JP5161913B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine such as a so-called seven machine, a winged article, a right thing, a pachinko gaming machine, a combination type gaming machine (arranged ball gaming machine), and a revolving type gaming machine (slot machine).

  Conventionally, a gaming machine in which a movable accessory provided with a lamp is driven to rotate by a motor (see Patent Document 1). In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, a slip ring (rotary current collector) is used to maintain an electrical contact between the fixed side and the rotating side.

JP 2007-312912 A

  As described above, in the configuration in which a signal is transmitted from the fixed side to the rotating side, the smaller the number of signal lines connecting the fixed side and the rotating side, the smaller the connecting portion between the fixed side and the rotating side, and the cause of the failure. The reliability can be improved with less.

  However, when a shift register type driver is used as the fixed decorative driving circuit for driving the fixed lamp and the rotating decorative driving circuit for driving the rotating lamp, four signals (data, clock) are also supplied to the rotating decorative drive circuit. , Latch, enable) must be input, and when the number of signal lines connecting the fixed side and the rotating side is reduced, there is a problem that a control signal cannot be appropriately transmitted to the rotating side decorative driving circuit.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enable appropriate control commands to be output to two shift register drivers that drive different decorative driving objects based on a control signal from the decorative control means.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a gaming machine provided with a first decorative driving object and a second decorative driving object,
Decoration control means for outputting a data signal, a first clock signal, a first latch signal, and a first enable signal as control signals for controlling the first decoration driver and the second decoration driver;
A first decoration drive circuit that receives the control signal from the decoration control means and drives the first decoration drive based on the control signal;
A second decoration drive circuit that receives the control signal from the decoration control means and drives the second decoration drive based on the control signal;
A counter circuit having a clock signal line and a reset signal line for inputting signals, and capable of sequentially outputting a first counter signal, a second counter signal, and a third counter signal at predetermined intervals;
An oscillation circuit capable of outputting the second clock signal at regular intervals and stopping the output of the second clock signal when a stop signal is input;
A logic circuit that receives the first counter signal and the second counter signal output from the counter circuit and outputs a logic signal of the first counter signal and the second counter signal;
The first clock signal output from the decoration control means is input to the reset signal line of the counter circuit, and the second clock signal output from the oscillation circuit is input to the clock signal line of the counter circuit. And
When the second clock signal is input to the clock signal line and the first clock signal is input to the reset signal line, the counter circuit is configured to output the first counter signal and the second clock signal. When the counter signal and the third counter signal are not output and the input of the first clock signal to the reset signal line is stopped, the first counter signal, the second counter signal, and the third counter signal are output. Configured to output sequentially,
The first decoration drive circuit receives the first clock signal by receiving the data signal, the first clock signal, the first latch signal, and the first enable signal among the control signals from the decoration control means. The received data is shifted and accumulated in the first shift register each time the data is received, and the data accumulated in the first shift register is output based on the first latch signal and the first enable signal to output the first data. It is configured as a shift register type driver that drives decorative driving objects,
The second decoration drive circuit receives the data signal and the first clock signal among the control signals from the decoration control means, and receives the logic signal output from the logic circuit as a second latch signal. The second counter signal output from the counter circuit is input as a second enable signal, and each time the first clock signal is received, the received data is shifted and stored in a second shift register, and the first A shift register type that drives the second decorative driving object by outputting the data stored in the second shift register based on the second latch signal and the second enable signal output after the output of the clock signal is stopped. Configured as a driver,
The third counter signal is configured to be input to the oscillation circuit, and the oscillation circuit stops outputting the second clock signal to the counter circuit when the third counter signal is input. Yes.

  As described above, by generating the second latch signal and the second enable signal using the first clock signal, the counter circuit, and the oscillation circuit, it is possible to operate the second decorative drive circuit connected with a small number of signal lines. . Accordingly, it is possible to output an appropriate control command from one decoration control means to two shift register type drivers that drive different decoration driving objects.

  Further, when the third counter signal is input to the oscillation circuit, the output of the second clock signal output to the counter circuit is stopped, and no signal is input to the clock signal line of the counter circuit. Is stopped. Then, the state of the output signal (first to third counter signals) of the counter circuit is held. As a result, since the states of the second enable signal and the second latch signal are maintained, it is possible to secure a period during which the second decorative drive circuit outputs a drive signal to the second decorative drive object, so that the second decorative signal is output. The driven object can be reliably driven.

  Here, an AND circuit can be exemplified as the logic circuit. In this case, the AND circuit is connected to the first counter signal line (first counter signal output line) and the second counter signal line (second counter signal output line) from the counter circuit, and the output signal from the AND circuit. The line is connected to a second decorative drive circuit. When both the first counter signal and the second counter signal output from the counter circuit are in a high level state (when both signals are output simultaneously), an AND signal is output from the AND circuit. The AND signal is input to the second decorative drive circuit.

  “Signal input (output)” means detecting a change in the signal state. When the signal level is based on the low level, the signal level becomes a high level (for a predetermined time or more). It may be used as a signal input (output), and when the signal level is based on a high level, the signal level (for a predetermined time or more) becomes a signal input (output) when the signal level becomes a low level. Also good.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the decoration control means and the first decoration drive circuit are configured as a fixed fixed circuit,
The second decorative drive circuit, the counter circuit, the oscillation circuit, and the logic circuit are configured as a rotation-side circuit disposed on a rotating body that is rotatably provided,
Rotating connection means for maintaining electrical connection by four wires between the fixed side connection terminal connected to the fixed side circuit and the rotation side connection terminal connected to the rotation side circuit;
The four wires are a power line, a ground line, a data signal line from which the data signal is output from the decoration control means, and a clock signal from which the first clock signal is output from the decoration control means. It is characterized by consisting of lines.

  By providing a counter circuit and a logic circuit for generating a latch signal and an enable signal on the rotation side, even in a configuration in which the number of wires connecting the fixed side and the rotation side is limited, the shift register type provided on the rotation side The second decorative driving circuit can be appropriately operated.

  Here, for example, the fixed side circuit is fixedly provided on a game board or a frame of a gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “main body”), and the rotation side circuit is fixed on a rotating member provided on a rotating shaft of the motor. Provided (that is, provided rotatably).

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the rotary connecting means is configured as a slip ring.

  As described above, by using the slip ring as the rotation connection means, the electrical connection between the rotation side connection terminal and the fixed side connection terminal can be appropriately maintained.

  With the configuration of the present invention described above, it is possible to output appropriate control commands to the two shift register drivers that drive different decorative driving objects based on the control signal from the decoration control means.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view of a game board. It is a front view which shows the structure of a movable accessory. (A) is a perspective view of a movable accessory, (b) is a side view of a movable accessory, (c) is a perspective view of a movable accessory. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an electronic controller. It is a block diagram of a sub-control unit CPU, a fixed decoration driving circuit, and a rotation decoration driving circuit. It is a block diagram showing a latch enable generation circuit. It is a timing chart of the various signals which a sub control CPU outputs, the various signals which a counter circuit outputs, and the output signal of an AND circuit. It is a circuit diagram which shows the modification of the logic circuit of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) of a type (so-called “seven machine type”) in which a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in response to the end of the special symbol variation display, and the jackpot game is triggered by this. Examples to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. Further, the middle frame 3 is not clearly shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 4 and the like are arranged on the front side. The outer frame 2, the middle frame 3, the front frame 4, the upper plate part 5, the lower plate part 6, the game board 20, the back mechanism board and the like correspond to the “main body” of the present invention.

