JP4757330B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, and the like. Specifically, a plurality of types of gaming parts used for enhancing the effect of playing a game are provided. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can be controlled to a gaming state advantageous to a player when a display result of a variable display device that is one of them is in a predetermined specific display mode.

  A pachinko gaming machine as an example of this type of gaming machine includes a gaming control means for controlling the gaming state and a plurality of types for controlling a plurality of kinds of gaming parts based on command information output from the gaming control means. Control means are provided. For example, as a plurality of types of game parts, “lamp / LED (light emitter)” and “speaker (sound generator)” can be cited as an example in addition to “variable display device”. As a plurality of types of control means for controlling the sound, "variable display control means" for performing control for deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device, and "sound control means for performing control for generating sound from a speaker (sound generating device)" "Light emitter control means" that performs control to turn on a lamp / LED (light emitter) can be given as an example.

  For example, in the variable display device, a symbol for determining the display result is variably displayed by the control of the variable display control means. The game control means outputs the change time and the display result to the variable display control means. Specified by command information. Similarly, the command output from the game control means to the sound control means or the light emitter control means with respect to the effect patterns by the sound effect of the speaker (sound generator) and the effect patterns by the blinking of the lamp / LED (light emitter). Specified by information.

  However, conventionally, when the game control means causes the control means to control the game component to operate in a predetermined manner over a predetermined effect period, command information for instructing it is repeatedly output over the effect period. It was.

  For example, in the case of a game control means and a variable display control means, for example, when a symbol is changed at a predetermined change speed for a predetermined period by a variable display device, the game control means to the variable display control means. A command indicating the fluctuation speed was repeatedly output over a predetermined period.

  For this reason, the control burden regarding the output process of the command information of a game control means was large. In particular, the game control means outputs command information not only to the variable display control means but also to a plurality of types of control means as described above, so the burden is very large.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the control burden of game control means for outputting command information to a plurality of types of control means. is there.

The present invention according to claim 1 is provided with a plurality of types of game parts used for enhancing the effect of playing the game, and the display result of the variable display device which is one of the plurality of types of game parts is previously stored. A gaming machine that can be controlled to a gaming state advantageous to a player when a specific display mode is defined,
Game control means for controlling the gaming state;
A plurality of types of control means for controlling the production based on the command information output from the game control means,
The plural types of control means include
Variable display control means for performing control to derive and display the display result of the variable display device;
A light emitter control means for performing control to turn on a light emitter which is one of the plurality of types of game parts,
The game control means outputs the command information for instructing the control contents of the variable display control means and the light emitter control means,
The variable display control means and the light emitter control means can start control of operating the plurality of types of gaming parts in a predetermined manner over a predetermined performance period based on the command information.
Further, the game control means transmits, as the command information, command information including information that can specify a variable display period from the start to the end of variable display and command information that notifies the end of the variable display period Is performed only once for one variable display of the variable display device,
The light emitter control means controls the light emitter in a light emission mode corresponding to a derivation display of a display result of the variable display device at a timing when command information notifying the end of the variable display period is output. And
The present invention according to claim 2 is provided with a plurality of types of game parts used for enhancing the effect of playing the game, and the display result of the variable display device which is one of the plurality of types of game parts is obtained in advance. A gaming machine that can be controlled to a gaming state advantageous to a player when a specific display mode is defined,
Game control means for controlling the gaming state;
A plurality of types of control means for controlling the production based on the command information output from the game control means,
The plural types of control means include
Variable display control means for performing control to derive and display the display result of the variable display device;
Sound control means for performing control to generate sound from a sound generating device that is one of the plurality of types of gaming parts,
The game control means outputs the command information for instructing the control contents of the variable display control means and the sound control means,
The variable display control means and the sound control means can start control to operate the plurality of types of gaming parts in a predetermined manner over a predetermined effect period based on the command information.
Further, the game control means transmits, as the command information, command information including information that can specify a variable display period from the start to the end of variable display and command information that notifies the end of the variable display period Is performed only once for one variable display of the variable display device,
The sound control means performs control to generate a sound effect from the sound generating device in accordance with the derivation display of the display result of the variable display device at a timing when command information notifying the end of the variable display period is output. It is characterized by that.

[Action]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game state is controlled by the action of the game control means. The effects are controlled based on the command information output from the game control means by the action of a plurality of types of control means. Control of deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device is performed by the function of the variable display control means. Control of lighting the light emitter, which is one of the plurality of types of game parts, is performed by the action of the light emitter control means. The command information for instructing the control contents of the variable display control means and the light emitter control means is output by the game control means. Then, the variable display control means and the light emitter control means start control for operating the plurality of types of game parts in a predetermined manner over a predetermined effect period based on the command information. Further, by the action of the game control means, as the command information, command information including information that can specify a variable display period from the start to the end of variable display and command information for notifying the end of the variable display period are transmitted. This control is performed only once for each variable display of the variable display device. The light emitter control means controls the light emitter in a light emission mode corresponding to the derivation display of the display result of the variable display device at a timing when command information for notifying the end of the variable display period is output.
In the present invention described in claim 2, the game state is controlled by the action of the game control means. The effects are controlled based on the command information output from the game control means by the action of a plurality of types of control means. Control of deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device is performed by the function of the variable display control means. By the action of the sound control means, control is performed to generate sound from the sound generator which is one of the plurality of types of game parts. The command information for instructing the control contents of the variable display control means and the sound control means is output by the game control means. Then, the variable display control means and the sound control means start control for operating the plurality of types of gaming parts in a predetermined manner over a predetermined effect period based on the command information. Further, by the action of the game control means, as the command information, command information including information that can specify a variable display period from the start to the end of variable display and command information for notifying the end of the variable display period are transmitted. This control is performed only once for each variable display of the variable display device. The sound control means performs control to generate a sound effect from the sound generating device in accordance with the derivation display of the display result of the variable display device at a timing when command information notifying the end of the variable display period is output. .

Effects of specific examples of means for solving the problem

With respect to claim 1, the game control means transmits the command information including information that can specify the variable display period from the start to the end of the variable display and the command information that notifies the end of the variable display period , Since the light emitter is controlled in a light emission mode corresponding to the derivation display of the display result of the variable display device by performing only once for one variable display of the variable display device, the variable display control means and the light emitter the control strain on the player control means for outputting a command information to the control unit enables mitigation.

It is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a rear view of the gaming machine showing the configuration around the mechanism board. It is a figure which shows the structure of the intermediate | middle base unit of the back side of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a disassembled perspective view of a ball dispensing apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of the starter electric accessory. It is a perspective view of the electric accessory for starting. It is a top view of the electric accessory for starting. It is a front view of the electric accessory for starting. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a game control board. It is a block diagram which shows the signal transmission part of the display control command in a game control board, and the circuit structure in a display control board. It is a block diagram which shows the signal transmission part of the audio | voice control command in a game control board, and the structural example of an audio | voice control board. It is a block diagram which shows the signal transmission / reception part in a game control board and a lamp control board. It is a block diagram which shows the component relevant to a prize ball control board. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the power supply monitoring means in a game control board. It is a block diagram of a power supply board. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a control command. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the reception aspect of a control command. It is a figure for demonstrating a fluctuation | variation start command. It is a figure for demonstrating a change stop command. It is a figure for demonstrating a fixed symbol designation | designated command. It is a figure for demonstrating a design table. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the output timing of each control command. It is a figure for demonstrating a power failure notification command. 4 is a screen diagram of a variable display device 8. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating a lamp control command. It is a figure for demonstrating a lamp control command. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the output timing of the fluctuation command of a normal symbol, and a fluctuation stop command. It is a figure for demonstrating a prize ball control command. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a game control main process and a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating game control processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating winning ball signal processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a power failure generation process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a power failure recovery process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating game state restoration processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating special symbol process processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a part of special symbol fluctuation waiting process. It is a figure for demonstrating process data. It is a flowchart for demonstrating process data / timer processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a special symbol process timer setting process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a control data setting process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a control data output process. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the reception aspect of control command data. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of a special symbol process process. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of a normal symbol process process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the main process of a display control board, a lamp control board, and an audio | voice control board, and a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a control command reading process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a control command execution process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a prize ball control main process and a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a prize ball control command reading process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating payout control designation | designated processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a power failure generation process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating game state restoration processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a lamp control main process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a control command execution process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a power failure generation process.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine or the like, which is used to enhance the effect of gaming. A gaming state that is advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display device, which is one of the plurality of types of gaming parts, is a predetermined display mode The present invention can be applied to all gaming machines that can be controlled.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 in an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the rear of the glass door frame 2. A hitting ball supply tray 3 is provided on the lower surface of the glass door frame 2. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided an extra ball receiving tray 4 for storing balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 and an operation knob 5 for a player to hit the ball. When the player operates the operation knob 5, the pachinko balls stored in the hit ball supply tray 3 can be launched one by one. In the center of the game area 7, a variable display device 8 is provided for variably starting a special symbol as an example of identification information. The variable display device 8 is provided with a variable display 10 for a normal symbol in which a normal symbol is variably displayed as the hit ball passes through the passage gate 11, and a start memory display 18 composed of four LEDs. ing. Further, below the variable display device 8, there are provided a starting electric accessory 15 having a starting opening 14, and a variable winning ball device 19 that is in an open state in which a hitting ball can be won by tilting the opening / closing plate 20. It has been. The starting electric member 15 is provided with blade members 150 on the left and right. In addition, as the general winning opening, winning openings 24 are respectively provided on the upper portion of the variable display device 8 and on the left and right of the variable winning ball apparatus 19. Reference numeral 26 denotes an out port that is collected as an out ball when the hit ball that has been driven does not win any winning opening or variable winning ball apparatus, and 25 is a decorative lamp.

  A game effect LED 28a and game effect lamps 28b and 28c as frame lamps, a prize ball lamp 51 that is turned on when award balls are paid out, a lamp ball break lamp 52 that is turned on when the ball is blown, and an award An unpaid prize ball lamp 29 that is turned on when the ball is unpaid is provided, and speakers 27, 27 for generating sound effects such as stereo sound are provided on the left and right above the game area 7. ing.

  The variable display device 8 is configured to display a plurality of types of special symbols, characters for enhancing the effect of the game, predetermined messages, and the like on the central variable display unit 9. For example, the variable display unit 9 can display an image of three variable display areas 100a, 100b, and 100c capable of variably displaying the left, right, and right special symbols as shown in the figure by switching the display state. In each of the variable display areas 100a, 100b, and 100c, a plurality of types of special symbols are scroll-displayed from top to bottom on the condition that a start winning has occurred. After that, when the predetermined time has elapsed and the scrolling of the symbols is stopped and the variable display is ended, if a double-hit symbol (for example, 777) of the big hit symbol is displayed, it is a big hit. If it is a big hit, the opening / closing plate 20 of the variable winning ball apparatus 19 tilts and the big winning opening is opened. As a result, the first state is controlled to be advantageous to the player who can win the hit ball in the big winning opening, and the gaming state becomes the specific gaming state (big hit state) advantageous to the player.

  A count switch 23 for detecting a ball won in the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is provided inside the large winning opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 19. The special winning opening is divided into a specific winning area and a normal winning area, and a V count switch 22 for detecting a V winning is provided in the specific winning area. The winning ball that has won the specific winning area is detected by the V count switch 22 and then detected by the count switch 23. On the other hand, a normal winning ball won in the normal winning area is detected only by the count switch 23 in the large winning opening. Each time a winning ball won in the variable winning ball device 19 is detected by the count switch 23, 15 prize balls are paid out.

  The first state of the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is either when the number of hit balls that have entered the big winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9) or when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. When the earlier condition is established, the process is temporarily terminated and the opening / closing plate 20 is closed. Thereby, the variable winning ball device 19 is controlled to the second state which is disadvantageous for the player who cannot win a hit ball. Then, on the condition that the hit ball that has entered during the period in which the variable winning ball apparatus 19 is in the first state has made a specific winning in the specific winning area and has been detected by the V count switch 22, the variable winning ball is again detected. The repeated continuation control for setting the device 19 to the first state is executed. The upper limit number of executions of this repeated continuation control is set to 16 times, for example. In the repeated continuation control, a state in which the variable winning ball device 19 is in the first state is called a round. When the upper limit number of executions of the repeated continuation control is 16, the variable winning ball apparatus 19 can be set to the first state for 16 rounds from the first round to the 16th round. Note that the number detected by the count switch 23 and the number of rounds are displayed by a number display unit 80a including a 7-segment display unit.

  A starting electric accessory 15 is provided below the variable display device 8. A starting port 14 provided with a blade member 150 is formed in the center of the starting electric accessory 15, and a passage gate 11 is formed on both sides thereof. A gate switch 12 (see FIG. 6) is provided in one of the two left and right passing gates 11, and the normal symbol display 10 is variable on condition that a hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12. Be started. In addition, when a hit ball is further detected by the gate switch 12 while the normal symbol display 10 is variably displayed, the passing ball is stored with “4” as the upper limit of the stored number, and the stored number Is displayed by the number of lighted LEDs on a normal memory start memory display (not shown).

  The normal symbol display 10 is composed of 7 segment LEDs. If the display result of the normal symbol display 10 is 7, it is “winning”, otherwise it is “lost”. When the “winning” display result is derived on the normal symbol display 10, the pair of left and right blade members 150 provided on the starting electric accessory 15 is opened once. As a result, the starter electric accessory 15 is opened and the hitting ball becomes easier to win. If one starting ball wins when the starting electric accessory 15 is in the open state, the blade member 150 closes to the original position and the hit ball returns to a state where it is difficult to start. Further, if a predetermined opening period elapses after the starting electric accessory 15 is in the open state, the blade member 150 is closed to the original position and the open state is ended even if the start winning is not generated. In the probability fluctuation state described later, the starter electric accessory 15 is opened twice and the opening period of one time is extended.

  The start winning ball won in the start port 14 is detected by a start port switch 17 (see FIG. 10) provided on the game board 6. When the start winning ball is detected by the start port switch 17, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and the variable display device 8 is variably started based on the detection output. The start prize detected by the start port switch 17 while the variable display device 8 is variably displayed is stored with “4” as the upper limit of the stored number, and the stored number is displayed on the start storage display 18 by the number of lit LEDs. The

  When the jackpot result displayed on the variable display device 8 is constituted by a specific probability variation symbol (for example, “7” of the number symbol), after the end of the specific gaming state based on the jackpot, The probability variation state in which the probability that a big hit occurs is higher than that in the normal gaming state). In the following, jackpots with probability variation symbols are referred to as probability variation jackpots. Once the probability variation jackpot occurs once in the normal gaming state, the probability variation state is continuously controlled until at least a predetermined probability variation continuation number (for example, once or twice) has occurred. Further, if a probability variation big hit occurs during the probability variation state, the probability variation continuation count is counted again after that probability variation big hit, and then the probability variation state continues until at least the number of probability variation continuations occurs. If the jackpot that has reached the probability variation continuation count is due to a non-probability variation symbol other than the probability variation symbol, the normal gaming state in which the probability variation does not occur is returned.

  Therefore, when no restriction is placed on the continuous control of the probability variation state, the probability variation state continues indefinitely at least as long as the big hit that has reached the number of times of the probability change continues is the probability change big hit. In the case of this pachinko gaming machine 1, once the probability variation state continues to some extent, once the probability variation jackpot is continuously generated during the probability variation state in order to end the continuous control to the probability variation state, An upper limit has been set. When the big hit display mode is determined to be an uncertain change big hit based on the upper limit number of times, the continuous control of the probability variation state is forcibly terminated at that time. It is to be noted that the restriction that prohibits the big hit with the probability variation symbol is called a limiter operation.

  In the probability variation state, the probability of hitting the normal symbol increases, and the variable display period (variation time) from when the normal symbol variable display starts until the display result is derived and displayed is shortened. Further, in the probability variation state, the number of times the starter electric component 15 is opened from the normal symbol hit increases from 1 to 2, and the opening period of one time increases from 0.2 seconds to 1.4 seconds. Extended.

  Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. On the back surface of the variable display device 8, as shown in FIG. 2, a prize ball tank 38 is provided above the mechanism plate 36, and the prize ball is placed from above in a state where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island. It is supplied to the prize ball tank 38. The prize balls in the prize ball tank 38 pass through the guide rod 39 and reach the ball dispensing device.

