JP3995989B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
  This invention, PlayWhen a game ball is fired on the game board and the game ball passes a predetermined area provided on the game boardPachinko machines that pay out prize ballsAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a part of the electrical configuration of a conventional pachinko machine with a part thereof omitted. When the game ball fired on the game board wins a prize opening, the prize detection switch 500 is turned on, and the main CPU 502 mounted on the control board 501 determines that a prize has been won. Subsequently, the main CPU 502 transmits a prize ball payout command for instructing the payout of prize balls to the sub CPU 504 mounted on the sub control board 503. For example, if the winning slot for winning a prize is a winning slot for paying out 15 prize balls, the main CPU 502 transmits a prize ball payout command instructing the payout of 15 prize balls to the sub CPU 504. To do. Subsequently, the sub CPU 504 outputs a drive signal to the prize ball payout device 505, and the prize ball payout device 505 pays out 15 prize balls.
However, some external factor such as noise is added to the path for transmitting the prize ball payout command from the main CPU 502 to the sub CPU 504, the prize ball payout command is not transmitted to the sub CPU 504, or the prize ball payout command causes bit corruption. As a result, a situation occurs in which the number of prize balls to be paid out by the prize ball dispensing device 505 is insufficient. In particular, when the prize ball payout command is not transmitted to the sub CPU 504, the number of prize balls becomes 0, and the player suffers a great disadvantage.
Therefore, the main CPU 502 obtains the number of prize balls in excess or deficiency by counting not only the sub CPU 504 but also the main CPU 502 by counting the number of prize balls paid out by the prize ball dispensing device 505. A method of adjusting by adding to or subtracting from the number of unpaid prize balls was considered.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above method, even if an excess or deficiency occurs in the number of prize balls to be paid out due to the cause generated in the prize ball payout device 505, the excess or deficiency is adjusted using the number of unpaid. Since the prize ball payout device 505 cannot know that the above situation has occurred, there is a problem in that it cannot be solved in consideration of avoidance of the above cause.
In addition, since there is no means for communicating from the sub CPU 504 to the main CPU 502, there is a problem that even if an abnormality occurs in the sub CPU 504, the main CPU 502 cannot detect the abnormality.
[0004]
  Therefore, the present invention is based on main control means for controlling game contents (for example, the main CPU 502) and a control signal transmitted from the main control means.Means to pay out prize balls(For example, the sub CPU 504 and the prize ball payout device 505)Pachinko machineIt aims at realizing.
[0005]
[Means, actions and effects for solving the problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention claims1In the described invention, a game board, a launching device for launching a game ball to the game board,A prize ball payout means for paying out a prize ball;Due to the fact that the game ball launched by the launch device has passed through a predetermined area provided on the game boardLet the prize ball payout means pay out the prize ballMain control meansA pachinko machine in which the main control means and the prize ball payout means are electrically connected by bidirectional communication meansInOf the two-way communication means, the portions connected to the main control means and the prize ball payout means are respectively a common signal line, and the main control means is configured such that a game ball launched by the launching device is When it is determined that the predetermined area has been passed, the number of award balls set for the predetermined area that has passed is added to the number of unpaid prize balls, and one award ball is paid out. Control command transmission processing for transmitting a control command to be commanded to the prize ball payout means via the bidirectional communication means, and each bit of the confirmation signal transmitted from the prize ball payout means via the bidirectional communication means And a determination process for determining whether or not all the bits of the inverted confirmation signal and the control command transmitted to the winning ball payout means match, and an affirmative determination in this determination process, 1 prize ball A payout instruction command transmission process for transmitting a payout instruction command for instructing to pay out to the prize ball payout means via the bidirectional communication means, and the unpaid number each time the prize ball payout means pays out one prize ball A subtraction process for subtracting 1 from the re-transmission process for retransmitting the control command to the prize ball payout means via the bidirectional communication means when a negative determination is made in the determination process,The prize ball payout means is transmitted from the main control means.Control commandReceived via the two-way communication meansThe received control command is the inverted version of each control command bit.Confirmation signal indicating confirmation ofAsSend to the main control means via the bidirectional communication meansA confirmation signal transmission process, and a payout process of paying out one prize ball when the payout instruction command is received from the main control means via the bidirectional communication means, and the main control means executes the control command When a transmission process, the determination process, the payout instruction command transmission process, and the subtraction process are executed, and the prize ball payout unit executes the confirmation signal transmission process and the payout process, one prize ball is paid out. Repeat the process until the unpaid number reaches 0The technical means is used.
[0006]
  Control by main control meanscommandVia two-way communication meansPrize ball payoutWhen sent to the means,Prize ball payoutMeans controlThe control command is the inverted version of each command bit.Confirmation signal indicating confirmation of receipt ofAsIt transmits to the main control means via the bidirectional communication means.
