JP2008125976A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of outputting a plurality of kinds of information generating in the course of a game to an external device. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes a game control board 300 having a main board 300a including a CPU 310 for controlling the movement of a game device, a signal input circuit 452 for inputting a game information signal output from the main board 300a, a signal output circuit 456 for outputting a game information signal input by the signal input circuit 452, a signal transmitting circuit 454 having mechanical contacts for transmitting the game information signal input by the signal input circuit 452 to the signal output circuit 456, and a signal output board 450 having the signal input circuit 452, the signal transmitting circuit 454 and the signal output circuit 456, wherein the main board 300a performs game information output processing for outputting serial signals generated on the basis of a plurality of pieces of device information and parallel signals generated on the basis of other device information to the signal output board 450 as game information signals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachislot machine (slot machine) or a pachinko gaming machine.

  For example, a pachislot machine has a mechanical variation display device configured by arranging a plurality of rotating reels that variably display a plurality of symbols in a front display window. In response to the player's start operation, the control means drives and controls the variable display device to rotate each reel so that the symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and each reel is rotated automatically or by a player's stop operation. Stop. At this time, when the symbols of the reels displayed in the display window are in a specific combination (winning mode), the player is given a profit by paying out a game medium such as a medal.

  Also, in the current mainstream model, in order to become a prize where a combination of predetermined symbols is lined up along an activated winning line (hereinafter referred to as “active line”), medals or coins are paid out, A combination of symbols indicating the winning combination of the winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) and the winning combination of the internal winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) through an effective line The player is required to perform a stop operation at a timing at which the player can stop. That is, no matter how much the internal winning is made, if the timing of the stop operation of the player is bad, the internal winning combination cannot be won. That is, game machines that require a technique for performing a stop operation with good timing are currently mainstream.

A control board that controls the game progress of such a gaming machine is known as a gaming machine that outputs predetermined information to an external device when a predetermined signal output condition is satisfied (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-288041

  According to the gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1, information output control to the external device enables notification in cooperation with the external device, but demand for outputting more information or different types of information to the external device. There is. However, simply increasing the number of wires connected to the external device so that a large amount of information can be transmitted or other information can be transmitted, not only on the pachislot machine side (transmission side) but also on the external device side (reception side) There is a problem that it is difficult to make effective use of existing external devices.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such problems, and provides a game table capable of outputting a plurality of types of information generated during the game to an external device.

  A gaming table according to the present invention includes a gaming control board including a gaming control circuit including a CPU for controlling the operation of a gaming device, a signal input circuit for inputting a gaming information signal output from the gaming control circuit, and the signal input. A signal output circuit for outputting the game information signal input by the circuit, a signal transmission circuit having a mechanical contact for transmitting the game information signal input by the signal input circuit to the signal output circuit, the signal input circuit, A signal output circuit including the signal transmission circuit and a signal output circuit, and a device information generation process for generating a plurality of device information indicating states of the plurality of gaming devices, and the device information generation process A serial signal generated based on a plurality of device information of the plurality of device information and a parameter generated based on other device information. Characterized in that it comprises a game information output process of outputting the signal to said signal output substrate as the game information signal, to the game control circuit, a gaming table.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to output a plurality of types of information generated during the game to an external device.

  Hereinafter, a slot machine (game table) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  <Overall configuration>

  First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100. FIG.

  The slot machine 100 includes a substantially box-shaped main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front opening of the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 of the slot machine 100, three reels (a left reel 110, a middle reel 111, and a right reel 112) each having a predetermined number of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are accommodated. It is configured to be able to rotate inside. In the first embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by pasting the belt-like member on a predetermined circular frame member. When viewed from the player, three symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. In the first embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this. Further, a line display LED (not shown) for notifying an effective line and a winning line, which will be described later, is arranged on the outer frame of the symbol display window 113 by lighting control such as blinking and lighting.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates an effective winning line. An effective winning line is determined in advance by the number of medals inserted into the slot machine 100. Of the five winning lines 114, for example, when one medal is inserted, the middle horizontal winning line is valid, and when two medals are inserted, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added. When three medals are inserted and three medals are inserted, the five added with the right-down winning line and the upper-right winning line become effective as the winning line. Note that the number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five.

  The start lamp 121 is a lamp that informs the player that the reels 110 to 112 are in a state of being able to rotate. The replay lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal insertion is not required) when a replay game that is one of the winning games in the previous game is won. It is a lamp to inform. The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (for example, a bonus such as BB (Big Bonus) or RB (Regular Bonus)) is won internally in the internal lottery. The medal insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies that a medal can be inserted. The payout number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The game number display 126 is an indicator for displaying an error display when a medal is inserted, the number of games during the big bonus game (in the BB game), the number of winnings of a predetermined winning combination, and the like. The stored number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The medal insertion buttons 130 and 131 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In the first embodiment, every time the medal insertion button 130 is pressed, a maximum of three are inserted one by one, and when the medal insertion button 131 is pressed, three are inserted. The medal slot 134 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the medal insertion button 130 or 131, or the actual medal can be inserted through the medal insertion slot 134. The payment button 132 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them to the medal tray 156 from the medal payout opening 155. The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed.

  The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for performing a game start operation. That is, when a desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 134 and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 are rotated as a trigger, and the game is started. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are buttons for performing a stop operation on the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by the operation of the start lever 135, and are provided corresponding to the reels 110 to 112. When any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is operated, any one of the corresponding reels 110 to 112 is stopped.

  The door key 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted. The medal payout exit 155 is a payout exit for paying out medals. The medal tray 156 is a container for collecting medals paid out from the medal payout opening 155. The medal tray 156 employs a tray that can emit light in the first embodiment, and may be hereinafter referred to as a tray lamp.

  The upper lamp 150, the side lamp 151, the center lamp 152, the waist lamp 153, the lower lamp 154, and the saucer lamp 156 are decorative lamps for exciting the game. The effect device 157 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device having a door (shutter) 163 that can be freely opened and closed attached to the front surface. The effect device 157 displays various types of information such as a small role notification. The sound hole 160 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. On the title panel 162, a pattern for decorating the slot machine 100 is drawn.

  FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is opened.

  An optical index sensor 325 (see FIG. 3) including a light projecting portion and a light receiving portion is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112 accommodated in the main body 101 of the slot machine 100. Between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit, a light shielding piece of a certain length provided on each of the reels 110 to 112 is configured to pass. The slot machine 100 determines the position of the symbol in the rotation direction on the reels 110 to 112 based on the detection result of the index sensor 325, and the reels 110 to 112 so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line 114. To stop.

  In addition, a medal selector 170 is disposed in the vicinity of the back side of the medal slot 134. The medal selector 170 is a device for determining whether or not a medal is normally inserted from the medal insertion slot 134, whether or not the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 134 is a regular medal, and the like. There are provided four optical medal insertion sensors 1 to 4 (hereinafter, the four medal insertion sensors 1 to 4 may be collectively referred to as “medal insertion sensor 320”, see FIG. 3). . The medal insertion sensors 1 and 2 are provided side by side on the medal insertion side of the medal selector 170, and the slot machine 100 determines the medal insertion based on the detection results of each of the medal insertion sensors 1 and 2 and the combination of the detection results. It is judged whether or not it has been normally inserted. The medal insertion sensor 3 is provided on the medal ejection side of the medal selector 170, and the slot machine 100 determines whether or not the medal is successfully ejected from the medal selector 170 based on the detection result of the medal insertion sensor 3. . The medal insertion sensor 4 is provided between the medal insertion slot 134 and the medal insertion side of the medal selector 170, and the slot machine 100 determines that the medal selector 170 has a normal medal based on the detection result of the medal insertion sensor 4. It is determined whether or not it has been inserted. The abnormality detection process by the medal insertion sensor 320 will be described later.

  A hopper 172 is provided below the inside of the main body 101. This hopper 172 is a device for paying out medals stored in a box-shaped bucket 172a from a medal payout opening 155, and is composed of two optical medal payout sensors 1 and 2 (hereinafter referred to as a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion). The two medal payout sensors 1 and 2 may be collectively referred to as “medal payout sensor 326” (see FIG. 3). The medal payout sensors 1 and 2 are provided in the vicinity of the medal discharge port of the hopper 172, and the slot machine 100 pays out medals based on the detection results of the medal payout sensors 1 and 2 and combinations of the detection results. It is determined whether or not there is an abnormality. The abnormality detection process by the medal payout sensor 326 will be described later.

  Further, a locking portion 102a for fixing the front door 102 to the main body 101 is provided on the lower right side of the back side of the front door 102. The main body 101 that locks the front door 102 by locking the locking portion 102a. The side lock member is provided with a door opening detection sensor 327 (see FIG. 3) for determining whether the front door 102 is open or closed. The door opening detection sensor 327 outputs an opening signal to the CPU 310 when the front door 102 is open, and outputs a closing signal to the CPU 310 when the front door 102 is closed.

  Further, a setting key (not shown) for performing a setting change operation (described later) and a setting key sensor 328 (see FIG. 3) for detecting an operation by the setting key are provided in the main body 101. .

  <Control unit>

  Next, the circuit configuration of the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The figure shows a circuit block diagram of the main control unit 300.

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game and a sub-control unit 400 that controls various devices in accordance with commands transmitted by the main control unit 300.

  The main control unit 300 includes a CPU 310 that is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire main control unit 300, a data bus and an address bus for the CPU 310 to transmit and receive signals to and from each IC and each circuit, It has the structure described below. The clock correction circuit 314 is a circuit that divides the clock generated by the crystal oscillator 311 and supplies it to the CPU 310. For example, when the frequency of the crystal oscillator 311 is 12 MHz, the divided clock is 6 MHz. The CPU 310 operates by receiving the clock divided by the clock correction circuit 314 as a system clock.