  The mechanism plate 36 includes a variable display control unit 129 for controlling the variable display unit 9 via the relay board 30, a game control board (main board) 31 covered with a board case 32 and mounted with a game control microcomputer, Relay board 33 for relaying a signal between the variable display control unit 129 and the game control board 31, a power supply unit box 319 for accommodating a power supply board 910 (see FIG. 16), and a prize ball for controlling the payout of prizes A prize ball control board 37 on which a control microcomputer or the like is mounted is installed. Further, a ball hitting device 34 that launches a hit ball into the game area 7 using the rotational force of the motor and a lamp control board 35 are installed below the mechanism plate 36.

  FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mechanism plate 36 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the back. A power supply unit box 319 is provided on the upper right side of the mechanism plate 36. The power supply board 910 (see FIG. 16) accommodated in the power supply unit box 319 generates a plurality of power supplies having different voltages.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ball that has passed through the guide rod 39 passes through the ball break detection switch 187 (187a, 187b) and reaches the ball dispensing device 97 through the ball supply rod 186 (186a, 186b). The guide rod 39 is provided with a ball breakage detection switch 167 for detecting a ball breakage upstream of the ball breakage switch 187.

  The balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 are supplied to the hitting ball supply tray 3 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the communication port 45. A surplus ball passage 46 communicating with the surplus ball receiving tray 4 provided on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is formed on the side of the communication port 45. A lot of balls based on the winnings are paid out and the hitting ball supply tray 3 becomes full. Finally, when the balls are further discharged after the balls reach the connection port 45, the balls pass through the surplus ball passage 46 to the surplus ball receiving tray 4. Led. When the ball is further paid out, the sensing lever 47 presses the full tank switch 48 and the full tank switch 48 is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the payout motor 289 (see FIG. 5) in the ball payout device 97 stops, the operation of the ball payout device 97 stops, and the driving of the hit ball launching device 34 stops as necessary. For the payout control of the winning ball, the winning ball detection that collectively detects the winning ball at the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and various winning ports at the collective ball on the back side of the game board. A signal from the switch 99 (see FIG. 10) is sent to the game control board 31. When the ON signals of those switches are sent to the game control board 31, a prize ball number command for designating the number of prize balls determined corresponding to each prize opening is given from the game control board 31 to the prize ball control board 37. Sent.

  Next, the configuration of the intermediate base unit on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In the intermediate base unit, ball supply rods 186a and 186b and a ball dispensing device 97 are installed. As shown in FIG. 4, connection concave protrusions 182 are formed on the upper and lower sides of the intermediate base unit. The connection concave protrusion 182 connects and fixes the intermediate base unit and the upper base unit and lower base unit of a mechanism plate (not shown).

  A passage body 184 is fixed to the upper part of the intermediate base unit. A ball dispensing device 97 is fixed to the lower part of the passage body 184. The passage body 184 has ball passages 186a and 186b for flowing down two rows of balls whose flow direction has been changed to the left and right directions by a curve rod 174 (see FIG. 3). The ball break switches 187a and 187b are installed on the upstream side of the ball passages 186a and 186b. The ball break switches 187a and 187b detect the presence / absence of balls in the ball passages 186a and 186b, and when the ball break switches 187a and 187b no longer detect balls, the payout motor (in FIG. 4) (Not shown) is stopped and the ball payout is disabled.

  Note that the ball break switches 187a and 187b are locked by locking pieces 188 at positions where it can be detected that 27 to 28 balls are present in the ball paths 186a and 186b.

  The central part of the passage body 184 is formed in a shape that curves to the left and right so as to weaken the ball pressure of the ball flowing down inside. A stop hole 189 is formed between the ball passages 186a and 186b. A mounting boss provided in the intermediate base unit is fitted on the back surface of the stop hole 189. In this state, the set screw is screwed, and the passage body 184 is fixed to the intermediate base unit. The passage body 184 can be aligned by the locking protrusion 185 provided on the intermediate base unit before being screwed.

  Below the passage body 184, there is provided a ball stopper 190 for supplying balls to the ball dispensing device 97 and stopping the supply of balls to the ball dispensing device 97 in the event of a failure. The ball dispensing device 97 installed below the ball stopper 190 is housed in a rectangular parallelepiped case 198. Projections are provided at the left and right sides of the case 198. The lower end of the case 198 is fitted into the elastic engagement piece provided at the lower part of the intermediate base unit in a state where each protrusion is placed on the positioning protrusion provided on the intermediate base unit.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ball dispensing device 97. The configuration and operation of the ball dispensing device 97 will be described with reference to FIG. In the ball dispensing device 97 in this embodiment, a stepping motor (dispensing motor) 289 rotates a screw 288 to pay out pachinko balls one by one. Note that the ball payout device 97 pays out not only winning balls based on winning a prize but also lending balls.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the ball dispensing device 97 has two cases 198a and 198b. Engaging protrusions 280 are provided at two positions on the left and right sides of the respective cases 198a and 198b. The engaging protrusions 280 are in contact with positioning protrusions provided at the upper position of the ball dispensing device 97. Further, ball supply paths 281a and 281b are formed in the respective cases 198a and 198b. The ball supply paths 281a and 281b have curved surfaces 282a and 282b, and ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b are formed below the ends of the curved surfaces 282a and 282b. Further, ball discharge paths 283a and 283b are formed at the ends of the ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b.

  The ball supply paths 281a and 281b, the ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b, and the ball discharge paths 283a and 283b are formed in front of partition walls 295a and 295b that respectively divide the cases 198a and 198b. Further, a ball pressure buffering member 285 is sandwiched between the cases 198a and 198b in front of the partition walls 295a and 295b. The ball pressure buffering member 285 distributes the balls supplied to the ball dispensing device 97 to the left and right sides and guides the balls to the ball supply paths 281a and 281b.

  In addition, below the ball pressure buffering member 285, a payout motor position sensor including a light emitting element LED286 and a light receiving element (not shown) is provided. The light emitting element 286 and the light receiving element are provided at a predetermined interval. The tip of the screw 288 is inserted within this interval. The ball pressure buffering member 285 is completely housed and fixed inside the case 198a, 198b when they are bonded together.

  Screws 288 that are rotated by a payout motor 289 are disposed in the ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b. The payout motor 289 is fixed to the motor fixing plate 290, and the motor fixing plate 290 is fitted into fixing grooves 291a and 291b fixed to the rear of the partition walls 295a and 295b. In this state, the motor shaft of the payout motor 289 protrudes in front of the partition walls 295a and 295b, so that the screw 288 is fixed in front of the protrusion. On the outer periphery of the screw 288, a spiral projection 288a for moving the balls placed on the ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b forward by the rotation of the payout motor 289 is provided.

  A recess is formed at the tip of the screw 288 so as to accommodate the light emitting element 286, and two notches 292 are formed 180 ° apart from each other on the outer periphery of the recess. Therefore, during one rotation of the screw 288, the light from the light emitting element 286 is detected twice by the light receiving element through the notch 292.

  In other words, the payout motor position sensor including the light emitting element 286 and the light receiving element is for stopping the screw 288 at a fixed position, and detects that the payout operation has been performed. The wirings from the light emitting element 286, the light receiving element and the payout motor 289 are collectively drawn out from a drawing hole formed below the rear portions of the cases 198a and 198b and connected to the connector.

  When the dispensing motor 289 rotates with the balls placed on the ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b, the balls move forward on the ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b by the spiral protrusion 288a of the screw 288. . And finally, it falls to the ball discharge paths 283a and 283b from the end of the ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b. At this time, the left and right ball feed horizontal paths 284a and 284b are alternately dropped. That is, each time the screw 288 rotates halfway, one ball falls from one side. Therefore, each time one ball falls, the light from the light emitting element 286 is detected once by the light receiving element.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 4, a ball distribution member 311 is provided below the ball dispensing device 97, and further below the ball distribution member 311, a prize ball count switch 301 </ b> A using a proximity switch. A ball lending count switch 301B is provided.

  The ball sorting member 311 is driven by a sorting solenoid 310. At the steady time when the solenoid 310 is not excited, the ball sorting member 311 is tilted to the left as shown by the solid line in the figure, and the falling ball is sorted to the prize ball count switch 301A side. On the other hand, when the solenoid 310 is energized, the ball distribution member 311 falls to the right side as shown by the broken line in the figure, and the falling ball is distributed to the ball lending count switch 301B side.

  The solenoid 310 is energized at the time of lending the ball and is not energized at other times. For this reason, at the time of a winning ball based on winning, the ball sorting member 311 is tilted to the right, and the balls from the ball discharge paths 283a and 283b both pass the winning ball count switch 301A. On the other hand, during ball lending, the balls from the ball discharge paths 283a and 283b pass through the ball lending count switch 301B when the solenoid 310 is excited.

  As described above, by providing the ball distribution member 311, the ball that has flowed down the two ball flow paths passes only one of the prize ball count switch 301 </ b> A and the ball lending count switch 301 </ b> B. Therefore, the number of prize balls or the number of balls lent can be immediately grasped from the detection outputs of the prize ball count switch 301A and the ball rental count switch 301B without determining whether the ball is a prize ball or a ball lending.

  In this way, the ball payout device 97 can be operated not only for ball lending but also for paying out prize balls, so that the cost can be reduced. In addition, the winning ball and the rented ball can be counted individually by switching control of the ball distribution member 311.

  In addition, since the state of the ball sorting member 311 is held so that the balls are guided to the prize ball count switch 301A when the payout of the balls is not required, the frequency of paying out the balls is generally used. Since the frequency of paying out the prize balls is higher than that, the number of times of switching control of the ball sorting member 311 can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the failure of the ball sorting member 311 and the control parts related thereto due to repeated switching, and the life of these parts can be extended.

  FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the starting electric accessory 15. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the ordinary electric accessory, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the ordinary electric accessory, and FIG. 9 is a front view of the ordinary electric accessory.

The starter electric accessory 15 is attached to the game board surface using the base plate 301 as an attachment substrate. Passing gates 11 are formed on the left and right sides of the base plate 301. A gate switch 12 that detects the passing of the hit ball is attached to one of the two left and right passing gates 11.
The two left and right passage gates 11 are covered on the front side by a decorative plate 300 attached to the front side of the base plate 301.

  The decorative board 300 is made of a transparent member. The decorative plate 300 is formed with an insertion member 300 a that is inserted into an insertion hole 150 a provided in the blade member 150. On the other hand, the base plate 301 is formed with two engagement holes 301 a for engaging the insertion member 300 a inserted through the blade member 150. Further, an opening 301 b is formed near the center of the base plate 301. Further, a support piece 301c for rotatably supporting the solenoid arm 302 is formed on the back surface side of the base plate 301. The support piece 301c is formed with insertion holes 301d through which the left and right ends of the arm pin 307 inserted through the solenoid arm 302 are inserted.

  The solenoid arm 302 is formed with a blade opening / closing projection 302b that contacts a contact portion 150b formed at the end of the blade member 150. In a state where the solenoid arm 302 is pivotally supported by the base plate 301 by the arm pin 307, the blade opening / closing projection 302b projects from the opening 301b of the base plate 301 to the front side of the base plate 301, and below the contact portion 150b of the blade member 150. Abuts the side

  The solenoid arm 302 is further formed with a pair of holding pieces 302a. Between the pair of sandwiching pieces 302a, the projection 305b of the two projections 305a and 305b formed on the solenoid arm 305 is sandwiched.

  The solenoid arm 305 is further formed with an engagement hole 305c. The solenoid arm 305 is pivotally supported with respect to the solenoid base plate 303 by engaging the engagement projection 303a of the solenoid base plate 303 with the engagement hole 305c.

  A solenoid 306 for driving the blade member 150 is attached to the solenoid base plate 303. A solenoid arm 304 is attached to the drive portion of the solenoid 306. The solenoid arm 304 is formed with an abutting portion 304 a that abuts against the side surface of the protrusion 305 a formed on the solenoid arm 305.

  When the solenoid 306 is excited, the solenoid arm 304 attached to the solenoid 306 presses the protrusion 305 a of the solenoid arm 305. As a result, the solenoid arm 305 rotates about the engagement protrusion 303a of the solenoid base plate 303 as an axis. When the solenoid arm 305 is rotated, the other projection 305b of the solenoid arm 305 is rotated downward, whereby the solenoid arm 302 that holds the projection 305b by the holding piece 302a is rotated by a predetermined angle. At this time, the blade opening / closing protrusion 302 b formed on the solenoid arm 302 pushes up the abutting portion 150 b below the blade member 150. Thereby, the blade member 150 rotates and the tulip of the starter electric accessory 15 is opened. On the other hand, when the solenoid 306 is not excited, the tulip is closed because the solenoid arm 302 returns to the original state.

  Seals (not shown) are affixed to the decorative plate 300 provided on the front side of the starting electric accessory 15 at positions corresponding to the starting port 14 and the left and right passing gates 11, respectively. In particular, a seal marked “chance” is affixed to one passing gate 11 side on which the gate switch 12 is provided, and a design-designed seal is affixed to the other passing gate 11 side. At the position corresponding to the start port 14, a seal marked “START” is affixed.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In FIG. 10, a game control board (main board) 31, a lamp control board 35, a prize ball control board 37, a sound control board 70, a display control board 80, and a launch control board 91 are provided as control boards. It is shown.

  The game control board 31, the prize ball control board 37, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, the launch control board 91, and the display control board 80 are equipped with a microcomputer or the like. In each control board 31, 37, 35, 70, 80, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, initialization processing such as initialization of data in a RAM provided on the control board is performed, and the prize ball control is performed. The board 37, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, and the display control board 80 can effectively receive commands from the game control board 31 when the initialization process is completed.

  The game control board 31 is a board on which a game control microcomputer (hereinafter, abbreviated as a game control microcomputer) 53 that controls the game control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is mounted, and the other control boards 35, 37, 70, 80. Executes a control operation based on control commands (lamp control command, prize ball control command, voice control command, display control command) output to each from the game control board 31. Among these control commands, the lamp control command, the voice control command, and the display control command are common commands, and the common command is sent from the game control board 31 to each control board 35, 70, 80. Are output at the same time.

  When a control command is output from the game control board 31, an INT signal (strobe signal) indicating the valid period of the command is output accordingly. The INT signal is at a high level (off state) in the invalid state, and the signal is at a low level (on state) in the valid state.

  The game control board 31 includes a game control microcomputer 53, a switch circuit 58 that supplies signals from the switches to the game control microcomputer 53, and solenoids that drive the solenoids 16 and 21 in accordance with instructions from the game control microcomputer 53. Any of the circuit 59, an initial reset circuit 63 for resetting the game control microcomputer 53 when the power is turned on, and an I / O port unit (not shown) by decoding an address signal supplied from the game control microcomputer 53 An address decoding circuit 67 for outputting a signal for selecting the 1 / O port, jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot according to data supplied from the game control microcomputer 53, and starting information indicating the number of times the variable display device 8 is started. The host computer such as a hall management computer is used to provide probability variation information indicating that the probability variation has occurred. Including information output circuit 64 to be output to the motor. Furthermore, the game control board 31 is provided with power supply monitoring means for monitoring the power supply voltage, as will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The game control microcomputer 53 includes a ROM 54 that stores a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 that is used as a work memory, and a CPU 56 that performs a control operation in accordance with the game control program. Among these, the RAM 55 is backed up by a backup power source from the power supply board 910, and the RAM data is retained for a predetermined time even if a power failure occurs unexpectedly.

  The switch circuit 58 is connected to the gate switch 12, the start port switch 17, the count switch 23, the V count switch 22, the winning ball detection switch 99 and the like, and detection signals from these switches are passed through the switch circuit 58. And input to the game control microcomputer 53.

  A ball payout device 97 and a card unit 50 are connected to the prize ball control board 37. The prize ball control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 on the basis of the prize ball control command output from the game control board 31 and performs control to pay out the prize ball. Further, the prize ball control board 37 performs control for paying out a ball based on a control signal output from the card unit 50.

  A speaker 27 is connected to the sound control board 72. The sound control board 70 performs control to output various sound effects from the speaker 27 based on the sound control command output from the game control board 31.

  The lamp control board 35 includes a game effect LED 28a, game effect lamps 28b and 28c, a prize ball lamp 51, a ball break lamp 52, a variable display 10 for a normal symbol, a start memory display 18 for a special symbol, and a normal symbol. A number of lamps / LEDs such as a start memory display, a decorative lamp 25, and a lamp 29 with unpaid prize balls are connected. However, in FIG. 10, illustration of these connection states is omitted. The lamp control board 35 controls these lamps / LEDs based on the lamp control command output from the game control board 31.

  A variable display device 8 for special symbols is connected to the display control board 80 (not shown). The display control board 80 displays a predetermined image on the variable display unit 9 of the variable display device 8 in accordance with a display control command output from the game control board 31.

