JP2013244283A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine including a sub-control board capable of satisfying both of security properties and reuse properties.SOLUTION: A sub-control board 400 includes: a first board 410 in which a sub-ROM 414 storing data, such as an ART lottery table, is irreversibly fixed to a sub-CPU 412 capable of controlling performance operation of a performance device, such as a liquid crystal display device, based on a game control signal transmitted from a main control board and the data stored in the sub-ROM 414; and a second board 420 which is detachably and electrically connected to the first board 410, and includes an I/F (interface) circuit 421 capable of transmitting and receiving a signal between the first board 410 and the performance device, such as the liquid crystal display device 41. The first board 410 is attached to a game machine body in such a way that it cannot be removed easily or cannot be removed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine including a main control device that controls the progress of a game and a sub-control device that controls an effect operation.

  In general, a gaming machine such as a slot machine is provided with a control board equipped with a CPU, a ROM, etc., and the control board performs lottery on whether or not the player wins and controls various effects. ing.

  In recent years, there has been a tendency that data such as images and sounds tend to increase due to diversification of production, and the control burden increases accordingly. Therefore, gaming machines configured to reduce the control burden by dividing the control board into a main control board that controls the overall operation of the game and a sub control board that controls the production operation have become widespread. Yes.

  By the way, in this type of gaming machine, for example, the order of stop operation is notified to an effect device such as a liquid crystal display device, and when a player operates a stop button or the like according to the order of stop operation, many medals are awarded. There is one configured to be acquired (hereinafter referred to as “slot machine with assist function”).

  In such a slot machine with an assist function, the lottery for determining whether or not to notify the order of the stop operation is performed by the sub control board instead of the main control board from the viewpoint of reducing the control burden as described above. Yes. That is, in the slot machine with the assist function, the number of medals obtained by the player greatly varies depending on the control of the sub-control board. Therefore, the ROM or the like storing the order of the stop operation provided on the sub-control board It is easy to become an unauthorized target (target) such as exchanging the program with a falsified ROM or the like in an advantageous manner.

  Therefore, a technique for soldering and fixing electronic components such as a CPU and a ROM to a substrate has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). According to the gaming machine in which such a technique is applied to the sub-control board, the electronic component cannot be removed from the board unless the solder is melted. It is possible to suppress it.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-024621

  By the way, in recent years when the reason for the effective use of resources is strongly demanded, it is possible to remove the sub-control board as described above from the removed gaming machine and to re-use these boards on a new gaming machine. It is desired.

In general, when such reuse is performed, electronic components such as a CPU and a ROM are often changed (replaced) in accordance with the specifications of a new gaming machine. In particular, the contents of the effects stored in the ROM or the like of the sub-control board are different for each model of the gaming machine, so that the ROM or the like of the sub-control board is a target for change.
However, in the sub-control board to which the technology described in Patent Document 1 is applied, since the electronic component is soldered to the substrate, although it can contribute in terms of improving security, the electronic component can be reused. This causes a problem that it takes a lot of time to remove the substrate from the substrate.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above inconveniences, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine including a sub-control board that can satisfy both security and reusability.

  A gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is based on a main control device that controls the progress of a game, and a game control signal that is electrically connected to the main control device and is output from the main control device. A sub-control device capable of controlling the rendering operation of the rendering device, wherein the sub-control device includes a storage element capable of storing predetermined data, and the game control A first CPU on which a control CPU capable of controlling the rendering operation of the rendering device based on the signal and the predetermined data stored in the storage element is irreversibly fixed, and the first substrate And a second substrate having at least a transmission / reception device capable of transmitting and receiving signals between the first substrate and the rendering device. At least for the gaming machine itself And wherein the mounted for removably difficult or non-removable.

  A gaming machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the memory element and the control CPU are surface-mounted by being soldered to the first substrate.

  A gaming machine according to a third aspect of the invention is characterized in that the memory element and the control CPU are irreversibly fixed to the first substrate by a fastening member or a crimping member.

According to the present invention (Claim 1), the sub control board for controlling the rendering operation is divided into a first board on which the memory element and the control CPU are mounted, and a second board on which at least the transmission / reception device is mounted. That is, in the present invention, when reusing, a new first board having a transmission / reception device and having a storage element or the like storing new production contents without requiring replacement of a versatile second board. Therefore, it is possible to reliably improve the reusability.
Further, in the present invention, the storage element and the control CPU storing the contents of the effects are irreversibly fixed to the first board, and the first board is not removable or difficult to remove from the gaming machine body. Is attached. In other words, in the present invention, it is difficult to remove the storage element and the like from the first board and to remove the first board from the gaming machine main body. It is possible to effectively suppress unauthorized replacement of elements and the like.
Thus, in the present invention, both reusability and security can be improved.

  In addition, according to the present invention (claims 2 and 3), the memory element and the control CPU can be irreversibly fixed to the first substrate with a simple configuration.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the slot machine which is a game machine in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which a front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 is opened. FIG. 2 shows a state in which a symbol row (only a bonus symbol) written on each reel band attached to each reel of the slot machine of FIG. 1 is developed in a plane. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a substrate storage case and a sub control substrate provided in the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a control system provided in the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the sub-control board of FIG. 4, where (a) shows a state before connecting the first substrate and the second substrate, and (b) shows a state where the first substrate and the second substrate are connected. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the ART lottery table memorize | stored in a sub control board. It is a figure which shows an example of the ART continuous lottery table memorize | stored in a sub control board. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of a game performed in the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is an image which shows an example of the push order alerting | reporting effect output with a liquid crystal display device. It is a top view which shows the other Example of a sub control board | substrate.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

  A preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine as an example. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the slot machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal structure of the slot machine 1 with the front door 3 opened.