  Further, the CPU 310 is connected to a timer circuit 315 for setting a timer interrupt processing cycle for constantly monitoring the sensor and switch states and a motor drive pulse transmission cycle via a bus. When the power is turned on, the CPU 310 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 312 to the timer circuit 315 via the data bus. The timer circuit 315 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 310 at each interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 310 executes monitoring of each sensor and transmission of drive pulses. For example, when the system clock of the CPU 310 is set to 6 MHz, the frequency division value of the timer circuit 315 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 312 is set to 44, the reference time for this interrupt is 256 × 44 ÷ 6 MHz = 1. 877 ms.

  Further, the CPU 310 stores a ROM 312 for storing various data such as a program for controlling each IC, lottery data used for internal winning lottery, reel stop position, and temporary data. A RAM 313 is connected. Note that other storage means may be used for these ROM 312 and RAM 313, and this is the same in the sub-control unit 400 described later.

  Further, an input interface 360 for receiving an external signal is connected to the CPU 310, and a medal insertion sensor 320, a start lever sensor 321, a stop button sensor 322, and a medal insertion button are connected via the input interface 360 every interruption time. The sensor 323, the settlement switch sensor 324, the medal payout sensor 326, the door opening detection sensor 327, and the setting key sensor 328 are detected, and each sensor is monitored.

  The start lever sensor 321 is a sensor for detecting the operation of the start lever 135. The stop button sensor 322 is a sensor for detecting which stop button is pressed when any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is pressed. The medal insertion button sensor 323 is a sensor for detecting which medal insertion button is pressed when one of the medal insertion buttons 130 and 131 is pressed. The settlement switch sensor 324 is provided on the settlement button 132. When the settlement button 132 is pressed once, the stored medals and the bets placed on the settlement are settled and paid out. The other medal insertion sensor 320, medal payout sensor 326, door opening detection sensor 327, and setting key sensor 328 are as described above.

  The CPU 310 further has an input interface 361 and output interfaces 370 and 371 connected to an address bus via an address decoding circuit 350. The CPU 310 exchanges signals with external devices via these interfaces. An index sensor 325 is connected to the input interface 361, and the index sensor 325 becomes a high level every time a light shielding piece provided on the reels 110 to 112 passes. When detecting this signal, the CPU 310 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. The output interface 370 includes a reel motor driving unit 330 that controls a motor for driving the reel, a hopper motor driving unit 331 for driving the motor of the hopper 172, and a game lamp 340 (a winning line display lamp 120, a start A lamp 121, a replay lamp 122, a notification lamp 123, a medal insertion lamp 124, etc.), a 7 segment (SEG) indicator 341 (a payout number display 125, a game number display 126, a stored number display 127, etc.); An external concentration terminal board 450 described later is connected.

  Further, a random number generation circuit 317 is connected to the CPU 310 via a data bus. The random number generation circuit 317 is an increment counter capable of incrementing a value within a certain range based on a clock oscillated by the crystal oscillator 311 and the crystal oscillator 316 and outputting the count value to the CPU 310, which will be described later. Used for various lottery processes, including internal lottery for winning positions. An output interface 371 for transmitting a command to the sub control unit 400 is connected to the data bus of the CPU 310. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the sub control unit 400 is a one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 transmits a command to the sub control unit 400. Cannot be sent.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration of the slot machine 100, the information providing terminal board 500 connected to the slot machine 100, and the information collecting device 550 connected to the information providing terminal board 500.

  The main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 includes two substrates, a main substrate 300a and a motor drive substrate 300b. Then, a signal line for transmitting the number of inserted medals as a “medal insertion signal”, a signal line for transmitting the number of medals paid out as a “medal payout signal”, and a game state ( RB operation, BB operation, CB operation, MB operation) are transmitted as “external signals 1 to 4” as six parallel signal lines including a plurality of types of game information. They are connected by one serial signal line or the like that is transmitted as a “state composite signal”. The “state composite signal” transmitted through the serial signal line is a five-state information signal of “door signal”, “hopper signal”, “setting signal”, “selector signal”, and “power signal”. Generate in combination.

  The “door signal” is a signal indicating whether the front door 102 is open or closed, and is turned on when the door open detection sensor 327 detects the opening of the front door 102 (when an open signal is detected). When the level of the front door 102 is detected by the door opening detection sensor 327 (when a closing signal is detected), the level is set to a level (for example, high level). ). The “hopper signal” is a signal indicating whether or not the state of the hopper 172 is abnormal. When an abnormality of the hopper 172 is detected by the medal payout sensor 326 (any one of medal payout abnormalities 1 to 3 described later is detected). In the case where the medal payout sensor 326 does not detect the abnormality of the hopper 172 (when no medal payout abnormality 1 to 3 is detected), it is set to the off level. The “setting signal” is a signal indicating whether or not the setting is being changed (described later), and is set to the on level at the start of the setting change process and set to the off level at the end of the setting change process. The “selector signal” is a signal indicating whether or not the state of the medal selector 170 is abnormal, and when an abnormality of the medal selector 170 is detected by the medal insertion sensor 320 (any one of medal insertion abnormalities 1 to 5 described later). Is set to the on level, and when the medal insertion sensor 320 does not detect any abnormality of the medal selector 170 (when none of the medal insertion abnormalities 1 to 5 is detected), it is set to the off level. . The “power signal” is a signal indicating whether or not the power of the slot machine 100 is on, and is set to an on level when the voltage drop signal is off (when the power is on), and the voltage drop signal is on. In case of (when power is off), set to off level.

  In the first embodiment, information having a high frequency of state change, such as the number of inserted medals, the number of paid out medals, and the game status, is output as a parallel signal, and the number of inserted medals, the number of paid out medals, and the game Information such as the opening / closing of the front door 102, the occurrence of an abnormality in the hopper 172, the occurrence of an abnormality in the medal selector 170, etc., is output as a serial signal only when the state changes. . Therefore, the number of serial signal on / off switching operations can be reduced compared to the number of parallel signal on / off switching operations, and a relay 454b (described later) having a mechanical switch is arranged on the serial signal transmission path. Even if it is provided, the ON / OFF count of the relay 454b does not increase more than necessary, and the durability of the relay 454b can be improved.

  In addition to connecting the medal insertion sensor 320 and the door opening detection sensor 327 described above to the main board 300a of the main control unit 300, the power supply voltage supplied to each gaming device of the slot machine 100 is lowered between the main board 300a and the power board 460. A voltage drop signal line for transmitting a voltage drop signal for detecting the signal is connected.

  The slot machine 100 further includes an external concentration terminal board 450. The external concentrated terminal board 450 and the motor drive board 300b of the main control unit 300 are connected by six parallel signal lines and one serial signal line, and the parallel signal input to the external concentrated terminal board 450 is serially connected. A signal is configured to be output to the outside of the slot machine 100. Thereby, the game information of the slot machine 100 can be output to the outside as various signals by connecting the external concentration terminal board 450 to the information providing terminal board 500 installed in a game store or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal circuit configuration of the external concentration terminal board 450. The external concentration terminal board 450 includes a signal input circuit 452, a signal transmission circuit 454, and a signal output circuit 456. The signal input circuit 452 (for example, a connector) includes 10 input terminals 1 to 10, the serial signal line of the motor drive board 300 b is input to the input terminal 1, and the parallel signal of the motor drive board 300 b is input to the input terminals 2 to 7. A + 24v power source is connected to the input terminals 8 to 10 respectively. The signal transmission circuit 454 includes a light emitting diode 454a, a relay 454b having an electromagnetic coil and a mechanical switch, and the like. The signal output circuit 456 (for example, a connector) includes eight output terminals 1 to 8, and a relay common signal line of an information providing terminal board 500 (described later) is connected to the output terminals 1 to 5 and 7. Is connected to the parallel signal line of the information providing terminal board 500 and the output terminal 8 is connected to the serial signal line of the information providing terminal board 500.

  When a low level signal is input to the input terminals 1 to 7 of the signal input circuit 452, the light emitting diode 454a is turned on and the electromagnetic coil of the relay 454b is activated to turn on the mechanical switch (closed state). As a result, the external concentration terminal plate 450 outputs a low level signal from the output terminals 1 to 5, 7, and 8 of the signal output circuit 456 corresponding to the relay 454b that is turned on. On the other hand, when a high level signal is input to the input terminals 1 to 7 of the signal input circuit 452, the light emitting diode 454a is turned off and the operation of the electromagnetic coil of the relay 454b is stopped to turn off the mechanical switch (open state). To. Thereby, the external concentration terminal board 450 outputs the high level signal supplied by the relay common signal line from the output terminals 1 to 5, 7, and 8 of the signal output circuit 456 corresponding to the relay 454 b that is turned off. .

  Returning to FIG. 4, the information providing terminal board 500 connected to the external concentration terminal board 450 is further connected to an information receiving device 550a of an information collecting device (for example, hall computer) 550 installed in a game shop or the like. . The information providing terminal board 500 and the information receiving device 550a include the above-described six parallel signal lines and relay common lines, as well as door signals and hopper signals generated based on the state composite signal input to the information providing terminal board 500. Are connected by five parallel signal lines for transmitting a setting signal, a selector signal, and a power supply signal. The information providing terminal board 500 converts the state composite signal (serial signal) input from the external concentrated terminal board 450 into a parallel signal composed of a door signal, a hopper signal, a setting signal, a selector signal, and a power signal by a pulse conversion circuit or a drive circuit. Then, the information is output to the information receiving device 550a of the information collecting device 550.

  <Type of winning prize>

  Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described.

  The slot machine 100 employs a winning combination described below for each gaming state. It should be noted that the type of winning combination in each gaming state is not limited to the winning combination shown in the first embodiment, and it goes without saying that it can be arbitrarily adopted.