  A drive motor 94 and an operation knob (hitting ball operation handle) 5 are connected to the firing control board 91. The launch control board 91 drives and controls the drive motor 94 so that a hit ball is shot from a hit ball launching device (not shown) at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration in the display control board 80 together with a CRT 82 for displaying an image on the variable display device 8, output ports (ports A and B) 571 and 572 of the game control board 31, and an output buffer circuit 63. FIG. The output port 571 outputs 8-bit × 2 data as a display control command, and the output port 572 outputs a 1-bit INT signal (strobe signal).

  The display control CPU 101 operates according to a program stored in the control data ROM 102, and when an INT signal is input from the game control board 31 via the noise filter 107 and the input buffer circuit 105, the display control CPU 101 displays via the input buffer circuit 105. Receive control commands. As the input buffer circuit 105, for example, 74HC244, which is a general-purpose IC, can be used. When the display control CPU 101 does not have an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuit 105 and the display control CPU 101.

  The display control CPU 101 performs display control of the screen displayed on the CRT 82 in accordance with the received display control command. Specifically, a command corresponding to the display control command is given to the VDP 103. VDP 103 reads necessary data from character ROM 86. The VDP 103 generates image data to be displayed on the CRT 82 according to the input data, and stores the image data in the VRAM 87. The image data in the VRAM 87 is converted into R, G, and B signals, converted into analog signals by the DA conversion circuit 104, and output to the CRT 82.

  11 includes a reset circuit 83 for resetting the VDP 103, an oscillation circuit 85 for supplying an operation clock to the VDP 103, and frequently used image data (person, animal, character, figure, symbol, or the like). A character ROM 86 for storing (image) is also shown.

  Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 11, in the display control board 80, the output of the reset switch 110 is introduced to the input port. When the display control CPU 101 detects that the reset switch 110 is pressed after an error occurs, the display control CPU 101 returns the control to the state before the error occurred.

  As an error, for example, the display control command received from the game control board 31 may be abnormal (such as an undefined command). If the display control CPU 101 is configured to receive and store a display control command even after an error has occurred, display control based on the stored received command is performed based on the pressing of the reset switch 110. As a result, the influence of the error occurrence on the game performance can be reduced.

  The input buffer circuit 105 can pass signals only in the direction from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the display control board 80 side to the game control board 31 side. Even if the tampering is added to the circuit in the display control board 80, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side. Note that the outputs of the output ports 571 and 572 may be output to the display control board 80 as they are, but the game control board 31 is provided to the display control board 80 by providing an output buffer circuit 63 capable of transmitting signals only in one direction. Unidirectional signal transmission can be made more reliable. For example, a three-terminal capacitor or a ferrite bead is used as the noise filter 107 that blocks high-frequency signals. However, even if noise is placed between the substrates in the display control command due to the presence of the noise filter 107, the influence is removed. Is done.

  Further, as shown in the figure, the display control CPU 101 as display control means (variable display control means) is mounted on a board different from the game control board 31 on which the CPU 56 as game control means is mounted. Thereby, the game control board 31 is made compact.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the voice control command signal transmission part of the game control board 31 and the voice control board 70. The audio control board 70 is provided with a control CPU 701, a ROM 711, a RAM 712, and the like. As illustrated, the control CPU 701 as sound control means is mounted on a board different from the game control board 31 on which the CPU 56 as game control means is mounted. Thereby, the game control board 31 is made compact.

  In this embodiment, a voice control command for instructing voice output from the speaker 27 provided outside the game area 7 is output from the game control board 31 to the voice control board 70 as the game progresses. As shown in FIG. 12, the voice control command is output from output ports (output ports C and D) 573 and 574 in the game control microcomputer 53. The output port 573 outputs 8-bit × 2 data as control command data, and the output port 574 outputs a 1-bit INT signal (strobe signal). In the sound control board 70, each signal from the game control board 31 is input to the sound control CPU 701 via the input buffer circuit 705. When the audio control CPU 701 does not have an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuit 705 and the audio control CPU 701.

  For example, a voice synthesis circuit 702 using a digital signal processor generates voice and sound effects according to instructions from the voice control CPU 701 and outputs them to the volume switching circuit 703. The output level of the volume switching circuit 703 and the voice control CPU 701 is set to a level corresponding to the set volume and output to the volume amplification circuit 704. The volume amplifier circuit 704 outputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker 27.

  As the input buffer circuit 705, for example, a general-purpose CMOS-IC 74HC244 is used. The enable terminal of 74HC244 is always given a low level (GND level). Therefore, the output level of each buffer is fixed to the input level, that is, the signal level from the game control board 31. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the voice control board 70 side to the game control board 31 side. Therefore, even if unauthorized modification is added to the circuit in the audio control board 70, a signal output by the unauthorized modification is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuit 705.

  Further, a buffer circuit 67 is provided outside the output ports 574 and 575 on the game control board 31 side. As the buffer circuit 67, for example, a general-purpose CMOS-IC 74HC244 is used. The enable terminal is always given a low level (GND level). According to such a configuration, since a signal input to the inside of the game control board 31 from the outside is blocked, a signal line that can be given a signal from the voice control board 70 to the game control board 31 is further ensured. Can be eliminated.

  Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the output of the reset switch 710 is introduced to the input port in the voice control board 70. When the voice control CPU 701 detects that the reset switch 710 is pressed after an error occurs, the voice control CPU 701 returns the control to the state before the error occurred.

  For example, the voice control command received from the game control board 31 is abnormal (such as an undefined command). If the voice control CPU 701 is configured to receive and store a voice control command even after an error occurs, the voice control based on the stored received command is performed based on the pressing of the reset switch 710. As a result, the influence of the error occurrence on the game performance can be reduced.

  The ROM (not shown) of the voice control board 70 stores control data for causing a voice synthesis circuit (voice synthesis LSI: for example, a digital signal processor) 702 to generate voice corresponding to various voice control command data. Has been. The voice control CPU 701 reads control data corresponding to the received voice control command data from the ROM.

  In this embodiment, the speech synthesis circuit 702 is controlled by a transfer request signal (SIRQ), a serial clock signal (SICK), a serial data signal (SI), and a transfer end signal (SRDY). When the SIRQ goes low, the speech synthesis circuit 702 takes in SI one bit at a time in synchronization with SICK, and when SRDY goes low, interprets the data composed of the SIs received so far as one voice playback data. To do. Note that when the voice synthesis circuit 702 receives control data by SI, the voice synthesis circuit 702 generates a voice corresponding to the received control data.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing signal transmission / reception portions in the game control board 31 and the lamp control board 35. In this embodiment, game effect LED 28a, game effect lamps 28b and 28c, prize ball lamp 51, ball-out lamp 52, variable indicator 10, start-up memory indicator 18, decoration lamp 25, lamp with unpaid prize ball 29, etc. A lamp control command for instructing to turn on / off is output from the game control board 31.

  The lamp control board 35 is provided with a control CPU 351, a ROM 352, a RAM 353, and the like. As shown in the figure, the control CPU 351 as the lamp control means is mounted on a board different from the game control board 31 on which the CPU 56 as the game control means is mounted. Thereby, the game control board 31 is made compact.

  The lamp control command is output from output ports (output ports E and F) 575 and 576 of the I / O port unit 57 in the game control microcomputer 53. The output port 575 outputs 8-bit × 2-bit data as control command data, and the output port 576 outputs a 1-bit INT signal (strobe signal). In the lamp control board 35, the lamp control command output from the game control board 31 is input to the lamp control CPU 351 via the input buffer circuit 355. When the lamp control CPU 351 does not include an I / O port, an I / O port is provided between the input buffer circuit 355 and the lamp control CPU 351.

  The lamp control CPU 351 outputs a lighting / extinguishing signal to each lamp / LED according to a lamp lighting / extinguishing pattern defined according to each lamp control command. The lighting / extinguishing pattern is stored in the ROM 352.

  As the input buffer circuit 355, for example, a general-purpose CMOS-IC 74HC244 is used. The enable terminal of 74HC244 is always given a low level (GND level). Therefore, the output level of each buffer is fixed to the input level, that is, the signal level from the game control board 31. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the lamp control board 35 side to the game control board 31 side. Even if unauthorized modification is added to the circuit in the lamp control board 35, a signal output by the unauthorized modification is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side. For example, even if the lamp control board 35 is modified so as to give a fraud signal for generating a big hit to the game control microcomputer 53 of the game control board 31, it is not possible to transmit the fraud signal to the game control board 31 side. Can not. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuit 355.

  Further, in the game control board 31, a buffer circuit 62 is provided outside the output ports 575 and 576. As the buffer circuit 62, for example, a general-purpose CMOS-IC 74HC244 is used. The enable terminal is always given a low level (GND level). According to such a configuration, since a signal input from the outside to the inside of the game control board 31 is blocked, a signal line from which a signal may be given to the game control board 31 from the lamp control board 35 is more reliably provided. Can be eliminated.

  Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 13, in the lamp control board 35, the output of the reset switch 360 is introduced into the input port. When the lamp control CPU 351 detects that the reset switch 360 is pressed after an error occurs, the lamp control CPU 351 returns the control to the state before the error occurred.

  As an error, for example, the lamp control command received from the game control board 31 may be abnormal (such as an undefined command). If the lamp control CPU 351 is configured to receive and store a lamp control command even after an error occurs, by performing display control based on the stored received command based on the pressing of the reset switch 360, The influence of the error occurrence on the game performance can be reduced.

  Although not shown in FIG. 13, a driver circuit is actually inserted between the built-in output port of the lamp control CPU 351 and each lamp / LED.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing components related to the prize ball, such as components of the prize ball control board 37 and the ball payout device 97. The prize ball control board 37 includes a control CPU 371, ROM 380, RAM 381, I / O ports 372 (372a to 372g), an input buffer circuit 373, an error display LED 374, and a reset switch (reset SW) 379. And are provided. As described above, the control CPU 371 as the prize ball control means (value addition control means or payout control means) is mounted on a board different from the game control board 31 on which the CPU 56 as the game control means is mounted. . Thereby, the game control board 31 is made compact.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the winning ball detection switch 99 that detects the winning balls that have been won at various winning openings in a collective bowl on the back side of the game board and the detection signal of the full tank switch 48 are transmitted via the relay board 71. To the I / O port 57 of the game control board 31. The winning ball discharge solenoid 127 drives a ball stop member provided in the middle of the winning ball flow path on the back of the game board, and the winning ball is in a state where the winning ball is stopped on the ball stopping member. A winning ball is detected by the detection switch 99. The full tank switch 48 is a switch that detects a full tank of the surplus ball receiving tray 4 in particular.

  Detection signals from the ball break detection switch 167 and the ball break switch 187 (187a, 187b) are input to the I / O port 57 of the game control board 31 via the relay board 72 and the relay board 71. The out-of-ball detection switch 167 is a switch for detecting the shortage of replenishment balls in the prize ball tank 38, and the out-of-ball switch 187 is a switch for detecting the presence / absence of a prize ball in the prize ball passage.

  The CPU 56 of the game control board 31 indicates that the detection signal from the out-of-ball detection switch 167 or the out-of-ball switch 187 indicates a full-out state or the detection signal from the full-up switch 48 indicates a full-up state. A prize ball control command for instructing prohibition of ball lending is sent to the prize ball control board 37. When receiving a prize ball control command for instructing ball lending prohibition, the prize ball control CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 stops the ball lending process.

  Further, a detection signal from the prize ball count switch 301 </ b> A is also input to the I / O port 57 of the game control board 31 via the relay board 72 and the relay board 71. Further, a drive signal from the I / O port 57 of the game control board 31 to the winning ball discharge solenoid 127 is supplied to the winning ball discharge solenoid 127 via the relay board 71. The prize ball count switch 301A is provided in the prize ball mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97 and detects the prize ball actually paid out.

  When there is a win, a prize ball control command (prize ball number command) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the prize ball control board 37 from the output ports (ports G and H) 577 and 578 of the game control board 31. The output port 577 outputs control command data of 8 bits × 2, and the output port 578 outputs a 1-bit INT signal (strobe signal). A prize ball control command indicating the number of prize balls is input to the I / O port 372a via the input buffer circuit 373. Each buffer in the input buffer circuit 373 can pass a signal only in the direction from the game control board 31 to the prize ball control board 37. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the prize ball control board 37 side to the game control board 31 side. Even if unauthorized modification is added to the circuit in the prize ball control board 37, a signal output by the unauthorized modification is not transmitted to the game control board 31 side. Note that a noise filter may be provided on the input side of the input buffer circuit 373.

  On the game control board 31 side, a buffer circuit 68 is provided outside the output ports 577 and 578 for outputting a prize ball control command. According to such a configuration, since a signal input to the inside of the game control board 31 from the outside is blocked, a signal line that can give a signal from the prize ball control board 37 to the game control board 31 is further increased. It can be definitely eliminated.

  The prize ball control CPU 371 outputs a ball lending number signal indicating the number of lending balls to the terminal board 160 and a buzzer driving signal to the buzzer board 75 via the output port 372g. A buzzer (not shown) is mounted on the buzzer substrate 75. Further, an error signal is output to the error display LED 374 via the output port 372e.

  Further, the detection signal of the prize ball count switch 301A and the detection signal of the ball lending count switch 301B are input to the input port 372b of the prize ball control board 37 via the relay board 72. The ball lending count switch 301B detects a game ball that is actually lent. A drive signal from the prize ball control board 37 to the payout motor 289 is transmitted to the payout motor 289 in the prize ball mechanism portion of the ball payout device 97 via the output port 372c and the relay board 72. A signal for driving the sorting solenoid 310 is transmitted to the sorting solenoid 310 via the output port 372d and the relay board 72.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 14, the output of the reset switch 379 is introduced to the input port 372b. When the prize ball control CPU 371 detects that the reset switch 379 has been pressed after an error has occurred, it returns control to the state before the error.

  If the winning ball control CPU 371 is configured to receive and store a winning ball control command even after an error occurs, the winning ball control based on the stored received command is performed based on the pressing of the reset switch 379. By this, the disadvantage given to the player can be eliminated.

  The card unit 50 is mounted with a card unit control microcomputer (not shown). The balance display board 74 is connected with a power display LED, a ball lending switch, and a return switch provided in the vicinity of the hitting ball supply tray 3.

  A ball lending switch signal and a return switch signal are given from the balance display board 74 to the card unit 50 via the prize ball control board 37 according to the operation by the player.

  The CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 counts the number of prize balls paid out by counting the detection signal of the prize ball count switch 301A, and counts the detection signal of the ball lending count switch 301B, thereby counting out the paid out lending. Count the number of balls.

  Furthermore, the CPU 371 uses the detection signal from the payout motor position sensor 286 in parallel with the operation of counting the balls based on the detection signals of the prize ball count switch 301A and the ball lending count switch 301B, and the prize ball that has been paid out. Count the number and the number of rented balls. That is, the ball dispensing device 97 is configured such that one ball is dispensed each time the ball dispensing screw 288 rotates by 180 degrees and the dispensing motor position sensor 286 is turned ON / OFF once. The balls dispensed are indirectly detected based on the change in the output signal of the dispensing motor position sensor 286, and the number of balls is counted.

  Instead of the dispensing motor position sensor 286, by detecting the number of step pulses of the dispensing motor 289 that is a stepping motor, the dispensing operation amount (rotation amount) of the screw 288 is detected, thereby indirectly delivering the ball. May be detected. However, the use of the dispensing motor position sensor 286 that directly detects the rotation of the screw 288 has an advantage that a highly accurate detection result can be obtained. When detecting the amount of movement (rotation amount) of the screw 288 based on the number of step pulses of the stepping motor, if the control amount per step changes for some reason, an error occurs in the detected amount of operation. It is.

By the way, when the number of balls is counted based on the output signal of the payout motor position sensor 286, the number of balls is counted based on the output signal of the count switches 301A and 301B, which output the detection signal after the ball has fallen from the screw 288. The counting operation can proceed more quickly, but there is a useless gap between the balls aligned in the screw 288, and the ball is not dispensed when the screw 288 is rotated halfway. However, there is a drawback that it is considered that one ball has been paid out. Alternatively, even if a ball is not actually paid out due to a ball biting or other cause, it is considered that one ball has been paid out.

  For this reason, the CPU 371 once stops the rotation of the screw 288 after the number of balls counted based on the output signal of the payout motor position sensor 286 reaches the payout payout number, and uses the detection signals of the count switches 301A and B as detection signals. A control for confirming whether or not the balls are paid out as scheduled without fail with reference to the counting result based on the results, and when the number of payouts is insufficient, the screw 288 is rotated again to pay out the insufficient balls. To do.

