JP5613938B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising a plurality of group unit control means for controlling a production device divided into groups and a group overall control means for controlling a plurality of group unit control means, and in particular, a group overall control means and each group unit control means. It relates to the wiring to connect.

  As a gaming machine capable of simplifying the wiring between the sub-relay board and the electric decoration board, the top LED central board arranged at the center of the top electric decoration area is serially connected to the sub-relay board, and the top electric A gaming machine having a configuration in which a top LED right substrate disposed on the right side of the decoration area and a top LED left substrate disposed on the left side of the top illumination area are separated from the top LED central board and connected by wiring. Yes. Thereby, the number of wirings from the sub relay board to the top illumination area can be reduced to simplify the wiring (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In addition, as a gaming machine that can reduce the number of signal lines and easily detect fraudulent activities, signal transmission between the main board and the sub board is performed by the I ² C bus method. Some boards and sub-boards are each provided with a bidirectional bus buffer. This bidirectional bus buffer is for bifurcating the two bidirectional serial lines (SDA, SCL) constituting the I ² C bus into two unidirectional serial lines, respectively. The bus buffer and the bidirectional bus buffer provided on the sub-board are connected by four serial lines so that the signal transmission directions of the one-way serial lines branched by them match each other ( For example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2008-212271 A JP 2006-15036 A

In the game machine described in Patent Document 1, it is impossible to sufficiently reduce wiring.

The present invention aims to provide a game machine capable of reducing the number of connection lines connecting the integrated Batch control means and units of the control unit.

The first invention includes a presentation control means to control a plurality of presentation equipment that carries out an effect divides the plurality of rendering devices into groups, for controlling the presentation apparatus belonging to the divided groups Unit control means is provided for each group, and the effect control means is configured as overall control means for overall control of the unit control means, and data is transmitted and received between the overall control means and the unit control means. By providing a data line, the overall control means and the unit control means can mutually transmit data, and the overall control means sets the signal level of the data line to a signal level corresponding to transmission data. Thus, data transmission is sequentially performed to the unit control means, and after the data transmission, the success or failure of the data transmission is determined based on the response signal transmitted from the unit control means. That the determining means, wherein the unit control means, common via the data line, with a reply signal outputting means for outputting the response signal to the integrated control unit, the common between respective unit control means When an address is assigned in advance and the content of the address included in the data transmitted from the overall control unit is determined, and when it is determined that the address is a common address, the transmitted data is used as initialization instruction data. It is characterized in that it fetches and initializes itself based on the initialization instruction data .

According to a second aspect of the invention , there is provided a game board in which a game area is formed, and the game board is provided with a relay board for relaying an electric signal output from the effect control means to the unit control means. .

According to the present invention, the number of connection lines connecting the overall control unit and the unit control unit can be reduced.

It is explanatory drawing of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the game board of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the center case of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state before the movable production | presentation apparatus of embodiment of this invention operate | moves. It is a figure which shows the state which the 1st effect unit and the 2nd effect unit have contact | abutted as a result of operating the movable production | presentation apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the 1st effect member of embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the 2nd production member of an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure explaining wiring of the game machine of an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the presentation control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the connection state of the relay board and decoration control apparatus of embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows the case where a normal version front frame is attached to a game machine. It is a figure which shows the connection state of the decoration control apparatus attached to the cheap plate front frame of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the connection state of the decoration control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the decoration control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the configuration of I ² CI / O expander of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a circuit diagram around the I ² CI / O expander of the decoration control device of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a circuit diagram around the I ² CI / O expander of the decoration control device of the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a case where a motor and a solenoid are controlled. It is a circuit diagram of the connection line regarding the input / output of the branch type decoration control apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a circuit diagram of the connection line regarding the input / output of the connection type | mold decoration control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the slave address contained in the data output to the decoration control apparatus from the presentation control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is an explanatory view of I ² CI / O expander address table according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a I ² CI / O Aix work register assigned to the output setting register provided in expander of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the start condition and stop condition which the master IC of embodiment of this invention outputs data via the connection line SDA and the connection line SCL. It is a timing chart which the decoration control apparatus into which the data output from the master IC of embodiment of this invention was input outputs a response signal. It is a timing chart of the signal level of the connection line SDA and the connection line SCL when the master IC of the embodiment of the present invention outputs effect control data. Data transmitted / received between the master IC and the I ² CI / O expander when the master IC according to the embodiment of the present invention specifies the individual address of the slave and sets the effect control data in the decoration control device. It is a figure explaining the format of. When the master IC according to the embodiment of the present invention specifies the individual address of the slave and sets the effect control data in the decoration control device, the effect transmitted / received between the master IC and the I ² CI / O expander It is the figure which applied the specific numerical value to control data. It is a figure explaining the order which transmits presentation control data of master IC of an embodiment of the invention. If the master IC of the embodiment of the present invention initializes the I ² CI / O expander, is a diagram illustrating the format of the initialization instruction data to be transmitted to the I ² CI / O expander from the master IC . It is a figure explaining the abnormality determination table of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process by the presentation control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the slave reset process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the slave continuous output process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the timer interruption process of embodiment of this invention.

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

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A front frame (game frame) 3 of the gaming machine 1 is assembled to the main body frame (outer frame) 2 via a hinge 4 so as to be openable and closable on the front surface of the gaming machine 1. A game board 10 (see FIG. 2) is accommodated on the front side of the front frame 3. Further, a glass frame 18 having a cover glass (transparent member) covering the front surface of the game board 10 is attached to the front frame 3.

  Around the cover glass of the glass frame 18, decoration members 9 a and 9 b that emit decoration light are provided. The decoration members 9a and 9b are provided with a decoration device composed of a lamp, an LED, or the like. By causing the decoration device to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode, the decoration members 9a and 9b emit light in a predetermined light emission mode.

  Speakers 30 that emit sound (for example, sound effects) are provided on the left and right sides of the glass frame 18. An illumination unit 11 is provided above the glass frame 18.

  On the right side of the lighting unit 11, an abnormality notification LED 29 for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 1 is provided.

  The open / close panel 20 below the front frame 3 is provided with an upper tray 21 for supplying game balls to a not-shown ball hitting device, and the fixed panel 22 is provided with an ashtray 15, a lower plate 23, an operation unit 24 of the hit ball launching device, and the like. . The lower tray 23 is provided with a lower tray ball removing mechanism 16 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower tray 23. A key 25 for locking the glass frame 18 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 3.

  Further, when the player turns the operation unit 24, the hitting ball launching device launches a game ball supplied from the upper plate 21.

  In addition, the upper edge portion of the upper plate 21 is provided with an effect button 17 for receiving an operation input from the player. When the player operates the effect button 17, the effect content of the special figure variation display game on the display device 53 (see FIG. 2) provided on the game board 10 is selected, and the special figure variation display game on the display device 53 is selected. In addition, it is possible to perform an effect in which the player's operation is intervened.

  The special figure variation display game is started when the launched game ball wins a start opening 36 (see FIG. 2) provided in the game board 10. In the special figure fluctuation display game, a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed on the display device 53. Then, when the identification information that has been variably displayed is stopped and the result mode of the stopped identification information is a specific result mode, the state of the gaming machine 1 is advantageous to the player (a state where a privilege is granted) Transition to a special gaming state.

  In the upper right portion of the upper plate 21, a ball lending button 26 that is operated when a player borrows a game ball and a discharge button 27 that is operated to discharge a prepaid card from a card unit (not shown) are provided. . Further, a balance display unit 28 for displaying the balance of the prepaid card is provided between the ball lending button 26 and the discharge button 27.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 fires a game ball in an internal game area 10a (bounces it) to play a game, and a game area 10a is provided on the back side of the cover glass of the glass frame 18. The game board 10 which comprises is installed.

  The game board 10 includes a flat game board main body 10b (made of wood or synthetic resin) serving as a mounting base for various members, and has a game area 10a surrounded by a guide rail 32 on the front surface of the game board main body 10b. ing. A front component 33 is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10 b and outside the guide rail 32. Then, a game ball (hit ball; game medium) is launched from the launching device into the game area 10a surrounded by the guide rail 32 to play a game.