  <Normal game>

  There are a big bonus (BB), a regular bonus (RB), a re-game (replay), and a small role in the winning combination of the normal game.

  “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special role (operating role) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) by winning. “Replay” is a winning combination (operating combination) that allows a game to be played without winning a medal in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The “small role” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning.

  In addition, the internal winning probability of each combination is the value of the lottery data (number of appearances of each combination in a predetermined number of games) associated with each combination of the random value acquired at the time of the internal lottery of each combination The value is divided by the size of the range (for example, 65535). The random number value is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination or loss is associated with each numerical range. In addition, lottery data exists from setting 1 to setting 6, and an attendant of a game shop can arbitrarily select and set any setting value.

  <BB general game>

  The winning combination of the BB general game in the first embodiment includes a shift regular bonus (SRB) and a small combination (small combination 1, small combination 2, small combination 3).

  The “shift regular bonus (SRB)” is a winning combination (operating combination) that starts a shift regular bonus game (SRB game), which is a special game, when a prize is awarded. Also do. The “small role” is the same as a normal game.

  <RB (SRB) game>

  The winning combination in the RB (SRB) game is only the “combination”, and each game in the RB (SRB) game is called a “combination game”. The winning combination is a winning combination that is won only during an RB (SRB) game, and a predetermined number (for example, 15) of medals are paid out when winning.

  <Type of gaming state>

  Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described.

  The gaming state of the slot machine 100 can be broadly classified into a normal game, a BB game, and an RB (SRB) game.

  A plurality of types of BB games can be considered, but in the first embodiment, it is possible to win an SRB during the BB game, and when this is won, the SRB game is started. Note that the BB game ends when, for example, the number of medals acquired by winning a prize reaches 465. A plurality of types of RB (SRB) games can be considered, but in the first embodiment, the game is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) or the number of times that the accessory is determined (for example, 8 times). A game whose end condition is that any one of the conditions for winning a prize is satisfied.

  <Main processing>

  Next, the main process of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit 300.

  Basic control of the game is performed mainly by the Main CPU 310 of the main control unit 300, and the Main CPU 310 repeatedly executes the main control unit main process of FIG.

  When power is turned on to the slot machine 100, first, initialization processing such as initial setting of a stack pointer and initial setting of a watchdog timer (WDT) is executed in initial setting 1 in step S101.

  Next, after restarting WDT in Step S102, in Step S103, it is determined whether or not the voltage drop signal output from the power supply board 460 is on, that is, whether or not a predetermined voltage is supplied to the slot machine 100. Judging. When the voltage drop signal is on (when a predetermined voltage is not supplied to the slot machine 100), the process returns to step S102, and when the voltage drop signal is off (a predetermined voltage is supplied to the slot machine 100). If so, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In the initial setting 2 in step S104, initialization processing such as initialization of the RAM 313 and interrupt setting is executed, and then in step 105, it is determined whether or not a setting key is accepted based on the state of the setting key sensor 328. If a setting key has been received, the process proceeds to a setting change process in step S106. If a setting key has not been received, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S106, first, the setting of the function-limited wait is canceled and the interrupt permission is set. Further, after the setting change flag stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 313 is turned on and the setting signal included in the state composite signal is set to the on level, the setting values of setting 1 to setting 6 are changed. In this step S106, when a setting operation by a store clerk or the like using a predetermined operation unit provided on the game machine is detected with the setting change flag being on, a process for changing the setting value is performed. During the setting value changing process, the signal from the setting key sensor 328 is monitored, and the setting key sensor 328 waits for a change from a state indicating that the setting is being changed to a state where the setting change is completed. When the setting key sensor 328 changes to a state where the setting change is completed, the setting changing flag is turned off, the setting signal is set to the off level, and the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S107, it is determined whether or not the state before power interruption (before power supply interruption) is restored. And when returning to the state before power interruption, it progresses to step S108, and when that is not right, it progresses to step S110.

  In step S108, a function-limited wait is set so that the interrupt function waits for a predetermined time in timer interrupt processing (described later), and in step S109, the stack pointer stored at the time of power interruption is reset in the stack pointer. Then, the process at power recovery is performed and the process is terminated.

  In step S110, after canceling the setting of the function-restricted wait and setting the interrupt permission, the processing relating to the medal insertion is performed. Here, whether or not a medal is inserted is checked based on the state of the medal insertion sensor 320, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on according to the number of inserted medals. It is not necessary to insert a medal when winning the re-game in the previous game. In step S110, the signal from the setting key sensor 328 is monitored, and if the signal indicates that the setting is being checked, the setting checking flag stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 313 is turned on. To do. When the setting confirmation flag is turned on, it waits for the signal from the setting key sensor 328 to change from confirming the setting to a state where the setting confirmation is completed. If the setting confirmation flag is on, a setting value is output from a predetermined display device provided on the game machine in step S211 of timer interrupt processing (described later).

  In step S111, processing related to a game start operation is performed. Here, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated based on the state of the start lever sensor 321. If it is determined that the start operation has been performed, the number of inserted medals is determined.

  In step S112, the random number generated by the random number generator 317 is acquired.

  In step S113, an internal lottery of a winning combination is performed using the random number value acquired in step S112 and the lottery data stored in the ROM 312.

  In step S114, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started by reel rotation start processing. At this time, a reel stop control table that defines the stop positions of the reels 110 to 112 is selected based on the result of the internal lottery in step S113.

  In step S115, it is checked whether or not the stop buttons 137 to 139 have been operated based on the state of the stop button sensor 322. If it is determined that the stop buttons 137 to 139 have been operated, the reel stop selected in step S114 is determined. Based on the control table, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 137 to 139 is stopped. Then, based on the state of the index sensor 325, it is determined whether or not all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped. If all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S116. Wait until 139 is operated and all reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

  In step S116, the winning determination of the symbols of all reels 110 to 112 stopped by pressing the stop buttons 137 to 139 is performed. Here, it is determined that the winning combination has been won when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination internally or the winning combination is displayed (displayed) on the activated winning line 114.

  In step S117, a medal payout process is performed. In this medal payout process, if a winning combination is awarded, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out.

  In step S118, control for ending the game and control for shifting the game state are performed. For example, in the case of a BB winning or SRB winning, preparation is made so that a BB game or an SRB game can be started from the next time, and in those final games, preparation is made so that a normal game can be started from the next time.

  Thus, one game is completed, and thereafter, the game proceeds by repeating this main process.

  <Timer interrupt processing>

  Next, timer interrupt processing executed by the Main CPU 310 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of timer interrupt processing.

  The Main CPU 310 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and executes timer interrupt processing at a predetermined cycle triggered by the timer interrupt.

  In step S201, each register is saved in the stack.

  In step S202, the value of the input port is acquired, and the status of various sensors (medal insertion sensor 320, start lever sensor 321, stop button sensor 322, medal payout sensor 326, door opening detection sensor 327, setting key sensor 328, etc.) is set. To detect. More specifically, signals output from a plurality of sensors such as a medal insertion sensor 320, a start lever sensor 321, a stop button sensor 322, a medal payout sensor 326, a door opening detection sensor 327, a setting key sensor 328, and the like are input. It is determined whether the output from each sensor is on or off.

  In step S203, it is determined whether or not the interrupt function is being limited, that is, whether or not a function limit wait is set in the main process. If the interrupt function is limited (when a function-limited wait is set), the process proceeds to step S213 without performing the processing of steps S204 to S212. If the interrupt function is not limited (the function-limited wait is set). If not set), the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, game medal insertion acceptance processing is performed based on the current game state, the prescribed number of medals required for one game, and the like.

  In step S205, reel control processing such as rotation control and stop control of the reels 110 to 112 is performed.

  In step S206, other processing is performed.

  In step S207, data output to the game lamp 340 (upper lamp 150, side lamp 151, center lamp 152, waist lamp 153, lower lamp 154, saucer lamp 156, etc.) is updated.

  In step S208, various errors are updated based on the states of the various sensors detected in step 202. More specifically, a gaming device abnormality (for example, door opening, hopper abnormality, selector abnormality, etc.) depends on whether the signals output from the various sensors are on or off, or on or off for a predetermined period. It is determined whether or not the abnormality of the gaming device that has occurred has been resolved. For example, when the medal insertion sensor 1 detects that the inserted medal is stagnant, the medal insertion abnormality 1 is set, and the inserted medal does not pass the medal insertion sensors 1 and 2 normally. The medal insertion abnormality 2 is set in the case 2 and the medal insertion abnormality 3 is set when either of the medal insertion sensors 1 or 2 is turned on except during the medal insertion processing. Is detected, and when 5 medals pass normally after that, when the insertion sensor 3 has never fallen, the medal insertion abnormality 4 is set, and the insertion sensor 4 is kept on for a certain time or more. In this case, the medal insertion abnormality 5 is set.

  Also, when the hopper 172 is driven, the medal payout sensors 1 and 2 remain off and the medal payout abnormality 1 is set when there is no medal payout for a certain period of time. When the hopper 172 is driven, the medal payout sensors 1 and 2 remain on. When the medal payout abnormality 2 is set when the medal is staying at and the payout sensor 1 or 2 is turned on other than during the medal payout (for example, during the execution of the game medal payout process in step S117) Alternatively, the medal payout abnormality 3 is set when the signal line connecting the main control unit 300 and the hopper 172 is disconnected.

  In step S209, a signal output from the external concentration terminal board 450 is set. Here, a state composite signal is generated and output based on the determination result of occurrence and elimination of the abnormality in the gaming device in step S208, the value of the power-on flag, the value of the setting change flag, and the like. Further, a medal insertion signal or the like is output based on predetermined information (for example, medal insertion detection information in step S204).

