 200a includes power supply lines VCC1, VCC2 and a ground line. The harness H2 that connects between the main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a includes power supply lines VCC3 and VCC4 and a plurality of signal lines.

  The first power supply line VCC1 is connected to the peripheral circuit 450 of the main control board 200a, and power is supplied to the peripheral circuit 450. The second power supply line VCC2 is connected to the third power supply line VCC3, and power is supplied to the payout control board 230a. Further, power is supplied from the payout control board 230a to the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a through the fourth power supply line VCC4. As described above, power is supplied to the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a through the path of the power supply board 127 → the main control board 200a → the payout control board 230a → the main control board 200a, to the peripheral circuit 450 of the main control board 200a. The power is supplied through the path of the power supply board 127 → the main control board 200a.

  The main control board 200a is provided with capacitors C1, C2, and C3 as backup power supply units (backup power storage means). The first capacitor C1 is provided in parallel with the first power supply line VCC1 between the first power supply line VCC1 and the peripheral circuit 450. The second capacitor C2 is provided in parallel with the fourth power supply line VCC4 between the fourth power supply line VCC4 and a power monitoring circuit 451 described later. The third capacitor C3 is provided between the power supply monitoring circuit 451 and the CPU 400.

  These capacitors C1, C2, and C3 maintain a charged state by receiving power supply from the power supply lines VCC1 and VCC4 in a normal state. When power supply from the first power supply line VCC1 is not normally performed, power is supplied from the first capacitor C1 to the peripheral circuit 450, and power is supplied from the fourth power supply line VCC4. When it is not normally performed, power is supplied from the second capacitor C2 to the power supply monitoring circuit 451, and power is supplied from the third capacitor C3 to the CPU 400.

  The main control board 200a is provided with a power supply monitoring circuit 451 for monitoring the power supply state from the payout control board 230a to the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a. The power monitoring circuit 451 is provided between the second capacitor C2 and the CPU 400. The power monitoring circuit 451 corresponds to the power monitoring means of the present invention.

  When the power monitoring circuit 451 detects the voltage on the fourth power supply line VCC4 and recognizes that power supply is no longer performed based on the detected voltage, the power monitoring circuit 451 indicates that the power supply abnormality has occurred. A disconnect signal is transmitted to the CPU 400. When the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a receives a power interruption signal from the power supply monitoring circuit 451, the CPU 400 executes a backup process. In this backup process, the game state, the number of rounds during the big hit game, and the like are stored in the RAM 402. This RAM data is compensated by power supply from the capacitor C3 as a backup power supply unit. After performing the backup process, the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a transmits a firing stop signal instructing the launch control unit 250 to stop the launch of the game ball, stops the launch of the game ball, and interrupts the game.

  According to the above configuration, for example, the connectors CN3 and CN4 of the harness H2 connecting the main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a are disconnected, and a connection failure occurs between the main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a. In this case, it is diagnosed by the power supply monitoring circuit 451 of the main control board 200a that power supply from the payout control board 230a is not performed.

  Accordingly, the power supply to the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a is performed via the payout control board 230a, and the main control board 200a is provided with the power supply monitoring circuit 451, so that the main control board 200a is connected to the payout control board 230a. The connection state of the signal line can be diagnosed, and when a connection failure occurs between the main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a, the connection failure can be recognized on the main control board 200a side. .

  This prevents the main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a from being connected due to the harness H2 being disconnected in the middle of the game, and prevents the game from continuing if the game ball payout is stopped. In the special gaming state, it is possible to avoid giving a disadvantage to the player such as the game proceeds but the payout of the prize ball is stopped and the player cannot obtain the prize ball that should be originally obtained by the player. Further, when the main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a are not connected during the game, the main control board 200a backs up information on the progress of the game such as the game state. A disadvantage can be avoided.

  In the above embodiment, since power is supplied to the main control board 200a via the payout control board 230a, if the harness H1 is disconnected during the game, both the payout control board 230a and the main control board 200a are powered. Is not supplied, and the payout control board 230a backs up the prize ball information and the main control board 200a backs up the game information, so that the above disadvantages are not given to the player.

  Furthermore, since the main control unit 200 is configured to transmit a launch permission signal to the launch control unit 250 to perform the launch control of the game ball, it is assumed that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply state from the payout control unit 230 When diagnosed, it is possible to stop the launch of the game ball and stop the progress of the game.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electronic control device of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing power supply paths of the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 9 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the second embodiment, the power supply board 127 and the payout control board 230a are connected via a harness H1 having connectors CN1 and CN2 at both ends. Power is supplied to the payout control board 230a.

  The first power supply line VCC1 is connected to the third power supply line VCC3, and power is supplied to the peripheral circuit 450 of the main control board 200a. The second power supply line VCC2 is connected to the fourth power supply line VCC4, and power is supplied to the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a. As described above, power is supplied to the CPU 400 and the peripheral circuit 450 of the main control board 200a through the path of the power supply board 127 → the main control board 200a → the payout control board 230a → the main control board 200a.

  Even in the configuration described above, as in the first embodiment, when a connection failure occurs between the main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a, the connection failure is recognized on the main control board 200a side. Is possible. Thereby, when the connection between the main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a is in a poor connection state, it is possible to prevent the game from being continued and to avoid giving a disadvantage to the player.

(Other embodiments)
In the present invention, the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 are connected by a signal line as well as a pachinko gaming machine and a combination type game machine, and the payout control unit 230 is controlled by the main control unit 200. Any game machine that controls payout of game balls based on commands can be applied.

  In the above embodiment, the main control unit 200 is configured to perform the backup process when it detects that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply state from the payout control unit 230. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The operation of the main control unit 200 may be stopped to stop the progress of the game without performing the game. Even in such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the game from continuing if the main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a are not connected in the middle of the game and the payout of the game ball stops. , It can avoid giving a disadvantage to the player.

It is a front view which shows the game machine by said each Example. It is a rear view which shows the combination type game machine of each said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic control apparatus of the said 1st Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of CPU of the main control part of each said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the payout control board of each said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the launch control board of each said Example. It is a circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure of the launch control part of each said Example. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship between the ball | bowl feed permission signal in the launch control part of each said Example, and a reference | standard clock signal. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the sound lamp control board of each said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the symbol control board of each said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the power supply path | route of the main control part of the said 1st Example, and the payout control part. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic control apparatus of the said 2nd Example. It is a block diagram which shows the power supply path | route of the main control part of the said 2nd Example, and the payout control part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 20 ... Game board, 200 ... Main control part, 230 ... Discharge control part, 250 ... Launch control part, 260 ... Sound lamp control part, 280 ... Symbol control part, 400 ... CPU, 451 ... Power supply monitoring circuit .

Claims (3)

A main control means for controlling the progress of the game;
The main control means is connected by a signal line, and includes a payout control means for controlling payout of a game ball based on a control signal transmitted from the main control means via the signal line,
Power is supplied from the payout control means to the main control means,
The main control means includes power supply monitoring means for detecting a power supply state from the payout control means, and the payout control is based on the power supply state from the payout control means detected by the power supply monitoring means. A gaming machine characterized by diagnosing a connection state of the signal line with a means. 2. The game according to claim 1, wherein the main control means includes backup means for backing up information relating to the progress of the game when it is diagnosed that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply state from the payout control means. Machine. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main control means is configured to control the launch of a game ball.

Images