  Then, the main control means inverts each bit of the received confirmation signal, and when it is determined that all the bits of the inverted confirmation signal and the control command transmitted to the prize ball payout means match, the prize ball A payout instruction command for instructing to pay out one is sent to the winning ball payout means.
  That is, the main control means sends a confirmation signalPrize ball payoutIf not received from the means, two-way communication means, orPrize ball payoutThe control sent from the main control means because some external factor was added to the meanscommandButPrize ball payoutIt can be presumed that it was not received by the means.
  Therefore, aboveTwo-way communication meansOrPrize ball payoutControl by inspecting means and taking appropriate measurescommandButPrize ball payoutThe situation that is not transmitted to the means can be solved.
  Also,Withdrawal commandThe prize ballInstructed to pay out oneDocommandSince the prize balls are paid out in units of one, even if an abnormality occurs in the payout, the damage caused by the payout can be minimized.
[0008]
  AlsoOf the two-way communication means, the part connected to the main control means,BothSince it is a common signal line, the configuration for connecting the signal line to the main control means (for example, the connection terminal) and the signal rather than the configuration that is not a common signal line because of the common signal line The number of lines can be reduced.
  Therefore,Pachinko machineThe manufacturing process and manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0010]
  AlsoOf the two-way communication means, the part connected to the prize ball payout means,BothBecause it is a common signal line, the signal line is connected to the common signal line rather than the common signal line.Prize ball payoutThe number of configurations (for example, connection terminals) and signal lines for connecting to the means can be reduced.
  Therefore,Pachinko machineThe manufacturing process and manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0013]
  Claim2In the invention described in claim1DescribedPachinko machineIn the aboveThe main control means executes an abnormality notification process for notifying the abnormality notification means of an abnormality when the number of times the control command is retransmitted by the retransmission process exceeds a predetermined number.The technical means is used.
[0014]
  When the main control means inverts each bit of the received confirmation signal and does not determine that all the bits of the inverted confirmation signal and the control command transmitted to the prize ball payout means match.,Control commandThePrize ball payoutRetransmit to the means. And when the number of retransmissions exceeds a predetermined number,By processing, for abnormality notification meansAnnounce abnormalityLetThe
  In other words, control by external factors such as noisecommandEven if the winning ball is not correctly received by the prize ball payout means,commandBy sending to the prize ball payout meanscommandCan be received by the winning ball payout means.
  Therefore, it is strong and reliable against external factors such as noise.Pachinko machineCan be realized.
  Also controlcommandIf the number of retransmissions exceeds a specified number,By processingSince the abnormality can be notified, it is possible to know that an abnormality has occurred in the bidirectional communication means or the prize ball payout means.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, according to the present inventionPachinko machineThe embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment described below relates to the present invention.Pachinko machineAs an example, the first type of pachinko machine will be described.
[Overall main configuration]
  First, the main configuration of the pachinko machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine.
  The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a front frame 2 that can be opened and closed about a hinge 8, and a glass frame 4 is attached to the front frame 2 so as to be opened and closed. On the right side of the front frame 2, a key hole 3 is provided for inserting a key for opening and closing the glass frame 4. A game board 5 is provided inside the glass frame 4, and a firing handle 15 for operating a launching device (not shown) for launching a game ball to the game board 5 is provided below the right side of the front frame 2. It is pivotally mounted.
  Below the glass frame 4, a prize ball / rental supply port 6a for supplying prize balls or rental balls is formed. The prize ball / rental supply port 6a has a prize ball / rental supply port 6a on the supply side. An upper tray 6 is provided for collecting prize balls and balls supplied from the ball rental supply port 6a. Below the upper tray 6, there is formed a discharge port 7 a that discharges prize balls that have flowed beyond the capacity of the upper tray 6 and game balls discharged from the upper tray 6 by operating the upper tray ball removal lever 6 b. Has been. On the discharge side of the discharge port 7a, a lower tray 7 is provided for storing game balls discharged from the discharge port 7a. A frame lamp 9 is provided above the game board 5.
[0020]
[Main configuration of game board 5]
Next, the main structure of the game board 5 is demonstrated with reference to the front explanatory drawing of FIG. 2 which shows it.
A center case 30 is provided in the approximate center of the game board 5. The center case 30 includes a winning symbol 31, a normal symbol display device 34 composed of three LEDs, and a normal symbol memory display LED 35 for displaying the number of times that the normal symbol display device 34 can be started by four LEDs. A special symbol display 32a that displays a message of “payout error 1” or “payout error 2” or displays a plurality of special symbols, background images, etc. in a liquid crystal when an abnormality occurs in payout of prize balls. And are provided. A decorative windmill 46 decorated with LEDs is provided above both sides of the center case 30. A normal symbol operation right gate 25 for operating the normal symbol display device 34 is provided diagonally to the lower right of the right decorative windmill 46, and a normal symbol operation is also performed diagonally to the left of the left decorative windmill 46. A left gate 26 is provided. A windmill 24 is provided below each side of the center case 30, a right winning opening 12 is provided below the right windmill 24, and a left winning opening 13 is provided below the left windmill 24. Is provided. A right sleeve winning port 22 is provided to the right of the right winning port 12, and a left sleeve winning port 23 is provided to the left of the left winning port 13.