  More specifically, the medal insertion signal is set based on the medal insertion number stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 313, and the medal payout signal is set based on the medal payout number stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 313. The external signals 1 to 4 are set based on the current gaming state stored in the predetermined area, and all the parallel signals of the medal insertion signal, the medal payout signal, and the external signals 1 to 4 are output from the parallel signal line. Further, the door signal is set based on the detection result (opening signal or closing signal) of the door opening detection sensor 327 detected in step S202, and the hopper signal is set based on the presence or absence of the medal payout abnormality updated in step S208. The selector signal is set based on the presence or absence of the medal insertion abnormality updated in step S208, the power signal is set based on the voltage drop signal, and the door signal, the hopper signal, the selector signal, the power signal, and the setting signal are set. When any of the signals changes, all serial signals of the door signal, the hopper signal, the selector signal, the power supply signal, and the setting signal are output from the serial signal line as a state composite signal. The setting signal included in the state composite signal is set in step S106 described above. Also, if there is a change in device information such as a door signal during the output of a state composite signal, the change in device information during the output of the state composite signal is ignored and the device information changes after the output of the state composite signal. Confirm that the status composite signal is reset and output. When the power information is turned on and output throughout the period when power is supplied, the state composite signal may be generated and output regardless of the value of the power-on flag.

  In step S210, data to be output to the 7SEG display 341 is set.

  In step S211, data to be output to the reel motor control unit 330, the hopper motor control unit 331, and the like is set.

  In step S212, a control command is output to the sub-control unit 400.

  In step S213, various counter timers stored in the RAM 313 are updated.

  In step S214, it is determined whether or not the voltage drop signal output from the power supply board 460 is on, that is, whether or not a predetermined voltage is supplied to the slot machine 100. When the voltage drop signal is on (when a predetermined voltage is not supplied to the slot machine 100), the process proceeds to step S217. When the voltage drop signal is off (a predetermined voltage is supplied to the slot machine 100). If so, the process proceeds to step S215.

  In step S215, the register saved in step S201 is restored, and in step S216, an interrupt is set to be permitted.

  In steps S217 to S220, a power interruption process is performed. More specifically, in step S217, the current stack pointer is saved, and in step S218, the power status is updated to “power failure”. In step S219, the checksum is calculated and set using the value stored in the RAM 313. In step S220, writing to the RAM 313 is set to be prohibited, and an infinite loop is entered. The CPU 310 turns on a power-on flag stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 in a predetermined process at the time of power-on (for example, a specific process among the processes from step S101 to step S109). The power-on flag is turned off in a predetermined process (for example, a specific process among steps S101 to S110 and steps S201 to S220) started in a state where is turned on.

  Next, the form of the state composite signal will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 8A to 8C are views showing forms 1 to 3 of the state composite signal.

  In the state composite signal form 1 shown in FIG. 8A, first, the state composite signal of the untransmitted level (in this example, high level) is inverted by a predetermined time (in this example, 50 ms), and the start level (in this example) is inverted. In this case, a low level signal is formed. Next, as signals corresponding to eight types of information 1 to information 8, an on-level (high level in this example) or off-level (low level in this example) signal is formed at intervals of 50 ms. Finally, after holding a signal at the same level as the untransmitted level (high level in this example) for 50 ms to form a stop level signal, the state composite signal is set to the untransmitted level. When the state composite signal of this form 1 is applied, if the information 1 is assigned to the power supply signal and the state composite signal is output after the power is turned on, the device that receives the state composite signal (the information providing terminal board 500 in the first embodiment) Then, it is possible to obtain the reference time of the state composite signal by measuring the time between the edges of the signal of the start level, and the signal level of information 1 to information 8 (on level or off) based on this reference time Level). In the apparatus that receives the state composite signal, the reference time of the state composite signal may be optimized among a plurality of receptions.

  In the state composite signal form 2 shown in FIG. 8B, the start level signal and the information 1 to information 8 on level or off level signals are formed as in the form 1. Next, after forming a 50 ms stop level 1 (low level in this example) signal, the stop level 1 signal is inverted to form a 50 ms stop level 2 (high level in this example) signal. In addition, the state composite signal is set to the untransmitted level. When the state composite signal of this mode 2 is applied, in the device that receives the state composite signal (in the information providing terminal board 500 in the first embodiment), the stop level starts from the rising edge (or falling edge) of the start level signal. It is possible to obtain the reference time of the state composite signal by measuring the time until the rising edge (or falling edge) of the signal 2, and based on this reference time, the signal levels of information 1 to information 8 ( On-level or off-level).

  In the state composite signal form 3 shown in FIG. 8C, first, the state composite signal of the untransmitted level (high level in this example) is inverted by a predetermined time (50 ms in this example), and the start level 1 (this After a low level signal is formed in the example, a start level 1 signal is inverted to form a 50 ms start level 2 (high level in this example) signal. Thereafter, as in the case of Form 2, after the information 1 to information 8 on-level or off-level signals are formed, a 50 ms stop level 1 signal (low level in this example) is formed, and then the stop level 1 signal is generated. Is inverted to form a 50 ms stop level 2 (high level in this example) signal, and finally the state composite signal is set to the untransmitted level. When the state composite signal of this mode 3 is applied, in the device that receives the state composite signal (the information providing terminal board 500 in the first embodiment), the state composite is measured by measuring the time between the edges of the start level 1 signal. The reference time of the signal can be acquired, and the signal level (on level or off level) of information 1 to information 8 can be determined based on this reference time.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of state composite signals are continuously output from one signal line. In this example, the state composite signal is output in the order of a power signal, a hopper signal, a setting signal, a selector signal, and a door signal. FIG. 6A shows a normal state composite signal, in which the power signal is on level (power on), the hopper signal is off level (no abnormality in the hopper 172), and the setting signal is off level (during setting change processing) The selector signal is set to the off level (the medal selector 170 is not abnormal), and the door signal is set to the off level (door closed).

  FIG. 4B shows a state composite signal when the door is open, the power signal is on level (power on), the hopper signal is off level (no abnormality in the hopper 172), and the setting signal is off level (during setting change processing) The selector signal is set to the off level (the medal selector 170 is not abnormal), and the door signal is set to the on level (the door is opened).

  FIG. 4C shows a state composite signal during the setting change operation, in which the power signal is on level (power on), the hopper signal is off level (no abnormality in the hopper 172), and the setting signal is on level (setting change processing). Middle), the selector signal is set to off level (the medal selector 170 is not abnormal), and the door signal is set to on level (door open).

  FIG. 4D shows a state composite signal when a hopper abnormality occurs. The power signal is on level (power on), the hopper signal is on level (abnormality of the hopper 172), and the setting signal is off level (setting change processing). Other than the middle), the selector signal is set to an off level (no abnormality of the medal selector 170), and the door signal is set to an off level (door closed).

  FIG. 4E shows a state composite signal during hopper abnormality recovery work. The power signal is on level (power on), the hopper signal is on level (abnormality of the hopper 172), and the setting signal is off level (setting change). Other than during processing), the selector signal is set to the off level (no abnormality of the medal selector 170), and the door signal is set to the on level (door open).

  FIG. 5F shows a state composite signal when a selector abnormality occurs, the power signal is on level (power on), the hopper signal is off level (no abnormality in the hopper 172), and the setting signal is off level (setting change processing) Other than the middle), the selector signal is set to the on level (the medal selector 170 is abnormal), and the door signal is set to the off level (the door is closed).

  FIG. 5G shows a state composite signal during recovery of selector abnormality, where the power signal is on level (power on), the hopper signal is off level (no abnormality in hopper 172), and the setting signal is off level (setting change processing) Other than middle), the selector signal is set to the on level (abnormality of the medal selector 170), and the door signal is set to the on level (door open).

  For example, if an abnormality of the hopper 172 occurs during the normal game, the normal state composite signal shown in FIG. 9A → the state composite signal when the hopper abnormality shown in FIG. The state composite signal is switched in the order of the state composite signal during the hopper abnormality recovery operation shown in e) and the normal state composite signal shown in FIG. Further, when a setting change operation is performed by a store clerk or the like of a game shop, a normal state composite signal shown in FIG. 6A → a state composite signal during the setting change operation shown in FIG. The state composite signal is switched in the order of the normal state composite signal shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example in which a plurality of state composite signals are continuously output from one signal line. In this example, the state composite signal is output in the order of the frequency of state change, that is, in the order of setting signal, selector signal, hopper signal, door signal, and the power signal is turned on / off at the untransmitted level. Output as. FIG. 9A shows a normal state composite signal. The setting signal is off level (except during setting change processing), the hopper signal is off level (the hopper 172 is normal), and the selector signal is off level (medal). The selector 170 is not abnormal) and the door signal is set to an off level (door closed). FIGS. 9B to 9G are state composite signals corresponding to FIGS. 9B to 9G, and only the signal output order is different. Therefore, the description thereof is omitted. .

  FIGS. 11A to 11C are diagrams showing an example in which a plurality of state composite signals are individually output from one signal line. FIGS. 11D and 11E are pulse patterns of the state composite signals. It is the figure which showed the example of the selection table. In this example, a signal having the highest priority among a plurality of signals included in the state composite signal is individually output from one signal line. More specifically, the “status” item in the pulse pattern selection table as shown in FIG. 4D is referenced from the top (in descending order of transmission priority) and matches the device information generated in step S208 above. It is determined whether or not to perform (matching process). Then, a pulse pattern signal corresponding to the “state” item that matches the device information is output (output processing). Thereafter, these matching processing and output processing are repeatedly executed every time the transmission period of the state composite signal elapses (every time the output of the state composite signal is completed). Here, “reservation” described in the item of “state” indicates that only an area is reserved for the case where some “state” is added in the future, and is not so much related to the present embodiment. .

