JP2012050534A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine excellently preventing the occurrence of failure in current degradation caused by simultaneous driving of a plurality of electric components used for presentation.SOLUTION: In a presentation control device 150, a CPU 170 generates an ASIC control command based on updated operation data, and supplies the command to an ASIC 171. An ASIC 171 writes control data of various electric components into a register 185 of the ASIC according to the ASIC control command. Drivers and a control IC each generate a control signal according to the control data written in the register 185. The CPU 170 acquires the control data of the register 185 before supplying the ASIC control command, calculates a scheduled number of electric components operated based on the acquired control data and the updated operation data, compares the scheduled number of electric components operated with a limit number of electric components operated which is stored in an ROM 178, and when the scheduled number of electric components operated is larger than the limit number of electric components operated, the supply of the ASIC control command is stopped.

Description

  The present invention relates to gaming machines represented by pachinko machines and slot machines.

Conventionally, gaming machines represented by pachinko machines and slot machines have a symbol display device, a lamp device (for example, an LED lamp), a movable member (for example, an electric accessory) for the purpose of enhancing the interest of the player in the game. A sound effect output device (amplifier, speaker, etc.), a vibration device, etc. are used to provide an effect function that appeals to the player's sight, hearing, or feeling.
For example, in the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the special symbol display device performs the rendering operation by the movable member in response to the predetermined moving image display mode being executed by the identification information image or the rendering image during the variable display of the identification information image. When the movable member is in the production operation state, the special symbol display device performs a moving image display mode corresponding to the operation state by the identification information image or the production image, and when the movable member stops the production operation, The moving image display mode corresponding to the above is performed by the identification information image or the effect image. That is, a series of game effects in which the operation of the movable member and the display mode of the special symbol display device are made to correspond to each other are performed, and the visual effect is enhanced.

  The movable member used for such effects operates using an actuator that drives power, such as a solenoid or a motor, as a drive source. In such effects, in addition to the special symbol display device and the movable member, visual effects by the light emitting device, auditory effects by the audio output device, and the like are also performed.

  Moreover, the movable member used for production is not limited to one type, and a plurality of types of movable members may be simultaneously driven according to the production mode. In addition, the light emitting device is equipped with a large number of light emitting elements such as LEDs that are lit by supplied power, and the lighting operation of these many light emitting elements is also performed in accordance with the effect. Thus, the number of members (hereinafter referred to as members for production) used for production tends to increase, such as consumption current due to simultaneous driving of a plurality of actuators, consumption current due to simultaneous lighting of a large number of light emitting elements, etc. The total current consumption due to simultaneous driving of the production members is not negligible from the viewpoint of current supply capability. That is, if the total current consumed by the simultaneous driving of a plurality of performance members exceeds the allowable current that can be supplied, the amount of current that can be supplied to each performance member is insufficient. As a result, for example, the light emitting element may not be lit or darkened, and the actuator may not operate or the torque necessary for movement may not be obtained.

In addition, since power is supplied to each effect member via the power supply circuit of the control device, the drive current of the control device also decreases due to simultaneous driving of the effect members. If the drive current of the control device decreases, problems such as a reset may occur, which may hinder the progress of the game.
Therefore, normally, in the production of each production mode, it is designed so that the simultaneous drive number (total current consumption) of each production member does not exceed the allowable value that can be supplied.

JP 2003-52968 A

However, with the recent increase in production amount, various productions by production members are performed in combination, so it is difficult to check the number of simultaneous drives for all composite states during development. For this reason, when a check omission occurs, there is a possibility that simultaneous production of the production members exceeding the allowable value may occur.
In addition, during the stopping operation of returning the movable member to the reference position and stopping it, the movable member can return to the reference position due to a defect in the sensor for detecting the reference position or the detected element detected by the sensor. In some cases, the actuator continues to move. Also in this case, there is a possibility that the number of effect members that exceed the allowable value may be simultaneously driven by the effect members that are added in the next effect that is subsequently performed.
Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to such an unsolved problem of the conventional technology, and is intended to prevent the occurrence of a problem of current drop due to simultaneous driving of a plurality of electrical components used for production. The object is to provide a suitable gaming machine.

[Invention 1] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of Invention 1 performs a lottery to determine whether or not a special prize state that is advantageous to the player is caused when the execution condition is satisfied. A gaming machine that informs the player of the result of the production process using a plurality of electrical components that operate with power supplied from a power source,
A main control device, a sub-control device, and N (N is a natural number of 2 or more) electrical components;
The main controller is
Lottery means for performing lottery in response to establishment of the execution condition;
Effect mode determining means for determining an effect mode for notifying the lottery result of the lottery means from among a plurality of types of effect modes;
Effect control command transmitting means for transmitting to the sub control device an effect control command for causing the sub control device to execute the effect processing of the effect mode determined by the effect mode determining means,
The sub-control device
Effect control data storage means for storing effect control data for controlling the operation of M electrical parts (M is a natural number of 2 ≦ M ≦ N) used for effect processing according to the effect control command;
Current information detection means for detecting information related to current consumption of the electrical component according to the effect process;
Based on the production control data corresponding to the production control command and the current information detected by the current information detection means, the total current consumption of a plurality of electrical components that operate simultaneously when the operation related to the production process is executed. Operation control means for controlling the operation of each of the electrical components so as to be equal to or less than a preset limit value.

  With such a configuration, the execution condition is satisfied in the main control device, and this is used as a trigger for the lottery means to perform lottery, and the effect mode determining means to select a lot of effect modes. An effect mode for notifying the result is determined. Then, the effect control command transmitting means transmits an effect control command corresponding to the effect mode determined by the effect mode determining means to the sub-control device.

On the other hand, when the sub control device receives the effect control command from the main control device, the operation control means stores the effect control corresponding to the effect mode indicated by the received effect control command stored in the effect control data storage means. Operation control of M electrical components is performed based on the data for use and the current information detected by the current information detecting means.
Specifically, the operation control unit controls the operation of each electrical component so that the total current consumption of a plurality of electrical components that operate simultaneously is equal to or less than a preset limit value when the operation related to the rendering process is performed. .

For example, the operation control means detects information on the total current consumption of the currently operating electrical component as current information. Then, the total value of the total current consumption and the current consumption of the newly added electrical component is compared with the limit value. If the total value is equal to or less than the limit value, the additional operation of the electrical component is permitted, and the total value When the value becomes larger than the limit value, control is performed so that the additional operation of the electrical component is not permitted.
Or, when there is no electrical component currently in operation, the total current consumption value of a plurality of newly operated electrical components is compared with the limit value, and if the total current consumption value is less than the limit value, the newly operated When the operation of the component is permitted and the total current consumption value is larger than the limit value, control is performed to prohibit the operation of the newly operated electrical component.

As a result, the total current consumption of the electrical components that operate simultaneously can be kept below the limit value, so that problems such as the occurrence of malfunctions due to insufficient current of each electrical component and reset operation due to insufficient current of the sub-control device itself can be avoided. Occurrence can be prevented.
Here, the execution condition is satisfied, for example, if the gaming machine is a pachinko machine, the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening is satisfied, and if the gaming machine is a pachislot machine, the lever operation is detected. When this happens, the execution condition is satisfied.
In addition, the electrical parts used for the above-described effect processing include a symbol display device that can display a plurality of symbols in a variable manner, an actuator that is a driving source of a movable member, a light emitting element, and a sound effect output device that can output sound effects. .

[Invention 2] Further, in the gaming machine of Invention 2, in the gaming machine of Invention 1, the effect control data individually controls an operation related to the effect processing of each of the M electrical components. Including a plurality of motion data,
The operation control means includes an operation control auxiliary unit, and a control command generation unit that generates a control command of the operation control auxiliary unit corresponding to each operation data based on the production control data corresponding to the production control command. A control command transmission unit that transmits the generated control command to the operation control auxiliary unit,
The operation control auxiliary unit includes a register, a control data generation unit that generates control data for controlling an operation of an electrical component corresponding to the control command based on the control command from the control command transmission unit, and the control data A control data writing unit that writes control data generated by the generation unit to the register, a control signal generation unit that generates a control signal for controlling the operation of the electrical component based on the control data written to the register, and A control signal supply unit that supplies the control signal generated by the control signal generation unit to the electrical component,
The current information detection means reads the control data written in the register before the control command transmission unit transmits a new control command to the operation control auxiliary unit, and based on the read control data, the effect processing It is designed to detect information related to the current consumption of electrical components that are performing operations related to
Based on the new control command and the information related to the current consumption of the electrical component being executed detected by the current information detection unit, the operation control means determines the total current consumption of a plurality of electrical components operating simultaneously. The operation of the operation control auxiliary unit is controlled to be equal to or less than a preset limit value.

With such a configuration, in the current information detection means, the control data written in the register of the operation control auxiliary unit is read before the update, and the operation related to the rendering process is being executed based on the read control data It is possible to detect information relating to the current consumption of the electrical parts.
In other words, from the control data before the update, for example, it is possible to determine what operation instruction has been issued to the currently operating electrical component, and from the instruction content, the current number of operations and the current total current consumption It is possible to detect information related to current consumption.

[Invention 3] Further, in the gaming machine of Invention 3, in the gaming machine of Invention 1, the effect control data individually controls an operation related to the effect processing of each of the M electrical parts. Including a plurality of motion data,
The operation control means writes a plurality of operation data into the memory based on the presentation control command, and an operation data setting unit that updates the plurality of operation data written in the memory at a predetermined cycle; A control signal generation unit that generates a control signal for controlling the operation of the electric component based on operation data written in the memory, and a control signal that supplies the control signal generated by the control signal generation unit to the electric component to be controlled A supply unit;
The current information detection unit detects information related to current consumption of an electrical component that performs an operation related to the effect processing based on the operation data scheduled to be updated when the operation data is updated in the operation data setting unit. And
The operation control means, based on the information related to the current consumption detected by the current information detection means, the total current consumption of a plurality of electric parts operating simultaneously is equal to or less than a preset limit value. It is designed to control the operation.

With such a configuration, the current information detection unit can detect the information related to the current consumption of the electrical component that is executing the operation related to the effect process based on the operation data scheduled to be updated.
In other words, from the operation data scheduled to be updated, for example, by analyzing the setting value, it is possible to determine the current operating state of the electrical component related to the operation data scheduled to be updated. Thus, it is possible to detect information related to current consumption such as the number of operations and the current total current consumption. For example, if the electrical component is a motor, it can be determined whether or not the motor is stopped by looking at the control value of the rotational speed of the motor.