  As shown in these drawings, the slot machine 1 that is a swing-type gaming device has an opening of a housing 2 that faces a player side and that has a front door 3 that constitutes a so-called front mask and is a box having a substantially rectangular shape. A hinge mechanism 2a is attached to the side so that the left end can be opened and closed. The front door 3 is roughly divided into an upper panel portion 3A, a middle panel portion 3B, an operation panel portion 3C, and a lower panel portion 3D, which are integrally formed of a hard plastic designed to enhance the visual effect as a decorative board. ing.

  Inside the housing 2 is a revolving device including a main control board 300 that performs overall control of the operation of the entire slot machine 1, and a left reel 111, a middle reel 112, and a right reel 113, which are three cylindrical rotating reels. 110, a power supply device 510 for supplying power to each part of the slot machine 1, a hopper device 520 having a medal discharge slit 521 for paying out medals in accordance with winning of a game, and medals overflowing from the hopper device 520 An auxiliary storage unit and the like for storage are provided. The main control board 300 corresponds to a “main control device” recited in the claims.

  Here, in the spinning device 110, the rotation and rotation stop of each of the reels 111, 112, and 113 are controlled by a later-described reel substrate 100 that receives a rotation drive start control signal, a rotation drive stop control signal, and the like from the main control substrate 300. It has become so. Further, the spinning device 110 is placed so that it can be pulled out and pushed back with respect to the pedestal 120 attached inside the housing 2. The reels 111, 112, and 113 are arranged side by side with their peripheral surfaces facing one direction (player side).

As shown in FIG. 3, each reel 111, 112, 113 has a symbol row (for example, 21 symbols) configured by arranging a plurality of types (for example, 9 types) of symbols at regular intervals. Reel bands (symbol bands) 151, 152, and 153 (specifically, a left reel band 151, a middle reel band 152, and a right reel band 153) each having a symbol row) are attached thereto.
In FIG. 3, the winning combination indicated as BB is a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as “BB”). In this BB, the following five types are determined in advance as combinations of corresponding symbols (BB symbols). That is,
"White 7 design-White 7 design-White 7 design"
"Red 7 design-Red 7 design-Red 7 design"
"Blue 7 design-Blue 7 design-Blue 7 design"
"Red 7 design-Red 7 design-Blue 7 design"
"Red 7 design-Red 7 design-White 7 design"
Is predetermined. When any of these combinations are aligned on one effective line, the BB symbols are aligned.

  When the BB symbols are aligned, a gaming bonus called a big bonus game (hereinafter referred to as BB game) is given. This BB game is concentrated on a plurality of games where medals can be easily acquired, and is continuously executed until a prescribed number of medals (for example, 300) are paid out as a prize. When the paid-out medals reach the prescribed number (or may exceed the prescribed number), the BB game ends.

  Further, in the slot machine 1, when the BB symbols are aligned (the game having the BB symbols aligned), no medals are awarded. That is, having the BB symbols together serves as an opportunity to move to the BB game. Since only one BB symbol is arranged on each of the reels 111, 112, and 113, the BB symbol cannot be aligned unless the BB symbol is accurately aimed at the display window 21 and the stop operation is performed. . As described above, the stop operation aiming at the target symbol (in this example, the BB symbol), that is, “to push”, is a technique (or skill, game player) in the spinning-type gaming machine represented by the slot machine 1. This is one of the operations that must be performed intentionally).

  In addition to the above seven symbols, the above-mentioned multiple types of symbols include the “bell design” that simulates a bell, the “watermelon design” that simulates a watermelon, and cherry There are a “cherry symbol” which is a symbol imitating (cherry) and a “replay symbol” which is a symbol imitating the letters “RP”. For example, at least one of these symbols is attached to the reel bands 151-153.

  In the present embodiment, when the bell symbols are aligned, a prescribed number (for example, 6) of medals is paid out. At this time, the payout of medals is performed when the game ends. That is, when the bell symbols are arranged, a gaming privilege of paying out six medals is given.

  On the other hand, when the above replay symbols are prepared, a gaming privilege called a replay game is given. In this replay game, a game to be played as the next game can be executed as a replay without inserting medals or performing a betting operation (for example, automatically betting). In this case, the number of valid lines is the same as the number of valid lines in the game with replay symbols.

  As described above, even when the replay symbols are arranged, no medal is given, and a role as an opportunity to shift to the replay game is given. A feature of the game privilege of this replay game is that it is not necessary to consume a new medal (bet operation) in the next game instead of not paying out a medal. In addition, since replay is a winning role that does not involve paying out medals, for example, by increasing the winning probability, even if the winning frequency increases, there is very little disadvantage for the hole, and for the player, It is possible to keep the amount of medals consumed (the number of medals consumed per fixed time) within a certain range.

  As will be described in detail later, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a replay time (hereinafter referred to as “RT”) in which the probability of winning a replay (replay) is higher than the normal game state after the end of the BB game. And a so-called assist replay time (hereinafter referred to as “ART”), which is a combination of an assist time (hereinafter referred to as “AT”) for notifying an operation method for causing a predetermined stop appearance to appear. It is configured to be able to migrate to. Here, the normal gaming state refers to a gaming state in which a special game such as a BB game, an ART game, an RT game, an AT game, or an ART game is not played.