  A center case 51 that forms a window 52 serving as a display area for a special figure variation display game is attached to the approximate center of the game area 10a. Behind the window 52 formed in the center case 51, a display device 53 is arranged as an effect display device capable of executing an effect of a special figure variable display game that displays a plurality of identification information in a variable manner. The display device 53 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is arranged so that a display portion 53 a whose display contents can be changed is visible from the front side of the game board 10 through the window portion 52 of the center case 51. Note that the display device 53 is not limited to a device including a liquid crystal display, and may include a display such as an EL or a CRT.

  Further, a ball introduction path (warp flow path) 50 through which a game ball can flow down is provided on the left portion of the center case 51, and is opened with the entrance 50a open toward the game area 10a. The ball introduction path 50 communicates with the inside of the center case 51, and the game ball that has flowed from the inlet 50a passes through the back side of the center case 51 and is discharged onto the unit-side stage portion 49b. Further, the game ball that rolls on the unit-side stage portion 49b can flow down onto the base-side stage portion 49a disposed below the unit-side stage portion 49b.

  A plurality of ornaments 47 are arranged on the peripheral edge of the center case 51. A decorative lamp 48 is disposed at the lower left portion of the center case 51, and a plurality of decorative pieces 46 are disposed in an upper and lower movable state at the upper portion of the center case 51. The decoration tool 47, the decoration lamp 48, and the decoration piece 46 perform an effect operation according to a command from an effect control device 550 described later. The configuration of the center case 51 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

  Further, in the game area 10a, below the center case 51, a start opening 36 for starting a special figure changing display game that can receive (win) a game ball is arranged. Further, on the side of the center case 51 (on the left side), a general map start gate 34 for starting the general map change display game is arranged.

  Further, in the game area 10a, side lamps 45 that perform various decorative displays by light emission are arranged on the lower left and lower right of the center case 51. The side lamp 45 is provided with a general winning opening 44.

  Further, a big winning opening 42 is arranged below the start opening 36, and an out opening for collecting the game balls that have flowed down without winning at the lower edge of the gaming area 10a below the big winning opening 42. 43 is established. The special winning opening 42 includes an attacker-type opening / closing door 42a that can be opened by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side is tilted to the near side. The state of the open / close door 42a is changed from a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) to an open state (a state advantageous for the player) according to the result of the special figure variation display game.

  In addition, in the game area 10a excluding attachment portions such as the center case 51, the start port 36, the side lamp 45, etc., there are a windmill (not shown) as a hitting direction changing member, and many No. nails (not shown) are provided. A vertically arcuate game ball passage 57 is formed between the center case 51 and the front structural member 33 located on the opposite side of the normal start gate 34 with the center case 51 interposed therebetween.

  Further, the game board 10 is provided with a special figure / special figure display 35 for executing a special figure change display game and a normal figure change display game. The general-purpose / special-figure display 35 displays the number of unprocessed times (special figure start memory number) of the special-figure display game and the unprocessed number of general-purpose variable display games (number of general figure start memory). The general-purpose / special-purpose display 35 is provided as a segment LED together with a game state display LED (not shown) representing a game state.

  A gate SW 34a (see FIG. 9) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the general chart start gate 34 is provided in the general chart start gate 34. Then, when the game ball that has been driven into the game area 10a passes through the normal figure start gate 34, the normal figure change display game is started.

  In addition, when the game ball passes through the general chart start gate 34 in a state where the normal map variable display game cannot be started, if the general chart start memory number is less than the upper limit number, the general chart start memory number is incremented by one, One random number indicating whether or not the normal figure change display game is won is stored as a normal figure start memory.

  The state in which the general map change display game cannot be started is, for example, a state in which the general map change display game has already been performed and the normal map change display game has not been completed, Is the state that has been converted to the open state.

  It should be noted that the universal map change display game may display the universal map change display game in a part of the display area of the display device 53. In this case, for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc. are used as identification symbols. This identification symbol is displayed by variably displaying for a predetermined time and then stopped and displayed.

  When the stop display of the normal map change display game becomes a special result mode, the opening / closing member 36a of the start port 36 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) as a win for the normal map change display game. Is done. Thereby, it becomes easy to win a game ball in the start opening 36, and the special figure variation display game can be started easily. The opening / closing member 36a of the start port 36 normally maintains a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) with an interval of about the diameter of the game ball. When the stop display mode is entered (when the normal-game fluctuation display game is won), the game ball is opened in the reverse “C” shape by the solenoid (Fuden SOL 36b, see FIG. 9), and the game ball is placed at the start port 36. It is changed to a state that is easy to flow in (a state that is advantageous to the player).

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, based on the result form of the special figure fluctuation display game, as a gaming state, the time-short operation state (in which the fluctuation display time of the special figure fluctuation display game on the display device 53 is shortened ( 2nd operation state) can be generated. The short-time operation state (second operation state) is a state in which the opening / closing member 36a of the start port 36 is likely to be open compared to the normal operation state (first operation state).

  In the short-time operation state, the execution time of the normal variation display game is controlled to be shorter than the execution time in the normal operation state (for example, 10 seconds is 1 second), and the number of opening of the start port 36 per unit time is It is controlled to increase substantially. Further, in the short-time operation state, when the start port 36 is opened due to the winning of the normal fluctuation display game, the opening time is controlled to be longer than the opening time of the normal operation state (for example, 0 3 seconds is 1.8 seconds). Further, in the short-time operation state, the start port 36 is opened a plurality of times (for example, two times) instead of once for the one-time winning result of the normal map display game. Further, in the short-time operation state, control is performed so that the probability of winning the normal-variation display game is higher than that in the normal operation state. That is, the number of times of opening of the start port 36 is increased as compared with the normal operation state, and it becomes easy to win a game ball in the start port 36, and the special figure variation display game can be started easily.

  In addition, a start port SW 36 d (see FIG. 9) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the start port 36 is provided inside the start port 36. When a game ball is detected by the start port SW36d, a start right for starting a special figure variation display game as an auxiliary game is generated. At this time, the right to start the special figure variation display game is stored as a special figure start memory within a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

  When the special figure fluctuation display game cannot be started immediately, for example, when the special figure fluctuation display game has already been performed and the special figure fluctuation display game has not been completed, or when the special game state has been entered, the start port 36 When the game ball wins, if the special figure start memory number is less than the upper limit number (for example, less than 4), the special figure start memory number is incremented by 1 and extracted at the timing when the game ball wins the start opening 36. One random number is stored as a special figure start memory. When the special figure fluctuation display game is ready to start, the special figure fluctuation display game is started based on the special figure start memory.

  The special figure variation display game as an auxiliary game is executed by the general figure / special figure display device 35 provided on the game board 10, and after a plurality of identification information is variably displayed, a predetermined result mode is stopped and displayed. Done. Further, a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.) are displayed in a variable manner on the display device 53 in correspondence with the special figure fluctuation display game. And as a result of the special figure variation display game, when the display mode of the general figure / special map display 35 becomes a special result mode, it becomes a big win and becomes a special game state (so-called big hit state). Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 53 is also a special result mode (for example, any one of the numbers in the flat order such as “7, 7, 7”). In addition, you may comprise so that a special figure fluctuation display game may be performed only with the display apparatus 53 instead of the general figure and special figure display 35. FIG.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention can generate a probability variation state (second probability state) as a gaming state based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game. This probability variation state (second probability state) is a state in which the probability of a hit result in the special figure variation display game is higher than the normal probability state (first probability state). Note that the probability variation state and the above-described short-time operation state can be generated independently, and both can be generated at the same time, or only one of them can be generated.

  FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the center case 51 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The center case 51 includes a decorative frame portion 65 disposed as a front surface configuration portion on the front surface side of the game board main body 10b (game board 10), and a frame base portion 60 disposed as a back surface configuration portion on the back surface side of the game board main body 10b. And are polymerized before and after. The decorative frame portion 65 includes an annular decorative base 66 fixed to the surface of the game board main body 10b. On the back surface side of the decoration base 66, a decoration panel unit 67 is formed which is substantially the same size as the decoration base 66 and is formed in a circular shape. The decoration frame portion 65 superimposes the decoration base 66 and the decoration panel unit 67 back and forth. Configured.