[Invention 4] Further, in the gaming machine according to Invention 4, in the gaming machine according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, the information related to the current consumption of the electrical component is the electrical component that is executing the operation related to the effect process. Information of the number,
The operation control means performs control to limit the number of the electric components that are operated simultaneously to a number that gives a total current consumption equal to or less than the limit value.
With such a configuration, it is possible to determine the number and combination of these that can be operated simultaneously from the current consumption of each electrical component in advance and control the operation so as not to exceed the number. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems due to current shortage by simple control such as control of the number of operations.

  [Invention 5] Further, in the gaming machine of Invention 5, in the gaming machine of Invention 4, the operation control means is information on a limited number of operations, which is information on a maximum number of simultaneous operation of electrical components that is not more than the limit value. Based on the above, either the total number of electrical components to be newly operated or the total number of electrical components to be newly operated and the number of electrical components that are currently in operation and continue to operate is When the number is less than the limit number, control is performed to operate the newly operated electric component, and when the total number of either one exceeds the limit number, the new electric component to be operated Control that does not operate is performed.

In such a configuration, the total number of electrical components to be newly operated or the total number of electrical components to be newly operated and the number of electrical components that are currently in operation and continue to operate When either one exceeds the limit number, it is possible not to operate the electrical component that is to be newly operated.
Thereby, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems due to insufficient current.

[Invention 6] Further, in the gaming machine according to Invention 6, in the gaming machine according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5, the operation control means includes an effect symbol display device in which the N electrical parts can display symbols in a variable manner. In such a case, by controlling the operation of the electrical components other than the effect symbol display device, the total current consumption of the plurality of electrical components operating simultaneously is set to be equal to or less than a preset limit value.
With such a configuration, the number of simultaneous operations in which the total current consumption is less than or equal to the limit value can be achieved by restricting the operation of other electrical components without stopping the effect operation due to the symbol display of the effect symbol display device. The operation of the electrical component can be controlled so that

Here, the effect operation of the effect symbol display device has a higher visual effect effect than the effect operation by other electric parts, so that the player when the stop is compared with other electric parts. Negative impressions, such as a sense of discomfort, are increased.
Therefore, since it is not necessary to stop the effect operation of the effect symbol display device, it is possible to reduce a negative impression given to the player when the operation of the electric parts is restricted.

  As described above, according to any one of the inventions 1 to 4, the electrical component is controlled such that the total current consumption of the plurality of electrical components operating simultaneously is equal to or less than the limit value when performing the rendering process. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems due to insufficient current.

It is a figure which shows the front part of the game board surface 102 of the pachinko machine 1 which concerns on this invention. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the moving mechanism which horizontally moves the whole electrically-driven accessory 300, (b) is a figure which shows the structural example of the detection part which detects the reference | standard position at the time of horizontal movement. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the movable structure which concerns on the form change of the electrically-driven accessory 300, (b) is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the detection part which detects the reference | standard position at the time of a form change. (A) is the figure which looked at the electric accessory 300 from the front, (b) is the figure which looked at the electric accessory 300 after the form change front. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of the electrically-powered objects 301 and 302, (b) is a figure which shows the operation example of the electrically-powered objects 301 and 302. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the production | presentation control apparatus 150 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of ASIC171. It is a flowchart which shows the ASIC control processing in CPU170. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation | movement limitation number information which concerns on 1st Embodiment memorize | stored in ROM178. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the presentation control apparatus 150 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation data setting process in CPU170. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation data of a motor. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation | movement limitation number information which concerns on 2nd Embodiment memorize | stored in ROM178.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 10 are diagrams showing a first embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention.
In this embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine as shown in FIG.
(Composition of game board surface)
First, based on FIG. 1, the structure of the game board surface of the pachinko machine according to the present invention will be described.
Here, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a front portion of the game board surface 102 of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a part particularly necessary for explanation.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an effect symbol display device 104 capable of displaying an effect image is provided at a substantially central portion of the game board surface 102. The effect symbol display device 104 has a plurality of display areas. In each display area, it is possible to independently perform a change display and a stop display of the effect symbols. Then, the effect symbol display device 104 displays the result of the winning lottery by the combination of the effect symbols stopped and displayed in the plurality of display areas.

  A multi-stage stage 108 having a configuration in which a plurality of stages are arranged in a step shape in the vertical direction is provided below the effect symbol display device 104. Each stage of the multistage stage 108 is formed with a guide path capable of changing the moving path of the game ball flowing down on the game board surface 102 and guiding the game ball to a lower stage. . Further, on the left side of the effect symbol display device 104, a warp inlet 112 for discharging the inflowing game ball to the uppermost stage of the multistage stage 108 is provided.

A normal symbol start gate 122 is provided on the left side of the effect symbol display device 104 almost directly below the warp inlet 112. When the game ball passes, the normal symbol start gate 122 detects the winning of the game ball based on a detection signal from a start gate switch (not shown) inside the pachinko machine 1, and gives a chance to draw by the normal symbol.
A start winning device 111 is provided below the multistage stage 108. The start winning device 111 has a first start winning port 111a and a second start winning port 111b provided below the first start winning port 111a. The first start winning opening 111a is a winning opening (a so-called umbilicus) that is open upward so that a game ball can always be won. The second start winning opening 111b is an electric accessory (so-called electric tulip: ordinary electric accessory) that can change the winning probability. The second start winning opening 111b is normally closed so that game balls cannot be won, but when a lottery with a normal symbol is won, the game ball can be won in a predetermined pattern. It becomes.

When the game ball wins, the start winning ports 111a and 111b detect the winning of the game ball based on the detection signals of the start winning port switches 131a and 131b (see FIG. 6) inside the pachinko machine 1, and give a chance to win a lottery.
A game state display device 107 is provided on the right side of the start winning device 111. The gaming state display device 107 includes a special symbol display unit 107a, a normal symbol display unit 107b, a special symbol start information storage number display unit 107c, and a normal symbol start information storage number display unit 107d.

  The special symbol display unit 107a can perform change display and stop display of the special symbol. Then, the special symbol display unit 107a displays the result of the winning lottery according to the state of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed. At this time, the special symbol display unit 107a is triggered by the result of the winning lottery performed with the winning of the game ball at the first starting winning port 111a and the winning of the game ball at the second starting winning port 111b. Winning lottery results are displayed individually.

The normal symbol display unit 107b can perform normal symbol variation display and stop display. And the normal symbol display part 107b displays the result of the lottery by a normal symbol by the mode of the normal symbol stopped and displayed.
The special symbol starting information storage number display unit 107c displays the number of times that the special symbol and the effect symbol can be continuously displayed in a variable manner (so-called number of holds). At this time, the special symbol starting information storage number display unit 107c stores the starting information storage number based on the winning of the game ball in the first starting winning opening 111a and the starting information storage based on the winning of the game ball in the second starting winning opening 111b. Each number is displayed individually.
The normal symbol start information storage number display unit 107d displays the number of times the normal symbol variation display can be continuously performed.

  A big prize opening 115 is provided below the start winning apparatus 111. The special winning opening 115 is normally closed, but when a special prize state is generated by a winning lottery, the special winning opening 115 is opened in a predetermined pattern, and a game ball can be won. The opening operation of the big prize opening 115 continues until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins (one round). Further, the opening operation of the special winning opening 115 is repeatedly performed for the number of rounds set according to the type of the special prize state. Then, when a game ball wins in the big prize opening 115, the number of game balls won is detected by the detection signal of the big prize opening switch 132 (see FIG. 2) inside the pachinko machine 1, and the prize is awarded according to the number of game balls won. Pay out the ball.

Furthermore, an electric accessory 300 (first movable accessory) is disposed from the upper right to the lower right of the effect symbol display device 104. The electric accessory 300 is disposed on the game board surface 102 at a position where the player can always recognize it.
Furthermore, an electric accessory 301 (second movable accessory) is disposed on the upper right side of the effect symbol display device 104, and an electric accessory 302 (third movable accessory) is provided on the upper left side of the effect symbol display device 104. An accessory) is provided.

The electrically-powered objects 300 to 302 are disposed at positions that do not affect the rolling of the game ball on the game board surface 102.
In addition, an out port 110 for collecting game balls that did not win any of the winning ports is provided below the big winning port 115 and at the lowermost part of the game board surface 102.
On the game board surface 102, a plurality of nails (not shown) are arranged so as to guide the game balls to the winning holes.

(Configuration of the electric accessory 300)
Next, the configuration of the electric accessory 300 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Here, FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of a moving mechanism that horizontally moves the entire electric accessory 300, and FIG. 2B is a configuration example of a detection unit that detects a reference position during horizontal movement. FIG. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a movable configuration related to a change in shape of the electric accessory 300, and FIG. It is. FIG. 4A is a front view of the electric accessory 300, and FIG. 4B is a front view of the electric accessory 300 after the form change.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the electric accessory 300 includes five light emitting units 330 a to 330 e that are connected via a link member described later.
Each light emitting unit is provided with light emitting means such as an LED. In addition, each light emitting unit is configured with a predetermined first motif (in this embodiment, a heart-shaped motif).
The electric accessory 300 further includes a base member 410 and a moving mechanism 900 that can reciprocate in the horizontal direction as a whole by rotationally driving the motor M1 in a predetermined rotation direction. A motor M <b> 2 is disposed substantially at the center of the base member 410. The motor M <b> 2 is disposed with its drive shaft (not shown) penetrating from the back side of the base member 410 to the front side. A motor gear 812 (described later) is fixed to the front side of the base member 410 on the drive shaft of the motor M2.

The moving mechanism 900 includes a motor M 1, a crank portion 920, and a fixed shaft 930 that is fixed to the base member 410.
The crank portion 920 is provided with a through hole 921. Further, the crank portion 920 is provided with a gear portion 922 in which a motor gear 912 provided on the rotation shaft 910 of the motor M1 is engaged (fitted so as to be engaged with each other).

The fixed shaft 930 fixed to the base member 410 is inserted into the through hole 921 of the crank portion 920.
Accordingly, by operating the motor M1, the motor rotation shaft 910 is rotationally driven, the motor gear 912 rotates, and the rotational force is transmitted to the crank portion 920 via the gear portion 922, and via the crank portion 920, The electric accessory 300 is moved in the horizontal direction.