  For example, let us consider a normal state after power-on, that is, when there is no abnormality in the hopper 172, there is no abnormality in the medal selector 170, and the door is closed, except during power-on and setting change. In this case, in the matching process, the device information does not match any of “hopper abnormal”, “selector abnormal”, “setting”, and “door open”, but it is determined that the device information matches “power-on”. For this reason, in the output process, a signal of a pulse pattern (in this example, pattern 04) corresponding to the item “power on” is output (see (a) of FIG. 6). In addition, considering the case where a hopper error, selector error, door opening, and power-on are occurring at the same time, the matching process determines that the device information matches the “hopper error”. The signal of the pulse pattern (in this example, pattern 00) corresponding to the item “is output (see FIG. 5B). Furthermore, considering the case where door opening and power-on occur at the same time, the device information does not match any of “hopper error”, “selector error”, or “setting” in the matching process. In order to determine that it coincides with “open”, in the output process, a signal of a pulse pattern (in this example, pattern 03) corresponding to the item “door open” is output (see (c) in the figure).

  Note that the pulse pattern selection table used in the matching process is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4D. For example, as shown in FIG. Patterns may be associated. In this example, when setting, door closing, and power on, a signal of pattern 02 corresponding to the item “setting and door closing” is output. When setting, door opening, and power on, “setting” A signal of pattern 03 corresponding to the item “medium and door open” is output. When the door is closed and the power is turned on, a signal of pattern 05 corresponding to the item “power on” is output.

  In addition, although the transmission priority in the pulse pattern selection table is in the order of hopper abnormality, selector abnormality, setting, door opening, and power-on, the transmission priority is not limited to this. Further, in FIG. 9A, the item corresponding to the item “power on” having the lowest priority is dealt with in the normal state (when there is no abnormality of a specific device (no hopper abnormality, selector abnormality, setting, door opening)). Although a pulse pattern signal is output, if there is no abnormality in a specific device, the signal may not be output, or the signal may be maintained at an untransmitted level. Further, a pulse pattern signal corresponding to the item “power on” may be output only once when the power is turned on, or only twice when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off.

  The pulse pattern signal is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C. For example, one or more signals indicating the length of the signal between bit 0 and bit 1 of the pulse are used. In addition, a signal formed with a pulse pattern of MSB first (bit 5 starts) instead of LSB first (bit 0 starts) may be included. Further, although the pulse width of each bit is the same, it is not limited to this and may be variable length.

  Alternatively, a pulse indicating a checksum may be output at the end of the pulse pattern signal. For example, in the first signal shown in FIG. 6A, since the number of ONs is an even number because bits 0 and 3 are ON, an OFF signal indicating that the number is even after bit 6 is an even number. In the first signal shown in FIG. 5B, since bit 0 is on, the number of ons is an odd number, so that bit 6 is an odd number after bit 5. An ON signal shown may be added and output. In these cases, the original data for calculating the checksum may not be based on all the pulses, but only for a specific range of pulses (for example, five pulses of bit 1 to bit 5).

  Further, the last pulse of the pulse pattern signal may be fixed at a level opposite to that of the first pulse. For example, bit 5 in FIG. 5A may always be set to an off level opposite to the level of bit 0. In addition, one set of signals formed with the next pulse pattern is output without any interval after the transmission of the signal formed with one set of pulse patterns, but the present invention is not limited to this. An untransmitted section having a predetermined length may be created.

  Further, although an example in which only one pulse pattern is selected has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and another pulse pattern may be selected and continuously output depending on the selected pulse pattern. In addition to this, a predetermined maximum number (for example, up to two) pulse patterns may be selected and output continuously.

  As described above, the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment includes the main body 101 that covers the periphery of the gaming apparatus, and the door portion (front door in the first embodiment) 102 that covers the main body 101 so that it can be opened and closed from the front side. A game control board (main control unit in the first embodiment) 300 on which a game control circuit (a main board in the first embodiment) 300a including a CPU 310 for controlling the operation of the gaming apparatus is mounted, and the door 102 is open. When this is detected, an opening detection circuit (door opening detection sensor in the first embodiment) 327 that outputs an opening signal to the game control circuit 300a, and a signal input for inputting a game information signal output by the game control circuit 300a A circuit 452, a signal output circuit 456 for outputting a game information signal inputted by the signal input circuit 452, and a game information signal inputted by the signal input circuit 452 are transmitted to the signal output circuit 456. A signal transmission circuit 454 having a mechanical contact (relay 454b in this embodiment 1), and a signal output board (in this embodiment 1 externally concentrated) in which the signal input circuit 452, the signal transmission circuit 454, and the signal output circuit 456 are mounted. Device information generation process for generating device information (in the first embodiment, a power supply signal, a hopper signal, a setting signal, a selector signal), and an opening detection circuit 327 Based on the presence / absence of an opening signal to be output, opening detection processing for generating opening information (a door signal in the first embodiment), device information generated by the device information generation processing, and opening being generated by the opening detection processing A game information output that outputs a serial signal (a state composite signal in the first embodiment) generated based on the information to the signal output board 450 as a game information signal. Processing (common terminal plate signal setting of the embodiment 1 in step S209 is applicable), characterized in that it comprises a game control circuit 300a, and a gaming table.

  In addition, the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment includes a main body 101 that covers the periphery of the gaming device, a door portion 102 that covers the main body 101 so that it can be opened and closed from the front side, and a CPU 310 that controls the operation of the gaming device. A game control board 300 equipped with 300a, a power supply circuit 460 for outputting a voltage drop signal to the game control circuit 300a when it is detected that the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming device has become a predetermined voltage or less, and a game A signal input circuit 452 for inputting a game information signal output from the control circuit 300a, a signal output circuit 456 for outputting a game information signal input by the signal input circuit 452, and a game information signal input by the signal input circuit 452 as a signal output. A signal transmission circuit 454 having a mechanical contact for transmission to the circuit 456, a signal input circuit 452, a signal transmission circuit 454, and a signal output circuit; A signal output board 450 mounted with a circuit 456, and device information generation processing for generating device information (in the first embodiment, a door signal, a hopper signal, a setting signal, a selector signal) indicating the state of the gaming device; Based on the presence or absence of a voltage drop signal output from the power supply circuit 460, a power supply detection process for generating power supply information (power supply signal in the first embodiment), a device information generated by the device information generation process, and a power supply detection process are generated. The game control circuit 300a includes a game information output process for generating a serial signal as a game information signal generated on the basis of the power supply information and outputting it to the signal output board 450.

  In addition, the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment has a game control board 300 on which a game control circuit 300a including a CPU 310 for controlling the operation of the gaming apparatus is mounted, and a signal for inputting a game information signal output from the game control circuit 300a. Input circuit 452, signal output circuit 456 for outputting game information signal input by signal input circuit 452, and signal transmission circuit having a mechanical contact for transmitting game information signal input by signal input circuit 452 to signal output circuit 456 454 and a signal output circuit 450 on which a signal input circuit 452, a signal transmission circuit 454, and a signal output circuit 456 are mounted, and device information generation processing for generating a plurality of device information respectively indicating the states of a plurality of gaming devices Based on a plurality of device information among a plurality of device information generated by the device information generation process. The game control circuit 300a includes a game information output process for outputting a serial signal generated in this way and a parallel signal generated based on other device information to the signal output board 450 as a game information signal. It is a stand.

  According to the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of types of game information can be output as serial signals from the signal output board. Therefore, it is possible to output a plurality of types of information generated during the game to an external device while suppressing an increase in wiring. Further, since the game information is transmitted through the mechanical contact, it is difficult to be affected by noise and the like, and the game information can be transmitted with high accuracy.

  In addition, a game control board 300 including a game control circuit 300a including a CPU 310 that performs control related to operations of a plurality of gaming devices, and an information storage unit (this book) that stores one or more information tables used by the CPU 310 for control. In the first embodiment, the ROM 312), the signal input circuit 452 for inputting the game information signal output from the game control circuit 300a, the signal output circuit 456 for outputting the game information signal input by the signal input circuit 452, and the signal input circuit 452 are shown. A signal transmission circuit 454 that transmits a game information signal input to the signal output circuit 456, a signal input circuit 452, the signal transmission circuit 454, and a signal output board 450 on which the signal output circuit 456 is mounted. A plurality of pieces of device information each indicating the state of the gaming device (in the first embodiment, a power signal, a hopper signal A device information generation process for generating a constant signal, a selector signal, a door signal), and a pulse pattern table (in association with a plurality of pulse patterns and device information stored in the information table stored in the information storage unit) A pulse pattern selection process (matching process in the first embodiment) for selecting a predetermined pulse pattern based on one or a plurality of device information generated by the device information generation process from the pulse pattern selection table in the first embodiment; The game control circuit 300a includes a game information output process (output process in the first embodiment) that outputs a signal generated based on the pulse pattern selected by the pulse pattern selection process to the signal output board as a game information signal. If it is configured, game information to be output by changing the pulse pattern table The contents of the signal can be easily changed.

