JP2006212297A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pachinko game machine which facilitates the control for driving the stepping motors. <P>SOLUTION: When the command is outptted to a sub administrative board 111 from the main control board 101, the magnetic excitation data of the stepping motor is outputted serially from the sub administrative board 111 synchronizing the transfer clock to a shift register connected in a daisy chain to a lamp drive board 112. Led by the input of the latch signal, the shift register latches the magnetic excitation data synchronizing the timer interrupt for 2 ms of the sub administrative board 111 and outputs the magnetic excitation signal as the parallel data. The timing of outputting the magnetic excitation signal should be synchronous with the timer interrupt for 2 ms of the sub administrative board 111. Even when a plurality of stepping motors is in operation, the daisy chain connection enables the shift register to serially output the magnetic excitation data continuously, thereby facilitating the control for driving the stepping motors. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine.

Conventionally, in Patent Document 1, for example, when a control signal is output from a sub-control board to a driver board, a control method using a serial method is used to reduce the number of signal lines connecting between the sub-control board and the driver board. A gaming machine having a structure has been proposed. In this control structure, a control signal is output from the sub-control board to the driver board by a serial method. This driver board controls a two-phase excitation motor by converting a control signal into a parallel signal.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-210797 (FIG. 1)

  By the way, the system clock of the CPU mounted on the control board for controlling the pachinko gaming machine is several tens of megahertz, and the execution unit time of one instruction is on the order of several tens of nanometers. On the other hand, in the case where the movable body provided in the center role of the pachinko gaming machine is driven by the stepping motor, the driving speed of the stepping motor is from the viewpoint of making the movable body feel fun when viewed from the player, Instead of moving at high speed, the drive pulse, that is, the step pulse, is switched in units of several millimeters. As described above, the unit time for driving the stepping motor is significantly different from the execution unit time of the CPU to be controlled. Therefore, time management is difficult even when the stepping motor is driven in a parallel system. In the case where the stepping motor is driven by the serial method, the drive pulse is serialized once, and this is converted into parallel and supplied to the stepping motor, so that time management becomes more difficult. Furthermore, if multiple stepping motors are driven and controlled in a serial manner, the time management becomes more and more complicated, and accurate drive pulses are given at appropriate times to move them individually or simultaneously to the intended position smoothly and accurately. Is not easy. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances in serial type drive control, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pachinko gaming machine that can easily perform drive control of a stepping motor. is there.

  Effective solutions for achieving the above-described object will be described below. In addition, the effect | action etc. are demonstrated as needed.

(Solution 1)
A pachinko gaming machine comprising a main control board, a sub-integrated board, a drive board, and a plurality of stepping motors, wherein the main control board outputs a command to the sub-integrated board based on the progress of the game, The sub-integrated board outputs a control signal to the driving board based on a command from the main control board, and the driving board drives the plurality of stepping motors based on the control signal from the sub-integrated board. The drive signal is output, and has a shift register that can be daisy chained to receive serial data and convert it into parallel data, and the control signal includes a transfer clock, drive data, and a latch signal. The data is serial data serially output to the shift register based on the transfer clock, and the shift The register latches serial data and outputs a drive signal which is a parallel signal in response to the input of the latch signal in synchronization with a periodic timer interrupt executed in the sub-integrated board. Gaming machine.

  In the present embodiment, the main control board 101 in FIG. 14 corresponds to the main control board, the sub-integrated board 112 in FIG. 15 corresponds to the sub-integrated board, the lamp driving board 112 in FIG. 15 corresponds to the driving board, 15 stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 correspond to stepping motors, step S60 of the timer interrupt processing in FIG. 20 corresponds to a periodic timer interrupt, and the transfer clock SM-CLK in FIG. 15 corresponds to a transfer clock. 28, the first excitation data and the second excitation data correspond to drive data, the latch signal SM-LAT in FIG. 15 corresponds to a latch signal, and the shift registers 112h and 112i in FIG. 15 correspond to shift registers. , Excitation signals SM1-1 to SM1-4, SM2-1 to SM2-4, SM3-1 to SM3-4, SM4-1 to SM4-4 in FIG. Corresponds to the driving signal.

  This pachinko gaming machine includes a main control board, a sub-integrated board, a drive board, and a plurality of stepping motors. The main control board outputs a command to the sub-integrated board based on the progress of the game. The sub integrated board to which this command is input outputs a control signal to the driving board based on the command. The drive board to which this control signal is input outputs a drive signal for driving a plurality of stepping motors based on the control signal. The drive board also has a shift register that can be connected in a daisy chain, and receives serial data and converts it into parallel data. The control signal includes a transfer clock, drive data, and a latch signal. This drive data is serial data that is serially output to the shift register based on the transfer clock. The shift register latches the serial data and outputs a drive signal which is a parallel signal in response to the input of the latch signal in synchronization with the periodic timer interrupt executed in the sub-integrated board. For this reason, the timing which outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor can synchronize with a periodic timer interruption. When the number of stepping motors increases, the shift register can be expanded by daisy chain connection, and the increased stepping motor drive data can also be serially output to the shift register. Therefore, the drive control of the stepping motor can be easily performed.

(Solution 2)
The pachinko gaming machine according to Solution 1, wherein the plurality of stepping motors are four-phase stepping motors, the shift register is configured by 8 bits, and 4 bits of the 8 bits are the 4-phase stepping motors. A pachinko gaming machine that outputs the drive signal to each phase.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, each of the plurality of stepping motors is a four-phase stepping motor, and the shift register is composed of 8 bits, that is, 1 byte. Of these 8 bits, 4 bits may output a drive signal to each phase of the 4-phase stepping motor. In this way, the drive signals for the two four-phase stepping motors can be output by one shift register. Further, by setting the drive data in units of bytes, the sub-integrated board only needs to serially output the drive data by the number of shift registers connected in a daisy chain, and the serial output can be easily controlled. Further, since two 4-phase stepping motors can be grouped for each byte, a program is easy to create and understand.

(Solution 3)
The pachinko gaming machine according to Solution 2, wherein the sub-integrated board includes a microprocessor that includes a serial I / O and generates the periodic timer interrupt, and the microprocessor is connected to the main control board. A pachinko gaming machine that serially outputs the transfer clock and the drive data synchronized with the transfer clock to the shift register based on a command, and outputs the latch signal to the shift register at each periodic timer interrupt.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 in FIG. 14 corresponds to a microprocessor.

  In the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention, the microprocessor included in the sub-integrated board serially outputs a transfer clock and drive data synchronized with the transfer clock to the shift register based on a command from the main control board. It is preferable to output a latch signal to the shift register each time a periodic timer interrupt is generated. In this way, the serial I / O built in the microprocessor can generate a transfer clock from the input control clock and serially output drive data synchronized with the transfer clock. When drive data is set in the serial I / O transmission buffer register, the drive data is automatically transferred from the transmission buffer register to the serial I / O transmission register, and the drive data in the transmission register is serially output. Is done. Therefore, by using a microprocessor with a built-in serial I / O, it is sufficient to control only serial output permission, and control of serial output becomes easy. Even if the serial I / O transfer clock is set at a high speed and the drive data is serially output, the shift register can follow the high speed operation and can follow up. In addition, the timing of outputting the drive signal to each phase of the stepping motor, that is, the accuracy of the step pulse is required. Therefore, by setting the periodic timer interrupt generated by the microprocessor to the time interval of the step pulse, an accurate step can be obtained. Pulses can be easily obtained, and stepping motor drive control can be easily performed.

(Solution 4)
The pachinko gaming machine according to any one of Solution 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of stepping motors have a DC drive power supply, a DC common power supply supplied to the main control board, the sub-integrated board, and the drive board. A power supply IC provided on the main control board, the sub-integrated board, and the drive board and generating a DC control power source by stepping down the DC common power source, wherein the sub-integrated board includes the transfer clock, the drive A sub-side level converter unit that converts data and the latch signal into a DC common voltage supplied from the DC common power supply that is higher than a DC control voltage generated by the power supply IC provided on the sub-integrated substrate; The transfer clock, the drive data and the latch signal converted by the sub-side level converter unit are provided on the drive board. A drive-side level converter that converts the DC-controlled voltage generated by the IC into a drive-side level converter, and the shift register receives a pachinko that receives the transfer clock, the drive data, and the latch signal converted by the drive-side level converter. Gaming machine.

  In the present embodiment, the motor power supply (not shown) corresponds to the DC drive power supply, the reference voltage Vstd of the sub integrated substrate 111 and the lamp drive substrate 112 in FIG. 15 corresponds to the DC control voltage of the sub integrated substrate and the drive substrate, and FIG. Common voltage Vcom corresponds to a DC common voltage, a power supply IC (not shown) corresponds to a power supply IC, a level converter 111e in FIG. 15 corresponds to a sub-side level converter unit, and a level converter 112e in FIG. It corresponds to the part.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the DC drive power supply supplies the drive voltage to the stepping motor, the DC common power supply supplies the DC common voltage to the main control board, the sub-integrated board and the drive board, the power supply IC is the main control board, Provided on the sub-integrated board and the drive board, the DC common power supply is stepped down and the DC control voltage is supplied from the DC control power supply. The sub-side level converter provided in the sub-integrated board converts the transfer clock, drive data, and latch signal into a DC common voltage that is higher than the DC control voltage of the sub-integrated board. The drive-side level converter provided in the drive board to which the converted transfer clock, drive data, and latch signal are input converts the transfer clock, drive data, and latch signal into a DC control voltage of the drive board, and this conversion is performed. The transfer board, the drive data, and the latch signal may be input to the shift register by the drive substrate. In serial transfer, the higher the transfer clock is set, that is, the higher the transfer speed is set, between the connection between the sub-level converter unit and the drive-side level converter unit, that is, between the sub-integrated board and the drive board. The width is close to the noise width and is susceptible to noise. Due to the influence of this noise, the normal drive data transferred serially may be received as different drive data. Therefore, noise between the substrates can be enhanced by converting the voltages of the transfer clock, drive data, and latch signal into a DC common voltage that is higher than the DC control voltage of the sub-integrated substrate and the drive substrate. Therefore, the influence of noise between the substrates can be suppressed without providing the drive substrate with a noise filter (for example, EMI filter) for removing noise.

(Solution 5)
The pachinko gaming machine according to Solution 4, wherein the drive board includes a pull-up resistor that raises the transfer clock, the drive data, and the latch signal between the board and the sub-integrated board to the DC common voltage, The sub-side level converter unit is an open collector output, and the drive-side level converter unit receives a pachinko gaming machine to which the output of the sub-side level converter unit pulled up to the DC common voltage by the pull-up resistor is input .

In the present embodiment, the pull-up resistor 112 _{r12 in} FIG. 15 corresponds to the pull-up resistor.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the output of the sub-side level converter unit is an open collector output, and the output of the sub-side level converter unit is pulled up to a DC common voltage by a pull-up resistor provided on the driving substrate, and the transfer clock, drive It is preferable that the data and the latch signal are input to the drive side level converter unit. In this way, since the output of the sub-side level converter unit is an open collector output, noise generated between the sub-integrated substrate and the drive substrate is blocked on the output side of the sub-side level converter unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent noise from entering the sub-integrated substrate.

(Solution 6)
The pachinko gaming machine according to Solution 4 or 5, wherein the drive board receives the transfer clock, the drive data, and the latch signal converted by the drive-side level converter unit, and the waveform of the electrical signal. A pachinko gaming machine comprising a Schmitt trigger unit for shaping, wherein the shift register receives the transfer clock, the drive data, and the latch signal shaped by the Schmitt trigger unit.

  In this embodiment, the Schmitt trigger part 112f of FIG. 15 corresponds to the Schmitt trigger part.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the Schmitt trigger section provided on the drive board receives the transfer clock, drive data, and latch signal converted by the drive side level converter section, and shapes the waveform of the electrical signal. The shift register may be configured to receive the shaped transfer clock, drive data, and latch signal. In this way, even if the waveform is disturbed due to the influence of noise or transmission rounding between the substrates, the disturbed waveform is shaped by the Schmitt trigger unit. Therefore, a transfer clock, drive data, and latch signal having a stable waveform can be transmitted to the shift register.

(Solution 7)
The pachinko gaming machine according to any one of Solution 1 to 6, wherein the transfer clock is less than 500 kHz.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the transfer clock is preferably less than 500 kHz. When the electric signal is affected by noise, it has been experimentally obtained that the influence time of the noise falls within about 1 μs.

(Solution 8)
The pachinko gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 7, wherein a plurality of movable bodies respectively driven by the plurality of stepping motors, a reference portion provided on each of the plurality of movable bodies, and the reference Detecting means for detecting each part at a predetermined time and failure determining means for determining whether or not the plurality of movable bodies are defective, wherein the defect determining means does not detect the reference part by the detecting means A pachinko gaming machine that sometimes determines that a failure has occurred, but determines that no failure has occurred when all the reference portions are detected.

  In this embodiment, the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 correspond to a plurality of movable bodies, and from the main control board 101 to the sub integrated board. Each time the variation number of the variation display pattern in FIG. 16 is transmitted as a command to 111, this corresponds to a predetermined time. Corresponds to the detecting means, step S200 of the character body (Franken) abnormality determination process of FIG. 34, step S220 of the character body (Dracula) abnormality determination process of FIG. 35, and the step of the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality determination process of FIG. S240, character body (wolf man) abnormality determination process of FIG. Step S260 corresponds to the fault determination process.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the plurality of movable bodies are each driven by a stepping motor. Each movable body is provided with a reference portion, and the reference portion is detected at a predetermined time by the detecting means. At this time, the failure determination means may determine that a failure has occurred when the detection means does not detect the reference portion, and determines that no failure has occurred when all the detection portions have been detected. The stepping motor has excellent controllability in starting, stopping, and positioning, and can make the movable body have a complex movement with a large effect. Moreover, since the reference | standard part of a movable body is each detected, the malfunction of a movable body can be grasped | ascertained based on this detection.

(Solution 9)
The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 8, further comprising drive data clear means for clearing drive data of the plurality of stepping motors, wherein the drive data clear means is at least one of the plurality of movable bodies by the failure determination means. A pachinko gaming machine that clears all of the drive data of the plurality of stepping motors when it is determined that one has a problem.

  In this embodiment, step S142 of the abnormal excitation data clear process in FIG. 29 corresponds to the drive data clear means.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, when it is determined by the failure determination means that at least one of the plurality of movable bodies has a failure, the drive data clearing means clears all the drive data of the plurality of stepping motors. May be. In this way, even if at least one of the movable bodies has a malfunction, all the movable bodies do not operate, so that the malfunction of the movable body can be promptly notified to the player or the game hall operator.

(Solution 10)
The pachinko gaming machine according to Solution 8, further comprising drive data clearing means for clearing drive data of the plurality of stepping motors, wherein the drive data clearing means has a defect in the plurality of movable bodies by the failure determination means. A pachinko gaming machine that clears drive data of a stepping motor that drives a movable body in which the malfunction occurs when it is determined that the problem has occurred.

  In the present embodiment, step S282, step S286, and step S290 of the abnormal excitation data clear process in FIG. 42 correspond to the drive data clear unit.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, when it is determined by the defect determining means that a plurality of movable bodies have a defect, the drive data clearing means drives the driving data of the stepping motor that drives the movable body in which the defect has occurred May be cleared. By doing so, at least a normal movable body operates, and thus it is possible to prevent a player from detracting from the game motivation. Moreover, since the movable body in which the malfunction has occurred does not operate where the movable body operates if it is normal, it is possible to notify the player or the game hall operator of which movable body has the malfunction.

(Solution 11)
The pachinko gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 8 to 10, wherein when the reference means enters the detection area from outside the detection area in the detection area of the detection means, the reference part A pachinko gaming machine that includes history information creating means for creating history information in which the defect is detected, wherein the defect determination means determines defects of the plurality of movable bodies based on the history information created by the history information creation means.

  In the present embodiment, the history of the photosensor 150n detecting the edge of the reference plate 150m, the history of the photosensor 153n detecting the edge of the reference plate 153m, the history of the photosensor 152n detecting the edge of the reference plate 152m, the photosensor 154n. The history of detecting the edge of the reference plate 154m corresponds to the history information creation means, step S206 of the character body (Franken) abnormality determination process of FIG. 34, step S226 of the character body (Dracula) abnormality determination process of FIG. Step S246 of 36 shielding member (dracula) abnormality determination processing and step S266 of character body (wolf man) abnormality determination processing of FIG. 37 correspond to defect determination means.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the history information creating means creates the history when the reference portion is detected as history information when the reference portion enters the detection area from outside the detection area of the detection means. The defect determination means may determine a defect of the movable body based on the history information. In this way, erroneous detection due to noise can be prevented.

(Solution 12)
The pachinko gaming machine according to any one of solution means 8 to 11, wherein the reference portion is slightly larger than the detection area of the detection means.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the reference portion may be slightly larger than the detection area of the detection means. By doing so, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection due to fine movement due to play of the mechanical mechanism constituting the movable body.

(Solution means 13)
The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising fine adjustment means for moving the reference portion as a fine adjustment by a predetermined amount, wherein the fine adjustment means has history information created by the history creation means being predetermined. When the above condition is satisfied, a pachinko gaming machine that moves the reference portion by a predetermined amount as a fine adjustment.

  In this embodiment, step S208 of the character body (Franken) abnormality determination process of FIG. 34, step S228 of the character body (Dracula) abnormality determination process of FIG. 35, step S248 of the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality determination process of FIG. Step S268 of the character body (wolf man) abnormality determination process in FIG. 37 corresponds to fine adjustment means, and when the photosensor 150n detects the edge of the reference plate 150m three times in succession, the photosensor 153n detects the edge of the reference plate 153m. Is detected three times, when the photo sensor 152n detects the edge of the reference plate 152m three times, and when the photo sensor 154n detects the edge of the reference plate 154m three times corresponds to the predetermined condition. To do.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, when the history information created by the history creating means satisfies a predetermined condition, the fine adjustment means may move the position of the reference portion by a predetermined amount for fine adjustment. In this way, for example, when the detection means continuously detects the reference portion three times as a predetermined condition, the reference portion has entered the detection region of the detection means, and only a predetermined amount is used as a fine adjustment. By further moving the reference portion, the reference portion can surely enter the detection area. Further, even if the reference portion is finely moved due to mechanical play of the structural members constituting the movable body, it remains in the detection region, so that the reference portion of the movable body can be reliably detected. Furthermore, the reference portion of the movable body can be detected even under the influence of disturbance such as vibration caused by the operation of another movable body.

(Solution 14)
The pachinko gaming machine according to any one of solution means 8 to 13, wherein the detection means detects the reference portion at a predetermined position.

  In the present embodiment, the original position corresponds to a predetermined position.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the detection means may detect the reference portion of the movable body at a predetermined position. By doing so, the detection position of the detection means is fixed at a predetermined position, so that the operating state of the movable body can be grasped on the basis of the predetermined position.

(Solution 15)
The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 14, further comprising return means for returning reference portions of the plurality of movable bodies to the predetermined position, wherein the return means is not detected at the predetermined position by the detection means. A pachinko gaming machine that returns a reference portion of a movable body that is not detected to the predetermined position when there is a reference portion of the movable body.

  In this embodiment, the original position return process (Franken), the original position return process (character body (Dracula)), the original position return process (shielding member (Dracula)), and the original position restoration process (Wolf man) correspond to the return means. To do.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, when the reference part of the movable body is not detected by the detection means at the original position, the movable body in which the reference part of the movable body is not detected by the return means may be returned to the original position. In this way, the reference portions of all the movable bodies are in their original positions, and become the reference positions for the operation of the movable bodies. Then, the movable body can be operated based on this original position. Further, even when the operation of the movable body stops halfway, the operation of the movable body can be repeated by returning the reference portion of the movable body to the original position by the return means.

(Solution 16)
The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 15, wherein the returning means stops stopping returning the non-detectable movable body to the predetermined position when there is a movable body in which the reference portion is not detected within the time limit from the detecting means.

  In the present embodiment, N1 step period of step S210 of the character body (Franken) abnormality determination process, N2 step period of Step S230 of the character body (Franken) abnormality determination process, and N3 of Step S250 of the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality determination process. The step period, the N4 step period of step S270 of the character body (wolf man) abnormality determination process corresponds to the time limit.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, when the reference part of the movable body is not detected by the detection means within the time limit, the return to the original position by the return means may be stopped. For example, when the reference unit is not detected by the detection means due to some trouble, it is assumed that the reference unit of the movable body is not in the original position even though the reference unit of the movable body is actually in the original position. It is returned to the original position. Eventually, the movable body may be damaged due to contact with or interference with other structural members. For this reason, breakage of the movable body can be prevented by providing the time limit.

(Solution 17)
The pachinko gaming machine according to any one of solving means 14 to 16, wherein the predetermined position is a respective original position serving as a reference for operating the plurality of movable bodies.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the predetermined position may be a respective original position serving as a reference for operating the movable body. For example, if the original position is set to the standby position of the movable body, the standby position is set when the movable body is in the original position, which is preferable for grasping the operation state of the movable body.