Specifically, when the motor M1 is operated, the crank portion 920 is rotated via the motor gear 912. Then, when the crank portion 920 is rotated, the fixed shaft 930 inserted through the through hole 921 is moved in the horizontal direction. As a result, the entire electric accessory 300 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the electric accessory 300 includes a substrate 700, a photo sensor 710 provided on the substrate 700, and an index rib that is a detected portion of the sensor protruding from the crank portion 920. 720.

The photosensor 710 includes a light irradiation unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light irradiation unit, and the light irradiation unit and the light receiving unit are disposed to face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween. Yes.
The light irradiating unit, the light receiving unit, and the index rib 720 are inserted into the gap and emitted from the light irradiating unit to the light receiving unit when the entire electric accessory 300 is at the reference position. It is provided so as to be able to block light.
Therefore, the effect control device 150 can detect that the electric accessory 300 is at the reference position in the horizontal movement when the photosensor 710 is in the light-shielding state.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the electric accessory 300 includes an upper movable portion 500, a lower movable portion 600, an upper power transmission mechanism 820, and a lower power transmission mechanism 830. .
The upper movable unit 500 includes an upper first link member 511 and an upper second link member 521.
The lower movable portion 600 includes a lower first link member 611 and a lower second link member 621.
In addition, a light emitting unit 330 b is disposed on the front side of the upper first link member 511, and a light emitting unit 330 c is disposed on the front side of the upper second link member 521.
In addition, a light emitting unit 330d is disposed on the front side of the lower first link member 611, and a light emitting unit 330e is disposed on the front side of the lower second link member 621.

The upper power transmission mechanism 820 includes an upper relay gear 821, a gear 822, and a fixed gear 823.
A rotation hole is provided in the shaft core portion of the upper relay gear 821. The upper relay gear 821 is disposed such that the upper first rotation shaft 412 of the base member 410 is inserted into the rotation hole and is rotatable with respect to the upper first rotation shaft 412. The upper relay gear 821 is disposed between the motor gear 812 and the gear 822 of the motor M2, and meshes with the motor gear 812 and the gear 822, respectively.

The lower power transmission mechanism 830 includes a lower first relay gear 831a, a lower second relay gear 831b, a gear 832, and a fixed gear 833.
A rotation hole is provided in the shaft core portion of the lower first relay gear 831a. The lower first relay gear 831 a is disposed so that the gear rotation shaft 416 of the base member 410 is inserted into the rotation hole thereof and is rotatable with respect to the gear rotation shaft 416. The lower first relay gear 831a is disposed between the motor gear 812 of the motor M2 and the lower second relay gear 831b, and meshes with each of the motor gear 812 and the lower second relay gear 831b.

A rotation hole is provided in the shaft core portion of the lower second relay gear 831b. The lower second relay gear 831b is disposed so that the lower first rotary shaft 413 of the base member 410 is inserted into the rotation hole thereof and is rotatable with respect to the lower first rotary shaft 413. Further, the lower second relay gear 831b is disposed between the lower first relay gear 831a and the gear 832 and meshes with each of the lower first relay gear 831a and the gear 832.
Although not shown, the gear 822 and the gear 832 are configured not to rotate until a torque greater than a predetermined torque is applied by a torque limiter.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the electric accessory 300 includes a substrate 730, a photosensor 740 provided on the substrate 730, and a detected portion of the sensor protruding from the lower second link member 621. And an index rib 750.
The photosensor 740 is a sensor having the same configuration as the photosensor 710.
When the lower second link member 621 is at the reference position, the index rib 750 is inserted into the gap and the light irradiation unit of the photosensor 740 and the light receiving unit are separated from the light irradiation unit. The light irradiated to the light receiving unit is provided so as to be blocked.
Therefore, the effect control device 150 can detect that the lower second link member 621 is in the reference position when the form is changed when the photosensor 740 is in the light-shielding state.

With such a configuration, the electric accessory 300 can change the form into the first form, the intermediate form, and the second form by rotationally driving the motor M2.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the electric accessory 300 drives the motor M <b> 2 by forward rotation or reverse rotation so that the light emitting units of the upper movable unit 500 and the lower movable unit 600 are illustrated. It can be moved in the direction of the arrow inside. At this time, the gears 822 and 832 do not rotate until a torque greater than a predetermined torque is applied to the rotation shafts of the gear 822 of the upper power transmission mechanism 820 and the gear 832 of the lower power transmission mechanism 830. For this reason, since the rotational force is not transmitted to the fixed gear 823 and the fixed gear 833, the upper second link member 521 and the lower second link member 621 do not rotate. That is, only the upper first link member 511 and the lower first link member 611 rotate until a predetermined torque or more is reached. Thereby, it transfers to the intermediate form from the 1st form shown to Fig.4 (a).

Further, by rotating the motor M2 in the directions of A1 to A4 in FIG. The two link member 621 rotates. Thereby, it can change to the 2nd form shown in Drawing 4 (b).
In other words, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first form is a form in which the first motif (heart-shaped motif) of each light emitting unit is individually recognized. The intermediate form is a form of a deformation process between the first form and the second form, and is still a form in which the first motif of each light emitting unit is individually recognized. As shown in FIG. 4 (b), the second form is a combination of the first motifs of the five light-emitting parts, so that a second motif different from the first motif (in the present embodiment, the shape of cherry blossoms). The motif).
Then, in the effect process such as the reach effect, the electric accessory 300 displays information related to the game by a combination of the horizontal movement, the shape change, and the lighting state of the light emitting means in the plurality of light emitting units.

(Configuration of the electric accessories 301 and 302)
Next, based on FIG. 5, the structure of the electric actors 301 and 302 will be described.
Here, FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the electric actors 301 and 302, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the electric actors 301 and 302.
As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the electric accessory 301 includes a right shutter part 310, a right shutter moving mechanism 340, and an attachment member 360.
The right shutter portion 310 is configured such that a light emitting portion 312 having a right half shape of a heart-shaped frame shape is formed on the surface of a U-shaped transparent substrate 311. A guide part 315 protrudes from the upper part of the transparent substrate 311. The light emitting unit 312 has a structure in which a plurality of light emitting means such as LEDs are embedded inside.

A guide rail 361 into which the guide portion 315 is slidably inserted is provided on the upper portion of the attachment member 360.
The right shutter moving mechanism 340 meshes with the motor M3 fixed to the back side of the lower portion of the attachment member 360, the motor gear 341 fixed to the drive shaft of the motor M3, and the motor gear 341, and is provided below the attachment member 360. And an intermediate gear 342 rotatably provided on the shaft, and a moving portion 343 fixed to the lower portion of the attachment member 360.
The moving portion 343 includes a sawtooth-like tooth row portion 344 meshed with the intermediate gear 342, and a guide groove 345 extending through the shaft provided in the mounting member 360 and extending in the left-right direction.

Further, the lower part of the right shutter part 310 is fixed to the upper part of the moving part 343.
Therefore, when the motor M3 is rotationally driven, the rotational force is transmitted to the intermediate gear 342 via the motor gear 341, and the rotational force of the intermediate gear 342 is converted into a lateral force at the tooth row portion 344. The moving unit 343 is moved in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the right shutter portion 310 fixed to the moving portion 343 moves in the left-right direction along the guide groove 345 and the guide rail 361 according to the rotation direction of the motor M3.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5A, the electric accessory 302 includes a left shutter portion 320, a left shutter moving mechanism 350, and an attachment member 360 that is common to the electric accessory 301.
The left shutter unit 320 has a configuration in which a light emitting unit 322 having a left half shape of a heart-shaped frame shape is formed on the surface of a transparent substrate 321 having a shape obtained by horizontally inverting the transparent substrate 311. A guide part 325 protrudes from the upper part of the transparent substrate 321. The light emitting unit 322 has a configuration in which a plurality of light emitting means such as LEDs are embedded inside.

The left shutter moving mechanism 350 meshes with the motor M4 fixed to the back side of the lower portion of the attachment member 360, the motor gear 351 fixed to the drive shaft of the motor M4, and the motor gear 351, and is provided below the attachment member 360. An intermediate gear 352 rotatably provided on the shaft and a moving portion 353 fixed to the lower portion of the attachment member 360.
The moving part 353 has a sawtooth-like tooth row part 354 meshed with the intermediate gear 352, and a guide groove 355 through which a shaft provided in the mounting member 360 is inserted and extends in the left-right direction.

Further, the lower part of the left shutter part 320 is fixed to the upper part of the moving part 353.
Therefore, when the motor M4 is rotationally driven, the rotational force is transmitted to the intermediate gear 352 via the motor gear 351, and the rotational force of the intermediate gear 352 is converted into a lateral force in the tooth row portion 354, The moving unit 353 is moved in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the left shutter portion 320 fixed to the moving portion 353 moves in the left-right direction along the guide groove 355 and the guide rail 361 according to the rotation direction of the motor M4.

In addition, when the right shutter part 310 moves to the left and the left shutter part 320 moves to the right by the rotational driving of the motor M3 and the motor M4, as shown in FIG. The shutter moves so as to close. Then, when both move to the maximum movement position, the two finally come together to form a heart shape.
Further, when the right shutter unit 310 is moved to the maximum movement position in the right direction, the entire right shutter unit 310 is hidden under the decorated top cover. Similarly, when the left shutter unit 320 is moved to the maximum movement position in the left direction, the entire left shutter unit 320 is hidden under the top cover.

Further, a photo sensor 760 is provided at the lower right end portion of the attachment member 360, and an index rib 770 that is a detected portion of the sensor is projected from the right side surface of the moving portion 343.
The photo sensor 760 is a sensor having the same configuration as the photo sensor 710.
The light irradiation unit and the light receiving unit of the photo sensor 760 and the index rib 770 are located between the light irradiation unit and the light receiving unit when the moving unit 343 is at the maximum movement position (reference position) in the right direction. While being inserted, the light irradiated from a light irradiation part to a light-receiving part is provided so that interruption | blocking is possible.
Therefore, the effect control device 150 can detect that the right shutter unit 310 is at the reference position when the photosensor 760 is in the light-shielding state.

A photo sensor 780 is provided at the lower left end of the mounting member 360, and an index rib 790 that is a detected portion of the sensor is provided on the left side surface of the moving unit 353.
The photosensor 780 is a sensor having the same configuration as the photosensor 710.
The light irradiation unit and the light receiving unit of the photosensor 780 and the index rib 790 are located between the light irradiation unit and the light receiving unit when the moving unit 353 is at the maximum leftward movement position (reference position). While being inserted, the light irradiated from a light irradiation part to a light-receiving part is provided so that interruption | blocking is possible.