  In the present embodiment, the ART game is configured such that an ART lottery is performed when the BB symbols are arranged, and when the lottery is won, the game is executed over a predetermined number of times after the BB game ends. ing. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an ART game is started, a continuous lottery for determining whether or not to continue the ART game is performed for a predetermined number of times after the ART game ends. It has become.

  In the above ART game, when “Replay” or “Bell” is won, the order in which the reel stop switches 11, 12, 13 are pressed on the liquid crystal display device 41 to be described later (hereinafter referred to as “push order”). The replay symbol or bell symbol can be arranged only when the player performs a stop operation of each reel stop switch 11, 12, 13 in accordance with the pushing order. As described above, in the ART game, the bell symbol and the replay symbol can be easily arranged, so that it is possible to acquire many medals while suppressing the consumption of medals. The liquid crystal display device 41 corresponds to the “effect device” described in the claims.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a power supply device substrate 500 described later corresponding to a so-called switchboard is provided on, for example, a side surface of the power supply device 510 provided in the housing 2. The power supply substrate 500 is formed with a power distribution circuit that distributes various power supply voltages generated by the power supply device 510 to various places such as the rotating device 110 and the hopper device 520, and the operation of the slot machine 1 from the power distribution circuit. Supply the necessary system power.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front door 3 is locked by a locking device (not shown) having a key hole 4 provided in the operation panel portion 3C at a position where the opening of the housing 2 is closed, and so on. When performing maintenance work including confirmation of the state of each electronic element etc. on the main control board 300 or a ball management work accompanying changing the set value, etc., a special key is inserted into the key hole 4 of the front door 3 to lock it. When released, the front door 3 is opened.

  On the upper panel portion 3A of the front door 3, an effect display unit 40 for performing an effect associated with the game is attached. The effect display unit 40 is provided with a liquid crystal display device 41 that displays, for example, a moving image according to the progress of the game, and a display panel 42 that covers the liquid crystal display device 41. The display panel 42 has a substantially rectangular transparent window 43 that allows the liquid crystal display device 41 to be visually recognized at the center, and the periphery of the transparent window 43 is formed of a liquid crystal panel that can display an image. In addition, the effect display unit 40 emits a plurality of effect lamps 44 to 46 that are designed and designed with shapes, colors, patterns, patterns and the like that appeal to the player's vision in design, and sound effects for the effect. Sound emitting units 50 and 51 having speakers 50a and 51a are provided. The production lamps 44 to 46 and the speakers 50a and 51a correspond to the “production device” described in the claims.

  Then, when a control signal suggesting the start of production is supplied from the main control board 300 to the sub control board 400 attached to the back surface of the upper panel portion 3A of the front door 3, the sub control board 400 causes the liquid crystal display device 41 to The display of moving images, the effect of blinking or lighting with effect lamps 44 to 46, the effect of sound effects from the sound emitting units 50 and 51, and the like are performed. The front door 3 and the sub control board 400 correspond to a “game machine main body” and a “sub control device” described in the claims, respectively.

  The middle panel portion 3 </ b> B of the front door 3 is provided with a main effect portion including a panel 22 having a display window 21 that can check each reel 111, 112, 113 of the spinning device 110. A stored number display 23, a game progress display 24, and a payout number display 25 are provided below the main effect section. These indicators (stored number display unit 23, game progress display unit 24, payout number display unit 25) have a plurality of 7-segment LEDs. It is possible to display.

  The stored number display 23 displays the number of medals continuously inserted from the medal insertion unit 6 (to be described later) as numbers up to 50 when crediting medals (up to 50) while the game is stopped. It has become.

  When a special game state (big bonus, regular bonus, etc.) advantageous to the player occurs, the game progress indicator 24 displays the number of remaining games in the special game state in numbers.

  On the payout number display unit 25, as the reels 111, 112, and 113 of the spinning device 110 are stopped, the number of medals paid out according to the symbols arranged on the effective line is displayed in numbers. It has become. Further, the payout number display unit 25 is also used as a display for setting values when determining, for example, a payout rate (medal payout rate) in the slot machine 1.

  Further, side lamps 5a and 5b incorporating high-intensity light emitting diodes are arranged on both sides of the middle panel portion 3B. These side lamps 5a and 5b are turned on or blinked in the case of a reach, a big hit, or the like to produce an effect appealing to the player's vision. Note that the side lamps 5a and 5b correspond to the “rendering device” described in the claims.

  The operation panel 3C of the front door 3 has a medal slot 6 having a slot for inserting medals used in the game, a bet switch 7 for betting one medal at a time, and three bets at a time. A MAX bet switch 8 to perform, a settlement switch 9 for paying out medals stored as credits to the outside of the slot machine 1, a start switch 10 having an operation knob 10a for instructing a game operation, and each reel of the spinning device 110 A stop switch unit 14 having a left reel stop switch 11, a middle reel stop switch 12, a right reel stop switch 13 and the like for stopping 111, 112, and 113 is provided.

  The bet switch 7 and the MAX bet switch 8 are push-type operation switches for presenting the number of medals to bet on the game of the slot machine 1. When the medals are credited, if the bet switch 7 or the MAX bet switch 8 is operated at the start of the game, one, two, or three of the credited medals are bet. At this time, the number displayed on the stored number display 23 is subtracted according to the operation of the bet switch 7 or the MAX bet switch 8 and displayed.

  The start switch 10 is a lever switch for giving an instruction to rotate the reels 111, 112, and 113 of the spinning device 110 at the same time. The spherical operation knob 10a provided at the tip is moved up, down, left, or right. When it is tilted in the direction, it is turned on, and when the hand is released from the operation knob 10a, it is automatically returned to its original position and turned off by the biasing force of the spring.