(Solution 18)
The pachinko gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 17, wherein each of the plurality of stepping motors includes an encoder.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the stepping motor may include an encoder. In this way, the encoder detects the amount of rotation accurately. Therefore, if the stepping motor is equipped with an encoder, the load torque temporarily increases as the stepping motor starts up (at the start of rotation). By feeding back the detection signal of the encoder, the stepping motor can be rotated accurately.

(Solution 19)
The pachinko gaming machine according to Solution 1 to 18, wherein the plurality of stepping motors are not excited when stopped.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the plurality of stepping motors may not be excited when stopped. By so doing, heat generation of the stepping motor can be suppressed. At this time, the stepping motor is free of torque and rotates freely. For example, when a mechanical mechanism is provided that uses the weight of the movable body to fix the movable body, Since it is not necessary to excite the stepping motor, power consumption can be reduced.

(Solution 20)
The pachinko gaming machine according to any one of solution means 8 to 19, wherein the detection means is a photosensor.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the detection means may be a photo sensor. In this way, for example, in a transmissive photosensor, both elements face each other so that light from the light emitting element strikes the light receiving element, and is there a light shielding material between the light receiving element and the light emitting element? Detect whether or not. And it is used for position detection, an optical switch, etc., and an optical system is simple and low-cost. Moreover, if it is a light-shielding object, it can detect irrespective of a color, it is easy to attach and detection accuracy is also high.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention, the drive control of the stepping motor can be easily performed.

Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the pachinko machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine 1 with the main body frame and the front frame opened.
[1. Configuration of pachinko machine]

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 1 includes an outer frame 2, a main body frame 3, a game board 4, a front frame 5, and the like. The outer frame 2 is formed in a vertically rectangular frame shape by upper, lower, left and right frame members, and has a lower plate 6 that receives the lower surface of the main body frame 3 at the lower front side of the outer frame 2. A main body frame 3 is attached to the front side of the outer frame 2 by a hinge mechanism 7 so as to be opened and closed forward. The main body frame 3 is formed by integrally molding the front frame body 8, the game board mounting frame 9, and the mechanism mounting frame 10 with a synthetic resin material. The front frame 8 formed on the front side of the main body frame 3 is formed in a rectangular frame shape having a size corresponding to the outer shape excluding the support plate 6 on the front side of the outer frame 2.

  A game board 4 is attached to the game board mounting frame 9 integrally formed at the rear part of the front frame body 8 so as to be detachable and replaceable from the front. A guide rail 11 having an outer rail and an inner rail is provided on the board surface (front surface) of the game board 4, and a game area 12 is defined inside the guide rail 11. A low-frequency speaker 14 is mounted via a speaker mounting plate 13 near one side of the front lower portion of the front frame 8 positioned below the game board mounting frame 9. A launch rail 15 that guides a game ball toward the launch path of the game board 4 is attached to the upper portion in the lower region of the front surface of the front frame 8 in an inclined manner. On the other hand, a lower front member 16 is attached to a lower portion in the lower area of the front surface of the front frame body 8. A lower pan 17 is provided substantially at the center of the front surface of the lower front member 16, and an operation handle 18 is provided closer to one side.

  A function of locking the main body frame 3 with respect to the outer frame 2 is provided on the rear surface of the main body frame 3 (front frame body 8) opposite to the side where the hinge mechanism 7 is provided. A locking device 19 having a function of locking the front frame 5 is attached. The locking device 19 includes a plurality of upper and lower body frame locking hooks 21 that are detachably engaged with a closing tool 20 provided on the outer frame 2 to lock the main body frame 3 in a closed state, and an open side of the front frame 5. There are provided a plurality of upper and lower door locking hooks 23 that are detachably engaged with a closing tool 22 provided on the rear surface and lock the front frame 5 in a closed state. Then, the key is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 24 and rotated in one direction, so that the engagement between the main body frame locking hook 21 and the closing tool 20 of the outer frame 2 is released, and the main body frame 3 is released. When the key is locked and the key is rotated in the opposite direction, the engagement between the door locking hook 23 and the closing tool 22 of the front frame 5 is released, and the front frame 5 is unlocked. ing. The front end of the cylinder lock 24 is exposed to the front surface of the lower front member 16 through the front frame body 8 and the lower front member 16 so that the unlocking operation can be performed by inserting a key from the front of the pachinko machine 1. Are arranged.

  A front frame 5 is attached to one side of the front surface of the main body frame 3 by a hinge mechanism 25 so as to be opened and closed forward. The front frame 5 includes a door body frame 26, a side decoration device 27, an upper plate 28, and an acoustic illumination device 29. The door main body frame 26 is formed of a pressed metal frame member, and is formed to have a size that covers a portion extending from the upper end of the front frame body 8 to the upper edge of the lower front member 16. A substantially circular opening window 30 through which the game area 12 of the game board 4 can be seen through from the front is formed at substantially the center of the door body frame 26. Further, a window frame 31 having a rectangular frame shape larger than the opening window 30 is provided on the rear side of the door body frame 26, and a transparent plate 32 is attached to the window frame 31.

On the front side of the door main body frame 26, around the opening window 30, side decoration devices 27 are mounted on the left and right sides, an upper plate 28 is mounted on the lower portion, and an acoustic decoration device 29 is mounted on the upper portion. The side decoration device 27 is mainly configured by a side decoration body 33 in which a lamp substrate is disposed and formed of a synthetic resin material. A plurality of slit-like opening holes that are long in the horizontal direction are arranged in the side decoration body 33 in the vertical direction, and a lens 34 corresponding to a light source disposed on the lamp substrate is incorporated in the opening hole. The acoustic illumination device 29 includes a transparent cover body 35, a speaker 36, a speaker cover 37, a reflector body (not shown), and the like, and these constituent members are assembled together to form a unit.
[2. Components of the game board]

  Next, various components provided in the game area 12 partitioned on the game board 4 will be described. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board 4.

  An effect device 40 is disposed in the central portion of the game area 12. The stage device 40 includes a special symbol display 41 that variably displays a special symbol by lighting a plurality of light emitters (for example, four LEDs 176), and a plurality of types of three symbols including left, middle, and right symbols. The liquid crystal display 116 (only the reference numeral is shown in FIG. 14) that displays the decorative symbols in a variable manner and displays various effects in the display area 42 and lighting of a plurality of light emitters (for example, four LEDs 182) set predetermined conditions. A special symbol memory lamp 54 for displaying the number of memories (starting memory number) that has been established (the game ball has won a prize at the start winning opening 45 and the electric start winning opening 46), but the variation of the special symbol has not yet started, and a special symbol The display 41, the liquid crystal display 116, and the special figure memory lamp 54 are provided with a front decorative plate 43 for attaching to the surface of the game board 4 (game area 12). Further, effect lamps 44 a and 44 b are attached to the upper right portion of the effect device 40. These effect lamps 44a and 44b perform lighting display in accordance with the effect display by the display area 42.

  Below the stage device 40, there are provided a start winning opening 45 and an electric start winning opening 46 having a pair of opening and closing blades 47 below the starting winning opening 45. When the display result of the normal symbol display 50 is “winning”, the opening / closing blade 47 has a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds in normal state (hereinafter referred to as “s”), In the probability fluctuation state, control is performed so that it is released for 3 s). It should be noted that a game ball from above can be won in the start winning opening 45, and the upper part of the electric start winning opening 46 is blocked by the start winning opening 45, and a game ball cannot win if the open / close wing 47 is closed. It is in a state. For this reason, when the opening / closing wing 47 is in the open state, the game ball can be won.

  Further, the game balls won in the start winning opening 45 and the electric start winning opening 46 are detected by a start opening sensor 55 (only the reference numeral is shown in FIG. 14), and based on this detection (a predetermined condition is established), a special symbol display In 41, a special symbol variation display (decorative symbol variation display in the display area 42) is permitted. When the game ball is won at the start winning port 45 and the electric start winning port 46 and the game ball is detected by the start port sensor 55, the display result of the special symbol on the special symbol display 41 is hit (specific display mode). The jackpot determination random number for determining whether or not In addition, the jackpot determination random number extracted based on the fact that the game ball has won the start winning opening 45 or the electric start winning opening 46 and is detected by the start opening sensor 55 during the change of the special symbol is a predetermined number (for example, 4), and the stored number (starting stored number) is displayed by lighting a special-purpose memory lamp 54 composed of a plurality of light emitters (for example, four LEDs 182). The special figure memory lamp 54 is arranged on the right side of the game area 12.

  On the left side of the game area 12, a normal symbol display 50 is provided for variably displaying normal symbols by lighting and blinking of light emitters (for example, LEDs). Also, a probability variation state lamp 51 that is turned on or off (in this embodiment, lighted in the probability variation state) is attached below the normal symbol display 50 depending on whether or not the gaming state is a probability variation state. Yes. Also, below the normal symbol display 50, a left gate having a gate switch 53a and a right gate having a gate switch 53b are provided. When the game ball is detected by the gate switch 53a or the gate switch 53b based on the passing of the game ball through the left gate or the right gate, the normal symbol display on the normal symbol display 50 is started. That is, the normal symbol display on the normal symbol display 50 is permitted in accordance with the detection of the game ball by the gate switch 53a and the gate switch 53b. When a game ball is detected by the gate switch 53a and the gate switch 53b, a normal random per symbol determination for determining whether or not the normal symbol display result on the normal symbol display 50 is a win is extracted. Further, the random numbers per normal symbol extracted based on the fact that the game ball passes through the left gate or the right gate during the normal symbol change and is detected by the gate switches 53a and 53b are a predetermined number (for example, four). ), And the stored number is displayed by turning on the general memory lamp 56 composed of a plurality of light emitters (for example, four LEDs). The general memory lamp 56 is arranged on the left side of the game area 12.

Below the electric start winning opening 46, a large winning opening device 60 having an open / close plate 62 for opening and closing a horizontally long rectangular winning opening 61 is disposed. The special prize opening device 60 includes a solenoid 63 that serves as a driving source for opening and closing the special prize opening 61 (opening / closing plate 62), and a count sensor 64 (both of which are indicated only by reference numerals in FIG. 14). At the bottom of the game area 12 below the big prize opening device 60, there is provided an out port 48 through which the game balls that have flown down the game area 12 and have not won any prize winning devices or winning devices are taken in. Yes. Four winning ports 66 a to 66 d are provided on the left and right sides of the starting winning port 45, the electric starting winning port 46 and the large winning port device 60. In addition, an electric decoration lamp 49 (only the reference numeral is shown in FIG. 14) is attached to the game area 12 so that lighting and blinking are controlled in accordance with the game state.
[3. Game]

  Next, the game realized by various winning devices provided on the game board 4 will be described. When the player operates the operation handle 18, a game ball is launched by a launching device (not shown) provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The game ball is discharged along the guide rail 11 to the game area 12 and flows down while colliding with a obstacle nail or the like. When the game ball flows down, when the passage of the game ball is detected by the gate sensor 53a or 53b, the normal symbol is displayed on the normal symbol display device 50 in a fluctuating manner (the illuminant is alternately lit in green and red), When the predetermined time elapses, the normal symbol stops, and when the stopped normal symbol is “hit” (the light-emitting body is turned off in green), the opening / closing blade 47 of the electric start winning opening 46 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 s). Is done. On the other hand, the open / close wing 47 is not opened when the stopped normal symbol is “losing” (the illuminant is turned off in red), but a game ball can be won at the start winning opening 45.

Subsequently, when a game ball wins in the start winning opening 45 or the electric start winning opening 46, the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display 41. At this time, the decorative symbols are variably displayed in the display area 42 of the liquid crystal display 116. When the predetermined time elapses, the special symbol and the decorative symbol are stopped. When the stopped special symbol is in a specific display mode (a combination of lighting by a plurality of light emitters that are big hits: jackpot symbol), the stopped decorative symbol is also specified. It becomes a display mode (combination of the same decorative symbols: jackpot symbol), and it becomes a jackpot gaming state. In this big hit gaming state, the open / close plate 62 of the grand prize opening device 60 falls forward and the state where the big prize opening 61 is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) is won continues. Thereafter, the special winning opening 61 is closed by the standing of the opening / closing plate 62. Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 2 s) elapses, the opening / closing plate 62 falls again to the near side, and the special winning opening 61 is opened. This open / close cycle (hereinafter also referred to as round “R”) is repeated 15 times. Note that game balls that have not entered various winning devices or the like are collected by the out port 48.
[4. Production equipment]

  Next, the rendering device will be described. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the gaming board 4 as being disassembled into components. However, since only the components necessary for the explanation are taken up here, the illustration of some components is omitted as appropriate.

The effect device of the present embodiment is composed of two units that are divided forward and backward with the game board 4a interposed therebetween. Specifically, the front unit 140 is located on the front side of the game board 4a, and the front unit 140 is attached to the game board 4a from the front side. Conversely, the rear unit 142 is located on the back side of the game board 4a, and the rear unit 142 is attached to the game board 4a from the back side.
[4-1. Through hole]

In the game board 4a, a through hole 144 is formed by punching the plywood material in the thickness direction. The through hole 144 is greatly opened from the center of the game area 12 to a slightly higher range, and the opening shape substantially matches the outer shape of the front unit 140.
[4-2. Insertion connection]

  The front unit 140 is formed in such a shape that the second half portion (connecting insertion portion) facing the game board 4a is completely fitted into the through hole 144 when viewed in the front-rear direction. This part is attached to the game board 4a in a state of being fitted in the through hole 144. In the rear half of the front unit 140, the thickness of the front half in the front-rear direction is set to be almost the same as the thickness of the game board 4a. For this reason, when the front unit 140 is attached to the game board 4a, the half part thereafter is flush with the back surface of the game board 4a (so-called flush state).

  Further, the front unit 140 is formed with a boss 140a that protrudes rearward from the second half portion (insertion connecting portion). A total of three bosses 140a are formed at the upper position of the front unit 140 and two at the lower position (only one is shown in FIG. 4), all of which are game boards through the through holes 144. When inserted from the front side of 4a, it protrudes further rearward from the back side of game board 4a.

On the other hand, with the front unit 140 attached to the game board 4a, the front half of the front unit 140 protrudes to the front side of the game board 4a. The thickness of the front half portion is set to be substantially the same as, for example, the guide rail 11 or the front decorative plate 43 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, when the front unit 140 is attached to the game board 4a, the front half of the front unit 140 projects forward from the board surface within the game area 12, thereby guiding or guiding the flow of the game ball.
[4-3. Mounting surface]

  On the other hand, the rear unit 142 on the back side is formed in a substantially flat front surface facing the back surface of the game board 4a, and is attached to the game board 4a with the flat front surface as an attachment surface 142a. When the rear unit 142 is attached to the game board 4a, the attachment surface 142a is in close contact with the back surface of the game board 4a (however, a gap due to manufacturing error or distortion is allowed).

  Further, although the mounting surface 142a is not fitted into the through hole 144, a part of the mounting surface 142a is in a positional relationship facing the through hole 144. That is, when the rear unit 142 is mounted to the game board 4a, the mounting surface 142a Partially protrudes inside the through hole 144 and is exposed to the front side of the game board 4a through the through hole 144. However, since the exposed portion is covered with the front unit 140, it is not directly visible to the player.

Further, the rear unit 142 has three boss holes 142b corresponding to the bosses 140a of the front unit 140. When the front unit 140 and the rear unit 142 are attached to the game board 4a from the front and rear, The three bosses 140a reach the rear unit 142 through the through holes 144 and are respectively inserted into the corresponding boss holes 142b. In this state, the front unit 140 and the rear unit 142 are positioned relative to each other.
[4-4. Display unit]

Although not shown in FIG. 4, a display unit is further attached to the game board 4 from behind the rear unit 142. The display unit is configured as a unit in which the liquid crystal display 116 and the lamp driving substrate 113 are integrated, and plays a role of displaying a stunning image on the screen. When the game board 4 is completed, the screen of the display unit can be viewed from the front side through the through hole 144.
[4-5. Direction area]

  FIG. 5 is a front view of the front unit 140 and the rear unit 142, showing the front unit 140 and the rear unit 142 connected to each other. The front unit 140 plays a role of giving a player a certain visual effect and impact from the modeling and decoration applied to the outer surface thereof. In addition, such modeling and decoration of the front unit 140, coupled with the design of the decorative sheet (cell board) attached to the front surface of the game board 4a, clearly recognizes the model or game concept of the pachinko machine 1 to the player. Has the effect of making At the same time, in the present embodiment, the front unit 140 is attached at a substantially central position of the game area 12, thereby forming an effect area where an effect operation is performed. In this embodiment, in this effect area, for example, a light emission effect by turning on or blinking an LED, an image display effect by a liquid crystal display, an operation effect by a movable accessory, and the like are performed.

Further, a central portion of the front unit 140 and the rear unit 142 is opened in a rectangular shape so that the display unit can be visually recognized, and a display area 42 is formed in the opening portion. In the display area 42, a dramatic image display is performed by the liquid crystal display 116.
[5. Front unit]

  The overall appearance of the front unit 140 is formed with a “monster house” as a motif. The “monster house” here is a building where the characters (comic characters imitating imaginary monsters) that appear in the story of creation are the residence, and the appearance is Western-style brick It has become. When the front unit 140 is regarded as a “monster house”, the roof decoration portion 140b corresponding to the roof has a shape that widens toward the left and right. In addition, the roof decoration portion 140b serves to distribute the game balls flowing down from above the game area 12 to the left and right (so-called armor cover).

  A comical character body (monster) 140c is arranged immediately below the roof decoration portion 140b on the left side. The character body (monster) 140c corresponds to the character who becomes the master of the “monster house” in the above story, and is visually designed to imitate a human boy. In terms of design, this character body (monster) 140c looks like a wall that penetrates from the attic and looks into both face and both hands.

  Further, the center of the roof decoration portion 140b swells in a dome roof shape, and a window decoration portion 140d imitating a “roof window” is disposed immediately below the roof decoration portion 140b. The window decoration portion 140d can be easily recognized as a window in appearance by adopting transparent parts. Further, an LED 140l is mounted on an LED board (not shown) at the back of the window decoration portion 140d. Therefore, in the window decoration portion 140d, a light emission effect is performed by turning on or blinking the LED 140l. The LED board is built in the front unit 140. In the present embodiment, the window decoration portion 140d and the LED 140l function as an effect lamp 44a (see FIG. 3).

  Another spherical guiding member 140e is attached to the front side of the window decoration portion 140d so as to obliquely close the “roof window”. The ball guiding member 140e is arranged so as to be braided together with the other decorative member 140f on the front side of the window decorative portion 140d. Each of the ball guide member 140e and the decorative member 140f has a three-dimensional pattern with a wood grain on the front surface.

  The left and right side edges of the front unit 140 extend downward so as to surround both sides of the display area 42, and the right edge of the front unit 140 is wider than the left edge. The roof decoration portion 140b extends from the upper portion of the front unit 140 to the left and right side edges, so that the outer edges of the left and right side edges are outside the game area by the roof decoration portion 140b. 12 (not shown in FIG. 5).

  A wall decoration body 140g is attached to the right edge of the front unit 140 along the inside of the roof decoration portion 140b. Further, another wall decoration body 140h is attached to the right edge portion from the upper edge to the right edge of the display area 42, and there is a fixed space between the wall decoration body 140h and the previous wall decoration body 140g. A gap is secured. These wall decorations 140g and 140h are each formed into a shape in which bricks are stacked, and the atmosphere as a “monster house” is created by the formation of these wall decorations 140g and 140h.

On the other hand, a window decoration portion 141 is formed on the left edge of the front unit 140 so as to be located inside the roof decoration portion 140b. The window decoration portion 141 is a decoration as a “light window” leading to the interior of the “monster house”.
[5-1. Sphere guide passage]

  On the right edge of the front unit 140, a sphere guide passage 148 is formed in the space between the wall decorations 140g and 140h. The ball guide passage 148 extends downward from the upper side of the display area 42 so as to bypass the right side, and is opened toward the game area 12 below. During the game by the pachinko machine 1, the game ball that has flowed down from above the front unit 140 is guided by the ball guide member 140e and sent into the ball guide passage 148.

  A wall surface member 140 i is attached to the right edge of the front unit 140 at a position behind the ball guide passage 148 as viewed from the front side. The wall member 140i is light transmissive by employing transparent parts (plate-like members), and an LED 140m is mounted on an LED substrate (not shown) at a position behind the wall member 140i. For this reason, in the ball | bowl guide path 148, the light emission effect by lighting or blinking of LED140m is performed like said window decoration part 140d. In the present embodiment, the wall surface member 140i and the LED 140m function as an effect lamp 44b (see FIG. 3).

  Although not shown in detail in FIG. 5, the wall surface member 140i has a light diffusion lens cut (for example, prism cut, diamond cut, etc.) on the back surface thereof. On the other hand, the front surface of the wall surface member 140i is processed into a shape having visual uniformity with the surface shape of the wall decorations 140g and 140h. Specifically, since the wall decorations 140g and 140h have a shape in which bricks are stacked, protrusions simulating each brick are also formed on the front surface of the wall surface member 140i.