  Under the decoration base 66, a base side stage portion 49a capable of rolling a game ball in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is disposed on the upper surface, and a decoration lamp is provided between the base side stage portion 49a and the game ball passage 57. 48 is arranged (see FIG. 2). A ball introduction path (warp flow path) 50 through which a game ball can flow down is provided on the opposite side of the decoration lamp 48 across the base side stage portion 49a, and the entrance 50a of the ball introduction path 50 is connected to the decoration base 66. The outlet 50b of the ball introduction path 50 is communicated with the back side of the decorative panel unit 67 described later.

  The decorative panel unit 67 includes a cover panel portion 69 formed of a substantially circular transparent resin plate, and a plurality of decorative tools 47 are arranged on the peripheral edge of the front side of the cover panel portion 69. When the decorative panel unit 67 and the decorative frame portion 65 are overlapped, the decorative tool 47 is set so as to be arranged along the inner peripheral edge of the decorative base 66 (see FIG. 2).

  In addition, a unit-side stage portion 49b capable of rolling a game ball in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is disposed on the upper surface at the lower portion on the back side of the cover panel portion 69. The unit side stage portion 49b is disposed above the base side stage portion 49a of the decorative base 66.

  Further, a sphere inlet 68 is opened at a location where the cover panel 69 overlaps with the outlet 50 b of the sphere introduction path 50, and the sphere introduction path 50 and the unit side stage portion 49 b communicate with each other via the sphere inlet 68. doing. Therefore, when a game ball flowing down the game area 10a flows into the ball introduction path 50, the ball introduction path 50 is configured so that the game ball can be introduced onto the unit side stage portion 49b.

  The frame base 60 includes a frame-like base case 61 that is fixed to the back side of the game board 10 in a state where the front side is open, and is opened inside the base case 61 (in other words, inside the center case 51). The part 62a forms a concave chamber 62 provided on the front side.

  In addition, a rectangular window 52 is opened in the front-rear direction behind the concave chamber 62 in the base case 61, and a display device 53 is attached from the rear of the base case 61 to display the display portion of the display device 53. 53 a faces the front of the center case 51 through the window 52 and the recessed chamber 62.

  Further, a plurality of decorative pieces 46 that can be moved up and down by an accessory driving solenoid (not shown) are disposed on the front side of the upper edge of the window 52, and display portions are provided on the left and right edges of the window 52. A movable effect device 58 that moves forward 53a and performs an effect operation is provided.

  When the decorative frame portion 65 is overlapped in front of the frame base portion 60, the opening 62a and the window portion 52 of the concave chamber 62 are covered from the front by the cover panel portion 69, and the display portion 53a of the display device 53 is covered with the decorative frame portion. It is configured to face the front of the center case 51 from the inside of 65 (where the cover panel portion 69 is exposed).

  4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the movable effect device 58 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The movable effect device 58 is configured by providing the first effect unit 63 and the second effect unit 64 at positions separated from each other, and the first effect unit 63 and the second effect unit 64 are operated in conjunction with each other. .

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state before the movable effect device 58 is operated, and FIG. 5 is a result of the movable effect device 58 being operated and the first effect unit 63 and the second effect unit 64 being operated. It is a figure which shows the state contact | abutted in a part (1st contact part 121 and 2nd contact part 122).

  The first effect unit 63 is disposed on the left side of the center case 51, that is, on the left side of the peripheral edge of the window portion 52 of the base case 61. Further, the second effect unit 64 is disposed on the right side of the center case 51. When viewed from the front of the center case 51, the concave chamber 62 and the window 52 are arranged so as to face between the first effect unit 63 and the second effect unit 64.

  The first effect unit 63 includes a first effect member 70 that can move forward of the display unit 53a, and an accessory driving first motor (MOT) that serves as a first effect drive source that generates the driving force of the first effect member 70. ) 71 and a first effect transmission mechanism (a first main arm member 73 and a first sub arm member 74) that transmits the driving force (rotational power) generated from the accessory driving first MOT 71 to the first effect member 70. .

  Further, an output shaft (first output shaft) 71a of the accessory driving first MOT 71 extends in the front-rear direction of the center case 51, and a first drive gear 76 is rotatably mounted on the first output shaft 71a. Yes.

  The first main arm member 73 is formed with a first main arm gear 77 that meshes with the first drive gear 76, and is pivotally mounted above the first drive gear 76. The first sub arm member 74 is formed with a first sub arm gear 78 that meshes with the first drive gear 76, and is pivotally attached to the lower side of the first drive gear 76. The first main arm member 73 and the first sub arm member 74 are axially attached to the first effect member 70 at positions where the end portions opposite to the end portions axially attached to the base case 61 are different from each other. 70 is supported.

  When the first effect unit 63 drives the accessory driving first MOT 71 and rotates the first driving gear 76 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front of the center case 51, the driving force (rotation power) of the accessory driving first MOT 71 is generated. The first main arm member 73 is transmitted to the first main arm member 73 via the first drive gear 76 and the first main arm gear 77, and the first main arm member 73 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the center case 51 by this driving force. To do. The driving force of the accessory driving first MOT 71 is transmitted to the first sub arm member 74 via the first driving gear 76 and the first sub arm gear 78, and the first sub arm member 74 is transmitted to the first main arm 74 by this driving force. It rotates in the same counterclockwise direction as the arm member 73. As a result, the first effect member 70 rises while being supported by the first main arm member 73 and the first sub arm member 74.

  Then, when the first main arm member 73 and the first sub arm member 74 are extended upward by the driving force of the accessory driving first MOT 71 and set in the vertical posture, as shown in FIG. The first effect stop state is set to be deviated from the front of the display unit 53a, and the first effect member 70 is located on the side of the window part 52 and is hidden behind the decorative frame part 65 and behind the game board main body 10b. (See FIG. 2).

  On the other hand, when the first driving gear MOT 71 is driven from the first effect stop state and the first driving gear 76 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the center case 51, the driving force (rotational power) of the first driving gear MOT 71 is rotated. ) Is transmitted to the first main arm member 73 via the first drive gear 76 and the first main arm gear 77, and the first main arm member 73 rotates clockwise as viewed from the front of the center case 51 by this drive force. Move.

  The driving force of the accessory driving first MOT 71 is transmitted to the first sub arm member 74 via the first driving gear 76 and the first sub arm gear 78, and the first sub arm member 74 is transmitted to the first main arm 74 by this driving force. It rotates in the same clockwise direction as the arm member 73. As a result, the first effect member 70 is lowered while being supported by the first main arm member 73 and the first sub arm member 74.

  Then, when the first main arm member 73 and the first sub arm member 74 are extended to the front of the display unit 53a and set in the horizontal posture by the driving force of the accessory driving first MOT 71, as shown in FIG. The first effect execution state is reached in which the member 70 is positioned in front of the display unit 53a, and the first effect member 70 is in front of the central portion of the display unit 53a in the space between the display unit 53a and the cover panel unit 69. To position.

  The second effect unit 64 includes a second effect member 80 that can move to the front of the display unit 53a, and an accessory driving second motor (MOT) as a second effect drive source that generates the drive force of the second effect member 80. ) 81 and a second effect transmission mechanism (second main arm member 83 and second sub arm member 84) that transmits the driving force (rotation power) generated from the accessory driving second MOT 81 to the second effect member 80. .

  Further, the accessory driving second MOT 81 has an output shaft (second output shaft) 81a extending in the front-rear direction of the center case 51, and a second drive gear 86 is pivotally attached to the second output shaft 81a so as to be able to rotate together. Yes.

  The second main arm member 83 is formed with a second main arm gear 87 that meshes with the second drive gear 86, and is pivotally attached to a position closer to the first effect unit 63 than the second drive gear 86. The second sub arm member 84 is formed with a second sub arm gear 88 that meshes with the second drive gear 86, and is pivotally attached to the lower side of the second drive gear 86. The second main arm member 83 and the second sub arm member 84 are pivotally attached to the second effect member 80 at positions where the end portions opposite to the end portions that are axially attached to the base case 61 are different from each other. 80 is supported.

