JP2019071971A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To internally identify different parts to be installed in the reliable and quick manner.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: a game board forming a game area; one or a plurality of frame bodies (outer frame, middle frame, front frame) including at least a game board holding frame (middle frame) for holding the game board; a structural body (design unit 400) attached to the frame and to which identification information uniquely assigned to each model corresponds; and a control unit (sub control board 330) for identifying whether or not the structural body corresponds to the game board, on the basis of the identification information acquired from the structural body. The structural body includes an input unit 222c for transmitting a detection result to the control unit as the identification information, the detection result of detection units (detection switches 240a, 240b) in the structural body being input to an input port as a bit constituting the identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Generally, in a gaming machine (pachinko machine), the game ball is fired toward the game area in the game board by the handle operation of the player, and it is special on condition that the game ball flowing down the game area enters the starting opening. A lottery pertaining to the symbol is executed. Then, the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display, and the special symbol determined by the lottery is stopped and displayed, whereby the lottery result is notified to the player. At this time, when the special symbol indicating that the special symbol display is a big hit is stopped and displayed, a major player game advantageous to the player is started as compared with the normal game. In this major player game, the attacker device opens and closes a predetermined number of times, and it becomes possible to enter the game ball into the big winning opening, so that the player can receive a lot of payout balls.

  In such a gaming machine, to give the player an expectation that the variable display on the special symbol display is a big hit, according to the variable display, drive a character provided on the game machine, In some cases, the lamp may be made to emit light. Therefore, internally, output information which is information for driving a character or emitting a lamp is generated, and the generated output information is output from the output unit to each device as a bit signal. Further, in the gaming machine, various detection switches for detecting a press operation or a rotation operation of the player are provided, and a bit signal as a detection result is input to the input unit to generate input information (for example, a patent) Literature 1).

  In addition, for such a game machine, if the frame for installing the game board is an electrically incompatible frame different from the frame for originally installing the game board, the effect button or the like is not activated, and the frame is not suitable. A technique for displaying is also disclosed (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP, 2011-110240, A JP, 2016-086822, A

  Among the gaming machines, there is one in which a game board disposed on the back side of the front frame and a design unit disposed on the front side of the front frame are separate members. The design unit may be provided with a lamp and various detection switches. Then, when model exchange of the gaming machine is performed in the hall, the design unit is also exchanged together with the exchange of the game board. At this time, since the design unit is a separate member as described above, a design unit of a type different from the design unit to be exchanged together with the game board is installed in the front frame at the time of model exchange There is a fear.

  When different design units are installed, it may be possible to recognize that different design units are installed because the appearance of the gaming machine and the operation of the lamps of the design unit and the like are different from those of the original gaming machine, but they are different. It took time to be grasped, and its identification was not sure.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of internally and reliably identifying the separate member to be installed in view of such problems.

  In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is attached to a gaming board forming a gaming area, one or more frames including at least a gaming board holding frame on which the gaming board is held, and a frame Control to identify whether the structure corresponds to the game board based on the structure associated with the identification information uniquely assigned to each model and the identification information acquired from the structure In the structure, the detection result of the detection unit in the structure is input to the input port as a bit forming identification information, and the input unit transmits the detection result to the control unit as identification information.

  According to the present invention, it becomes possible to identify the separate member to be installed internally reliably and quickly.

It is a perspective view of a game machine showing the state where the door was opened. It is a front view of a game board. It is a front view of a game machine. It is a front view of a design unit. It is a block diagram of a game machine. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control aspect of an effect display part, an effect role apparatus, an effect lighting apparatus, and a music output apparatus in a sub control board. It is a flowchart which shows the control aspect in a sub control board. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an electrical connection of a design unit. It is an explanatory view for explaining an example of serial communication by a controller. It is an explanatory view for explaining a latch timing of data. It is an explanatory view for explaining a latch timing of data. It is an explanatory view for explaining abnormality judging operation. It is a flow chart which shows identification operation of a design unit. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an electrical connection of the design unit in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows identification operation of the design unit in a main control board. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an electrical connection of the design unit in the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an electrical connection of the design unit in the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is an explanatory view for explaining an example of serial communication by a controller in a 3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows identification operation of a 1st design unit and a 2nd design unit. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an electrical connection of the relay substrate of the design unit in 4th Embodiment, and the relay substrate of a front frame. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the relay substrate of the design unit in 5th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values and the like shown in this embodiment are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations will be denoted by the same reference numerals to omit repeated description, and elements not directly related to the present invention will not be illustrated. Do.

  In order to facilitate the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, first, the mechanical configuration and the electrical configuration of the gaming machine will be briefly described, and then the specific processing of each substrate will be described.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which the door is opened. As shown, the gaming machine 100 has an outer frame 102 in which a surrounding space is formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, an inner frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 in an openable / closable manner by a hinge mechanism, The middle frame 104 is provided with a front frame 106 attached so as to be able to open and close by a hinge mechanism.

  Similar to the outer frame 102, in the middle frame 104, a surrounding space is formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, and the game board 108 is held in the surrounding space. The front frame 106 holds a transmission plate 110 made of glass or resin. Then, when the middle frame 104 and the front frame 106 are closed with respect to the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the transparent plate 110 face substantially in parallel while maintaining a predetermined interval, and from the front side of the gaming machine 100 The game board 108 can be viewed through the transparent plate 110.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 108. As described above, in the state in which the middle frame 104 and the front frame 106 are closed with respect to the outer frame 102, the transmission plate 110 faces the front of the game board 108 separately. At this time, a game area 116 in which the game balls roll is formed between the transparent plate 110 and the front of the game board 108. The game area 116 includes a left-handed area 116a and a right-handed area 116b in which the degree of approach of the game balls differs from each other according to the firing strength of the firing mechanism. The left hitting area 116a is located on the left side of the gaming board 108 when viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100, and the right hitting area 116b is located on the right side of the playing board 108 when viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100. It is located in

  Rails 114 a and 114 b are fixed to the game board 108. The rails 114 b extend from the lower end of the game board 108 to the upper left and from the approximate center of the game board 108 in the vertical direction to the upper right. The rail 114 b is curved and extends from the lower portion to the upper portion of the game board 108 as shown in the drawing, and forms a game area 116. Further, the rail 114a is provided on the left side of the game board 108 and inside the game area 116 rather than the rail 114b. Since the rails 114a and 114b are on the left side of the game area 116, the game balls fired with less than the predetermined firing intensity enter the left hitting area 116a, and the right hitting area 116b has the predetermined firing strength or more The fired game ball will enter.

  Further, in the gaming board 108, a through hole 108a penetrating in the thickness direction (the front-rear direction of the gaming machine 100) is formed. On the back of the game board 108, an effect display device 200 composed of a liquid crystal display device is provided. The effect display device 200 includes an effect display unit 200 a on which an image for effect is displayed. The player can visually recognize the image displayed on the effect display unit 200a through the through hole 108a. In the effect display unit 200a, a plurality of effect symbols (not shown) are variably displayed, and a fluctuation effect in which the player is notified of a winning result lottery result is executed by the stop display mode of the plurality of effect symbols. In the front of the game board 108, there is a wall that stands up on the side of the transparent plate 110 over the entire circumference of the through hole 108a so that the gaming balls flowing down the game area 116 do not fall off the through hole 108a. It is provided.

  Further, the game area 116 includes an upper passage 114c connecting the left hitting area 116a and the right hitting area 116b. The upper passage 114c is provided above the through hole 108a.

  In addition, the game area 116 is provided with a general winning opening 118 and a first starting opening 120 in which gaming balls can enter, and when the gaming ball enters the general winning opening 118 and the first starting opening 120, The predetermined winning balls are paid out to the player. In addition, the number of winning balls may be any number as long as it is one or more, and the number of winning balls to be paid out at each of the general winning opening 118 and the first starting opening 120 may be different. It may be set.

  Further, in the first start port 120, a start area is provided. Then, when the game ball enters the first start opening 120 and the game ball enters the start area, a lottery for determining any one special symbol from among a plurality of special symbols provided in advance is performed. . Each special symbol is associated with various game benefits, such as whether or not the player can perform a major game, which is advantageous for the player, and what type of game state the subsequent game state should be. Therefore, when the gaming ball enters the first starting opening 120, the player gains an opportunity to acquire a right to receive various gaming profits at the same time as acquiring a predetermined winning ball.

  Furthermore, the game area 116 is provided with a large winning opening 126 through which game balls can enter. The large winning opening 126 is provided with an opening and closing door 126b so that the opening and closing door 126b normally closes the large winning opening 126, making it impossible to enter the gaming ball into the large winning opening 126. It has become. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned main character game is executed, the open / close door 126b is opened, and it becomes possible to enter the game ball into the large winning opening 126. Then, when the game ball enters the special winning opening 126, a predetermined winning ball is paid out to the player.

  Although not shown, the game area 116 is provided with a second starting opening through which game balls can enter, a movable piece, and a gate. A second start area is provided in the second start port. When the game ball enters the second start area, a lottery is performed to determine any one special symbol from among a plurality of special symbols provided in advance. The movable piece is provided so as to be able to open and close the second starting opening, and the easiness of entering the gaming ball into the second starting opening is changed according to the state of the movable piece. When the movable piece is in the closed state, the game ball can not enter the second starting opening. When the game ball passes through the entry area in the gate, a lottery of normal symbols is made, and when the player wins a hit by this lottery, the movable piece is controlled to be open for a predetermined time.

  In the lowermost part of the game area 116, a game ball that has not entered any of the general winning opening 118, the first starting opening 120, the big winning opening 126, and the second starting opening from the gaming area 116 A discharge port 128 is provided on the back side of the sheet 108.

  At the upper center of the game board 108, a reflective portion 411 is provided. The reflection part 411 is comprised by the member which has reflectivity. The reflective part 411 is formed in a substantially semicircular shape when viewed from the front.

  Although not shown, the first special symbol display, the second special symbol display, the second on the gaming board 108 at a position outside the gaming area 116 and visible by the player. 1 Special symbol hold indicator, second special symbol hold indicator, normal symbol indicator, normal symbol hold indicator, right-handed notification indicator are provided. Each of these displays is a device for displaying various situations related to the game.

  FIG. 3 is a front view of the gaming machine 100. FIG. As shown in this figure, at the lower part of the front frame 106, an operation handle 112 projecting to the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided. The operation handle 112 is provided so as to allow the player to rotate, and when the player rotates the operation handle 112 to perform a firing operation, the operation handle 112 is not shown at a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation handle 112. The game ball is fired by the firing mechanism. The game balls fired in this manner are guided to the game area 116 ascending between the rails 114a and 114b provided on the game board 108 as described above.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 100, as a rendering device for rendering during the progress of the game, a rendering illumination device 204 comprising lamps controlled to various lighting modes and luminescent colors, a music output device 206 comprising speakers, and A presentation button 208a for receiving a pressing operation and a presentation handle 208b for receiving an operation of rotating around the presentation button 208a by pulling in a direction toward the player's front are provided. The effect button 208 a and the effect handle 208 b are effect operation devices 208 that receive an operation related to effect.