Therefore, the effect control device 150 can detect that the left shutter unit 320 is at the reference position when the photosensor 780 is in the light-shielded state.
Then, in the effect processing such as the reach effect, the electric actors 301 and 302 display information about the game by combining the change in form caused by the movement of the right shutter unit 310 and the left shutter unit 320 and the lighting state of the plurality of light emitting means. To do.

(Control system configuration)
Next, the configuration of the control system in the pachinko machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the pachinko machine.
As shown in FIG. 6, the pachinko machine 1 includes a first start winning port switch 131 a, a second starting winning port switch 131 b, a big winning port switch 132, and various winning port switches 133.
The first start winning port switch 131a detects the winning of a game ball to the first start winning port 111a, and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 210. The second start winning port switch 131b detects the winning of the game ball to the second start winning port 111b, and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 210. The big prize opening switch 132 detects the winning of a game ball in the big prize opening 115 and outputs a detection signal to the main controller 210. The various winning opening switches 133 detect the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 122 and output a detection signal to the main controller 210.

The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes a main control device 210 and an effect control device 150 as control units. In order to prevent fraud, etc., the main control device 210 and the effect control device 150 are each mounted on separate boards. Further, data can be transmitted only from the main control device 210 to the effect control device 150 in one direction.
The main control device 210 acquires various random numbers mainly in response to detection of a game ball winning in the start winning holes 111a and 111b. Then, the main control device 210 performs control command transmission and overall game control based on the acquired various random numbers. Further, the main control device 210 directly controls (port output control) the game state display device 107, the special prize opening solenoid 158, and the electric tulip (not shown).

Main controller 210 includes CPU 220, ROM 230, RAM 240, input port 250, and output port 255.
The input port 250 outputs detection signals output from each of the first start winning port switch 131a, the second starting winning port switch 131b, the big winning port switch 132, and the various winning port switches 133 to the CPU 220.

  The output port 255 outputs a control command and a control signal to each of the effect control device 150, the game state display device 107, the prize ball payout control device 156, and the big prize opening solenoid 158. Further, the output port 255 outputs the output information and abnormality signal of the pachinko machine 1 to the hall computer 1500. Thus, the hall computer 1500 remotely monitors the game situation of the pachinko machine 1 and the like.

The ROM 230 stores a program for controlling the pachinko machine 1 executed by the main control device 210, game control data, and the like. The game control data includes various effect control commands for controlling the effect control device 150.
The RAM 240 temporarily stores input / output data for the main controller 210, data for arithmetic processing, various counters including a random number counter related to the game, a lottery result and a flag for managing the game state. The RAM 240 has a start information storage area for special symbols and a start information storage area for normal symbols.

  In the special symbol start information storage area, the start information acquired when the game ball is won at the first start prize port 111a and the game ball is awarded at the second start prize port 111b are acquired as a trigger. The starting information is individually stored up to a predetermined upper limit number (four in this embodiment). Here, the start information is information such as various random number values acquired by winning the game balls to the start winning openings 111a and 111b (for example, hit determination random numbers, hit type determination random numbers, stop symbol determination random numbers, reach Determined random numbers, fluctuation pattern determined random numbers, etc.). The main control device 210 performs a hit determination on the start-up information stored in the start-up information storage area in a predetermined order (the order obtained in the present embodiment) and digests it. Further, main controller 210 displays the number of start information stored in the start information storage area on special symbol start information storage number display section 107c.

In addition, in the normal symbol start information storage area, information such as random numbers acquired when the game ball passes to the normal symbol start gate 122 is stored up to a predetermined upper limit number (four in this embodiment). The
The RAM 240 has a command storage area for temporarily storing effect control commands to be output to the effect control device 150 and the like.
The main controller 210 is connected to a power supply circuit 212 for supplying power.

The pachinko machine 1 includes a lamp device 154 including a plurality of light emitting means, and four speakers S1 to S1 for outputting sound effects, in addition to the above-described electric accessories 300 to 302 and the effect symbol display device 104. And a speaker device 155 including S4.
Note that the lamp device 154 is a total of the light emitting means provided in each light emitting portion of the electric combination 300 to 302. Moreover, in this Embodiment, the light emission means used for the electrically-powered objects 300-302 shall be LED.
In response to the effect control command transmitted from the main control device 210, the effect control device 150 displays each of the effect symbol display devices 104 in various effects, turns on and blinks the light emitting means in the lamp device 154, etc. It controls the output of sound effects from the speakers and the operation of the electric accessories 300 to 302.

(Configuration of production control device)
Next, the configuration of the effect control device 150 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the effect control device 150.
The effect control device 150 includes a CPU 170, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 171, a sound effect control IC 174, a display control unit 175, an input port 176, an output port 177, a ROM 178, and a RAM 179. .
The ROM 178 stores a program for controlling the production, various data, and the like.
The RAM 179 temporarily stores presentation control commands received from the main control device 210, data for performing arithmetic processing, and the like.
The CPU 170 controls the ASIC 171, the sound effect control IC 174, and the display control unit 175 by executing processing according to a program stored in the ROM 178.

  Specifically, CPU 170 controls the operation of ASIC 171 by generating an ASIC control command according to the effect control command received from main controller 210 and transmitting the ASIC control command to ASIC 171. In addition, the CPU 170 controls the operation of the sound effect control IC 174 by generating a sound control command according to the effect control command received from the main control device 210 and transmitting the sound control command to the sound effect control IC 174. In addition, CPU 170 controls the operation of display control unit 175 by generating a symbol display control command in accordance with the effect control command received from main controller 210 and transmitting the symbol display control command to display control unit 175. .

Here, the ASIC control command has a data structure different from the effect control command received from the main controller 210. For example, the production control command is a command composed of 2 bytes, whereas the ASIC control command is a command composed of 1 byte (8 bits).
Further, in the present embodiment, the display control by the display effect by the effect symbol display device 104 is mainly controlled with respect to the priority relationship in the effect control device 150 between the control of the ASIC 171 and the control of the display control unit 175. The display control process of the unit 175 is set to have a higher priority than the control process of the ASIC 171.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 170 is based on the information related to the current consumption of the motor blocks M1 to M4 of the electric accessories 300 to 302 and the LED blocks L1 to L8 of the lamp device 154. As described above, the ASIC 171 that controls these operations is controlled. In the following description, the motors M1 to M4 and the LED blocks L1 to L8 are referred to as electrical components when they are not distinguished. Each LED block is composed of, for example, 10 LEDs.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, when transmitting an ASIC control command to the ASIC 171 in the effect process, the CPU 170 reads control data written in a register 185 described later of the ASIC 171 before the transmission.
In other words, in order to perform control so that the total current consumption is less than or equal to the limit value, the control data before the contents of the register 185 of the ASIC 171 are rewritten (data that currently controls the operation of the electrical component) and the ASIC 171 Control data to be written in the register 185 (data for giving a new operation command to the electrical component) is required. For this reason, the current control data is read at a timing before the timing for transmitting the control data to be written next, and the processing for determining the number of operation of electrical components, which will be described later, is sufficiently in time for the transmission timing of the control data. It will be.

  Based on the read control data, the latest information of each electrical component such as the number of motors currently operating and the number of LED blocks currently lit is detected. Based on the operation limit number information stored in advance in the ROM, the detected number and its combination information, and the information of the ASIC control command scheduled to be transmitted, it is determined whether or not the number of simultaneously operating electrical components is equal to or less than the limit number. judge. Then, when the number is less than the limit number, an ASIC control command corresponding to the electrical component to be controlled is transmitted to the ASIC 171, and when the number is greater than the control number, to the ASIC 171 of the ASIC control command corresponding to the electrical component to be controlled. Cancel (cancel) transmission of.

For example, in the case of a motor, the information of the ASIC control command is information that specifically indicates the rotation speed or the rotation direction of the motor. LED block designation), lighting cycle, and the like.
The operation limit number information is information indicating a combination of the type and the number of electrical components that can be operated with a total current consumption within a preset allowable range. For example, when two motors are operating at the same time, this is information on a combination with the number of LED blocks that can be operated simultaneously.

For example, if 3 or more motors operate simultaneously, or if 2 or more motors and all LED blocks operate, the total current consumption will increase relative to the amount of current that can be supplied, and supply to each electrical component Current decreases. As a result, for example, malfunctions of the movable member due to insufficient torque of the motor and problems such as occurrence of reset due to insufficient operating current of the effect control device 150 occur.
Therefore, in this embodiment, based on the total consumption current (amount of current that can be supplied) that each electric component can operate stably without causing a malfunction, the combination of the types and number of electric components that can be operated simultaneously are It is obtained from the maximum current consumption of the electrical component and the information is stored in the ROM 178 as the above-mentioned operation limit number information.

  The term “simultaneously” here means that a part of the operation period of each electrical component is operating simultaneously in a state where it overlaps with another electrical component. For example, even if the start timing of the operation is different, it is determined that a state in which another motor starts rotating while another motor is rotating is operating at the same time, and similarly, a certain motor is rotating. In addition, it is determined that a state in which a certain LED block starts a lighting operation is also operating at the same time. In other words, in the present embodiment, the operation start timing and end timing do not have to be the same timing, and a part of the operation period of each electrical component is operating in a state overlapping with another electrical component at the same time. It expresses.

In order to prevent the occurrence of problems due to the shortage of current, in the rendering process, control is performed to limit the number of electrical components that are simultaneously operated.
In the present embodiment, there is no restriction on the operation of the effect symbol display device 104 that is controlled without using the ASIC 171 and displays important information in the progress of the game.

  That is, the effect symbol display device 104 is an electric component that is not a target for measuring the total current consumption. The part that draws the most interest to the player in the effect of the gaming machine is the display effect on the effect symbol display device 104, and the effect by the lamp, sound effect, and movable accessory is added to the display effect of the effect symbol display device 104. It is a typical production. That is, it includes an effect symbol display device 104 as a main effect device, and includes a lamp device, a speaker device, an electric accessory (movable accessory), and these control devices as auxiliary effect devices. For this reason, there is no limit on the main effect control using the effect symbol display device 104, but there is a limit on the auxiliary effect control as the sub effect control using the sub effect device.