Below the center case 30, there is provided a first type starting port 27 having a function of starting the variation of the special symbol by the special symbol indicator 32a, and a normal symbol is provided below the first type starting port 27. An ordinary electric accessory 28 is provided that opens both wings when the stop symbol of the display device 34 becomes a winning symbol. The ordinary electric accessory 28 with both wings open has a function of starting the variation of the special symbol by the special symbol indicator 32a, like the first type starting port 27. The number of times that the special symbol display 32a can be started (hereinafter referred to as the special symbol start memory number) is displayed on the screen of the special symbol display 32a.
[0021]
Below the center case 30, there is provided a variable winning device 40 that operates when the determined symbols in the three display areas of the special symbol indicator 32a become jackpot symbols. A plate-like opening and closing member 43 that opens when the big hit occurs and opens the big winning opening 41 is attached to the variable winning device 40 so as to be openable and closable. A lower right prize opening 14 is provided on the right side of the variable prize winning device 40, and a lower left prize opening 44 is provided on the left side of the variable prize winning device 40.
Further, inside the variable winning device 40, a specific area having a function of continuously opening and closing the opening / closing member 43, and a specific area switch (indicated by reference numeral 42a in FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball passing through the specific area. ) Is provided.
The game board 5 is provided with rails 16 for guiding the launched game balls to the game area. On the upper part of the game board 5, there are corner decorations 11 for decorating the upper left and right corners with LEDs or the like. Side decorations 20 that are decorated with LEDs or the like are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the game board 5. Further, the game board 5 is provided with an out port 45 for collecting game balls that have not won a prize as out balls. A lot of nails (not shown) are driven into the game board 5, and the game balls fired on the game board 5 fall while fluctuating between the nails, and each winning opening and first type start A winning is made to the mouth 27, the normal symbol operating gates 25 and 26 are passed, or the mouth 27 is collected.
[0022]
[Electric configuration of pachinko machine 1]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control board 100, and a microprocessor 110 is mounted on the main control board 100. The microprocessor 110 includes a main CPU 112, a ROM 114, and a RAM 116. The main CPU 112 determines a winning based on the fact that each winning opening switch is turned on, calculates an unpaid number of winning balls based on the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning, determines whether or not it is a big hit, and controls rounds in the big hit game Two-way communication performed with the sub CPU 212 of the payout control board 200 is executed. The ROM 114 stores a computer program for the main CPU 112 to execute the bidirectional communication and various controls. The RAM 116 temporarily stores various data generated during the game, such as the number of winnings, the number of unpaid balls, the detection result that the game ball has passed the first type starting port 27, and the computer program read from the ROM 114. Stored in
[0023]
The following is electrically connected to the main control board 100. A first type start port switch 27a for detecting that the game ball has won the first type start port 27 or the ordinary electric accessory 28 having both wings open, a symbol control device 32 for controlling the special symbol display 32a, an LED or a lamp A lamp control device 300 for controlling the game, a power supply board 80, a payout control board 200 for controlling the payout of a prize ball, a voice control device 79 for controlling sound effects output from a speaker during a game, a winning, a reach pattern, In the game frame information terminal board 52, the board surface relay board 51, and the game frame relay board 53 for transmitting game board information related to the occurrence of jackpots, jackpot symbols, etc. to a computer (not shown) provided in a pachinko hall management room or the like. is there.
[0024]
In the symbol control device 32, a sub CPU 32b that executes control based on a control command transmitted from the main CPU 112, a ROM 32f that stores a computer program for the sub CPU 32b to execute control, and a ROM 32f that is read out. And a RAM 32r for temporarily storing data generated during control.
The lamp control device 300 includes a sub CPU 302 that executes control based on a control command transmitted from the main CPU 112, a ROM 307 that stores a computer program for the sub CPU 302 to execute control, and the ROM 307. A RAM 308 is provided for temporarily storing the read computer program and data generated during control.
[0025]
The payout control board 200 is equipped with a microprocessor 210 that operates by inputting a control command sent from the main control board 100, and the microprocessor 210 is equipped with a sub CPU 212, a ROM 214, and a RAM 216. ing. The sub CPU 212 executes bidirectional communication with the main CPU 112, control of the prize ball unit 62, and the like. The ROM 214 stores computer programs for the sub CPU 212 to execute various controls, and the RAM 216 stores computer programs read from the ROM 214 when the sub CPU 212 executes the various computer programs, and the number of award balls that have not been paid. Various data such as are temporarily stored.