  The outer frame 2 is a wooden plate-like body assembled into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The middle frame 3 is made of plastic and constitutes the main body frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 3 is fitted inside the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The middle frame 3 includes a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided so as to overlap each other on the front side of the frame body part, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part. Note that the game board 20 is detachably attached to the frame body portion (the middle frame 3). The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) constituting launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying the game ball to the launcher unit.

  The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is attached to the back surface of the front frame 4. A fixed-side lamp 4b (frame lamp) is provided around the game board 20 in the front frame 4. The fixed side lamp 4b of the present embodiment is composed of LEDs. These lamps 4b are turned on / off or blinking according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the gaming effect.

  The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The upper dish part 5 includes a dish outer edge part 5a, a discharge port 5b for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and a ball release button 5c for discharging the game balls of the upper dish part 5 to the lower dish part 6. It has. On the upper surface of the dish outer edge portion 5a, an effect button 5d (one mode of operation means), a ball lending button 5e, and the like are provided. The effect button 5d is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the outer edge 5a of the dish, and moves downward when the player presses it, and upwards by elastic means (for example, a spring member) (not shown) by releasing the press. It is configured as a moving push button.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 to the lower plate portion 6 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate portion 6. An ashtray 7 is provided at the left end of the lower dish portion 6. At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for a player to operate a launching device unit (not shown). The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means (contact detection sensor) for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

  The locking device 9 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3 and is used to lock the front frame 4 when it is closed.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with speakers 10a to 10d for generating sound effects and the like corresponding to the gaming state. The speakers 10 a to 10 d are composed of upper speakers 10 a and 10 b provided at the upper part of the gaming machine 1 and lower speakers 10 c and 10 d provided at the lower part of the gaming machine 1. Further, a prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit) is mounted on the left side of the gaming machine 1.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body and is detachably attached to the middle frame 3, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed on the game board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface (board surface) of the game board 20. In the game area 21, there are a central device 24, a normal symbol operating gate 27, a special winning device (special electric accessory) 33, a starting port 28, left winning ports 34 and 35, right winning ports 36 and 37, and a movable accessory 40. The gaming devices such as the first decorative member 50 and the second decorative member 60 are disposed. In addition, a number of obstacle nails are arranged in the game area 21 in consideration of the position balance with each gaming device.

  The central device (center accessory) 24 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 21 and includes an effect display device 25. In the present embodiment, a large liquid crystal display device is used as the effect display device 25, and various effect displays are performed in the display area of the effect display device 25. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the movable accessory 40 is provided above the central device 24 in the gaming area 21. The movable accessory 40 will be described later in detail.

  The big winning device 33 is arranged below the central device 24 in the game area 21. The first decoration device 50 is arranged on the left side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, the second decoration device 60 is arranged on the right side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the decoration devices 50, 60 are so-called side. Make up decorations. Further, the first winning device 34 is integrated with the left winning holes 34 and 35, and the second winning device 60 is integrated with the right winning ports 36 and 37.

  The normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. Inside the normal symbol operating gate 27, a normal symbol operating gate detection switch 27s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, the normal symbol starts to fluctuate.

  The start port 28 is provided below the central position of the central device 24. The start port 28 is a first start port provided on the upper side, in which two entrance ports formed with a game ball receiving port for receiving a game ball flowing down on the surface of the game board 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. 28a and a second start port 28b provided on the lower side.

  The first starting port 28a is configured as a fixed starting port in which the size of the game ball receiving port does not change and the possibility of entering the game ball is constant, so that the game ball can always enter the game. It has become. On the other hand, the second start port 28b is a so-called tulip type and has a pair of wing pieces on the left and right, and the upper end gap between the pair of wing pieces serves as a game ball receiving port. The pair of wing pieces are each opened and closed by tilting in the left-right direction. With this opening and closing action, the second start port 28b is the size of the game ball receiving port of the pair of wing pieces. It is configured as a variable starter that changes.

  Inside the start port 28, a start port entrance detection switch 28s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the entrance of a game ball, and a start port solenoid 28c (see FIG. 5) for operating a pair of wing pieces. Is provided. The start opening ball detection switch 28s includes two types of switches: a switch that detects a game ball that has entered the first start opening 28a, and a switch that detects a game ball that has entered the second start opening 28b. Yes. When the pair of wing pieces of the second starting port 28b are opened to the left and right, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second starting port 28b is enlarged from the normal time, and the second starting port 28b It becomes an open state where the possibility of entering the ball is increased. On the other hand, when the pair of wing pieces are erected, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (one game ball can pass). The second start port 28b is in a normal state (closed state) in which the possibility of entering a game ball is reduced (or entry is impossible). As the game balls enter the start ports 28a and 28b, the special symbols described later start to fluctuate.

  The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 28. Here, the special winning device 33 includes a special winning opening 33a opened in a belt shape, an opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the special winning opening 33a, and a large winning opening solenoid 33c (for operating the opening / closing plate 33b). 5) and an incoming ball detection switch 33s (see FIG. 5) for detecting an incoming game ball.

  A left winning opening 34 and 35 and a right winning opening 36 and 37 are provided on the upper left side and the upper right side of the big winning device 33. Each of these winning openings is provided with a winning opening entering detection switch (not shown).

  The first decorative member 50 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a combination of these LEDs constitutes a normal symbol display portion 51, a general symbol hold display portion 52, and a special symbol hold display portion 53. Similarly, the second decorative member 60 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a special symbol display unit 61 is configured by a combination of these LEDs.

  The normal symbol display part 51 is comprised from one LED, and a normal symbol is displayed by this LED. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27, and after a predetermined time has passed, the normal symbol hits and stops display in the normal symbol display mode or the dismissed normal symbol display mode. Is done. Then, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the preset normal symbol display mode, the second start port 28b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 second).

  In the present embodiment, a random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is provided is prepared. This random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is used determines whether or not the second starting port 28b is activated when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27. This is used to determine whether or not a normal symbol is appropriate. The normal symbol success / failure random number is set in advance with a hit value, and the normal symbol success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 27 matches the win value. Determined. When it is determined to be a winning, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the winning normal symbol. On the other hand, when it is determined to be out (when the acquired normal symbol success / failure random number does not match the winning value), the normal symbol stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the out of normal symbol. Is done. Note that the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is correct and the determination of the stop symbol of the normal symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  Here, normal symbol holding will be described. The normal symbol hold display section 52 displays the normal symbol hold number, and the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 27 can be held up to the maximum hold number (four in this embodiment). Each time the next normal symbol win / fail determination is made and the normal symbol variation display is started, the number of unstarted times (the number of reservations) is consumed, and the number of normal symbol reservations is decreased by one. The general-purpose hold display unit 52 includes two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. The normal symbol holding and holding digest are performed by the main control unit 200 described later. Along with the holding of the normal symbol, a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200.