The shape or function of the ball guide passage 148 will be described later.
[5-2. Ball stage]

  A ball receiving stage 140j is formed at the lower edge of the front unit 140. In the present embodiment, not only the front unit 140 but also a ball receiving stage 142c is formed at the lower edge of the rear unit 142, and both the ball receiving stages are combined in a state where the front unit 140 and the rear unit 142 are combined. 140j and 142c are integrated. The ball receiving stages 140j and 142c are divided into upper, middle, and lower three stages. Of these, the upper and middle ball receiving stages 142c are formed in the rear unit 142, and the lower ball receiving stage 140j is formed in the front unit 140. ing. Among these, the upper ball receiving stage 142c is located at the innermost position, and the position is lowered in this order from the middle ball receiving stage 142c to the lower ball receiving stage 140j.

  In relation to the ball receiving stages 142c and 140j, the rear unit 142 is formed with a guide passage 142d. The guide passage 142d is lowered from the center position of the upper and middle ball receiving stages 142c, and the front side. It bends and extends. Further, the front unit 140 is formed with a discharge port 140k of the guide passage 142d at the center position of the lower edge thereof.

The functions of the ball receiving stages 142c and 140j and the guide passage 142d are almost the same as those known in the art. That is, the ball receiving stages 142c and 140j roll the game ball by swinging left and right on its upper surface, The destination is unpredictable. In this process, the game ball falls to the lower stage or is inserted into the guide passage 142d, so that the game is interesting due to the movement of the game ball in the meantime. When the game ball is inserted into the guide passage 142d, the game ball is discharged right below from the lower discharge port 140k, so that it becomes easy to win the start winning port 45 and the electric start winning port 46 (see FIG. 3).
[5-3. Release passage]

Although not shown in detail in FIG. 5, a warp passage is formed in the front unit 140 in relation to the ball receiving stages 142c and 140j. The warp passages are respectively formed on the left and right side edges of the front unit 140, and both play a role of guiding the game ball to the ball receiving stage 142c. In this embodiment, the form and arrangement of the warp passage are different on the left and right, and the specific form, arrangement, etc. will be described later.
[6. Rear unit]

  FIG. 6 is a front view showing the rear unit 142 alone. Unlike the front unit 140, most of the rear unit 142 is hidden behind the game board 4a. However, since the part of the ball receiving stage 142c and the part surrounding the display area 42 are exposed on the front side and directly touch the player's eyes, the decoration is applied to the same as the front unit 40. Has been.

  First, a decoration member 142e is disposed above the upper ball receiving stage 142c and at the back of the ball receiving stage 142c. The decoration member 142e extends to the left and right so as to define the lower edge of the display area 42. . In addition, the decorative member 142e is formed into a shape in which bricks are arranged in a horizontal row, so that the decoration and the visual unity of the front unit 140 are maintained. The decorative member 142e is divided into left and right portions with the guide passage 142d.

  In addition, a decoration member 142f is also disposed on the left portion of the upper edge of the display area 42. The decorative member 142f is also formed into a shape in which bricks are arranged in a horizontal row when viewed from the front, but is further formed into a shape in which bricks are arranged in the depth direction.

With respect to the other periphery of the display area 42, the same decoration (decoration simulating the arrangement of bricks) is applied to the right position of the decoration member 142f, and the same decoration is applied to the right edge. On the other hand, the left edge of the display area 42 is slightly different from the others and is decorated like a wooden door. Such a decoration of the rear unit 142 is not so conspicuous because it is located just behind the front unit 140 when viewed from the front, but the player changes the direction and angle of the line of sight to change the display area 42. If the periphery is looked into, the decoration of the rear unit 142 is clearly visible. The decoration of the rear unit 142 will be described later.
[6-1. Operating mechanism]

  Next, an operation mechanism that is a central element in the rear unit 142 will be described.

  As shown by a broken line in FIG. 6, the rear unit 142 has built-in performance action bodies that can appear and disappear in the display area 42, that is, character bodies 150, 152, and 154. These character bodies 150, 152, and 154 are accommodated in the periphery of the display area 42 in a state of being located at the back (inside of the rear unit 142) from the above-described attachment surface 142a. It moves from the position toward the display area 42 and appears on the front side of the display screen.

The rear unit 142 is provided with three cover members 142g at positions corresponding to the mounting surface 142a. The cover member 142g is made of a transparent (or translucent) resin plate having a thin wall thickness (for example, about 2 mm), and the mounting surface 142a is formed from the front surface of these cover members 142g. In FIG. 6, the outer shapes of the character bodies 150, 152, and 154 are indicated by broken lines. However, since the cover member 142g has transparency, the character bodies 150, 152, and 154 (and their attached mechanisms) are actually used. It is visible through the front side.
[6-2. Directed action body]

  FIG. 7 is a front view showing a state in which the cover member 142 g is removed from the rear unit 142. The three character bodies 150, 152, and 154 are arranged so as to surround the display area 42, and one character body 150, 152, and 154 are positioned above, on the right side, and on the left side, respectively.

Each of the character bodies 150, 152, and 154 is designed in a different form. These character bodies 150, 152, and 154 all resemble some kind of “monster” appearing in a famous mysterious novel, but are visually designed to be deformed. The character body (Franken) 150 located on the right side of the display area 42 is imitating a “Frankenstein monster”, but it feels as if it is missing somewhere from its expression. The character body (Dracula) 152 located above the display area 42 is similar to the “Vampire Dracula”, but has an impression that it seems somewhat weak from the face. The character body 154 located on the left side of the display area 42 is similar to a “wolf man (man who transforms from a human figure into a wolf)”. Although not shown in detail in FIG. 7, the expression of the character body (wolf man) 154 is mascot-like caress.
[6-3. Standby storage unit]

  The rear unit 142 is formed with accommodating portions 156, 158, and 160 (standby accommodating portions) corresponding to the three character bodies 150, 152, and 154, respectively. The storage unit 156 is provided with a photo sensor 150n, the storage unit 158 is provided with photo sensors 152n and 153n, and the storage unit 160 is provided with a photo sensor 154n. The rear unit 142 has a structure that is entirely covered with the casing 162, and the three accommodating portions 156, 158, and 160 are in a state of being partitioned and formed inside the casing 162.

  The casing 162 has a substantially rectangular outer shape. The front surface of the casing 162 is largely open, but the back surface is closed by a back wall 162a. The outer edge of the casing 162 is surrounded by a side wall 162b, and the side wall 162b is formed so as to rise from the peripheral edge of the back wall 162a to the front surface side. And said accommodating part 156,158,160 is formed inside the side wall 162b in the space before this back wall 162a.

In the accommodating portions 156, 158, and 160, the side ends adjacent to the display area 42 are the entrances and exits of the character bodies 150, 152, and 154. The character bodies 150, 152, and 154 can be displaced between a state (standby position) accommodated in the accommodation units 156, 158, and 160 and a state (appearance position) that appears on the front side of the display screen. At this time, the character bodies 150, 152, and 154 enter and exit through the entrances and exits. When the character bodies 150, 152, and 154 are accommodated in the accommodating portions 156, 158, and 160, respectively, and are in the standby positions (hereinafter referred to as “original positions”), they are detected by the photosensors 150, 153n, and 154n. . The photosensor 152n detects the original position of a shielding member 166 described later.
[6-4. Shielding member]

  The rear unit 142 is attached to the back side of the game board 4a, and the front unit 140 is attached to the front side of the game unit 4a. When it is in the state, it is hidden behind the front unit 140 and the game board 4a and is not visible from the front.

  Further, in this embodiment, the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the character body (Wolf man) 154 corresponding to the shielding member (Franken) 164, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, the shielding member (Wolf). Male) 168 is provided, and these shielding members 164, 166, and 168 serve to block the exposure of the inside of the accommodating portions 156, 158, and 160 through the display region 42 from the front side. Therefore, as indicated by the solid line in FIG. 7, when the character bodies 150, 152, 154 are accommodated in the accommodating portions 156, 158, 160, they are accommodated by the corresponding shielding members 164, 166, 168, respectively. The entrances and exits of the portions 156, 158, and 160 are closed.

  On the other hand, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Can be opened. In this state, the character bodies 150, 152, and 154 can appear on the front side of the display area 42.

  At this time, with respect to the character bodies 150 and 152 on the right side and the upper side of the display area 42, the respective shielding members 164 and 166 are rotated along the front surface of the display screen around one end portion, thereby opening the doorway. . Further, with respect to the character body 154 on the left side of the display area 42, the entrance / exit is opened by the shielding member 168 pivoting toward the display screen about the vertical axis.

In addition, the shielding members 164, 166, and 168 are provided with a decoration that is consistent with the decoration on the outer surface of the front unit 140. For example, the shielding members 164 and 166 positioned on the right side and the upper side of the display area 42 are decorated in the same manner as the decorative member 142f, in the form of a brick arrangement. On the other hand, the shielding member 168 located on the left side of the display area 42 is decorated like a wooden door as described above.
[6-5. Operating range]

  In the present embodiment, the three character bodies 150, 152, and 154 perform the appearing and appearing operations in the display area 42. However, the respective operation ranges are designed not to interfere with each other, or in control. An operation that does not interfere is performed. For example, the character body (wolf man) 154 on the left side of the display area 42 moves linearly to the right from the left end of the display area 42, but the motion range A1 at this time is the other two character bodies. It is designed not to overlap with the operation range A2 of 150 and 152.

Regarding the character bodies 150 and 152 located on the right side and the upper side of the display area 42, there is a design overlap in the operation range in which the respective shielding members 164 and 166 rotate. However, these character bodies 150 and 152 are controlled so that their movement ranges (angles) B1 and B2 do not interfere with each other during actual movement.
[6-6. Example of operation mechanism configuration]

Next, the details of the operation mechanism that operates the character bodies 150, 152, and 154 and the shielding members 164, 166, and 168 will be described.
[6-6-1. Character body (Franken)]

  FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the character body (Franken) 150 and the shielding member (Franken) 164, specifically showing the operation mechanism. The motion mechanism including the character body (Franken) 150 and the shielding member (Franken) 164 is unitized in a state of being housed in a box-shaped mechanism box 150a. The mechanism box 150a is housed in the rear unit 142 as a whole unit, and the housing portion 156 is formed inside the mechanism box 150a in this state.

  The character body (Franken) 150 is composed of a combination of three movable parts, and specifically includes a head part 150b, a left arm part 150c, and a right arm part 150d. These parts 150b, 150c, and 150d are pin-bonded to each other to form a link mechanism, and each corresponds to a section of the link mechanism. In addition, an elevating slider 150e is accommodated in the mechanism box 150a, and this elevating slider 150e also constitutes one action mechanism together with the character body (franken) 150. The elevating slider 150e is supported so as to be movable up and down in the mechanism box 150a.

  The head part 150b of the character body (Franken) 150 is supported by the mechanism box 150a via a fulcrum 150f at a portion corresponding to the chest of the “monster”. A lever 150g extends obliquely downward from this portion, and the head part 150b and the lift slider 150e are joined to each other via the lever 150g.

  The left arm part 150c and the right arm part 150d of the character body (Franken) 150 are connected to each other at a portion corresponding to the base of the arm. These left arm part 150c and right arm part 150d operate as a unit on the mechanism without relatively moving. However, the head part 150b is located between the right arm part 150d and the left arm part 150c when viewed in the front-rear direction, and these are housed in the mechanism box 150a so as to overlap in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, an appropriate clearance is secured between the head part 150b, the left arm part 150c, and the right arm part 150d. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the character body (Franken) 150 has a thickness as a whole (which is structurally different from a movable accessory having only one thin plate).

  Although not shown in FIG. 8, the head part 150b is pin-bonded to the left arm part 150c and the right arm part 150d at a portion corresponding to the back of the “monster”. On the other hand, the right arm part 150d is pin-bonded to the shielding member 164 at a portion corresponding to the palm. As a result, a continuous mechanism from the elevating slider 150e to the shielding member (franken) 164 via the head part 150b and the right arm part 150d is configured. As a result, the character body (Franken) 150 as a whole has a thickness as well as a two-dimensional visual effect due to a single action, like a movable object having only one thin plate. A visual effect is obtained as if the body (Franken) 150 is displayed three-dimensionally and the image displayed in the display area 42 on the rear side of the character body (Franken) 150 is also given depth.

As shown in FIG. 8B, a stepping motor 150h is attached to the back side of the mechanism box 150a. The character body (franken) 150 and the shielding member 164 can operate using the stepping motor 150h as a drive source.
[6-6-2. Open hole]

In the mechanism box 150a, an open hole 150j is formed in the right side wall 150i as seen in FIG. The opening hole 150j opens the space inside the mechanism box 150a to the right side, and can ensure the visibility to the inside. Since the casing 162 of the rear unit 142 is also entirely formed of transparent resin, the inside of the mechanism box 152a can be seen through the opening hole 150j even when the mechanism box 152a is accommodated in the casing 162. ing.
[6-6-3. Example of operation]

  FIG. 9 is an operation example of the character body (Franken) 150 and the shielding member (Franken) 164. The lifting slider 150e is lifted and lowered by power from the stepping motor 150h. The power from the stepping motor 150h is a rack in which a pinion 150r attached to the output shaft is formed on the lifting slider 150e. Power is transmitted to the elevating slider 150e by giving a rotational motion to 150s.

  The raising / lowering operation of the raising / lowering slider 150e is transmitted to the head part 150b via the lever 150g. When the elevating slider 150e is raised, the lever 150g is pulled up accordingly, and thereby the head part 150b rotates around the fulcrum 150f. By the rotation of the head part 150b at this time, a movement in which the character body (Franken) 150, which is just a “monster”, protrudes the head forward is realized. As shown in FIG. 9, an engaging groove 150k is formed at the lower end of the elevating slider 150e, and the elevating slider 150e and the head part 150b are joined via the engaging groove 150k. A character plate (Franken) reference plate 150m is formed on the elevating slider 150e below the engagement groove 150k, and the character plate (Franken) reference plate 150m is in the recess of the photosensor 150n. It becomes the original position (see FIG. 8A). The size of the reference plate 150m is about twice that of the concave portion of the photosensor 150n.

  When the head part 150b is further rotated, the movement is transmitted to the left arm part 150c and the right arm part 150d, and the right arm part 150d is connected to the shielding member (Franken) 164 as a connecting node. As a result, the shielding member (franken) 164 is displaced obliquely from the initial posture (hanging state), thereby realizing an operation as if the shielding member (franken) 164 was pushed up in the upper left direction. At this time, the left arm part 150c and the right arm part 150d work as articulated joints having no fixed fulcrum, so the left arm part 150c and the right arm part 150d move in the upper left direction according to the movement of the shielding member (Franken) 164 and the head part 150b. Will be moved to.

As a result, when the action mechanism is viewed as a whole, the character body (Franken) 150, which is a “monster”, pushes the shielding member (Franken) 164 with both hands, and a stunning operation is realized as if the face is sticking out of it. Will be. In addition, since the shielding member 164 is decorated to resemble a brick wall, the “monster” has its monster power from the movement of the character body (Franken) 150 at this time, and the “monster house” A visual effect is obtained as if the brick wall was forcibly pushed up.
[6-6-4. Character body (Dracula)]

  FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the character body (Dracula) 152 and the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and specifically shows the operation mechanism. An operation mechanism including a character body (Dracula) 152 and a shielding member (Dracula) 166 is also unitized in a state of being housed in a box-shaped mechanism box 152a. Similarly, the mechanism box 152a is housed in the rear unit 142 as a whole unit, and the housing portion 158 is formed inside the mechanism box 152a in this state.

  The character body (Dracula) 152 is a single component, and a two-system link mechanism is provided in the mechanism box 152a. Of these, one system is for rotating (or swinging) the character body (Dracula) 152 and the shielding member (Dracula) 166 as a whole, and the other system is for shielding the character body (Dracula) 152. This is for sliding in the longitudinal direction of the member (Dracula) 166.

  Of the two link mechanisms, the first one (second link mechanism) includes the main part 152b (swing member) in addition to the main part 152b formed integrally with the shielding member (dracula) 166. In addition, a lever 152c for rotating (or swinging) the character body (Dracula) 152 is included. The main part 152b is supported by the mechanism box 152a via a fulcrum 152d, and can swing in the left-right direction around the fulcrum 152d.

  One lever 152c is swingably supported by the mechanism box 152a via a fulcrum 152e. The end of the lever 152c located on the lower side from the fulcrum 152e is joined to the main part 152b. A guide groove 152i is formed at the end of the lever 152c along its longitudinal direction, and an engagement pin (not shown) that protrudes rearward in the front-rear direction is provided on the main part 152b. The main part 152b is mechanically connected to the lever 152c by inserting the engaging pin into the guide groove 152i.

  A guide groove 152f is formed along the longitudinal direction on the opposite side, that is, on the end portion located on the upper side from the fulcrum 152e, and the tip of the crank 152g is inserted into the guide groove 152f. . The crank 152g is connected to the output shaft of the stepping motor 152h, and can be rotated or rotated by its power.

  The remaining one system (first link mechanism) includes a connecting rod 153a connected to the character body (Dracula) 152 and a lever 153b connected to the connecting rod 153a. The character body (Dracula) 152 is designed in a posture as if “Vampire Dracula” is flying in the sky, and the connecting rod 153a is pinned backward in the flight direction of the character body (Dracula) 152. It is joined.

  On the other hand, the character body (Dracula) 152 is slidably supported with respect to another main part 152b. For this reason, a guide groove 153c is formed along the longitudinal direction of the main part 152b. An engagement pin (not shown) is formed behind the character body (Dracula) 152 as viewed from the front side, and this engagement pin is in a state of being inserted into the guide groove 153c.

The lever 153b is also formed with a guide groove 153d along the longitudinal direction thereof, and the tip of the crank 153e is inserted into the guide groove 153d. The crank 153e is connected to the output shaft of the stepping motor 153f, and can be rotated or rotated by its power.
[6-6-5. Visibility]

As for the character body (Dracula) 152, the entire mechanism box 152a is formed of transparent parts. For this reason, the two-link mechanism has an advantage that the state can be easily confirmed from various directions around the link mechanism.
[6-6-6. Example of operation]

  FIG. 11 shows an operation example of the character body (Dracula) 152 and the shielding member (Dracula) 166. First, for one system of link mechanism (second link mechanism), the lever 152c is moved in one direction (FIG. 11) when the crank 152g is rotated in one direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11) by the power of the stepping motor 152h. 11 (clockwise direction). As the lever 152c rotates, the main part 152b rotates in one direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 11), and therefore, one end portion of the character body (Dracula) 152 and the shielding member (Dracula) 166 (FIG. 11). Then the right end part) rotates downward. Further, a reference plate 152m of a shielding member (dracula) 166 is formed on the lower right side of the main part 152b, and a state where the reference plate 152m of the shielding member (dracula) is housed in a recess of the photosensor 152n is the original position. (See FIG. 10A). The size of the reference plate 152m is about twice that of the concave portion of the photosensor 152n.

  With respect to the remaining one-system link mechanism (first link mechanism), the lever 153b moves in one direction (by turning the crank 153e in one direction (clockwise in FIG. 11) by the power of the stepping motor 153f. It rotates in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. When the lever 153b is rotated, the connecting rod 153a is pushed in one direction (left direction in FIG. 11), so that the character body (Dracula) 152 is moved along the main part 152b in the tip direction (in FIG. 11). Will slide to the lower left). Further, a reference plate 153m of the character body (Dracula) 152 is formed on the right side of the lever 153b connected to the connecting rod 153a, and the reference plate 153m of the character body (Dracula) is in the recess of the photosensor 153n. Is the original position (see FIG. 10A). The size of the reference plate 153m is about twice that of the concave portion of the photosensor 153n.

  As a result, when the movement mechanism is viewed as a whole, the character body (Dracula) 152 as the “Vampire Dracula” appears together with the shielding member (Dracula) 166 so as to hang down from the back of the ceiling of the “Monster House”, and remains as it is. The production operation as if drifting is realized. Since the image of “Vampire Dracula = Bat” is generally established, the aspect in which the character body (Dracula) 152 imitating “Vampire Dracula” appears from the ceiling as in this embodiment is It is easy for everyone to accept it.

As is apparent from the above description, of the two types of link mechanisms, the link mechanism (first link mechanism) for sliding the character body (Dracula) 152 is a mechanism element including the stepping motor 153f. It is understood that the whole is mounted on a separate link mechanism (second link mechanism). Further, in the present embodiment, the character body (dracula) 152 is located at the left end with the fulcrum 152d of the main part 152b as the center, and the stepping motor 153f is located at the right end on the opposite side. . For this reason, when the main part 152b swings, the character body (Dracula) 152 and the stepping motor 153f are balanced in balance, and the stable swing is realized. In particular, the mass of the stepping motor 153f also acts as a counterweight when the character body 152 attempts to return from the state in which the character body 152 is displaced downward to the inside of the housing portion 158, so that excessive torque is required to swing the main part 152b. There is an advantage of not.
[6-6-7. Character body (wolf man)]

  FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the character body (wolf man) 154 and the shielding member (wolf man) 168, specifically showing the operation mechanism. Similarly to the above, the operation mechanism including the character body (wolf man) 154 and the shielding member (wolf man) 168 is also unitized in a state of being housed in the box-shaped mechanism box 154a. The mechanism box 154a is accommodated in the rear unit 142 as a whole unit, and the accommodation portion 160 is formed inside the mechanism box 154a in this state.