  The left reel stop switch 11, the middle reel stop switch 12, and the right reel stop switch 13 are pressing switches for individually instructing to stop the rotation of the left reel 111, the middle reel 112, and the right reel 113 of the spinning device 110. The reels 111, 112, and 113 are arranged in parallel corresponding to the arrangement of the reels 111, 112, and 113, respectively.

  Further, on the back of the operation panel 3C of the front door 3, a bet switch 7, a MAX bet switch 8, a settlement switch 9, a start switch 10, a left reel stop switch 11, a middle reel stop switch 12, and a right on the operation panel 3C. A central display board 200 to which various operation switches such as a reel stop switch 13 are electrically connected is provided, and output signals of these switches are transferred from the central display board 200 to the main control board 300. Yes.

  The operation of the effect button 20 is effective, for example, while a guidance for prompting the operation of the effect button 20 is displayed during a specific effect during the game. The effect button 20 is provided with an effect button detection switch 20a. When the effect button detection switch 20a detects the player's operation, a further effect is executed according to this operation.

  The central display board 200 is provided with a setting switch 15 covered with a cover (not shown) that can be freely opened and closed.

  The setting switch 15 changes setting values (for example, setting values divided into six stages from “1” to “6”) when determining the payout rate (medal payout rate) of the slot machine 1. The set value is displayed on the payout number display unit 25 in accordance with the operation of the setting switch 15.

  The lower panel 3D of the front door 3 is provided with a panel 30 for displaying, for example, a picture of an appearing character so that the player can recognize the model type of the slot machine 1 and the like.

  Below the lower panel portion 3D, a lower tray emitting a tray unit 31 having a medal discharge port 32 for discharging medals at the time of winning, etc., and speakers 33a and 34a and generating effect sound according to the progress of the game. The parts 33 and 34 and the ashtray 35 are disposed. The speakers 33a and 34a correspond to the “effect device” described in the claims.

  In addition, on the back surface of the lower panel portion 3D of the front door 3, a selector 16 for determining whether a token inserted from the medal insertion portion 6 is a regular medal or a foreign object and a medal distributed by the selector 16 are provided. A hopper guide member 522 that guides the hopper device 520 provided in the housing 2, a guide member 523 that guides the foreign matter distributed by the selector 16 to the medal discharge port 32, and a medal discharge slit 521 of the hopper device 520. And a payout guide member 524 for guiding the medals discharged from the tray unit 31 to the medal discharge port 32 side.

  The selector 16 is not able to accept medals when, for example, the reels 111, 112, and 113 of the spinning device 110 in the slot machine 1 are rotating or during replay winning (the slot machine 1 is prohibited from accepting the insertion of medals). In this state, medals described later from the medal insertion unit 6 are distributed to the guide member 523 side. Then, medals distributed to the guide member 523 side are discharged from the medal discharge port 32 side. In addition, the selector 16 is configured to detect medals when a medal is received during a game standby or the like (a state in which the slot machine 1 permits acceptance of insertion of medals).

  Next, a substrate storage case 60 for storing the sub control substrate 400 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The substrate storage case 60 is formed of a transparent polycarbonate resin or the like, and includes a lower case 61 attached to the upper panel portion 3A of the front door 3 and an upper case 62 attached to the lower case 61 by a hinge 63 so as to be opened and closed. It has.

  The lower case 61 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) sub-control board mounting holes 61a for fixing the sub-control board 400 and a plurality (three in this embodiment) of sub-control board mounting holes 61a. And a front door mounting hole 61b. The sub control board mounting holes 61a are formed at positions aligned with the lower case mounting holes 400a formed in the sub control board 400 in a plurality (four in the present embodiment).

  In the sub control board 400, the sealing screw 91 is inserted into the lower case mounting hole 400a and the sub control board mounting hole 61a in a state where the lower case mounting hole 400a and the sub control board mounting hole 61a are aligned. Then, it is fixed to the lower case 61 by tightening.

  Here, the sealing screw 91 according to the present embodiment is configured by a so-called one-way screw (one-way screw) that can be screwed with a tightening tool such as a screwdriver in the tightening direction but is extremely difficult to loosen in the loosening direction. Has been. For this reason, in a state where the sub control board 400 is fixed to the lower case 61, it is extremely difficult to remove the sub control board 400 from the lower case 61.

  Similar to the front door mounting hole 61b formed in the lower case 61, the upper case 62 has a plurality (four in this embodiment) of front door mounting holes 62a. Further, the upper case 62 is formed with a wiring cable penetration hole 62b through which the wiring cable 93 and the wiring cable 94 can be respectively penetrated, and a wiring cable penetration hole 62c.

  In the substrate storage case 60 configured as described above, the sealing screw 92 is inserted into each of the front door mounting hole 62a and the front door mounting hole 61b in a state where the sub control board 400 is fixed to the lower case 61. The front door 3 is fixed to the front door 3 by being tightened at a predetermined position. The sealing screw 92 is formed of a one-way screw, similar to the sealing screw 91 for attaching the sub control board 400 to the lower case 61. For this reason, in a state where the substrate storage case 60 is fixed to the front door 3, it is extremely difficult to remove the substrate storage case 60 from the front door 3.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a control system provided in the slot machine 1. The control system mainly includes a main control board 300, a sub control board 400, a central display board 200, a reel board 100, a power supply board 500, side lamps 5a and 5b, speakers 33a, 34a, 50a and 51a, a liquid crystal display 41 and the like. Provided, each connected by a distribution cable.
For example, the main control board 300 and the sub control board 400 are respectively connected by a known wiring cable 93 such as a harness, and the sub control board 400, the side lamps 5a and 5b, the speakers 33a, 34a, 50a, 51a, Similarly to the wiring cable 93, the liquid crystal display device 41 and the like are connected to each other by a known wiring cable 94 such as a harness (see FIG. 4).