  By performing such two-stage control, the screw 288 is rotated at a high speed until the number of balls (prize balls or rental balls) counted based on the detection output of the payout motor position sensor 286 reaches the payout planned number. The balls can be dispensed quickly by paying out the balls continuously, and even if there is a shortage of dispensing, it is possible to accurately dispense the balls by paying out the shortage later. can do.

  From the winning ball control board 37 to the launch control board 91, a launch control signal for controlling the shot state of the hit ball is given. In the firing control board 91, when the firing control signal is at the LOW level, the firing of the hit ball is prohibited, and the shot control board 91 is controlled to be in a state in which the hitting of the hit ball is impossible. On the other hand, when the firing control signal is at the HIGH level, the shot is permitted to be shot and controlled so that the shot can be shot.

  A card balance display signal indicating the balance of the prepaid card and a ball lending display signal are given to the balance display board 74 from the card unit 50 via the prize ball control board 37. Between the card unit 50 and the prize ball control board 37, a unit operation signal (BRDY signal), a ball lending request signal (BRQ signal), a ball lending completion signal (EXS signal) and a pachinko machine operation signal (PRDY signal) are I. Exchanged via the / O port 372f.

  When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the prize ball control CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 outputs a PRDY signal to the card unit 50. When a card is received in the card unit 50, the ball lending switch is operated and a ball lending switch signal is input, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRDY signal to the prize ball control board 37. When a predetermined delay time elapses from this point, the card unit control microcomputer outputs a BRQ signal to the prize ball control board 37. Then, the prize ball control CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 drives the payout motor 289 to perform control for paying out a predetermined number of balls to the player. At this time, the winning ball control CPU 371 controls the sorting solenoid 310 to point the ball sorting member 311 toward the ball lending side. Thereafter, when the payout is completed, the prize ball control CPU 371 outputs an EXS signal to the card unit 50.

  As described above, all the signals from the card unit 50 are input to the prize ball control board 37. Therefore, regarding ball lending control, no signal is input from the card unit 50 to the game control board 31, and there is no room for unauthorized input of signals from the card unit 50 side to the game control microcomputer 53 of the game control board 31. Absent. The game control board 31 and the prize ball control board 37 are equipped with driver circuits for driving solenoids, motors, and lamps, but these circuits are omitted in FIG.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the RAM 55 (see FIG. 10) of the game control board 31, at least the RAM 381 of the prize ball control board 37 is backed up by a backup power source of the power board 910. For this reason, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, the RAM 55 and 381 can hold the stored contents for a certain time by the backup power source.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram for explaining power supply monitoring means in the game control board 31. As shown in the figure, the game control board 31 is provided with a power supply monitoring IC 902 for monitoring the power supply. A DC + 30V voltage to be monitored is introduced into the power supply monitoring IC 902. The voltage to be monitored is supplied from a power supply board 910 that converts an AC voltage supplied from the outside of the gaming machine into a DC voltage of a predetermined magnitude and supplies power to each control circuit. The power monitoring IC 902 detects the occurrence of power interruption by monitoring this + 30V voltage. Specifically, when the + 30V voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value (for example, 80% of + 30V), a signal is given to the input port 570 because there is a possibility that the power supply may be cut off. The game control microcomputer 53 anticipates that a power interruption will occur based on this signal input to the input port 570, and executes a process (see FIG. 33) to prepare for it.

  The predetermined value for the power monitoring IC 902 to detect the power interruption is lower than the normal voltage, but the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 53 can operate for a while after receiving power supply to the VDD terminal. Voltage. Further, the power monitoring IC 902 is configured to monitor a voltage that is higher than the voltage required by the CPU 56 (in this example, +5 V) and immediately after being converted from AC to DC in the power supply board 910. The monitoring range can be expanded for the voltage required by the game control microcomputer 53. Therefore, more precise monitoring can be performed. Further, when + 30V is used as the monitoring voltage, the voltage supplied to the various switches of the gaming machine is, for example, + 12V, so that it can be expected to prevent erroneous switch-on detection at the time of instantaneous power interruption. That is, when the voltage of the + 30V power supply is monitored, it is possible to detect a decrease in the level before + 12V created after the creation of + 30V starts to drop. Therefore, when the voltage of the + 12V power supply decreases, the switch output comes into an on state. However, if the + 30V power supply voltage that decreases faster than + 12V is detected to recognize the power interruption, the power supply is turned on before the switch output shows the on state. It is possible to enter a state of waiting for recovery and not detect switch output.

  While the power is not supplied due to the power interruption, the RAM 55 of the game control board 31 is backed up by the backup power supplied from the power supply board 910 to the VBB terminal, and the contents are stored for a certain time even if the power to the gaming machine is cut off. The Then, when the + 5V power supply is restored, the CPU 56 returns to a normal operation state. At that time, since necessary data is backed up, it is possible to return to the gaming state at the time of power failure when the power is restored.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the power supply substrate 910. The power supply board 910 is provided independently of control boards such as the game control board 31, the display control board 80, the voice control board 70, the lamp control board 35, and the prize ball control board 37, and each control board and mechanism component in the gaming machine. Generates the voltage used by For example, in this example, AC24V, DC21V, DC12V, and DC5V are generated. Further, the capacitor 916 serving as a backup power source for the RAM 55 in the game control board 31 and the RAM 381 in the prize ball control board 37 is charged from DC5V, that is, a power supply line for driving an IC on each board.

  Furthermore, the power supply board 910 generates DC30V that is a monitoring voltage of the power monitoring IC 902 (see FIG. 15).

  The transformer 911 converts AC voltage from the AC power source into 24V. The AC24V voltage is output to the connector 915 and the rectifier circuit 912. The rectifier circuit 912 generates a DC voltage of +30 V from AC 24 V and outputs it to the DC-DC converter 913 and the connector 915. The connector 915 outputs this + 30V to the game control board 31 for power supply monitoring. The DC-DC converter 913 generates + 21V, + 12V, and + 5V and outputs them to the connector 915. The connector 915 is connected to, for example, a relay board (not shown), and power of a voltage necessary for each control board and mechanism component is supplied from the relay board.

  The + 5V line from the DC-DC converter 913 branches to form a backup + 5V line. A large-capacitance capacitor 916 is connected between the backup + 5V line and the ground level. As described above, the capacitor 916 serves as a backup power source when power supply to the gaming machine is interrupted. Further, a backflow preventing diode 917 is inserted between the + 5V line and the backup + 5V line.

  A battery that can be charged from a + 5V power supply may be used as the backup power supply. In the case of using a battery, a rechargeable battery is used in which the capacity disappears when a state in which no power is supplied from the +5 V power source continues for a predetermined time.

Control Command Format and Control Command Reception Mode FIG. 17 shows control commands (display control command, voice control command, lamp control command, output from game control board 31 to each control board 35, 37, 70, 80. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a prize ball control command.

  The control command is composed of 16-bit (8 bits × 2) command data and a 1-bit INT signal (strobe signal). In particular, the 16-bit command data is composed of 8-bit MODE data (D7-0) and 8-bit (D7-0) EXT data. The MODE data is data indicating a command type, and the EXT data is data that specifically designates the control content in the command type.

  FIG. 18 is a timing chart for explaining a mode in which the control CPU of each control board 35, 37, 70, 80 receives a control command from the game control board 31. The INT signal output from the game control board 31 is valid when the signal state is at a low level, and is invalid when the signal state is at a high level. When the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 transmits a new control command, the INT signal is switched from the high level to the low level for 4 ms, and the control command required for the command transmission target control board is continued for 4 ms. Output only once.

  As indicated by “1” in the figure, the control CPU of each control board extracts the control command when the INT signal changes from the invalid state to the valid state, and stores it in a predetermined storage area. Thereafter, when 500 μsec elapses, the control command is extracted again as indicated by “2” in the figure. Then, it is confirmed that the newly extracted control command matches the control command extracted at the timing “1”. Thereafter, when 500 μsec has passed, as shown by “3” in the figure, the command data is extracted again, and the control according to the command data is executed on condition that the command data has not changed. That is, command data is extracted three times continuously while the INT signal is in a valid state, and when all the extraction results match, the command data is regarded as regular data.

  If the extraction results do not coincide with each other by extracting the command data three times as described above, the extraction is performed again three times during the period in which the INT signal is valid. If all the extraction results match by re-extraction, the command data is regarded as regular command data.

  As described above, the command data output from the game control board 31 is monitored over a predetermined period (during the period in which the INT signal is valid), and the content of the command data has not changed (data extracted three times). Command data is considered to be legitimate data, and in order to perform control corresponding to the command data, the legitimate command data is instantaneously determined to be original due to noise and other effects. Even when the data changes to different data, it is possible to prevent inconvenience that erroneous control is performed based on the data. As a result, highly accurate control can be performed.

  In addition, when the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 designates the control content for each control board, the output continuation period (4 ms) determined in advance so that the control CPU can read the control command of each control board. ) Is output only once, and when the output continuation period ends, the output of the control command is stopped until a new control content is commanded. Therefore, for example, it is possible to reduce the number of processes related to the output of the control command as compared with the case where the output / stop of the same control command is repeatedly performed until the process based on the control command is completed. The burden can be reduced.

  Further, when it is necessary to continuously output a plurality of control commands having different control contents, a command non-output period of at least 4 ms is provided between the commands as the interval period. Therefore, when it is necessary to continuously output a plurality of control commands having different control contents, the INT signal becomes low level for 4 ms and the control command is continuously output for 4 ms. The output of the control command is stopped when the INT signal becomes high level for 4 ms, and then the control signal is continuously output for 4 ms while the INT signal becomes low level for 4 ms.

  Each control board 35, 37, 70, 80 executes various controls based on control command data input when the INT signal is at a low level. In addition, once the control boards 35, 37, 70, and 80 start the control based on the command data, the control boards 35, 37, 70, and 80 continue the control until new command data is input.

Explanation of common commands Next, the types of control commands will be described in detail. As described above, the control commands can be classified into display control commands, lamp control commands, voice control commands, and prize ball control commands. Among these control commands, there is a common command with the same command data for the display control command, the voice control command, and the lamp control command.

  This common command is simultaneously output to each control board 35, 70, 80 at a predetermined timing, and effectively produces a certain gaming state by associating image display, sound effect, and blinking of the lamp. And is used to promptly notify the control boards 35, 70, 80 when a power failure is about to occur. Such common commands include a change start command, a change stop command, a power failure notice command, and the like.

  FIG. 19 shows a change start command, FIG. 20 shows a change stop command, and FIG. 24 shows a stop display command.

  The change start command (see FIG. 19) is a common command that is output when the change (variable display) of the special symbol is started. The MODE data of the change start command is “80H”. Further, there are five types of EXT data “00H” to “04H”.

  For the display control board 80, the variation pattern of the special symbol is designated as shown by the EXT data. The special symbol variation pattern is a pattern in which the symbols on the left, middle, and right are stopped after the special symbol variation is started, and this variation pattern includes a reach effect pattern. Furthermore, by designating the variation pattern, a display time (variable display period) from when the variation of the special symbol is started to when the variation is terminated and the final display result is derived and displayed is also designated. Control data for changing the special symbols in accordance with the change patterns 1 to 5 shown in the figure is stored in the control data ROM 102 on the display control board 80 side, and the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 receives from the game control board 31. The special symbol is varied with a variation pattern corresponding to the variation start command.

  For the sound control board 70, a sound pattern of sound effects (output from the speaker 27) corresponding to the variation pattern specified by the EXT data is specified as shown in the figure. Control data for generating sound effects corresponding to the illustrated variation patterns 1 to 5 is stored in a ROM (not shown) on the sound control board 70 side, and the control CPU 701 of the sound control board 70 controls the game control. A sound effect is generated from the speaker 27 with an effect pattern corresponding to the change start command from the substrate 31.

  Further, for the lamp control board 35, the light emission patterns of the lamps (game effect lamps / LEDs 28a to 28c) corresponding to the variation pattern designated by the EXT data are designated as shown in the figure. Control data for blinking the light emitters (game effect lamps / LEDs 28a to 28c) corresponding to the illustrated variation patterns 1 to 5 is stored in a ROM (not shown) on the lamp control board 35 side, and lamp control is performed. The control CPU 351 of the board 35 causes the light emitters (game effect lamps / LEDs 28a to 28c) to blink in an effect pattern corresponding to the change start command from the game control board 31.

  As described above, when it is time to start the variation of the special symbol, the variation start command of the same form is simultaneously output to each of the control boards 35, 70, 80. For example, when the change start command “80H 00H” is output to the display control board 80, the same change start command “80H 00H” is also output to the audio control board 70 and the lamp control board 35. Thereby, the variable display effect of a special symbol is made | formed in the aspect with the high effect effect which linked image display, a sound effect, and blinking of a lamp | ramp.

  The change stop command (see FIG. 20) is a command that is simultaneously output to the display control board 80, the lamp control board 35, and the sound control board 70 when the change (variable display) of the special symbol is stopped. The MODE data of the change stop command is “A0H”, and the EXT data is “00H”. When it is time to output this command, the display control board 80 stops the variation of the special symbol and derives and displays the display result. In addition, the sound control board 70 outputs a sound effect when the special symbol is stopped, and after the display result is derived and displayed, stops the output of the sound effect that has been generated from the speaker 27 until then. Further, the lamp control board 35 controls the lamp with a light emission pattern corresponding to the stop of the special symbol, and turns off the lamp for production after the display result is derived and displayed.

  The power failure notice command (see FIG. 24) is a common command that is simultaneously output to the display control board 80, the lamp control board 35, and the voice control board 70 when the occurrence of a power failure is expected. The MODE data of the power failure notice command is “A1H”, and the EXT data is “00H”. Upon receiving this power failure notice command, the display control board 80 interrupts the currently executed display control and switches to the pre-power failure display screen. An example of the power failure display screen is shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 25, when a power failure notice command is output based on the fact that a decrease in power supply voltage is detected on the game control board 31 side, the display control board 80 interrupts display control such as fluctuations in special symbols, Instead, a message prompting the user to turn on the power again is displayed on the variable display unit 9. As a result, a player or a game shop clerk can recognize that the processing in preparation for the power outage has been performed by the gaming machine, can grasp that the power outage will soon occur, and is necessary for resuming the progress of the game. You can know how to operate.

  After that, when a power failure occurs after a while, the power supply to the display control board 80 is cut off and no image is displayed on the variable display device 8, but if a power failure does not occur, The screen display of FIG. 25 is continued. In this case, when the power switch of the gaming machine is turned OFF / ON according to the screen display, the interrupted display control is resumed, and the game can be resumed from the middle.

  On the other hand, when receiving the power failure notice command, the lamp control board 35 interrupts the currently executed lamp control and turns off all the lamps including the start memory display lamp. Similarly, when the voice control board 70 receives this power failure notice command, the voice control board 70 interrupts the currently executed sound control and silences the speaker 27. For this reason, when a power failure notice command is output to each control board 35, 70, 80, the message shown in FIG. 25 is displayed, and at the same time, the lamp / LED and sound effect that have been performed so far are displayed. The game effect is interrupted, the speaker 27 becomes silent, and all the game effect lamps / LEDs are turned off. Thereafter, when the power failure is restored, the lamp control board 35 and the sound control board 70 resume the effect control that was interrupted in accordance with the control command output again from the game control board 31.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a common command is adopted, and the variable display device 8, the speaker 27, and the lamp / LED are arranged in a predetermined manner over a variable display period from the start of change of the special symbol to the end of change. Since the command for operating the computer and the power failure notice command have the same form, the form of the command can be reduced, and the storage capacity required for the ROM 54 of the game control microcomputer 53 as a storage area for the command data Can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, an output port is prepared for each control board 35, 70, 80 in the game control board 31, but one output port on the game control board 31 side is provided and branched from the middle. The common command data may be output to the control boards 35, 70, 80.

Description of Display Control Commands Other than Common Commands Next, display control commands other than the common commands will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 shows a confirmed symbol designation command. The fixed symbol designation command is a command for designating a fixed symbol (scheduled stop symbol) to the display control board 80. By this fixed symbol designation command, the fixed symbols are designated for the left middle right symbol. Specifically, the left symbol is designated by the MODE data “90H”, the middle symbol is designated by the MODE data “91H”, and the right symbol is designated by the MODE data “92H”. As EXT data corresponding to each MODE data, 12 types of “00H” to “0BH” are prepared, and each EXT data designates one specific symbol. For example, the combination of the MODE data and the EXT data “90H 00H” specifies that the left confirmed symbol is a symbol corresponding to the EXT data “00H”. On the display control board 80 side, symbol data corresponding to each of the EXT data “00H” to “0BH” is stored in the arrangement order, and the symbol at the arrangement position according to the received EXT data is selected as the final symbol. The

  Each symbol designated by the EXT data “00H” to “0BH” is defined in advance as a non-probable variable symbol or a probable variable symbol as illustrated. For example, each symbol specified by “01H, 03H, 05H, 07H, 09H, 0BH” is a probability variable symbol, and each symbol specified by “00H, 02H, 04H, 06H, 08H, 0AH” is not It is a probable variation.