  The character body (wolf man) 154 is composed of a combination of two movable parts, and specifically includes a main body part 154b and a left arm part 154c. In the mechanism box 154a, a slide block 154d and a push / pull rod 154e are disposed as other mechanism elements. Of these, the slide block 154d extends vertically in the mechanism box 154a, and upper and lower ends thereof are supported so as to be slidable in the lateral direction with respect to the mechanism box 154a. Correspondingly, two guide grooves 154f are formed in the mechanism box 154a, and these guide grooves 154f extend in the lateral direction while being kept parallel to each other.

  One push-pull rod 154e extends in the horizontal direction (rightward in FIG. 12) with the base end fixed to the slide block 154d, and the tip of the push-pull rod 154e reaches slightly outside the mechanism box 154a.

  The body part 54b of the character body (wolf man) 154 is fixed to one side end (right side end in FIG. 12) of the slide block 154d. Therefore, the movement of the character body (wolf man) 154 in the lateral direction is basically realized by the sliding motion of the slide block 154d. On the other hand, the left arm part 154c is in a state where the left arm part 154c is pin-bonded to the main body part 154b and moves relative to the main body part 154b.

  Further, the upper and lower ends of the shielding member (wolf man) 168 are rotatably supported by the mechanism box 154a. As already described, the shield member (wolf man) 168 is decorated with a wooden door, and its movement is the same as that when the door is opened and closed. Two engaging pieces 168a and 168b for engaging with the push-pull rod 154e are formed at the upper end of the shielding member (wolf man) 168. The engaging pieces 168a and 168b It is located above the decorative member 142f. The engagement pieces 168a and 168b extend in the horizontal direction from the rotation shaft of the shielding member (wolf man) 168. When the mechanism box 154a is viewed from directly above, the two engagement pieces 168a and 168b are just V-shaped. It is arranged to open.

On the other hand, engagement protrusions 154g and 154h are formed at the tip end portion (right end portion in FIG. 12) of the push / pull rod 154e corresponding to the engagement pieces 168a and 168b. As shown in FIG. 12, in a state where the character body (wolf man) 154 is housed in the housing portion 160, the two engagement protrusions 154g and 154h are positioned between the two engagement pieces 168a and 168b. Is in a state. In this state, the engaging protrusion 154h located on the inner side of the accommodating portion 160 (leftward in FIG. 12) abuts on the engaging piece 168b of the shielding member (wolf man) 168, and thereby the shielding member (wolf man) 168 Holds posture. At this time, the shielding member (wolf man) 168 is in a state in which the entrance / exit of the housing portion 160 is closed, thereby hiding the presence of the character body (wolf man) 154 located in the housing portion 160.
[6-6-8. Open hole]

In the mechanism box 154a, an open hole 154j is formed in the left side wall 154i as viewed in FIG. The opening hole 154j can open the space inside the mechanism box 154a to the left side and ensure the visibility to the inside.
[6-6-9. Example of operation]

  FIG. 13 shows an operation example of the character body (wolf man) 154 and the shielding member (wolf man) 168. The slide block 154d is slid by power from the stepping motor 155, and the power from the stepping motor 155 is transmitted to the slide block 154d through the crank 155a and the lever 155b. Therefore, the lower end portion of the lever 155b is pin-joined to the mechanism box 154a, while the upper end portion of the lever 155b is slider-joined to the slide block 154d. A guide groove 155c extending in the vertical direction is formed in the slide block 154d, and a pin 155d that fits into the guide groove 155c is formed at the upper end portion of the corresponding lever 155b. The lever 155b is also formed with a guide groove 155e along its longitudinal direction, and the leading end of the crank 155a is inserted into the guide groove 155e. In addition, a character body (wolf man) reference plate 154m is formed on the slide block 154d above the guide groove 155c, and the character body (wolf man) reference plate 154m is in the recess of the photosensor 154n. Is the original position (see FIG. 12A). The size of the reference plate 154m is approximately twice as large as the concave portion of the photosensor 154n.

  For this reason, when the crank 155a is rotated in one direction (clockwise in FIG. 13A) by the power of the stepping motor 155, the lever 155e is moved in one direction (clockwise in FIG. 13A). Rotate. When the lever 155e is rotated, the slide block 154d is pushed in one direction (rightward in FIG. 13A), so that the character body (wolf man) 154 is moved outwardly from the housing portion 160 (FIG. 13A). ) Slide right).

  In conjunction with such sliding of the slide block 154d, the push / pull rod 154e also slides in one direction (rightward in FIG. 13A). Then, since the engagement protrusion 154g located at the head in the sliding direction pushes the engagement piece 168a of the shielding member (wolf man) 168, the shielding member (wolf man) 168 is rotated around the axis.

  The main body part 154b of the character body (wolf man) 154 simply slides in one direction (rightward in FIG. 13A) in accordance with the slide operation of the slide block 154d, but the left arm part 154c slides. The movement that rotates with the movement is added.

  For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 13B, a lever 155f is attached to the back of the left arm part 154c. The slider is joined to the mechanism box 154a. A guide groove 155g is further formed in the mechanism box 154a, and a slide pin 155h that fits into the guide groove 155g is provided at one end of the lever 155f. The guide groove 155g extends horizontally in the mechanism box 154a from one side end (left side end in FIG. 13A) toward the other side end, and is bent obliquely upward in the middle. Therefore, in a state where the character body (wolf man) 154 and the shielding member (wolf man) 168 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 160 (FIG. 12), the slide block 154d is moved in one direction (FIG. 13 (a)). When the slide movement of the slide block 154d reaches the final stage, the slide pin 155h is moved to the guide groove 155g. It is gradually displaced upward as it is guided by the bent portion. Thereby, the movement of turning so that the tip of the lever 155f, that is, the tip of the left arm part 154c is lowered, is realized.

Looking at the above movement as a whole of the motion mechanism, the character body (wolf man) 154 that is a “monster” vigorously pushes out the shielding member (wolf man) 168 that is a “wooden door” and suddenly jumps out of the room. A stage-like production operation is realized. Conversely, when the character body (Dracula) 152 is retracted into the room, the shielding member (wolf man) 168 that is the “wooden door” is closed accordingly, and a natural presentation operation is realized as if the room was shielded. The
[7. Main board and peripheral board]

Next, the main substrate 100 and the peripheral substrate 110 provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. 14 is a block diagram showing the main board 100 and the peripheral board 110, and FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the lamp driving board 112. As shown in FIG.
[7-1. Main board]

As shown in FIG. 14, the main board 100 includes a main control board 101 and a payout control board 102.
[7-2. Main control board]

As shown in FIG. 14, the main control board 101 is configured around a CPU 101a, and includes a ROM 101b for storing various processing programs and various commands, and a RAM 101c for temporarily storing data. Detection signals from the gate sensors 53a and 53b, the start port sensor 55, and the count sensor 64 are input to the main control board 101. On the other hand, the main control board 101 outputs drive signals to the solenoid 63, the special symbol display 41, the normal symbol display 50, the special symbol storage lamp 54, and the general symbol storage lamp 56 based on the detection signal. Various commands are serially output between the main control board 101 and the payout control board 102. Various commands are output in parallel from the main control board 101 to the sub integrated board 111 between the main control board 101 and the sub integrated board 111. The main control board 101 is supplied with a stable common voltage Vcom (for example, 12 V) by a power supply device (not shown), and is a control voltage of the main control board 101 that is stepped down from the common voltage Vcom by a power supply IC (not shown). A reference voltage Vstd (for example, 5V) is generated.
[7-3. Dispensing control board]

As shown in FIG. 14, the payout control board 103 includes a CPU 102a, a ROM 102b, and a RAM 102c. The payout control board 102 controls the payout apparatus 102 based on various commands serially output from the main control board 101. For example, when the payout control board 102 receives a command for driving the payout apparatus 103 (discharge motor) serially output from the main control board 101, the payout control board 102 outputs a drive signal to the payout apparatus 103 (discharge motor) based on the command. . As a result, the payout device 103 pays out a game ball or a rental ball.
[7-4. Peripheral board]

As shown in FIG. 14, the peripheral board 110 includes a sub-integrated board 111, a lamp driving board 112, a liquid crystal control board 113, and a waveform control board 114.
[7-5. Sub-integrated board]

  As shown in FIG. 14, the sub integrated substrate 111 includes a CPU 111a, a ROM 111b, and a RAM 111c. The CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 is a 16-bit microprocessor, and its control clock is 16 megahertz. As shown in FIG. 15, this microprocessor includes an arithmetic processing unit 111aac that performs various arithmetic processing, an output port 111aop that outputs various signals to the outside, an input port 111aip that receives detection signals from the outside, The serial units 111aso and 111aso 'that perform serial output are connected in circuit. Since various data and various signals output from the sub-integrated substrate 111 to the lamp driving substrate 112 are electrical signals, the voltage of the electrical signal is boosted and converted to a common voltage Vcom (for example, 5V to 12V) in order to suppress the influence of noise. The voltage of the detection signals SEN1, SEN2, SEN3, SEN4 from the level converter unit 111e and the photosensors 150n, 153n, 152n, 154n input to the sub integrated substrate 111 via the lamp driving substrate 112 is supplied to the sub integrated substrate 111. A level converter 111f that performs step-down conversion (for example, 12V to 5V) to a reference voltage Vstd that is a control voltage is provided.

Since the level converter unit 111e has an open collector output, the output of the level converter unit 111e is pulled up to a common voltage Vcom (for example, 12V) by a pull-up resistor 112 _r12 provided in the lamp driving substrate 112 described later. On the other hand, in the inter-connection between the level converter portion 111e and the CPU 111a, it is pulled to the reference voltage Vstd sub integrated substrate 111 through a pull-up resistor 111 _r5 (e.g., 5V). Thus, when the CPU 111a outputs a positive logic signal, the logic is inverted by the level converter unit 111e, and becomes negative logic between the sub integrated substrate 111 and the lamp driving substrate 112. Therefore, it becomes low active between the substrates.

In addition, since a level converter unit 112d provided in the lamp driving substrate 112 described later has an open collector output, the output of the level converter unit 112d is pulled up to the common voltage Vcom by the pull-up resistor _111r12 . On the other hand, between the connection between the level converter 111f and the CPU 111a, it is pulled down to the reference voltage Vstd of the sub-integrated substrate 111 via the pull-up resistor 111 _r5 ′. A stable common voltage Vcom is supplied to the sub-integrated board 111 by a power supply device (not shown), and a reference voltage Vstd, which is a control voltage of the sub-integrated board 111, is stepped down from the common voltage Vcom by a power supply IC (not shown). Has been generated.

The CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 has a plurality of output ports (not shown). Various commands are output in parallel to the liquid crystal control board 113 and the waveform control board 114, and a drive signal to the side decoration body 33 is also output. ing. In addition, since various commands and various signals output from the sub-integrated substrate 111 to the liquid crystal control substrate 113 and the waveform control substrate 114 are also electrical signals, the level converter unit (not shown) is used to suppress the influence of noise. The voltage is boosted and converted to a common voltage Vcom (for example, 5V to 12V).
[7-5-1. Arithmetic processing unit]

As shown in FIG. 15, the arithmetic processing unit 111aac sets data to be output to the output port 111aop and data to be serially output to the serial units 111aso and 111aso ', in addition to various arithmetic processes, while the input port 111aip The detection signal input to is read. In addition, signals representing various states are set or read from the serial units 111aso and 111aso ′.
[7-5-2. Serial part (excitation data)]

As shown in FIG. 15, the serial unit 111aso transmits the transmission data from the arithmetic processing unit 111aac and the transmission data transferred from the transmission buffer register 111asb to the excitation data of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155. A transmission register 111asr that outputs serially as SM-DAT, and a transmission control unit 111asc that generates a transfer clock SM-CLK for serial output from the transmission register 111asr and outputs or inputs signals representing the various states described above. Is done. Here, as signals representing various states, a transmission permission bit Te representing a transmission permission state, a transmission buffer empty flag Tb representing whether or not transmission data has been transferred from the transmission buffer register 111asb to the transmission register 111asr, and a transmission There is a transmission register empty flag Tr indicating whether or not all transmission data has been transmitted from the register 111asr. The transmission buffer register 111asb and the transmission register 111asr are registers having a storage capacity of 1 byte (8 bits). The transfer clock SM-CLK and the excitation data SM-DAT are serially output with positive logic.
[7-5-3. Serial part (lamp drive data)]

The serial unit 111aso ′ has the same configuration as the serial unit 111aso described above, and produces a transfer clock PL-CLK and lamp drive data PL-DAT such as gradation data and lighting data as transmission data, which will be described later. Serial output to the lamp driver 112g. The lamp driving data is data for driving the effect lamps 44a and 44b and the decoration lamp 49 connected to the effect lamp driving unit 112g. The transfer clock PL-CLK and the lamp drive data PL-DAT are serially output with positive logic.
[7-5-4. Output port]

As shown in FIG. 15, the output port 111aop is a latch signal PL-LAT for driving effect lamps 44a and 44b connected to an effect lamp drive unit 112g of the lamp drive board 112, which will be described later, and the decoration lamp 49, respectively. The gradation signal mode for performing gradation control is output to the effect lamp driving unit 112g. Further, a latch signal SM-LAT for converting the serially output excitation data into parallel data is output to shift registers 112h and 112i of the lamp driving substrate 112 described later. Note that the latch signals PL-LAT and SM-LAT and the gradation signal mode are output as negative logic.
[7-5-5. Input port]

As shown in FIG. 15, the input port 111aip is a photo sensor 150n for detecting the original positions of the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man), respectively. Detection signals SEN1, SEN2, SEN3, and SEN4 from 153n, 152n, and 154n are input, respectively.
[7-6. Lamp drive board]

  As shown in FIG. 15, the lamp driving board 112 includes an effect lamp driving unit 112g for driving the decoration lamp 49 and the effect lamps 44a and 44b based on the lamp driving data serially output from the sub integrated board 111, and the sub integrated board. 111, serially output stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 for converting the excitation data into parallel data, and parallel data converted by the shift register 112h are input as excitation signals. The drive circuit units 112j and 112k that drive the stepping motors 150h and 153f in response to the signal and the parallel data converted by the shift register 112i are input as excitation signals, and the stepping motor 15 corresponds to the excitation signal. Drive circuit unit 112m for driving h, 155 respectively, and a 112n. In addition, the lamp driving board 112 performs step-down conversion (for example, 12V to 5V) to the reference voltage Vstd, which is a control voltage of the lamp driving board 112, of various data and various signals output from the sub-integrated board 111. 112e, a Schmitt trigger section 112f that shapes the waveform of the electric signal stepped down to the reference voltage Vstd by the level converter section 112e, and detection signals SEN1 from the photosensors 150n, 153n, 152n, and 154n in order to suppress the influence of noise. A level converter unit 112d that performs step-up conversion of the voltages of SEN2, SEN3, and SEN4 to the common voltage Vcom (here, used to maintain, for example, 12V). The photosensors 150n, 153n, 152n, and 154n are transmissive types. The Schmitt trigger unit 112f includes the transfer clock SM-CLK and excitation data SM-DAT serially output from the serial unit 111aso of the sub-integrated substrate 111, the transfer clock PL-CLK and ramp output serially output from the serial unit 111aso ′. The logic with the drive data PL-DAT is maintained, the transfer clock SM-CLK and the excitation data SM-DAT are output to the shift registers 112h and 112i, and the transfer clock PL-CLK and the lamp drive data PL-DAT are output to the effect lamp driver. To 112g. Further, the Schmitt trigger unit 112f inverts the logic of the latch signals SM-LAT and PL-LAT and the gradation signal mode output from the output port 111aop of the sub-integrated board 111, and converts the latch signal SM-LAT to the shift register 112h, The latch signal PL-LAT and the gradation signal mode are output to the effect lamp driving unit 112g.

Here, the connection between the level converter unit 111e and the level converter unit 112e provided in the sub-integrated substrate 111 is pulled up to the common voltage Vcom (for example, 12V) via the pull-up resistor _112r12 . Between the connection of the level converter unit 112e and the Schmitt trigger unit 112f, the output of the level converter unit 112e is pulled down to the reference voltage Vstd (for example, 5 V) of the lamp driving substrate 112 via the pull-up resistor 112 _r5 . As described above, the logic becomes negative between the sub integrated substrate 111 and the lamp driving substrate 112, but the logic is inverted again by the level converter 112e. Therefore, negative logic is obtained between the substrates, and positive logic is obtained in the CPU 111a, the shift registers 112h and 112i, and the effect lamp driving unit 112g of the sub integrated substrate 111. A stable common voltage Vcom is supplied to the lamp driving substrate 112 by a power supply device (not shown), and a reference voltage Vstd, which is a control voltage of the lamp driving substrate 112, is stepped down from the common voltage Vcom by a power supply IC (not shown). Has been generated. Further, motor power (not shown) is supplied to the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155.
[7-6-1. Shift register]

As shown in FIG. 15, the shift registers 112h and 112i are connected in a daisy chain connection, that is, in a daisy chain connection. The excitation data SM-DAT of the stepping motors 152h and 155 serially output from the sub-integrated board 111 is the shift register. It passes through 112h and is shifted to the shift register 112i. On the other hand, the excitation data SM-DAT of the stepping motors 150h and 153f is shifted to the shift register 112h. When the latch signal SM-LAT output from the sub-integrated substrate 111 is input, the excitation data SM-DAT of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, 155 is converted into parallel data. The parallel data is output as an excitation signal to the drive circuit units 112j, 112k, 112m, and 112n. The shift registers 112h and 112i are composed of 8 bits, that is, 1 byte, and can follow high-speed operation.
[7-6-2. Drive circuit section]

As shown in FIG. 15, the drive circuit units 112j, 112k, 112m, and 112n are respectively connected to the phase coils (φ1, φ2, φ3, and the like) of the stepping motor 150h that operates the character body (Franken) 150. Excitation signals SM1-1 to SM4 output from the shift register 112h to switch the excitation current to the phase coils (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ4) of the stepping motor 153f for operating the character body (Dracula) 152. SM1-4, SM2-1 to SM2-4, respectively, while the drive circuit units 112m and 112n are provided with the phase coils (φ1, φ2, φ3, and φ3) of the stepping motor 152h that operates the shielding member (dracula) 166, respectively. φ4) and character body (wolf man) 154 Excitation current switching for each phase coil (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ4) of ping motor 155 is applied to excitation signals SM3-1 to SM3-4, SM4-1 to SM4-4 output from shift register 112i. Based on each. Here, the stepping motor 150h is connected to the mechanism box 150a, and a reference plate 150m of a character body (Franken) is housed in the mechanism box 150a. The stepping motors 153f and 152h are connected to a mechanism box 152a, and a character body (Dracula) reference plate 153m and a shielding member (Dracula) 166 reference plate 152m are housed in the mechanism box 152a. The stepping motor 155 is connected to the mechanism box 154a, and a character body (wolf man) reference plate 154m is housed in the mechanism box 154a.
[7-7. LCD control board]

As shown in FIG. 14, the liquid crystal control board 113 includes a CPU 113a, ROM 113b, RAM 113c, and a VDP (abbreviation of Video Display Processor) (not shown). The liquid crystal control board 113 performs display control of the liquid crystal display 116 based on various commands output from the sub integrated board 111.
[7-8. Waveform control board]

As shown in FIG. 14, the waveform control board 114 includes a ROM 114b and a RAM 114c for storing voice and performance data, and a sound source IC (not shown). The waveform control board 114 controls the sound wave device 115 based on various commands output from the sub-integrated board 111. For example, sound effects are output from the sound wave device 115 in accordance with various effects displayed in the display area 42.
[8. Fluctuation display pattern]

  Next, a variation display pattern table for determining a variation display pattern will be described. FIG. 16 is a table showing an example of a variable display pattern selected on the main control board. This variation display pattern is determined based on the variation display pattern random number that is updated in the main control board 101. This variable display pattern random number is a random number for determining the variable display pattern of the special symbol and the decorative symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 41.

  Here, the “display command” described in FIG. 16 is a 2-byte configuration command transmitted from the main control board 101 to the sub-integrated board 111, and the special symbol display 41 starts the variable symbol variable display. Data for specifying the variation time and reach effect until the special symbol variation display (decorative symbol variation display is started in the display area 42 until the decoration symbol variation display) is stopped. .

  The “normal fluctuation” of the fluctuation number 1 is a fluctuation display pattern without a reach mode. The “shortening variation” of the variation number 2 is that the value of the reserved ball number counter indicating the stored number of jackpot determination random numbers extracted based on the detection by the start port sensor 55 is the upper limit value, the probability variation state, the time reduction state This is a variation display pattern that can be selected when any of the above conditions is satisfied, and is a variation display pattern in which the variation time between the special symbol and the decorative symbol is shorter than the “normal variation”.

  The “normal reach” of the variation numbers 3 and 4 is a variation display pattern that does not perform reach effects such as a super reach effect and a super reach development effect after the reach aspect is formed.

  “Wolf man reach” of variation numbers 5 and 6, “Dracula reach” of variation numbers 11 and 12, and “Franken reach” of variation numbers 17 and 18 are images displayed for each character after the reach form is formed. A variable display pattern that performs super-reach production executed by control (for example, in “Wolf Man Reach”, the production is performed by image display control in which a wolf man in the form of a human being is good at cooking a decorative design) is there. Further, “wolf man reach development” of variation numbers 7 and 8, “dracula reach development” of variation numbers 13 and 14, and “franken reach development” of variation numbers 17 and 18 are executed by image display control of each character. After the super-reach production is performed, in the super-reach development production (for example, “Wolf man reach development”), the wolf man transformed from a human figure to a wolf, and a wolf man in the form of a wolf. However, it is a variable display pattern in which image display is controlled by continuing the effect of dynamically cooking decorative symbols with special dishes.