  When the second effect unit 64 drives the accessory driving second MOT 81 and rotates the second driving gear 86 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the front of the center case 51, the driving force (rotation power) of the accessory driving second MOT 81 is generated. This is transmitted to the second main arm member 83 via the second drive gear 86 and the second main arm gear 87, and the second main arm member 83 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the center case 51 by this driving force. To do. Further, the driving force of the accessory driving second MOT 81 is transmitted to the second sub arm member 84 via the second driving gear 86 and the second sub arm gear 88, and the second sub arm member 84 is transmitted to the second main arm member 84 by this driving force. It rotates in the same counterclockwise direction as the arm member 83. As a result, the second effect member 80 is lowered while being supported by the second main arm member 83 and the second sub arm member 84.

  Then, the second main arm member 83 and the second sub arm member 84 are rotated by the driving force of the accessory driving second MOT 81 to cause the second effect member 80 to reach the bottom dead center, and then the second main arm member 83 and When the second sub-arm member 84 is rotated to extend obliquely downward and set in a vertical posture and the second effect member 80 is slightly raised from the bottom dead center, as shown in FIG. The second effect stop state is reached in which the member 80 is positioned away from the front of the display unit 53a, and the second effect member 80 is hidden behind the decorative frame portion 65 and behind the game board main body 10b (see FIG. 2).

  On the other hand, when the accessory driving second MOT 81 is driven from the second effect stop state and the second driving gear 86 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the center case 51, the driving force (rotational power) of the accessory driving second MOT 81 is rotated. ) Is transmitted to the second main arm member 83 via the second drive gear 86 and the second main arm gear 87, and the second main arm member 83 rotates clockwise as viewed from the front of the center case 51 by this driving force. Move.

  Further, the driving force of the accessory driving second MOT 81 is transmitted to the second sub arm member 84 via the second driving gear 86 and the second sub arm gear 88, and the second sub arm member 84 is transmitted to the second main arm member 84 by this driving force. It rotates in the same clockwise direction as the arm member 83. As a result, the second effect member 80 rises while being supported by the second main arm member 83 and the second sub arm member 84.

  Then, when the second main arm member 83 and the second sub arm member 84 are extended to the front of the display unit 53a and set in the horizontal posture by the driving force of the accessory driving second MOT 81, as shown in FIG. The second effect execution state in which the member 80 is positioned in front of the display unit 53a is entered, and the second effect member 80 is in front of the central portion of the display unit 53a in the space between the display unit 53a and the cover panel unit 69. To position.

  FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the first effect member 70 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The first effect member 70 is a substantially semicircular member when viewed from the front of the center case 51, and is set in a posture in which an arc surface is disposed on the first effect unit 63 side.

  The first effect member 70 is provided with a first effect base 100 serving as a base. The first effect base 100 is formed of a transparent resin. Formed on the upper part of the first effect base 100 is a first main arm shaft attachment portion 101 for axially attaching the first main arm member 73 from the front of the first effect base 100, and on the lower part of the first effect base 100, A first sub-arm shaft attachment portion 102 for attaching the first sub-arm member 74 from the rear of the first effect base 100 is formed.

  A first light diffusion sheet 103 that can transmit light while diffusing light is superposed on the front surface of the first effect base 100. Furthermore, the transparent first protective panel 104 is polymerized on the front surface of the first light diffusing sheet 103 to prevent the first light diffusing sheet 103 from falling off the first effect member 70.

  Further, the rear portion of the first production base 100 is recessed forward to form a first substrate storage space portion 105, and a light emitting device such as an LED (decoration device 620, see FIG. 14) is formed in the first substrate storage space portion 105. The mounted first light emitting substrate 106 is accommodated. Further, in this state, the first substrate housing space portion 105 is closed with the first base lid portion 107 to prevent the first light emitting substrate 106 from falling off the first effect member 70.

  Then, when light is generated from the light emitting device of the first light emitting substrate 106, the light passes through the first effect base 100, the first light diffusion sheet 103, and the first protective panel 104 and is irradiated to the front of the center case 51. It is configured as follows.

  Further, a first effect magnet holder 124 whose rear part is opened is formed on the first substrate housing space 105 side of the first contact part 121 so as to be recessed. The first effect magnet holder 124 has a first magnet 125 made of a button-shaped permanent magnet in a posture in which the magnetic pole faces the second effect member 80 side, and the first magnet 125 is connected to the first contact portion 121 (first effect). The magnet holder 124) is stored so as not to fall off.

The first light-emitting substrate 106 is equipped with an I ² CI / O expander 615 (see FIG. 14) for controlling the light emission of the decoration device 620, and a control signal (electric signal) output from the effect control device 550, etc. A data line and a clock line (signal line) for transmission are connected. Further, a power line for supplying power necessary for causing the decoration device 620 to emit light is connected. These connection lines are connected together as a cable 108.

  FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the second effect member 80 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The second effect member 80 has a substantially parallelogram shape with a cutout portion at the top when viewed from the front of the center case 51. In the second effect stop state, the upper and lower side surfaces of the second effect member 80 are inclined downward from the second effect unit 64 side toward the first effect unit 63 side (see FIG. 4), and in the second effect execution state, The left and right side surfaces of the second effect member 80 are set in a posture to incline downward from the second effect unit 64 side toward the first effect unit 63 side (see FIG. 5).

  The second effect member 80 includes a second effect base 110 that serves as a base. The second effect base 110 is formed of a transparent resin. In the upper part of the second effect base 110, a second main arm axis attaching part 111 for axially attaching the second main arm member 83 from the front of the second effect base 110 is formed, and in the lower part of the second effect base 110, A second sub-arm shaft attachment portion 112 for attaching the second sub-arm member 84 from the rear of the second effect base 110 is formed.

  Further, a second light diffusing sheet 113 that can transmit light while diffusing light is superposed on the front surface of the second effect base 110. By superposing the transparent second protective panel 114 on the front surface of the second light diffusing sheet 113, the second light diffusing sheet 113 is prevented from falling off the second effect member 80.

  In addition, the rear portion of the second effect base 110 is recessed forward to form a second substrate storage space 115, and a light emitting device (decoration device 620) such as an LED is mounted in the second substrate storage space 115. The second light emitting substrate 116 is accommodated, and in this state, the second substrate accommodating space 115 is closed by the second base lid portion 117 to prevent the second light emitting substrate 116 from dropping from the second effect member 80. .

  Then, when light is generated from the light emitting device of the second light emitting substrate 116, the light passes through the second effect base 110, the second light diffusion sheet 113, and the second protection panel 114 and is irradiated to the front of the center case 51. It is configured as follows.

  Further, a second effect magnet holder 128 having an open rear portion is formed on the second substrate housing space 115 side of the second contact portion 122 so as to be recessed. In the second effect magnet holder 128, a second magnet 129 made of a button-shaped permanent magnet is stored at a position symmetrical to the first magnet 125 across the first contact portion 121 and the second contact portion 122. Has been.

Similarly to the first light-emitting substrate 106, the second light-emitting substrate 116 is equipped with an I ² CI / O expander 615 (see FIG. 14) for controlling the light emission of the decoration device 620, and outputs from the effect control device 550. A data line and a clock line (signal line) for transmitting the transmitted control signal and the like are connected. Further, a power line for supplying power necessary for causing the decoration device 620 to emit light is connected. These connection lines are connected together as a cable 118.

  The movable effect device 58 includes the first contact member 121 on the first effect member 70 and the second contact member 122 on the second effect member 80. When the first effect unit 63 is converted to the first effect execution state and the second effect unit 64 is converted to the second effect execution state, the first contact portion 121 and the second contact portion 122 contact each other. The first effect member 70 and the second effect member 80 form one decorative body. At this time, the first magnet 125 and the second magnet 129 are arranged so as to generate an attractive force between the first magnet 125 and the second magnet 129. Further, the decorative body thus formed is configured to be positioned in front of the central portion of the display portion 53a.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating wiring of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 8 shows a state before the center case 51 is attached to the game board main body 10 b and the display device 53 is attached to the center case 51. An effect control device 550 is attached to the back surface of the display device 53. The effect control device 550 includes a connector 90, and transmits a control signal and supplies power to the effect device to be controlled via the connector 90. Specifically, it is connected via a cable 91 to a relay board 600 described later.