  Next, the special symbol will be described. The special symbol display unit 61 is composed of seven LEDs, and special symbols are displayed by these LEDs. Each LED constituting the special symbol display unit 61 can be turned on and off, and a plurality of special symbol display modes can be displayed by a combination of turning on and off the LEDs. Of the combinations of special symbols displayed by the seven LEDs, a specific combination is set as a hit special symbol (big hit symbol), and a portion other than the hit special symbol is set off as a special symbol (off symbol). ing. In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is performed by blinking display in which each LED is repeatedly turned on and off.

  In the special symbol display unit 61, when the game ball enters the start port 28, the special symbol starts to change, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol or a missed symbol. In this embodiment, a special symbol success / failure determination random number is provided that is acquired when a game ball enters the start opening 28 and is used for determining whether or not to execute a big hit game (special game). Yes. Furthermore, a special symbol determining random number for determining a stop symbol of the special symbol is provided.

  As the game ball enters the start port 28, a special symbol success / failure determination random number and a special symbol determination random number are acquired, and the acquired special symbol success / failure determination random number and special symbol determination random number are stored in the main control unit 200. Is stored in a predetermined area (holding storage area) of the RAM.

  Here, the holding of special symbols will be described. The special symbol hold display unit 53 is composed of two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, turning on, and blinking of the two LEDs.

  The number of game balls that have entered the starting port 28 can be reserved until the maximum number of reservations (four in this embodiment) is reached as the number of special symbol reservations. The number of special symbol reservations is digested each time a special symbol success / failure determination is performed and the variation display of the special symbol is started, and decreases by one. Note that special symbol hold (acquisition / storage of special symbol random numbers) and hold digest (special symbol success / failure determination) are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  The special symbol success / failure determination is performed when the special symbol starts the variable display. The special symbol success / failure determination random number is set with a winning value for winning / failure determination, and the special symbol success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball enters the start port 28 matches the winning value. A big hit is determined.

  Then, when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit, the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 61 is determined to be a big hit symbol (probability big hit symbol or normal big hit symbol). Note that the type of jackpot symbol of the special symbol is determined based on a special symbol determining random number. On the other hand, when the special symbol winning / failing determination is out of place, the special symbol that is stopped and displayed by the special symbol display unit 61 is determined to be the out symbol.

  Further, the determination of whether or not the special symbol is determined, the determination of the variation pattern of the special symbol, the determination of the special symbol stop symbol, the special symbol variation display and the stop display are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  Next, the jackpot game (special game) will be described. When the special symbol stopped and displayed in the special symbol display unit 61 is a hit special symbol (when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit), the main control unit 200 is a big hit game that is relatively advantageous to the player. Start (special game). The big hit game is to give a player a profit (prize ball) with respect to entering the game ball into the big prize opening 33a by operating the big prize device 33, in other words, by opening and closing the big prize opening 33a a plurality of times. It is. The big hit game is realized by repeatedly executing a special electric accessory game process described later.

  During the big hit game (during special game), the big prize device 33 is operated, and a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 15 for one pitch) according to the number of game balls entered into the big prize opening 33a. Award balls). Specifically, at the start of the big hit game, the big prize opening device (special electric accessory) 33 is continuously operated, and the big prize opening opening / closing operation for switching the big prize opening 33a between the open state and the closed state is continuously performed a plurality of times. Done. With the start of the operation of the special winning device 33, the special winning opening 33a is opened. This open state is ended when a predetermined end condition is established, and the open special winning opening 33a is closed. As a predetermined end condition, when the opening time of the big winning opening 33a reaches a predetermined time (30 seconds in the present embodiment), or when the number of game balls entered into the opened large winning opening 33a is a predetermined number (this execution) In the example, it is possible to reach 10).

  When it is assumed that one round is from the start to the end of the open state of the big winning opening 33a, the big hit game is ended by performing a predetermined number of rounds. In the grand prize winning device 33, after the opening of the big prize winning opening 33a is finished, that is, after a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has passed since the big winning prize opening 33a is closed, the big winning prize opening 33a is again opened. Round begins. The opening / closing operation of the grand prize winning port 33a in which one round is from the start to the end of the big winning port 33a is repeated until a predetermined maximum number of continuous rounds (15 rounds in this embodiment) is completed.

  In the gaming machine of this embodiment, after the big hit game is finished, a specific game (so-called short-time game and probability variable game) in which the variable time shortening function, the open time extending function, and the probability varying function are activated is started. Multiple types of jackpots are set in the special symbol success / failure determination. If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a normal jackpot (the special symbol stop symbol is a normal jackpot symbol), after the jackpot game ends, In the case where the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable big hit (the special symbol stop symbol is a probable big hit symbol), the probable variation game is started after the big hit game ends.

  When the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a normal jackpot (the special symbol stop symbol is a normal jackpot symbol), after the jackpot game is over, the variable time shortening function and the opening time extension for extending the opening time of the second start port 28b are extended. The function is activated and the short-time game is started. The variation time shortening function (variation time shortening means) includes a normal symbol variation time shortening function for shortening the normal symbol variation time and a special symbol variation time shortening function for shortening the special symbol variation time. The fluctuation time shortening function and the opening time extension function operate after the big hit game is finished until the next big hit game is started, or until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number (100 times in this example). . Due to the operation of the opening time extension function, the opening time of the second start port 28b is, for example, “4.5 seconds (1.5 seconds × 3 times or 4.times. 5 seconds x 1 release, etc.) ". As a result, the frequency of entering the game ball into the second start port 28b becomes higher than normal (when the opening extension function is not activated). The variable time shortening function and the open time extending function are activated or stopped under the control of the main control unit 200.

  If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a probable big hit (the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probable big hit symbol), after the big hit game ends, the probability variation function starts to operate, and the probable variable game is started. In the probability variation game, in addition to the above-mentioned variation time shortening function and opening time extension function, a probability variation function (probability variation means) that changes (improves) the probability of the special symbol success / failure determination, that is, the probability that the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol Operate. While the probability variation function is in operation, the probability of the special symbol success / failure determination is improved by increasing the hit value for the success / failure determination. The probability variation function operates after the jackpot game is over until the next jackpot game is started. Note that the probability variation game is realized by the control of the main control unit 200.

  Next, the effect symbols displayed on the effect display device 25 will be described. The display area of the effect display device 25 is provided with an effect symbol display unit for displaying effect symbols. The effect symbol of the effect symbol display unit is displayed in conjunction with the special symbol change display and the stop display of the special symbol display unit 61.

  The effect symbol display unit is composed of three symbol display areas including a left symbol display area in which a left symbol is displayed, a middle symbol display area in which a middle symbol is displayed, and a right symbol display area in which a right symbol is displayed. . Each symbol display area has a symbol variation direction set in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas, in this case, in the vertical direction (vertical direction). Each symbol display area can display symbols consisting of “1” to “9”.

  The effect symbol starts to be displayed when the special symbol starts to be changed. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the symbols, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop symbol of the special symbol. That is, the effect symbol starts to be displayed in synchronization with the special symbol, and ends and stops display in synchronization with the special symbol. In the effect design, a combination of even symbols with the same three digits corresponds to a normal jackpot symbol of a special symbol, and a combination of odd symbols with the same three digits corresponds to a probability variation jackpot symbol of a special symbol. A combination of symbols other than these corresponds to the off symbol of the special symbol.