  “Wolf man reach-monster” with variation numbers 9 and 10, “Dracula reach-monster” with variation numbers 15 and 16, and “Franken reach-monster” with variation numbers 21 and 22 are images of each character. Unlike the super reach development effect corresponding to these characters after performing the super reach production executed by the display control, the variable display pattern is performed by continuing the super reach development production executed by the monster-kun image display control. It is.

  The “spotlight notice” of the variable numbers 23 to 31 is the execution of the super reach effect after performing the notice effect for notifying that the super reach development effect corresponding to each character is performed before the reach mode is formed. This is a variable display pattern for performing a super reach development effect in accordance with a character that has been subjected to image display control with a notice effect. In addition, the “actual reach” of the variation numbers 32 and 33 drives the character bodies 150, 152, and 154 and the shielding members 164, 166, and 168 incorporated in the rear unit 142 described above after the reach form is formed. It is a variable display pattern for performing a reach effect by controlling.

The “full rotation reach” of the fluctuation number 34 is a fluctuation display pattern that can be executed when the big hit determination random number becomes a win value in the big hit determination process described later. The “super-reach branch premier” of the variation number 35 is a variation display pattern that can be executed when the big hit determination random number becomes a win value in the big hit determination processing described later.
[9. Various control processes of main control board]

Various processes of the main control board 101 performed in accordance with the progress of the game of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the start winning process, and FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol process. Each of these processes is repeatedly performed every predetermined time (for example, 4 milliseconds (hereinafter referred to as ms)).
[9-1. Start winning process]

First, when the start winning process is started, the CPU 101a of the main control board 101 determines whether or not the game ball has won the start winning opening 45 and the electric start winning opening 46 as shown in FIG. Step S10). This determination is made based on a winning detection signal from the start port sensor 55. When the detection signal is output, it is determined that there is a winning, and when the detecting signal is not output, it is determined that there is no winning. When a game ball wins the electric start winning opening 46 in step S10, that is, when a detection signal is output from the start opening sensor 55, the reserved ball number counter C stored in the RAM 101c of the main control board 101 has an upper limit value of 4. It is determined whether or not it is less than (step S12), and when the held ball number counter C is less than the upper limit value 4, a hold storage process is performed (step S14), and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when a game ball has not won in the start winning opening 45 and the electric start winning opening 46 in step S10, that is, when a detection signal is output from the start opening sensor 55 or in step S12, the retained ball number counter C is set to the upper limit. When the value is 4 or more, this routine is terminated as it is. This holding storage storing process adds a value of 1 to the holding ball number counter C, and changes the lighting display mode of the special figure storage lamp 54 in accordance with the addition of the holding ball number counter C to determine whether or not it is a big hit. The process of acquiring and storing various random numbers such as a big hit determination random number to be performed, a random number for a winning symbol specifying a special symbol, and a random symbol for a lost symbol specifying a lost symbol is performed.
[9-2. Special design processing]

  Next, when the special symbol process is started, the CPU 101a of the main control board 101 determines whether or not the reserved ball number counter C is 0 as shown in FIG. 18 (step S20). If the reserved ball number counter C is not 0, it is determined whether or not the special symbol and the decorative symbol can be variably displayed (step S22). This determination is made based on whether or not the special symbol and the decorative symbol are variably displayed. When the special symbol and the decorative symbol can be variably displayed in step S22, a hold memory transfer process is performed (step S24). In this reserved memory transfer process, a value of 1 is subtracted from the reserved ball number counter C, and various random numbers stored in the storage area of the RAM 101c of the main control board 101 are shifted for each storage area.

  Subsequently, special symbol variation processing is performed (step S26). This special symbol variation process is a big hit determination process for determining whether or not a big hit is determined based on the big hit determination random number acquired in the pending storage storage process in step S14, and a variation for setting each variation display pattern of the big hit, reach, and loss. Display pattern setting processing, variation control processing for controlling variation between the special symbol and the decorative symbol based on the variation display pattern, and timer setting processing for setting the variation time in the variation timer are performed. On the other hand, when the reserved ball number counter C is 0 in step S20, the special symbol changing process is performed when the special symbol and the decorative symbol cannot be variably displayed in step S22 or after step S26 (step S26). S28). In the special symbol variation processing, the variation time set in the variation timer is monitored, and when the variation timer expires, a special symbol and a decorative symbol to be stopped are set.

Subsequently, an information transmission process is performed (step S30). This information transmission process performs a process of outputting a command related to the variation display of the decorative symbol determined by the special symbol variation process and the special symbol variation process to the sub-integrated board 111. Subsequently, a big hit game process (step S32) is performed, and this routine is terminated. In the jackpot game process, when the special symbol variation process in step S26 is determined to be a jackpot, control is performed to open the jackpot 61 in a manner corresponding to the type of jackpot.
[10. Various control processing of sub-integrated board]

Next, various processes of the sub-integrated board 111 that receives various commands from the main control board 101 will be described. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the reset process, FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the timer interrupt process, FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the command reception interrupt process, and FIG. 22 is a command reception end interrupt process. It is a flowchart which shows an example.
[10-1. Reset processing]

First, when the reset process is started, as shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 performs an initial setting process (step S40). This initial setting process includes a process for initializing the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111, a process for setting a wait timer after reset, and the like. Note that interrupts are prohibited during the initial setting process, and interrupts are permitted after the initial setting process. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the 16 ms elapsed flag T is 0 (step S42). This 16 ms elapsed flag T is a flag for measuring 16 ms in timer interrupt processing that is processed every 2 ms (2 ms timer interrupt), which will be described later, and has a value of 1 when 16 ms have elapsed and a value of 0 when 16 ms have not elapsed. Is set. When the 16 ms elapsed flag T is 1 in step S42, that is, when 16 ms have elapsed, the 16 ms elapsed flag is set to 0 (step S44), and the 16 ms in-process flag P is set to 1 (step S46). The 16 ms processing flag P is set to a value of 1 when starting a 16 ms steady process described later, and to a value of 0 when ending. Subsequently, a steady process of 16 ms is performed (step S48). The steady process of 16 ms includes a command analysis process for analyzing a command output from the main control board 101, a 16 ms stepping motor scheduler start process for setting the driving patterns of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 in the scheduler, and an effect. A serial output process for transmitting lighting data to the lamps 44a and 44b and the decoration lamp 49, a watchdog timer process for monitoring whether a steady process of 16 ms is performed, or the like is performed. Subsequently, the 16 ms processing flag P is set to a value of 0 (end of 16 ms steady processing) (step S50), the process returns to step S42 again, and every time the 16 ms elapsed flag T becomes 1, ie, every 16 ms elapses. Steps S44 to S50 described above are repeated. On the other hand, when the 16 ms elapsed flag T is not a value 1 in step S42 (the 16 ms elapsed flag T is a value 0), that is, when 16 ms has not elapsed, until the 16 ms elapsed flag T becomes a value 1, that is, until 16 ms elapses, step S42. Repeat the above determination.
[10-2. Timer interrupt processing]

  Next, when timer interrupt processing is started, as shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 performs 2 ms timer interrupt processing (step S60). This 2 ms timer interrupt processing is performed by photo sensors 150n, 153n, 152n, which detect the original positions of the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154, respectively. A history creation process for creating the detection history of the original position of 155n, a stepping motor process for driving the stepping motors 150h, 152h, 153f, and 155 are performed.

Subsequently, the value 1 is added to the 2 ms update counter UC (step S62). The 2 ms update counter UC is a counter that counts the number of times this timer interrupt process has been performed. A value 1 of the 2 ms update counter UC corresponds to a time of 2 ms. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the 2 ms update counter UC has a value of 8, that is, 16 ms (= 2 ms update counter UC × 2 ms) (step S64). If 16 ms, a value 1 is set to the 16 ms elapsed flag T (step S66), and the 16 ms processing flag P is 0, that is, whether the steady processing of 16 ms in step S48 of the reset processing shown in FIG. Determine whether or not. When the 16 ms processing flag P is 0, that is, when 16 ms steady processing is not performed, the work area is backed up (step S70), and this routine is terminated. In this work area backup, information processed in the steady process of 16 ms in step S48 of the reset process shown in FIG. 19 is copied to a copy area provided on the work area. On the other hand, if 16 ms has not elapsed in step S64 or if no information is set during the steady process of 16 ms in step S68, this routine is terminated as it is.
[10-3. Command reception interrupt processing]

  Next, when command reception interrupt processing is started, as shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 starts receiving a command from the main control board 101 (hereinafter referred to as “WR signal”). It is determined whether or not a signal for selecting various boards from the main control board 101 (hereinafter referred to as “SEL signal”) is a value 1 (step S80). The CPU 101a of the main control board 101 first transmits a command to the sub-integrated board 111 by setting the SEL signal corresponding to the sub-integrated board 111 to the value 1 and the WR signal to the value 1, respectively.

  This command is composed of 4 nibbles per packet. This “nibble” means 4 bits, which is 8 bits (1 byte) for 2 nibbles, that is, 16 bits (2 bytes) for 4 nibbles. In the extraction of 1 nibble data, after the WR signal rises from the value 0 to the value 1 (referred to as “up edge”) and is held for a predetermined time (for example, 20 to 50 microseconds (hereinafter referred to as μs)), This is performed when the WR signal falls from the value 1 to the value 0 (referred to as “down edge”), and is performed four times in total for one packet.

  When both the WR signal and the SEL signal are 1 in step S80, that is, when the CPU 101a of the main control board 101 transmits a command to the sub-integrated board 111, command reception processing is performed (step S82), and this routine is terminated. To do. In this command reception process, the received 1 nibble command (one of the four divided commands) is stored in a ring buffer provided in the RAM 111c of the sub-integrated board 111. This “ring buffer” is a buffer used so that the end and the head of the buffer are connected to each other. Data is sequentially stored from the head of the buffer, and when it reaches the end of the buffer, the data is returned to the beginning and stored. After storing in the ring buffer, the buffer write counter is incremented by 1. This buffer write counter is incremented by 1 each time a command reception process is performed, so when storing 1 packet (4 nibbles), the buffer write counter becomes 4.

On the other hand, when both the SEL signal and the WR signal are 0 in step S80, that is, when the CPU 101a of the main control board 101 does not output a command to the sub integrated board 111, this routine is finished as it is. At the time of command transmission from the main control board 101 to the sub integrated board 111, as described above, a predetermined time (for example, 20 to 50 μs) from the up edge to the down edge of the WR signal, the SEL signal, the WR signal, and the data (4 Bit) is held constant, but the signal may be disturbed due to the influence of noise, and the command may not be received normally. Therefore, as a countermeasure against this noise, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 receives the SEL signal, the WR signal, and the data (4 bits) (first time), and after a predetermined time elapses (for example, 1 μs), the SEL signal, the WR signal, Receive data (4 bits). Then, it is determined whether or not it matches the SEL signal, WR signal, and data (4 bits) received at the first time. If the SEL signal, the WR signal, and the data (4 bits) received at the first time match, it is determined whether or not both the WR signal and the SEL signal are 1 in step S80 described above. On the other hand, when it does not match the SEL signal, WR signal, and data (4 bits) received at the first time, the SEL signal, WR signal, and data (4 bits) are received again after a predetermined time has elapsed, and received at the first time. The determination is repeated until it matches the selected SEL signal, WR signal, and data (4 bits).
[10-4. Command reception end interrupt processing]

  Next, when the command reception end interrupt process is started, as shown in FIG. 22, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 determines whether both the WR signal and the SEL signal are 0 (step S90). ). When the output of the command to the sub-integrated board 111 is completed, the CPU 101a of the main control board 101 sets the WR signal to the value 0 and then sets the SEL signal to the value 0 (down edge). When both the WR signal and the SEL signal are 0 in step S90, that is, when the CPU 101a of the main control board 101 completes outputting the command to the sub-integrated board 111, a command reception end process is performed (step S92). Exit the routine. In this command reception end process, the buffer write counter added in the command reception interrupt process described above is set to 0. When the command is successfully received, the buffer write counter has a value of 4 because one packet is 4 nibbles. Further, when one packet cannot be received, that is, when the buffer write counter is less than 4, the received command is discarded.

  On the other hand, when both the WR signal and the SEL signal are not 0 in step S90, that is, when the CPU 101a of the main control board 101 has not finished outputting the command to the sub-integrated board 111, this routine is finished as it is. As described above, as a noise countermeasure, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 receives the SEL signal again (first time) and then receives the SEL signal again after a predetermined time elapses (for example, 1 μs). It is determined whether or not it matches the SEL signal. If it matches the SEL signal received for the first time, it is determined in step S90 described above whether both the WR signal and the SEL signal are zero. On the other hand, when it does not coincide with the SEL signal received for the first time, the SEL signal is received again after a predetermined time, and the determination is repeated until it coincides with the SEL signal received for the first time.

The priority order of each process is set in the order of command reception interrupt process, command reception end interrupt process, timer interrupt process, and 16 ms steady process.
[11. Stepping motor drive control process]

Next, a method for driving the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a 16 ms stepping motor scheduler activation process, FIG. 24 is a table illustrating an example of a stepping motor scheduler, and FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a 2 ms stepping motor scheduler activation process. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a stepping motor scheduler pattern setting process, FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a 2 ms stepping motor scheduler operation process, and FIG. 28 shows allocation of first excitation data and second excitation data. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the abnormal excitation data clear process, FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the excitation data transmission process, and FIG. 31 shows the first excitation data and the second excitation data. Support for sending FIG. 32 is a time chart showing various signals in the CPU 111a of the integrated substrate 111. FIG. 32 shows various signals in the shift registers 112h and 112i of the lamp driving substrate 112 when receiving the first excitation data and the second excitation data. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of a stepping motor process. The clockwise rotation of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 when viewed from the output shaft side is CW (abbreviation of Clock Wise), and the counterclockwise rotation is CCW (abbreviation of Counter Clock Wise). . Stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 are four-phase stepping motors (step angle: 0.7556 °, gear ratio: 1 / 20.1176), and are controlled by a bipolar drive system. This “bipolar drive method” is a method of switching the magnetic field by exciting the coil by switching the polarity of the voltage applied to both ends of the stator coil and changing the direction of the current.
[11-1.16 ms stepping motor scheduler startup process]

  First, the 16 ms stepping motor scheduler activation process will be described. When the 16 ms stepping motor scheduler activation process is started, as shown in FIG. 23, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 determines whether or not the stepping motor operation inhibition time is 0 (step S100). This stepping motor operation prohibition time (in this embodiment, the stepping operation prohibition time is set to 5.1 s) is a time set at power-on or reset, and within this time, the character body ( (Franken) 150, character body (Dracula) 152, shielding member (Dracula) 166, and character body (Wolf man) 154 are inspected to determine whether or not they are in their original positions. Based on the stepping motor scheduler, stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 are driven and controlled to return to their original positions (hereinafter referred to as “power-on (reset) stepping motor initialization processing”).

  When the stepping motor operation prohibition time is 0 in step S100, that is, when the power-on (reset) stepping motor initialization process has been completed and the variable display is started, the character body is executed. It is determined whether (Franken) 150, character body (Dracula) 152, shielding member (Dracula) 166, and character body (Wolf man) 154 are in their original positions (step S102). This determination is performed in character body (Franken) abnormality determination processing, character body (Dracula) abnormality determination processing, shielding member (Dracula) abnormality determination processing, and character body (wolf man) abnormality determination processing described later. When the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 are in their original positions in step S102, a command transmitted from the main control board 101, that is, An address of the stepping motor scheduler corresponding to the variation number of the variation display pattern is set (step S104).

  This stepping motor scheduler has a plurality of patterns in which the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) are operated by the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155, respectively. Each pattern includes a plurality of pieces of data in which the driving pulse widths, rotation directions, and driving times of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 are set as one set. This data arrangement is stored in advance in the ROM 111b of the sub-integrated board 111 as a time-series data string of data 0, data 1, data 2,. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, in the data 0 of the pattern 38, the drive pulse width 4 ms, the rotation direction CW, and the drive time 40 ms of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 are set. Data 0 of this pattern 38 is set as the address of the stepping motor scheduler in step S104 shown in FIG. Since the data 0 of each pattern hits when the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 start driving, the first 10 steps, that is, 40 ms (= 4 ms × 10 steps) are slowed up so as not to step out. Yes.

  Returning to FIG. 23, subsequently, a value 1 is set to the stepping motor operation flag F (step S106), and this routine is terminated. This stepping motor operation flag F is a flag indicating that the address of the stepping motor scheduler has been set. When the address of the stepping motor scheduler is set, that is, when the pattern is set, the value 1 is set. If not, the value 0 is set.

On the other hand, when at least one of the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 is not in the original position in Step S102, the original position return operation processing is performed. (Step S108), and this routine is finished. This original position return process is a process for returning the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 to their original positions. The returning operation of the shielding member to the original position will be described later. On the other hand, when the stepping motor operation prohibition time is not 0 in step S100, that is, when the power-on (reset) stepping motor initialization process is not finished, this routine is finished as it is.
[Stepping motor scheduler startup process for 11-2.2 ms]

  Next, a 2 ms stepping motor scheduler activation process and a stepping motor scheduler pattern setting process for setting the address of the stepping motor scheduler that drives the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 will be described. When the 2 ms stepping motor scheduler activation process is started, as shown in FIG. 25, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 determines whether the power is on or reset (step S110). When the power is turned on or reset, a stepping motor scheduler pattern setting process described later is performed (step S112), the stepping motor operation inhibition time is set to 5.1 s (step S114), and this routine is terminated. As described above, the power-on (reset) stepping motor initialization process is performed within the stepping motor operation inhibition time (5.1 s).

  On the other hand, when the power is not turned on or reset in step S110, it is determined whether or not the stepping motor operation prohibition time is 0, that is, whether or not the power-on (reset) stepping motor initialization process is finished (step S116). When the stepping motor operation inhibition time is 0, that is, when the power-on (reset) stepping motor initialization process is completed, a stepping motor scheduler pattern setting process described later is performed (step S118), and this routine is terminated. To do. On the other hand, when the stepping motor operation inhibition time is not 0 in step S116, that is, when the power-on (reset) stepping motor initialization process is not completed, this routine is terminated as it is.

Note that the stepping motor operation prohibition time set in step S114 is subtracted by the internal timer of the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated substrate 111, and then becomes 0.
[11-3. Stepping motor scheduler pattern setting process]

  Next, when the stepping motor scheduler pattern setting process is started, as shown in FIG. 26, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 determines whether or not the stepping motor operation flag F is a value 1, that is, the address of the stepping motor scheduler. It is determined whether or not is set (step S120). When the stepping motor operation flag F is a value 1, that is, when the address of the stepping motor scheduler is set, the stepping motor operation flag F is set to the value 0, that is, the address of the stepping motor scheduler is not set ( In step S122), a stepping motor scheduler pattern is set (step S124), and this routine ends. The stepping motor scheduler pattern is set by setting the stepping motor scheduler address (for example, data 0 of the pattern 38 shown in FIG. 24) set in step S104 of the 16 ms stepping motor scheduler starting process shown in FIG. Set as a pattern. On the other hand, when the stepping motor operation flag F is 0 in step S120, that is, when no pattern is set, this routine is ended as it is.