  Further, at the upper center of the gaming machine 100, a design unit 400 configured of a separate member from the front frame 106 is disposed. The design unit 400 mainly includes a visible portion 406 capable of visualizing a game ball rolling on the game area 116, a substantially semi-cylindrical pedestal portion 408 attached to the lower portion of the visible portion 406, and a lower portion of the pedestal portion 408. A display unit 412 is provided, which is located above the visible portion 406 and has information such as the model name of the gaming machine 100, a display portion 412 and a visible portion 406 which are located above the visible portion 406. And a box body 414.

  The design unit 400 is provided to project from the upper portion of the front frame 106 to the front of the game area 116 and the through hole 108 a which is a non-play area where game balls do not roll. That is, the design unit 400 is projected and opposed to the front surface of the transmission plate 110. In addition, a visible portion 406 is located at a position facing the front of the game area 116 (upper passage 114c). The visible portion 406 is formed of a colorless and transparent member so that the player can view the gaming ball passing through the upper passage 114c. On the other hand, the pedestal portion 408 and the spherical portion 410 are made of a member having lower visibility than the visible portion 406, and are located at a position facing the front surface of the non-play area (through hole 108a). Specifically, the pedestal portion 408 is formed of a reflective member, and the spherical portion 410 is formed of a colored (for example, red) translucent member.

  FIG. 4 is a front view of the design unit 400. As shown in FIG. In the design unit 400, as a rendering device for rendering during the progress of a game, etc., there is provided a rendering device apparatus 202 comprising a movable device. The effect role device 202 includes a light emitting body 202a, a rotating body 202b capable of rotating around the light emitting body 202a, and a motor 202c for rotating the rotating body 202b. The motor 202 c is disposed, for example, in the pedestal portion 408. The light emitting body 202 a and the rotating body 202 b are disposed in the spherical portion 410. The light emitting body 202a, the rotating body 202b, the motor 202c, and the spherical portion 410 constitute a so-called rotating light (pattern lamp). The effect role device 202 changes the radiation direction of the light of the light emitting body 202a by causing the light emitting body 202a to emit light and causing the motor 202c to rotate the rotating body 202b, thereby giving the player a feeling of jackpot expectation. it can.

  The outer shape of the spherical portion 410 of the design unit 400 substantially matches the outer shape of the reflective portion 411 of the game board 108, and the spherical portion 410 is disposed in front of the reflective portion 411. For this reason, it appears to the player as if the spherical portion 410 of the design unit 400 and the reflection portion 411 of the game board 108 are a one-to-one effect device 202 (a padlock) formed of an integral member. Become.

  The display unit 412 and the box 414 are provided with the effect lighting device 204, and the display unit 412 and the box 414 emit light according to the light emission mode of the effect lighting device 204.

  In addition, the design unit 400 is provided with an effect touch sensor 210s. The effect touch sensor 210 s is, for example, a transparent capacitive touch sensor, and is provided on the surface of the spherical portion 410. The effect touch sensor 210 s detects whether or not the player's hand has touched (touched), and outputs the detection result. Various effects are performed according to the detection result of the effect touch sensor 210 s indicating that the player's hand has touched. The effect touch sensor 210s may be activated in accordance with an image or the like displayed on the effect display unit 200a, and the effect may be executed when the player's operation is received within the operation valid period.

  The design unit 400 is attachable to and detachable from the front frame 106. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, an assembly unit 500 that protrudes to the back side is provided at the top of the box body 414. The assembly unit 500 is configured such that the tip in the back direction is bent in the front direction, and can slide from the box 414 in the back direction. When the assembling unit 500 is slid in the direction of the box 414, the front end of the assembling unit 500 is locked to the front frame 106, and the design unit 400 is attached to the front frame 106. On the other hand, when the assembling unit 500 is slid in the rear direction, the tip of the locked assembling unit 500 is detached from the front frame 106, and the design unit 400 is removed from the front frame 106. Thus, the assembly unit 500 functions as an attachment mechanism for attaching the design unit 400. Such an attachment mechanism (specifically, the configuration of the assembly unit 500) is common to different models.

  The attachment mechanism is not limited to the assembly unit 500, and for example, a locking portion that protrudes in one of the design unit 400 and the front frame 106 is provided, and a hole corresponding to the locking portion (locked) The design unit 400 may be attached by inserting a locking portion into the hole. In this configuration, the positions, shapes, sizes, and the like of the locking portions and the hole portions may be common to a plurality of design units 400 of different models.

  In the gaming machine 100, the design unit 400 can be attached and removed without using a tool or the like. This makes it possible to reduce the burden on the operator when installing the gaming machine 100. In particular, since it becomes possible to easily attach and remove the design unit 400 other than the game machine maker's person such as a manager (hall clerk) in the game arcade, it is possible to improve the workability at the time of failure or maintenance. It can contribute. In addition, since it is sufficient to attach the game board 108 and the design unit 400, the frame (the outer frame 102, the middle frame 104, the front frame 106) itself can be a conventional one, thus reducing the manufacturing cost. It becomes possible.

  Then, by attaching the design unit 400, the designability of the gaming machine 100 can be greatly improved without replacing the front frame 106 or the game board 108. In particular, the line of sight of the player is likely to gather at the upper part of the front frame 106 of the gaming machine 100, and the impression given to the player is greatly changed by the presence of the design unit 400 attached to this portion. The design unit 400 may be exchanged when switching the game board 108 to another model, or may be exchanged independently of the game board 108. Therefore, it is possible to operate as another model in a completed state in a state in which the design unit 400 is attached and in a state in which the design unit 400 is removed. Further, the design unit 400 may be shipped (sold) together with the game board 108 or may be shipped (sold) separately from the game board 108.

(Internal configuration of control means)
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of control means for controlling the progress of the game. The main control board 300 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 300 includes a main CPU 300a, a main ROM 300b, and a main RAM 300c. The main CPU 300a reads out the program stored in the main ROM 300b based on the input signal from each detection switch or timer and performs arithmetic processing, and directly controls each device or display, or outputs the result of the arithmetic processing. Send commands to other boards accordingly. The main RAM 300c functions as a work area of data at the time of arithmetic processing of the main CPU 300a.

  In the main control board 300, a general winning opening detection switch 118s for detecting that the gaming ball has entered the general winning opening 118, and a starting opening detection switch for detecting that the gaming ball has entered the first starting opening 120 120s, a second start opening detection switch 122s that detects that the game ball has entered the second start opening, a gate detection switch 124s that detects that the game ball has passed the gate, and a game ball enters the special winning opening 126 A large winning opening detection switch 126 s for detecting that the ball has been connected is connected, and a detection signal is input to the main control board 300 from each of the detection switches.

  Further, the main control board 300 is connected with a normal electric combination solenoid 122c for operating the movable piece of the second starting opening, and a large winning opening solenoid 126c for operating the opening and closing door 126b for opening and closing the large winning opening 126. The main control board 300 controls the opening and closing of the second start opening and the big winning opening 126.

  In addition, the main control board 300 includes a first special symbol display 160, a second special symbol display 162, a first special symbol hold indicator 164, a second special symbol hold indicator 166, a normal symbol indicator 168, and an ordinary symbol A symbol hold display 170 and a right-handed notification display 172 are connected, and the display control of each display is performed by the main control board 300.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 of the first embodiment is started by passing the game ball through a special game which is mainly started by entering the game ball into the first start port 120 or the second start port and the gate. It is roughly divided into The main ROM 300b of the main control board 300 stores various programs for advancing special games and normal games, data necessary for various games, and tables.

  Further, a payout control board 310 and a sub control board 330 are connected to the main control board 300.

  The payout control board 310 performs control for firing the gaming balls and control for paying out the winning balls. The payout control board 310 also includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and is communicably connected to the main control board 300 bi-directionally. A game information output terminal board 312 is connected to the payout control board 310, and various information on the game progress outputted from the main control board 300 is via the payout control board 310 and the game information output board 312. , And a hall computer of a game arcade.

  Further, the payout control board 310 is connected to a payout motor 314 for paying out the gaming balls stored in the storage section as a winning ball to the player. The payout control board 310 controls the payout motor 314 based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 300 to control to pay the predetermined winning balls to the player. At this time, the number of game balls paid out is detected by the payout ball counting switch 316 s, and it is grasped whether the prize balls to be paid out are paid out to the player.

  Further, the dispensing control substrate 310 is connected to a tray filling detection switch 318 s for detecting the filling state of the lower tray. The disc filling detection switch 318s is provided in a passage for guiding the gaming balls to be paid out as winning balls to the lower plate, and the gaming ball detection signal is input to the payout control board 310 every time the gaming balls pass through the passage. It is supposed to be

  Then, when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate and filled up, the game balls stay in the passage toward the lower plate, and from the plate full detection switch 318s toward the payout control board 310, the game A sphere detection signal is continuously input. When the gaming ball detection signal is continuously input for a predetermined time, the payout control board 310 determines that the lower tray is full, and transmits a full bowl command to the main control board 300. On the other hand, when the continuous input of the game ball detection signal is interrupted after transmitting the dish filling command, it is judged that the filling condition is released, and the dish filling cancellation command is transmitted to the main control board 300.

  In addition, the payout control board 310 is provided with a launch control circuit 320 which performs launch control of the gaming balls. On the payout control substrate 310, a touch sensor 112s provided on the operation handle 112 and detecting that the player has touched the operation handle 112, and an operation volume 112a detecting the operation angle of the operation handle 112 are connected. ing. Then, when a signal is input from the touch sensor 112s and the operation volume 112a, the firing control circuit 320 controls the firing solenoid 112c provided in the gaming ball launching device so as to fire the gaming ball.

  The sub control board 330 mainly controls various effects such as playing and waiting. The sub control board 330 includes a sub CPU 330 a, a sub ROM 330 b, and a sub RAM 330 c, and communicates with the main control board 300 in one direction from the main control board 300 to the sub control board 330 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention. It is connected possible. The sub CPU 330a reads a program stored in the sub ROM 330b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 300, an input signal from a timer, and the like, performs arithmetic processing, and controls execution of effects. At this time, the sub RAM 330 c functions as a work area of data at the time of arithmetic processing of the sub CPU 330 a.

  Specifically, the sub control board 330 performs image display control to display an image on the effect display unit 200a. The sub ROM 330 b stores a large number of image data such as symbols and background displayed on the effect display unit 200 a, and the sub CPU 330 a reads the image data from the sub ROM 330 b to the VRAM (not shown). Control image display. In addition, the sub control board 330 performs drive control of the rendering combination object device 202, lighting control of the effect lighting device 204, and music output control for causing the music output device 206 to output music.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining control modes of the effect display unit 200a, the effect role device 202, the effect lighting device 204, and the music output device 206 in the sub control board 330, and FIG. 7 is common to them. It is a flowchart which shows the control aspect to be. The sub CPU (CPU) 330 a provided on the sub control board 330 functions as the effect determination means 332 and the effect execution means 334 in cooperation with the program stored in the sub ROM 330 b and the sub RAM 330 c. The effect determination means 332 decodes the command transmitted from the main control board 300, and determines an effect pattern (content indicating a series of effects of the effect) corresponding to the command. The effect executing unit 334 transmits a command to each device such as the image IC 340a, the controller 342, and the music IC 346a based on the determined effect pattern to execute the effect. The effect determination means 332 and the effect execution means 334 are processes (interruption processes) corresponding to the interruption, and are executed at the interruption timing associated with each device.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the effect determination unit 332 waits for the arrival of a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, 33.3 msec) (NO in S10), and when the predetermined interrupt cycle arrives (YES in S10), Image data based on the effect pattern (data corresponding to an image to be displayed on the effect display unit 200a among effects indicated by the effect pattern) is determined (S11). Then, the effect execution unit 334 transmits an image command capable of specifying the image data to the image IC 340a (S12), and repeats the processing from step S10. The image IC 340a, also referred to as a VDP (Video Display Processor), reads image data specified by an image command from the image ROM 340b to the image RAM (VRAM) 340c, and sequentially outputs the image data to the effect display unit 200a. In the effect display unit 200a, an image of something is always displayed. Therefore, the effect determining means 332 always determines the image data for each interrupt cycle. The image RAM 340 c has different layers and can hold different image data in each layer. Then, the image IC 340 a superimposes the image data held in a plurality of layers, and the superimposed image data is output to the effect display unit 200 a.