The payout control board 200 is electrically connected to a power supply board 80, a launch motor drive board 15c for driving the launch motor 15e, a game frame information terminal board 52, and a payout relay board 55. The launch motor drive board 15c includes a launch switch 15d for outputting a drive signal from the launch motor drive board 15c to the launch motor 15e, and a touch sensor for detecting that the player's hand has touched and turning on the launch switch 15d. 15b is connected.
[0026]
On the game frame relay board 53, a full detection switch 72 for detecting that the lower tray 7 is full, a winning ball cut detection switch 73 for detecting that no winning ball is supplied to the winning ball unit 62, and sensor relay. The substrate 54 is electrically connected. The sensor relay board 54 is electrically connected to the prize ball payout sensors 62 a and 62 b and the payout relay board 55 provided in the prize ball unit 62. The payout relay board 55 is electrically connected with a lent out detection switch 61, a prize ball payout motor 62c, and a renting unit 63.
The board relay board 51 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 28a for driving the normal electric accessory 28, a normal symbol display device 34, a right gate switch 25a for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal symbol operating right gate 25, and a normal symbol operation. A left gate switch 26a that detects a game ball that has passed through the left gate 26, a big winning port switch 41a that detects a gaming ball that has won a prize winning port 41, and a right sleeve winning that detects a gaming ball that has won a right sleeve winning port 22 Mouth switch 22a, left sleeve winning port switch 23a for detecting a game ball won in the left sleeve winning port 23, right winning port switch 12a for detecting a game ball won in the right winning port 12, and a game winning in the left winning port 13 A left winning port switch 13a for detecting a ball, a right lower winning port switch 14a for detecting a gaming ball winning in a lower right winning port 14, and a gaming ball winning in a lower left winning port 44 are detected. Lower left winning opening switch 44a to a top winning opening switch 31a and winning opening relay board 50 for detecting the game balls won on the top winning opening 31.
[0027]
The special prize opening relay board 50 includes a special area switch 42a, a specific area solenoid 42b that operates a member that guides a game ball won in the special prize opening 41 to a specific area or a general area (an area other than the specific area), and an opening / closing member. A special winning opening solenoid 41b for driving 43 is electrically connected. The power supply board 80 is electrically connected to the CR connection board 56, and the CR connection board 56 includes a frequency display board for displaying the remaining frequency of the prepaid card, a device for reading the prepaid card, and the like. The portion 71 is electrically connected. The power supply board 80 is supplied with power from a main power supply 70 of AC 24 V (50 Hz / 60 Hz), and supplies necessary power to each board and apparatus.
Note that if the power is turned off after a test shot at the time of factory shipment or before opening the store, the game state immediately before the power is turned off is backed up to the RAM 116 and RAM 216. If the store is opened as it is, the data that was backed up will be restored. Therefore, the data backed up in the RAM 116 and the RAM 216 is erased by turning on the power switch 18 while turning on the RAM clear switch 10 provided on the power supply board 80. Can be done.
[0028]
[Main features of pachinko machine 1]
When the main CPU 112 determines that the winning is made, the main CPU 112 transmits a control command for instructing the payout of one prize ball to the sub CPU 212. When receiving the control command, the sub CPU 212 transmits a confirmation signal for confirming the reception to the main CPU 112. When the received confirmation signal is correct, the main CPU 112 transmits a payout instruction command for instructing payout of prize balls to the sub CPU 212, and when it is not correct, it retransmits the control command. Further, the main CPU 112 displays the payout error 1 on the special symbol display 32a when the number of re-transmissions of the control signal exceeds three.
[0029]
[Outline of bidirectional communication between main CPU and sub CPU]
Next, an outline of bidirectional communication performed between the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 (A), 6 and 7.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of signals when bidirectional communication is performed between the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing a main electrical configuration when bidirectional communication is performed between the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of a winning process executed by the main CPU 112. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of payout processing executed by the sub CPU 212.
In the following description, it is assumed that the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212 execute each process in a machine cycle of 2 ms.
[0030]
(Main electrical configuration)
As shown in FIG. 5A, the main control board 100 is provided with a main CPU 112 and an input / output gate A. The payout control board 200 has a sub CPU 212, an input gate B, and an output gate C. Is provided.
The main CPU 112 is electrically connected to the input gate B via signal lines L2 and L3, and is electrically connected to the output gate C via signal line L4. Further, the main CPU 112 is electrically connected to the input / output gate A through the signal line L1, and is electrically connected to the input gate B through the signal lines L5 and L6, and the signal lines L5 and L7. Is electrically connected to the output gate C. The input gate B is electrically connected to the sub CPU 212 via the signal line L8, and the sub CPU 212 is electrically connected to the output gate C via the signal line L9.