  In addition, a game control board 300 including a game control circuit 300a including a CPU 310 that performs control related to operations of a plurality of gaming devices, and an information storage unit (this book) that stores one or more information tables used by the CPU 310 for control. In the first embodiment, the ROM 312), the signal input circuit 452 for inputting the game information signal output from the game control circuit 300a, the signal output circuit 456 for outputting the game information signal input by the signal input circuit 452, and the signal input circuit 452 are shown. A signal transmission circuit 454 having a mechanical contact for transmitting the game information signal input to the signal output circuit 456, a signal input circuit 452, the signal transmission circuit 454, and a signal output board 450 mounted with the signal output circuit 456, A plurality of pieces of device information (in the first embodiment, the power supply signal) respectively indicating the states of the plurality of gaming devices. Among the information table stored in the information storage unit and the device information generation process for generating the hopper signal, setting signal, selector signal, door signal), a plurality of pulse patterns and device information are stored in association with each other. From the pulse pattern table (pulse pattern selection table in the first embodiment), a pulse pattern selection process (in this embodiment 1) that selects a predetermined pulse pattern based on one or more pieces of device information generated by the device information generation processing. Matching process) and a game information output process for outputting a signal generated based on the pulse pattern selected by the pulse pattern selection process as a game information signal to a signal output board to a single signal line (in this embodiment 1) Output processing) and the game control circuit 300a include a pulse pattern table. In addition to being able to easily change the content of the game information signal to be output, it is possible to output a plurality of types of game information from a signal output board through a single signal line. Since the game information is transmitted via the type contact, it is difficult to be influenced by noise and the like, and the game information can be transmitted with high accuracy.

  Further, if the pulse pattern selection process is configured to select one pulse pattern based on a predetermined priority order, priority is given to highly urgent information among a plurality of types of game information. Is possible.

  In addition, the device information generation process is configured to generate a plurality of device information corresponding to a plurality of gaming devices, and the gaming information output process is to output a plurality of device information and open information (or power supply information). Before the start information indicating the head of the signal (the start level signals in FIGS. 9 and 10 are applicable in the first embodiment), and after outputting a plurality of device information and open information (or power supply information). Stop information indicating the end of the signal (in this embodiment, the stop level signals in FIGS. 9 and 10 correspond) is output, and the open information (or power supply information) is indicated at the same voltage level as the stop information. When the game information output process outputs a plurality of device information and release information (or power supply information), the release information is output after all the plurality of device information is output. (Or power supply information) is output, and when the frequency of state change of open information or power supply information is not high, the number of on / off switching of the game information signal can be reduced, and the life of the mechanical contact is further increased. Can be extended.

  Note that the gaming table according to the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the device information generation process is configured to generate a plurality of device information corresponding to a plurality of gaming devices, and the gaming information In the output process, before outputting a plurality of device information and releasing information (or power supply information), start information indicating the head of the signal and outputting a plurality of device information and releasing information (or power supply information) are output. The stop information indicating the end of the signal is output later, and the release information (or power supply information) is configured to be indicated at the same voltage level as the start information. When outputting information (or power supply information), it is configured to output all the plurality of device information after outputting open information (or power supply information). Good. In this case, when the frequency of state changes of the open information and the power supply information is not high, the number of on / off switching of the game information signal can be reduced, and the life of the mechanical contact can be further extended.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12A, the game information output process is performed based on the device information generated in the device information generation process (in this example, the state of the medal insertion sensor 320) (in this example, the number of pulses). A pulse signal (selector signal) composed of two on-level (low-level pulses) and a pulse number smaller than a predetermined number of pulses (in this example, one signal) A pulse signal (door signal) composed of on-level pulses may be generated and output as a game information signal in series to the signal output board. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to measure the pulse width on the reception side of the game information signal, and the configuration of the receiving device is simplified, compared to the case where the pulse width is changed according to the type of device information. It becomes possible to do.

  Further, as described in the table of FIG. 6, since information having a high occurrence frequency is configured to constitute one signal with a small number of on / off operations, the transmission time of the entire signal may be shortened. In this figure, the same information can be transmitted continuously as long as it is divided by the information division period. For example, a signal formed three times on (on-off-on-off-on) indicating a selector abnormality is continuously output with an information delimiter period between the occurrence of the selector abnormality detection and the elimination. . In this case, if no abnormality has occurred, the OFF state is continuously maintained. However, the ON period and the OFF period are each composed of 50 ms, and the entire set is composed of a period of 1450 ms, and the content is an ON or OFF level signal corresponding to the door information for the first 50 ms. The signal is output and the signal is at a level (eg, off) indicating that it is between signals in the set for the next 50 ms, and if the hopper information is on for the next 150 ms, it is turned on twice (on-off-on) and off. (Off-off-off) signal, a signal of a level (for example, off) indicating that it is between the signals in the set for the following 50 ms, and if the selector information is on for the subsequent 250 ms, it is turned on three times (on- Off-on-off-on), if off (off-off-off-off-off) signal, and a signal of a level (eg, off) indicating that the next 50 ms is between signals in the set. During the subsequent 350 ms, if the setting information is on, it is turned on 4 times (on-off-on-off-on-off-on), and if it is off, it is all off (off-off-off-off-off-off-off). OFF) signal, a signal having a level (for example, OFF) indicating that it is between signals in the set for the subsequent 50 ms, and ON for 5 times (ON-OFF-ON-OFF-) if the setting information is ON for the subsequent 450 ms. On-off-on-off-on), if off, a set of signals formatted to a fixed length composed of all off (off-off-off-off-off-off-off-off-off) signals And outputs a signal of a predetermined length (for example, off) of a predetermined length (for example, 50 ms) as an information delimiter signal (of course, the information delimiter signal may not be sandwiched), and one set corresponding to each information Signal continuously It may be a force). Alternatively, the information delimiter signal may be continuously output until one of the previously transmitted set of information changes, and when a change is detected, a set of signals corresponding to each information may be output. . Here too, the presence or absence of the start bit, stop bit, data length, etc. may be determined in advance as appropriate.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), the game information output process is based on the device information generated by the device information generation process, and has a predetermined first width (in this example, a pulse width of 50 ms × 3 = 150 ms). The pulse signal (selector signal) configured in the above, and the pulse signal configured with a second width (in this example, a pulse width of 50 ms) narrower than the first width based on the open information generated by the open detection processing (Door signals) may be generated and output to the signal output board in series as game information signals. With such a configuration, the number of on / off switching of the game information signal can be reduced and the life of the mechanical contact can be extended compared to the case where the number of pulses is changed according to the type of device information. Can do. Note that the door signal shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B may be replaced with a power signal.

  Furthermore, as described in the table of the figure, since information having a high occurrence frequency is configured to form one signal with a small length, the transmission time of the entire signal may be shortened. In this figure, the same information can be transmitted continuously as long as it is divided by the information division period. For example, a signal formed with a length of three ON times (ON-ON-ON) indicating a selector abnormality is continuously output with an information separation period between detection and elimination of the selector abnormality. Yes. In this case, if no abnormality has occurred, the OFF state is continuously maintained. However, the ON period and the OFF period are each composed of 50 ms, and the entire set is composed of a period of 950 ms, and the content is an on or off level signal corresponding to the door information for the first 50 ms. The signal is output and the signal for the next 50 ms is a signal indicating that it is between signals in the set (for example, OFF). Between the signals in the set (for example, off) indicating that they are between signals in the set, for the subsequent 150 ms, if the selector information is on, it is on level, if it is off, the signal is off level, and for the next 50 ms, it is in the set A signal of a level (for example, off) indicating that it is between signals, and for the following 200 ms, if the setting information is on, it is on level, and if it is off, it is off level In the next 50 ms, the signal has a level (eg, off) indicating that it is between signals in the set, and in the subsequent 250 ms, the power information is on-level if the power supply information is on, and the fixed-length signal is composed of the off-level signal if it is off. A set of signals formatted in the form of a signal, a signal of a predetermined level (for example, off) of a predetermined length (for example, 50 ms) is output as an information delimiter signal (of course, the information delimiter signal may not be sandwiched), A set of signals corresponding to information may be output continuously). Alternatively, the information delimiter signal may be continuously output until one of the previously transmitted set of information changes, and when a change is detected, a set of signals corresponding to each information may be output. . Here too, the presence or absence of the start bit, stop bit, data length, etc. may be determined in advance as appropriate.

  In this case, the device information generation process is configured to generate a plurality of device information respectively indicating the states of the plurality of gaming devices, and the game information output process is performed according to the type of device information generated by the device information generation process. If it is configured to generate a pulse signal having a width corresponding to one-to-one and an integer multiple of the second width and outputting it in series as a game information signal to the signal output board, the second By using a pulse having a width as a reference pulse, other pulses can be easily generated.

  Further, the device information generation process is configured to generate a plurality of device information respectively indicating the states of the plurality of gaming devices, and the game information output process has a one-to-one correspondence with the types of device information generated by the device information generation process. A plurality of different widths (for example, 2 to the nth power (n = 0, 1, 2,...), That is, 1 ms, 2 ms, 4 ms, 8 ms) are all added together (for example, 15 ms) (= 1 ms + 2 ms + 4 ms + 8 ms)) may be generated and output to the signal output board as a game information signal. With such a configuration, the number of game information signal on / off switching operations can be reduced and the life of the mechanical contacts can be extended as compared with the case where a plurality of pulses are formed.

  In the first embodiment, the state composite signal is output only when there is a change in the device information. However, when there is no change in the device information, such as at the start of the game, at the end of the game, or at regular intervals. It may be configured to output periodically. In addition, when there is a change in the device information during the output of the state composite signal, the device information during the output of the state composite signal is ignored. A predetermined number of changes may be stored in the buffer, and sequentially output after the state composite signal is output.

  In the first embodiment, the power signal is output when the power signal changes or when other device information changes. For example, the power signal continues during power-on. May be configured to output at regular intervals, may be configured to output only once when the power is turned on in step S209, and may be configured to output once each time the power is turned on and before the power interruption process. Alternatively, it may be configured to output once in the last timer interruption process during interruption limitation.

  4 shows an example in which the power supply board 460 outputs a voltage drop signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the power supply board 460 supplies power to the main control unit 300. A power supply monitoring circuit for monitoring a change in the voltage value (or current value) of the power supply is provided in the main controller 300, and when the power supply monitoring circuit has a voltage value (or current value) of the power supply below a predetermined threshold value, You may comprise so that a voltage drop signal may be output.