  The main control unit 200 transmits the variation pattern (variation pattern) of the effect symbol, the determination of the effect symbol to be stopped, and the rotation control of the movable accessory 40 (rotating body 41) and the lighting control of the LEDs 4b and 41b described later. The sub-control unit 260 that has received the variation pattern designation command is configured to perform the change pattern designation command.

  Next, the movable accessory 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is a front view of the movable accessory 40, FIG. 4 (a) is a perspective view of the movable accessory 40, FIG. 4 (b) is a side view of the movable accessory 40, and FIG. 4 (c) is FIG. It is a perspective view of the movable accessory 40 seen from the opposite side of (a).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the movable accessory 40 is provided with a rotating body 41 and a motor 42. The rotating body 41 is disposed so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body of the gaming machine 1 and is rotationally driven by the motor 42. The rotating body 41 is provided with a rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a and a plurality of rotation-side lamps 41b that are electrically connected to the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a. The rotation side lamp 41b of the present embodiment is composed of LEDs. The rotation side decoration drive circuit 41a is a drive circuit that drives and controls the rotation side lamp 41b, and is configured as a shift register type driver. The “shift register type driver” will be described later.

  The movable accessory 40 is provided with a slip ring 43 in order to maintain an electrical contact between the fixed side and the rotating side. In FIG. 3, a portion corresponding to the slip ring 43 is shown in cross section. The slip ring 43 includes a casing 44 and a rotating shaft 45 that is rotatably accommodated in the casing 44. The casing 44 is fixed to the main body of the gaming machine 1 so as not to rotate. One end side of the rotating shaft 45 is connected to the rotating body 41, and the other end side of the rotating shaft 45 is connected to the motor 42, and the rotation of the motor 42 is transmitted to the rotating body 41 via the rotating shaft 45. The slip ring 40 corresponds to the rotary connecting means of the present invention.

  A plurality of annular current collecting rings 46 are fixedly provided on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 45 and are configured to rotate together with the rotating shaft 42. In the present embodiment, four current collecting rings 46 are provided. Each current collecting ring 46 is electrically connected to the rotation-side decorative drive circuit 41b via a lead wire (not shown) disposed inside the hollow rotation shaft 42. The casing 44 is provided with four brush bodies 47 corresponding to the current collecting rings 46. The brush body 47 is fixed to the casing 44 so that the tip thereof is in contact with the current collecting ring 46, and maintains contact while sliding with respect to the current collecting ring 46 even when the current collecting ring 46 rotates. It is configured. The slip ring 43 is provided with a connector 48 electrically connected to the brush body 47. The connector 48 is connected to four wires from the sub-control unit 260. Thereby, the sub-control unit 260 and the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a are connected by the four wires. These four wirings are two lines for transmitting a control signal for controlling the power supply line for supplying power, the ground line, and the rotation-side decorative drive circuit 41a (controlling lighting of the rotation-side lamp 41b). It consists of signal lines. These signal lines will be described later in detail. The current collecting ring 46 corresponds to a rotation side connection terminal (also simply referred to as a rotation side terminal) of the present invention, and the brush body 47 corresponds to a fixed side connection terminal (also simply referred to as a fixed side terminal) of the present invention. .

  A motor drive circuit for controlling the rotation of the motor 42 (that is, the rotation control of the rotating body 41) by the command signal from the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 by providing the movable accessory 40 with the configuration of the slip ring 43 described above. The drive control of 42a and the drive control of the rotation side decoration drive circuit 41a provided on the rotating body 41 (that is, the lighting control of the rotation side lamp 41b) can be executed independently.

  Specifically, the sub-control unit 260 executes a random number lottery or the like based on the variation pattern designation command received from the main control unit 200 and determines a predetermined effect pattern. When an effect pattern including an effect mode for rotating the rotator 41 is selected, the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 transmits a command signal for rotating the rotator 41 at a predetermined timing to control the rotation. Execute. Similarly, when an effect pattern including an effect mode of turning on (turning off, blinking, etc.) the rotation-side lamp 41b is selected, the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 turns the rotation-side lamp 41b at a predetermined timing. A command signal to turn on (turn off, blink, etc.) is transmitted to perform lighting control. Similarly, when an effect pattern including both effect modes of rotating the rotating body 41 and the effect mode of turning on the rotation side lamp 41b is selected, the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 is determined in advance. The rotating body 41 is rotated at a predetermined timing, and a command signal for lighting the rotation side lamp 41b is transmitted to execute rotation / lighting control.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rotating body 41 of the movable accessory 40 is a plate-like body having a circular outer shape, and a plurality of rotation-side LEDs 41 b are arranged at predetermined intervals along the outer shape. Then, by rotating the rotating body and turning on (turning off, blinking) the rotation-side LED 41b at a predetermined timing in accordance with the rotational position (LED position) of the rotating body, characters (notice patterns) such as numbers, letters, figures, etc. Can be displayed. With this configuration, when the variation pattern designation command received from the main control unit 200 is a command related to winning, the winning combination is notified by rotating / lighting control of the movable accessory 40 (or winning possible) A character (notice symbol) that gives a notice of high performance) can be displayed. If the command is related to detachment, nothing may be displayed (no rotation or lighting), the rotating body 41 is simply rotated, or the LED 41b is simply lit, It is possible to notify that the possibility of winning is low by controlling rotation / lighting (displaying a notice symbol indicating that the probability of hitting is relatively low compared to other notice indications).

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electronic control unit.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic control unit includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a payout control unit (prize ball control unit) 230, a sub control unit 260, and an effect display control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sub control board 260a, and an effect display control board 280a, respectively, as peripheral control boards. Each of these control boards and other boards (a power board, a relay board, a drive board, a decoration board, an amplifier board, an effect button board, etc.) are arranged on the back side of the gaming machine 1.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280 is supplied with power from a main power source (not shown). Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

  The main control unit 200 constitutes a main control unit that controls the progress of the entire game. The main control unit 200 transmits command signals (command data) instructing processing contents to the sub control units 230 and 260, and each sub control unit 230. 260, 280 are configured to perform various controls based on the command signal.

  The CPU 200b of the main control board 200a constituting the main control unit 200 includes a CPU core, a built-in RAM (hereinafter simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), etc., and is stored in the ROM. The control program controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM as a work area. Further, the main control unit 200 is configured by a CPU 200b as a main body to determine whether or not a special symbol is determined (hit lottery) by a determination program stored in the ROM. Further, the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 determines a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table of the special symbol stored in the ROM by random lottery when executing the special symbol determination. Note that the control cycle of the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 2 ms.

  A board input relay board 201 and a board output relay board 202 are connected to the main controller 200. The board input relay board 201 is connected with a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27 s, a start entrance ball detection switch 28 s, and a grand prize entrance entrance detection switch 33 s so that these signals are input to the main controller 200. It is configured. The panel output relay board 202 is connected to the symbol display devices 51 and 61, the start opening solenoid 28c, and the special winning opening solenoid 33c, and a control signal is output from the main control unit 200. Further, although not shown, the main control unit 200 is connected to a frame external terminal board having an external connection terminal for connection to an external device, and the main control unit 200 is connected to the external device. Signal output is possible.