In step S122, the stepping motor operation flag F is set to 0. This is because the setting of the stepping motor scheduler pattern in step S124 is performed only once. The actual progress of the stepping motor scheduler pattern is performed by a 2 ms stepping motor scheduler operation process described later. Also, next time, the stepping motor operation flag F is set to the value 1, that is, the address of the stepping motor scheduler is newly set. Until this routine is executed, the address of the stepping motor scheduler set in the stepping motor scheduler pattern in step S124 is the sub address. It is stored in the RAM 111c of the integrated substrate 111.
[11-4.2ms Stepping Motor Scheduler Operation Processing]

Next, a 2 ms stepping motor scheduler operation process in which the stepping motor scheduler pattern is advanced will be described. When the 2 ms stepping motor scheduler operation process is started, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 determines whether or not the driving time has ended as shown in FIG. 27 (step S130). This determination is made based on whether or not the elapsed time set in the stepping motor scheduler pattern has elapsed. Specifically, for example, the elapsed time 40 ms set by the data 0 of the pattern 38 shown in FIG. 24 is subtracted by a 2 ms timer batch subtraction process to be described later, and thereafter, whether or not the value becomes 0 is performed. When the drive time has elapsed in step S130, the stepping motor scheduler pattern is advanced by one (for example, data 0 is advanced from data 0 of pattern 38 shown in FIG. 24, step S132), and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the drive time has not elapsed in step S130, this routine is ended as it is.
[11-5. Excitation data creation process]

Next, excitation data creation processing for creating ON / OFF data of excitation signals of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, 155 will be described. When this excitation data creation processing is started, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111, based on the above-described stepping motor scheduler pattern, the first excitation data and the stepping data as ON / OFF data of the excitation signals of the stepping motors 150h and 153f. Second excitation data is created as ON / OFF data of excitation signals of the motors 152h and 155. The first excitation data and the second excitation data are information of 1 byte, that is, 8 bits, respectively, and ON / OFF data of the excitation signal of the stepping motor that is driven by the upper 4 bits and the lower 4 bits are allocated, respectively. It consists of ON / OFF data of excitation signals that drive a total of two stepping motors. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 28A, the upper 4 bits D7, D6, D5, and D4 of the first excitation data include SM1-4, SM1-3, and SM1- as excitation signals for the stepping motor 150h. 2 and SM1-1 are allocated to the lower 4 bits D3, D2, D1, and D0 of the first excitation data, respectively, as SM2-4, SM2-3, SM2-2, and SM2 as excitation signals of the stepping motor 153f. -1 is allocated. As shown in FIG. 28 (b), the upper 4 bits D7 ′, D6 ′, D5 ′, D4 ′ of the second excitation data include SM3-4, SM3-3, SM3 as excitation signals of the stepping motor 152h. -2, SM3-1 are allocated, respectively, while SM4-4, SM4-3, and SM4-4 as excitation signals of the stepping motor 155 are assigned to the lower 4 bits D3 ', D2', D1 ', D0' of the second excitation data. SM4-2 and SM4-1 are allocated respectively. In the figure, MSB (abbreviation of Most Significant Bit) represents the most significant bit, which is D7 in the first excitation data in FIG. 28A and D7 ′ in the second excitation data in FIG. Further, LSB (abbreviation of Last Significant Bit) represents the least significant bit, which is D0 in the first excitation data in FIG. 28A and D0 ′ in the second excitation data in FIG.
[11-6. Excitation data clear processing when abnormal]

  Next, excitation signals of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 when abnormality occurs in the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154. Excitation data clear processing at the time of abnormality for clearing ON / OFF data will be described.

  When this abnormal excitation data clear process is started, as shown in FIG. 29, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 has a character body (Franken) 150, a character body (Dracula) 152, a shielding member (Dracula) 166, and a character. It is determined whether or not the body (wolf man) 154 is in a normal state (step S140). This determination is based on a character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1 set in a character body (Franken) abnormality determination process, which will be described later, and a character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-, which is set in a character body (Dracula) abnormality determination process. MS2, shielding member (dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3 set in the shielding member (dracula) abnormality determination processing, character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 set in the character body (wolf man) abnormality determination processing The value 0 is set as the normal state and the value 1 is set as the abnormal state. In step S140, the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1, the character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2, the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3, and the character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 are all values. When it is 0, that is, when the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 are all in a normal state, this routine is finished as it is.

  On the other hand, in step S140, the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1, the character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2, the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3, and the character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 are displayed. When at least one of them is 1, that is, when at least one of the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 is in an abnormal state, A value 0 is set to each of the first excitation data (D0 to D7) shown in FIG. 28A and the second excitation data (D0 ′ to D7 ′) shown in FIG. 28B (step S142). This routine ends.

In step S142, since the first excitation data and the second excitation data are set to the value 0, the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, 155 do not rotate. For this reason, the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 do not operate. Specifically, by setting a value 0 to the upper 4 bits D7, D6, D5, and D4 of the first excitation data, each phase coil (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ4 of the stepping motor 150 by the drive circuit unit 112j. ) Is stopped and the stepping motor 150 does not rotate. For this reason, the character body (Franken) 150 does not operate. Also, the drive circuit section is set by setting the value 0 to the lower 4 bits D3, D2, D1, D0 of the first excitation data and the upper 4 bits D7 ', D6', D5 ', D4' of the second excitation data. Switching of excitation current to each phase coil (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ4) of stepping motor 153f by 112k and each phase coil (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ4) of stepping motor 152h by drive circuit unit 112m is stopped. Thus, the stepping motors 153f and 152h do not rotate. For this reason, the character body (Dracula) 152 and the shielding member (Dracula) 166 do not operate. Further, when the value 0 is set in the lower 4 bits D3 ′, D2 ′, D1 ′, D0 ′ of the second excitation data, each phase coil (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ) of the stepping motor 155 by the drive circuit unit 112n. Switching of the excitation current is stopped with respect to φ4), and the stepping motor 155 does not rotate. For this reason, the character body (wolf man) 154 does not operate.
[11-7. Excitation data transmission processing]

  Next, excitation data transmission processing for transmitting excitation data of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, 155 will be described. When the excitation data transmission process is started, the arithmetic processing unit 111aac in the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated substrate 111 determines whether or not the transmission permission bit Te is 1 as shown in FIG. 30 (step S160). . The transmission permission bit Te has a transmission permission state for permitting transmission to the outside and a transmission prohibition state for prohibiting transmission to the outside. A value 1 is set as the transmission permission state and a value 0 is set as the transmission prohibition state. ing. When the transmission permission bit Te is 1 in step S160, that is, when the transmission is permitted, it is determined whether or not both the transmission buffer empty flag Tb and the transmission register empty flag Tr are 1 (step S162). This transmission buffer empty flag Tb is a flag indicating whether or not there is transmission data in the transmission buffer register 111asb. The transmission buffer register 111asb has a value of 1 and no transmission data exists in the transmission buffer register 111asb. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, the transmission register empty flag Tr is a flag indicating whether or not there is transmission data being transmitted in the transmission register 111asr. When there is no transmission data being transmitted in the transmission register 111asr, the transmission register 111asr has a value of 1, When there is transmission data being transmitted, the value 0 is set as being transmitted. When the transmission data of the transmission buffer register 111asb is transferred to the transmission register 111asr, the transmission buffer empty flag Tb rises (values up) from the value 0 to the value 1, that is, there is no transmission data of the transmission buffer register 111asb. Become. At this time, the transmission register empty flag Tr falls (down edge) from the value 1 to the value 0, that is, during transmission (serial output).

  When both the transmission buffer empty flag Tb and the transmission register empty flag Tr are 1 in step S162, that is, there is no transmission data in the transmission buffer register 111asb, and there is no transmission data being transmitted in the transmission register 111asr. The second excitation data is set in the transmission buffer register 111asb (step S164), the second excitation data in the transmission buffer register 111asb is transferred to the transmission register 111asr (step S166), and whether or not the transmission buffer empty flag Tb is 1 is determined. Determination is made (step S168). This determination is made based on whether the transmission buffer empty flag Tb has risen, that is, whether or not all the second excitation data in the transmission buffer register 111asb has been transferred to the transmission register 111asr. When the transmission buffer empty flag Tb is not the value 1 in step S168, that is, when all the second excitation data of the transmission buffer register 111asb is not transferred to the transmission register 111asr, the process waits as it is, while the transmission buffer empty flag Tb has the value 1 In other words, when all the second excitation data in the transmission buffer register 111asb is transferred to the transmission register 111asr, the first excitation data is set in the transmission buffer register 111asb (step S170). At this time, the second excitation data transferred to the transmission register 111asr is transmitted (serial output) to the lamp driving substrate 112 via the level converter 111e in synchronization with the transfer clock SM-CLK from the transmission control unit 111asc. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the transmission register empty flag Tr is 1 (step S172). This determination is made based on whether the transmission register empty flag Tr has risen, that is, whether transmission of the second excitation data in the transmission register 111asr has been completed.

  When the transmission register empty flag Tr is not a value 1 in step S172, that is, when the second excitation data in the transmission register 111asr has not been transmitted, the process waits as it is, whereas when the transmission register empty flag Tr is a value 1, When the transmission of the second excitation data of the transmission register 111asr is completed, the first excitation data of the transmission buffer register 111asb is transferred to the transmission register 111asr (step S174), and it is determined whether or not the transmission buffer empty flag Tb is a value 1 ( Step S176). When the transmission buffer empty flag Tb is not a value 1, that is, when all the first excitation data of the transmission buffer register 111asb is not transferred to the transmission register 111asr, the process waits as it is, while the transmission buffer empty flag Tb is a value 1. That is, when all the first excitation data in the transmission buffer register 111asb is transferred to the transmission register 111asr, it is determined whether or not the transmission register empty flag Tr is 1 (step S177). When the transmission register empty flag Tr is not a value 1, that is, when the transmission register 111asr has not completed transmission of the first excitation data, it waits as it is, while when the transmission register empty flag Tr is a value 1, that is, the transmission register 111asr. When the transmission of the first excitation data is completed, the latch signal SM-LAT is output from the output port 111aop (step S178), and this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the transmission permission bit Te is 0 in step S160, that is, when the transmission is prohibited, or when both the transmission buffer empty flag Tb and the transmission register empty flag Tr are 0 in step S162, that is, the transmission buffer register. If there is transmission data in 111asb and there is transmission data being transmitted in the transmission register 111asr, this routine is terminated as it is.

  When transmitting the first excitation data and the second excitation data to the lamp driving substrate 112 in the excitation data transmission process described above, ON / OFF data of 8-bit excitation signals of the upper 4 bits and the lower 4 bits are used. This is done by shifting to the right bit by bit, and the least significant bit (LSB) excitation signal ON / OFF data to the most significant bit (MSB) excitation signal ON / OFF data are sequentially transmitted to the lamp integrated board 112. To do. Specifically, in the first excitation data shown in FIG. 28A, D0, D1,..., D4,..., D7, that is, SM2-1, SM2-2,. 1,..., SM1-4 are transmitted bit by bit to the lamp driving board 112 in order, and in the second excitation data shown in FIG. 28 (b), D0 ′, D1 ′,. .., D7 ′, that is, SM4-1, SM4-2,..., SM3-1,.

  Next, each signal in the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated substrate 111 when the excitation data transmission process is performed will be described. As shown in FIG. 31, when the excitation data transmission process is started, the transmission permission bit Te shown in FIG. 31B is 1 (step S160 of the excitation data transmission process shown in FIG. 30), and FIG. ) And the transmission register empty flag Tr shown in FIG. 31 (f) are both 1 (excitation data transmission processing step S162 shown in FIG. 30, timing T1), the second excitation. Data is set in the transmission buffer register 111asb, and the transmission buffer empty flag Tb falls from the value 1 to the value 0 (down edge) (step S164 of excitation data transmission processing shown in FIG. 30, timing T2). Subsequently, the second excitation data of the transmission buffer register 111asb is transferred to the transmission register 111asr (step S166 of the excitation data transmission process shown in FIG. 30), and waits until the transfer is completed (excitation data transmission process shown in FIG. 30). In step S168), when the transfer is completed, the transmission buffer empty flag Tb rises from 0 to 1 (up edge, timing T3). At this time, the transfer clock SM-CLK shown in FIG. 31 (d) is generated, the transmission register empty flag Tr goes down, and the transmission register 111asr shifts from LSB to MSB, that is, 1 bit in order from D0 ′ to D7 ′. Second excitation data (excitation data SM-DAT shown in FIG. 31 (e)) is transmitted one by one.

  Subsequently, the first excitation data is set in the transmission buffer register 111asb, and the transmission buffer empty flag Tb goes down (step S170 in the excitation data transmission process shown in FIG. 30, timing T4). Subsequently, the process waits until the transmission register empty flag Tr has a value of 1, that is, transmission of the second excitation data is completed (step S172 of the excitation data transmission process shown in FIG. 30). When the transmission is completed, the transmission register empty flag Tr rises (timing T5), the first excitation data in the transmission buffer register 111asb is transferred to the transmission register 111asr (step S174 of the excitation data transmission process shown in FIG. 30), and the transfer is completed. (Step S176 of the excitation data transmission process shown in FIG. 30). When the transfer is completed, the transmission buffer empty flag Tb rises (timing T6). At this time, the transmission register empty flag Tr goes down, and the second excitation data is followed by the first excitation data (FIG. 31 (e)) from the LSB to the MSB of the transmission register 111asr, that is, in order from D0 to D7. Excitation data SM-DAT) shown in FIG. Then, the process waits until the transmission register empty flag Tr has a value of 1, that is, the second excitation data has been transmitted (step S177 in the excitation data transmission process shown in FIG. 30). When transmission is completed, the transmission register empty flag Tr rises (timing T8), and the latch signal SM-LAT is output from the output port 111aop (step S178 of the excitation data transmission process shown in FIG. 30). At this time, since the latch signal SM-LAT is output as negative logic, the latch signal SM-LAT is caused to down-edge, and after a specified time has elapsed (in this embodiment, set to 3 μs), the edge is raised.

  The transmission permission bit Te is set to a value of 1, that is, a transmission permission state before the excitation data transmission process is started. The transmission permission bit Te is set to the value 0 (timing T7) during transmission of the first excitation data, that is, the transmission prohibited state, but actually, the transmission is prohibited after the transmission of the first excitation data is completed. In this embodiment, the transfer clock SM-CLK is set to 250 kHz, and one period is 4 μs, and the clock pulse width Tc is 2 μs. The transmission speed of the excitation data SM-DAT synchronized with the transfer clock SM-CLK is 250 kbps (which is an abbreviation of bit per second and represents the number of bits transmitted per second). Since the first excitation data and the second excitation data are each 1-byte information, the total is 2 bytes, that is, 16 bits, and the transmission time performed in the excitation data transmission process is 16 bits × 4 μs = 64 μs. . As a result, the transmission of the first excitation data and the second excitation data is completed within the 2 ms timer interrupt process in step S60 of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG.

Next, processing in the shift registers 112h and 112i of the lamp driving substrate 112 will be described. The first excitation data and the second excitation data serially output from the sub-integrated substrate 111 are synchronized with the transfer clock SM-CLK shown in FIG. 32B as excitation data SM-DAT shown in FIG. Thus, the second excitation data passes through the shift register 112h of the lamp driving substrate 112 and is shifted to the shift register 112i, and the first excitation data is shifted to the shift register 112h. The first excitation data and the second excitation data shifted to the shift register 112h and the shift register 112i by being latched by the above-described latch signal SM-LAT (see FIG. 32A) are converted into the excitation signal at a time. Are output to the drive circuit units 112j, 112k, 112m, and 112n, respectively. Specifically, the second ON / OFF data of the excitation signals SM3-4 to SM3-1, SM4-4 to SM4-1 shown in FIGS. 32 (m) to (p) and (q) to (t) is used. Excitation data D7 ′ to D4 ′ and D3 ′ to D0 ′ are respectively output to the drive circuit units 112m and 112n, and SM1-4 to SM1 shown in FIGS. 32 (d) to (g) and (h) to (k). The first excitation data D7 to D4 and D3 to D0 are output to the drive circuit units 112j and 112k as ON / OFF data of the excitation signals of -1, SM2-4 to SM2-1, respectively. Drive control of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 is performed by the drive circuit units 112j, 112k, 112m, and 112n in accordance with the excitation signals, respectively, and a CW or CCW rotational motion is obtained. Here, the ON / OFF data D0 to D7 and D0 ′ to D7 ′ of the excitation signals indicated by the wavy lines in FIGS. 32D to 32T are latched by the latch signal SM-LAT last time (2 ms before). The ON / OFF data D0 to D7 and D0 ′ to D7 ′ of the excitation signal indicated by the solid line are latched this time.
[11-8. Stepping motor processing]

Next, when the stepping motor process is started, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 performs a 2 ms timer batch subtraction process as shown in FIG. 33 (step S180). This 2 ms timer batch subtraction process is a process of subtracting the driving time of the stepping motor scheduler pattern by 2 ms. For example, the data 0 of the pattern 38 shown in FIG. 24 is subtracted every time this 2 ms timer batch subtraction process is performed, from the drive time of 40 ms to 2 ms, 38 ms, 36 ms,..., 0 ms. Subsequently, a 2 ms stepping motor scheduler activation process is performed (step S182). This 2 ms stepping motor scheduler activation process is a process for setting the address of the stepping motor scheduler that drives the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155, as described with reference to FIG. Subsequently, a 2 ms stepping motor scheduler operation process is performed (step S184). This 2 ms stepping motor scheduler operation process is a process of advancing the stepping motor scheduler pattern as described with reference to FIG. Subsequently, excitation data initialization processing is performed (step S186). This excitation data initialization process initializes the first excitation data and the second excitation data,
This is a process of setting each value 0 as an initial value. Subsequently, excitation data creation processing is performed (step S188). This excitation data creation processing is processing for creating first excitation data and second excitation data based on the stepping motor scheduler pattern as described with reference to FIG.

Subsequently, an abnormal excitation data clear process is performed (step S190). In this abnormal excitation data clear processing, as described with reference to FIG. 29, an abnormality occurred in the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154. Is a process of setting the value 0 to the ON / OFF data of the excitation signals of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, 155. Subsequently, excitation data transmission processing is performed (step S192). This excitation data transmission process is a process for transmitting the excitation data of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, 155 as described with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31, and the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h are transmitted by the transmitted excitation data. , 155 drive control is performed, resulting in CW or CCW rotational motion. This stepping motor process is performed as one process of the 2 ms timer interrupt process in step S60 of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG.
[12. Character body abnormality determination process]

Next, the abnormality determination of the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of character body (Franken) abnormality determination processing, FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of character body (Dracula) abnormality determination processing, and FIG. 36 shows shielding member (Dracula) abnormality determination processing. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of character body (wolf man) abnormality determination processing. For convenience of explaining the outline of the process, each of these processes is performed as one process of 16 ms steady process of step S48 of the reset process shown in FIG. 19 and the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. This flowchart is combined with the process performed as a process of the 2 ms timer interrupt process in step S60. For example, in step S208 of the character body (franken) abnormality determination process described later, the stepping motor 150h is set to CCW for 60 steps, but actually, the 2ms timer interrupt process of step S60 of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. Each time it is done, it is CCWed one step at a time. Further, each of these processes is performed every time a variation number of the variation display pattern shown in FIG. 16 (for example, an accessory reach of the variation number 32) is transmitted as a command from the main control substrate 101 to the sub integrated substrate 111.
[12-1. Character body (Franken) abnormality determination process]

  Next, when the character body (Franken) abnormality determination process is started, as shown in FIG. 34, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 determines whether or not the character body (Franken) 150 is in the original position ( Step S200). This determination is made based on whether or not the reference plate 150m is detected by the photosensor 150n. Specifically, a state in which the reference plate 150m is in the recess of the photosensor 150n is detected as a state in which the character body (franken) 150 is in the original position, while the reference plate 150m is in the recess of the photosensor 150n. No state is detected as a state where the character body (Franken) 150 is not in the original position. When the character body (Franken) 150 is in the original position in step S200, that is, when the reference plate 150m is in the recess of the photosensor 150n, the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1 is set to 0. (Step S202), and this routine is finished. This character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1 is a flag indicating whether or not the reference plate 150m is in a state where it is in the recess of the photosensor 150n, and the reference plate 150m is set in the recess of the photosensor 150n. The value 0 is set as the normal state of the character body (Franken) 150 and the value 1 is set as the abnormal state of the character body (Franken) 150 when the reference plate 150m is not in the recess of the photosensor 150n. Yes.

  Here, as described above, the character body (Franken) 150 causes the character body (Franken) 150 to appear on the front side of the display area 42 by rotating the stepping motor 150 in CW, that is, clockwise. By rotating the motor 150 CCW, that is, counterclockwise, the character body (franken) 150 returns to the original position. For this reason, when the character body (Franken) 150 is not in the original position, it can be returned to the original position by CCWing the stepping motor 150h (referred to as “original position return processing (Franken)”).

  On the other hand, when the character body (franken) 150 is not in the original position in step S200, that is, when the reference plate 150m is not in the recess of the photosensor 150n, the reference plate 150m is set in the recess of the photosensor 150n. As a return operation, the stepping motor 150h is caused to perform one step CCW (step S204).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the edge of the reference plate 150m is detected (step S206). This determination is performed based on the history that the photo sensor 150n detects the edge of the reference plate 150m. Specifically, for example, when the photo sensor 150n continuously detects the edge of the reference plate 150m three times, it is determined that the character body (Franken) 150 is in a state of returning to the original position, while the photo sensor 150n When the edge of the reference plate 150m is not detected three times in succession, it is determined that the character body (franken) 150 is not in a state of returning to the original position. When the edge of the character body (Franken) 150 is detected in Step S206, that is, when the character body (Franken) 150 is in the state of returning to the original position, the stepping motor 150h is CCWed by 60 steps (Step S208). This rotation is performed to finely adjust the character body (franken) 150 to the original position by rotating the stepping motor 150h.

  Subsequently, the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1 is set to 0 (step S202), and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the edge of the reference plate 150m is not detected in step S206, it is determined whether or not the stepping motor 150h has rotated more than N1 steps (step S210). Here, the N1 step is the number of steps (for example, 483 steps) when the stepping motor 150h makes one rotation. When the stepping motor 150h has rotated N1 steps or more in step S210, the character body (franken) abnormality flag F-MS1 is set to 1 (step S212), and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the stepping motor 150h has not rotated more than N1 steps in step S210, the process returns to step S204, the stepping motor 150h is caused to perform one step CCW, and until the edge of the reference plate 150m is detected in step S206 or step S210. In step S204, step S206, and step S210, the process is repeated until the stepping motor 150h rotates N1 steps or more.

  In this character body (Franken) abnormality determination process, when the detection signal from the photosensor 150n does not exist for a predetermined time, the driving of the stepping motor 150h is stopped as an abnormality.