  In addition, the effect determining means 332 performs the role based on the effect pattern when a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, 2 msec) arrives with the determination of the effect pattern in parallel with the control of the image IC 340a. An object pattern (content indicating the series of operations of the effect role device 202 among the effects indicated by the effect pattern) is determined (S11). Then, the effect execution means 334 causes the controller 342 to display a command indicating at least one of the traveling direction (rotational direction), the traveling amount (rotational amount), and the traveling speed (rotational speed) at predetermined time intervals according to the character pattern. It transmits (S12) and repeats the process from step S10. The controller 342 drives the effect role device 202 in accordance with the command. Here, the effect role device 202 operates only when the feature pattern is determined. Note that the effect role device 202 is a temporary effect that involves a physical operation that enhances the player's sense of expectation for a big hit, and therefore, it is a role effect compared to image data, illumination patterns to be described later, and music data. Object patterns are determined less frequently.

  Further, the effect determining means 332, when the predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, 33 msec) arrives (YES in S10) along with the determination of the effect pattern, the illumination pattern based on the effect pattern (of the effects indicated by the effect pattern, the effect The content which shows a series of lighting modes of the illuminating device 204 is determined (S11). Then, the effect executing means 334 transmits a command of 1 (ON) or 0 (OFF) at predetermined time intervals to the controller 342 in the same manner as the character pattern according to the illumination pattern (S12), and repeats the process from step S10. . The controller 342 turns on or off the FET driving the effect lighting device 204 according to the command. Thus, lighting control of the lamp as the effect lighting device 204 is performed. In addition, the effect lighting device 204 is constantly repeating lighting or extinguishing. Therefore, the effect determination means 332 always determines the effect pattern for each interrupt cycle.

  In addition, the effect determining means 332, when the predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, 50 msec) comes along with the determination of the effect pattern in parallel with the control of the image IC 340a and the controller 342 described above (YES in S10), Based on the music data (data corresponding to the music to be output to the music output device 206 among the effects indicated by the effect pattern) is determined (S11). Then, the effect executing means 334 transmits a music command capable of specifying music data to the music IC 346a (S12), and repeats the process from step S10. The music IC 346 a reads the music data specified by the music command from the music ROM 346 b to the music IC 346 a and sequentially outputs the music data to a speaker as the music output device 206. In addition, to the music output device 206, some music is always output. Therefore, the effect determination means 332 always determines the music data every interruption period. The music IC 346a has a plurality of music buffers (buffers) and can hold different music data in each music buffer. Then, the music IC 346 a superimposes music data held in a plurality of music buffers, and the superimposed music data is output to the music output device 206.

  Further, on the sub control board 330, the effect touch sensor 210s for detecting that the player has touched the screen, the depression detection switch 208s for detecting that the effect button 208a has been depressed, and the effect handle 208b are rotated. A detection signal is input from a rotation detection switch 209 s that detects an event. When a detection signal is input from the effect touch sensor 210s and the effect operating device 208 (the press detection switch 208s and the rotation detection switch 209s), the controller 342 transmits that effect to the effect determination means 332, and the effect determination means 332 In response to the input of the detection signal, various effects are determined, such as displaying an image on the effect display unit 200a.

  The sub CPU 330 a also functions as an identification execution unit 336 in cooperation with the program stored in the sub ROM 330 b and the sub RAM 330 c. The identification execution means 336 acquires identification information for identifying the design unit 400 from the design unit 400, and based on the acquired identification information, whether or not the design unit 400 corresponding appropriately to the game board 108 is connected To judge. The identification execution means 336 will be described in detail later.

  Here, a series of functional units such as the sub CPU 330a, the sub RAM 330c, the image IC 340a, the image ROM 340b, the image RAM 340c, the controller 342, the music IC 346a, and the music ROM 346b constitute one integrated circuit as SoC (System-on-a-Chip). Are accumulated in However, which functional unit is to be integrated in such SoC can be set arbitrarily. The functional units such as the sub CPU 330a, the sub RAM 330c, the image IC 340a, the image ROM 340b, the image RAM 340c, the controller 342, the music IC 346a, and the music ROM 346b may be integrated as different integrated circuits and electrically connected.

  A power supply substrate (not shown) is connected to each substrate, and power is supplied from a commercial power supply to each substrate via the power supply substrate.

(Electrical connection of design unit 400)
Hereinafter, control of the effect role device 202, the effect lighting device 204, and the effect touch sensor 210s provided in the design unit 400 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of electrical connection of the design unit 400. As shown in FIG. The design unit 400 is provided with a relay substrate 350 to which the effect / character combination device 202, the effect lighting device 204, and the effect touch sensor 210s are connected. The relay substrate 350 of the design unit 400 is connected to the relay substrate 352 provided on the front frame 106 via a harness. Here, the harness indicates a bundle of electric wires. The relay substrate 352 of the front frame 106 is connected to the relay substrate 354 provided on the middle frame 104 via a harness. The relay board 354 of the middle frame 104 is connected to the sub control board 330 of the game board 108 via a harness.

  The sub-control board 330 transmits output information which is information for controlling the effect role device 202 and the effect lighting device 204 provided in the design unit 400. The output information is transmitted to the effect role device 202 and the effect lighting device 204 via the relay board 354 of the middle frame 104, the relay board 352 of the front frame 106, and the relay board 350 of the design unit 400. Further, input information, which is information indicating detection results of various detection switches such as the effect touch sensor 210 s provided in the design unit 400, is transmitted from the relay substrate 350 of the design unit 400. The sub control board 330 receives input information transmitted from the relay board 350 via the relay board 352 of the front frame 106 and the relay board 354 of the middle frame 104. The controller 342 of the sub control board 330 transmits and receives the output information and the input information by serial communication.

(Control by controller 342)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of serial communication by the controller 342, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams for explaining latch timings of data (output information, input information). In FIG. 9, the relay boards 352 and 354 between the sub control board 330 and the relay board 350 of the design unit 400 are not shown. As a serial communication method, clock synchronous serial communication in which serial signals are transmitted and received in synchronization with a reference clock signal is used.

  The relay substrate 350 is provided with a plurality of output units 220 (220a, 220b, 220c in FIG. 9), a plurality of input units 222 (222a, 222b, 222c in FIG. 9), and an identification information setting unit 224. .

  As described above, in the sub control board 330, the effect determining means 332 determines the character pattern and the illumination pattern based on the effect pattern, and the effect executing means 334 performs, for example, the effect according to the character pattern and the illumination pattern A command for specifying the rotation direction, the rotation amount, the rotation speed of the character object device 202, the light emission amount of the effect lighting device 204, etc.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the controller 342 has a plurality of output units 220 (220a, 220b, 220c in FIG. 9) and a plurality of input units 222 (222a, 222b, 222c in FIG. 9) provided on the relay substrate 350. )It is connected to the. The data transmission unit 342a of the controller 342 generates output information composed of a plurality of bits to be output to the rendering combination object device 202, the rendering lighting device 204, etc. based on the command etc., serializes the output information, and serializes the output information. The serial signal is transmitted to the output unit 220a. In addition, the data transmission unit 342a transmits a clock signal, which is a synchronization signal for acquiring a serial signal, to the output units 220a, 220b, 220c and the input units 222a, 222b, 222c.

  The output unit 220a is a so-called serial-to-parallel conversion element, receives a serial signal at the SI terminal based on a clock signal input from the CI terminal, and holds the serial signal in an internal shift register (not shown). Then, as shown in FIG. 10, by latching the output information held in the shift register based on the first latch signal (at the rise of the first latch signal) in bit units to the output port (Q0 to Q7), Output multiple bits of output information in parallel. Here, parallel output is to output output information in parallel and independently in bit units. In addition, one of Hi (high level) and Low (low level) binary (binary digital signal) signals are continuously output from the output port until the next latch timing. The output units 220 b and 220 c are also serial-parallel conversion elements similar to the output unit 220 a.

  The serial signal input to the SI terminal of the output unit 220 (220a, 220b, 220c) is transmitted from the SO terminal delayed by the shift register (the number of bits of parallel output, here 8 bits). Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the output unit 220a may be connected to the output unit 220b and the output unit 220c, and may be daisy-chained. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the output units 220a, 220b, and 220c are connected, the shift registers of the three output units 220a, 220b, and 220c each hold eight bits of 24-bit output information. Then, by latching to the output port while the output information is positioned (held) in the corresponding output units 220a, 220b, 220c, parallel output of 24 bits can be performed as shown in FIG.

  The effect role device 202 is connected to the output port (Q0 to Q7) of the output unit 220a. Specifically, a driver constituting the effect combination device 202 is connected to the output port of the output unit 220a. The driver is connected to a motor 202 c that constitutes the effect role device 202. The motor 202c rotates the rotating body 202b of the rotating light. Output information for driving the motor 202c by a driver is output to the output port of the output unit 220a. For example, a Hi or Low signal is output to each of four phases (A phase, B phase, / A phase, / B phase) of the motor 202c, and rotational drive by one phase excitation, two phase excitation, or 1-2 phase excitation Control is performed. For example, in the case of one-phase excitation, one of A-phase, B-phase, / A-phase, and / B-phase is Hi, and the other three phases are Low. And an excitation pattern can be formed by switching the phase used as Hi one by one.

  Further, the effect lighting device 204 is connected to the output ports (Q0 to Q7) of the output unit 220b and the output ports (Q0 to Q7) of the output unit 220c. Specifically, LEDs constituting the effect lighting device 204 are connected to the output ports of the output units 220b and 220c. Output information for emitting and extinguishing the LED is output to each output port of the output units 220b and 220c. The timing of Hi (light emission) and Low (light off) is controlled according to the illumination pattern of the LED. For example, when changing the luminance (light emission amount) of each of RGB (Red Green Blue) of the LED, the pulse width ratio between Hi and Low is changed by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). In addition, when the LED blinks, according to the blinking cycle, the period corresponding to turning off is maintained Low.

  The input unit 222a is a so-called parallel-serial conversion element, and as shown in FIG. 11, based on the second latch signal (at the fall of the second latch signal), parallel input to the input port (D0 to D7) The input information composed of a plurality of bits is latched in the shift register, and a serial signal obtained by serializing the input information is transmitted from the SO terminal based on the clock signal. Here, parallel input is to input input information in bit units in parallel and independently. The input units 222 b and 222 c are also parallel-serial conversion elements similar to the input unit 222 a.