Further, in the present embodiment, no limitation is imposed on the operation of the speakers S1 to S4 that are controlled without using the ASIC 171.
The ASIC 171 generates data for controlling lighting and extinguishing of the LED blocks L1 to L8 of the lamp device 154 in accordance with the ASIC control command from the CPU 170. Further, in accordance with the ASIC control command from the CPU 170, data for controlling the driving of the motors M1 to M4 of the electric actors 300 to 302 is generated. Then, the generated control data is written into an internal register 185 described later.

  The sound effect control IC 174 includes a ROM that stores sound effect data and an amplifier circuit unit. Then, based on the voice control command received from the CPU 170, the sound effect data corresponding to the voice control command is read from the ROM, and the amplifier circuit unit is controlled so as to be output at the volume specified by the voice control command. Is output to the speakers S1 to S4 via the output port 177.

  The display control unit 175 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an image processing VDP (Video Display Processor). Then, the CPU of the display control unit 175 reads the image data corresponding to the control command from the ROM according to the program stored in the ROM according to the symbol display control command received from the CPU 170, and converts the image data to the VDP. Output. Then, the image processing VDP outputs the image data to the effect symbol display device 104 via the output port 177 in accordance with an output instruction from the CPU of the display control unit 175.

(Configuration of ASIC)
Next, a detailed configuration of the ASIC 171 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ASIC 171.
As shown in FIG. 8, the ASIC 171 includes an input signal control unit 180, an accessory control unit 181, a lamp control unit 182, a register 185, a motor driver 186, a lamp driver 187, and an input / output port 188. I have.
The input signal control unit 180 appropriately assigns input data such as an ASIC control command from the CPU 170 to a defined area, and outputs it to the accessory control unit 181 and the lamp control unit 182.

The accessory control unit 181 determines the operation pattern of the electric accessory 300 to 302 based on the ASIC control command input via the input signal control unit 180, and corresponds to the determined operation pattern among the motors M1 to M4. Generate control data that controls the operation of the motor of the type. Then, the generated control data (hereinafter referred to as motor control data) is written in the register 185.
Specifically, based on the initial setting command in the ASIC control transmitted from the CPU 170, an area for storing the control data of each electrical component is set in the register 185 of the ASIC 171 corresponding to each electrical component, and then transmitted. The control data of the ASIC control command is stored in the set data area.

Based on the ASIC control command input via the input signal control unit 180, the lamp control unit 182 controls the operation of the LED blocks corresponding to the ASIC control command, such as lighting / flashing, of the LED blocks L1 to L8. Generate data. Then, the generated control data (hereinafter referred to as LED control data) is written into the register 185.
The register 185 is used to set control data for controlling the operation of various electrical components. The register 185 is associated with a predetermined address area and is a motor control block (hereinafter referred to as MCB) that is an accessory control area. A register block such as an LED control block (hereinafter referred to as LCB) which is a lamp control area.

  Specifically, in the case of MCB, for example, motor operation (operation / stop), operation time, excitation method, motor rotation direction (forward / reverse rotation), motor rotation speed (ppm) individually for the motors M1 to M4. ) And other motor control data (information) can be set. In the case of LCB, for example, LED control data (information) such as LED operation (lighting start / lighting end), lighting time, lighting width (pulse width), etc. is individually set for the LED blocks L1 to L8. be able to.

The motor driver 186 acquires motor control data from the register 185, generates control signals for independently controlling the motors M1 to M4 of the electric accessories 300 to 302 based on the acquired motor control data, and generates the generated control signal. Is supplied to the motors M1 to M4 via the input / output port 188 and the output port 177.
The lamp driver 187 acquires lamp control data from the register 185, generates a control signal for independently controlling lighting and extinction of the LED blocks L1 to L8 of the lamp device 154 based on the acquired lamp control data, and generates A control signal is supplied to the LED blocks L1 to L8 via the input / output port 188 and the output port 177.
Further, the CPU 170 reads the control data set in the register 185 via the input / output port 188, and controls the number of electrical components that are simultaneously operated based on the read control data.

(About gaming status and winning type)
In the pachinko machine 1, as a gaming state, a “low probability state” in which the winning probability of the winning lottery is low (normal probability) and a winning probability of the winning lottery is higher than the low probability state (for example, the normal probability) “Probability fluctuation state”, which is 10 times as large). In addition, as the gaming state, a “short time state” is set in which the variation time of the special symbol and the effect symbol is shortened. In the “short time state”, the normal symbol lottery probability is higher than the normal lottery probability (for example, 10 times), and the opening time of the second start winning opening 111b is compared with the normal opening time. And extended.

In the pachinko machine 1, a plurality of hit types are set. In the present embodiment, “ordinary jackpot”, “probability variation 1 jackpot”, “probability variation 2 jackpot”, and “small bonus” are set as the hit types.
When a normal jackpot is generated, the 15-round winning opening 115 is opened, and the gaming state after the winning is set to a low probability state.
When a probable 1 big hit is generated, the 15-round big winning opening 115 is opened, and the gaming state after the winning is set to the probability fluctuation state.

When the probable change 2 big win is generated, the opening operation of the 2 round round winning prize opening 115 is performed, and the gaming state after the winning end is set to the probability fluctuation state. In addition, when a probabilistic 2 big win occurs, the opening time of the big winning prize opening 115 in each round is set shorter (about several ms) than the normal big win, and the number of rounds is only 2 times, so the player As a result, unexpectedness can be given as if it suddenly shifted to the probability fluctuation state without hitting it. As another opening operation, there is a method of reducing the number of winning balls that can be obtained by setting the total number of rounds to 2 rounds, although the opening time of one round is the same as that of the above-described 15 round opening operation.
When the small win is generated, the two rounds of the big winning opening 115 are opened, and the game state is set so as not to change before and after the end of the win. It should be noted that the combination of effect symbols to be displayed when “probability 2 big hit” is generated and the combination of effect symbols to be displayed when “small hit” is generated are set indistinguishable from each other.

(About production control commands)
Next, the structure and content of the effect control command output from the main control device 210 to the effect control device 150 will be described.
Examples of the effect control commands include a symbol designation command, a variation pattern command, a symbol stop command, a prior determination information command, a start information storage number command, a jackpot presentation start command, a state designation command, and the like.
The symbol designating command is a command for designating a combination of effect symbols to be stopped and displayed on the effect symbol display device 104, a hit type, a part of symbols to be stopped (for example, designating only the first stop symbol), and the like.

The variation pattern command is a command for designating a variation pattern of a representation symbol to be variably displayed on the representation symbol display device 104 or a variation display time of the symbol. It is a command that presents information related to.
The symbol stop command is a command for designating stop display of the effect symbol.
The advance determination information command is a command for notifying advance determination information.

Here, the pre-determination information refers to information indicating the results of various lotteries (winning lottery, winning type lottery, reach lottery, variation pattern lottery, etc.) designated by the start information.
The jackpot production start command is a command for designating the production start per 15R (ordinary jackpot, probability variation 1 jackpot), the performance start of probability variation 2 jackpots, and the start of performance per jackpot.
The state designation command is a command for designating each of the end and start of time reduction.

(About main controller processing)
Next, game control processing executed by the main controller 210 will be described.
The CPU 220 operates based on a game control program that can execute one cycle with a predetermined operation clock (for example, 4 [ms]), starts a game control program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 230, and performs a game control process. Execute.
Specifically, when the main control device 120 receives a detection signal from the start winning port switches 131a and 131b, the main control device 120 supports a hit determination random number, a hit type determination random number, a reach determination random number, a variation pattern determination random number, a stop symbol determination random number, and the like. Each random number value (starting information) acquired from the random number counter is stored in a predetermined storage unit in the starting information storage area of the RAM 240.

Further, when acquiring the starting information, main controller 210 determines the winning lottery result and the winning type based on the winning determination random number and the winning type determining random number of the acquired starting information. Then, main controller 210 transmits a prior determination information command according to the determination result to effect control device 150.
Further, main controller 210 executes a hit determination process in a predetermined order for the start information stored in the start information storage area. Specifically, main controller 210 reads a winning random number from the start information storage area of RAM 240 and determines whether or not the read winning random number value matches the winning determination value.

  Then, when determining that the value of the hit determination random number read in the hit determination process is the same as the hit determination value, main controller 210 determines the hit type based on the value of the hit type determination random number. Further, main controller 210 determines a combination of effect symbols to be stopped and displayed based on the determined hit type and stop symbol determination random number value, and transmits a symbol designation command corresponding to the determined combination to effect control device 150. . Further, main controller 210 determines a symbol variation time based on the determined hit type, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number, and transmits a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation time to effect control device 150.

  On the other hand, if the main controller 210 determines that the value of the winning random number read in the winning determination process does not coincide with the winning determination value, the main controller 210 issues a symbol designating command indicating that the effect symbol is removed and stopped with the symbol. It transmits to the production control device 150. Further, main controller 210 determines a symbol variation time based on the current gaming state, reach determination random number and variation pattern determination random number, and transmits a variation pattern command corresponding to the determined variation time to effect control device 150.

(About the processing of the production control device)
Next, processing executed by the effect control device 150 will be described.
The CPU 170 of the effect control device 150 operates based on a control program that can execute one cycle with a predetermined operation clock (for example, 2 [ms]), and starts a control program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 178, The effect control process is repeatedly executed.

Specifically, when the CPU 170 receives an effect control command from the main control device 210, the effect control device 150 generates an ASIC control command corresponding to each electrical component corresponding to the received effect control command, and generates the generated ASIC. A control command is transmitted to the ASIC 171. Further, a sound control command for controlling the sound effect control IC 174 for controlling the driving of the speakers S1 to S4 is generated, and the generated sound control command is transmitted to the sound effect control IC 174. Furthermore, a symbol display control command for controlling the display control unit 175 that controls the operation of the effect symbol display device 104 is generated, and the generated symbol display control command is transmitted to the display control unit 175.
At this time, before the transmission of the ASIC control command, the CPU 170 performs a process (pre-transmission determination process) for controlling the operation of the ASIC 171 so that the number of electrical components that operate at the same time is within a preset limit number range. Execute.

Hereinafter, based on FIG. 9, the flow of the control process of the ASIC 171 in the effect control process will be described.
Here, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the ASIC control processing in the CPU 170.
The ASIC control process is started by executing a program stored in the ROM 178 in the CPU 170, and first proceeds to step S100 as shown in FIG.
In step S100, the CPU 170 determines whether or not an effect control command from the main control device 210 has been received. If it is determined that it has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S102, and if not (No). The determination process is repeated until it is received.