Note that the processing sequentially performed with steps S200 and S202 is performed as one of the 16 ms steady-state processing of step S48 of the reset processing shown in FIG. 19, and is sequentially performed with step S204, step S206, step S208, and step S202. Step S204, step S206, step S210, and step S212 are sequentially performed as a process of 2 ms timer interrupt processing in step S60 of the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG.
[12-2. Character body (Dracula) abnormality determination process]

  Next, when the character body (Dracula) abnormality determination process is started, as shown in FIG. 35, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 determines whether or not the character body (Dracula) 152 is in the original position ( Step S220). This determination is made based on whether or not the reference plate 153m is detected by the photosensor 153n. Specifically, a state in which the reference plate 153m is in the recess of the photosensor 153n is detected as a state in which the character body (Dracula) 152 is in the original position, while the reference plate 153m is in the recess of the photosensor 153n. No state is detected as a state where the character body (Dracula) 152 is not in the original position. When the character body (Dracula) 152 is in the original position in step S220, that is, when the reference plate 153m is in the recess of the photosensor 153n, the character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2 is set to 0. (Step S222), and this routine is finished. This character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2 is a flag that indicates whether or not the reference plate 153m is in the recess of the photosensor 153n. The reference plate 153m is in the recess of the photosensor 153n. The value 0 is set as the normal state of the character body (Dracula) 152, and the value 1 is set as the abnormal state of the character body (Dracula) 152 when the reference plate 153m is not in the recess of the photosensor 153n. Yes.

  Here, as described above, the character body (Dracula) 152 causes the character body (Dracula) 152 to appear on the front side of the display area 42 by rotating the stepping motor 153f once by CW, and returns to the original position. Become. For this reason, when the character body (Dracula) 152 is not in the original position, it can be returned to the original position by CWing the stepping motor 153f (referred to as “original position return processing (character body (Dracula))”).

  On the other hand, when the character body (Dracula) 152 is not in the original position in step S220, that is, when the reference plate 153m is not in the recess of the photosensor 153n, the reference plate 153m is set in the recess of the photosensor 153n. As a return operation, the stepping motor 153f is caused to perform one step CW (step S224).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the edge of the reference plate 153m is detected (step S226). This determination is made based on the history of the photosensor 153n detecting the edge of the reference plate 153m. Specifically, for example, when the photosensor 153n continuously detects the edge of the reference plate 153m three times, it is determined that the character body (Dracula) 152 is in a state of returning to the original position, while the photosensor 153n When the edge of the reference plate 153m is not detected three times in succession, it is determined that the character body (Dracula) 152 is not in a state of returning to the original position. When the edge of the character body (Dracula) 152 is detected in Step S226, that is, when the character body (Dracula) 152 is in the state of returning to the original position, the stepping motor 153f is CWed by 78 steps (Step S228). This rotation is performed to finely adjust the character body (Dracula) 152 to the original position by rotating the stepping motor 153f.

  Subsequently, the character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2 is set to 0 (step S222), and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the edge of the reference plate 153m is not detected in step S226, it is determined whether or not the stepping motor 153f has rotated N2 steps or more (step S230). Here, the N2 step is the number of steps when the stepping motor 153f makes two rotations (for example, if one rotation is 483 steps, two rotations are 483 × 2 steps). When the stepping motor 153f rotates N2 steps or more in step S230, the character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2 is set to 1 (step S232), and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the stepping motor 153f has not rotated more than N2 steps in step S230, the process returns to step S224, the stepping motor 153f is caused to perform one step CW, and until the edge of the reference plate 153m is detected in step S226 or step S230 In step S224, step S226, and step S230 are sequentially repeated until the stepping motor 153f rotates N2 steps or more.

  In this character body (Dracula) abnormality determination process, when there is no detection signal from the photosensor 153n for a certain time, the driving of the stepping motor 153f is stopped as an abnormality.

Note that the processing sequentially performed with Step S220 and Step S222 is performed as one process of 16 ms steady processing of Step S48 of the reset processing illustrated in FIG. 19, and sequentially performed with Step S224, Step S226, Step S228, and Step S222. This process and the processes sequentially performed in steps S224, S226, S230, and S232 are performed as one process of the 2 ms timer interrupt process in step S60 of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG.
[12-3. Shield member (Dracula) abnormality determination process]

  Next, when the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality determination process is started, as shown in FIG. 36, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated substrate 111 determines whether or not the shielding member (Dracula) 166 is in the original position ( Step S240). This determination is made based on whether or not the reference plate 152m is detected by the photosensor 152n. Specifically, the state in which the reference plate 152m is in the recess of the photosensor 152n is detected as the state in which the shielding member (dracula) 166 is in the original position, while the reference plate 152m is in the recess of the photosensor 152n. The state where the shielding member (dracula) 166 is not in the original position is detected. When the shielding member (dracula) 166 is in the original position in step S240, that is, when the reference plate 152m is in the recess of the photosensor 152n, the shielding member (dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3 is set to 0. (Step S242), and this routine is finished. This shielding member (dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3 is a flag indicating whether or not the reference plate 152m is in a state of being accommodated in the recess of the photosensor 152n, and the reference plate 152m is accommodated in the recess of the photosensor 152n. The state where the shielding member (dracula) 166 is normal is set to the value 0, while the state where the reference plate 152m is not in the recess of the photosensor 152n is set to the abnormal state of the shielding member (dracula) 166 and the value 1 is set. Yes.

  Here, as described above, the shielding member (Dracula) 166 is an operation in which the shielding member (Dracula) 166 appears on the front side of the display area 42 by rotating the stepping motor 152h once by CW and returns to the original position. Become. For this reason, when the shielding member (Dracula) 166 is not in the original position, it can be returned to the original position by CWing the stepping motor 152h (referred to as “original position return processing (shielding member (Dracula))”).

  On the other hand, when the shielding member (dracula) 166 is not in the original position in step S240, that is, when the reference plate 152m is not in the recess of the photosensor 152n, the reference plate 152m is set in the recess of the photosensor 152n. As a return operation, the stepping motor 152h is caused to perform one step CW (step S244).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the edge of the reference plate 152m has been detected (step S246). This determination is made based on the history of the photo sensor 152n detecting the edge of the reference plate 152m. Specifically, for example, when the photo sensor 152n continuously detects the edge of the reference plate 152m three times, it is determined that the shielding member (dracula) 166 is in the state of returning to the original position, while the photo sensor 152n When the edge of the reference plate 152m is not detected three times in succession, it is determined that the shielding member (dracula) 166 is not in a state of returning to the original position. When the edge of the reference plate 152m is detected in step S246, that is, when the shielding member (dracula) 166 returns to the original position, the stepping motor 152h is CWed by 27 steps (step S248). This rotation is performed to finely adjust the shielding member (dracula) 166 to the original position by rotating the stepping motor 152h.

  Subsequently, the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3 is set to 0 (step S242), and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the edge of the reference plate 152m is not detected in step S246, it is determined whether or not the stepping motor 152h has rotated N3 steps or more (step S250). Here, the N3 step is the number of steps when the stepping motor 152h makes two rotations (for example, if one rotation is 483 steps, two rotations are 483 × 2 steps). When the stepping motor 152h has rotated N3 steps or more in step S250, a value 1 is set to the shielding member (dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3 (step S252), and this routine is ended. On the other hand, if the stepping motor 152h has not rotated N3 steps or more in step S250, the process returns to step S244 to cause the stepping motor 152h to perform one step CW, and until the edge of the reference plate 152m is detected in step S246 or step S250. In step S244, step S246, and step S250, the steps are repeated until the stepping motor 152h rotates N3 steps or more.

  In this shielding member (dracula) abnormality determination process, when there is no detection signal from the photosensor 152n for a predetermined time, the driving of the stepping motor 152h is stopped as an abnormality.

Note that the processing sequentially performed with step S240 and step S242 is performed as one of 16 ms steady processing of step S48 of the reset processing shown in FIG. 19, and is sequentially performed with step S244, step S246, step S248, and step S242. The process that is performed in sequence with steps S244, S246, S250, and S252 is performed as one process of the 2 ms timer interrupt process of step S60 of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG.
[12-4. Character body (wolf man) abnormality determination process]

  Next, when the character body (wolf man) abnormality determination process is started, as shown in FIG. 37, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 determines whether or not the character body (wolf man) 154 is in the original position. (Step S260). This determination is made based on whether or not the reference plate 154m is detected by the photosensor 154n. Specifically, the state in which the reference plate 154m is in the recess of the photosensor 154n is detected as the character body (wolf man) 154 is in the original position, while the reference plate 154m is in the recess of the photosensor 154n. A state where the character body (wolf man) 154 is not in the original position is detected. When the character body (wolf man) 154 is in the original position in step S260, that is, when the reference plate 154m is in the recess of the photosensor 154n, the character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 has a value of 0. Is set (step S262), and this routine is terminated. This character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 is a flag indicating whether or not the reference plate 154m is in the recess of the photosensor 154n, and the reference plate 154m is in the recess of the photosensor 154n. The state where the character body (wolf man) 154 is normal is the value 0, while the state where the reference plate 154m is not in the recess of the photosensor 154n is the abnormal state of the character body (wolf man) 154. Is set.

  Here, as described above, the character body (wolf man) 154 causes the character body (wolf man) 154 to appear on the front side of the display area 42 by rotating the stepping motor 155 once by CW, and returns to the original position. It becomes operation. For this reason, when the character body (wolf man) 154 is not in the original position, it can be returned to the original position by causing the stepping motor 155 to CW (referred to as “original position return process (wolf man)”).

  On the other hand, when the character body (wolf man) 154 is not in the original position in step S260, that is, when the reference plate 154m is not in the recess of the photosensor 154n, the reference plate 154m is set in the recess of the photosensor 154n. As a return operation, the stepping motor 155 is caused to perform one step CW (step S264).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the edge of the reference plate 154m has been detected (step S266). This determination is made based on the history that the photo sensor 154n has detected the edge of the reference plate 154m. Specifically, for example, when the photo sensor 154n continuously detects the edge of the reference plate 154m three times, it is determined that the character body (wolf man) 154 is in a state of returning to the original position, while the photo sensor 154n When the edge of the reference plate 154m is not detected three times in succession, it is determined that the character body (wolf man) 154 is not in a state of returning to the original position. When the edge of the reference plate 154m is detected in step S266, that is, when the character body (wolf man) 154 returns to the original position, the stepping motor 155 is caused to CW for 46 steps (step S268). This rotation is performed to finely adjust the character body (wolf man) 154 to the original position by rotating the stepping motor 155.

  Subsequently, the character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 is set to 0 (step S262), and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the edge of the reference plate 154m is not detected in step S266, it is determined whether or not the stepping motor 155 has rotated N4 steps or more (step S270). Here, the N4 step is the number of steps when the stepping motor 155 rotates twice (for example, if it is 483 steps in one rotation, it is 483 × 2 steps in two rotations). When the stepping motor 155 rotates N4 steps or more in step S270, the character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 is set to 1 (step S272), and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the stepping motor 155 does not rotate N4 steps or more in step S270, the process returns to step S264, the stepping motor 155 is caused to perform one step CW, and until the edge of the reference plate 154m is detected in step S266 or step S270. In step S264, step S266, and step S270 are sequentially repeated until the stepping motor 155 rotates N4 steps or more.

  In this character body (wolf man) abnormality determination process, when the detection signal from the photosensor 154n does not exist for a predetermined time, the driving of the stepping motor 155 is stopped as an abnormality.

Note that the processing sequentially performed with step S260 and step S262 is performed as one process of 16 ms steady processing of step S48 of the reset processing illustrated in FIG. 19, and is sequentially performed with step S264, step S266, step S268, and step S262. The process performed in sequence with steps S264, S266, S270, and S272 is performed as one process of the 2 ms timer interrupt process in step S60 of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG.
[13. Notice pattern]

  Next, when the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 receives the change number of the change display pattern as a display command output from the main control board 101, it is set based on the change number of the change display pattern and the advanced notice pattern number. Explain the advanced advance notice. FIG. 38 is a table showing an example of an advanced notice pattern, and FIG. 39 is a table showing an example of an advanced notice for daytime background. The advanced notice pattern table and the daytime advance notice table are stored in advance in the ROM 111b of the sub-integrated board 111.

  Here, in the advance notice, a wolf man, Dracula, Franken, and a monster as characters are sequentially displayed on the display area 42 of the liquid crystal display 116, a character body (wolf man) 154, and a character body (Dracula). 152 and the character body (Franken) 150 are sequentially operated to display or appear sequentially in combination with the notice that appears from the outside of the liquid crystal display 116 on the front side of the display area 42 of the liquid crystal display 116 and the two notices described above. There is a notice. The advanced notice pattern number is determined based on a random number updated by the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 (hereinafter referred to as “developed notice random number”).

  In FIG. 38 (a), an advanced notice corresponding to each advanced notice pattern number is set, and in FIG. 38 (b), the contents of the advanced notice are set. There are a total of 17 types of advance notice pattern numbers from 0 to 16. For example, in advance notice pattern number 4, step 1 and step 2 'are set as the advance notice, and the advance notice. In the contents, a wolf man image appears as Step 1 and a Dracula character body is set as Step 2 ′. The Dracula character body is set so that the character body (Dracula) 152 and the shielding member (Dracula) 166 operate. Note that the advanced notice pattern No. 0 has no advance notice. In other words, the advance notice is not set. Further, an expected value (not shown) is assigned to the advanced notice pattern number. The expected value when the character body is set as the content of the advance notice corresponding to the advance notice pattern number is larger than the advance notice pattern number, and the expected value is set as the content of the advance notice. It is set to be equal to the expected value when not. For example, the expected value of the advanced notice pattern number 2 (developed notice: the appearance of a wolf man as a step 1 ') is the advanced notice pattern number 3 (developed notice: step having a larger evolved notice pattern number). 1 is equal to the expected value of a wolf man image appearance, and Step 2 is a Dracula image appearance).

In FIG. 39, an advanced notice pattern number is set with a predetermined probability as an advanced notice pattern corresponding to each change number of the change display pattern. As described above, as shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B, the advanced notice pattern number corresponding to each advanced notice pattern number is set. For example, in the wolf male reach with the variation number 5, the advanced notice pattern number 4 is set with a probability of 20/466. The variation number of the variation display pattern is the same as the variation number of the variation display pattern shown in FIG. 16, and the variation name corresponding to the variation number of each variation display pattern is also the same. Omit.
[14. Direction]

  Next, an effect displayed on the display area 42 of the liquid crystal display 116 and a character body (Franken) 150, a character body (Dracula) 152, a shielding member (Dracula) 166, and a character body (appearing on the front side of the display area 42 Wolf Man) 150 will be explained. FIG. 40 is an effect showing an example of the advanced notice in the normal state, and FIG. 41 is an effect (all measures) showing an example of the advanced notice in the abnormal state.

The CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 receives a character body (Franken) 150, a character body (Dracula) 152, a shielding member (Dracula) 166, and a character body every time a variation number of the variation display pattern is transmitted as a command from the main control board 101. (Wolf man) 154 abnormality determination process, character body (Franken) abnormality determination process, character body (Dracula) abnormality determination process, shielding member (Dracula) abnormality determination process, character body (wolf man) abnormality determination process, respectively It is determined whether it is in a normal state or an abnormal state, and various effects are performed based on the advanced notice pattern number set as the advanced notice described above.
[14-1. Production during normal and abnormal conditions]

In the display area 42 of the liquid crystal display 116 in which FIGS. 40A to 40C and FIGS. 41A to 41C are displayed, the special symbol display 41 shown in FIG. When starting, the decorative symbol 80a is displayed in the upper left of the display area 42, and the decorative symbol 80c is displayed in the upper right, and the decorative symbol 80b is displayed in the center. The decorative symbols 80a and 80c are translucent enough to allow the background image to be visually recognized. The decorative symbols 80a are arranged from the upper left to the lower left of the display region 42, and the decorative symbols 80c are arranged from the upper right to the lower right of the display region 42, respectively. Fluctuating display is performed as if it is rotating. In addition, the decorative pattern 80b is variably displayed as if it is jumping at the center. A daytime background image 81 is displayed as the background image of the display area 42, and a character (monster) 70 is displayed below the decorative design 80b.
[14-1-1. Production in normal state]

Character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1, character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2, shielding member (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3, character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 are all 0. That is, in the normal state, for example, when the advance notice pattern number 10 is set, as shown in FIGS. 38 (a) and (b), as shown in FIGS. 38 (a) and 38 (b), the character body is a wolf man (character body (wolf body). Male) 154) Appearance, Dracula character body (character body (Dracula) 152 and shielding member (Dracula) 166) appearance as step 2 ′, and Franken (character body (Franken) 150) appearance as character body as step 3 ′ In step 1 ′, as shown in FIG. A character body (wolf man) 154 appears on the front side of the area 42, and in step 2 ', as shown in FIG. 40B, a character body (Dracula) 152 and a shielding member (Dracula) are displayed on the front side of the display area 42. ) 166 appears, and in step 3 ′, a character body (franken) 150 appears on the front side of the display area 42 as shown in FIG. 40 (c).
[14-1-2. Production during abnormal conditions]

  One of the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1, the character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2, the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3, and the character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 has a value of 1. That is, when there is an abnormal state, for example, when the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1 has a value of 1, that is, when an abnormality has occurred in the character body (Franken) 150, the excitation data clear at the time of abnormality explained in FIG. In step S142 of the process, the first excitation data and the second excitation data are set to the value 0. By this setting, switching of the excitation current to each phase coil (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ4) of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, 155 by the drive circuit units 112j, 112k, 112m, 112n is stopped, respectively. 150h, 153f, 152h and 155 do not rotate. For this reason, the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 do not operate. Specifically, for example, when the advanced notice pattern number 10 is set, as described above, the character body (wolf man) 154 should appear on the front side of the display area 42 in step 1 ′. Since the stepping motor 155 does not rotate, the character body (wolf man) 154 does not appear as shown in FIG. In step 2 ′, the character body (Dracula) 152 and the shielding member (Dracula) 166 should appear on the front side of the display area 42. However, since the stepping motors 153f and 152h do not rotate, the character body (Dracula). 152 and the shielding member (Dracula) 166 do not appear. In step 3 ′, the character body (Franken) 150 should appear on the front side of the display area 42, but the character body (Franken) 150 does not appear because the stepping motor 150 h does not rotate.

  When the variation number of the variation display pattern is transmitted as a command from the main control board 101 next time, the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1 is set to 0, that is, the character body (Franken) abnormality determination process. When Franken 150 is in a normal state, as shown in FIGS. 40A to 40C, a character body (wolf man) 154, a character body (Dracula) 152, and a shielding member ( Dracula) 166 and character body (Franken) 150 appear in order.

  According to the present embodiment described above, the first excitation data for exciting the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, 155 when the variation number of the variation display pattern is output as a command from the main control substrate 101 to the sub-integrated substrate 111. And the second excitation data are serially output from the sub-integrated board 111 to the lamp driving board 112 to the shift registers 112h and 112i connected in a daisy chain in synchronization with the transfer clock SM-CLK. . The shift registers 112h, 112i latch the excitation data SM-DAT in response to the input of the latch signal SM-LAT in synchronization with the 2 ms timer interrupt of the sub-integrated board 111, and the excitation signal SM1-1 as parallel data. ~ SM1-4, SM2-1 to SM2-4, SM3-1 to SM3-4, SM4-1 to SM4-4 are output. In this way, the excitation signals SM1-1 to SM1-4, SM2-1 to SM2-4, SM3-1 to SM3 are applied to the drive circuit portions 112j, 112k, 112m and 112n for driving the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h and 155. The timing for outputting −4, SM4-1 to SM4-4 can be synchronized with the 2 ms timer interrupt of the sub-integrated board 111. Further, even if there are a plurality of stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, 155, the shift registers 112h, 112i can be daisy chained, so that the excitation data SM-DAT can be serially output to the shift registers 112h, 112i. it can. Therefore, the drive control of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, 155 can be easily performed.

  Further, the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 are 4-phase stepping motors, and the shift registers 112h and 112i are configured by 8 bits, that is, 1 byte. For this reason, of these 8 bits, 4 bits correspond to the respective phase coils (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ4) of the 4-phase stepping motor, and drive control of two 4-phase stepping motors with one shift register. The shift register 112h can output excitation signals SM1-1 to SM1-4 and SM2-1 to SM2-4 to the drive circuit units 112j and 112k that drive the stepping motors 150h and 153f, The shift register 112i can output excitation signals SM3-1 to SM3-4 and SM4-1 to SM4-4 to drive circuit units 112j and 112k that drive the stepping motors 150h and 153f, respectively. Further, since the excitation data SM-DAT can be handled in byte units, it is sufficient to serially output the excitation data SM-DAT by the number of the shift registers 112h and 112i, and the control of serial output becomes easy. Further, since the four 4-phase stepping motors can be grouped for each byte as in the stepping motors 150h and 153f and the stepping motors 152h and 155, the program is easy to create and understand.