  Then, the serial signal input to the SI terminal of the input unit 222 (222a, 222b, 222c) is transmitted from the SO terminal with a delay by the shift register (the number of bits of parallel input, here 8 bits). Here, although nothing is input to the SI terminal of the input unit 222a, it is considered that either one of Hi and Low is continuously input. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the input unit 222a can be connected to the input unit 222b and the input unit 222c, and can be daisy-chain connected. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the input units 222a, 222b, and 222c are connected, 24-bit input information is generated at one time by the three input units 222a, 222b, and 222c, as shown in FIG. Bit input information will be transmitted as a serial signal.

  A limit sensor 202s, which is an example of various detection switches, is connected to input ports (D1 to D7) of the input unit 222a. The limit sensor 202 s is a detection switch for confirming the operation of the effect role device 202 and restricting the operation range. The detection result of the limit sensor 202s is input to the input port of the input unit 222a. The detection switch connected to the input port of the input unit 222a is not limited to the limit sensor 202s, and may be, for example, a photosensor.

  The effect touch sensor 210s is connected to the input port (D0 to D7) of the input unit 222b. The effect touch sensor 210s detects a touch on the effect touch sensor 210s by the player. The detection result of the effect touch sensor 210s is input to the input port of the input unit 222b.

  An identification information setting unit 224 is connected to the input port (D0 to D7) of the input unit 222c. In the identification information setting unit 224, for example, identification information representing a predetermined numerical value in 8 bits is set. The 8-bit identification information set in the identification information setting unit 224 is input in parallel to the input port of the input unit 222c.

  The identification information is information indicating the model of the gaming machine 100, and is uniquely assigned to each model of the gaming machine 100. The identification information is composed of 8-bit numerical values, so there are 256 options. In the identification information setting unit 224, identification information indicating one model of the design unit 400 (that is, model of the gaming machine 100) is set. The identification information set in the identification information setting unit 224 is used to identify the design unit 400 in the sub control board 330.

  The identification information setting unit 224 includes, for example, a DIP switch. This DIP switch is configured by arranging at least eight switches in parallel. One end of each switch in the DIP switch is connected to the input port of the input unit 222c. A power supply of a predetermined voltage is connected to the one end via a resistor. Also, the other end of each switch is grounded. Of the eight switches, the switch which is turned on sets the identification bit of Low, and the switch which is turned off sets the identification bit of Hi. By setting on / off of each switch of the DIP switch, the administrator can set 8-bit Hi and Low, that is, set identification information. The setting of the identification information is performed, for example, at the time of factory shipment. According to the configuration including the DIP switch, identification information can be easily set.

  The identification information setting unit 224 is not limited to the configuration including the DIP switch. For example, the identification information setting unit 224 may be configured to include a ROM that stores identification information, and the identification information read from the ROM may be input to the input port.

  Further, the identification information setting unit 224 may be configured to include a voltage dividing circuit configured by a plurality of resistors. For example, a 10 kΩ resistor and a 1 kΩ resistor are connected in series, and the connection node is connected to the input port. When the power supply line is connected to the 10 kΩ resistor side and the 1 kΩ resistor side is connected to the ground line (GND), the input port is set to Low. On the other hand, when the power supply line is connected to the 1 kΩ resistor side and the 10 kΩ resistor side is connected to the ground line, the input port is set to Hi. According to the configuration including the voltage dividing circuit, it is difficult to change the identification information that has been set once, and it is possible to prevent the fraudulent alteration of the identification information.

  The identification information setting unit 224 may be configured to directly connect the input port (D0 to D7) of the input unit 222c to a power supply line or a ground line. For example, the input port directly connected to the power supply line is set to Hi, and the input port directly connected to the ground line is set to Low. Also in this configuration, it is difficult to change the identification information that has been set once, and it is possible to prevent the fraudulent alteration of the identification information. Further, in this configuration, the circuit of the identification information setting unit 224 can be simplified.

  The input unit 222c latches, in the shift register, identification information made up of 8-bit identification bits input in parallel to the input port at the falling edge of the second latch signal, and serializes the identification information in serial, Transmit from SO terminal based on the clock signal.

  Here, since the input units 222a, 222b, and 222c are daisy-chain connected, they are composed of 16-bit input information latched by the input units 222a and 222b and 8-bit identification information latched by the input unit 222c. 24 bits of input information are generated at one time. Then, 24-bit input information including the identification information is transmitted to the controller 342 as a serial signal. Further, the input unit 222c, in which the identification information is latched, is most connected to the controller 342 side in the daisy chain connection. Therefore, the identification information is included in the upper 8 bits of the 24 bits of input information.

  The data reception unit 342b of the controller 342 receives the serial signal from the input unit 222 based on the clock signal of the data transmission unit 342a. Thus, the input information and the identification information can be taken into the sub CPU 330a.

  As described above, by managing the output of output information to the rendering combination object device 202 and the effect lighting device 204 and the input of input information of various detection switches by serial communication, the following versatility can be obtained. . That is, when adding the output information and the input information, it is possible to cope with the situation by assigning to the spare (reserved) output port and the input port without changing the number of harnesses and the harness routing. Further, even if there are spare output ports and input ports, if only the output unit 220 and the input unit 222 are added, it is possible to cope with only software correction.

  Here, an example is given in which the output unit 220 latches output information in the output port at the rise of the first latch signal, and the input unit 222 latches input information at the input port at the fall of the second latch signal. However, the latch timing may be set to either rising or falling.

  By the way, there is a possibility that each element of the relay substrate 350 shown in FIG. 9 does not function properly due to some reason. As a cause of such a situation, for example, a harness connecting the sub control board 330 and the relay board 350 is broken, a serial signal line between the output units 220 or between the input units 222 is broken, the output unit 220 It is conceivable that an abnormality (failure) occurs in the input unit 222. As described above, if an abnormality occurs in each element of the relay substrate 350, it may affect the progression of the game of the pachinko machine, so it is necessary to reset each element.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the controller 342 is provided with the abnormality determination unit 342c. The abnormality determination unit 342c determines the abnormality of each element of the relay substrate 350 by using the output information and the input information to confirm the consistency. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, an arbitrary output port of the output unit 220 (here, the output port Q7 of the output unit 220c) and an arbitrary input port of the input unit 222 (here, the input port D0 of the input unit 222a) It is a bit signal for abnormality determination, and both ports are electrically connected.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the abnormality determination operation. First, the abnormality determination unit 342c transmits, to the data transmission unit 342a, an arbitrary 1-bit value (here, referred to as a determination value) used for the abnormality determination. The data transmission unit 342a sets the determination value transmitted from the abnormality determination unit 342c to the most significant bit of the 24-bit output information to be output to the output unit 220. Then, when the data transmission unit 342a transmits the serial signal as shown in FIG. 12, the judgment value is positioned at the leading bit of the serial signal as indicated by hatching in the drawing. The output unit 220 latches the serial signal in response to the first latch signal. Then, the determination value is output to the output port Q7 of the output unit 220c.

  Subsequently, in response to the second latch signal, the input unit 222 latches in the shift register the input information input in parallel to the input port. Here, since the input port D0 of the input unit 222 and the output port Q7 of the output unit 220c are connected, the determination value is input to the input port D0 of the input unit 222. Then, the input unit 222 transmits a serial signal obtained by serializing the input information to the data reception unit 342b. Then, as shown by cross hatching in the figure, the bit at the end of the serial signal includes the determination value.

  When receiving the serial signal, the data receiving unit 342b extracts the determination value located in the least significant bit of the input information, and transmits it to the abnormality determination unit 342c. The abnormality determination unit 342c compares the determination value received (looped back) from the data reception unit 342b with the determination value transmitted to the data transmission unit 342a, and determines whether the two values match. Then, if they match, it is determined that each element in the relay substrate 350 is normal, and if they do not match, it is determined that it is abnormal. If the abnormality determination unit 342c determines that each element in the relay substrate 350 is abnormal, the abnormality determination unit 342c outputs a reset signal to the output unit 220 and the input unit 222 provided on the relay substrate 350 to reset.

  The abnormality determination unit 342c repeatedly performs such abnormality determination in a predetermined cycle. At this time, the abnormality determination unit 342c may alternately determine Hi and Low as determination values. By doing this, even if an abnormality occurs in which the output port or the input port is fixed to Hi or Low, it is possible to appropriately determine the abnormality.

  In the first embodiment, the first latch signal and the second latch signal can be set independently. Therefore, by outputting the second latch signal at an arbitrary timing after outputting the determination value to the output port by the first latch signal, it is possible to obtain the determination value at a desired timing and to make an abnormality determination. Become.

  Here, the determination value is positioned at the first bit of the serial signal transmitted by the data transmission unit 342a, and the determination value is positioned at the last bit of the serial signal received by the data reception unit 342b. Such a position corresponds to the end of the connected output unit 220 and the controller 342 of the input unit 222 as viewed from the controller 342. Therefore, when the determination values of the position are matched, the output port of the output unit 220 and the input port of the input unit 222 in the middle are operating normally. However, the output port and input port to be subjected to such abnormality determination are not limited to such positions, and any output port and input port may be selected arbitrarily and connected. Furthermore, although an example in which one output port and one input port are connected is described here, the number can also be determined arbitrarily, and various connection modes are adopted unless the output ports are connected to each other. It can also be done.

  Here, addition of the judgment value to the serial signal and extraction of the judgment value from the serial signal are performed through software in the controller 342. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and hardware using a shift register is used. It may be realized by

(Identification of Design Unit 400)
By the way, when the model exchange of the gaming machine 100 is performed in the hall, the gaming board 108 and the design unit 400 are exchanged together. Then, the design unit 400 appropriately corresponding to the game board 108 after the model exchange is installed in the front frame 106. However, at the time of such model exchange, there is a possibility that a design unit 400 different from the design unit 400 appropriately corresponding to the game board 108 may be installed in the front frame 106. Therefore, in the gaming machine 100, identification information is included in the serial signal transmitted from the design unit 400 to the sub control board 330, and based on the identification information, it can be electrically identified that the different design unit 400 is attached. And

  Further, the game board 108 is provided with a notification unit 360 (see FIG. 8). The notification unit 360 is connected to the sub control board 330. The notification unit 360 notifies the player or the hall of the identification result of the design unit 400. In the gaming machine 100, the effect display unit 200a, the music output device 206, various LED lamps and the like can be functioned as the notification unit 360. Hereinafter, identification of the design unit 400 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the identification operation of the design unit 400. When the gaming machine 100 is powered on, the sub CPU 330a first performs an initialization process (S20). In the initialization process, for example, alignment of the origin of the effect combination device 202 is performed. The initialization process may be performed after the identification of the design unit 400 described later.