When the process proceeds to step S102, the CPU 170 updates the operation data written in the RAM 179, and the process proceeds to step S104.
In step S104, the CPU 170 generates an ASIC control command corresponding to each electrical component for controlling the operation of the electrical component used for the rendering process based on the updated motion data, and proceeds to step S106.
In step S106, the CPU 170 acquires various control data from the register 185 of the ASIC 171 via the input / output port 188, and the process proceeds to step S108.
In step S108, based on the control data acquired in step S106, the CPU 170 detects the type of electrical component in operation and the number of each type of electrical component, and proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the CPU 170 calculates the number of electrical components scheduled for operation based on the number of operating electrical components detected in step S108 and the ASIC control command generated in step S104, and the process proceeds to step S112. .
Specifically, since the type and number of electrical components to be operated are determined from the ASIC control command, the planned number of operations is calculated by adding the number of electrical components to be operated to the number currently being operated.

In step S112, the CPU 170 acquires the operation limit number information stored in the ROM 178, and compares the limit number indicated by the acquired operation limit number information with the number of operating electrical components detected in step S108. The process proceeds to step S114.
In step S114, the CPU 170 determines whether or not the number of operating electrical components is less than or equal to the limit number. If it is determined that the number is less than or equal to the limit number (Yes), the process proceeds to step S116, otherwise. In the case (No), the process proceeds to step S120.

When the process proceeds to step S116, the CPU 170 transmits the ASIC control command generated in step S104 to the ASIC 171, and the process proceeds to step S118.
In step S118, the CPU 170 determines whether or not the effect has ended. If it is determined that the effect has ended (Yes), the process proceeds to step S100. If not (No), the process proceeds to step S102. Here, the “end of the effect” may be the end of the symbol change time specified by the change pattern, or the end of the effect of a certain scene in the change pattern.

On the other hand, if the operation number is larger than the limit number in step S114 and the process proceeds to step S120, the CPU 170 stops transmitting the ASIC control command corresponding to the corresponding electrical component generated in step S104 to the ASIC 171. The process proceeds to step S118.
Here, regarding the period during which transmission is to be stopped, when the transmission is interrupted at all the fluctuation times specified by the fluctuation pattern, or the fluctuation time specified by the fluctuation pattern is divided into a plurality of times according to a predetermined time or operation, and is divided into one division. On the other hand, when the transmission is stopped, a stop period such as a case where the transmission is stopped only for a certain production operation (production for several seconds such as jackpot notice or reach notice) can be considered.

When the CPU 170 receives a variation pattern command as an effect control command from the main control device 210 in the CPU 170, it generates a variation display control command according to the received variation pattern command, and displays the generated variation display control command. It transmits to the control part 175.
When the display control unit 175 receives the variable display control command from the CPU 170, the display symbol display device 104 causes the display of the effect symbol to change according to the change pattern specified by the change display control command.

In addition, when the design control command 150 is received as a design control command from the main control device 210, the production control device 150 generates and generates a control command (hereinafter referred to as a stop symbol control command) corresponding to the received design designation command. The stopped symbol control command is transmitted to the display control unit 175.
Further, when the effect control device 150 receives a symbol stop command as an effect control command from the main control device 210, the effect control device 150 generates and generates a control command (hereinafter referred to as a stop control command) corresponding to the received symbol stop command. A stop control command is transmitted to the display control unit 175.
When receiving the stop control command, the display control unit 175 causes the effect symbol display device 104 to stop display the effect symbol. At this time, the display control unit 175 stops and displays the effect symbols in a combination designated by the previously received stop symbol control command.

(About the operation of the pachinko machine according to this embodiment)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIG.
Here, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation limit number information according to the present embodiment stored in the ROM 178.
First, when the power is turned on to the pachinko machine, the main control device 210 executes a game control process and enters a game-ready state. The player can play the game by loading the rented game ball B into the pachinko machine and operating the launch handle 50 to fire the game ball B onto the game board surface 102.

  When the game ball launched on the game board surface 102 wins the first start winning device 111a, a detection signal is output by the start winning port switch 131a. In the main control device 210, when a detection signal is input from the start winning port switch 131a, a winning random number is acquired at almost the same timing. At this time, if it is determined that the acquired random number value matches the jackpot determination value, the jackpot is determined.

  When the jackpot is determined, the game mode after the jackpot, the combination of the special symbol and the stop symbol of the effect symbol, and the basic variation pattern at the time of the jackpot are determined. Then, the effect design is variably displayed in a predetermined variation pattern, and after a time corresponding to the predetermined variation pattern has elapsed, the combination is stopped in the determined combination. At this time, in accordance with the change display of the symbols, the effect processing by the output of the sound effect from the electric accessory 300 to 302, the speaker device 155, and the blinking LED of the lamp device 154 is executed.

After the production symbol is stopped, one of “normal jackpot”, “probability variation 1 jackpot”, and “probability variation 2 jackpot” occurs.
During the big hit, the big winning opening 115 is controlled to be opened and closed in a predetermined opening / closing manner, and when a game ball wins the big winning opening 115, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out per winning.
When a game ball wins the start winning device 111a, an effect control command is transmitted to the effect control device 150.
When the CPU 170 receives the effect control command from the main controller 210 (“Yes” branch in step S100), the effect control device 150 corresponds to each electrical component stored in the RAM 179 based on the received effect control command. The operation data to be updated is updated (step S102).

Based on the updated operation data, an ASIC control command corresponding to each electrical component is generated (step S104).
Next, before transmitting the generated ASIC control command to the ASIC 171, the control data of each electrical component controlled by the ASIC 171 is acquired from the register 185 of the ASIC 171 via the input / output port 188 (step S 106).
Specifically, motor control data indicating the operation state (operation / stop) of the motors M1 to M4 is acquired from the MCB of the register 185, and the lighting states (lighting start / lighting stop) of the LED blocks L1 to L8 are obtained from the LCB of the register 185. LED control data indicating) is acquired.

The CPU 170 detects operation number information indicating the number of motors currently operating and the number of LED blocks from the acquired various control data as information related to current consumption (step S108).
When the operation number information is detected, the CPU 170 calculates the expected operation number from the ASIC control command generated based on the updated operation data and the detected operation number (step S110).
It is assumed that the number of motors currently in operation is “0” and the number of LED block operations is “4” in the LED blocks L1 to L4. Furthermore, it is assumed that the motor M1 and the LED blocks L5 to L8 are newly driven by the updated operation data. In this case, the planned operation number of motors is “0 + 1 = 1” (step S110), and the planned operation number of LED blocks is “4 + 4 = 8”.

Here, it is assumed that the limited number of operations is set as shown in FIG.
In the operation limit number shown in FIG. 10, when the motor operation number is “1”, the LED block operation limit number is “8”. In step S112), both are equal to or less than the limit number ("Yes" branch in step S114).
Accordingly, the CPU 170 transmits an ASIC control command corresponding to the motor M1 and the LED blocks L5 to L8 to the ASIC 171 (step S114). Control processing is continued (to step S102). As a result, the motor M1 and the LED blocks L5 to L8 are newly operated.

On the other hand, it is assumed that the number of motors currently in operation is “1” for the motor M1, and the number of LED block operations is “4” for the LED blocks L1 to L4. Furthermore, it is assumed that two additional motors M3 to M4 are scheduled to be additionally driven by the updated operation data.
Such a situation is a rare case. For example, in the horizontal movement operation by driving the motor M1 in the electric accessory 300, the index rib 720 is detected by the photo sensor 710 when the motor M1 returns to the reference position when stopped. It is possible that it is not possible. In this case, since the electric accessory 300 cannot return to the horizontal movement reference position indefinitely, the motor M1 continues to move to return to the reference position.

It is also considered that such a combined operation of the motor occurred because it could not be checked during debugging before shipment.
In any case, in such a case, the expected number of motor operations is calculated as “1 + 2 = 3”. Further, the expected number of LED block operations is calculated as “4 + 0 = 4” (step S110).

Next, the CPU 170 acquires the operation limit number information from the ROM 178, and compares the calculated expected operation number with the operation limit number of each electric component indicated by the operation limit number information (step S112).
Specifically, when the planned motor operation number “3” is compared with “2” which is the maximum value of the motor operation limit number shown in FIG. 10 (step S112), even if only the motor operation target number is seen, The number exceeds the operation limit number ("No" branch in step S114).

  Accordingly, the CPU 170 stops transmitting the ASIC control command corresponding to the motor M1 (step S120), and when the effect corresponding to the effect control command received in step S100 has not ended ("No" branch of step S118) ) Continues the effect control process (to step S102). As a result, the operation data is updated without driving the motor M1.

In this manner, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment uses the CPU 170 of the effect control device 150 to change the operation of the ASIC 171 that controls the operation of the motors M1 to M4 and the LED blocks L1 to L8, and the number of simultaneous driving of these electrical components. Can be controlled to be equal to or less than the limit number.
As a result, the total current consumption of the plurality of electric components that are driven at the same time becomes a current within an allowable range in which the plurality of electric components including the effect control device 150 and the effect symbol display device 104 can operate stably. Can be controlled. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the malfunction of these electrical components due to insufficient supply current.
Further, since the effect symbol display device 104 is excluded from the restriction target, it is possible to reduce the negative impression given to the player when the control for restricting the operation of the electrical component is performed.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 11-14 is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of the game machine based on this invention.
The pachinko machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same basic configuration as the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment.
In the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 170 directly controls a driver circuit that supplies a control signal to each electrical component and the display control unit 175, not via the ASIC 171. This is different from the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, the same components as those of the production control device 150 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted as appropriate, and different points will be described in detail.
(Configuration of production control device)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the effect control device 150 according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, the production control device 150 according to the second embodiment includes a CPU 170, a motor driver 172, a lamp driver 173, a sound effect control IC 174, a display control unit 175, and an input port 176. , An output port 177, a ROM 178, and a RAM 179.