  FIG. 22 shows a symbol table used for display control by the display control CPU 101 on the display control board 80 side. The symbol table data is stored in the control data ROM 102. In the symbol table, special symbol data corresponding to the fixed symbol designation commands “00H” to “0BH” output from the game control board 31 are arranged.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart of the control commands output during the variable display period . FIG. 23 shows the output timings of the control commands output from the game control board 31 to the control boards 35, 70, 80 between the change of the special symbol and the stop. It is a timing chart which shows.

  When starting the change of the special symbol, first, the change start command “80H XXH” is used as a display control command, a voice control command, and a lamp control command from the game control board 31 to each of the control boards 35, 70, 80. Are output all at once. Note that “80H xxH” is one of the commands “80H 00H” to “80H 04H” shown in FIG. At the timing when the change start command is received on the display control board 80 side, the simultaneous change of the special symbol is started. The presence / absence of reach and the variable display period are specified by the type of the change start command. Based on the command, the display control board 80 determines a variation pattern such as reach contents. On the sound control board 70 and the lamp control board 35, an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern is selected and a game effect is started.

  Thereafter, following the change start command, three confirmed symbol designation commands corresponding to the left middle right symbol are sequentially output as display control commands. The figure includes a left symbol design command 1 “90H XXH”, a middle symbol design symbol designation command 2 “91H XXH”, and a right symbol design symbol designation command 3 “92H XX”. It is shown that “H” is output in that order. “XXH” is any one of “00H” to “0BH” shown in FIG. On the display control board 80 side, based on this fixed symbol designation command, the type of the fixed symbol that is finally derived and displayed as the display result is determined.

  When the variable display time Tn specified by the change start command (variation command) has elapsed since the simultaneous change of the symbols is started, the symbol determination command is sent from the game control board 31 to each control board 35, 70, 80. Is output. Thereby, the fixed symbol is stopped and displayed, and the game effect by the lamp and the sound effect is stopped.

Description of Other Lamp Control Commands Next, other lamp control commands will be described with reference to FIGS. For other lamp control commands other than the common commands described above, a command for controlling the LED of the special symbol start memory display 18 (see FIG. 1), and a normal symbol start memory display (not shown) are controlled. For example, a command for controlling the unpaid prize ball present lamp 29 (see FIG. 1), a command for controlling display of the normal symbol variable display 10 (see FIG. 1), and the like.

  Referring to FIG. 26, the MODE data of the command for controlling the special symbol start memory display 18 is “10H”, and the EXT data is any one of “00H” to “04H”. Of these EXT data, “00H” designates that all four start memory display lamps (LEDs) are extinguished (start memory number = 0), and “01H” corresponds to start memory number = 1. It is specified that only one LED at the left end is turned on, “02H” specifies that the left two LEDs are turned on and the right two LEDs are turned off corresponding to the start memory number = 2, and “03H” is specified. Corresponding to the starting memory number = 3, it is designated to light up three LEDs other than the rightmost LED, and “04H” designates that all four LEDs are lit. The MODE data of the start memory display for the normal symbol is “11H”, and the EXT data is the same as the lamp control command for the special symbol.

  Further, referring to FIG. 26, the MODE data of the command for controlling the unpaid prize ball present lamp 29 is “04H”, and the EXT data is “04H” or “05H”. The EXT data “04H” designates turning on the lamp 29 with unpaid prize balls, and the EXT data “05H” designates turning off the lamp 29 with unpaid prize balls. For the lamp control commands for controlling the start memory display (for special symbols / normal symbols), a control command corresponding to each of the four LEDs is provided, and each LED is controlled by a lamp control command for each LED. May be designated to turn on / off.

  Referring to FIG. 27, the MODE data of the lamp control command for controlling the display of variable display 10 for normal symbols is “85H”, and the EXT data is any one of “00H” to “02H”. is there. Among these EXT data, the fluctuation start command “00H” designates the start of fluctuation of the normal symbol, and the fluctuation stop command “01H” designates that the fluctuation of the normal symbol is stopped and the result is designated as the hit. The command “02H” designates that the change of the normal symbol is stopped and the result is out of place. The type of symbol corresponding to winning and the type of symbol corresponding to coming off are stored on the lamp control board 35 side. The lamp control board 35 receives these control commands from the game control board 31 and receives the control command itself. The memorized winning symbol or missing symbol is displayed. However, instead of this, the types of control commands corresponding to the change stop may be increased so that the game control board 31 can specify up to the types of normal symbols. In addition, like a command to the display control board 80, three types of commands, that is, a change start command, a fixed symbol designation command, and a change stop command may be sent.

  FIG. 28 is a timing chart for explaining the output timing of the normal symbol fluctuation command and the fluctuation stop command. Similar to the variation pattern of the special symbol, the variation start command “85H 00H” is output from the game control board 31 at the timing of starting the variation of the normal symbol. In response to this change start command, the lamp control board 35 starts changing the normal symbol. After that, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the game control board 31 outputs a change stop command “85H XXH”. In response to this, the lamp control board 35 stops the variation of the normal symbol and derives and displays the result of winning or losing.

  Here, the normal symbol is configured to be controlled by the lamp control board, but may be configured to be controlled by the display control board 80. In this case, a normal symbol variation start command and variation stop command are output from the display control board 80 as display control commands.

Explanation of Prize Ball Control Command Next, with reference to FIG. 29, the prize ball control command output to the prize ball control board 37 will be explained. As shown in the figure, there are a total of nine types of prize ball control commands including unused data. Among these, the prize ball control command indicated by the MODE data “C1H” is a prize ball number command for designating normal payout, ie, prize ball payout. The EXT data of the prize ball number command is defined as a data area for designating the number of prize balls to be paid out.

  In addition, the command data whose MODE data is “C2H” is a command that specifies prohibition of ball lending, the command whose MODE data is “C3H” is a command that specifies ball lending is possible, and MODE data “C4H” A certain command is a firing prohibition designation command, a command whose MODE data is “C5H” is a launchable designation command, a command whose MODE data is “C6H” is a prize ball prohibition designation command, and the MODE data is “C7H”. "Is a command that allows winning balls. Furthermore, the command whose MODE data is “C8H” is power failure notice command data output when a power failure occurs, and the prize ball control board 37 receives the command data and performs a predetermined process for the power failure. Execute.

  Of these prize ball control commands, the EXT data is unified to “01H” except for the normal payout designation command.

Description of processing contents on game control board 31 side Next, processing contents on the game control board 31 side will be described based on flowcharts with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 30A is a flowchart for explaining the game control main process, and FIG. 30B is a flowchart for explaining the timer interrupt process.

  As described below, the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 mainly performs two processes every 2 ms. One is a normal game control process, and the other is a process for checking whether the power supply voltage is abnormally lowered. When these two processes are completed, the CPU 56 is in a standby state until the next time when the two processes can be started. The standby state is terminated by setting the timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 30B, and the CPU 56 executes the two processes again.

  With reference to FIG. 30, first, when power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1, it is determined whether or not the power failure has been restored (S1). As will be described later, the CPU 56 sets a power-off flag when it is expected that the power supply voltage will abnormally drop and a power failure occurs (see S23). The power-off flag is stored in the RAM 55 in the game control microcomputer 53 of the game control board 31 and is held by the backup power from the power board 910 for a while after the power-off occurs. For this reason, if it recovers within the backup time after the occurrence of a power failure, the power-off flag is maintained in the ON state, and it is determined that the power has been recovered after the power failure in S1. On the other hand, for example, when the gaming machine is turned off when the store is closed and then turned on the next morning before the store is opened, the power-off flag is erased as the backup time elapses. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that it was not recovered after a power failure in S1.

  When it is determined in S1 that the power supply has not been restored after a power failure, that is, for example, when the power is turned on the next morning after closing, normal initialization processing is executed (S2). The normal initialization process is a process for initializing all data in the RAM 55.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S1 that the game has been restored after the power failure (when the power-off flag is set), the game state is returned to the state before the power failure based on the backed up RAM data. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, an initialization system timer is set (S2a). This initialization system timer is a timer for generating an interrupt after a predetermined interrupt time (for example, 2 ms) elapses and starting a timer interrupt process (FIG. 30B). Thereby, if a predetermined interruption time elapses thereafter, the timer interruption process of FIG. 30B is started.

  Referring to FIG. 30B, when the timer interrupt process is started, the timer interrupt flag is set (S9), the initialization system timer is reset again, and the interrupt time is counted. It starts (S10).

  Referring again to FIG. 30A, after the initialization system timer is set (S2a), it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is set to 1 (S4). For example, immediately after the initialization process is executed, the timer interrupt flag is also initialized (= 0), and a determination of NO is made in S4. After that, when the initialization system set in S2a measures 2 ms, the timer interrupt process (FIG. 30 (b)) is executed, and when the timer interrupt flag is set to 1, a YES determination is made in S4. Made. As a result, the iteration loop constituted by S4 is exited, and the timer interrupt flag is cleared (= 0) (S5).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the power supply voltage is normal (S6). As described above, this determination is made based on the input signal from the power monitoring IC 902 input to the input port 570 (see FIG. 15).

  If it is determined in S6 that there is no abnormality in the power supply voltage and there is no possibility of a power failure, a normal game control process is executed (S7). Details of this game control process will be described later with reference to FIG. If a series of game control processing is performed, it will enter into the loop comprised by S4 again and will be in a standby state. Then, when the initialization system timer set in S10 times 2 ms, the timer interrupt flag is changed from 0 to 1, so that the loop is exited, and the processes after S5 are repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S6 that the power supply voltage is abnormal, a power failure generation process is executed (S8). The power failure generation process outputs a power failure notice command notifying that a power failure will occur to each of the control boards 35, 37, 70, and 80, sets the power-off flag described above, and thereafter game control processing by interruption Is a process for preventing the execution of. Details of the power failure generation process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In this way, in this game control main process, the game control process is executed every 2 ms, and the power supply voltage is periodically checked every 2 ms.

  In particular, since the voltage monitoring process in S6 is configured to be executed prior to the game control process in S7, the voltage monitoring process is executed as compared with the case where the order of both processes is changed. The time interval can be uniformly 2 ms. In other words, if the voltage monitoring process is executed after the game control process, the time at which the voltage monitoring process can be started varies depending on the time when the game control process ends. This is because the game control process, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 31, is different in the time required for completing all the steps depending on the game state. As described above, when there is a difference in the timing at which the voltage monitoring process can be started, the voltage monitoring process is executed once every 2 ms. However, since the voltage monitoring process is started last time, the voltage monitoring process is performed this time. The processing time interval until execution starts varies.

  Therefore, it is possible to execute the voltage monitoring process periodically every 2 ms by configuring the voltage monitoring process of S6 to be executed before the game control process of S7 as in the present embodiment. become. Thereby, the reliability which can anticipate a power failure can be made uniform in the operating period of a gaming machine.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining the game control process. This game control process is a subroutine executed in S7 of FIG.

  In the game control process, first, a data output process is executed (S10). Thereby, game information such as jackpot information is output to the hall computer. Next, error processing is executed (S11). In this error processing, when an error condition occurs, a process for setting the error condition and notifying that effect and a process for canceling the error condition under a predetermined condition are performed. Next, a random number update process for determination is executed (S12). In this determination random number update process, a process for updating the jackpot determination random number or the like is performed.

  Next, a special symbol process is executed (S13). In this special symbol process, a process for displaying a special symbol divided into a plurality of processes is executed according to a flag for selecting a process. The special symbol process will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, the outline of the special symbol process will be described separately with reference to FIG.

  Next, the normal symbol process is executed (S14). In this normal symbol process process, a process for displaying a normal symbol divided into a plurality of processes is executed according to a flag for selecting a process. The outline of the normal symbol process will be described with reference to FIG.

  Next, a display random number update process is executed (S15). In this display random number update process, a process for updating various random numbers used for determining a fixed symbol is performed.

  Next, winning ball signal processing is executed (S16). In this winning ball signal processing, processing corresponding to detection of a winning ball is performed. Details of the processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a prize ball command (prize ball control command) output process is executed (S17). In the prize ball command output process, for example, a prize ball number command corresponding to the designated number of prize balls set in the prize ball signal process, a power failure notice command, and other prize ball control commands are output to the prize ball control board 35. Is executed.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart for explaining the winning ball signal processing. This winning ball signal processing is a subroutine executed in S16 of FIG.

  In the winning ball signal processing, first, the winning detection mechanism (winning switch) is checked (SS1). Specifically, the check of the winning detection mechanism is to check the input status of detection signals from various winning switches. Next, based on the result of checking the winning detection mechanism, it is determined whether or not a winning has occurred at any winning opening (SS2). When it is determined that no winning has occurred at a certain winning opening, it is determined whether or not all winning detection mechanisms (winning switches) have been checked (SS4), and a winning detection mechanism that has not been checked yet. If there is a (winning switch), the process proceeds to SS1 again.

  In SS2, if it is determined that a winning is detected by a winning detection mechanism (winning switch), 1 is added to the winning ball counter (SS3). Here, the winning ball counter is a counter for counting the number of winnings, and is added and updated based on the detection of winnings in this way, and every time a winning ball number command corresponding to the detected winning ball is output. Subtraction is updated in the prize ball command output process (S17 in FIG. 31). In this flowchart, for example, it is assumed that there are two types of the number of prize balls to be paid out for one prize, and the prize ball counter 1 and prize balls corresponding to each type are used as the prize ball counters. Counter 2 is used. Therefore, in SS3, 1 is added to the prize ball counter 1 or the prize ball counter 2.

  If it is determined in SS4 that the all winning detection mechanism (winning switch) has been checked, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the winning ball counter 1 is 0 (SS5). When the counter value of the prize ball counter 1 is 0, the process proceeds to SS7, which will be described later. However, when the counter value of the prize ball counter 1 is not 0, that is, when there is a winning for the prize ball counter 1. The number of prize balls to be paid out corresponding to the winning is set, and the number of prize balls to be paid out is added to the unpaid prize ball counter (SS6). The number of winning balls set here is added to the number of winning balls set in SS8, which will be described later. Then, a prize ball number command corresponding to the addition result is output in a prize ball command output process (S17 in FIG. 31). The unpaid prize ball counter is a counter that counts the number of prize balls that have not been paid out of the expected number of prize balls. The counter value of the unpaid prize ball number counter is subtracted and updated in SS10 every time the detection output of the prize ball count switch is obtained.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the prize ball counter 2 is 0 (SS7). If the value of the prize ball counter 2 is 0, the process proceeds to SS9, which will be described later. If it is not 0, the number of prize balls to be paid out is set in the same manner as SS6, and the number of unpaid prize balls is to be paid out. Are added (SS8).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the detection output of the prize ball count switch is obtained (SS9). If the detection output of the prize ball count switch is not obtained, the process proceeds to SS11 described later, but the detection output is obtained. In the case of a failure, the counter value of the unpaid prize ball number counter is decremented by 1 (SS10). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the unpaid prize ball number counter is 0 (SS11). If the value of the unpaid prize ball number counter is 0, that is, all prize balls to be paid out have been paid out. In this case, it is designated to turn off the lamp 29 with unpaid prize balls (SS13), and when the counter value is not 0, it is designated to turn on the lamp 29 with unpaid prize balls (SS12). The data designated by SS12 and SS13 is output as a lamp control command in the control data output process (SC8) of FIG.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart for explaining a power failure occurrence process. This power failure generation process is a subroutine executed in S8 of FIG.

  In this power failure generation process, interrupts are first prohibited (S20). As a result, the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 30B is not executed regardless of the elapsed time, and the interrupt flag is not set to 1.

  Next, a power failure notice command ("C8H 01H" see FIG. 29) is output to the prize ball control board 37 (S21). Subsequently, the lamp control board 35, the voice control board 70, and the display control board 80 have the same configuration. A power failure notice command ("A1H 00H" see FIG. 24) is output (S22). In response to the power failure notice command, the display control board 80 causes the display screen to display a message for interrupting the display control performed until that time and prompting the power to be turned on again as described above. In addition, the lamp control board 35 receives the power failure notice command and turns off all the lamps / LEDs as described above. Similarly, the audio control board 70 receives the power failure notice command and puts the speaker 27 in the silent state as described above.