  In addition, a game control device 500 and a control unit 700 including various control boards are arranged at the lower back of the game board main body 10b. The control board mounted on the control unit 700 includes a relay board 600 that relays the control signal transmitted from the effect control apparatus 550 to the decoration control apparatus 610 (see FIG. 9). Although the details will be described later, the decoration control device 610 controls an effect device such as a light emitting device (for example, LED) or a movable object (for example, a motor) for effecting a game. In addition, the relay substrate 600 can be connected to a light emitting device or a movable device, similarly to the decoration control device 610.

  The relay board 600 is provided with an upstream connector 601 connected to the effect control device 550 via the cable 91. One connector 91a of the cable 91 is connected to the connector 90 of the effect control device 550 as described above. The other connector 91 b of the cable 91 is connected to the upstream connector 601 of the relay board 600. Furthermore, connectors 602a to 602e for connecting to a decoration control device 610 that controls each effect device provided in the gaming machine 1 are provided.

  Further, the relay board 600 is provided with a vacant terminal monitor 603 indicating the connection state of the connected cables. Details of the empty terminal monitor 603 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Although illustration is omitted, units constituting the game control device 500 are provided so as to cover the connector mounting surface of the relay board 600. Therefore, the game control apparatus 500 has an arrangement configuration that is attached after attaching necessary cables to the connectors of the relay board 600.

  Connected to the front frame 3 is a cable 3b for transmitting signals for controlling the speaker 30 and the decorative members 9a, 9b and the like disposed on the front frame 3. The connector of the cable 3b is connected to the relay board 600 of the control unit 700 provided on the back side of the game board 10, and is connected to the connector 602b, for example.

  An opening 45b for attaching the side lamp 45 is formed in the game board main body 10b. A cable 45a for transmitting power and signals is connected to the side lamp 45, and is introduced from the opening 45b to the back side of the game board 10. The cable 45a introduced to the back side of the game board 10 is connected to the relay board 600, for example, connected to the connector 602d.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a starting port 36 and a special winning port 42 are arranged at the lower part of the game board 10. On the back side of the game board 10 on which the start port 36 is arranged, there is arranged a general electric solenoid (SOL) 36b for opening and closing an open / close member 36a that is opened when a win-win game is won. In addition, a special winning opening SOL 42 b for opening and closing the special winning opening 42 when the special figure variation display game is won is also arranged on the back side of the game board 10. A cable (not shown) for receiving an input of a control signal is connected to the general electric power SOL 36 b and the special winning opening SOL 42 b, and these cables are connected to the game control device 500. Further, the cable 42c is connected to the relay board 600 as a cable for transmitting power and signals for lighting the effect LED provided in the special winning opening 42, and is connected to the connector 602f, for example.

  As described above, the center case 51 is attached to the center of the game board 10. Inside the center case 51, a movable effect device 58 constituted by the first effect member 70 and the second effect member 80 is provided. In FIG. 8, the first effect member 70 and the second effect member 80 are in contact with each other at the contact surfaces (121, 122).

  Further, as described above, the first effect unit 63 and the second effect unit 64 of the movable effect device 58 include the motor (the accessory driving first motor) for operating the first effect member 70 and the second effect member 80. 71, an accessory driving second motor 81) is provided. A cable 652 for supplying signals for controlling these motors and power for driving the motors is connected to the movable effect device 58. Further, the movable effect device 58 is provided with a motor position detection sensor 560 (not shown) for detecting the operation state of these motors, and a cable 651 for receiving the sensing result is connected. . The cable 652 and the cable 651 extend from the opening 51 b of the center case 51 to the back side of the game board 10 and are connected to the relay board 600. For example, the cable 652 is connected to the connector 602c, and the cable 651 is connected to the connector 602e.

  Furthermore, a cable 653 is connected to transmit the control signal output from the effect control device 550 to a decoration control device 610 (see FIG. 9) for controlling the effect device such as an LED disposed inside the center case 51. The The cable 653 is connected to the relay board 600 on the back side of the game board 10 through an opening 51a provided in the center case 51, and is connected to, for example, a connector 602a.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a game control device 500 that controls the game in an integrated manner, an effect control device 550 that controls the display device 53 and the speaker 30 to perform various effects, and a payout motor (not shown) for paying out game balls. A payout control device 580 for controlling is provided.

  First, the configuration of the game control device 500 will be described. The production control device 550 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The game control device 500 includes a game microcomputer 501, an input I / F (Interface) 505, an output I / F (Interface) 506, and an external communication terminal 507.

  The gaming microcomputer 501 includes a CPU 502, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 503, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 504.

  The CPU 502 is a main control device that controls the game in an integrated manner, and controls the game. The ROM 503 stores invariant information (programs, data, etc.) for game control. The RAM 504 is used as a work area during game control.

  The external communication terminal 507 connects the game control device 500 to an external device such as an inspection device that inspects the setting information of the game control device 500.

  The CPU 502 receives various input devices (start opening SW36d, general winning openings SW44a to 44n, gate SW34a, count SW42d, glass frame opening SW18a, front frame opening SW3a, ball break SW54, vibration sensor 55, and the like via the input I / F 505. In response to the detection signal from the magnetic sensor 56), various processes such as a big hit lottery are performed.

  The start port SW36d is a switch that detects that a game ball has won the start port 36. The general winning ports SW 44 a to 44 n are switches that detect that a game ball has won the general winning port 44.

  The gate SW 34a is a switch that detects that a game ball has passed through the usual start gate 34. The count SW 42d is a switch that detects that a game ball has won a prize winning opening 42.

  The glass frame opening SW 18a is a switch that detects that the glass frame 18 has been opened. The front frame opening SW 3a is a switch for detecting that the front frame 3 is opened.

  The ball cut SW 54 is a switch that detects that the number of game balls stored in the gaming machine 1 and used for payout has become a predetermined number or less.

  The vibration sensor 55 is a sensor that detects vibration applied to the gaming machine 1 and detects an illegal act such as vibrating the gaming machine 1. The magnetic sensor 56 is provided in the vicinity of the second start winning opening, the general winning opening 44, the large winning opening 42, and the normal start gate 34 of the start opening 36, and is a sensor for detecting magnetic force. The magnetic sensor 56 detects a fraud that brings a magnet close to each winning hole and guides the game ball launched to the gaming area 10a to each winning hole.

  In addition, the CPU 502 transmits a command signal to the ordinary / special-purpose display 35, the ordinary electric power SOL 36b, the special winning opening SOL 42b, the payout control device 580, and the effect control device 550 via the output I / F 506, thereby playing Overall control.

  As described above, the special figure change display game and the universal figure change display game are executed on the special figure / special figure display unit 35. Furthermore, the number of unprocessed times (special figure start memory number) of the special figure change display game and the number of unprocessed times (standard figure start memory number) of the normal figure change display game are displayed. A general chart start memory including a random number indicating whether or not the special figure fluctuation display game is won and a special figure start memory including a random number indicating whether or not the special figure fluctuation display game is a win are stored.

  The general electric power SOL 36b opens the opening / closing member 36a when the stop display of the general-purpose variable display game becomes a special result mode, thereby making it easy for the game ball to win the start opening 36.

  The special winning opening SOL42b opens the open / close door 42a of the special winning opening 42 when the result of the special figure change display game becomes a special result mode and becomes a special gaming state (a big hit state), and a game ball Is converted to a state where it is easy to win.

  The game control device 500 outputs game machine data from the external information terminal 508 to a game hall management device (not shown) via an information collection terminal device (not shown). The gaming hall management device is a computer that collects and manages gaming data of the gaming machines 1 installed in the gaming hall.

  The payout control device 580 receives, from the game control device 500, a payout command for the number of game balls corresponding to the winning port when the game ball wins the general winning port 44 or the big winning port 42. Further, even when the ball lending button 26 is operated, a payout command for paying out a predetermined number of game balls is received from the game control device 500. The payout control device 580 controls a payout motor (not shown) based on the received payout command, and pays out the number of game balls specified in the payout command.