  Further, since the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 is a microprocessor and includes a serial unit 111aso, 111aso ′, etc., the serial unit 111aso generates a transfer clock SM-CLK from a control clock input to the microprocessor and transfers it. Excitation data SM-DAT synchronized with the clock SM-CLK can be serially output. When the excitation data SM-DAT is set in the transmission buffer register 111asb of the serial unit 111aso, the excitation data SM-DAT is automatically transferred from the transmission buffer register 111asb to the transmission register 111asr of the serial unit 111aso, and the transmission register 111asr. The excitation data SM-DAT is output serially. For this reason, by using a microprocessor with a built-in serial unit 111aso, it is sufficient to control only serial output permission, and control of serial output becomes easy. Further, even if the transfer clock SM-CLK of the serial unit 111aso is set at a high speed and the excitation data SM-DAT is serially output, the shift registers 112h and 112i of the lamp driving substrate 112 can cope with the high-speed operation, so follow. be able to. The shift registers 112h and 112i provide excitation signals SM1-1 to SM1-4, SM2-1 to SM2-4 to drive circuit units 112j, 112k, 112m, and 112n that drive the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155, respectively. The accuracy of the timing to output SM3-1 to SM3-4, SM4-1 to SM4-4, that is, the step pulse is required, so the 2 ms timer interrupt generated by the microprocessor is set to the time interval of the step pulse. Thus, an accurate step pulse can be easily obtained, and drive control of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, 155 can be easily performed.

  Furthermore, the level converter 111e of the sub-integrated board 111 sets the transfer clock SM-CLK, the excitation data SM-DAT, and the latch signal SM-LAT to a common voltage Vcom that is higher than the reference voltage Vstd that is the control voltage of the sub-integrated board 111. The level converter unit 112e of the lamp driving substrate 112 to which the converted transfer clock SM-CLK, excitation data SM-DAT, and latch signal SM-LAT are input is converted into the transfer clock SM-CLK, excitation data SM-DAT. The latch signal SM-LAT is converted into a reference voltage Vstd that is a control voltage of the lamp driving substrate 112. The converted transfer clock SM-CLK, excitation data SM-DAT, and latch signal SM-LAT are input to the shift registers 112h and 112i of the lamp driving substrate 112. In the serial output, the transfer clock SM-CLK is set higher, that is, the transfer speed is increased between the connection between the level converter unit 111e and the level converter unit 112e, that is, between the sub integrated substrate 111 and the lamp driving substrate 112. The more you set, the closer the data width is to the noise width, and it is more susceptible to noise. Due to the influence of this noise, the serially output normal excitation data SM-DAT may be received as different excitation data. Therefore, between the substrates, the voltages of the transfer clock SM-CLK, the excitation data SM-DAT, and the latch signal SM-LAT are converted into a common voltage Vcom that is higher than the reference voltage Vstd of the sub-integrated substrate 111 and the lamp driving substrate 112. Can be strong against noise. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of noise between the substrates without providing the lamp driving substrate 112 with a noise filter (for example, EMI filter) for removing noise.

The output of the level converter unit 111e is an open collector output, and the output of the level converter unit 111e is pulled up to the common voltage Vcom by the pull-up resistor 112 _r12 of the lamp driving substrate 112, and the transfer clock SM-CLK and the excitation data SM- Since the DAT and latch signal SM-LAT are input to the level converter unit 112e, noise generated between the sub integrated substrate 111 and the lamp driving substrate 112 is blocked on the output side of the level converter unit 111e. Therefore, noise can be prevented from entering the sub integrated substrate 111.

  In addition, since a stable common voltage Vcom is supplied to each board by a power supply device, a reference voltage Vstd that is a control voltage is generated by stepping down from the common voltage Vcom by a power supply IC provided on each board. Can be provided with a local power supply. Since it is not necessary to supply a control voltage to each substrate, the connection with the other substrate by this reference voltage Vstd is eliminated, and noise that enters through the reference voltage Vstd can be suppressed.

  Further, since the transfer clock SM-CLK is set to 250 kHz, one period is 4 μs and the clock pulse width Tc is 2 μs. When the transfer clock SM-CLK is affected by noise, it has been experimentally obtained that the influence time of the noise falls within about 1 μs. Therefore, according to this experiment, the excitation data SM-DAT of the first excitation data and the second excitation data synchronized with the transfer clock SM-CLK without being affected by noise is accurately transmitted from the sub-integrated board 111 to the lamp driving board 112. Can be output serially.

  Furthermore, since the waveforms of control signals such as the transfer clock SM-CLK, excitation data MS-DAT, and latch signal output from the level converter 112e are shaped by the Schmitt trigger 112f, the sub-integrated board 111 and the lamp-integrated board Even if the waveform of the control signal is disturbed due to the influence of noise or transmission rounding between the substrate 112 and the substrate, the waveform of the control signal can be adjusted. Further, a stable control signal waveform can be sent to the shift registers 112h and 112i. Therefore, the shift registers 112h and 112i are used for the excitation signals SM1-1 to SM1-4, SM2-1 to SM2-4, SM3-1 to SM3-4, SM4-1 to SM4-4 without erroneously converting the control signals. Can be reliably converted.

  The excitation data SM-DAT of the first excitation data and the second excitation data synchronized with the transfer clock SM-CLK is serially output to the shift registers 112h and 112i connected in a daisy chain and latched in the shift registers 112h and 112i. Since the signal SM-LAT is input to be converted into parallel data, only one signal line for outputting the excitation data SM-DAT is required. Further, since the shift registers 112h and 112i are daisy chain connected, for example, when the stepping motor is newly provided, the number of shift registers increases, and even when it becomes necessary to recreate the lamp driving substrate 112, the excitation data SM- This can be dealt with by changing the DAT, and there is no need to recreate the sub-integrated substrate 111.

  Further, each time a variation number of the variation display pattern is transmitted as a command from the main control board 101 to the sub-integrated board 111, a character body (Franken) abnormality determination process, a character body (Dracula) abnormality determination process, a shielding member (Dracula) Since the abnormality determination process and the character body (wolf man) abnormality determination process are performed, problems occur in the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154. It is possible to determine whether or not the operation is started, which is preferable.

  Furthermore, at least of the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1, the character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2, the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3, and the character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4. When one of the values is 1, that is, when at least one of the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 is in an abnormal state, the first Since the value 0 is set in the excitation data (D0 to D7) and the second excitation data (D0 ′ to D7 ′) and the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 are not rotated, the character body (Franken) 150, the character Body (Dracula) 152, shielding member (Dracula) ) 166, the character body (wolf man) 154 stops operating, and the character body (Franken) 150, character body (Dracula) 152, shielding member (Dracula) 166, and character body (wolf man) 154 are defective. This can be notified to the player or the game operator.

  In order to detect the original positions of the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154, transmission type photosensors 150n, 153n, 152n, Since 154n is used, the optical system is simplified and the cost is reduced. And if it is a light-shielding object, it can detect regardless of a color, is easy to attach, and has high detection accuracy, and is preferable.

  In addition, since the photosensors 150n, 153n, 152n, and 154n are fixed to the accommodating portions 156, 158, and 160, respectively, the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, the character With the movement of the body (wolf man) 154, the original position does not shift.

  Further, by fixing the original position, the action state from the original position of the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 is stepping. Since it is uniquely determined by the excitation data SM-DAT for exciting the motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155, it is not necessary to install a transmission type or reflection type fiber sensor or the like during the operation, leading to a reduction in manufacturing cost.

  Furthermore, when the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 are not in their original positions, the character body (Franken) abnormality shown in FIG. Steps S204 to S210 (original position return process (Franken)) of the determination process, steps S224 to S230 (original position return process (Dracula)) of the character body (Dracula) abnormality determination process shown in FIG. 35, and FIG. Steps S244 to S250 of the indicated shielding member (Dracula) abnormality determination processing (original position return processing (shielding member (Dracula))), Steps S264 to S270 of the character body (wolf man) abnormality determination processing shown in FIG. (In-situ return processing (wolf man)) Therefore, the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 perform actions based on this original position. be able to. For example, even if the action of the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 stops midway, by returning to the original position, the next action You can wait in-situ until it starts.

  Further, during the home position return process, the signals from the photosensors 150n, 153n, 152n, and 154n are output for a certain period of time (for example, the N1 step period of step S210 of the character body (Franken) abnormality determination process shown in FIG. 34, FIG. N2 step period of step S230 of the character body (Dracula) abnormality determination process shown, N3 step period of Step S250 of the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality determination process shown in FIG. 36, and the character body (wolf man) shown in FIG. When there is no abnormality determination process at step S270 (N4 step period), the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) are used to stop the excitation of the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 as abnormal. ), Character body ( Okami man) is not breaking the 154.

  Further, in order to determine whether or not the photosensors 150n, 153n, 152n, and 154n are in a return state based on the history of detecting the edges of the reference plates 152m, 153m, 152m, and 154m, the photosensors 150n, 153n, and 152n are determined. , 154n chattering and erroneous detection due to noise can be prevented. Further, for example, in the character body (Franken) 150 described above, after detecting the edge of the reference plate 150m based on the history, the stepping motor 150h is turned on in Step S208 of the character body (Franken) abnormality determination process shown in FIG. Since CCW is performed only for the steps, the reference plate 150m can surely enter the detection area of the photosensor 150n and can be received in the recess of the photosensor 150n. Furthermore, even if the reference plate 150m is finely moved by mechanical play of the structural members constituting the character body (Franken) 150, the reference plate 150m remains in the recess of the photosensor 150n. It can be detected reliably. Furthermore, the photosensor 150n can detect the reference plate 150m even under the influence of disturbance such as vibration caused by the actions of the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154. it can.

  Furthermore, since the reference plates 150m, 153m, 152m, and 154m are formed approximately twice as large as the respective recesses of the photosensors 150n, 153n, 152n, and 154n, the reference plate 150m, Since the reference plates 150n, 153n, 152n, and 154n remain in the recesses of the photosensors 150n, 153n, 152n, and 154n even if the 153m, 152m, and 154m are finely moved, the photosensors 150n, 153n, 152n, and 154n are used as the reference plates. 150m, 153m, 152m, and 154m can be reliably detected, and erroneous detection can be prevented.

  Since the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 are four-phase stepping motors, the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 have excellent controllability in starting, stopping, and positioning. The character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, and the shielding The member (Dracula) 166 and the character body (wolf man) 154 can be caused to make complicated movements with great effects.

When the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 outputs a positive logic signal, the logic is inverted by the level converter unit 111e having an open collector output provided in the sub-integrated board 111, and the sub-integrated board 111, the lamp driving board 112, The logic becomes negative logic between the substrates. For this reason, it can be made low active between the substrates. Further, even if the negative logic is generated between the boards, the logic is inverted again by the level converter unit 112e provided on the lamp driving board 112, and the effect lamp driving part 112g and the shift registers 112h and 112i provided on the lamp driving board 112 are transferred to each other. A positive logic signal is input. For this reason, since the logic is the same between the negative logic, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111, the effect lamp driving unit 112g of the lamp driving board 112, and the shift registers 112h and 112i, the logic can be easily understood.
[15. Another example]

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, when any one of the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 is in trouble, it is in an abnormal state. As a matter of fact, the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, 155 did not all rotate when the first excitation data and the second excitation data were set to a value of 0, but the excitation data was cleared only when a malfunction occurred. May be. In this way, since the one in the normal state operates, it is possible to prevent the player's willingness to play from being impaired. In addition, a malfunctioning item, that is, a malfunctioning item, does not operate with a performance that operates when it is in a normal state. Therefore, it is possible to notify the player or the game hall operator that a defect has occurred. .

  Next, if any of the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, or the character body (Wolf man) 154 has a problem, only the data having the problem is excited data. A process for clearing will be described. FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the abnormal excitation data clear individual processing. This abnormal excitation data clear individual processing is performed in place of the abnormal excitation data clear processing described with reference to FIG.

  When the abnormal excitation data clear individual processing is started, as shown in FIG. 42, the CPU 111a of the sub-integrated board 111 determines whether or not the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1 is a value 1 (step). S280). When the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1 is 1, that is, when the character body (Franken) 150 is in an abnormal state, the upper 4 bits D7, D6 of the first excitation data shown in FIG. A value 0 is set to D5 and D4 (step S282). By this setting, switching of the excitation current to each phase coil (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ4) of the stepping motor 150 by the drive circuit unit 112j is stopped, and the stepping motor 150 does not rotate. For this reason, the character body (Franken) 150 does not operate.

  On the other hand, when the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1 is 0 in Step S280, that is, when the character body (Franken) 150 is in a normal state or after Step S282, the character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2 is displayed. Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3 is 1 (step S284). When the character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2 or the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3 is 1, that is, when the character body (Dracula) 152 or the shielding member (Dracula) 166 is in an abnormal state, FIG. A value 0 is set to the lower 4 bits D3, D2, D1, and D0 of the first excitation data shown in (a), and the upper 4 bits D7 ′, D6 ′, and the second excitation data shown in FIG. A value 0 is set in D5 ′ and D4 ′ (step S286). With this set, each phase coil (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ4) of the stepping motor 153f by the drive circuit unit 112k and each phase coil (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ4) of the stepping motor 152h by the drive circuit unit 112m Switching of the excitation current is stopped, and the stepping motors 153f and 152h do not rotate. For this reason, the character body (Dracula) 152 and the shielding member (Dracula) 166 do not operate.

  On the other hand, when the character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2 and the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3 are 0 in Step S284, the character body (Dracula) 152 and the shielding member (Dracula) 166 are normal. If it is in the state or after step S286, it is determined whether or not the character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 is 1 (step S288). When the character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 is 1, that is, when the character body (wolf man) 154 is in an abnormal state, the lower 4 bits D3 ′ of the second excitation data shown in FIG. , D2 ′, D1 ′, and D0 ′ are set to 0 (step S290). By this setting, switching of the excitation current to each phase coil (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ4) of the stepping motor 155 by the drive circuit unit 112n is stopped, and the stepping motor 155 does not rotate. For this reason, the character body (wolf man) 154 does not operate. On the other hand, when the character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 is 0 in step S288, that is, when the character body (wolf man) 154 is in a normal state or after step S290, this routine is ended.

  Subsequently, after the abnormal excitation data clear individual processing, the effect displayed on the display area 42 of the liquid crystal display 116 and the character body (Franken) 150 appearing on the front side of the display area 42, the character body (Dracula) 152, An effect in an abnormal state among the shielding member (Dracula) 166 and the character body (wolf man) 150 will be described. FIG. 43 is an effect (individual response) showing an example of an advanced notice in an abnormal state.

  One of the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1, the character body (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS2, the shielding member (Dracula) abnormality flag F-MS3, and the character body (wolf man) abnormality flag F-MS4 has a value of 1. That is, when there is an abnormal state, for example, when the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1 has a value of 1, that is, when there is an abnormality in the character body (Franken) 150, the excitation data clear upon abnormality explained in FIG. In step S280 of processing, the value 0 is set in the upper 4 bits (D7, D6, D5, D4) of the first excitation data. By this setting, switching of the excitation current to each phase coil (φ1, φ2, φ3, φ4) of the stepping motor 150h by the drive circuit unit 112j is stopped, and the stepping motor 150h does not rotate. For this reason, the character body (Franken) 150 does not operate. Specifically, for example, when the advanced notice pattern number 10 is set, as described above, in step 1 ′, as shown in FIG. 43 (a), a character body (wolf) is displayed on the front side of the display area 42. Male) 154 appears, and in step 2 ′, as shown in FIG. 43B, a character body (Dracula) 152 and a shielding member (Dracula) 166 appear on the front side of the display area. In step 3 ′, the character body (Franken) 150 should appear on the front side of the display area 42. However, since the stepping motor 150h is not rotated, as shown in FIG. Does not appear.

  When the variation number of the variation display pattern is transmitted as a command from the main control board 101 next time, the character body (Franken) abnormality flag F-MS1 is set to 0, that is, the character body (Franken) abnormality determination process. When the (Franken) 150 is in a normal state, the character body (Franken) 150 appears on the front side of the display area 42 as shown in FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 are operated using the stepping motor. A stepping motor provided may be used. In this way, the encoder detects the amount of rotation accurately, so if it is a stepping motor equipped with an encoder, the load torque will temporarily increase as the stepping motor starts (at the start of rotation) and step out. However, the stepping motor can be rotated accurately by feeding back the detection signal of the encoder.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 do not operate, the character body (Franken) 150 is stored in the housing portion. In 156, the character body (Dracula) 152 and the shielding member (Dracula) 166 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 158, and the character body (wolf man) 154 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 160, thereby waiting in the original position until the next action. However, at this time, the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 may be controlled not to be excited. In this way, the stepping motors 150h, 153f, 152h, and 155 are excited only when the character body (Franken) 150, the character body (Dracula) 152, the shielding member (Dracula) 166, and the character body (Wolf man) 154 operate. This can be done and heat generation can be suppressed. In addition, power consumption can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the transmission permission bit Te is down edged during the output of the first excitation data (timing T7 shown in FIG. 31), that is, the transmission is prohibited. The transmission permission bit Te may be set to a value of 1. In this way, for example, the transmission permission bit Te is always set to the value 1 by setting the transmission permission bit Te to the value 1 every time the excitation data SM-DAT of the transmission buffer register 111asb is transferred to the transmission register 111asr. To continue, it becomes more resistant to noise. Therefore, it leads to noise countermeasures.

  In the embodiment described above, the pachinko machine 1 has been described as an example. However, the gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the pachinko machine, and a gaming machine other than the pachinko machine, for example, a slot machine or a pachinko machine. The present invention can also be applied to a fusion game machine that fuses with a slot machine (a game that uses a game ball to play a slot game).

1 is a front view showing an appearance of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko machine 1 of the state which open | released the main body frame and the front frame. 2 is a front view showing a game board 4. FIG. It is the disassembled perspective view which represented the game board 4 as the state decompose | disassembled into the component. 4 is a front view of a front unit 140 and a rear unit 142. FIG. It is the front view shown independently of the rear unit 142. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state where a cover member 142g is removed from the rear unit 142. It is a detailed view of a character body (Franken) 150 and a shielding member (Franken) 164. It is an operation example of the character body (Franken) 150 and the shielding member (Franken) 164. 5 is a detailed view of a character body (Dracula) 152 and a shielding member (Dracula) 166. FIG. It is an operation example of the character body (Dracula) 152 and the shielding member (Dracula) 166. 5 is a detailed view of a character body (wolf man) 154 and a shielding member (wolf man) 168. FIG. This is an operation example of a character body (wolf man) 154 and a shielding member (wolf man) 168. 2 is a block diagram showing a main substrate 100 and a peripheral substrate 110. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lamp driving substrate 112. FIG. It is a table | surface figure which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation display pattern selected by the main control board. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a reset process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a command reception interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a command reception end interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a 16 ms stepping motor scheduler starting process. It is a table which shows an example of a stepping motor scheduler. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a 2ms stepping motor scheduler starting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a stepping motor scheduler pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a 2ms stepping motor scheduler operation | movement process. It is an allocation figure of the 1st excitation data and the 2nd excitation data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an abnormal excitation data clear process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an excitation data transmission process. It is a time chart which shows the mode of the various signals in CPU111a of the sub integration board | substrate 111 when transmitting 1st excitation data and 2nd excitation data. It is a time chart which shows the mode of the various signals in the shift registers 112h and 112i of the lamp drive board | substrate 112 when receiving 1st excitation data and 2nd excitation data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a stepping motor process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a character body (Franken) abnormality determination process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a character body (Dracula) abnormality determination process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a shielding member (Dracula) abnormality determination process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a character body (wolf man) abnormality determination process. It is a table which shows an example of an advanced notice pattern. It is a table which shows an example of the advance notice for the daytime background. It is an effect showing an example of an advanced notice in a normal state. This is an effect (all countermeasures) showing an example of an advanced notice in an abnormal state. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an abnormal excitation data clear separate process. This is an effect (individual response) showing an example of an advanced notice in an abnormal state.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine (pachinko machine)
100 main board 101 main control board (main control board)
110 Peripheral board 111 Sub-integrated board (Sub-integrated board)
111e Level converter (sub-level converter)
111aso, 111aso 'serial part (serial output)
111aop output port 112 Lamp drive board (drive board)
112e Level converter section (Drive side level converter section)
112f Schmitt trigger part (Schmitt trigger part)
112 _r12 pull-up resistor (pull-up resistor)
112h, 112i Shift register (shift register)
112j, 112k, 112m, 112n Drive circuit section 150 Character body (Franken) (movable body)
152 Character body (Dracula) (movable body)
154 Character body (wolf man) (movable body)
166 Shielding member (Dracula) (movable body)
150h, 152h, 153f, 155 Stepping motor (Stepping motor)
150n, 152n, 153n, 154n Photosensor 150m, 152m, 153m, 154m Reference plate

Claims (1)

A pachinko gaming machine comprising a main control board, a sub-integrated board, a drive board, and a plurality of stepping motors,
The main control board outputs a command to the sub-integrated board based on the progress of the game,
The sub-integrated board outputs a control signal to the driving board based on a command from the main control board,
The drive board outputs a drive signal for driving the plurality of stepping motors based on a control signal from the sub-integrated board, and is capable of daisy chain connection for receiving serial data and converting it into parallel data. Have a shift register,
The control signal includes a transfer clock, drive data, and a latch signal.
The drive data is serial data serially output to the shift register based on the transfer clock,
The shift register latches serial data and outputs a drive signal which is a parallel signal in response to an input of the latch signal in synchronization with a periodic timer interrupt executed in the sub-integrated board. Pachinko machines to play.