  Upon receiving the power failure notice command, the prize ball control board 37 interrupts any control such as prize ball payout control. Detailed description thereof will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the power-off flag is set (S23). This power-off flag is held for some time by the backup power source even after a power failure, and it is determined whether or not it is set in S1 described above when the power failure is restored.

  Next, various types of data currently stored in the RAM 55 are referred to, and a checksum is calculated using a specific bit (for example, the first bit) in a bit string constituting the various types of data. The calculated checksum is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (S24). Note that the checksum stored here is checked in S30 of FIG. 34 when the power failure is restored.

  Next, prohibiting access to the RAM 55 is set (S25), and based on this, no processing is performed until the power is cut off (S26). If power is supplied again after the power is cut off, the process shifts to the game control main process of FIG.

  According to the power failure occurrence pre-processing shown in FIG. 33, the access to the RAM 55 is prohibited immediately before the power failure occurs, and the progress of the game is stopped. Therefore, a power failure occurs while the CPU 56 is accessing the RAM 55, and the RAM 56 It is possible to prevent data from being distorted. Moreover, when the progress of the game is stopped, a stop notice command is output to each control board 35, 70, 80 by S22, and the game effect by the variable display device 8, the lamp / LED, and the speaker 27 is also interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to make those gaming parts consistent with the game progress stop state.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining a power failure recovery process. This power failure recovery process is a subroutine executed in S3 of FIG.

  In the power failure recovery process, first, the checksum stored in the RAM 55 is checked to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the value (S30). If it is determined that there is an abnormality as a result of the checksum check, the data stored in the RAM 55 may be garbled, so that the stored data is used to resume control. Without initialization, the initialization process is executed in the same manner as shown in S2 of FIG. 30 (S32). Thereby, all the data in the RAM 55 are initialized. On the other hand, if it is determined in S30 that there is no abnormality in the checksum, the power-off flag is cleared (S31), and then the gaming state is restored to restore the gaming state based on the data stored in the RAM 55. Processing is executed (S33). Details of the game state restoration process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining the gaming state restoration processing. This gaming state restoration process is a subroutine executed in S33 of FIG. 34, and after the power failure restoration, a process for restoring the variable display device 8, the lamp / LED, and the speaker 27 based on the RAM data on the gaming control board 31 side. It is.

  In the game state restoration process, first, a startup memory restoration process is executed (SA1). The start memory restoration process is a process for restoring the display state of the special symbol start memory display 18 and the normal symbol start memory display to the state before the power failure based on the data stored in the RAM 55. Specifically, a lamp control command for designating the lighting pattern of the start memory display 18 and the start symbol display of the normal symbol is output from the game control board 31 to the lamp control board 35. This lighting pattern is selected by the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 based on the start memory number stored in the RAM 55 of the game control board 31 before a power failure occurs. Since the RAM 55 is backed up by the backup power source, the start memory number before the power failure is still stored in the RAM 55 even after the power failure is restored.

  The control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35 receives the output lamp control command and restores the display state of the special symbol start memory display 18 and the normal symbol start memory display to the state before the power failure.

  As described above, after the power failure is restored, the display state of the special symbol start memory display 18 and the normal symbol start memory display among the variable display device 8, the lamp / LED, and the speaker 27 is first restored. . For this reason, even if the starting memory number is not yet displayed after the power failure is restored, the game control that looks strange that the variable symbol display control of the special symbol is started is not performed. In addition, when the image of the variable display device 8 is restored with priority over the display of the startup storage display after the power failure is restored, the display of the startup storage display is restored after the image of the variable display device 8 is restored. While giving the player the impression that the starting memory left before the power outage has been reset due to the power outage, giving the player anxiety, but the display of the starting memory is given priority. There is no such thing to return. As described above, when the power failure is restored, the gaming state can be smoothly restored.

  Next, display restoration processing is executed (SA2). The display restoration process is a process for restoring the display state of the variable display device 8 to the state before the power failure. Specifically, a display control command for designating a display control pattern such as a special symbol variation pattern is output from the game control board 31 to the display control board 80. This display control pattern is selected by the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 based on the control data stored in the RAM 55 of the game control board 31 before the power failure occurs. Since the RAM 55 is backed up by the backup power source, the display control data before the power failure is still stored in the RAM 55 even after the power failure is restored. If the special symbol has already started to change when a power failure occurs, a change start command or the like corresponding to the change is output from the game control board 31 anew in this display recovery process. For this reason, when a power failure occurs during the change of the special symbol, the special symbol starts changing again after the power failure is restored.

  Next, voice recovery processing is executed (SA3). The sound restoration process is a process for restoring the sound effect from the speaker 27 to the state before the occurrence of the power failure. In this voice restoration process, a voice control command designating a voice control pattern corresponding to the display state of the variable display device 8 restored by the display restoration process (SA2) is output from the game control board 31 to the voice control board 70. The This voice control pattern is selected by the CPU 56 of the game control board 31 based on the control data stored in the RAM 55 of the game control board 31 before the power failure occurs. Since the RAM 55 is backed up by the backup power source, the voice control data before the power failure is still stored in the RAM 55 even after the power failure is restored.

  Next, a lamp restoration process is executed (SA4). The lamp restoration process is a process for restoring various lamps / LEDs other than the special symbol start memory indicator 18 and the normal symbol start memory indicator to the lighting state before the power failure. Specifically, a lamp control command corresponding to the display state of the variable display device 8 restored by the display restoration process of SA2, a lamp control command for controlling the lamp 29 with unpaid prize balls, etc. are backed up by a backup power source. The CPU 56 selects the selected lamp control command based on the control data stored in the RAM 55 and outputs the selected lamp control command to the lamp control board 35. Since the RAM 55 is backed up by the backup power source, the lamp control data before the power failure is still stored in the RAM 55 even after the power failure is restored.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining the special symbol process. This special symbol process is a subroutine executed in S13 of FIG. The outline of this special symbol process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When performing the special symbol process, the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 53 performs one of steps SC1 to SC6 shown in FIG. 36 according to the value of the special symbol process flag. If a control command output request is generated in any of SC6 or other processing, control command data corresponding to the output request is set in SC7, and the set control command is output in SC8. Hereinafter, each step of the special symbol process will be described.

  Special symbol variation waiting process (SC1): This process is executed while waiting for the start winning switch 14 to be turned on after the start winning prize is received. When the start port switch 17 is turned on, if the start winning memorized number has not reached the upper limit value, the start winning memorized number is incremented by 1 and a big hit determination random number is extracted. The processing executed here will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Big hit determination process (SC2): This process determines whether to win or not depending on the value of the extracted random number for big hit determination.

  Special symbol stop symbol setting process (SC3): This is a process of determining the final stop symbol (determined symbol) of the left and right middle symbols and determining the variation pattern.

  All symbol variation processing (SC4): This is processing for starting the variation of the special symbol. Specifically, a change start command output request is set.

  All symbol stop process (SC5): This is a process for setting an output request for a symbol stop command when the variable display period based on the variation pattern set in SC3 has elapsed.

  Big hit middle processing (SC6): When the confirmed symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, this is processing for setting an output request for a display control command for big hit control. The display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 performs display control such as a big hit display on the variable display unit 9 based on the command data set here.

  Control data setting process (SC7): A process for setting corresponding command data in response to a control command output request set in SC1 to SC6 and other processes.

  Control data output process (SC8): This process outputs the command data set in SC7 as a control command to the corresponding control board 35, 70, 80. Specifically, corresponding control command data is output to an output port provided corresponding to the control board, and an INT signal (strobe signal) is output to the output port.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing special symbol variation waiting processing (SC1) in the special symbol process. In this special symbol variation waiting process, first, it is determined whether or not there has been a winning at the start winning opening 14 (S41). If not, the process ends, but if there is a starting win, the start memory number is limited to the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the value (= 4) has already been reached (S42). If the starting memory number has reached the upper limit value, the starting prize is not stored, but if not, the value of the starting memory number counter for counting the starting memory number is incremented by 1 (S43). The start memory number counter is configured in the storage area of the RAM 55.

  Next, the big hit determination random number used for the big hit determination is extracted, and the extracted value is stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 55 according to the value of the start memory number counter (S44), and the processing is ended.

  FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of process data used in the special symbol process. The process data is stored in the ROM 54 of the game control microcomputer 53. Of the special symbol process, SC1 to SC6 are performed according to the process data.

  As shown in the figure, the process data is a collection of one or more data composed of 4 bytes (process timer data × 2, MODE data × 1, EXT data × 1). An end code indicating the end of the process is added. Hereinafter, such a set of data (4N bytes + 2 bytes) is referred to as a process data group. There are a plurality of such process data groups, and when the CPU 56 of the game control microcomputer 53 finishes executing a certain process data group, it designates the predetermined start address of the next process data group and Start the data group execution.

  In the process data group, the process timer values of the first byte and the second byte are timers used when executing the control data of the third byte and the fourth byte. When this timer expires, the process data When control data (set at the seventh and eighth bytes) is further added to the group, the added control data is executed. In that case, the process timer set in the 5th and 6th bytes is used. On the other hand, when the next data is an end code when the process timer expires, a predetermined start address of the next process data group is designated and the process data group is executed.

  The control data set in the process data group is control command data. As shown in FIG. 38, for example, MODE data of the common command data is set in the third byte, and EXT data is set in the fourth byte.

  FIG. 39 is a subroutine showing process data / timer processing executed in the steps SC1 to SC6 among the steps of the special symbol process. In this process data / timer process, first, a special symbol process timer setting process is executed (S401). In the special symbol process timer setting process, when the process data group is switched, the start address of the process data group to be executed in each of the steps SC1 to SC6 is set out of a plurality of types of process data groups. A process timer for process data corresponding to is set. This special symbol process timer setting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, 1 is subtracted from the value of the process timer (S403). Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the process timer is 0 (S404). If the value is not 0, it is determined that the process is continuing (S408), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the value of the process timer is 0, the data pointer is set to point to the next data (4 bytes) in the process data group (S405). Next, the value of the first and second bytes in the data group pointed to by the data pointer is set as a process timer (S406), and it is determined whether or not the newly set value is an end code (S407). If it is not an end code, process continuation is set to execute processing based on the newly set process timer (S408). On the other hand, if it is an end code, since the process of the process data group has ended, the end of the process is set (S409), and the process ends.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart for explaining the special symbol process timer setting process. This special symbol process timer setting process is a subroutine executed in S401 of FIG.

  In the special symbol process timer setting process, it is first determined whether or not the address of the process data group has been changed (whether switching of the process data group is designated) (S421). If there is no change in the address, that is, if the process of the process data group is continuing, it is not necessary to change the currently set process data address. After the address is set again (S425), the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the address is changed, that is, when the process data group is switched, a determination of YES is made in S421, and the start address of the changed process data group is set (S422). Then, the first and second byte values (timer values) in the new process data group are newly set as process timers (S423), and the process timer values are stored (S424). Next, the value of the changed data address is set as a process data address (S425), and the process ends.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart for explaining the control data setting process. This control data setting process is a subroutine executed in SC7 of the special symbol process of FIG.

  In the control data setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the control data (display control command data, voice control command data, lamp control command data) has been changed (S81). The change of the control data occurs when the control data executed by the process timer in the process data group shown in FIG. For example, this occurs when the process timer expires after a variable display period (fluctuation time) corresponding to the fluctuation start command has elapsed since the fluctuation start command was output.

  When the control data is changed in this way, the control command data in the changed process data group is read (S82). Then, the read control command data corresponds to each of the lamp control board 35, the voice control board 70, and the display control board 80. The output port X (X is the display control board 80: output port A 571, the voice control board 70: The data storage area of the output port C 573, lamp control board 35: output port E 575) is temporarily set (S84). Next, the port X output request corresponding to each control board is set (S85). The output request set here is checked in S581 of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in S81 that there is no change in the control data, the process ends as it is.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart for explaining the control data output process. This control data output process is a subroutine executed in SC8 of the special symbol process of FIG.

  In the control data output process, first, it is determined whether or not an output request for the port X corresponding to each of the control boards 35, 70, 80 is set (S581). As described above, this output request can be set in S85 of FIG. When the port X output request is set, first, after the processing for resetting the port X output request is performed (S582), the contents of the port X storage area correspond to the control boards 35, 70, and 80, respectively. Is output to the output port X (S583).

  Next, the value of the port X output counter is incremented by 1 (S584), and the port Y for outputting the INT signal (strobe signal) (Y is the display control board 80: output port B 572, the voice control board 70: Bit 7 of output port D 574, lamp control board 35: output port F 576) is set to 0 (S585). Here, when bit 7 of port Y is set to 0, the INT signal corresponding to each control board 35, 70, 80 changes from the invalid state to the valid state. Thereafter, the process is temporarily terminated.

  Thereafter, when 2 ms elapses, the control data output process is executed again. This is because the game control process (S7 in FIG. 30) including this control data output process is executed every 2 ms. If this control data output process is executed after 2 ms, it is determined in S581 that there is no output request for port X. This is because the output request of the port X has been reset in S582 last time. In this case, it is determined whether or not the output counter of the port X is 0 (S586). Here, since the output counter of the port X was incremented by 1 in S584 last time, NO is determined in S586. In this case, it is subsequently determined whether or not the output counter of the port X is 2 (S587). If the value of the output counter of the port X is still 1, the count value is further incremented by 1 (S588), and the process is temporarily terminated. After that, after 4 ms has passed since the INT signal was changed from the invalid state to the valid state in S585, when this control data output process is executed again, the value of the port X output counter is 2 in S587. As a result, the port X output counter is cleared (S589), and then bit 7 of port Y is changed from 0 to 1 (S590), and the process ends. As a result, the state of the INT signal is changed from the valid state to the invalid state.

  As described above, when the control data output process is executed, when the control command data is output from the port X, the INT signal becomes a low level, that is, an effective state for 4 ms. FIG. 43 shows the state of the signal.

  FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the flow of processing related to the special symbol process shown in FIG.

  First, when the variable display of the special symbol is finished and the variable symbol can be started again (S20: Start SW ON), the jackpot determination random number extracted when the start winning occurs is read out. It is determined whether it is a big hit determination value (S21). When the value is a jackpot determination value, it is determined in advance that the variable display result is a jackpot, and when the value is other than that, it is determined in advance that the variable display result is to be lost. Note that when a probability change flag, which will be described later, is set and the gaming state is in a probability fluctuation state, the jackpot determination value increases and the jackpot probability is improved.

  If it is determined that the variable display result is out of place (NO in S21), the left, middle and right off symbols are set on the basis of the random number value for determining the outlier (S26). More specifically, the type of the definite symbol designation command to be output to the display control board 80 is determined. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S28a described later.

  When it is determined to be a big hit in S21, a big hit flag is set (S22). Next, it is determined whether or not the limiter is operating (S23). As described above, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, the limiter is activated (the limiter flag is ON) when the number of times that the probability variation has continued continuously reaches a predetermined limit value. If it is determined that the limiter is not operating, it is determined based on the extracted value of the random number for probability variation determination whether or not to increase the probability (probability large hit) (S24). When it is determined to be per high probability (probability big hit), the big hit symbol is decided from among the probability variation symbols (S25). More specifically, the type of a definite symbol designation command for designating a probability variation symbol is determined. Next, a probability variation flag is set (S28). The probability variation hit flag is a flag indicating that the probability variation big hit has been determined.

  If it is determined in S24 that it will not be a probable change big hit, or if it is determined in S23 that the limiter is operating, a big win symbol is selected from the non-probable change symbols (S27). More precisely, the type of a definite symbol designation command that designates a non-probable variation symbol is determined.

  After the determined symbol designation command type is determined in any one of S25 to S27, the variation start command type is determined (S28a), and then the determined variation start command is transmitted to the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board. 70 and the display control board 80 (S29). Note that the variable display device 8 starts variable display of special symbols by receiving the change start command on the display control board 80 side. Further, when the fluctuation start command is received by the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70, a game effect (lamp control, voice control) corresponding to the fluctuation pattern is performed.

  Next, the fixed symbol designation command set in S25 to S27 is sent (S30). On the display control board 80 side, the variable symbol display result of the special symbol is determined based on this fixed symbol designation command.

  Next, when it is time to end the variable display period specified by the change start command, a change stop command is sent to the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, and the display control board 80 (S31), and the special symbol is displayed. The change ends. Next, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set (S32). If the big hit flag is not set, the display result of the variable display device 8 is out of order, so that the state waits for start (wait for start) (S33). On the other hand, if it is determined that the big hit flag is set, the probability variation flag is cleared (S34), and then the big hit command is sent to the lamp control board 35, the voice control board 70, and the display control board 80. (S35). On the display control board 80 side, by receiving this jackpot command, control is performed to switch the screen showing the jackpot display result to the jackpot start screen. The lamp control board 35 and the sound control board 70 perform a big hit effect (lamp control, sound control).