  The game control device 500 uses a change start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, an error designation command, and the like as game data indicating the game situation via the output I / F 506, and the effect control device 550. Send to.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the effect control device 550 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The effect control device 550 determines the contents of the effect based on the game data input from the game control device 500, controls the display device 53 and the speaker 30, and controls the effect device via the relay board 600.

  The effect device includes a decoration device 620 such as an LED, an accessory driving first MOT (first effect motor) 71, an accessory driving second MOT (second effect motor) 81, and the like. There are a decoration device 620 that is directly connected to the relay board 600 and a decoration device 620 that is connected via a decoration control device 610. As will be described in detail later, a game effect is performed by the decoration device 620, the accessory driving first MOT 71, and the accessory driving second MOT 81.

  The effect control device 550 receives a signal indicating that the effect button 17 has been operated from the effect button 17. Further, the position information of the first and second accessory driving MOT 71 and MOT 81 detected by the motor position detection sensor 560 is input via the relay board 600.

  The effect control device 550 includes a CPU 551, a control ROM 552, a RAM 553, an image ROM 554, a sound ROM 555, a VDP 556, a sound LSI 557, an input I / F 558a, an output I / F 558b, a power-on detection circuit 559, a master IC 570, and a NOR gate circuit 590.

  The CPU 551, VDP 556, RAM 553, control ROM 552, sound LSI 557, input I / F 558a, and output I / F 558b are connected via a bus 563, respectively.

  The CPU 551 receives the command signal transmitted from the game control device 500 as an interrupt signal (INT), and controls various effects based on the input command signal. The CPU 551 receives an interrupt signal from a controller 574 (described later) of the master IC 570 and an interrupt signal from the VDP 556. When the CPU 551 receives an input of an interrupt signal, the CPU 551 interrupts the process being executed and executes a process corresponding to the input interrupt signal.

  The control ROM 552 stores invariant information (program, data, etc.) for effect control. The RAM 553 is used as a work area during production control.

  The image ROM 554 is connected to the VDP 556 and stores image data displayed on the display device 53. The VDP 556 is a processor that controls image output to the display device 53.

  In addition, the VDP 556 includes a synchronization signal generating unit that generates a synchronization signal that is synchronized with a cycle (33 ms cycle) for updating an image displayed on the display device 53. Every time the synchronization signal is generated, the synchronization signal generation means inputs the generated synchronization signal to the CPU 551 as an interrupt signal.

  The sound ROM 555 is connected to the sound LSI 557 and stores sound data output from the speaker 30. The sound LSI 557 is a circuit that controls the sound output from the speaker 30.

  The input I / F 558 a is an interface that receives information input from the outside via the filter 565. Specifically, an input of a signal indicating that the effect button 17 has been operated is received, or an input of position information of each motor detected by the motor position detection sensor 560 via the relay board 600 is received. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the effect button 17 is provided on the upper edge of the upper plate 21, and selects an effect in the special figure variation display game executed on the display device 53 by the player's operation. You can do it.

  The power-on detection circuit 559 generates a reset signal that initializes a register (not shown) of the master IC 570 to a default state (all 0) when the presentation control device 550 is powered on, and outputs the reset signal to the NOR gate circuit 590. .

  Further, the CPU 551 outputs a reset signal to the output I / F 558b via the bus 563 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The output I / F 558b outputs the input reset signal to the NOR gate circuit 590, and further outputs the reset signal to the relay substrate 600 via the filter 565. The predetermined condition is, for example, a case where the error flag is “ON” in all the decoration control devices 610 (see FIG. 30).

  Note that the reset signal input from the power-on detection circuit 559 to the NOR gate circuit 590 and the reset signal input from the CPU 551 to the NOR gate circuit 590 via the output I / F 558b are in a LOW level state in any case. It functions as a signal for commanding reset at the time. Therefore, if at least one of the power-on detection circuit 559 and the CPU 551 outputs a reset signal to the NOR gate circuit 590, the reset signal is input to the master IC 570 via the NOR gate circuit 590.

  Next, the master IC 570 will be described.

The master IC 570 designates an address individually assigned to the decoration control device 610 that controls the decoration device to be controlled, and outputs the control contents of the decoration device to the decoration control device 610 of the designated individual address. The individual address of the decoration control device 610 is exactly the individual address of the I ² CI / O expander 615 (see FIG. 14) included in the decoration control device 610.

  The master IC 570 has a relay board (decoration control device) 600 via seven types of connection lines, that is, a connection line SDA, a connection line SCL, a connection line GND, a connection line Vcc, a connection line Vled, a connection line Vms, and a connection line Vse. Connected to. These connection lines are configured by a cable 91 (see FIG. 8) that connects the master IC 570 and the relay board 600.

  Connection line SDA is a connection line for communicating data between effect control device 550 and decoration control device 610, and functions as a data line in the embodiment of the present invention. The connection line SCL is a connection line for inputting and outputting a clock signal used for data communication on the connection line SDA, and functions as a timing signal line in the embodiment of the present invention. The connection line GND is a ground of the power supplied by the connection line Vcc, the connection line Vled, the connection line Vms, and the connection line Vse.

  The connection line Vcc is a connection line for supplying logic power to the relay board 600 and the decoration control device 610. The connection line Vled is a connection line for supplying power for causing the LED (decoration device 620) to emit light. The connection line Vms is a connection line for supplying power to motors and solenoids (specifically, the accessory driving first MOT 71 and the accessory driving second MOT 81) included in the rendering device. The connection line Vse is a connection line for supplying power to various sensors (a state detection sensor that detects the state of the motor included in the rendering device, and specifically corresponds to the motor position detection sensor 560). is there.

  The relay board 600 and the decoration control device 610 are connected via a connection line Vcc, a connection line Vled, a connection line SDA, a connection line SCL, and a connection line GND. In the embodiment of the present invention, the motor position detection sensor 560, the accessory driving first MOT 71, and the accessory driving second MOT 81 are directly connected to the relay board 600, and therefore connected to the wiring for connecting to the decoration control device 610. Vms and connection line Vse are not included. The connection line Vms is included in the cable 652 (see FIG. 8), and the connection line Vse is included in the cable 651 (see FIG. 8).

  The master IC 570 and the decoration control device 610 perform two-line bidirectional communication using the connection line SDA and the connection SCL.

  When transmitting data to the relay board 600 and the decoration control device 610, the master IC 570 first changes the signal level of the connection line SDA from HIGH to LOW while maintaining the signal level of the connection line SCL at HIGH. Thus, a start condition for starting data output to the decoration control device 610 is established (a start condition is issued to the decoration control device 610).

  Thereafter, the master IC 570 changes the signal level of the connection line SCL to LOW, sets the signal level of the connection line SDA to the level of the first bit of the transmission data while the signal level of the connection line SCL is LOW, After a predetermined time, the signal level of the connection line SCL is changed from LOW to HIGH. When the signal level of the connection line SCL changes to HIGH, the decoration control device 610 acquires the signal level of the connection line SDA and recognizes it as the first bit of the transmission data. Next, the master IC 570 returns the signal level of the connection line SCL from HIGH to LOW.

  When this procedure is executed once, 1-bit data is transmitted from the master IC 570 to the decoration control device 610. Finally, this procedure is repeated eight times, so that all eight bits of the transmission data are controlled from the master IC 570. It is transmitted to the device 610 (1 byte of data is transmitted).

  When the data transmission of the last 8 bits is completed, the master IC 570 releases the connection line SDA and returns a response signal from the decoration control device 610 when the signal level of the connection line SCL is returned from HIGH to LOW. Set the reception standby state to wait for reception.

  In the reception standby state, the decoration control device 610 returns a 1-bit response signal (ACK or NACK described later) to the master IC 570 via the connection line SDA. Next, when the master IC 570 changes the signal level of the connection line SCL from LOW to HIGH to capture the level of the response signal, and after a predetermined time, changes the signal level of the connection line SCL from HIGH to LOW, the decoration control device 610 Release the connection line SDA.

  The master IC 570 alternately repeats the data transmission for 1 byte and the reception of the response signal for 1 bit, and continues until all the data to be output to the decoration control device 610 is output. When the output of the data to be output is completed, the master IC 570 changes the signal level of the connection line SDA from LOW to HIGH while maintaining the signal level of the connection line SCL at HIGH, thereby controlling the decoration control device 610. A stop condition for ending the data output to is established (a stop condition is issued to the decoration control device 610).