The CPU 170 controls the motor driver 172, the lamp driver 173, the sound effect control IC 174, and the display control unit 175 by executing processing according to the program stored in the ROM 178.
Specifically, the CPU 171 acquires operation data (production control data) for controlling the operation of each electrical component from the ROM 178 according to the production control command received from the main control device 210, and sets the operation data in the RAM 179. Thus, the operations of the motor driver 172, the lamp driver 173, and the sound effect control IC 174 are controlled. The control of the display control unit 175 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, CPU 170 updates the operation data in accordance with the effect control command received from main controller 210 (reads new operation data corresponding to the effect control command from ROM 178). Each time the operation data is updated, before the updated operation data is set (written) in the RAM 179, the contents of the updated operation data are analyzed. By this analysis processing, information on the number of motors scheduled to operate simultaneously, the number of LED blocks scheduled to operate simultaneously, and the number of speakers scheduled to operate simultaneously is detected based on the updated operation data. Then, based on the number of electrical components scheduled to operate simultaneously based on the updated operation data and the operation limit number information stored in advance in the ROM 178, it is determined whether or not the number scheduled to operate simultaneously is equal to or less than the limit number. When the number is less than the limit number, the updated operation data is set in the RAM 179, and when the number is greater than the limit number, the setting of the updated operation data in the RAM 179 is canceled (stopped).

For the same reason as in the first embodiment, in this embodiment as well, there is no restriction on the operation of the effect symbol display device 104 that displays important information in the progress of the game. Yes.
The motor driver 172 acquires the operation data set in the RAM 179, generates a control signal for independently controlling the motors M1 to M4 of the electric accessories 300 to 302 based on the acquired operation data, and generates the control signal Is supplied to the motors M1 to M4 via the output port 177.

The lamp driver 173 acquires the operation data set in the RAM 179, generates a control signal for independently controlling lighting and extinguishing of the LED blocks L1 to L8 of the lamp device 154 based on the acquired operation data. A control signal is supplied to the LED blocks L1 to L8 via the output port 177.
The sound effect control IC 174 includes a ROM that stores sound effect data and an amplifier circuit unit. Then, the operation data set in the RAM 179 is acquired, and based on the acquired operation data, the sound effect data corresponding to the operation data is read from the ROM, and the amplifier circuit unit is controlled so as to be output at the volume corresponding to the operation data. The sound effect signal output from the amplifier circuit unit is output to the speakers S1 to S4 via the output port 177.

(About the processing of the production control device)
Next, processing executed by the effect control device 150 of the present embodiment will be described.
The CPU 170 of the effect control device 150 operates based on a control program that can execute one cycle with a predetermined operation clock (for example, 2 [ms]), and starts a control program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM. The effect control process is repeatedly executed.

Specifically, when the effect control command is received from the main control device 210 in the CPU 170, the effect control device 150 updates the operation data corresponding to each electrical component based on the received effect control command, and the updated operation data is updated. Set in RAM 179.
At this time, before setting the updated operation data in the RAM 179, the CPU 170 stores the updated number of electric components in the RAM 179 so that the number of electrical components that are simultaneously operated by the updated operation data is within the preset limit number range. Controls the operation data setting process.

Hereinafter, based on FIG. 12, the flow of the operation data setting process of the CPU 170 in the effect control process will be described.
Here, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing operation data setting processing in the CPU 170.
The operation data setting process is started by executing the program stored in the ROM 178 in the CPU 170, and first proceeds to step S200 as shown in FIG.

In step S200, the CPU 170 determines whether or not an effect control command from the main control device 210 has been received. If it is determined that the effect control command has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S202, and if not (No). The determination process is repeated until it is received.
When the process proceeds to step S202, the CPU 170 updates the operation data based on the effect control command received in step S200, and the process proceeds to step S204.
In step S204, the CPU 170 analyzes the updated operation data, and proceeds to step S206.

  Specifically, the analysis process is a process for determining whether the value of the rotation speed of the motor is “0 (stop)” if the operation data is for the motors M1 to M4. Moreover, if it is the operation data of LED block L1-L8, it will be the process which determines whether it is lighting from the value which shows whether it is lighting. In addition, if the operation data of the speakers S1 to S4, it is a process of determining whether or not driving is performed from a value indicating whether or not driving is in progress.

In step S206, based on the analysis result in step S204, the CPU 170 detects the types of electrical components that operate simultaneously and the number of each type of electrical component, and the process proceeds to step S208.
In step S208, the CPU 170 acquires the operation limit number information stored in the ROM 178, and compares the limit number indicated by the acquired operation limit number information with the number of simultaneously operating electrical components detected in step S206. The process proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, the CPU 170 determines whether or not the number of electrical components that are simultaneously operated based on the updated operation data is less than the limit number. If it is determined that the number is less than the limit number (Yes), the process proceeds to step S212. If not (No), the process proceeds to step S216.
When the process proceeds to step S212, the CPU 170 sets the operation data updated in step S202 in the RAM 179, and the process proceeds to step S214.
In step S214, the CPU 170 determines whether or not the effect has ended. If it is determined that the effect has ended (Yes), the process proceeds to step S200. If not (No), the process proceeds to step S202.

On the other hand, if the number of simultaneous operations is greater than or equal to the limit number in step S210 and the process proceeds to step S216, the CPU 170 cancels the setting of the updated operation data in the RAM 179, and the process proceeds to step S214.
In this case as well, the period during which transmission is stopped is divided into a plurality of fluctuation times specified by the fluctuation pattern or divided into a plurality of fluctuation times specified by the fluctuation pattern according to a predetermined time or operation. In the case of canceling the transmission, a stop period such as a case of stopping only a certain effect operation (effect for several seconds such as jackpot notice or reach notice) can be considered.

(About the operation of the pachinko machine according to this embodiment)
Next, based on FIG.13 and FIG.14, operation | movement of the pachinko machine 1 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated.
Here, FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation data for controlling the operation of the motor. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the operation limit number information according to the present embodiment stored in the ROM 178.
When the CPU 170 receives the effect control command from the main control device 210 (“Yes” branch of step S200), the effect control device 150 updates the operation data corresponding to each electrical component based on the received effect control command. (Step S202). Specifically, effect control data corresponding to the effect control command stored in ROM 178 is read. In the present embodiment, the production control data is a data table including a time-series data group of operation data for controlling the operation of the electrical component such as information on the operation time, rotation direction, and rotation speed of the motor.

Next, before the updated operation data is set in the RAM 179, the updated operation data is analyzed (step S204).
For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the motor operation data is data including a rotation time, a rotation direction, and a rotation speed. From this operation data, in the present embodiment, if the rotation speed is “0”, it can be determined that the motor is stopped, and if it is not “0”, it can be determined that the motor is operating. Such operation data is individually set for the motors M1 to M4.

Therefore, as an analysis process, if the electrical component is a motor, the CPU 170 performs a process of determining whether the value of the motor rotation speed is “0” from the rotation speed information in the motor operation data.
Similarly to the motor, the LED blocks L1 to L8 and the speakers S1 to S4 include data indicating operation or stoppage in the operation data.

Therefore, if the electrical component is an LED block, it is determined whether the value indicating lighting / extinguishing in the operation data is “0”, for example, assuming that “0” is extinguished and “1” is illuminated. Similarly, for the speaker, it is determined whether the value indicating the driving / stopping in the operation data is “0”, assuming that “0” is stopping and “1” is driving.
Based on the analysis result, information on the number of motors that operate simultaneously, the number of LED blocks that operate simultaneously, and the number of speakers that operate simultaneously is detected as the information related to the current consumption (step S206). .

When the information on the simultaneous operation number is detected, the CPU 170 acquires the operation limit number information from the ROM 178, and obtains the operation limit number of each electric component indicated by the operation limit number information and the detected simultaneous operation number of each electric component. Compare (step S208).
In the present embodiment, the operation restriction number information also restricts the operations of the speakers S1 to S4, unlike the first embodiment. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14, the number of motors M1 to M4, the number of LED blocks L1 to L8, and the number of combinations of the number of speakers S1 to S4 are information on the limited number.

Now, the number of simultaneous operation of the motor is “1” of only M1, the number of simultaneous operation of the LED block is “4” of the LED blocks L1 to L4, and the number of simultaneous driving of the speakers is “4” of the speakers S1 to S4. Suppose that it was a piece.
The operation limit number shown in FIG. 10 is a combination of the motor operation limit number “1”, the LED block operation limit number “8”, and the speaker drive limit number “4”. ], “8”, and “4” are compared with each other (step S208), all become equal to or less than the operation limit number (“Yes” branch in step S210).

  Accordingly, the CPU 170 sets the updated operation data of each electric component in the RAM 179 (step S212), and when the effect process corresponding to the effect control command received in step S200 is not completed ("No" in step S214). (Branch) continues the effect control process (to step S202). As a result, the motor M1, the LED blocks L1 to L8, and the speakers S1 to S4 are simultaneously operated by the updated operation data.

On the other hand, the detected number of simultaneous operations is “3” for the motors M1, M3 to M4, and “4” for the LED blocks L1 to L4. Assume that the number of simultaneously driven speakers is “4” speakers S1 to S4.
The CPU 170 acquires the operation limit number information from the ROM 178, and compares the detected simultaneous operation number with the operation limit number of each electric component indicated by the operation limit number information (step S208).

Specifically, when the simultaneous operation number “3” of the motor is compared with “2” which is the maximum value of the motor operation limitation number shown in FIG. ("No" branch in step S210).
Therefore, the CPU 170 stops setting the updated operation data in the RAM 179 (step S216), and when the effect corresponding to the effect control command received in step S200 has not ended ("No" branch in step S116). Continues the effect control process (to step S202). As a result, the effect is continued without the updated operation data being set in the RAM 179. That is, the state in which each electrical component operates at the number of simultaneous operations equal to or less than the number of operation limits without maintaining the number of operations exceeding the number of operations limit is maintained.

In this manner, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the CPU 170 of the effect control device 150 operates each driver and control IC that controls the operations of the motors M1 to M4, the LED blocks L1 to L8, and the speakers S1 to S4. Thus, the number of simultaneous operations of the electrical components to which the control signal is supplied can be controlled to be equal to or less than the limit number.
As a result, the total current consumption of a plurality of electric components operating simultaneously, including the effect control device 150 and the effect symbol display device 104, becomes a current within an allowable range in which the plurality of electric components can operate stably. Can be controlled. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the malfunction of these electrical components due to insufficient supply current.
Further, since the effect symbol display device 104 is excluded from the restriction target, it is possible to reduce the negative impression given to the player when the control for restricting the operation of the electrical component is performed.

(Correspondence with the present invention)
In each of the above embodiments, the CPU 220, the ROM 230, and the RAM 240 correspond to a lottery means and an effect mode determination means, and the CPU 220, the ROM 230, the RAM 240, and the output port 255 correspond to an effect control command transmission means.
In each of the above embodiments, the production control device 150 corresponds to the sub-control device, the production control data storage means corresponds to the ROM 178, and the CPU 170, ROM 178, and RAM 179 correspond to the current information detection means, The operation limit number information corresponds to the limit value.
In the first embodiment, the CPU 170, the ASIC 171, the ROM 178, and the RAM 179 correspond to operation control means.