  Next, after the big hit control is finished, it is determined whether or not the confirmed symbol is a probability variation symbol (S36), and if it is a certain probability variation symbol, a probability variation flag is set (S37). Thereby, it is controlled to the probability fluctuation state. On the other hand, if the confirmed symbol is not a probability variation symbol, the probability variation flag is not set, and a start waiting (start waiting) state is entered (S38).

  FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the normal symbol process process. The outline of the normal symbol process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In the normal symbol process, first, if there is a detection output of the gate switch 12 that does not exceed the upper limit value (= 4) of the normal symbol start-up memory (S200), a random symbol for determining a hit error of the normal symbol is extracted. Then, it is determined whether the variable symbol display result of the normal symbol is a hit or not (S201). When the hit determination is made, the normal symbol hit flag is set (S202), and then the hit symbol is determined (S203). Specifically, it is determined that the normal symbol stop symbol designation command is “85H 01H”. On the other hand, when the determination of detachment is made, the detachment symbol is determined (S204). Specifically, it is determined that the normal symbol stop symbol designation command is “85H 02H”.

  After that, if it becomes possible to start the fluctuation based on the start-up memory of the normal symbol, a normal symbol fluctuation start command is sent at that time (S205). Next, when a predetermined variation time has elapsed, a normal symbol stop symbol designation command is sent (S206). Thereby, the fluctuation | variation of a normal symbol is stopped. Next, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol hit flag is set (S207). If the normal symbol per flag is not set, the display result is out of order, and the process waits for start (S209). Specifically, if there is a normal symbol start-up memory, the process proceeds to S200 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the hit flag is set, the normal electric solenoid ON is set (S208). Thereby, the solenoid 306 for opening the blade member 150 of the start port 14 is excited. Next, when a predetermined excitation time elapses, it is determined that the operation is finished (YES in S210), and a normal electric solenoid OFF setting for making the solenoid 306 in a non-excitation state is set (S211). Thereafter, the process waits for a start (S212).

Description of processing contents on the lamp control board / voice control board / display control board side Next, referring to FIGS. 46 to 48, a control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35, a control CPU 701 of the voice control board 70, The processing contents of the control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 will be described based on a flowchart.

  FIG. 46A is a flowchart for explaining the main process executed by the control CPU of each control board 35, 70, 80, and FIG. 46B is a flowchart for explaining the timer interrupt process.

  Referring to FIG. 46A, in the main process, first, an initialization process (S101) is executed with the power-on of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the RAM data is initialized. Next, an initialization system timer for starting an interrupt process by generating an interrupt after a predetermined interrupt time (for example, 500 μs) has elapsed is set (S102). Thereby, after a predetermined interrupt time (for example, 500 μs) has elapsed, the timer interrupt process of FIG. 46B is started.

  Referring to FIG. 46B, when the timer interrupt process is started, the interrupt flag is set (S108), the initialization system timer is reset again, and the counting of the interrupt time starts. Is done.

  Referring again to FIG. 46 (a), after S102, the process waits until the interrupt flag is set (S103). When the interrupt flag is set, a YES determination is made in S103, and S104 described later is performed. Step S106 is executed, and the process waits for the interrupt flag to be set again. When the initialization system timer set in S109 finishes counting the interrupt time, the timer interrupt process is started and the interrupt flag is set in S108. As a result, the processes in S104 to S106 are performed again. Executed. Thereafter, each time the timer interrupt process is started every interrupt time, the processes of S104 to S106 are executed.

Hereinafter, the process of S104-S106 is demonstrated.
The control command reading process (S104) is a process of reading a control command transmitted from the game control board 31 side. Thereby, the control CPU of the lamp control board 35 reads the lamp control command, the control CPU of the voice control board 70 reads the voice control command, and the control CPU of the display control board 80 reads the display control command. Details of the processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the control command execution process (S105), a ROM address in which effect pattern data according to the newly fetched control command is stored is set, and control (ramp control, sound control, image control) based on the effect pattern data corresponding to the ROM address is set. This is a process of outputting a control signal for executing (display control) from the output port. Details of this control command execution processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The watchdog timer reset process (S106) is a process of resetting the watchdog timer of the watchdog timer circuit (not shown) provided on each control board 35, 70, 80 and counting the watchdog timer from the initial value again. is there. This watchdog timer circuit is external to the control CPU when the control CPU of each control board 35, 70, 80 runs out of control and stops interrupting every predetermined time (for example, 500 μs). This is a circuit that gives a reset pulse to stop runaway.

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart for explaining the control command reading process. This control command reading process is a subroutine executed in S104 of FIG. This control command reading process is executed every predetermined time (for example, 500 μs).

  In the control command reading process, first, it is determined whether or not the INT signal is ON, that is, whether or not the INT signal is in a valid state (S501). If the INT signal is not ON, communication is performed. After the counter is cleared (S501), the process ends. The communication counter is a counter used for counting the number of times the same control command has been received continuously. When the communication counter reaches 3, it is determined that the received control command is a regular command for the first time.

  If it is determined in S501 that the INT signal is ON, a process of reading a control command sent from the game control board 31 is performed (S502). Next, it is determined whether the INT signal rises and is the first command, or whether the control command read in the current process is the same command as the control command read in the previous process (S503). ).

  If it is determined that the control command read in this process is the first command when the INT signal rises, or if it is determined that it is the same command as the control command read in the previous process, the counter value of the communication counter Is determined to be a predetermined maximum value (MAX) or not (S504). As described above, the communication counter is a counter for counting the number of times that the control command extracted during the period in which the INT signal is valid matches the control command extracted last time. The maximum value is set to “3”.

  If it is determined that the counter value of the communication counter is not at the maximum value, the counter value of the communication counter is updated by adding “1” (S505), and the process proceeds to S507. On the other hand, if it is determined that the counter value of the communication counter is the maximum value, the process proceeds to S507 without adding and updating the counter value of the communication counter.

  If it is determined in S503 that the control command read in the current process is not the same command as the control command read in the previous process, a process of clearing the counter value of the communication counter is performed (S506). Then, the process proceeds to S507. As described above, the communication counter is cleared when the INT signal becomes invalid and when the control command read in the current process is not the same command as the control command read in the previous process. . Therefore, if the control commands do not match continuously, the counter value of the communication counter becomes “0”.

  In S507, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the communication counter is “3”. When it is determined that the counter value of the communication counter is not “3”, the control command received this time is set (stored) in the work area of the RAM (S510), and this control command reading process is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the counter value of the communication counter is “3”, a process of setting (storing) the control command that has been matched three times in the received command storage area is performed (S509). This received command storage area is an area in which command data regarded as regular command data is set. Control based on the control command stored in the received command storage area is executed by the control CPU. Thereafter, after S510 is executed, the process ends.

  FIG. 48 is a flowchart for explaining the control command execution process. The control command execution process is a subroutine executed by the control CPU of the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, or the display control board 80 in S105 of the main process shown in FIG.

  In the control command execution process, first, it is determined whether or not a control command has been received (S181). If the control command has not been received, the process ends. On the other hand, if the control command has been received, the received command is read from the received command storage area, and it is determined whether or not the command is a power failure notice command (S182). If it is a power failure notice command, a power failure occurrence process is executed (S183).

  The content of the power failure generation process varies depending on the control board. In the case of the control CPU of the lamp control board 35, a process of turning off all the lamps / LEDs including the start storage lamp is executed. The control CPU of the sound control board 70 controls the speaker 27 to a silent state where no sound effect is output. The control CPU of the display control board 80 interrupts the display control so far and displays the message shown in FIG. 25 on the display screen of the variable display device 8. In this way, when a power failure notice command is received, the game effect by the variable display device 8, the lamp / LED, and the speaker 27 is also interrupted by the power failure generation process (S183), so that the game parts are stopped from progressing. It is possible to make the state consistent with the state. In addition, after the power failure generation process is executed, if the power supply is cut off for a while, the RAM data of each control board 35, 70, 80 is thereby lost.

  When it is determined in S182 that the command is not a power failure notice command, effect pattern data corresponding to the control command is read from the ROM (S184), and control corresponding to the effect pattern data is executed (S185). Specifically, a control signal corresponding to the production pattern data is output from the output port. Thereby, image display control, lamp control, and voice control are performed with the effect pattern corresponding to the control command.

Description of Process Contents on Prize Ball Control Board Next, the contents of the process of the prize ball control CPU on the prize ball control board 37 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 49A is a flowchart for explaining the main ball control main process, and FIG. 49B is a flowchart for explaining the timer interrupt process.

  In the winning ball control main process, when power is supplied, it is first determined whether or not a power failure occurrence flag is set (SM1). Here, the power failure occurrence flag is a flag set by the prize ball control CPU of the prize ball control board 37 in the SM 51 of FIG. 52 described later when a power failure notice command is transmitted from the game control board 31. This power failure occurrence flag is stored in the RAM 381 of the prize ball control board 37, and is held by the backup power source from the power supply board 910 for a while after the power failure occurs. For this reason, if it recovers within the backup time after the occurrence of a power failure, this power failure occurrence flag is maintained in the ON state, and it is determined that the SM1 has recovered after the power failure. On the other hand, for example, when the gaming machine is turned off when the store is closed and the power is turned on before the store is opened the next morning, the power failure occurrence flag is erased as the backup time elapses. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the SM1 has not recovered after the power failure.

  When it is determined in SM1 that the power supply has not been restored after a power failure, that is, for example, when the power is turned on the next morning after closing, normal initialization processing is executed (SM2). The normal initialization process is a process for initializing all data in the RAM 381. Next, an initialization system timer is set (SMSa). The initialization system timer is a timer for generating an interrupt after a predetermined interrupt time (for example, 500 μs) has elapsed and starting a timer interrupt process (FIG. 49B). Thereby, if a predetermined interruption time elapses thereafter, the timer interruption process of FIG. 49 (b) is started.

  Referring to FIG. 49 (b), when the timer interrupt process is started, the timer interrupt flag is set (SM11), the initialization system timer is reset again, and the interrupt time is counted. Started (SM12).

  Referring again to FIG. 49 (a), if it is determined that the power failure occurrence flag is set in SM1, the power failure occurrence flag is reset after the power failure recovery process is executed (SM3) ( SM3a).

  Here, the power failure recovery process is a process for initializing a RAM area other than the RAM area in which the value of the remaining prize ball counter is stored. The remaining prize ball counter is a counter that stores the number of prize balls to be paid out (the number of prize balls that have not been paid out), and this counter value is held by the backup power supply when a power failure occurs. There are two counter ball counters. One is a remaining award ball counter 1 that is subtracted and updated based on the detection output of the prize ball count switch 301A, and the other is a remaining award that is subtracted and updated based on the detection output from the payout motor position sensor 286. This is a ball counter 2. Both counters are added and updated in parallel in accordance with a normal payout designation command (prize ball number command) from the game control board 31 side.

  This power failure recovery process differs from the SM2 initialization process only in that the data (the value of the remaining award ball counter) about the expected number of winning balls stored in the RAM before the power failure is not initialized. . After SM3, the power failure occurrence flag is reset (SM3a), and then the initialization system timer is set in SM2a.

  After SM2a, a payout control designation process is executed (SM4). Details of the payout control designation process will be described later with reference to FIG. The payout control designation process includes a power failure occurrence process that is executed when a power failure notice command is received.

  Next, a payroll payout control process is executed (SM5). When the ball lending payout control process is executed, a ball lending is paid out when a ball lending request is generated from the card unit 50. Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the remaining prize ball number counter is zero. If the value is not 0, that is, if there is a prize ball to be paid out, a prize ball payout control process for paying out a prize ball is executed (SM7). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is 1 (SM8). When the timer interrupt flag is not 1 (when 500 μs has not elapsed), the process proceeds to SM4 again. On the other hand, when the timer interrupt flag is 1, the timer interrupt flag is cleared (= 0) (SM9), and then a prize ball control command reading process is performed (SM10). Thereafter, the process proceeds to SM4. Details of the prize ball control command reading process will be described next with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart for explaining a prize ball control command reading process. This prize ball control command reading process is a subroutine executed in SM10 of FIG. This prize ball control command reading process is executed every predetermined time (for example, 500 μs).

  This prize ball control command reading process is substantially the same as the control command reading process executed on the other control board 35, 70, 80 side already described with reference to FIG. This is the same as described with reference to FIG. The difference from the control command reading process executed on the other control boards 35, 70, 80 is that the same control command can be received three times in succession, so that the control command can be determined to be a regular command. When the control command is a normal payout designation command (prize ball number command), the number of prize balls designated by the command is each of the remaining prize ball number counter 1 and the remaining prize ball number counter 2. The process of adding to (SM30) is also performed.

  Since the other points are the same as the control command reading process executed on the other control boards 35, 70, 80 already described with reference to FIG. 47, further description is omitted.

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart for explaining the payout control designation process. This payout control designation process is a subroutine executed by SM4 in FIG.

  In the payout control designation process, first, it is determined whether or not a control command designating a power failure occurrence process, that is, a power failure notice command has been received (SN0a). When the power failure notice command is not received, the process proceeds to SN1, but when the power failure occurrence process designation control command is received, the power failure occurrence process is executed (SN0b). The contents of the power failure generation process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined at SN0a that the power failure notice command has not been received, it is determined whether or not a ball lending prohibition command has been received (SN1). When it is determined that a ball lending prohibition command has been received, processing for setting a ball lending prohibition flag is performed (SN3). This indicates that a ball lending prohibition is instructed. Thereafter, the payout control designation process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the ball lending prohibition command has not been received, it is determined whether or not a prize ball prohibition command has been received (SN2). If it is determined that a winning ball prohibition command has been received, processing for setting a winning ball prohibition flag is performed (SN5). This indicates that the prohibition of prize balls is instructed. Thereafter, the payout control designation process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that no winning ball prohibition command has been received, it is determined whether or not a firing prohibition command has been received (SN4). When it is determined that the firing prohibition command has been received, the launch prohibition flag is set (SN7), and the launch control signal is set to the LOW level (SN8). As a result, it is indicated that the prohibition of firing is instructed, and control is performed so that the hitting of the hit ball is impossible. Thereafter, the payout control designation process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the firing prohibition command has not been received, it is determined whether or not a ball lending prohibition release command has been received (SN6). When it is determined that the ball lending prohibition release command has been received, processing for resetting the ball lending prohibition flag is performed (SN10). As a result, it is no longer indicated that the ball lending prohibition is instructed. Thereafter, the payout control designation process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the ball lending prohibition release command has not been received, it is determined whether or not a prize ball prohibition cancellation command has been received (SN9). When it is determined that a prize ball prohibition release command has been received, a process for resetting the prize ball prohibition flag is performed (SN12). As a result, it is not indicated that the prize ball prohibition is instructed. Thereafter, the payout control designation process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning ball prohibition cancel command has not been received, it is determined whether or not the firing prohibition cancel command has been received (SN10). If it is determined that the firing prohibition release command has been received, the launch prohibition flag is reset (SN13), and then the launch prohibition flag is reset (SN14).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in SN10 that the launch prohibition release command has not been received, the prize ball control command has not yet been received, and thus the payout control designation process ends.

  Thus, according to the payout control designation process, the prize ball control command is decoded, and various flags and control signals are controlled according to the control content designated by the prize ball control command.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart for explaining a power failure occurrence process. This power failure generation process is a subroutine executed at SN0b in FIG.

  In the power failure generation process, a setting for prohibiting access to the RAM 381 of the prize ball control board 37 is made (SM50), and then a power failure occurrence flag is set (SM51). This power failure occurrence flag is a flag confirmed in SM1 of FIG. Next, based on the setting of SM50, an infinite loop is entered until the power is cut off (SM52). As a result, the control CPU 371 of the winning ball control board 37 is substantially incapable of executing processing, and access to the RAM 381 is prohibited.

  As described above, the control CPU 371 on the prize ball control board 37 side executes the power outage generation process in preparation for a power outage at the timing of receiving the power outage notice command from the game control board 31 side, and accesses the RAM 381. Is prohibited. Thereby, it is possible to prevent as much as possible that a power failure occurs while the control CPU 371 is accessing the RAM 381. For this reason, the RAM data is corrupted by a power failure that occurs while the control CPU 371 is accessing the RAM 381, and control cannot be resumed based on the RAM data that was backed up after the power failure was restored. Can be avoided.