  In addition, the “periphery” according to the present invention means one, plural, or all of the top, the bottom, the side, and the back with the door closed, and the top, the bottom, It does not mean the entire side and back. Further, the “game device” according to the present invention is not limited to the game device provided in the main body, and includes, for example, a game device provided in the door portion.

  Further, the “device information” according to the present invention is not limited to that exemplified in the first embodiment. For example, during hopper abnormality, hopper abnormality elimination, selector abnormality elimination, selector abnormality elimination, setting processing start, Including the state of the gaming device such as the end of setting processing, door opening, door closing, power-on, power-off, detection of disconnection of a predetermined signal line, etc., these one state or a combination of a plurality of states and various These pulse patterns may be associated with each other. In addition, although five types of information, mainly door information, hopper information, selector information, setting information, and power supply information, are exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the type of information is information on opening of the upper door (when the gaming device is configured to cover the upper and lower doors), information on closing the upper door, information on opening the door, information on closing the door, Hopper error, hopper driving status, hopper stopped status, selector error, medal passing through the selector, setting changing information, setting checking information, power-on status, power-on occurrence status, power-on status , Power-off occurrence state, RAM abnormal state, state in which a predetermined combination is won, state in which a predetermined combination is won, state in a predetermined bonus period, state in a predetermined RT period, reel rotating state, in-game state A predetermined state such as a state in which the credit is being settled or a state in which a medal is being inserted may be applied.

  In addition, the first pulse of the state composite signal is exemplified to be fixed at a level opposite to the untransmitted level, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be a signal having the same level as the untransmitted level. Further, until power is supplied to the main control unit 300, the level is opposite to the non-transmission level (low level in the first embodiment), and when power is supplied, the level is not transmitted (high level in the first embodiment). Although an example of changing is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and the untransmitted level may be set to the same level as before power supply.

  Also, information with high occurrence frequency (or change frequency) is output from the main control unit, main board, and external concentration terminal board by parallel communication, and information with low occurrence frequency (or change frequency) is output from one signal line. Although an example is given, the present invention is not limited to this, and what information is output by parallel communication and what information is output as a state composite signal may be determined as appropriate.

  Also, “Conditions for judging the occurrence of abnormality” when outputting an alarm from an alarm device such as a lamp, LED, liquid crystal display device, speaker, etc. provided in the game table, and “Anomaly occurrence” when outputting an external signal from the game information output process “Conditions for determining” may be the same or different. For example, when a signal indicating that the door is opened from the door opening detection sensor is continuously received for 300 ms, an alarm is output from the liquid crystal display device and further received for 150 ms (a total of 450 ms). In this case, the game information output process may output door opening information. If the conditions are the same, control can be performed without providing a separate condition for determining that an abnormality has occurred, and the control may be made more efficient. In some cases, it is possible to enable control according to the request of the receiving side to receive the signal. Furthermore, when any one of a plurality of abnormalities related to the hopper occurs as a hopper abnormality, an alarm is output from an alarm device such as a lamp, LED, liquid crystal display device, speaker, etc. provided in the game table, and game information output processing Although an example of outputting an external signal from the above has been given, if any one of a plurality of abnormalities related to the hopper occurs, an alarm is output from a predetermined alarm device provided in the game stand, and among the plurality of abnormalities An external signal may be output from the game information output process when a specific abnormality (for example, an abnormality based on whether either the payout sensor 1 or 2 is turned on other than during medal payout) occurs. As described above, the type of abnormality may be different between when an alarm is output from the alarm device and when an external signal is output from the game information output process. This may be applied to information other than hopper information based on the same concept.

  In addition, when outputting as an external signal from one signal line from the game information output process, it is not an option whether to output it when there is a change from the last transmission state even if it is periodically output. May be. For example, in the case of FIG. 11C, which is common to all the forms, the signal of the pattern 03 indicating that the door is open is output repeatedly. For example, the first predetermined information (for example, the door) The signal of pattern 03 indicating opening) may be output only when the state changes, and the second predetermined information (for example, the signal of pattern 00 indicating hopper abnormality) may be output periodically and repeatedly. As another form, when the first predetermined information (for example, the signal of the pattern 03 indicating that the door is open) is transmitted, it waits for a periodical transmission for 1000 ms from the transmission, and then repeats the same if there is no change in the state. When the second predetermined information (for example, the signal of pattern 00 indicating hopper abnormality) is transmitted, the periodical transmission is waited for 50 ms from the transmission. Information may be output. In this example, if a change in state is detected during the period waiting for periodic transmission, information is selected by selecting a pattern without waiting for the period of waiting for periodic transmission. May be.

In addition, as an example of outputting state information as a state composite signal periodically, based on detection of state change (for example, occurrence of hopper abnormality) and detection of state return (for example, elimination of hopper abnormality), The state composite signal corresponding to the state of the new gaming device is output immediately, excluding the information interval, but is not limited to this, and the game at that timing is the first signal transmission timing after the state change is detected. A state composite signal corresponding to the state of the apparatus is output, and after the return of the state is detected, the first signal transmission timing after the predetermined period has passed without changing the state composite signal for a predetermined delay period (eg, 5000 ms) Thus, a state composite signal corresponding to the state of the gaming device at that timing may be output. This delay period may be changed according to the type of gaming device whose state has changed (for example, setting is 0 ms, hopper abnormality is 5000 ms, door opening is 7000 ms). The delay period may be inserted not only in the case of detecting the state return but also in the case of detecting the state change, or may be inserted only in the state change. As an example of periodically outputting a state composite signal including information on occurrence of an abnormality having the highest priority among predetermined priorities, an example of state change and state return has been given, but it relates to a single gaming device In addition to the example of monitoring the state change and the state return, the example of monitoring the state change and the state return for a plurality of gaming devices will be given again. For example, the first device (eg, selector, priority: high) and the second Considering the case of a device (for example, hopper, priority: low), a state composite signal (tentatively signal 2) containing information that an abnormality has occurred in the second device is periodically detected by detecting an abnormality in the second device. After that, when the abnormality is detected in the first device, a state composite signal (tentatively signal 1) including information that an abnormality has occurred in the first device is periodically output instead of the signal 2 described above. Do After that, when the abnormality is detected in the first apparatus, a state composite signal (the above-mentioned signal 2) including information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the second apparatus is periodically output instead of the above-described signal 1. To do. Thereafter, in the detection of abnormality elimination in the second device, instead of the signal 2 described above, for example, a state composite signal (provisionally signal 3) including information indicating that the power is turned on is periodically output. Here, the signal 1 includes the meaning that the power is turned on. The signal 2 also means that no abnormality has occurred in the first device and that the power is turned on. Further, the signal 3 includes the meaning that no abnormality has occurred in the first and second devices. In this example, signal switching from signal 2 to signal 1, signal 1 to signal 2, and signal 2 to signal 3 is shown. However, the above-described delay period may be inserted at any signal switching timing. For example, it may be inserted when switching from a signal having a higher priority to a signal having a lower priority. Specifically, after detecting the abnormality elimination of the first device, the signal 1 is continuously output for a predetermined number of delay times (for example, five times), and the signal corresponding to the abnormality occurrence state of each device at that time It may be switched to (signal 2 in this example) and output. Similarly, a delay period may be inserted before switching from signal 2 to signal 3. However, when switching the signal from signal 2 to signal 1, it is not necessary to insert a delay period. That is, when the transmission of the signal 2 is completed, if an abnormality has occurred in the first and second devices, the transmission of the signal 1 may be started immediately. In this way, high priority information may be output without a period from occurrence, and insertion into the delay period may reduce the risk that an external device may miss a signal.
Further, the delay period may be varied depending on the type of signal for which transmission has been completed, the type of signal to be transmitted next, and the like. For example, when switching the signal from signal 1 to signal 2, the aforementioned number of delays is 7 times, and when switching the signal from signal 1 to signal 3, the aforementioned number of delays is 5 times, and from signal 2 to signal 3. When switching, the number of delays described above may be set to three. Here, whether or not the delay period is inserted or the length of the delay period may be set as appropriate.

  In addition, even when the state composite signal is output based on the detection of the state change or the state return, not periodically, the state composite signal is not output for a predetermined delay period even if the state return is detected, A state composite signal corresponding to the state of the gaming device at the signal transmission timing after the delay period has elapsed may be output. A delay period may be included in both the state change and the state return, or only in the state change as in the case of periodic.

  Further, a plurality of signal lines for transmitting the state composite signal may be provided. That is, one or a plurality of signal lines (for example, a medal insertion signal to an external signal 4) for transmitting one type of information, and one or a plurality of single signal lines (for example, a state composite signal) for transmitting a plurality of types of information. In addition, they may be included in a single signal transmission member constituted by a pair of connectors and a set of signal lines, and a predetermined section (for example, between boards) is electrically connected by the signal transmission member. You may comprise.