[0031]
In FIG. 4, L1a and L1b indicate the direction of signal flow in the signal line L1 in FIG. L5a and L5b indicate the direction of signal flow in the signal line L5 in FIG.
That is, the signal line L1 is a single signal that is commonly used when the main CPU 112 outputs a signal to the input / output gate A (L1a) and when the main CPU 112 receives a signal from the gate A (L1b). Is a line. Further, one end of the signal line L5 is connected to the input / output gate A, and the other end is branched into the signal line L6 and the signal line L7 from the middle. The signal output from the input / output gate A is output from the signal line L5 to the input gate B via the signal line L6 (L5a), and the signal output from the output gate C is transmitted from the signal line L7 to the signal line L5 (L5b). ) To the input / output gate A.
As described above, each of the signal lines L1 and L5 is a single line but has a function of performing bi-directional communication. Therefore, the signal lines L1 and L5 have a function of performing more than one signal line per signal input / output unit. The number can be reduced. In addition, since the single input / output gate A performs both signal input and output, the number of gates can be reduced as compared with the case where the input gate and the output gate are provided independently.
[0032]
(Winning process and payout process)
The main CPU 112 changes the signal lines L1, L2, and L4 to the high level (hereinafter referred to as H level), and sets the input / output gate A, the input gate B, and the output gate C to the high impedance state.
The main CPU 112 determines whether or not the power switch 18 is turned on and the power is turned on (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 10 in FIG. 6), and when the power is not turned on (S10). : No), it is determined whether or not any winning opening switch such as the big winning opening switch 41a is turned on (S14). Here, if it is determined that it has been turned on (S14: Yes), a new unpaid value is obtained by adding the number P1 (for example, 5) of the winning balls corresponding to the turned-on prize opening switch and the current unpaid number P. The number P is stored in the RAM 116 (S16).
[0033]
Subsequently, the main CPU 112 outputs a control command instructing payout of one prize ball to the input / output gate A via the signal line L1 (S18). For example, the control command is indicated by 31H. Here, “3” indicates a command for controlling prize ball payout, and “1” indicates the number of prize balls. Note that H means hexadecimal display.
As a result, the control command is latched at the input / output gate A. Subsequently, when the main CPU 112 changes the signal lines L1 and L2 to a low level (hereinafter referred to as L level), an interrupt signal (INT in FIG. 4) is output from the interrupt signal output terminal of the main CPU 112 to which the signal line L2 is connected. And the sub CPU 212 determines that the main CPU 112 has transmitted a control command. The control command latched at the input / output gate A is output to the input gate B via the signal line L6 and latched at the input gate B.
[0034]
  On the other hand, when determining that the power is not turned on (S60: No in FIG. 7), the sub CPU 212 receives the control command latched in the input gate B via the signal line L8 (S64). Further, the main CPU 112 returns the signal lines L1 and L2 to the H level.
  Then, the sub CPU 212 inverts each bit constituting the control command received in S64 (S66). For example, if the received control command was 31H, it was reversedCEHmake. Subsequently, the sub CPU 212 sends a confirmation signal indicating that it has confirmed that the control command has been received within 2 ms after the reception of the interrupt signal to the data created in S66 via the signal line L9. The output is output to the output gate C and is latched by the output gate C (S68).
[0035]
  On the other hand, the main CPU 112 adds “1” to the transmission number N indicating the number of times the control command has been transmitted (S20 in FIG. 6), and as a result, determines whether or not the transmission number N has exceeded “3” ( S22). If it is determined that “3” is not exceeded (S22: No), the signal lines L4 and L1 are changed to L level 4 ms after the interrupt signal is transmitted to the sub CPU 212, and the output gate C Is received and latched at the input / output gate A, and the confirmation signal latched at the gate A is received via the signal line L1. here,Main CPU 112Determines whether or not a confirmation signal has been received (S24). If it is determined that it has been received (S24: Yes), each bit of the received confirmation signal is inverted (S26), and the inverted confirmation signal Are compared with the control command transmitted in S18 (S28). Subsequently, the main CPU 112 determines whether or not all the bits match (S30). If it is determined that all the bits match (S30: Yes), a payout instruction command (for example, 0DH) for instructing the payout of the prize ball ) Is transmitted to the sub CPU 212 (S32).
[0036]
  On the other hand, when the sub CPU 212 receives a payout instruction command from the main CPU 112 (S70: Yes), it determines whether or not it is in a payable state (S72), and when it is determined that payout is possible (S72: Yes). ), The number of payouts from the unpaid number P1Is set as a new unpaid number P (S74). Subsequently, the sub CPU 212 inverts each bit of the payout instruction command received in S70 and transmits the inverted bit to the main CPU 112 as a payout enable signal indicating that payout is possible (S76). For example, if the received payout instruction command is 0DH, a payout enable signal F2H is transmitted. Subsequently, the sub CPU 212 outputs a drive signal to the prize ball unit 62 (S78). Thereby, the prize ball payout motor 62c provided in the prize ball unit 62 is driven, and one prize ball is paid out.