  The payout control board 230a constituting the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU 230b having the same configuration as the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200. To the payout control unit 230, the launch control unit 250, the CR unit 13, and the like are connected. From the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230, commands such as a prize ball instruction command for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like.

  When the CPU 230b of the payout control board 230a receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control unit 200, the CPU 230b of a game ball payout device (not shown) provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1 based on the number of prize balls indicated by the command. By paying off the payout motor, game balls are paid out (prize ball payout) for the designated number of prize balls. In this game ball payout (prize ball payout), game balls stored in a game ball tank (not shown) provided on the upper back side of the gaming machine 1 are supplied to a game ball payout device via a game ball rail (not shown). Then, the supplied game ball is discharged by rotating the payout motor of the game ball payout device.

  The firing control unit 250 is connected to a touch switch 8a, a firing stop switch 8b, and the like, and operation signals are input from these switches 8a and 8b. The CR unit 13 is connected to a ball lending button 5e and receives a ball lending signal.

  The sub-control unit 260 constitutes sub-control means for controlling various effects executed as the game progresses. The sub-control board 260a has a CPU 260b, a ROM, a RAM (not shown), an input / output port, etc. Circuit components and a sound generator are provided, and are connected to the main controller 200 at the input / output ports. The sub-control unit 260 performs decoration control using various lamps, sound effects output from the speakers 10a to 10d, effect control using a symbol display by the effect display device 25, rotation control of the movable accessory 40, fixed-side decoration drive. The circuit 261 and the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a are configured to control the drive.

  Various lamp control commands and various audio control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260. Various symbol control control commands for instructing display control of the effect symbols are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the effect display control unit 280 via the sub-control unit 260. Various effect display control commands for instructing effect display control are simultaneously transmitted from the sub control unit 260 to the effect display control unit 280.

  An effect display control unit 280 is connected to the sub control unit 260. The effect display control board 280a is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU 280b, RAM, ROM, input / output port, VDP (video display processor), etc. ing. An effect display device 25 is connected to the effect display control unit 280. The effect display control unit 280 is configured such that the CPU 280b performs display control of the effect display device 25 using the RAM as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM. The ROM of the effect display control unit 280 stores a plurality of effect image data (such as the above-described image data related to the variation effect) displayed on the effect display device 25.

  A fixed lamp 4 b is connected to the sub-control unit 260 via a fixed decorative driving circuit 261. The fixed side decorative drive circuit 261 is a drive circuit that drives and controls the fixed side lamp 4b, and is configured as a shift register type driver. The “shift register type driver” will be described later. Further, the rotation-side lamp 41b is connected to the sub-control unit 260 via the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a. The fixed-side lamp 4b and the rotation-side lamp 41b are for enhancing the game effect, and are controlled to be turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game by a command signal from the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260. Is increasing. In addition, an amplifier substrate 263 is connected to the sub-control unit 260. Speakers 10 a to 10 d are connected to the amplifier substrate 263. From the speakers 10a to 10d, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game. Further, the effect button 5 d is connected to the sub-control unit 260 via the effect button board 264.

  The sub-control unit 260 selects various LED / lamp lighting / flashing patterns based on various commands from the main control unit 200 and the production button 5d (reception of a production pattern designation command, input of a production button operation signal, etc.). An execution process, a selection / output process of sound effect data output from the speakers 10a to 10d, an effect display pattern selection / execution process on the effect display device 25, and the like are performed.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining signal lines connecting the CPU 260b (hereinafter, also referred to as “sub-control CPU 260b”), the fixed decoration driving circuit 261, and the rotation decoration driving circuit 41a of the sub control unit 260. . Both the fixed decorative driving circuit 261 and the rotary decorative driving circuit 41a are configured so that the control signal from the sub-control CPU 260b is serially input and the driving signals of the lamps 4b and 41b are output in parallel. The sub-control CPU 260b corresponds to the decoration control means of the present invention, the fixed decoration driving circuit 261 corresponds to the first decoration driving circuit of the present invention, and the rotating decoration driving circuit 41a corresponds to the second decoration driving circuit of the present invention. It corresponds to.

  As described above, the fixed decoration driving circuit 261 and the rotation decoration driving circuit 41a are configured as shift register type drivers. The “shift register type driver” receives the data signal transmitted from the sub-control CPU 260b in synchronization with the rising edge of the clock signal, and sequentially shifts the received data signal to the shift register in the fixed decoration driving circuit 261. Accumulate. Then, when the latch signal rises (the rising edge of the latch signal is detected) while the enable signal is at a high level, the data stored in the shift register is confirmed, and the determined data is determined as the confirmed data. The data is output to the register when the enable signal becomes low level. That is, in order to operate the shift register type driver of the present invention, a data signal, a clock signal, a latch signal, and an enable signal are required. In the shift register type driver, it is possible to perform sequential control of LEDs such as sequentially changing the lighting pattern of a plurality of LEDs. The shift register of the fixed decoration drive circuit 261 corresponds to the first shift register of the present invention, and the shift register of the rotation decoration drive circuit 41a corresponds to the second shift register of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 260b and the fixed side decorative drive circuit 261 are connected by four signal lines including a data signal line, a clock signal line, a latch signal line, and an enable signal line. The sub-control CPU 260b inputs data, clock, latch, and enable signals to the fixed decoration driving circuit 261.

  The sub-control CPU 260 b and the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41 a are connected via the slip ring 43. As described above, the slip ring 43 maintains the electrical connection of the four wires between the fixed side terminal (brush body 47) and the rotation side terminal (current collecting ring 46). A data signal line and a clock signal line of the sub control CPU 260 b are connected to the fixed side terminal of the slip ring 43. The rotation ring terminal of the slip ring 43 is connected to a data signal line and a clock signal line of the rotation decoration driving circuit 41a and a latch signal / enable signal generation circuit 41c. A data signal from the sub-control CPU 260b is directly input to the data signal line of the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a, and a clock signal from the sub-control CPU 260b is directly input to the clock signal line of the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a.

  The latch signal / enable signal generation circuit 41c is configured to output a latch signal and an enable signal to the rotation decoration drive circuit 41a. The latch signal output from the latch signal / enable signal generation circuit 41c is input to the latch signal line of the rotation side decoration drive circuit 41a, and the enable signal output from the latch signal / enable signal generation circuit 41c is the rotation side decoration drive. The signal is input to the enable signal line of the circuit 41a.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the latch signal / enable signal generation circuit 41c. As shown in FIG. 7, the latch signal / enable signal generation circuit 41c is provided with a counter circuit 41d, an oscillation circuit 41e, and an AND circuit 41f. The counter circuit 41d includes at least three counter signal lines (counter signal output terminals Q1 to Q3) that output counter signals. In this embodiment, when a clock signal is input to the clock signal line of the counter circuit at a predetermined interval, the first counter signal is output at a cycle of 100 μs from the first counter signal line Q1, and 200 μs from the second counter signal line Q2. The second counter signal is output with a period of, and the third counter signal is output with a period of 400 μs from the third counter signal line Q3.