  The main control board 300 is provided with a main CPU 301, a random number generator 302, a main ROM 303, a main RAM 304, an I / F (interface) circuit 305, and the like.

The main CPU 301 reads a system program stored in the main ROM 302 in advance, a program for a slot machine game, etc., and performs a predetermined calculation process in accordance with the progress of the game, so that the sub-control board 400, the reel board 100, the central display A predetermined command for performing distributed control on the substrate 200, the power supply device substrate 500, and the like is output. For example, the main CPU 301 outputs a BB game start command indicating that the BB game is started and a BB game end command indicating that the BB game is ended to the sub-control board 400. The BB game start command is output when the BB symbols are aligned on the active line, and the BB game end command is output when a predetermined BB game end condition is satisfied.
In the present embodiment, communication between the main control board 300 and the sub control board 400 is configured to be one-way communication from the main control board 300 to the sub control board 400.

  The random number generator 302 is mainly composed of a counter that generates random numbers for the lottery drawing, and always generates a numerical value of 0 to 65535 while the power is on, based on a predetermined trigger (player operation). One numerical value is output as a random value.

  The main ROM 303 stores a system program, a slot machine game program, and the like, and stores a part lottery table used for a part lottery process, a stop position determination table used for stop control of a rotating reel, and the like. Yes.

  The main RAM 304 temporarily stores a system program executed by the main CPU 301, a slot machine game program, a calculation result by the main CPU 301, and the like.

  An I / F (interface) circuit 305 transmits and receives commands among the sub-control board 400, the central display board 200, the reel board 100, and the power supply board 500.

Here, the sub-control board 400 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the sub-control board 400 mainly controls the effect, and includes a first board 410 and a second board 420. The first substrate 410 and the second substrate 420 correspond to the “first substrate” and the “second substrate” recited in the claims, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second substrate 420 has a slot 420a, and the insertion portion 410a provided in the first substrate 410 is inserted into the slot 420a. The first substrate 410 is detachably electrically connected. In addition, communication between the first substrate 410 and the second substrate 420 is configured to be capable of bidirectional communication, unlike the communication mode between the main control substrate 300 and the sub control substrate 400.
Note that, in a state where the first substrate 410 and the second substrate 420 are connected, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the insertion portion 410a and the slot 420a are connected so that they cannot be attached or detached. It is also possible to fasten and fix with a sealing screw 95 constituted by a one-way screw.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first substrate 410 includes an I / F (interface) circuit 411, a sub CPU 412, a sub ROM 413, and a sub RAM 414.
Electronic components such as an I / F (interface) circuit 411, a sub CPU 412, a sub ROM 413, and a sub RAM 414 are surface-mounted by being soldered to the first substrate 410, respectively. Such surface mounting is performed, for example, by attaching the tip portions of the pins provided in the sub CPU 412, the sub ROM 413, and the sub RAM 414, which are attached so as to penetrate the first substrate 410, to the first substrate 410. It can be realized by soldering. The sub-ROM 413, the sub-RAM 414, and the sub-CPU 412 correspond to the “storage element” and the “control CPU” recited in the claims, respectively.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the electronic components such as the sub CPU 412 are soldered to the first substrate 410, the electronic components are used as the first substrate unless the solder is melted using a soldering iron or the like. It is configured so that it cannot be removed.

  The I / F (interface) circuit 411 receives a command from the I / F (interface) circuit 305 of the main control board 300, and at the same time, an I / F (interface) circuit 421 provided on the second board 420, which will be described later. The input signal of the production button detection switch 20a and the like is received. The I / F (interface) circuit 421 corresponds to a “transmission / reception device” recited in the claims.

  The sub CPU 412 reads an effect program or the like stored in advance in the sub ROM 413, performs a predetermined calculation based on a command indicating the start of the effect from the main control board 300, an input signal of the effect button detection switch 20a, and the like. The calculation result is given to an image control IC 423 and a sound source IC 424 provided on the second substrate 420 via an I / F (interface) circuit 411 and an I / F (interface) circuit 421.

  The sub ROM 413 stores a program for production, a program and data related to images and sound used in the production (mainly image data and audio data of characters and the like), and lottery for determining whether or not to play an ART game. An ART lottery table used for processing, an ART continuous lottery table used for lottery processing for determining whether or not to continue the ART game, an ART game number lottery table used when determining the number of games to play the ART game, etc. Yes.

  In the ART lottery table, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a winning value is set for each of “winning 1”, “winning 2”, “winning 3”, and “losing” and acquired by a first random number generator 422 to be described later. Based on the random number value, the sub CPU 412 determines whether one of the “winning 1”, “winning 2”, “winning 3”, or “losing” has been won.

  If the result of the determination is “Win 1”, “Win 2”, or “Win 3”, the sub CPU 412 controls to play the ART game after the end of the BB game, and is “lost”. In this case, control is performed so as not to play the ART game.

  If the sub-CPU 412 determines that “Win 1”, “Win 2”, or “Win 3” has been won as a result of the above determination, these “Win 1”, “Win 2”, “Win” "Winning 1 flag", "Winning 2 flag", and "Winning 3 flag" corresponding to each of "3" are stored in a predetermined flag storage area provided in the sub RAM 414 (the corresponding flag is turned ON (= 1) Process).