  On the other hand, when the main CPU 112 receives a payout enable signal from the sub CPU 212 (S34: Yes), the main CPU 112 processes that the payout of the prize ball has been normally performed, and calculates a new value obtained by subtracting the payout number 1 from the unpaid number P. The unpaid number P is stored in the RAM 116 (S36).
[0037]
When the main CPU 112 determines in S22 that the number N of retransmissions of the control command has exceeded “3” (S22: Yes), or when it determines in S24 that the confirmation signal has not been received from the sub CPU 212. (S24: No) transmits a control command for displaying the message “payout error 1” to the symbol control device 32, and causes the special symbol display 32a to display the message “payout error 1” (S38).
That is, by displaying the message “Payout Error 1” on the screen of the special symbol display 32a, the signal line that electrically connects the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212, or the sub CPU 212 itself is not functioning properly. Is notified.
Therefore, a person engaged in the amusement shop can determine that the location where the abnormality has occurred is the transmission path or the sub CPU 212 by looking at the message “payout error 1”. Measures can be taken.
Further, when the power switch 18 is once turned off and then turned on again, the main CPU 112 executes initial setting such as clearing the number of transmissions N and the error bit for displaying the payout error 1 to 0 (S12). ). At this time, since the unpaid number P stored in the RAM 116 is stored and held in the backup area of the RAM 116 by the backup process, when the power is turned on again, the main CPU 112 determines based on the unpaid number P being backed up. Thus, the control command is transmitted to the sub CPU 212 (S10 to S18). Also, since the error bit is “0”, the special symbol display 32a does not display the message “payout error 1”.
[0038]
  If the sub CPU 212 determines in S72 that the payout of the prize ball is not possible (S72: No), it is determined whether or not the prize ball cut switch 73 (FIG. 3) is ON, that is, the prize ball has run out. It is determined whether or not there is (S80). If it is determined that the prize ball is out (S80: Yes), a supply waiting signal indicating that the prize ball is waiting is supplied to the main CPU 112 (S82). For example, F3H obtained by adding +1 to the payout enable signal F2H is transmitted as a supply waiting signal.
  On the other hand, when the main CPU 112 receives a supply waiting signal from the sub CPU 212 (S40 in FIG. 6: Yes),Move to next process.
[0039]
If the sub CPU 212 determines in S80 that the winning ball has not run out (S80: No), the sub CPU 212 transmits an abnormal signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the payout of the winning ball to the main CPU 112 (S86).
On the other hand, when the main CPU 112 receives an abnormality signal from the sub CPU 212 (S42: Yes), the symbol control device displays a control command for displaying a message “payout error 2” indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the payout of prize balls. 32, and the special symbol display 32a displays a message “payout error 2” (S44).
That is, by displaying the message “payout error 2” on the screen of the special symbol display 32a, the signal line for electrically connecting the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212, the cause other than the sub CPU 212 and the out of winning ball, Notify that the ball cannot be paid out.
[0040]
Therefore, a person engaged in a game store sees the message “payout error 2”, and the cause of the abnormality is that the signal line electrically connecting the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212, the sub CPU 212, and the winning ball are out of service. Since it can be registered that it is other than, measures can be taken early.
Further, when the power switch 18 is turned off and then turned on again, the main CPU 112 executes initial setting such as clearing the error bit for displaying the payout error 2 to 0 (S12). At this time, since the unpaid number P stored in the RAM 116 is stored and held in the backup area of the RAM 116 by the backup process, when the power is turned on again, the main CPU 112 determines based on the unpaid number P being backed up. Thus, a control command for instructing the payout of one prize ball is transmitted to the sub CPU 212 (S10 to S18). Further, since the error bit is “0”, the message “payout error 2” is not displayed by the special symbol display 32a.
The winning process is executed in accordance with the computer program recorded in the ROM 114, and the payout process is executed in accordance with the computer program recorded in the ROM 214.
[0041]
[Effect of the first embodiment]
(1) As described above, when the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment is used, the main CPU 112 receives a confirmation signal from the sub CPU 212 for confirming that the sub CPU 212 has received the control command transmitted from the main CPU 112. If not, the message “Payout error 1” can be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display 32a.
  Moreover, the main CPU 112 determines whether or not the confirmation signal transmitted from the sub CPU 212 is correct, and performs control when determining that the confirmation signal is not correct.commandCan be retransmitted to the sub CPU 212, and when the number of retransmissions exceeds "3", the message "payout error 1" can be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display 32a.
  As a result, the game store added a signal line for electrically connecting the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212, or some external factor (intrusion of noise, disconnection, etc.) to the sub CPU 212. It can be estimated that it was not received by the sub CPU 212.