  Next, the sub CPU 330a functions as the identification execution unit 336, and acquires identification information (S21). Specifically, the identification execution unit 336 causes the data reception unit 342b of the controller 342 to transmit a second latch signal, and causes the data transmission unit 342a to transmit a clock signal. The input units 222a and 222b latch the input signal input to the input port in the shift register at the falling edge of the received second latch signal, and the input unit 222c generates the falling edge of the received second latch signal. The identification information input to the input port is latched in the shift register. Then, the input unit 222 transmits a serial signal obtained by serializing the latched input information and identification information to the data receiving unit 342 b based on the received clock signal. The data reception unit 342 b receives the serial signal from the input unit 222 based on the clock signal. Then, the identification execution unit 336 acquires the serial signal received by the data reception unit 342b. The identification execution means 336 thus acquires identification information contained in the serial signal.

  Next, the identification execution means 336 determines whether or not the design unit 400 properly corresponds (fits) to the game board 108 (S22).

  Here, identification information is stored in advance in the sub ROM 330 b. Specifically, an identification table in which a plurality of identification information is described is stored. In the identification table, identification information (regular identification information) associated with the own model is described. The identification table also describes a plurality of identification information (other identification information) associated with each of the other models.

  The identification execution unit 336 reads the identification table from the sub ROM 330 b, and compares the regular identification information in the identification table with the identification information (identification information to be compared) acquired from the design unit 400. Specifically, the identification execution unit 336 compares, for each bit, the 8 bits forming the regular identification information and the 8 bits forming the identification information to be compared.

  If the identification information to be compared matches the regular identification information, the identification execution unit 336 determines that the connected design unit 400 corresponds appropriately to the game board 108 (YES in S22). Then, the sub CPU 330a ends the processing as the identification execution unit 336, and shifts to the normal processing (S25). That is, the gaming machine 100 shifts to the customer waiting state.

  On the other hand, when the identification information of the comparison target does not match the regular identification information, the identification execution means 336 determines that the connected design unit 400 does not appropriately correspond to the game board 108 (NO in S22) . Then, the identification execution unit 336 identifies the model of the design unit 400 connected (S23). Specifically, the identification execution unit 336 sequentially refers to the other identification information in the identification table, and repeats the comparison between the other identification information referred to and the identification information to be compared. The identification execution unit 336 can specify the type of identification information associated with the identification information that matches the identification information to be compared among the other identification information.

  Next, the identification execution unit 336 operates the notification unit 360 to notify that the corresponding design unit 400 is not properly connected (S24). At this time, since the identification execution unit 336 identifies the model of the design unit 400 connected in step S23, the model of the design unit 400 connected can also be clarified and notified.

  For example, when causing the effect display unit 200a to function as the notification unit 360, the identification execution unit 336 causes the effect display unit 200a to display an error message such as “the correct design unit 400 is not connected”. Further, when the identification execution unit 336 identifies the model of the design unit 400 as, for example, the X model, an error message that identifies the model such as “the design unit of the X model is connected” in the effect display unit 200a. May be displayed.

  When the music output device 206 is made to function as the notification unit 360, the identification execution unit 336 causes the music output device 206 to emit an error buzzer sound, an error message, and the like. Further, the identification execution unit 336 may emit a sound specifying the model of the design unit 400 according to the type of the error buzzer sound and the content of the error message.

  Further, in the case of causing various LED lamps to function as the notification unit 360, the identification execution unit 336 causes the various LED lamps to light or blink to notify of a connection error of the design unit 400. In this case, the identification execution unit 336 may notify of a connection error of the design unit 400 by causing various LED lamps to blink vigorously. Further, the address (position) of the LED for notifying a connection error of the design unit 400 may be common to each model. In this way, connection errors of the design unit 400 can be reliably notified even with different types of gaming machines 100, and the lighting and blinking of the LED lamps indicate the connection errors of the design unit 400. It will come to know surely.

  If the identification information to be compared does not match any of the other identification information in the model identification process of the design unit 400, the identification execution unit 336 can identify the model of the design unit 400 connected. A notification may be issued to the effect that there was no such. Further, the identification execution unit 336 may notify only that there is a connection error of the design unit 400 without specifying the model.

  If the identification information to be compared matches the regular identification information, the identification execution unit 336 may notify the notification unit 360 that the identification information matches. For example, the identification execution unit 336 may notify that various LED lamps are lit or blinked in a predetermined pattern, indicating that the completion of the initialization processing and the identification confirmation of the identification information has been completed. As a result, the worker can recognize the completion of the initialization process and the completion of the confirmation of the identification information match.

  If the notification process is performed without the identification information of the comparison object matching the regular identification information, the notification process is maintained, for example, until the power of the gaming machine 100 is turned off. Then, in the gaming machine 100, the normal operation is not performed in the various rendering devices (the rendering combination device 202, the rendering lighting device 204, the rendering touch sensor 210s). However, even if the notification process is performed without the identification information of the comparison object matching the regular identification information, it is possible to play the game itself. That is, it is possible to play a game controlled by the main control board 300 (for example, a game in the first special symbol display, the normal symbol display, etc.).

  In addition, according to progress of predetermined time from the start of alerting | reporting process, you may complete | finish an alerting | reporting process partially. For example, when an error buzzer sound is emitted by the music output device 206 while displaying an error message on the effect display unit 200a, the emission of the error buzzer sound is ended according to the elapse of a predetermined time, and the error message The display may be maintained.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment, identification of the design unit 400 is electrically performed based on the identification information transmitted from the design unit 400. Therefore, according to the gaming machine 100, it is possible to internally and reliably identify the members attached at the time of installation of the gaming machine 100, such as the design unit 400.

  Further, in the gaming machine 100, it is informed that different design units 400 are connected. For this reason, according to the gaming machine 100, it is possible to urge replacement of the design unit 400 that corresponds appropriately. Further, in the gaming machine 100, since the model of the design unit 400 connected can be identified and notified, it is possible to more clearly recognize the connection error of the design unit 400.

  In the first embodiment, the three output units 220a, 220b, and 220c are daisy-chain connected, and the three input units 222a, 222b, and 222c are daisy-chain connected. However, the number of output units 220 and the number of input units 222 are not limited to three, and can be set to any number.

  The identification information is also input to the input port of the input unit 222c. However, the input port to which the identification information is input is not limited to the input port of the input unit 222c, and may be input to any input port of the input unit 222 that transmits a serial signal. For example, the identification information may be input to the input port of the input unit 222b, or may be input to the input port of the input unit 222a. When the identification information is input to the input port of the input unit 222a or the input unit 222b, the detection result of the limit sensor 202s or the effect touch sensor 210s may be input to an input unit other than the input unit to which the identification information is input. . When identification information is input to the input port of the input unit 222a, the determination value determined by the abnormality determination unit 342c may be input to the input port of the input unit 222b or the input unit 222c.

  Also, the identification information is composed of 8 bits. However, the number of bits constituting the identification information is not limited to 8 bits, and can be configured with an arbitrary number of bits. For example, the identification information may be configured by 4 bits, or may be configured by 16 bits in consideration of the increase in the number of models in the future. If the number of input ports of the input unit 222 whose bit number is 1 exceeds, the identification information may be input across the plurality of input units 222.

  Further, when it is determined that the different design unit 400 is connected, the identification execution unit 336 has performed the process of specifying the model of the design unit 400. However, the identification execution unit 336 may omit the process of identifying the model of the design unit 400 and perform the notification process.

  Moreover, although both control of the output part 220 by the controller 342 and control of the input part 222 were demonstrated here, regarding identification of the design unit 400, at least the input part 222 is provided in the relay substrate 350 of the design unit 400. The output unit 220 may not be provided on the relay substrate 350.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, identification of the design unit 400 is performed in the sub control board 330. In the second embodiment, the design unit 400 is identified not only in the sub control board 330 but also in the main control board 300.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of electrical connection of the design unit 400 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the relay substrate 354 of the middle frame 104 is provided with a serial-parallel conversion element 356. The serial-to-parallel conversion element 356 has, for example, the same configuration as that of the output unit 220 of the relay substrate 350. In FIG. 14, the wiring in the relay substrate 354 is indicated by a broken line.

  The relay substrate 350 of the design unit 400 is connected to the serial-parallel conversion element 356 of the relay substrate 354 of the middle frame 104 via the relay substrate 352 of the front frame 106 and the harness. The serial-parallel conversion element 356 is connected to the parallel input port of the main control board 300 via a harness. Here, in the serial signal transmitted from the relay board 350, the identification information is included in the upper 8 bits of 24 bits. That is, the position of the identification information in the serial signal is fixed. Therefore, the parallel output port of the position of the identification information in the serial-parallel conversion element 356 is connected to the parallel input port of the main control board 300. The relay substrate 350 is also connected to the sub control substrate 330 via the relay substrates 352 and 354 as in the first embodiment.

  Input information including identification information transmitted from the relay board 350 is transmitted not only to the sub control board 330 but also to the main control board 300. The input information transmitted to the main control board 300 is transmitted from the relay board 350 to the serial-parallel conversion element 356 as a serial signal. The serial-to-parallel converter 356 converts the serial signal transmitted from the relay substrate 350 into a parallel signal based on the latch signal and clock signal transmitted from the sub control substrate 330. Then, the main control board 300 receives the identification information in the converted parallel signal. Thus, the main CPU 300a can acquire the identification information transmitted from the relay board 350.

  In the second embodiment, the main CPU 300a of the main control board 300 also functions as an identification execution unit 306 in cooperation with the program stored in the main ROM 300b and the main RAM 300c.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the identification operation of the design unit 400 in the main control board 300.

  When the gaming machine 100 is powered on, the main CPU 300a functions as the identification execution unit 306, and acquires identification information (S31). That is, the identification execution unit 306 acquires identification information included in the input information transmitted from the relay substrate 350 to the serial-parallel conversion element 356.

  Next, the identification execution unit 306 determines whether the design unit 400 corresponds to the game board 108 properly (S32). In this step S32, processing similar to step S22 in the sub CPU 330a is performed. Specifically, the main ROM 300b stores in advance an identification table in which normal identification information and other identification information are described. In the identification table of the main ROM 300b, at least legitimate identification information may be described, and other identification information may be omitted. The identification execution unit 306 reads the identification table from the main ROM 300b, and compares the regular identification information in the identification table with the identification information acquired from the design unit 400, which is identification information to be compared.

  If the identification information to be compared matches the regular identification information, the identification execution unit 336 determines that the connected design unit 400 appropriately corresponds to the game board 108 (YES in S32). Then, the main CPU 300a ends the processing as the identification execution unit 306, and shifts to the normal processing (S33).

  On the other hand, when the identification information of the comparison target does not match the regular identification information, the identification execution means 306 determines that the connected design unit 400 does not appropriately correspond to the game board 108 (NO in S32) . Then, the identification execution means 306 shifts the gaming machine 100 to the gaming stop state (S34). For example, the identification execution unit 306 deactivates the general winning opening detection switch 118s, the starting opening detection switch 120s, the second starting opening detection switch 122s, the gate detection switch 124s, and the special winning opening detection switch 126s. In addition, the identification execution unit 306 may transmit a command to the payout control board 310 to prevent the game ball from being fired in the launch control circuit 320 without energizing the launch solenoid 112 c.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, when different design units 400 are connected, the gaming machine 100 is in the game suspension state. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the player from playing a game in an inappropriate device configuration.

  In the second embodiment, the serial-parallel conversion element 356 is provided on the relay substrate 354 of the middle frame 104. However, the position of the serial-parallel conversion element 356 may be between the relay substrate 350 of the design unit 400 and the main control substrate 300, and is not limited to the relay substrate 354 of the middle frame 104.