  In the ART continuous lottery table, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, “winning 1”, “winning 2 flag”, “winning 3 flag” corresponding to “winning 1 flag”, “winning 3 flag” stored in the sub-RAM 414, respectively. The winning values of “Win 2”, “Win 3” and “Loose” are set.

For example, when performing the ART continuous lottery, if the “Win 1 flag” is ON in the sub RAM 414, the random number value acquired by the first random number generator 422, which will be described later, and “ Based on the winning values of “Win 1”, “Win 2”, “Win 3” and “Loose” stored in correspondence with the “Win 1 flag”, the sub CPU 412 makes “Win 1”, “Win 2”, Whether “Win 3” or “Lose” has been won is determined.
Similarly, when the “winning 2 flag” (“winning 3 flag”) is ON in the sub RAM 414, the random number value acquired by the first random number generator 422 and the “winning” in the ART continuous lottery table are displayed. Based on the winning values of “Win 1”, “Win 2”, “Win 3” and “Lose” stored in correspondence with “2 flag” (“Win 3 flag”), the sub CPU 412 makes “Win 1”. Whether “winning 2”, “winning 3”, or “losing” is determined.

  When the determination result of the ART continuous lottery is any one of “Win 1”, “Win 2”, and “Win 3”, the sub CPU 412 controls to continue the ART game after the ART game ends. If it is “losing”, control is performed so as not to play the ART game.

  When the sub CPU 412 wins any of “Win 1”, “Win 2” and “Win 3” as a result of the ART continuous lottery, these “Win 1” and “Win 2” are the same as in the case of the ART lottery. The “winning 1 flag”, “winning 2 flag”, and “winning 3 flag” corresponding to each of the “winning 3” are stored in a predetermined flag storage area provided in the sub RAM 414.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the case where the “winning 1 flag” is stored in the sub-RAM 414 is greater than the case where the “winning 2 flag” or “winning 3 flag” is stored. In the ART continuous lottery, it is difficult to lose. Further, when the “winning 2 flag” is stored in the sub RAM 414, it is more difficult to lose in the ART continuous lottery than when the “winning 3 flag” is stored.

  In the ART game number lottery table (not shown), for example, a plurality of game numbers such as “10 times”, “30 times”, and “50 times” are stored, and a winning value is set for each of these game numbers. Has been. In the ART game number lottery table configured in this way, the sub CPU 412 selects any one of “10 times”, “30 times”, and “50 times” based on the random number value acquired from the second random number generator 425. It will be determined whether or not you have won.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the sub RAM 414 temporarily stores an effect program executed by the sub CPU 412, a calculation result by the sub CPU 412, and the like to generate and synthesize image data. Functions as a work area. The sub-RAM 415 also has an area for storing a predetermined flag (the above-described winning 1 flag storage area, winning 2 flag storage area, winning 3 flag storage area, etc.), and an ART game number storage area for storing the number of ART games. Etc. are provided.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the second substrate 420 includes an I / F (interface) circuit 421, a first random number generator 422, an image control IC 423, a sound source IC 424, and a second random number generator 425. .
In the present embodiment, electronic components such as the I / F (interface) circuit 421, the first random number generator 422, the image control IC 423, the sound source IC 424, and the second random number generator 425 are fixed to the first substrate 410. Unlike the above, it is detachably fixed to the second substrate 420 with screws or the like. In the present embodiment, the electronic components such as the first random number generator 422 are detachably fixed to the second substrate 420. However, the second substrate is similar to the sub CPU 412 fixed to the first substrate 410. It is also possible to fix by soldering to 420.

  The I / F (interface) circuit 421 receives a command or the like from the main CPU 301 or the sub CPU 412, and transmits an input signal such as the effect button detection switch 20 a to the I / F (interface) circuit 411.

  The first random number generator 422 is mainly composed of a counter that generates random numbers for the effect lottery. The first random number generator 422 always generates a numerical value of 0 to 16383 while the power is on, and an I / F (interface) circuit 305. One numerical value is output as a random value based on a command from the main control board 300 transmitted via the I / F (interface) circuit 411 and the I / F (interface) circuit 421.

As will be described in detail later, the sub CPU 412 receives a BB game start command transmitted from the main CPU 301 when the BB symbol is prepared in the spinning device 110, and in response to the reception of this command, the first random number generator From 422, a random value for performing the ART lottery is acquired.
Further, when starting the ART game, the sub CPU 412 continues the ART whether or not to continue the ART game after the end of the ART game, and a random value for determining the number of times of the ART game. A random value for performing the lottery is acquired from the first random number generator 422.

  The second random number generator 425 generates a random number for determining the number of times of the ART game. Like the first random number generator 422, the second random number generator 425 is mainly composed of a counter. For example, the second random number generator 425 always generates a random number of 0 to 99 while the power is on, and commands from the sub CPU 412 and the like. One numerical value is output as a random number value based on.

The image control IC 423 reads an image program and data from the sub ROM 413 and generates image data for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display device 41.
As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, when the sub CPU 301 determines to execute the ART game and “Replay” or “Bell” is won, It is configured to notify the order of pressing the reel stop switches 11, 12, and 13.

  The sound source IC 424 reads an audio program and data from the sub ROM 414, and generates an audio signal for driving the speakers 33a, 34a, 50a, and 51a. This audio signal is amplified by an amplifier 426 and output to the speakers 33a, 34a, 50a, 51a.