  Therefore, by inspecting the signal line or the sub CPU 212 and taking an appropriate measure, the control command is not transmitted to the sub CPU 212, and the situation where the prize balls are not paid out or the number of prize balls is excessive or insufficient is solved. So that the player or amusement store is not at risk of unexpected disadvantages.
[0042]
(2) Also, the main CPU 112 transmits a control command for instructing the payout of one prize ball to the sub CPU 212, and the prize ball is paid out in units of one by the prize ball unit 62. Even if it occurs, the damage caused by it can be minimized.
[0043]
(3) Further, among the signal lines used for bidirectional communication between the main control board 100 and the payout control board 200, the signal line L5 connected to the main control board 100 is a single transmission / reception common. Since it is a signal line, the number of signal lines can be reduced as compared to the configuration that is not a common signal line, and the signal lines are connected to the main control board 100 because they are common. Therefore, the number of connecting terminals can be reduced.
Therefore, the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost of the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced.
[0044]
(4) The sub CPU 212 generates a supply waiting signal indicating that the award ball is waiting to be replenished, or an abnormal signal indicating that the award ball cannot be paid out due to a reason other than the award ball running out. Therefore, the main CPU 112 can detect the state of the sub CPU 212.
In addition, when the main CPU 112 receives an abnormal signal from the sub CPU 212, the message “payout error 2” can be displayed on the screen of the special symbol display 32a. It can be presumed that the signal line that electrically connects the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212, other than the sub CPU 212 and the winning ball is not used.
Therefore, by investigating causes other than the signal line electrically connecting the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212, the sub CPU 212 and the winning ball running out, and taking appropriate measures, the winning ball is not paid out or the number of winning balls Since it is possible to solve the situation where the game becomes excessive or insufficient, there is no possibility that the player or the game store suffers an unexpected disadvantage.
[0045]
<Other embodiments>
(1) FIGS. 5B to 5D are explanatory diagrams showing a modification example of the configuration shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5B, the main control board 100 is provided with an output gate D and an input gate E, and the payout control board 200 is provided with an input / output gate F. The main CPU 112 is connected to the output gate D by the signal line L10, and is connected to the input gate E by the signal line L11. The sub CPU 212 is connected to the input / output gate F by the signal line L15. The input / output gate F is connected to one end of the signal line L14, and the other end of the signal line L14 branches from the middle to the signal line L12 and the signal line L13. The signal line L12 is connected to the input gate D, and the signal line L13 is connected to the output gate E.
  That is, among the signal lines used to perform bidirectional communication between the main control board 100 and the payout control board 200, the signal line connected to the payout control board 200 is a single signal line L14 common to transmission and reception. Therefore, the number of signal lines can be reduced as compared with the configuration that is not a common signal line, and the connection for connecting the signal lines to the payout control board 200 is made. The number of terminals can also be reduced.
  Therefore, the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost of the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced.
  In addition, the pachinko machine provided with the structure shown in FIG.1Described inPachinko machineCorresponding to
[0046]
(2) As shown in FIG. 5C, the main control board 100 is provided with an input / output gate A, and the payout control board 200 is provided with an input / output gate F. The main CPU 112 is connected to the input / output gate A by the signal line L16, and the sub CPU 212 is connected to the input / output gate F by the signal line L18. The input / output gate A and the input / output gate F are connected by a single signal line L17.
  That is, since the signal line used to perform bidirectional communication between the main control board 100 and the payout control board 200 is a single signal line L17 common to transmission and reception, The number of signal lines can be reduced as compared with a configuration that is not a common signal line, and the number of connection terminals for connecting the signal lines to the main control board 100 and the payout control board 200 can also be reduced. it can.
  Therefore, the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost of the pachinko machine 1 can be reduced.
  In addition, the pachinko machine provided with the structure shown in FIG.1Described inPachinko machineCorresponding to Further, the signal line L17 may be one core wire, or may be a bundle of a plurality of core wires or a twisted one. Furthermore, the signal lines L2 and L3 are not wired and only the signal line L17 is used, and processing procedures such as signal transmission / reception, signal latching at the input / output gates A and F, and latch release are performed serially via the signal line L17. it can.
[0047]
(3) As shown in FIG. 5D, the main control board 100 is provided with an output gate D and an input gate E, and the payout control board 200 is provided with an input gate B and an output gate C. ing. The main CPU 112 is connected to the output gate D by the signal line L10, and is connected to the input gate E by the signal line L11. The sub CPU 212 is connected to the input gate B by the signal line L8, and is connected to the output gate C by the signal line L9. The output gate D and the input gate B are connected by a signal line L19, and the input gate E and the output gate C are connected by a signal line L20.
That is, dedicated signal lines can be provided for signal transmission and reception, respectively. If this configuration is used, since the signal line is not shared, there is no possibility that the signal line in which the disconnection or the short circuit has occurred affects the other signal lines.