  In particular, the control CPU 371 on the prize ball control board 37 side does not proceed with the power outage generation process in anticipation of a power outage on its own, but performs the power outage generation process at the timing of receiving the power outage notice command from the game control board 31 side To start. For this reason, since the control CPU 371 on the prize ball control board 37 side has started the power failure occurrence process first, a prize ball control command (for example, a prize ball number command) transmitted from the game control board 31 is a prize ball. It is not ignored by the control CPU 371 on the control board 37 side. Thereby, for example, the planned payout number of prize balls recognized on the game control board 31 side and the planned payout number of prize balls recognized on the prize ball control board 37 do not differ.

Another Embodiment Next, another embodiment relating to the control of the lamp control board 35 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the above-described embodiment, as with the audio control board 70 and the display control board 80, the backup power is not supplied to the RAM 353 (see FIG. 13) of the lamp control board 35. When the power is turned off (S183 in FIG. 48), if a power failure occurs, the data in the RAM 353 of the lamp control board 35 disappears. Therefore, when the power failure is restored, a control command for returning to the lamp state before the power failure is output from the game control board 31 in the game state restoration process shown in FIG. 35 (SA1, SA4).

  On the other hand, in this alternative embodiment, backup power is supplied from the power supply board 910 to at least the RAM 353 of the lamp control board 35. The control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35, after receiving a power failure notice command and turning off all the lamps, prohibits access to the RAM 353 in the same manner as the control CPU 371 of the prize ball control board 37 in the above-described embodiment. After executing the power outage process such as When the power failure is restored, at the timing when the “return command” is received from the game control board 31 side, the lamp state of the start memory is restored based on the backed up RAM data, and then the lamp for other effects Restore the state of. The “return command” does not specify any kind of lamp control data, and has only a function of transmitting the return time to the lamp control board 35.

Hereinafter, description will be given based on the drawings.
FIG. 53 is a flowchart for explaining the game state restoration process executed by the control CPU 56 of the game control board 31. The process shown in FIG. 53 is executed in place of the gaming state restoration process shown in FIG.

  In this other embodiment, the control CPU 56 of the game control board 31 executes the processes described with reference to FIGS. 30 to 45 (excluding FIG. 35).

  In the game state restoration process, first, the lamp restoration process is executed (SB1), and then the display restoration process (SB2) and the voice restoration process (SB3) are executed. Among these processes, the display restoration process and the voice restoration process are the same as the respective processes shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the lamp restoration process of SB1, a special “return command” that prompts the lamp / LED to return is output from the game control board 31. This "return command" only indicates the return of lamps / LEDs, and does not specify the order in which the normal and special symbol start-up memory displays and other effects lamps should be returned in any order. Absent.

  Of the lamp restoration process, the display restoration process, and the voice restoration process, the lamp restoration process is executed first, so that the first among the lamp display state, the display state of the variable display device, and the sound effect from the speaker 27 is the first. The display status of the lamp returns to the state before the power failure. The return procedure will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 54 is a flowchart for explaining main processing executed by the control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35. This main process is executed in place of the main process of FIG. Note that the timer interrupt process of FIG. 46B is also executed in this other embodiment.

  In the main process, first, it is determined whether or not the power failure has been restored (S1010). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a power failure occurrence flag is set. The power failure occurrence flag is set in SM502 of FIG. 56 when a power failure notification command is received.

  If the power failure occurrence flag is not set, normal initialization processing is executed (S1011). On the other hand, when the power failure occurrence flag is set, the RAM area of the lamp control board 35 backed up by the backup power supply stores an area for storing the lamp pattern of the start memory display of the special symbol and the normal symbol. The data of other areas are initialized except the area for storing the production pattern (S1012).

  Thereafter, the processes of S1014 to S1018 are executed in the same order as the main process described with reference to FIG. Among these processes, the control command execution process of S1017 is different from that shown in FIG. Next, the control command execution process of S1017 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 55 is a flowchart for explaining control command execution processing. This control command execution process is a subroutine executed in S1017 of FIG.

  In the control command execution process, first, it is determined whether or not the control command has been received (S1810), and the process ends if the control command has not been received. On the other hand, if the control command has been received, the contents of the received command are identified, and it is determined whether or not the command is a power failure notice command (S1811). If it is a power failure notice command, a power failure occurrence process is executed (S1812).

  The content of the power failure generation process in the lamp control board 35 is different from S183 in FIG. In the case of S183 in FIG. 48, only the process of turning off all the lamps / LEDs including the start storage lamp is executed. However, in this other embodiment, processing for prohibiting access to the RAM 353 is also performed. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined in S1811 that the command is not a power failure notice command, it is determined whether it is a return command (S1813). As described above, the return command is a command specific to the other embodiment, and is a command output from the game control board 31 when the power failure is restored. If it is determined that the command is a return command, among the backed up RAM data, data designating the display state of the special symbol and normal symbol start memory display is read (S1814), and the read data The display state of the special symbol and normal symbol start memory display is controlled based on the above, whereby the display state of the special symbol and normal symbol start memory display returns to the state before the power failure (S1815). Subsequently, data designating the display state of other lamps for presentation is read from the backed-up RAM data (S1816), and the display state of the other lamps is controlled based on the read data. The display state of the other lamps returns to the state before the power failure (S1817). Next, the power failure occurrence flag is reset (S1018).

  Thus, when the power failure is restored, first, the display state of the start memory display of the special symbol and the normal symbol is restored, and then the display state of the other lamps for effect is restored.

  If it is determined in S1813 that the command is not a return command, control data corresponding to the control command is read from the ROM (S1818), and control corresponding to the control data is executed (S1819).

FIG. 56 is a flowchart for explaining the power failure generation process executed in S186 of FIG. In this power failure generation process, first, control is performed to turn off all lamps / LEDs (SM500). Next, access to the RAM 353 of the lamp control board 35 is prohibited (SM501). Next, a power failure occurrence flag is set (SM502). Next, a power-off waiting state is entered (SM503), whereby the control CPU 351 on the lamp control board 35 cannot perform any processing until the power-off occurs.
Next, modifications and feature points of the embodiment of the invention described above are listed below.

  (1) In another embodiment, the RAM of the lamp control board 35 is backed up by the backup power supply, but the RAM of the display control board 80 and the RAM of the audio control board 70 are also backed up by the backup power supply. You may comprise as follows. Then, a return command is output from the game control board 31 to each control board 35, 70, 80, so that the game state is returned based on the RAM data backed up by each control board 35, 70, 80. You may comprise.

  (2) In another embodiment, the control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35 is configured to receive the control command (return command) from the game control board 31 and restore the lamp / LED after the power failure is restored. However, if the power failure is restored, the control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35 may be configured to return the lamp / LED based on the backup data of the RAM without receiving a control command from the game control board 31. . For example, as soon as power is supplied to the lamp control board 35 and the control CPU 351 becomes operable, after initialization of data other than the backup data, the lamp / LED is restored based on the backup data. Constitute. At this time, the control CPUs on the display control board 80 and the voice control board 70 side after the power failure is restored so that the LEDs of the start memory display are restored before the variable display device 8 and the speaker 27 are restored. A delay circuit that delays the time when processing can be started may be provided on the display control board 80 and the sound control board 70 side.

  (3) In S183 of FIG. 48, based on the power failure notice command output from the game control board 31, only the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 can specify that the preparation process for power failure has been executed. The variable display device 8 is controlled to display a message as an example of the power failure preparation information. However, the control CPU 701 of the audio control board 70 may be configured to notify the power failure preparation information having the same content using the speaker 27. In this case, instead of silencing the speaker 27 based on the power failure notice command, the control CPU 701 stops the effect sound for the effect based on the power failure notice command and outputs the power failure preparation information from the speaker 27. Similarly, for the control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35, instead of turning off all the lamps based on the power failure notice command, a specific mode in which the lamps cannot be seen during normal games based on the power failure notice command. May be configured to notify the power failure preparation information by flashing or lighting (for example, turning on only two LEDs in the special symbol start memory indicator 18 and turning off the LEDs at both ends).

  (4) As shown in FIGS. 24 and 29, the form of the power failure notice command is the same for each of the display control board 80, the lamp control board 35, and the voice control board 70. Only the power failure notice command for 37 is different from that for other control boards. However, instead of this, the power failure notice command for the winning ball control board 37 may be the same as the other control boards (display control board 80, lamp control board 35, voice control board 70).

  (5) Although the command output to each control board 35, 70, 80 is configured to include a command in a common form such as a common command, it is not always necessary to have a common form. You may comprise so that the form of a command may each differ in the board | substrates 35,70,80.

  (6) In FIG. 23, the fixed symbol designation command is an unnecessary command for the voice control board 70 and the lamp control board 35. Therefore, from the game control board 31, this fixed symbol designation command is displayed on the display control board 80. Is output only for. That is, the output destination of the fixed symbol designation command is selected and sent on the game control board 31 side. However, instead of this, the fixed symbol designation command is also output to the control boards 35, 70, 80 all at once, and whether each control board 35, 70, 80 is a command that needs to be received or not is determined. You may make it judge.

  (7) The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

Specific examples of means for solving the problem

  (1) The pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a plurality of types of game parts used for enhancing the effect of playing the game, and the display result of the variable display device which is one of the plurality of types of game parts is predetermined. A gaming machine is configured that can be controlled in a gaming state advantageous to the player when the specific display mode is achieved. The game effect LED 28a and game effect lamps 28b and 28c, the speaker 27, the variable display device 8, and the like constitute the plurality of types of game parts. The specific display mode is configured by the arrangement of jackpot symbols (for example, 777). The game state advantageous to the player is constituted by the big hit state (specific game state).

  A game control means for controlling the game state is constituted by the CPU 56 of the game control board 31. The display control board 80, the control CPU 701 of the sound control board 70, and the control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35 control the plurality of types of game parts based on command information output from the game control means. A plurality of types of control means are configured for this purpose. The command information is constituted by control commands (display control command, voice control command, lamp control command).

  The display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80 constitutes variable display control means for performing control for deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device.

  The control CPU 701 of the sound control board 70 constitutes sound control means for performing control to generate sound from the sound generator that is one of the plurality of types of game parts. The sound generator is configured by the speaker 27.

  The control CPU 351 of the lamp control board 35 constitutes light emitter control means for performing control to turn on the light emitter that is one of the plurality of types of game parts. The light emitter is constituted by the game effect LED 28a and the game effect lamps 28b and 28c.

  When the game control means commands one control content to each of the plurality of types of control means according to the timing chart of FIG. 18, the timing chart of FIG. 23, the flowchart of FIG. 42, and the flowchart of FIG. Each of the plurality of types of control means performs control to output the command information in a readable manner, and the plurality of types of control means perform the plurality of types of games over a predetermined production period based on the command information. It is disclosed that it is possible to initiate control to operate a part in a predetermined manner. For example, the predetermined presentation period is configured by the variable display period (Tn) shown in FIG. 23, and the command information is configured by the change start command.

  (2) As described above, the change start command described with reference to FIG. 19 includes information that can specify the variable display period (display time) in the EXT data. Thereby, it is disclosed that the command information includes information that can specify the effect period.

  (3) As described with reference to FIG. 19, the variable display control means controls to derive and display the display result of the variable display device in any of a plurality of types of effect patterns (variation patterns 1 to 5). The command information includes information (EXT data) that allows the variable display control means to specify the effect pattern.

  (4) As described with reference to FIG. 19, the sound control means generates a sound from the sound generator in any one of a plurality of types of effect patterns (patterns corresponding to each of the variation patterns 1 to 5). The command information includes information (EXT data) that allows the sound control means to identify the effect pattern.

  (5) As described with reference to FIG. 19, the light emitter control means turns on the light emitter with any one of a plurality of types of effect patterns (patterns corresponding to each of the variation patterns 1 to 5). The command information includes information (EXT data) that allows the light emitter control means to identify the effect pattern.

  (6) As described with reference to FIG. 19, the command information output from the game control means for operating the plurality of types of game parts in a predetermined manner over the effect period (variable display period) Information (EXT data) that can specify an effect pattern used when each of the plurality of types of control means controls the game component is included. And the said game control means outputs the command information used as the content which mutually related the production pattern which each of the said multiple types of control means uses in the said production period. That is, the variation start command is output in the same form for each of the control boards 35, 70, 80, but the patterns specified by the variation start command are as described above with reference to FIG. The special symbol is variably displayed in a manner that has a high effect that relates the image display, the sound effect, and the blinking of the lamp.

  (7) As described with reference to FIG. 20 or FIG. 23, the game control means outputs command information for notifying the end of the effect period to the plurality of types of control means at the time when the effect period ends. . The change stop command shown in FIG. 20 constitutes command information for notifying the end of the effect period.

  (8) As described with reference to FIG. 21 or FIG. 23, the game control means outputs command information capable of specifying the display result of the variable display device to the variable display control means. The command information that can specify the display result of the variable display device is configured by the fixed symbol designation command shown in FIG.

  (9) The command information output to each of the plurality of types of control means is the same in order to cause the plurality of types of gaming parts to operate in a predetermined manner over the production period by a common command. Is disclosed. For example, as a common command, a change start command, a change stop command, and a power failure notice command are illustrated.

  (10) As shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, the plurality of types of control means are different from the game control board (game control board 31) on which the game control means is mounted (display control board 80, It is mounted on the lamp control board 35 and the voice control board 70).

  (11) The buffer circuits 62, 63, 67, 68 and the input buffer circuits 105, 705, 355, 373 allow information output from the game control means to the plurality of types of control means, but the plurality of types of control. An irreversible input means for prohibiting input of information from the means to the game control means is configured.

1 Pachinko machine, 8 Variable display device, 14 Start opening, 15 Start-up electric accessory, 27
Speaker, 28a to 28c Game effect lamp and game effect LED, 18 Start memory display, 31 Game control board, 37 Prize ball control board, 53 Game control microcomputer, 55 Game control board RAM, 56 Game control board CPU 62, 63, 67, 68 Buffer circuit, 70 Voice control board, 80 Display control board, 97 Ball dispensing device, 101 Display control board CPU, 105, 705, 355, 373 Input buffer circuit, 371 Prize ball control board CPU, 351 Lamp control board CPU, 352 Lamp control board ROM, 353 Lamp control board RAM, 381 Prize ball control board RAM, 701 Audio control board CPU, 711 Audio control board ROM, 712 Audio control board RAM, 902 power monitoring IC, 910 power board, 916 backup Capacitors for power storage of up power.

Claims (2)

A plurality of types of game parts used for enhancing the effect of the game are provided, and the display result of the variable display device, which is one of the plurality of types of game parts, has become a predetermined specific display mode. A gaming machine that can be controlled in a gaming state advantageous to the player
Game control means for controlling the gaming state;
A plurality of types of control means for controlling the production based on the command information output from the game control means,
The plural types of control means include
Variable display control means for performing control to derive and display the display result of the variable display device;
A light emitter control means for performing control to turn on a light emitter which is one of the plurality of types of game parts,
The game control means outputs the command information for instructing the control contents of the variable display control means and the light emitter control means,
The variable display control means and the light emitter control means can start control of operating the plurality of types of gaming parts in a predetermined manner over a predetermined performance period based on the command information.
Further, the game control means transmits, as the command information, command information including information that can specify a variable display period from the start to the end of variable display and command information that notifies the end of the variable display period Is performed only once for one variable display of the variable display device,
The light emitter control means controls the light emitter in a light emission mode corresponding to a derivation display of a display result of the variable display device at a timing when command information notifying the end of the variable display period is output. A gaming machine. A plurality of types of game parts used for enhancing the effect of the game are provided, and the display result of the variable display device, which is one of the plurality of types of game parts, has become a predetermined specific display mode. A gaming machine that can be controlled in a gaming state advantageous to the player
Game control means for controlling the gaming state;
A plurality of types of control means for controlling the production based on the command information output from the game control means,
The plural types of control means include
Variable display control means for performing control to derive and display the display result of the variable display device;
Sound control means for performing control to generate sound from a sound generating device that is one of the plurality of types of gaming parts,
The game control means outputs the command information for instructing the control contents of the variable display control means and the sound control means,
The variable display control means and the sound control means can start control to operate the plurality of types of gaming parts in a predetermined manner over a predetermined effect period based on the command information.
Further, the game control means transmits, as the command information, command information including information that can specify a variable display period from the start to the end of variable display and command information that notifies the end of the variable display period Is performed only once for one variable display of the variable display device,
The sound control means performs control to generate a sound effect from the sound generating device in accordance with the derivation display of the display result of the variable display device at a timing when command information notifying the end of the variable display period is output. A gaming machine characterized by that.

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