Moreover, you may provide multiple output processing of a state composite signal as a change form. For example, when a power-off is detected (for example, when the process proceeds to YES in step S214 described above), the state composite signal may be output in a predetermined process (for example, a specific process in steps S217 to S220). Then, power information indicating power-on in a predetermined process (for example, a specific process among steps S101 to S109) may be output as a state composite signal or included in the state composite signal.
In the example of the pulse pattern selection process using the above-described pulse pattern selection table (FIGS. 11D and 11E), the priority order is determined based on the storage location of the matching target (abnormality type) in the table (address However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the matching target, the pulse pattern, and the priority order may be stored in association with each other. For example, “rank 1” with the highest priority for hopper abnormality and selector abnormality, “rank 2” with the next highest priority during setting and door opening, “rank 3” with the lowest priority during power-on, etc. As described above (assuming that the pulse pattern is set to be different for each of the five states), the state composite signal formed with the pulse pattern corresponding to the occurrence of the selector abnormality is detected. Even if the occurrence of a hopper abnormality is further detected during the period in which the output is periodically output, the selector abnormality and the hopper abnormality have the same priority “rank 1”. The state composite signal formed with the pulse pattern corresponding to the selector abnormality may be continuously output. In this way, fine control regarding the importance may be possible.
In addition, the concentrated terminal board signal setting is started each time the timer interrupt processing of FIG. 7 is started, and when transmission is completed, setting of a new signal selection signal, signal switching, and ON / OFF in one set of signals However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the centralized terminal board signal setting may be started only once while the timer interruption process is started a predetermined number of times. Specifically, a predetermined counter is provided in the RAM 313, an initial value (for example, 5) is set to this counter when the power is turned on, etc., and updated so as to be decremented by 1 every time the timer interrupt process is started. In the case of 0, the initial value is reset. Also, only when the value of this counter is a predetermined value (for example, 1), setting of a new signal selection signal, signal switching, or switching of ON / OFF within one set of signals in the concentrated terminal board signal setting You may make it perform. Since communication is performed using a mechanical contact and a certain amount of time is required to turn on and off the signal, the control load may be reduced by switching the signal every certain period of time.
There are a plurality of methods for solving the abnormality of the apparatus. For example, the door opening is canceled when the detection sensor detects that the door is closed, and the hopper empty (HE is called HE) caused by the empty hopper. ) Is canceled when a medal is replenished to the hopper, a medal detection sensor provided in the hopper detects the medal, and it is detected that the error cancel button is operated. In addition, if the set value stored in the RAM that is stored at the time of power-on and before the winning combination lottery is outside a predetermined range (for example, set values 1 to 6), the power supply is restarted. When the power is turned on and the set value is reset, the error is resolved. The method for resolving this abnormality may be associated with the above-described priority order. For example, the setting value abnormality is set to the highest priority abnormality, and the door opening is set to the lowest among the priority orders except when the power is turned on. You may do it. Also, for example, an abnormality that does not occur in normal game control, such as a medal insertion abnormality 3, a medal insertion abnormality 4, a medal payout abnormality 3, or the like (when an illegal player attempts to obtain a medal illegally is detected). An anomaly that occurs). The priority of abnormalities that do not occur in such normal game control is set high, and the priority of abnormalities that may occur during normal game control such as door opening required when replenishing medals to the hopper is set. It may be set low.
Further, as described above, a signal during power-on may be omitted. Note that the signal level may be fixed to a high level or a low level at the start of output of the first state composite signal or the completion of transmission of the first state composite signal on condition that the power is turned on. However, the signal level may be fixed at a high level or a low level as a level indicating that the power is cut off when the power is turned off.
Moreover, when transmitting one set of signals regularly, you may include the area which does not transmit a signal on the way. For example, a condition composite signal corresponding to the specific state is periodically transmitted a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times) on condition that there is no change in the state such as cancellation of the specific state after detection of the specific state. If a change in state such as cancellation of a specific state is still not detected, no signal is output for a predetermined period (for example, 120 minutes of a period required to transmit one set of state composite signals for one minute). (Fixed to a signal level in an untransmitted state), and then a state composite signal corresponding to a specific state may be output again. Alternatively, no signal may be output (fixed to a signal level in an untransmitted state) until a state change such as cancellation of a specific state is detected. In this case, the predetermined number of times and the predetermined period may be changed according to the type of the state composite signal transmitted last. Further, in the case of a specific state composite signal, this configuration may be included only when other state composite signals are periodically transmitted without including any configuration that outputs no signal.
In addition, the configuration described in the above-described embodiment is mainly based on priority control in which an abnormality to be preferentially notified according to the type of abnormality is notified early in order to reliably transmit a signal and not increase the load of game control. When including signal transmission using mechanical contacts in order to optimize the control, control the gaming table from external devices, and prevent illegal acts by unauthorized players, use the mechanical contacts. In order to eliminate the problems of the mechanical contacts, for example, considering that the durability of the mechanical contacts is lower than that of the main electrical components, a device for reducing the number of movements of the mechanical contacts, the response speed of the mechanical contacts is an electrical contact In order to optimize the control taking into account the slow point compared to the above, and when performing asynchronous communication with an external device, in order to fulfill the function for the device to reliably transmit the signal even in asynchronous Provided.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is provided with “a plurality of reels provided with a plurality of types of symbols, a start lever for starting the rotation of the reels, and a reel rotation corresponding to each reel. A stop button for individually stopping the reel, lottery means for determining whether or not the internal winning of a predetermined role is determined by lottery, and a reel for stopping the reel based on the determination result of the lottery means and operation of the stop button Stop control means, and is configured to win the winning combination when the combination of symbols displayed by the reel at the time of stopping is a predetermined symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination internally Although it is suitable for the “slot machine”, it is not limited to the structure of the slot machine as shown in the above embodiment.

  Therefore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a slot machine using medals (coins) as a game medium has been shown. The present invention can also be applied to slot machines (so-called parrots), pachinko gaming machines, and the like that use as a game medium.

  Here, the pachinko gaming machine to which the present invention is applied includes a variable display device that has a movable body such as a reel (rotating body) and variably displays a predetermined symbol (identification information). An example is a pachinko gaming machine in which a symbol is changed by a variable display device and then the symbol is stopped and displayed to notify the transition of the gaming state when the player enters and wins a prize.

  In such a pachinko gaming machine, when a game ball enters the start opening, a lottery is performed and it is determined whether or not the lottery result is a win. When winning the jackpot in this lottery, the variable display device displays a combination (a jackpot symbol; for example, 777) based on a specific symbol and shifts to a jackpot state. In the big hit state, the big prize opening is kept open, for example, for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times, so that the game ball is easy to enter and a state advantageous to the player is realized. In addition, if the combination of a specific symbol (hit jackpot symbol) is a jackpot symbol (probability variation symbol) with probability variation, the probability of the next jackpot will be set higher, realizing a more advantageous state for the player Is done.

  In addition, the actions and effects described in the above-described embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are limited to those described in the above-described embodiments. It is not something.

  The present invention can be applied to game machines represented by pachislot machines and pachinko gaming machines.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the state which opened the front door of the slot machine. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a main control unit in the slot machine. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing configurations of the slot machine, an information providing terminal board connected to the slot machine, and an information collecting device connected to the information providing terminal board. It is the figure which showed the internal circuit structure of the external concentration terminal board of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the main control part in the slot machine. 4 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing in the slot machine. (A)-(c) It is the figure which showed the forms 1-3 of the state composite signal which the slot machine outputs. It is the figure which showed the example which outputs a several state composite signal continuously from one signal line. It is the figure which showed the other example which outputs a several state composite signal continuously from one signal line. (A)-(c) is the figure which showed the example which outputs a several state composite signal separately from one signal line, The figure (d), (e) is a pulse pattern selection table of a state composite signal. It is the figure which showed the example of. (A) It is the figure which showed the example of the technique information state composite signal which converted the game information into the frequency | count of a pulse. (B) It is the figure which showed the example of the technique information state composite signal which converted the game information into the width | variety of a pulse.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Slot machine 101 ... Main body 102 ... Front door 110, 111, 112 ... Reel 135 ... Start lever 137, 138, 139 ... Stop button 170 ... Medal selector 172 ... Hopper 300 ... Main control part 400 ... Sub control part 450 ... External Centralized terminal board 500 ... Information providing terminal board 550 ... Information collecting device 550a ... Information receiving terminal board

Claims (3)

A game control board equipped with a game control circuit including a CPU for controlling the operation of the gaming device;
A signal input circuit for inputting a game information signal output by the game control circuit;
A signal output circuit for outputting the game information signal input by the signal input circuit;
A signal transmission circuit having a mechanical contact for transmitting the game information signal input by the signal input circuit to the signal output circuit;
A signal output board on which the signal input circuit, the signal transmission circuit, and the signal output circuit are mounted;
Device information generation processing for generating a plurality of device information respectively indicating the states of the plurality of gaming devices;
The signal output board using, as the game information signal, a serial signal generated based on a plurality of device information of the plurality of device information generated by the device information generation process and a parallel signal generated based on other device information Game information output processing to be output to the game control circuit,
Amusement stand. A body covering the periphery of the gaming device;
A door that covers the main body so as to be openable and closable from the front side;
A game control board equipped with a game control circuit including a CPU for controlling the operation of the gaming device;
An opening detection circuit that outputs an opening signal to the game control circuit when it is detected that the door is open;
A signal input circuit for inputting a game information signal output by the game control circuit;
A signal output circuit for outputting the game information signal input by the signal input circuit;
A signal transmission circuit having a mechanical contact for transmitting the game information signal input by the signal input circuit to the signal output circuit;
A signal output board on which the signal input circuit, the signal transmission circuit, and the signal output circuit are mounted;
Device information generation processing for generating device information indicating the state of the gaming device;
Based on the presence / absence of an open signal output by the open detection circuit, open detection processing for generating open information,
Based on the device information generated by the device information generation process, a pulse signal configured with a predetermined first width and from the first width based on the open information generated by the open detection process The game control circuit includes a game information output process for generating a pulse signal having a narrow second width and outputting the same to the signal output board in series as the game information signal. ,
Amusement stand. The device information generation process is configured to generate a plurality of device information respectively indicating the states of the plurality of gaming devices,
The game information output process generates a pulse signal having a width corresponding to the type of the device information generated by the device information generation process on a one-to-one basis and an integer multiple of the second width; The game information signal is configured to be output in series to the signal output board,
The game table according to claim 2.

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