  Each counter signal is switched between a high level and a low level in half the period described above. The pulse period of the clock signal of the sub-control CPU 260b is set to be shorter than a half time (50 μs in this embodiment) of the output period of the first counter signal (100 μs in this embodiment). In this embodiment, since the output cycle of the first counter signal is 100 μs, the pulse cycle of the clock signal of the sub control CPU 260b is set to be shorter than 50 μs.

  For this reason, while the clock signal of the sub-control CPU 260b is being input to the reset signal line of the counter circuit 41d, the counter has a cycle shorter than a half time (50 μs in this embodiment) of the output cycle of the first counter signal. Since the circuit 41d is reset, the first to third counter signals are not output from the counter circuit 41d.

  That is, if the clock signal of the sub-control CPU 260b is not input to the reset signal line of the counter circuit (that is, the counter circuit 41d is not reset) and a predetermined time or more has elapsed, according to the time, The first counter signal, the second counter signal, and the third counter signal are sequentially output.

  The first counter signal and the second counter signal of the counter circuit 41d are input to the AND circuit 41f. The output signal of the AND circuit 41f (the logical product signal of the first counter signal and the second counter signal) is input to the latch signal line of the rotation side decoration drive circuit 41a. Therefore, the AND circuit 41f functions as a part of a latch signal generation circuit that generates a latch signal for the rotation-side decorative drive circuit 41a. The second counter signal of the counter circuit 41d is input to the enable signal line of the rotation side decoration drive circuit 41a. The third counter signal of the counter circuit 41d is input to the OE terminal of the oscillation circuit 41e via the NOT circuit. The AND circuit 41f corresponds to the logic circuit of the present invention.

  The clock signal of the sub control CPU 260b is input to the reset signal line of the counter circuit 41d via the NOT circuit. The OUT signal of the oscillation circuit 41e is input to the clock signal line of the counter circuit 41d. The oscillation circuit 41d continues to output an oscillation signal from the OUT signal line at a predetermined cycle when the signal input to the OE signal line is at a high level. As described above, the third counter signal of the counter circuit 41d inverted by the NOT circuit is input to the OE signal line. Therefore, when the third counter signal of the counter circuit 41d is at a low level, an oscillation signal is output from the oscillation circuit 41e at a predetermined period (a constant interval), and the third counter signal of the counter circuit 41d is at a high level. In this case, the oscillation signal is not output from the oscillation circuit 41e (output is stopped). That is, when the third counter signal is output from the counter circuit 41d, the operation (count function) of the counter circuit 41d is stopped.

  Here, the signal output mode of the clock signal is performed by periodically repeating the high level and the low level, and the signal level is set to the high level when the signal is not output (non-output state). Is retained. In the signal output state of the clock signal, the counter circuit 41d is at the timing when the clock signal becomes low level (that is, when the signal inverted by the NOT circuit and input to the reset signal line becomes high level). A high level signal is input to the reset signal line, and the counter circuit 41d is reset (the count executed by the counter circuit is reset). In the signal output state of the clock signal, the reset operation is executed at an interval shorter than the output cycle of the first counter signal and the second counter signal, so that the counter signal is output while the clock signal is being input. It will never be done.

  The sub-control CPU 260b, the fixed-side decorative drive circuit 261, the fixed-side lamp 4b, the fixed-side terminal (brush body 47), and the wiring (electronic component) that electrically connects them correspond to the fixed-side circuit of the present invention. Rotation side decoration drive circuit 41a, counter circuit 41d, oscillation circuit 41e, AND circuit 41f, rotation side lamp 41b, rotation side terminal (current collecting ring 46), wiring (electronic parts) for electrically connecting them, etc. This corresponds to the rotation side circuit of the invention.

  Hereinafter, in order to distinguish the signal output from the sub-control CPU 260b from the signal output from the counter circuit 41d, the oscillation circuit 41e, and the AND circuit 41f, the clock signal, latch signal, and enable signal output from the sub-control CPU 260b are referred to as “first”. The second counter signal (enable signal) output from the counter circuit 41d is referred to as the “second enable signal” and the oscillation signal output from the oscillation circuit 41e (“clock signal”, “first latch signal”, “first enable signal”). The clock signal) is the “second clock signal”, and the logic signal (latch signal) output from the AND circuit 41f is the “second latch signal”.

  Each input / output port (data signal output port, clock signal output port, latch output) provided in various ICs such as the sub-control CPU 260b, fixed decoration driving circuit 261, rotation decoration driving circuit 41a, oscillation circuit 41e, counter circuit 41d, etc. Port, enable signal output port, data signal input port, clock signal input port, latch signal input port, enable signal input port, oscillation signal output port, counter signal output port, reset signal input port, etc.) In the broad sense, each data signal line, clock signal line, latch signal line, enable signal line, reset signal line, etc. (for example, the clock signal line of the fixed decorative driving circuit 261) are described, but these are other descriptions (for example, , Clock signal input line of fixed side decorative drive circuit 261, clock Terminals, may be as the clock input terminal or the like) (same applies to other input and output ports).

  Next, the operation of the fixed decoration driving circuit 261 and the rotation decoration driving circuit 41a configured as described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a timing chart of various signals output from the sub-control CPU 260b, various signals output from the counter circuit 41d, and output signals from the AND circuit 41f.

  A period shown in (1) of FIG. 8 indicates a data transmission period for the fixed decoration driving circuit 261. During the period shown in (1), the fixed decoration driving circuit 261 receives the input data from the data signal line in synchronization with the rising edge of the signal (first clock signal) input from the clock signal line, and performs the first shift. The input data stored in the first shift register is sequentially shifted every time data is newly stored in the register (fixed side shift register).

  Next, at the time shown in (2) of FIG. 8, the first latch signal output from the sub-control CPU 260b rises to a high level (the signal level switches from a low level to a high level). In response to this, the fixed-side decorative drive circuit 261 determines the state (data) of the first shift register at that time, and stores the determined data in an internal register (for holding the first fixed data) different from the first shift register. Register). Further, the fixed decoration driving circuit 261 indicates that the first enable signal output from the sub-control CPU 260b falls to the low level (the signal level switches from the high level to the low level) at the time shown in FIG. 8 (2a). As a trigger, a drive signal is output from the output terminal to the fixed lamp 4b. As a result, the fixed lamp 4b is turned on / off or blinked according to the drive signal.

  That is, the period from the time point (2) to the time point (2a) in FIG. 8 is a period in which data (driving data) for driving the fixed lamp 4b is determined and held in the internal register of the fixed decorative driving circuit 261. It is said. The determined data starts to be output when the enable signal falls (at time (2b) in FIG. 8), and stops outputting when the enable signal rises.

  Further, in order to start outputting the drive signal based on the new confirmed data, the enable signal is transmitted before the next latch signal rises (after the transmission of the data signal necessary for control as shown in FIG. It is controlled by the program so that it rises and goes to a high level before the rise. The enable signal needs to rise for the time required for the latch signal to determine the data accumulated in the shift register, that is, the lamp (LED) must be turned off. Accordingly, it is desirable that the latch signal falls at the same time as the falling edge of the latch signal or falls after the falling edge of the latch signal.