  Further, identification information is input in parallel to the main control board 300. However, the main control board 300 may be configured to be able to input identification information serially. For example, in the main control board 300, the identification information serially input may be transmitted to the main CPU 300a via the serial-parallel conversion element. In this case, the serial-parallel conversion element 356 in the middle frame 104 is omitted, and the serial signal is transmitted to the main control board 300.

  Further, in the second embodiment, identification of the design unit 400 is performed in both of the sub control substrate 330 and the main control substrate 300. However, identification of the design unit 400 in the sub control substrate 330 may not be performed, and only identification of the design unit 400 in the main control substrate 300 may be performed. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of electrical connection of the design unit 400 in the modification of the second embodiment. In the example of FIG. 16, the design unit 400 is provided with a relay substrate 351 different from the relay substrate 350, the front frame 106 is provided with a relay substrate 353 different from the relay substrate 352, and the middle frame 104 is provided. A relay board 355 separate from the relay board 354 is provided. The relay substrate 350 is connected to the sub control substrate 330 via the relay substrates 352 and 354. The relay substrate 350 is not provided with an identification information setting unit, and the sub control substrate 330 is not provided with an identification execution unit.

  On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 16, the relay board 351 is connected to the main control board 300 via the relay boards 353 and 355. The identification execution unit 306 of the main control board 300 transmits a clock signal and a latch signal from the main control board 300 to the relay board 351 via the relay boards 355 and 353. The relay board 351 transmits identification information to the main control board 300 via the relay board 353 and the serial-parallel conversion element 356 of the relay board 355 in response to the clock signal. The identification execution unit 306 identifies the design unit 400 based on the identification information acquired from the identification information setting unit 224 of the relay board 351. When the design unit 400 corresponding to the identification unit 400 is not properly connected, the game is stopped. Let As described above, by identifying the design unit 400 on at least the main control board 300, it is possible to prevent the player from playing a game in an inappropriate apparatus configuration. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the relay boards 350, 352, 354 connected to the sub control board 330 and the relay boards 351, 353, 355 connected to the main control board 300 are completely separated. For this reason, as compared with the aspect in which the relay substrate is shared by the main control substrate 300 and the sub control substrate 330, it is more preferable from the viewpoint of fraud prevention.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17, while the relay substrates 350, 352, 354 connected to the sub control substrate 330 and the relay substrates 351, 353, 355 connected to the main control substrate 300 are completely separated, Both identification of the design unit 400 in the control board 330 and identification of the design unit 400 in the main control board 300 may be performed. In this aspect, it is possible to perform both notification of a connection error of the design unit 400 and transition to the game stop state, and an aspect in which the main control board 300 and the sub control board 330 share the relay board Is more preferable from the viewpoint of fraud prevention. In this case, common identification information may be set in the identification information setting unit 224 of the relay substrate 350 and the identification information setting unit 224 of the relay substrate 351.

  In FIGS. 16 and 17, a serial signal including identification information is transmitted from the relay board 351, and the serial signal is converted to a parallel signal in the relay board 355. However, in the examples of FIGS. 16 and 17, a parallel signal including identification information may be transmitted from the relay board 351, and the parallel signal may be transmitted to the main control board 300 via the relay boards 353 and 355.

Third Embodiment
In the third embodiment, for example, the display unit 412 in the design unit 400 can be separated from the box 414. In the third embodiment, the separable display unit 412 is a second design unit 450, and the design unit 400 excluding the display unit 412 is a first design unit 400. That is, in the third embodiment, there are a plurality of members attached to the front frame 106. In the third embodiment, the first design unit 400 is provided with the effect character device 202, the effect lighting device 204, and the effect touch sensor 210s, and the second design unit 450 is provided with the effect lighting device 204 and the effect touch sensor 210s. It is done. The effect touch sensor 210s of the second design unit 450 is, for example, transparent, and is provided in front of the second design unit 450 (the display unit 412). In the third embodiment, not only the first design unit 400 but also the second design unit 450 is identified.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of serial communication by the controller 342 in the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, in the third embodiment, the second design unit 450 is electrically connected to the first design unit 400. A relay board 358 is provided in the second design unit 450. The relay substrate 358 is provided with an output unit 230, an input unit 232, and an identification information setting unit 224.

  In the identification information setting unit 224 of the second design unit 450, a part of the identification information is set. Specifically, in the identification information setting unit 224 of the second design unit 450, upper 4 bits of the identification information made up of 8 bits are set. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, in the identification information setting unit 224 of the first design unit 400, the lower 4 bits of the identification information composed of 8 bits are set. That is, identification information is set independently in the identification information setting unit 224 of the second design unit 450 and the identification information setting unit 224 of the first design unit 400, and the identification information setting unit 224 of the second design unit 450 is further set. By combining the 4 bits set to 1 and the 4 bits set to the identification information setting unit 224 of the first design unit 400, 1 piece of identification information is configured.

  The output unit 230 is a serial-parallel conversion element similar to the output unit 220a. The SI terminal of the output unit 230 is connected to the SO terminal of the output unit 220c. That is, the output unit 230 may be connected to the output units 220a, 220b, and 220c, and may be daisy-chained. Therefore, when the output units 220a, 220b, 220c, and 230 are connected, the shift registers of the four output units 220a, 220b, 220c, and 230 each hold 8-bit output information of 32 bits. Then, by latching to the output port in a state where the output information is positioned (held) in the corresponding output units 220a, 220b, 220c, 230, parallel output of 32 bits can be performed. Here, the upper 8 bits of the 32 bits are output to the output ports (Q0 to Q7) of the output unit 230.

  The effect lighting device 204 provided in the second design unit 450 is connected to the output port of the output unit 230. Output information for controlling the effect lighting device 204 is output to the output port of the output unit 230.

  The input unit 232 is a parallel-serial conversion element similar to the input unit 222a. The SI terminal of the input unit 232 is connected to the SO terminal of the input unit 222c. That is, the input unit 232 may be connected to the input units 222a, 222b, and 222c, and may be daisy-chained. Therefore, when the input units 222a, 222b, 222c, and 232 are connected, 32-bit input information latched by the input units 222a, 222b, 222c, and 232 is generated at one time. Then, 32-bit input information is transmitted as a serial signal to the controller 342 via the relay board 350.

  Here, the effect touch sensor 210s is connected to the input port (D0 to D3) for lower 4 bits in the input unit 222c, and the detection result of the effect touch sensor 210s is input. On the other hand, the identification information setting unit 224 is connected to the input port (D4 to D7) for the upper 4 bits of the input unit 222c, and the lower 4 bits of the identification information are input in parallel.

  In addition, the effect touch sensor 210s is connected to the input port (D4 to D7) for upper 4 bits in the input unit 232, and the detection result of the effect touch sensor 210s is input. On the other hand, the identification information setting unit 224 is connected to input ports (D0 to D3) for lower 4 bits in the input unit 232, and upper 4 bits of the identification information are input in parallel. Therefore, identification information is included in the fifth bit to the twelfth bit sequence of eight bits in the 32-bit input information.

  Here, the output port Q7 of the output unit 230 is connected to the input port D0 of the input unit 222a. The data transmission unit 342a sets the determination value transmitted from the abnormality determination unit 342c to the most significant bit of the 32-bit output information. Accordingly, the determination value is output to the output port Q7 of the output unit 230, input from the input port D0 of the input unit 222a, and loop-backed to the abnormality determination unit 342c.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the identification operation of the first design unit 400 and the second design unit 450. When the gaming machine 100 is powered on, the sub CPU 330a performs initialization processing (S40). The initialization process may be performed after the identification of the first design unit 400 and the second design unit 450 is performed.

  Next, the sub CPU 330a functions as the identification execution unit 336, and acquires identification information (S41). Specifically, the identification execution unit 336 causes the data reception unit 342b to transmit the second latch signal, and causes the data transmission unit 342a to transmit a clock signal. Here, the input unit 222c shifts the identification information input to the upper 4-bit input port and the input information input to the lower 4-bit input port at the falling edge of the second latch signal. Latch to register. The input unit 232 latches in the shift register the identification information input to the lower 4 bits input port and the input information input to the upper 4 bits input port at the falling edge of the second latch signal. Do. The input units 222a and 222b also latch the input information input to the input port in the shift register at the falling edge of the second latch signal. Then, the input units 222 and 232 transmit the serial signal obtained by serializing the latched input information and identification information to the data receiving unit 342 b based on the received clock signal. The data receiving unit 342 b receives the serial signal from the input units 222 and 232 based on the clock signal. Then, the identification execution unit 336 acquires identification information included in the serial signal received by the data reception unit 342b.

  Next, the identification execution means 336 determines whether or not the first design unit 400 and the second design unit 450 correspond (fit) to the game board 108 appropriately (S42). Specifically, as in the first embodiment, the identification information is acquired from the first design unit 400 and the second design unit 450, which are identification information for comparison and identification information in the identification table stored in the sub ROM 330b. Compare with the identification information. Since the acquired identification information to be compared is a continuous bit string of 8 bits, the identification execution means 336 can acquire a continuous bit string as identification information at a time, so that the regular identification information and the identification information to be compared are Easy to compare. In addition to the fact that bit strings of serial signals of adjacent input units 222c and 232 are continuous, it is easy to compare identification information, and the number of bits of identification information is reduced while the first design unit 400 and the second design unit It is possible to simultaneously perform 450 identifications.

  When the identification information of the comparison object matches the legitimate identification information, the identification execution means 336 determines that the connected first design unit 400 and second design unit 450 correspond appropriately to the game board 108. (YES in S42). Then, the sub CPU 330a ends the processing as the identification execution unit 336, and shifts to the normal processing (S44). That is, the gaming machine 100 shifts to the customer waiting state.

  On the other hand, when the identification information of the comparison object does not match the legitimate identification information, the identification execution means 336 does not correspond appropriately to the game board 108 with the first design unit 400 and the second design unit 450 connected. It is determined that (NO in S42). Then, the identification execution unit 336 operates the notification unit 360 to notify that the corresponding first design unit 400 and second design unit 450 are not properly connected (S43).

  As described above, one identification information is configured by combining the identification information of the identification information setting unit 224 of the first design unit 400 and the identification information of the identification information setting unit 224 of the second design unit 450. . As a result, when one or both of the first design unit 400 and the second design unit 450 are different, the identification information of the comparison target does not match the regular identification information. That is, here, when at least one of the first design unit 400 and the second design unit 450 is different, the notification unit 360 is notified of that.

  Also in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the effect display unit 200a, the music output device 206, various LED lamps and the like can be functioned as the notification unit 360. For example, when causing the effect display unit 200a to function as the notification unit 360, an error message may be displayed, and when making the music output device 206 function as the notification unit 360, an error message may be emitted. When various LED lamps are made to function as the notification unit 360, the various LED lamps may be made to blink sharply. The notification process is maintained until the gaming machine 100 is turned off, as in the first embodiment. Further, although normal operations are not performed in the various rendering devices, it is possible to play a game controlled by the main control board 300.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, identification of the first design unit 400 and the second design unit 450 is performed simultaneously. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, a plurality of members attached to the front frame 106 at the time of installation of the gaming machine 100 can be identified simultaneously at the same time.