  The input BUF 571 is a storage device that temporarily stores data input from the decoration control device 610 via the connection line SDA.

  Specifically, when the master IC 570 is set to the input mode, the data transmitted from the decoration control device 610 to the master IC 570 is temporarily stored in the input BUF 571 with noise removed by the filter 575a.

  The output BUF 572 temporarily stores data to be output to the decoration control device 610 via the connection line SDA.

  The reset register (REG) 573 is connected to the bus 563 and receives a command from the CPU 551 and outputs a reset signal to the controller 574. The controller 574 comprehensively controls the master IC 570 and executes various processes.

  The filter 575a removes noise from data input from the connection line SDA. When the driver 576a outputs data from the connection line SDA, the driver 576a applies a voltage at which the transistor 578a can operate to the transistor 578a.

  A predetermined voltage is applied to the connection line SDA by a pull-up resistor R (see FIG. 18), and the connection line SDA is connected to the filter 575a and the transistor 578a.

  As the transistor 578a, a field effect transistor (FET) is used in order to suppress power consumption. The gate of the transistor 578a is connected to the driver 576a, the drain is connected to the connection line SDA to which a predetermined voltage is applied by the pull-up resistor R, and the source is grounded.

  If the voltage applied to the gate of the transistor 578a is smaller than a predetermined value for operating the transistor 578a, no current flows between the drain and the source, so that the voltage applied to the connection line SDA does not drop, and as a result The connection line SDA becomes HIGH level. On the other hand, if the voltage applied to the gate of the transistor 578a is equal to or higher than a predetermined value for operating the transistor 578a, a current flows from the drain to which the voltage of the predetermined value is applied to the grounded source. As a result, the connection line SDA becomes LOW level.

Note that the transistor 578a has a specification that does not break even when a current of about 10 milliamperes flows from the drain to the source. For this reason, it is possible to flow a current of about 10 milliamperes, which is much larger than the current value used when using a normal I ² C bus, to the connection line SDA, and the effect control device 550 and the decoration control device 610 The data transmission between them is configured to withstand failures due to noise.

  When the driver 576a outputs data from the connection line SDA, the driver 576a applies a voltage having a value at which the transistor 578a can operate to the gate of the transistor 578a so that a current flows between the drain and the source of the transistor 578a. Then, the driver 576a outputs data from the connection line SDA by setting the voltage of the connection line SDA to the HIGH level or the LOW level.

  Further, the filter 575b removes noise from data input from the connection line SCL. When the driver 576b outputs data from the connection line SCL, the driver 576b applies a voltage at which the transistor 578b can operate to the transistor 578b.

  A predetermined voltage is applied to the connection line SCL by the pull-up resistor R (see FIG. 18), and the connection line SCL is connected to the filter 575b and the transistor 578b.

  A field effect transistor (FET) is used as the transistor 578b in order to reduce power consumption. The gate of the transistor 578b is connected to the driver 576b, the drain is connected to the connection line SCL to which a predetermined voltage is applied by the pull-up resistor R, and the source is grounded.

  If the voltage applied to the gate of the transistor 578b is smaller than a predetermined value for operating the transistor 578b, no current flows between the drain and the source, so that the voltage applied to the connection line SCL does not drop, and as a result The connection line SCL becomes HIGH level. On the other hand, if the voltage applied to the gate of the transistor 578b is equal to or higher than a predetermined value for operating the transistor 578b, a current flows from the drain to which the predetermined voltage is applied to the grounded source, whereby the connection line SCL As a result, the connection line SCL becomes the LOW level.

Note that the transistor 578b has a specification that does not break even when a current of about 10 milliamperes flows from the drain to the source. Therefore, a current of about 10 milliamperes, which is much larger than the current value used when using the normal I ² C bus, can be passed through the connection line SCL, and between the effect control device 550 and the decoration control device 610. The data transmission is configured to withstand failures due to noise.

  When the driver 576b outputs a clock signal from the connection line SCL, the driver 576b applies a voltage having a value at which the transistor 578b can operate to the gate of the transistor 578b so that a current flows between the drain and the source of the transistor 578b. Then, the driver 576b outputs a clock signal from the connection line SCL by repeatedly changing the voltage of the connection line SCL between a HIGH level and a LOW level.

  The power-on reset circuit 577 is used to set storage areas such as the input BUF 571 and the output BUF 572 to a default state when the master IC 570 is powered on and the voltage in the power-on reset circuit 577 reaches a predetermined value. Is output to the controller 574.

  Next, the relay board 600 and the decoration control device 610 will be described.

  The relay board 600 has a function equivalent to that of the decoration control device 610 and is directly connected to the master IC 570. Then, the electrical signal transmitted from the master IC 570 is transmitted (relayed) to the decoration control device 610 connected to the relay board 600.

The decoration device 620 is a light emitting device that is controlled by an I ² CI / O expander 615 (see FIG. 14) provided in the decoration control device 610 and flashes light when an electric current is applied. It is. The decoration device substrate 625 is a substrate provided on the side lamp 45 (see FIG. 8), and a light emitting device (LED) of the side lamp 45 is mounted thereon. The light emitting device of the side lamp 45 is directly controlled by an I ² CI / O expander 615 provided on the relay board 600.

The accessory driving first motor (MOT) 71 and the accessory driving second MOT 81 are driving devices that perform an effect operation by rotating when an electric current flows. Since the accessory driving first MOT 71 and the accessory driving second MOT 81 are directly controlled by the driver 564 of the effect control device 550 via the relay board 600, the process of interposing the I ² CI / O expander 615 is not performed. .

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the accessory driving first MOT 71 and the accessory driving second MOT 81 are included in the movable effect device 58. Specifically, the accessory driving first MOT 71 includes the first effect unit 63, the accessory driving first. 2MOT 81 is included in the second effect unit 64.

  The effect control device 550 controls the first and second effect units driving MOT 71 and second MOT 81 to cause the first effect unit 63 and the second effect unit 64 to perform an effect operation.

  The connection method between the effect control device 550 and the relay board 600 and the connection method between the relay board 600 and the decoration control device 610 other than the relay board 600 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. Details of the configuration and connection method of the decoration control device 610 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a connection state of the relay board 600 and the decoration control device 610 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a case where the front frame 3 is attached to the gaming machine 1.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of specifications, and there are a normal version gaming machine 1 and a low price gaming machine 1. The normal version gaming machine 1 includes a front frame 3 (normal version front frame) including a standard decorative member. The low-priced gaming machine 1 includes a front frame 3 (low-priced front frame) including a decorative member configured at a lower cost than a standard decorative member.

  FIG. 11 relates to the normal version gaming machine 1 and includes a normal version front frame 3. On the other hand, the inexpensive version gaming machine 1 is provided with the inexpensive version front frame 3 instead of the normal version front frame 3.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the inexpensive plate front frame 3 provided in place of the normal plate front frame 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The inexpensive version gaming machine 1 corresponds to a gaming machine in which the portion of the normal version front frame 3 in FIG. 11 is replaced with the inexpensive version front frame 3 in FIG.

  The decoration control device 610 is mainly attached to the game board 10 and the front frame 3. The decoration device (LED) 620 controlled by the decoration control device 610 attached to the front frame 3 irradiates the decoration members 9a and 9b, the illumination unit 11, and the abnormality notification LED 29. On the other hand, the decoration control device 610 attached to the game board 10 is included in the auxiliary game device unit 12 configured by integrating the center case 51, the display device 53, and the effect control device 550.

  As described above, the center case 51 constituting the auxiliary gaming device unit 12 is configured by combining the frame decoration portion 65 and the frame base portion 60.

  The frame decoration unit 65 is provided with a plurality of effect devices for performing auxiliary games such as a variable display game, and a decoration control device 610 for controlling the effect devices. These decoration control devices 610 are connected to each other by a predetermined signal cable, and the effect device controlled by the decoration control device 610 is also connected by a cable, whereby the frame decoration portion 65 is integrally configured.