[0048]
(4In addition, this invention is a second type pachinko machine, a third type pachinko machine, a pachinko that combines two or more of the first to third typesIn machineCan also be applied.
(5The processing contents, processing procedures, numerical values, etc. described in the above embodiments can be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0049]
[Correspondence between each claim and embodiment]
  The touch sensor 15b, the firing switch 15d, the firing motor drive board 15c, and the firing motor 15e correspond to the launching device according to claim 1, and the first type starting port 27 or both wings with the ordinary electric accessory 28 opened are predetermined. Corresponds to the area. The main control board 100 corresponds to the main control means, and the payout control board 200 and the prize ball unit 62 arePrize ball payoutCorresponds to the means. The signal lines L1 to L9, the input / output gate A, the input gate B, and the output gate C correspond to bidirectional communication means. Special design indicator 32a, DifferentCorresponds to the regular notification means.
  The winning process (S10 to S44) executed by the main CPU 112 functions as the main control means according to claim 1, and the payout process (S60 to S86) executed by the sub CPU 212 functions as the winning ball paying means. . Also executed by the main CPU 112S18 corresponds to control command transmission processing, S26 to S30 correspond to determination processing, S32 corresponds to payout instruction command transmission processing, and S36 corresponds to subtraction processing.If S30: No, the process of returning to S18 is retransmitted.Compatible with processingS20, S22, and S38 are abnormal notificationsCompatible with processingTo do.
  S68 executed by the sub CPU 212 is claimed.1DescribedConfirmation signalSend processingIn,S78 for each payout processRespond.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective view showing an appearance of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an explanatory diagram showing a main configuration of a game board 5 provided in the pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing in block form an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG. 1;
4 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal flow when bidirectional communication is performed between a main CPU 112 and a sub CPU 212. FIG.
FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing a main electrical configuration when bidirectional communication is performed between the main CPU 112 and the sub CPU 212 in the first embodiment, and FIG. 5B to FIG. ) Is an explanatory diagram showing a modification of the configuration shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of a winning process executed by the main CPU 112;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of payout processing executed by a sub CPU 212;
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a part of an electrical configuration of a conventional pachinko machine with a part thereof omitted.
[Explanation of symbols]
      1 PachinkoMachine
    32a Special symbol display (abnormality notification means)
    62 prize ball unit (prize ball payout means)
  100 Main control board (main control means)
  200 payout control board (prize ball payout means)
  L1-L9 signal line (bidirectional communication means)
      A Input / output gate (two-way communication means)
      B Input gate (two-way communication means)
      C Output gate (two-way communication means)

Claims (2)

Game board,
A launcher that launches game balls onto the game board;
Prize ball payout means for paying out prize balls,
And a main control means for dispensing a Shodama the prize ball dispensing means due to the firing game balls, which is emitted by the device has passed the predetermined area provided in the game board, the main In the pachinko machine in which the control means and the prize ball payout means are electrically connected by bidirectional communication means ,
Of the two-way communication means, the portions connected to the main control means and the prize ball payout means are each a common signal line,
The main control means includes
When it is determined that the game ball fired by the launching device has passed through the predetermined area, the number of award balls set for the predetermined area that has passed through is added to the number of unpaid prize balls. A control command transmission process for transmitting a control command instructing to pay out one prize ball to the prize ball paying means via the bidirectional communication means;
Each bit of the confirmation signal transmitted from the prize ball payout means via the bidirectional communication means is inverted, and each bit of the inverted confirmation signal and the control command transmitted to the prize ball payout means is totaled. Determination processing for determining whether or not they match,
A payout instruction command transmission process for sending a payout instruction command for instructing to pay out one prize ball to the prize ball payout means via the bidirectional communication means when an affirmative determination is made in this determination process;
A subtraction process for subtracting 1 from the unpaid number each time the prize ball payout means pays out one prize ball;
A re-transmission process for re-transmitting the control command to the prize ball paying means via the bidirectional communication means when a negative determination is made in the determination process;
The prize ball payout means is:
When the control command transmitted from the main control means is received via the bidirectional communication means , an inverted version of each bit of the received control command indicates confirmation of reception of the control command a confirmation signal transmitting process for transmitting to said main control means via said bidirectional communication means as a signal,
A payout process of paying out one prize ball when the payout instruction command is received from the main control means via the bidirectional communication means;
When the main control means executes the control command transmission process, the determination process, the payout instruction command transmission process, and the subtraction process, and the prize ball payout means executes the confirmation signal transmission process and the payout process A pachinko machine that repeats a cycle of paying out one prize ball until the unpaid number becomes zero . The main control means includes
2. The pachinko according to claim 1, wherein an abnormality notification process for notifying the abnormality notification means of an abnormality when the number of times the control command is retransmitted by the retransmission process exceeds a predetermined number is executed. Machine .

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