  In the third embodiment, two members of the first design unit 400 and the second design unit 450 are simultaneously identified. However, the number of members simultaneously identified is not limited to two. For example, three or more members may be identified simultaneously. In such a case, a plurality of identification targets can be identified simultaneously by daisy-chaining the input units in the identification targets in the same way as the example of the input units 222 and 232 and transmitting serial signals.

  In the third embodiment, the identification information of 1 is obtained by combining the identification information of the identification information setting unit 224 of the first design unit 400 and the identification information of the identification information setting unit 224 of the second design unit 450. It was configured. However, one complete identification information may be set in each of the identification information setting unit 224 of the first design unit 400 and the identification information setting unit 224 of the second design unit 450. In this case, the identification execution unit 336 transmits the identification information of the identification information setting unit 224 of the first design unit 400 and the identification information of the identification information setting unit 224 of the second design unit with the regular identification information. A comparison should be made. According to this aspect, for example, when one of the first design unit 400 and the second design unit 450 corresponds appropriately and the other is different, it becomes possible to identify and identify different ones. . Further, according to this aspect, it is possible to specify the model of each of the first design unit 400 and the second design unit 450.

  Further, the identification information of 1 may be input to the input port of the input unit 232, and the identification information may not be input to the input unit 222. Alternatively, identification information of 1 may be input to the input port of the input unit 222, and no identification information may be input to the input port of the input unit 232.

  In addition, identification information is input so as to be continuous across the input units 222 and 232. However, the identification information may not be continuous across the input units 222 and 232.

  In addition, the first latch signal, the second latch signal, and the clock signal transmitted to the output unit 230 and the input unit 232 are transmitted via the relay substrate 350. However, the first latch signal, the second latch signal, and the clock signal transmitted to the output unit 230 and the input unit 232 may be transmitted without passing through the relay substrate 350.

Fourth Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the relay substrate 350 of the design unit 400 and the relay substrate 352 of the front frame 106 are connected via the harness. The harness (wire harness) is configured by assembling a plurality of electric wires and attaching multi-core connectors to both ends of the plurality of electric wires. When the number of signals transmitted and received between the design unit 400 and the sub control board 330 is small, for example, a harness connecting the relay board 350 and the relay board 352 is connected to the relay board 350 by one set of connectors And is connected to the relay board 352 by a set of connectors.

  When attaching the design unit 400 to the front frame 106, in addition to mechanically fixing the design unit 400 to the front frame 106, the connector of the harness is also connected to the connectors of the relay boards 350 and 352. Under the present circumstances, even if the design unit 400 corresponding appropriately is fixed mechanically to the front frame 106, there is a possibility that the connection work of a connector may be forgotten and a disconnection of a connector may occur. If there is only one harness connecting the relay substrate 350 and the relay substrate 352, it is possible to electrically recognize that such a connector is not connected, as the design unit 400 corresponding thereto is not properly connected. .

  Here, for example, it is assumed that a liquid crystal display device in which an effect is displayed on the design unit 400 is added. In such a case, since the number of signals transmitted and received between the design unit 400 and the sub control board 330 increases, for example, the relay board 350 and the relay board 352 may be connected by a plurality of harnesses. . The same applies to between the relay substrate 352 and the relay substrate 354 and between the relay substrate 354 and the sub control substrate 330.

  For example, when there are two harnesses connecting the relay substrate 350 and the relay substrate 352, the connectors of one harness may be connected and the connectors of the other harness may not be connected. In this case, in each part of the design unit 400, appropriate rendering will not be performed. In the fourth embodiment, even in such a case, the design unit 400 can be electrically identified.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of electrical connection between the relay substrate 350 of the design unit 400 and the relay substrate 352 of the front frame 106 in the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 20, a part of the relay substrate 350 and the relay substrate 352 is shown. Further, in FIG. 20, the harnesses 380 and 382 are indicated by an ellipse representing that a plurality of electric wires are gathered. Further, in FIG. 20, among the plurality of wires in the harnesses 380 and 382, the wires through which signals other than the reset signal, the second latch signal, the clock signal, and the serial signal are transmitted are indicated by broken lines. The signal transmitted by the electric wire indicated by the broken line may be transmitted from the relay substrate 352 to the relay substrate 350 or may be transmitted from the relay substrate 350 to the relay substrate 352.

  Two connectors 370 a and 372 a are provided on the relay substrate 350 of the design unit 400. In addition, on the relay substrate 352 of the front frame 106, two connectors 374a and 376a are provided.

  A connector 370 b provided at one end of the harness 380 is connected to the connector 370 a of the relay substrate 350. The connector 374 b provided at the other end of the harness 380 is connected to the connector 374 a of the relay substrate 352. Further, a connector 372 b provided at one end of the harness 382 is connected to the connector 372 a of the relay substrate 350. The connector 376 b provided at the other end of the harness 382 is connected to the connector 376 a of the relay substrate 352. The harness 380 and the harness 382 are arranged in parallel between the relay substrate 350 and the relay substrate 352.

  The reset signal transmitted from the abnormality determination unit 342c, the second latch signal transmitted from the data reception unit 342b, and the clock signal transmitted from the data transmission unit 342a are assigned to the harness 380. That is, the reset signal, the second latch signal, and the clock signal are transmitted from the relay substrate 352 to the relay substrate 350 via the harness 380. Then, the reset signal, the second latch signal, and the clock signal received via the connectors 370 b and 370 a are transmitted to each input unit 222.

  The SO terminal of the input unit 222c is connected to the connector 372a. A serial signal transmitted from the SO terminal of the input unit 222c is assigned to the harness 382. That is, the serial signal is transmitted from the relay substrate 350 to the relay substrate 352 via the connectors 372 a and 372 b and the harness 382. Then, the serial signal transmitted to the relay board 352 is transmitted to the data receiving unit 342 b of the sub control board 330.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, identification of the design unit 400 is performed as in the first embodiment.

  When the different design unit 400 is fixed to the front frame 106 and the connection of all the connectors 370a, 370b, 372a, 372b, 374a, 374b, 376a, 376b is completed, the identification execution unit 336 determines the design unit 400. The identification information set in can be acquired. In this case, the identification execution unit 336 can identify the model and notify the notification unit 360 that the corresponding design unit 400 is not properly connected.

  Here, for example, connection of the connectors 370a, 370b, 374a, 374b on the harness 380 side is completed, and connection of the connectors 372a, 372b, 376a, 376b on the harness 382 side is not completed. Power supply is turned on.

  In this case, the relay board 350 can receive the second latch signal and the clock signal through the harness 380. In the relay substrate 350, the input unit 222 generates a serial signal based on the second latch signal and the clock signal, and transmits the serial signal from the SO terminal of the input unit 222c. However, since the connectors 372a, 372b, 376a and 376b in the middle of the serial signal transmission path are not electrically connected, the serial signal, that is, the identification information is not transmitted from the design unit 400 to the sub control board 330. Become. As a result, the sub control board 330 acquires a serial signal whose logic is fixed, that is, identification information whose logic is fixed.

  The identification execution means 336 compares the normal identification information in the identification table with the identification information whose logic is fixed. Identification information whose logic is fixed has a high probability of not matching regular identification information. Then, the identification execution unit 336 causes the notification unit 360 to notify that the corresponding design unit 400 is not appropriately connected.

  Also, for example, the connection of the connectors 372a, 372b, 376a, 376b on the harness 382 side is completed, and the connection of the connectors 370a, 370b, 374a, 374b on the harness 380 side is not completed. Suppose that the power is turned on.

  In this case, since the connectors 370a, 370b, 374a and 374b in the transmission path of the second latch signal and the clock signal are not electrically connected, the relay substrate 350 receives the second latch signal and the clock signal. I can not As a result, the input unit 222 does not generate a serial signal including identification information. As a result, also in this case, the secondary control board 330 acquires identification information whose logic is fixed. As a result, the identification execution means 336 compares the identification information whose logic is fixed as the identification information to be compared, and informs the notification unit 360 that the corresponding design unit 400 is not properly connected. .

  Note that the power of the gaming machine 100 is turned on in a state where connection is not completed for any of the connectors 370a, 370b, 374a, 374b on the harness 380 side and the connectors 372a, 372b, 376a, 376b on the harness 382 side. Also in the case, similarly to the above, it is informed that the corresponding design unit 400 is not properly connected.

  Although the wiring between the relay substrate 350 and the relay substrate 352 is described as an example, the wiring between the relay substrate 352 and the relay substrate 354 of the middle frame 104, between the relay substrate 354 and the sub control substrate 330 The same applies to the wiring of.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the second latch signal and the clock signal are transmitted and received through the harness 380, and the serial signal is transmitted and received through the harness 382. Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, even when the plurality of harnesses 380 and 382 are arranged in parallel, the design unit 400 can be electrically identified with certainty.

  In the fourth embodiment, in addition to being capable of identifying that different design units 400 are connected, a design that appropriately corresponds to electrical non-connection of the design units 400 regardless of the model of the design units 400. It can be identified that the unit 400 is not connected.

  In the fourth embodiment, the harness 380 is assigned the second latch signal and the clock signal, and the harness 382 is assigned the serial signal. However, assignment of the second latch signal, the clock signal and the serial signal to the harnesses 380 and 382 is not limited to this aspect. For example, the harness 380 may be assigned a clock signal and the harness 382 may be assigned a second latch signal and a serial signal.

  Also, two harnesses 380 and 382 were arranged in parallel. However, three harnesses may be arranged in parallel. In this case, the second latch signal, the clock signal, and the serial signal may be distributed and assigned to each of the three harnesses.

  In addition, the content of notification by the mismatch of the identification information in the state where the connection of all the connectors 370a, 370b, 372a, 372b, 374a, 374b, 376a, 376b is completed, and the connectors 370a, 370b, 372a, 372b, 374a, The content of the notification by the mismatch of the identification information in the state where the connection of at least one of 374b, 376a, and 376b is not completed may be different.

Fifth Embodiment
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the relay substrate 350 of the design unit 400 in the fifth embodiment.

  In the fifth embodiment, the detection switch 240a is connected to the input port D0 of the input unit 222c. That is, the detection result of the detection switch 240a is input to the input port D0 of the input unit 222c.

  The detection switch 240a is, for example, the effect touch sensor 210s. When the detection switch 240a is the effect touch sensor 210s, for example, when a touch is not detected, a Hi detection result is output, and when a touch is detected, a Low detection result is output.

  One end of a resistor 242a is connected to the wiring between the output end of the detection switch 240a and the input port D0. The other end of the resistor 242a is connected to a power supply of a predetermined voltage (for example, 5 V). Here, the output method of the detection switch 240a is an open collector or an open drain. The resistor 242a is provided to set the voltage of the detection result of Hi to a predetermined voltage (5 V) when the detection switch 240a outputs the detection result of Hi.

  The detection switch 240 b is connected to the input port D 1 of the input unit 222 c via the inverter 244. That is, the detection result of the detection switch 240b is input to the input port D1 of the input unit 222c.

  The detection switch 240 b is, for example, a limit sensor for confirming the initial position of the effect role device 202. When the detection switch 240b is such a limit sensor, for example, when the effect combination device 202 is in the initial position, the detection result of Hi is output, and when the combination effect device 202 is not in the initial position, Low. The detection result of is output.