  On the other hand, in the period shown in (1), the data signal and the first clock signal are also output from the sub-control CPU 260b to the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a. The data transmitted to control the fixed decoration driving circuit 261 is stored in the 2-shift register. However, while the first clock signal of the sub control CPU 260b is input to the reset signal line (reset terminal) of the counter circuit 41d (while the counter circuit 41d is in the reset state), the counter circuit 41d outputs the first clock signal. Both the 2 enable signal and the second latch signal output from the AND circuit 41f are maintained at the low level. For this reason, since the second latch signal does not rise, the data for driving and controlling the fixed decoration driving circuit 261 stored in the second shift register is not determined and output (that is, already the second determined signal). Data held in the data holding register is never updated).

  A period shown in (3) of FIG. 8 indicates a data transmission period for the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a. During the period shown in (3), the rotation-side decorative drive circuit 41a receives the input data from the data signal line in synchronization with the rising edge of the signal (first clock signal) input from the clock signal line and performs the second shift. The input data accumulated in the register (rotation side shift register) is sequentially shifted every time new data is received.

  Next, the first clock signal output from the sub-control CPU 260b from the time shown in (4) of FIG. 8 is maintained at the high level. As a result, no signal is input to the reset signal line of the counter circuit 41d (the input signal is at a low level), and counting in the counter circuit 41d is started. The first counter signal of the counter circuit 41d rises to a high level at the time (5) when 50 μs has elapsed from the time shown in (4) of FIG. At this time, since the second counter signal (second enable signal) of the counter circuit 41d is at the low level, the second latch signal output from the AND circuit 41f remains at the low level.

  Next, at the time point (6) when 100 μs elapses from the time point shown in (4) of FIG. 8, the first counter signal of the counter circuit 41d falls to the low level, and the second counter signal (the second counter signal of the counter circuit 41d) 2 enable signal) rises to a high level. Then, at the time point (7) when 150 μs has elapsed from the time point shown in (4) of FIG. 8, the first counter signal of the counter circuit 41d rises to the high level again. Since the second counter signal of the counter circuit 41d is maintained at the high level, the output signal (second latch signal) of the AND circuit 41f rises to the high level.

  Then, triggered by the rise of the second latch signal, the rotation-side decorative drive circuit 41a determines the state (data) of the second shift register, and the determined data is stored in an internal register (second register) different from the second shift register. It is held in the fixed data holding register). At this time, since the second enable signal (second counter signal) is at a high level, no driving signal is output from the fixed decoration driving circuit 41a.

  Next, at the time (8) when 200 μs elapses from the time shown in (4) of FIG. 8, the third counter signal of the counter circuit 41d rises to the high level, and the first counter signal and the second counter signal (the second counter signal) 2 enable signal) falls from the high level to the low level. As the first counter signal and the second enable signal fall, the output signal (second latch signal) of the AND circuit 41f falls from the high level to the low level. As the third counter signal of the counter circuit 41d rises, the signal input to the OE terminal of the oscillation circuit 41e via the NOT circuit becomes a low level. As a result, the output of the oscillation signal from the oscillation circuit 41e is stopped, and the input to the second clock signal to the counter circuit 41d is stopped. As a result, the output states (signal levels) of the first to third counter signals of the counter circuit 41d are maintained, and the second enable signal and the second latch signal are maintained at the low level.

  Then, at the time shown in (8) of FIG. 8, the rotation-side decorative drive circuit 41a is connected to the output terminal when the second enable signal (second counter signal) output from the counter circuit 41d falls to a low level. Outputs a drive signal to the rotation side lamp 41b. Thereby, the rotation side lamp 41b is turned on / off or blinks according to the drive signal.

  Next, at the time shown in (9) of FIG. 8, the first clock signal from the sub control CPU 260b changes from the high level to the low level, so that the counter circuit 41d is reset and the third counter signal of the counter circuit 41d is reset. Changes from high to low.

  On the other hand, during the period shown in (3), since the data signal and the first clock signal are also output from the sub-control CPU 260b to the fixed side decorative drive circuit 261, the shift of the fixed side decorative drive circuit 261 is performed as described above. Data transmitted to control the rotary decoration drive circuit 41a is accumulated in the register. However, in (2a) to (9), since the first latch signal is maintained at the low level and the latch signal does not rise, the accumulated data for controlling the rotation-side decorative drive circuit 41a is stored. Is not fixed (that is, data already held in the first fixed data holding register is not updated).

  Therefore, during a period in which the enable signal is at a low level (that is, a period (2a) to (9) in FIG. 8), a drive signal is output from the output terminal of the fixed decorative driving circuit 261 to the fixed lamp 4b. However, the drive signal is based on the data (control signal for the fixed decoration driving circuit 261) determined at the time of (2) in FIG. 8, and the control signal for the rotation decoration driving circuit 41a ((( Data transmitted in the period of 3) is not output.

  After (9) shown in FIG. 8, if the control signal (data signal and first clock signal) for the fixed decoration driving circuit 261 is transmitted with the first latch signal maintained at the low level, the fixed side The data in the first shift register of the decoration drive circuit 261 is rewritten (updated) by sequentially shifting to the correct data from the control signal (data) for the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a accumulated during the period (3). . Then, the appropriate data for controlling the fixed-side decorative drive circuit 261 after the update is determined and held with the next rising edge of the first latch signal, and is output with the falling edge of the first enable signal. .

  According to the embodiment described above, in the configuration in which the fixed-side terminal and the rotation-side terminal of the slip ring 43 are connected with as few signal lines as possible and the shift register type driver is used as the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a. By using the circuit 41d and the oscillation circuit 41e to generate the second latch signal and the second enable signal from the first clock signal, the rotation-side decorative drive circuit 41a can be accurately operated. By reducing the number, it is possible to reduce the risk of failure or the like that easily occurs at the mechanical contact portion (terminal-terminal contact portion), and to reduce the size and weight of the device.

  Specifically, by inputting the first clock signal from the sub-control CPU 260b to the reset signal line of the counter circuit 41d, the counter signal is not output from the counter circuit 41d, and the second decorative drive circuit 41a receives the second clock signal. The latch signal and the second enable signal can be prevented from being input (that is, by periodically inputting a high level signal to the reset signal line, the counter circuit is periodically input (before the counter signal is output). To control the output timing of the counter signal). As a result, while the first clock signal is being output from the sub-control CPU 260b, the output (rise) of the second latch signal is prevented and held in the second fixed data holding register of the rotation-side decorative drive circuit 41a. Data can be prevented from being updated. As a result, the data transmission period for the fixed decoration driving circuit 261 and the data transmission period for the rotation decoration driving circuit 41a can be distinguished and switched. As a result, a plurality of decorative drive circuits 261 and 41a are controlled by a control signal output from one sub-control CPU 260b, and the lamps 4b and 41b connected to the decorative drive circuits 261 and 41a are respectively accurately controlled. can do.