  Here, an ART game (game flow) performed in the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the control process performed in the sub control board 400 will be mainly described, and the control process performed in the main control board 300 will be omitted unless necessary.

(Step S1001)
In step S <b> 1001, the sub CPU 412 determines whether or not the BB symbol has been prepared in the spinning device 110. Specifically, the sub CPU 412 determines whether or not a BB game start command output from the main CPU 301 when the BB symbol is prepared in the spinning device 110 is received.
If the sub CPU 412 determines that the BB symbols are aligned, it moves the processing of the next step S1002, and if it determines that the BB symbols are not aligned, it repeats the processing of step S1001 until the BB symbols are aligned.

(Step S1002)
In step S1002, the sub CPU 412 performs an ART lottery process. Specifically, the sub CPU 412 obtains one random number value from the first random number generator 422 provided on the second substrate 420, and this random number value is stored in the ART lottery table, “winning 1”, “winning 2”. ”,“ Win 3 ”and“ Lose ”are determined. At this time, if the sub CPU 412 determines “winning 1”, it sets the winning 1 flag to ON (= 1), and if it determines that “winning 2”, it sets the winning 2 flag to ON (= 1). Then, the process of turning ON the winning 3 flag (= 1) is performed.
For example, if the acquired random number value is “1000”, the sub CPU 412 determines that “winning 1” has been won and performs a process of turning on the winning 1 flag (= 1) (see FIG. 7). .
The sub CPU 412 moves to the next step S1003 after performing the process in step S1002.

(Step S1003)
In step S1003, the sub CPU 412 performs various effects (BB game effect processing) indicating that the BB game is being played. After performing the BB game effect process, the sub CPU 412 moves the process to the next step S1004.

(Step S1004)
In step S1004, the sub CPU 412 determines whether or not the BB game has ended. Specifically, the sub CPU 412 determines, for example, whether or not a BB game end command output from the main CPU 301 when the paid-out medals reach a specified number is received.
If the sub CPU 412 determines that the BB game has ended, it moves the process to the next step S1005. If it determines that the BB game has not ended, it moves the process to step S1003 again.

(Step S1005)
In step S1005, the sub CPU 412 determines whether or not the ART lottery is won in the process of step S1002. Specifically, the sub CPU 412 determines whether any of the winning 1 flag to the winning 3 flag is ON (= 1).
If the sub CPU 412 determines that the ART lottery has been won, the process proceeds to step S1006. If the sub CPU 412 determines that the ART lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S1010.

(Step S1006)
In step S1006, the sub CPU 412 determines the number of games for the current ART game by lottery and, after the ART game ends, performs a lottery to determine whether or not to continue the new ART game.
Specifically, the sub CPU 412 obtains one random number value from the second random number generator 425, and this random number value is stored in the ART game number lottery table, “10 times”, “30 times”, “50 times”. ”Or the like is determined. At this time, if the sub CPU 412 determines that it is “30 times”, the sub CPU 412 stores the number of games in the ART game number storage area of the sub RAM 414.
Further, the sub CPU 412 acquires one random number value from the first random number generator 422, and based on the acquired random number value and the type of the winning flag that is ON (= 1) in the sub RAM 414, It is determined whether it is “Win 1”, “Win 2”, “Win 3” or “Loss” stored in the ART continuous lottery table. For example, in the state where the winning 2 flag is ON, the sub CPU 412 determines that “winning 1” has been won if the random number value acquired from the first random number generator 422 is “1000”. At this time, the sub CPU 412 performs processing for turning off the winning 2 flag (= 0) and turning on the winning 1 flag. Further, the sub CPU 412 determines that “winning 2” has been won if the random number value acquired from the first random number generator 422 is “1300” in the state where the winning 2 flag is ON, The ON state of the flag will be maintained. On the other hand, when the winning 2 flag is ON, the sub CPU 412 determines that it is “lost” when the random number value acquired from the first random number generator 422 is “10000”, and sets the winning 2 flag. Processing to turn off (= 0) is performed.
The sub CPU 412 moves the process to step S1007 after performing the process of step S1006.
The lottery for determining the number of times of the ART game and the lottery for determining whether or not to continue the ART game are not limited to the case where the lottery is performed after the end of the BB game as described above. For example, the ART lottery is performed in the process of step S1002. You may make it carry out at a timing or desired timing during playing a BB game.

(Step S1007)
In step S1007, the sub CPU 412 performs an effect in the ART game over the number of games determined in the process of step S1006. For example, when “Replay” or “Bell” is won, the sub CPU 412 indicates that the push order is “1”, “2”, “3”, etc., as shown in FIG. And informing the player of the order in which the reel stop switches 11, 12, 13 are pressed.
In addition, it is good also as what performs the effect (push order non-notification effect) in which a push order alert | report is not performed. For example, in FIG. 10B, when “Replay” or “Bell” is selected, “?”, “?”, “?” Are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and the reel stop switches 11, 12 are displayed. , 13 shows an example of the effect when the pressing order is not notified.
The sub CPU 412 moves the process to step S1008 after performing the process of step S1007.

(Step S1008)
In step S1008, the sub CPU 412 determines whether or not the ART game has ended. Specifically, the sub CPU 412 determines whether or not the number of games stored in the process of step S1006 has been reached. Such a determination is realized by subtracting “1” from the number of games stored in the process of step S1006 by “1” each time the game is played, and determining whether the number of games is “0”. Is possible.
If the sub CPU 412 determines that the ART game has ended, it moves the process to step S1009, and if it determines that the ART game has not ended, it moves the process again to step S1007.