  One end of a resistor 242 b is connected to the wiring between the output end of the detection switch 240 b and the inverter 244. The other end of the resistor 242 b is connected to a power supply of a predetermined voltage (for example, 5 V). The resistor 242 b is provided to set the voltage of the detection result of Hi to a predetermined voltage (5 V) when the detection switch 240 b outputs the detection result of Hi similarly to the resistor 242 a.

  The inverter 244 logically inverts the detection result of the detection switch 240 b. Thus, the detection result of Hi output from the detection switch 240b is logically inverted and input as the detection result of Low to the input port D1, and the detection result of Low output from the detection switch 240b is logically inverted and Hi Is input to the input port D1 as a detection result of That is, the inverter 244 is provided to match the logic of the detection result input to the input port D1 with the desired identification information.

  Further, the identification information setting unit 224 is connected to the input port (D2 to D7) of the input unit 222c. That is, the upper 6 bits except for the lower 2 bits of the 8-bit identification information set in the identification information setting unit 224 are input to the input ports (D2 to D7).

  Here, the detection result of the detection switch 240a input to the input port D0 is used as the least significant bit of the identification information at the time of identification, and the detection result of the detection switch 240b input to the input port D1 is at the time of identification , And is used as the second least significant bit of the identification information. That is, here, the six bits of the identification information setting unit 224 together with the detection result of the detection switch 240 a, the detection result of the detection switch 240 b, and the identification information of 1 are configured.

  When the detection switch 240a is the effect touch sensor 210s, the detection result of Hi is input to the input port D0 when the touch is not detected, and therefore, the least significant bit of the identification information indicates Hi.

  In the case where the detection switch 240b is a limit sensor as described above, when the effect combination device 202 is at the initial position, the detection result of Low obtained by logically inverting the detection result of Hi is input to the input port D1. The second least significant bit of the identification information indicates Low. The inverter 244 is inserted to set the second least significant bit of the identification information to Low instead of Hi.

  For example, when the detection result of the detection switch 240b at the time of identification is Hi and the second lowest bit in the identification information is set to Hi, the inverter 244 can be omitted. Also, for example, when the detection result of the detection switch 240a at the time of identification is Hi and the least significant bit in the identification information is set to Low, the inverter 244 is inserted between the detection switch 240a and the input port D0. Thus, the insertion and omission of the inverter 244 is made to match the identification information.

  Also in the fifth embodiment, identification of the design unit 400 is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  Here, the game machine 100 is powered on without touching the effect touch sensor 210s which is the detection switch 240a. When the power is turned on, initialization processing is performed. When the initialization process is performed, the effect role device 202 is disposed at the initial position. Since the power is turned on without touching the effect touch sensor 210s, the detection result of Hi indicating that the touch is not detected is input from the detection switch 240a to the input port D0. Further, since the effect combination device 202 is arranged at the initial position by the initialization process, it indicates that the effect combination device 202 is at the initial position, and the detection result of logically inverted Low is input from the detection switch 240b. It will be input to D1.

  After the initialization process, the identification execution unit 336 acquires identification information. The identification execution unit 336 causes the data reception unit 342b to transmit the second latch signal and the data transmission unit 342a to transmit a clock signal in order to acquire identification information. The input unit 222c latches the identification information input to the input port (D0 to D7) in the shift register at the falling edge of the second latch signal. That is, at the time of obtaining identification information, the detection result of the detection switch 240 a and the detection result of the detection switch 240 b are latched as part of the identification information. The input unit 222c transmits a serial signal obtained by serializing the identification information from the SO terminal based on the clock signal. As a result, the identification execution unit 336 acquires identification information.

  Then, the identification execution means 336 compares the acquired identification information with the regular identification information as the identification information of the comparison target, and if the identification information of the comparison target does not match the regular identification information, the design unit 400 corresponding appropriately The notification unit 360 is notified that the connection is not made.

  In addition, when the identification information to be compared matches the regular identification information, the process is shifted to the normal processing. During normal processing, when the second latch signal and the clock signal are transmitted, a serial signal including bits input to the input port (D0 to D7) of the input unit 222c is transmitted to the data reception unit 342b.

  For example, when the effect touch sensor 210s that is the detection switch 240a detects a touch during normal processing, a low detection result indicating that a touch is detected is input to the input port D0. As a result, the detection result of Low is latched at the position of the input port D0. In addition, when the limit sensor which is the detection switch 240b does not detect the performance object device 202 at the initial position, the input port D1 indicates that the performance object device 202 is not detected at the initial position. The detection result is input. As a result, the detection result of Hi is latched at the position of the input port D1. Thus, the detection results of the detection switches 240a and 240b are reflected on the input ports D0 and D1.

  During normal processing, the sub CPU 330a processes the bit at the position of the input port D0, D1 of the input unit 222c in the serial signal as a bit indicating the detection result of the detection switch 240a, 240b.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the identification information setting unit 224 and the detection switches 240 a and 240 b are connected in parallel to the input unit 222 c. In the fifth embodiment, the detection results of the detection switches 240a and 240b are processed as bits constituting identification information at the time of identification, and processed as bits indicating the detection results at the time of normal processing. Therefore, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase in the input port (that is, the input unit 222) due to the input of the identification information.

  In the fifth embodiment, the detection switch 240a is the effect touch sensor 210s and the detection switch 240b is the limit sensor. However, the detection switches 240a and 240b are not limited to this example, and various detection switches are used. May be For example, the detection switches 240a and 240b may be depression detection switches of effect buttons for which various effects are performed by a pressing operation. The detection switches 240a and 240b are not limited to the detection switches, and may be detection units capable of outputting detection results and inputting them to the input port.

  Also, for example, information (for example, upper 2 bits of information indicating the position) indicating the rotation angle of the motor (that is, the position of the effect role apparatus 202) for controlling the position of the performance device 202 is input You may input into the input port D0 of the part 222c, and D1.

  The detection switch 240a is connected to the input port D0 of the input unit 222c, and the detection switch 240b is connected to the input port D1 of the input unit 222c. However, the connection destinations of the detection switches 240a and 240b are not limited to the input ports D0 and D1, and may be any of input ports (D0 to D7) latched as identification information.

  In addition, two detection switches 240 a and 240 b are connected to the input unit 222 c to which identification information is input. However, the number of detection switches connected to the input unit 222c is not limited to two. The detection switch can be connected to the input unit 222c by the number of bits constituting the identification information at the maximum.

  Further, since the identification information differs depending on the model, the inverter 244 is appropriately inserted and omitted between the input port (D0 to D7) and the detection switch connected to the input port (D0 to D7) according to the identification information. You may

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive of various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, and it is naturally understood that they are also within the technical scope of the present invention. Be done.

  In each embodiment, the design unit 400 is identified by comparing the identification information. However, identification of the design unit 400 may be performed electrically, and the present invention is not limited to the aspect of comparing identification information.

  For example, in the design unit 400, resistors of different resistance values are provided for each model, and when the design unit 400 is electrically connected to the sub control substrate 330, a closed circuit including the resistors of the design unit 400. Make it possible to Then, in the secondary control substrate 330, the voltage or current of the closed circuit may be measured, and the design unit 400 may be identified based on the measurement result.

  Further, for example, in the design unit 400, connectors having different arrangements of contacts are provided, and it is assumed that a power supply line is connected to the contacts of this connector, for example. When the harness is connected to the connector of the design unit 400, only the electric wire corresponding to the contact point of the connector of the design unit 400 is electrically connected. The sub control board 330 may confirm the continuity of the connected wires, and identify the design unit 400 based on the arrangement and combination of the connected wires.

  Moreover, you may perform identification of the design unit 400 mechanically not only the aspect which electrically identifies the design unit 400. FIG. For example, the attachment mechanism of the design unit 400 may have a different shape for each model, and the design unit 400 may be identified depending on whether or not the design unit 400 is connected to the front frame 106 or the like. Also, for example, the size and shape of the connectors 370a and 372a of the relay substrate 350 may be different for each model, and the design unit 400 may be identified depending on whether or not the connectors 370a and 372a can be connected. In these cases, the attachment mechanism and the connectors 370a and 372a function as identification means for identifying the design unit 400.

  Further, in each embodiment, the identification information setting unit 224 is provided in the design unit 400, and the sub control board 330 acquires identification information from the design unit 400 to perform identification. However, the identification information setting unit 224 may be provided on the game board 108, and a control unit that acquires identification information from the game board 108 to perform identification may be provided in the design unit 400. When the control unit for identifying the design unit 400 is provided, output information including the identification information may be transmitted from the sub control board 330 to the design unit 400. Then, the control unit of the design unit 400 compares the identification information stored in advance with the identification information acquired from the sub control board 330, and in the case of disagreement, causes the effect lighting device 204 etc. May be

  Moreover, in each embodiment, the design unit 400 (1st design unit 400) is not restricted to what is attached to the front frame 106. FIG. For example, the design unit 400 may be attached to the middle frame 104 or may be attached to the outer frame 102. For example, when the design unit 400 is attached to the middle frame 104, the relay substrate 350 of the design unit 400 is electrically connected to the relay substrate 354 of the middle frame 104 without passing through the relay substrate 352 of the front frame 106. It is also good. In the third embodiment, the second design unit 450 is attached to the front frame 106 via the first design unit 400. However, the second design unit 450 may be attached to the middle frame 104 or the outer frame 102 via the first design unit 400, or may be directly attached to the front frame 106, the middle frame 104, and the outer frame 102. Good.

  Moreover, in each embodiment, notification was performed when the identification information did not match, and notification was not performed when the identification information matched. However, when the identification information matches, notification may be made that the corresponding design unit 400 is appropriately connected, and then the process may shift to normal processing.

  In addition, although the assembly unit 500 which functions as an attachment mechanism for attaching the design unit 400 to a front frame was provided in the design unit 400, an attachment mechanism may be provided in a front frame.

  The middle frame 104 in each embodiment corresponds to the game board holding frame of the present invention.

  Further, the outer frame 102, the middle frame 104, and the front frame 106 in each embodiment correspond to one or more frames of the present invention.

  The design unit 400 (first design unit 400) and the second design unit 450 in each embodiment correspond to the structure of the present invention.

  The detection switches 240a and 240b in the fifth embodiment correspond to the detection unit of the present invention.

  Further, the sub control board 330 in each embodiment and the main control board 300 in the second embodiment correspond to identification means for identifying whether or not the structure corresponds to the game board 108, and Corresponds to a control unit which electrically identifies whether or not it corresponds to the game board 108.

100 game machine 104 middle frame (game board holding frame)
106 Front frame (frame)
108 game board 222c input unit 240a, 240b detection switch (detection unit)
330 Sub control board (control unit)
400 Design Unit (Structure)

Claims (1)

A game board that forms a game area,
One or more frames including at least a game board holding frame in which the game board is held;
A structure attached to the frame and associated with identification information uniquely assigned to each model;
A control unit for identifying whether or not the structure corresponds to the game board based on the identification information acquired from the structure;
In the structure, a gaming machine including an input unit which receives the detection result of the detection unit in the structure as an input port as a bit constituting the identification information and transmits the detection result as the identification information to the control unit .

Images