  The second counter signal of the counter circuit 41d is used as an enable signal (second enable signal) for the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a, and the logical product signal of the first counter signal and the second counter signal of the counter circuit 41d is used as the rotation-side decoration. By providing an AND circuit 41f that outputs as a latch signal (second latch signal) for the drive circuit 41a, the second latch signal is raised while the second enable signal is raised, and simultaneously with the fall of the second enable signal. The second latch signal can be lowered. In this way, by controlling the output state of a plurality of counter signals (with different output periods) output from the counter circuit at predetermined intervals, the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a can be appropriately controlled.

  Further, when the third counter signal of the counter circuit 41d is output (switched from the low level to the high level), the third counter signal is input to the OE signal line of the oscillation circuit 41e. In response to the rise, the oscillation (output) of the second clock signal to the counter circuit 41d is stopped (the input signal level to the clock signal line of the counter circuit 41d is maintained at a low level). Then, the second enable signal and the second latch signal can be maintained at the low level until the clock signal is output from the sub control CPU 260b next time (until the state of the counter circuit 41d is reset). Thereby, it is possible to ensure a period during which the second decorative drive circuit 41a outputs a drive signal to the rotation side lamp 41b, and to reliably drive the rotation side lamp 41b.

  In addition, by using a shift register type driver as the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a, the rotation side of the movable accessory 40 is reduced in size and weight compared to a configuration using an IC such as a microcomputer for the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a. Can be further reduced in cost.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, Unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, and those skilled in the art Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the sub-control unit CPU 260b and the rotation-side decoration drive circuit 41a are connected via the slip ring 43. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. Any configuration in which the circuit 41a is connected by a small number of signal lines can be applied to a configuration in which the slip ring 43 is not used.

  Moreover, although the rotation side decoration drive circuit 41a was demonstrated in the said Example about the structure provided in the rotary body 41 which can rotate with respect to the main body of the game machine 1, it is not restricted to this, This invention is a rotation side decoration drive circuit. 41a can be applied to a configuration that is fixed so as not to rotate with respect to the main body of the gaming machine 1, or may be provided not only on the main body but also on a movable body that performs vertical and horizontal operations. good. In this case, the rotation-side decorative drive circuit 41a is a movable-side decorative drive circuit (only the name is different but the function is the same).

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the movable accessory 40 is provided in the game area 21 of the game board 20 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the movable accessory 40 can be visually recognized by the player of the gaming machine 1. What is necessary is just to be provided in the site | part, for example, you may provide in the front frame 4. FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the fixed lamp 4b is provided on the front frame 4 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the fixed lamp 4b is provided in any part that is visible to the player of the gaming machine 1. For example, it may be provided in the game area 21 of the game board 20.

  In the above-described embodiment, the lamps 4b and 41b (LEDs) are driven by the decoration drive circuits 261 and 41a. You may comprise so that a decoration drive thing (for example, movable thing, a motor, a solenoid, etc.) may be driven.

  In the present embodiment, one of the two signal lines connected by the slip ring 43 is a logical product signal output from the AND circuit 262 of the clock signal and the latch signal. It can also be a logic circuit. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a combination of a NAND circuit and a NOT circuit or a combination of a NOT circuit and a NOR circuit can be used. In this case, an output signal output from the NOT circuit or an output signal output from the NOR circuit is input to the clock signal line of the rotation-side decorative drive circuit 41a.

  In this embodiment, the control signal transmission period for the fixed decoration driving circuit 261 and the control signal transmission period for the rotation decoration driving circuit 41a are switched when the latch signal rises or the enable signal falls. However, the transmission period of the control signal may be switched in response to the falling edge of the latch signal and the falling edge of the enable signal. In short, the transmission period of the control signal to each drive circuit is switched when the latch signal and the enable signal change from high level to low level or from low level to high level (state change). It has.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 4 ... Front frame, 4b ... Fixed side lamp, 20 ... Game board, 28 ... Start-up opening, 40 ... Movable accessory, 41 ... Rotating body, 41a ... Rotation side decoration drive circuit (2nd decoration drive circuit) ), 41b, rotation side lamp, 41d, counter circuit, 41e, oscillation circuit, 41f, AND circuit (logic circuit), 43 ... slip ring (rotation connection means), 46 ... current collecting ring (rotation side terminal), 47 ... Brush body (fixed side terminal), 200... Main control section, 260... Sub control section, 260 b .. sub control CPU (decoration control means), 261... Fixed side decoration drive circuit (first decoration drive circuit).

Claims (3)

A gaming machine provided with a first decorative driving object and a second decorative driving object,
Decoration control means for outputting a data signal, a first clock signal, a first latch signal, and a first enable signal as control signals for controlling the first decoration driver and the second decoration driver;
A first decoration drive circuit that receives the control signal from the decoration control means and drives the first decoration drive based on the control signal;
A second decoration drive circuit that receives the control signal from the decoration control means and drives the second decoration drive based on the control signal;
A counter circuit having a clock signal line and a reset signal line for inputting signals, and capable of sequentially outputting a first counter signal, a second counter signal, and a third counter signal at predetermined intervals;
An oscillation circuit capable of outputting the second clock signal at regular intervals and stopping the output of the second clock signal when a stop signal is input;
A logic circuit that receives the first counter signal and the second counter signal output from the counter circuit and outputs a logic signal of the first counter signal and the second counter signal;
The first clock signal output from the decoration control means is input to the reset signal line of the counter circuit, and the second clock signal output from the oscillation circuit is input to the clock signal line of the counter circuit. And
When the second clock signal is input to the clock signal line and the first clock signal is input to the reset signal line, the counter circuit is configured to output the first counter signal and the second clock signal. When the counter signal and the third counter signal are not output and the input of the first clock signal to the reset signal line is stopped, the first counter signal, the second counter signal, and the third counter signal are output. Configured to output sequentially,
The first decoration drive circuit receives the first clock signal by receiving the data signal, the first clock signal, the first latch signal, and the first enable signal among the control signals from the decoration control means. The received data is shifted and accumulated in the first shift register each time the data is received, and the data accumulated in the first shift register is output based on the first latch signal and the first enable signal to output the first data. It is configured as a shift register type driver that drives decorative driving objects,
The second decoration drive circuit receives the data signal and the first clock signal among the control signals from the decoration control means, and receives the logic signal output from the logic circuit as a second latch signal. The second counter signal output from the counter circuit is input as a second enable signal, and each time the first clock signal is received, the received data is shifted and stored in a second shift register, and the first A shift register type that drives the second decorative driving object by outputting the data stored in the second shift register based on the second latch signal and the second enable signal output after the output of the clock signal is stopped. Configured as a driver,
The third counter signal can be input to the oscillation circuit, and the oscillation circuit stops the output of the second clock signal to the counter circuit when the third counter signal is input. To play. The decoration control means and the first decoration drive circuit are configured as a fixed fixed circuit,
The second decorative drive circuit, the counter circuit, the oscillation circuit, and the logic circuit are configured as a rotation-side circuit disposed on a rotating body that is rotatably provided,
Rotating connection means for maintaining electrical connection by four wires between the fixed side connection terminal connected to the fixed side circuit and the rotation side connection terminal connected to the rotation side circuit;
The four wires are a power line, a ground line, a data signal line from which the data signal is output from the decoration control means, and a clock signal from which the first clock signal is output from the decoration control means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, comprising a line.   The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the rotation connecting means is configured as a slip ring.

Images