In the first embodiment, the ASIC 171 corresponds to an operation control auxiliary unit, and the CPU 170 corresponds to a control command generation unit and a control command transmission unit.
In the first embodiment, the register 185 corresponds to the register, the accessory control unit 181 and the lamp control unit 182 correspond to the control data generation unit and the control data writing unit, and the motor driver 186 and The lamp driver 187 corresponds to a control signal generation unit.
In the first embodiment, the motor driver 186, the lamp driver 187, and the input / output port 188 correspond to a control signal supply unit.

In the second embodiment, the CPU 170, the ROM 178, and the RAM 179 correspond to operation control means.
In the second embodiment, the RAM 179 corresponds to a memory, the CPU 170 corresponds to an operation data setting unit, and the motor driver 172, the lamp driver 173, the sound effect control IC 174, and the display control unit 175 are controlled. Corresponds to the signal generator.
In the second embodiment, the motor driver 172, the lamp driver 173, the sound effect control IC 174, the display control unit 175, and the output port 177 correspond to the control signal supply unit.

(Modification)
In the first embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the ASIC control command is controlled not to be transmitted to the ASIC 171 when the planned number of operations is larger than the limit number. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.
For example, other configurations such as a configuration in which the CPU 170 is controlled to operate in a power-saving mode or the like so that current consumption of each electrical component is reduced, or a configuration in which the electrical component having a higher priority is controlled to be operated with priority. It is good also as a structure.
As the power saving mode, for example, when controlling the LED block, the current consumption is reduced so that the current consumption is reduced, for example, the brightness at lighting is darker than normal or the blinking speed is slower than normal. Operate the part.

As for the priority order, for example, in the case of electric parts such as a production symbol display device, a motor, an LED, a speaker, etc., the production symbol display device has the highest priority, and then the motor, speaker, LED A lower order is set in advance.
If the number of electrical components that are to be operated simultaneously exceeds the limit value due to the electrical components that are scheduled to be operated, for example, if there are a plurality of electrical components to be operated, When the operation of the electrical component with the lower priority is stopped and the value becomes the limit value or less, the operation of the corresponding electrical component is stopped and the electrical component with the higher priority is operated.

In addition, for example, when the operation of an electrical component with a low priority among the plurality of electrical components to be operated is not reduced below the limit value, the electrical component that is currently operating is below the limit value. As described above, the operation is stopped in the order of the electrical components having the lowest priority so that the components having the higher priority are preferentially operated.
In the second embodiment, the configuration is described in which control is performed so that the updated operation data is not set in the RAM 179 when the number of simultaneous operations is greater than the limit number. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

For example, a configuration in which control is performed to operate in a power saving mode or the like so that the total current consumption of each electrical component is less than or equal to a preset limit value, or the operation of electrical components with low priority is stopped, and electrical power with high priority is Other configurations such as a configuration for controlling the components to operate with priority may be used.
Also in this case, the power saving mode and the priority order are the same as those in the case where control is performed so that the ASIC control command is not transmitted to the ASIC 171 when the planned number of operations is larger than the limit number.

Moreover, in the said 1st Embodiment, although it was set as the structure which does not perform an operation | movement restriction process about the speakers S1-S4 which are not controlled by ASIC171, it is not restricted to this structure.
For example, the operation restriction processing method of the second embodiment is applied, and the production control device 150 in the first embodiment is also operation restricted for those directly controlled by the CPU 170 such as the speakers S1 to S4. It is good also as a structure which performs a process.

In each of the above embodiments, motors, LEDs, speakers, effect symbol display devices, and the like have been described as examples of electrical components. Any electrical component controlled at 150 may be controlled.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the information on the number of operating electrical components is detected as the information related to the current consumption of the electrical components. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

For example, a dedicated current detection circuit is provided to detect the consumption current of an operating electrical component, and the detected consumption current is used as information related to the consumption current of the electrical component, or based on the detected consumption current. Other configurations such as a configuration in which the total current consumption for each type of electrical component currently in operation is calculated and used as information related to the current consumption of the electrical component may be used.
In each of the above embodiments, the planned operation number (simultaneous operation number) is calculated, and the operation limit number information stored in the ROM 178 is compared with the calculated operation count number. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

For example, another configuration may be employed, such as determining whether or not the number of simultaneously operating electrical components currently operating is a preset maximum upper limit number for each type of electrical component.
Further, in each of the above embodiments, information common to each gaming state is stored as the motion limit number information stored in the ROM 178, and the effect process is controlled using the motion limit number information. The configuration is not limited to this.

  For example, for each gaming state (normal gaming state, special symbol high probability state, normal symbol high probability state, etc.), the ROM 178 stores operation restriction number information with different setting contents of the restriction number, or restriction according to each gaming state. A configuration may be adopted in which the effect process is controlled based on the motion limit number information according to the gaming state, such as changing the number of settings. If it does so, detailed production control according to each game state becomes possible.

In each of the above embodiments, the motor, the LED, and the speaker are described as examples of electric parts to be restricted. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and only the motor is restricted, or the motor and the LED are restricted. It is good also as other structures, such as.
Each of the above embodiments is a preferred specific example of the present invention, and various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the above description. Unless otherwise stated, the present invention is not limited to these forms. In the drawings used in the above description, for convenience of illustration, the vertical and horizontal scales of members or parts are schematic views different from actual ones.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, and the like within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to a gaming machine that is a pachinko machine has been described. It is also applicable to the machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 102 Game board surface 104 Production | presentation symbol display device 107 Game state display device 111 Start winning device 111a First start winning port 111b Second starting winning port 115 Large winning port 131a First starting winning port switch 131b Second starting winning port switch 132 Grand prize opening switch 150 Production control device 210 Main control device 212 Power supply circuit 170, 220 CPU
178,230 ROM
179,240 RAM
176, 250 Input port 177, 255 Output port 171 ASIC
172,186 Motor driver 173,187 Lamp driver 174 Sound effect control IC
175 Display control unit 180 Input signal control unit 181 Accessories control unit 182 Lamp control unit 183 Sound effect control unit 185 Register 188 I / O port

Claims (6)

When the execution condition is satisfied, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a special prize state that is advantageous to the player is generated, and the lottery result is obtained using a plurality of electrical components that are operated by the power supplied from the power source. A gaming machine that informs the player by the production process,
A main control device, a sub-control device, and N (N is a natural number of 2 or more) electrical components;
The main controller is
Lottery means for performing lottery in response to establishment of the execution condition;
Effect mode determining means for determining an effect mode for notifying the lottery result of the lottery means from among a plurality of types of effect modes;
Effect control command transmitting means for transmitting to the sub control device an effect control command for causing the sub control device to execute the effect processing of the effect mode determined by the effect mode determining means,
The sub-control device
Effect control data storage means for storing effect control data for controlling the operation of M electrical parts (M is a natural number of 2 ≦ M ≦ N) used for effect processing according to the effect control command;
Current information detection means for detecting information related to current consumption of the electrical component according to the effect process;
Based on the production control data corresponding to the production control command and the current information detected by the current information detection means, the total current consumption of a plurality of electrical components that operate simultaneously when the operation related to the production process is executed. An operation control means for controlling the operation of each of the electrical components so that is less than or equal to a preset limit value. The production control data includes a plurality of operation data which are data for individually controlling the operations related to the production processing of each of the M electrical components.
The operation control means includes an operation control auxiliary unit, and a control command generation unit that generates a control command of the operation control auxiliary unit corresponding to each operation data based on the production control data corresponding to the production control command. A control command transmission unit that transmits the generated control command to the operation control auxiliary unit,
The operation control auxiliary unit includes a register, a control data generation unit that generates control data for controlling an operation of an electrical component corresponding to the control command based on the control command from the control command transmission unit, and the control data A control data writing unit that writes control data generated by the generation unit to the register, a control signal generation unit that generates a control signal for controlling the operation of the electrical component based on the control data written to the register, and A control signal supply unit that supplies the control signal generated by the control signal generation unit to the electrical component,
The current information detection means reads the control data written in the register before the control command transmission unit transmits a new control command to the operation control auxiliary unit, and based on the read control data, the effect processing It is designed to detect information related to the current consumption of electrical components that are performing operations related to
Based on the new control command and the information related to the current consumption of the electrical component being executed detected by the current information detection unit, the operation control means determines the total current consumption of a plurality of electrical components operating simultaneously. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the operation control auxiliary unit is controlled to be equal to or less than a preset limit value. The production control data includes a plurality of operation data which are data for individually controlling the operations related to the production processing of each of the M electrical components.
The operation control means writes a plurality of operation data into the memory based on the presentation control command, and an operation data setting unit that updates the plurality of operation data written in the memory at a predetermined cycle; A control signal generation unit that generates a control signal for controlling the operation of the electric component based on operation data written in the memory, and a control signal that supplies the control signal generated by the control signal generation unit to the electric component to be controlled A supply unit;
The current information detection unit detects information related to current consumption of an electrical component that performs an operation related to the effect processing based on the operation data scheduled to be updated when the operation data is updated in the operation data setting unit. And
The operation control means, based on the information related to the current consumption detected by the current information detection means, the total current consumption of a plurality of electric parts operating simultaneously is equal to or less than a preset limit value. The game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation is controlled. The information related to the current consumption of the electrical component is information on the number of electrical components that are executing the operation related to the rendering process,
4. The operation control means performs control to limit the number of the electric parts that are operated simultaneously to a number that gives a total current consumption equal to or less than the limit value. The gaming machine according to any one of the above.   The operation control means is based on the information on the operation limit number, which is information on the maximum number of simultaneous operation of electrical components that are equal to or less than the limit value. Control for operating the newly scheduled electrical component when one of the total number of electrical components scheduled to be activated and the number of electrical components that are currently in operation and continue to operate is equal to or less than the limit number 6. When the total number of either one exceeds the limit number, control is performed so as not to operate the newly scheduled electrical component. The gaming machine described.   In the case where the N electrical parts include an effect symbol display device capable of variably displaying symbols, the operation control means controls the operation of electric parts other than the effect symbol display device, thereby simultaneously operating a plurality of symbols. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a total current consumption of the electric components is set to be equal to or less than a preset limit value.

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