(Step S1009)
In step S1009, the sub CPU 412 determines whether or not the ART continuous lottery is won in the process of step S1006. Specifically, the sub CPU 412 determines whether any of the winning 1 flag to the winning 3 flag is ON (= 1).
If the sub CPU 412 determines that the ART continuous lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S1006 again. If the sub CPU 412 determines that the ART lottery is not selected, the process proceeds to step S1010.

(Step S1010)
In step S1010, the sub CPU 412 performs control so as not to notify the pressing order as described above. In the present embodiment, the RT game is configured to shift to the RT game after the ART game ends, and the RT game ends when the reel stop switches 11, 12, and 13 are not operated in a predetermined pressing order. It is supposed to be.
The sub CPU 412 moves the process to step S1011 after performing the process of step S1010.

(Step S1011)
In step S1011, the sub CPU 412 determines whether or not the reel stop switches 11, 12, and 13 are operated in the predetermined pressing order.
If the sub CPU 412 determines that the operation has been performed in the predetermined pressing order, the process proceeds to step S1010 again. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 412 determines that the operation is not performed in the predetermined pressing order, the sub CPU 412 ends the ART game control process and performs control so as to perform an effect performed in the normal gaming state.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sub control board 400 that controls the rendering operation includes the sub ROM 414 and the sub CPU 412 that store data related to the ART game such as the ART lottery table, the ART continuous lottery table, and the ART game number lottery table. The board is divided into a mounted first board 410 and a second board 420 on which at least an I / F (interface) circuit 421 as a transmission / reception device is mounted. In other words, in the present embodiment, when reusing, a sub ROM or the like that stores new production contents without the need to replace the versatile second substrate 420 having the I / F (interface) circuit 421. Since only a new first substrate on which the memory element is mounted needs to be replaced, it is possible to improve reusability with certainty.

In the present embodiment, the sub ROM 414 storing the ART lottery table, the ART continuous lottery table, and the ART game number lottery table and the sub CPU 412 are irreversibly fixed by soldering to the first substrate 410. In addition, the first substrate 410 is attached to the front door 3 so that it cannot be removed or is difficult to remove. In other words, in the present embodiment, the sub ROM 414 that stores data that affects the number of medals that can be obtained by the player is removed from the first board 410, or the first board 410 is moved to the front. Since it is configured to be difficult to remove from the door 3, it is possible to effectively suppress unauthorized replacement of the sub ROM 414.
Thus, in the present invention, both reusability and security can be improved.

[Other Embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the electronic components such as the sub CPU 412, the sub ROM 413, and the sub RAM 414 are fixed to the first substrate 410 by soldering. It is also possible to fix to the first substrate 410 using a sealing member that cannot be released unless it is destroyed, such as a unidirectional screw as a fastening member or an anchor rivet as a crimping member as described above. .

  In the present embodiment, the first substrate 410 and the second substrate 420 constituting the sub control substrate 400 are electrically connected by inserting the insertion portion 410a of the first substrate 410 into the slot 420a of the second substrate 420. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first substrate 410 and the second substrate 420 may be connected to each other by a wiring cable 99 such as a harness.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the sub control board 400 is stored in the board storage case 60, and the board storage case 60 is configured to be undetachable or difficult to attach to and remove from the front door 3. It is also possible to attach the sub-control board 400 directly to the front door 3 so that it cannot be attached / detached or difficult to attach / detach without being housed in the case 60.

  Further, the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment is configured to be able to play an ART game, and on the sub-control board 400 (sub-ROM 414), as an ART-related data, an ART lottery table, an ART continuous lottery table, an ART game. The number lottery table was memorized. For example, the present invention may be applied to a slot machine capable of playing only AT games, and data related to AT games may be stored in the sub-control board. In other words, the present invention can be applied to any gaming machine as long as the gaming machine stores data that affects the number of medals that can be obtained by the player on the sub-control board.

  As mentioned above, although the embodiment to which the invention made by the present inventor is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited by the discussion and the drawings that form part of the disclosure of the present invention according to this embodiment. That is, it should be added that other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Case 3 Front door 3A Upper panel part 3B Middle panel part 3C Operation panel part 3D Lower panel part 5a, 5b Side lamp 11 Left reel stop switch 12 Middle reel stop switch 13 Right reel stop switch 20 Production button 33a, 34a, 50a, 51a Speaker 41 Liquid crystal display devices 44 to 46 Production lamp 110 Revolving device 111 Left reel 112 Middle reel 113 Right reel 151 Left reel belt 152 Middle reel belt 153 Right reel belt 200 Central display board 300 Main control board 301 Main CPU
400 Sub control board 410 First board 412 Sub CPU
414 Sub ROM
415 Sub RAM
420 Second board 421 I / F (interface) circuit 500 Power supply board 520 Hopper apparatus 530 Power switch

Claims (3)

A main controller that controls the progress of the game;
A sub-control device electrically connected to the main control device and capable of controlling the rendering operation of the rendering device based on a game control signal output from the main control device. There,
The sub-control device
A memory element capable of storing predetermined data and a control CPU for controlling the rendering operation of the rendering device based on the game control signal and the predetermined data stored in the memory element are irreversibly fixed. A first substrate,
A second board having a transmission / reception device electrically connected to the first substrate in a detachable manner and capable of transmitting / receiving a signal between the first substrate and the rendering device. ,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first board is attached to at least the gaming machine main body so that it is difficult or impossible to remove.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the memory element and the control CPU are surface-mounted by being soldered to the first substrate.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the memory element and the control CPU are irreversibly fixed to the first substrate by a fastening member or a crimping member.

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