  The frame base 60 is also provided with a plurality of effect devices for performing an auxiliary game such as a variable display game, and a plurality of decoration control devices 610 for controlling the effect devices. By connecting these decoration control devices 610 to each other by a predetermined signal cable, and also connecting the effect device controlled by the decoration control device 610 with a cable, the frame base 60 is integrally configured.

  Therefore, the frame decoration part 65 and the frame base 60 constitute an integrated production unit in the present embodiment. On the other hand, since the side lamps 45 and the like are single production devices that are not included in the integrated production unit, they constitute a separate production device.

  Note that not all of the effect devices included in the auxiliary gaming device unit 12 need be controlled by the decoration control device 610 inside the auxiliary gaming device unit 12. For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the movable object arranged in the center case 51 is directly controlled by the effect control device 550 via the relay board 600.

  The normal plate front frame 3 and the inexpensive plate front frame 3 differ in the number of decoration devices 620 included in the decoration members 9a and 9b, and the number of decoration control devices 610 that control the decoration device 620 also differs. Specifically, the decoration members 9a and 9b of the normal plate front frame 3 are controlled by four decoration control devices 610, and the decoration members 9a 'and 9b' of the inexpensive plate front frame 3 are controlled by two decoration control devices 610. The The decorative members 9a and 9b are irradiated with a maximum of 60 LEDs, whereas the decorative members 9a ′ and 9b ′ are irradiated with a maximum of 30 LEDs. Therefore, the normal plate front frame 3 is more expensive than the cheap plate front frame 3. It is also possible to increase the number of viable production variations. For this reason, the control of the decoration device 620 when the normal plate front frame 3 is attached is different from the control of the decoration device 620 when the inexpensive plate front frame 3 is attached.

  For this reason, when the same address is assigned to the individual address of the decoration control device 610 attached to the normal plate front frame 3 and the individual address of the decoration control device 610 attached to the inexpensive plate front frame 3, the effect control device 550 sends the decoration. Since the production control data to be transmitted to the control device 610 needs to be different between the case of the normal version front frame 3 and the case of the low price version front frame 3, it is used for the normal version according to the front frame 3 attached to the gaming machine 1 The production control device 550 and the production control device 550 for the low cost version must be prepared respectively. Therefore, when the manufacturer ships the gaming machine 1, the production control device 550 for the normal version and the production control device 550 for the low-priced version must be prepared, resulting in an increase in manufacturing cost.

  For this reason, in the embodiment of the present invention, different addresses are assigned to the individual addresses of the decoration control device 610 whose control is different between the normal plate front frame 3 and the inexpensive plate front frame 3, and the effect control device 550 to the decoration control device. The effect control data to be transmitted to 610 is configured to be common between the case of the normal version front frame 3 and the case of the low price version front frame 3, so that the control for the normal version and the low price can be achieved with one effect control device 550. It was configured to execute the control for the plate. By doing so, it is not necessary to prepare the production control device 550 for the normal version and the production control device 550 for the low-priced version, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. In the embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary gaming device unit 12 has the same configuration regardless of whether it is a normal version or a low-priced version.

The decoration controller 610, as described above, is mounted I ² CI / O expander 615 for controlling the decoration device 620, the I ² CI / O expander 615, individual I ² CI / O An individual address for identifying the expander 615 is assigned. In the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the individual address of the I ² CI / O expander 615 is used as the individual address of the decoration control device 610.

The effect control device 550 can execute the effect operation by individually controlling the decoration device 620 by designating the individual address of the I ² CI / O expander 615 and transmitting the control signal. Different auxiliary addresses (indicated by “ad =” in the figure) are assigned to all of the decoration control devices 610 included in the auxiliary gaming device unit 12 and the normal version front frame 3 shown in FIG.

  Further, the decoration control device 610 is classified into three types according to a connection form: a branch type (branch substrate), a connection type (connection substrate), and a termination type (termination substrate). The decoration device 620 can be connected to any one of the branch type, the connection type, and the terminal type decoration control device 610, and the connected decoration device 620 can be controlled.

  In the branch type decoration control device 610, a plurality of decoration control devices 610 are directly connected to the downstream side, and the received control signals are transmitted to the plurality of decoration control devices 610. The connected decoration control device 610 is connected to one decoration control device 610 on the downstream side, and transmits the received control signal to the connected decoration control device 610. The terminal-type decoration control device 610 does not connect the decoration control device 610 on the downstream side, and only controls the decoration device 620. Details of the branch type, connected type, and terminal type decoration control device 610 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The downstream side is the side that transmits the electrical signal transmitted from the effect control device 550, and the upstream side is the side that receives the electrical signal transmitted from the effect control device 550.

  Here, in the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the decoration control device 610 is arranged on the movable parts of the first effect member 70 and the second effect member 80 that constitute the movable effect device 58. In other words, in FIG. 6, the decoration control device 610 (first light emitting substrate 106) is disposed on the movable part (first effect base 100) of the first effect member 70, and in FIG. 7, the movable part of the second effect member 80. The decoration control device 610 (second light emitting substrate 116) is disposed on the (second effect base 110).

  At this time, if each decoration control device 610 is wired in a daisy chain as in a conventional shift register, it is necessary to connect an input cable and an output cable to at least one decoration control device 610. When a plurality of cables are connected to the movable part, the decoration control device 610 (the first light emitting board 106 and the second light emitting board 116) itself moves together with the movable part, and the cable also moves. It can be difficult. Furthermore, the movement of the cable may cause a disconnection of the connection line constituting the cable, which may affect the production.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the decoration control device 610 disposed on the first effect member 70 and the second effect member 80 is a terminal type, and the branch type decoration control device 610 is disposed upstream of these decoration control devices 610. doing. Therefore, the terminal-type decoration control device 610 (the first light-emitting board 106 and the second light-emitting board 116) sends a signal to the other decoration control devices 610 provided outside the first effect member 70 and the second effect member 80. The transmitting cable is not connected. If the decoration control device 610 is arranged in this way, only the input cable needs to be connected to the decoration control device 610 arranged in the movable part. Therefore, the wiring can be easily routed and the possibility of disconnection can be reduced as compared with the case of wiring by daisy chain.

  When the destination address of the received control signal is not addressed to itself, the decoration control device 610 transmits the received control signal if the decoration control device 610 is further connected to the downstream side. If there is no transmission destination, the received control signal is discarded.

The decoration control device 610 can control the LEDs corresponding to the 16 ports. The decoration control device 610 includes an LED mounted on the decoration control device 610 and an external decoration device substrate 625 connected to the decoration control device 610. If the total number of mounted LEDs is 16 or less, both LEDs can be controlled. In other words, in the integrated decoration control device 610 (corresponding to the main active substrate on which both the I ² CI / O expander 615 and the decoration device 620 are arranged), the decoration device substrate 625 (the I ² CI / O expander 615 is arranged). In addition, it is possible to control both the decoration device 620 provided in the interior and the decoration device 620 connected to the outside.

  By doing so, it is possible to control the decoration devices 620 arranged at a distance by one decoration control device 610, and the number of decoration control devices 610 can be minimized.

The relay board 600 is connected to a master IC 570 mounted on the effect control device 550 on the upstream side, and receives a control signal transmitted from the master IC 570. On the downstream side, the decoration control device 610A included in the auxiliary gaming device unit 12 (more precisely, the decoration control device 610A included in the frame base 60 that is an integrated production unit) and the normal version front frame 3 are attached. Connect to the decoration control device 610H. Furthermore, the relay board 600 is connected to a decoration device board 625 (a board provided on the side lamp 45 (see FIG. 8)), which is a separate presentation device provided in the game board 10, and is provided in the relay board 600. The decoration device 620 mounted on the decoration device substrate 625 is controlled by the I ² CI / O expander 615.

  The auxiliary gaming device unit 12 includes decoration control devices 610A to 610G. The decoration control device 610A is a branch type decoration control device, and transmits the control signal received from the master IC 570 to the decoration control device 610B and the decoration control device 610C. In addition, a decoration device substrate 625B is connected to the decoration control device 610B, and an effect device (decoration device 620) such as an LED disposed on the decoration device substrate 625B is controlled by the decoration control device 610B.

  The decoration control device 610C is a connection type decoration control device 610, and transmits the received control signal to the decoration control device 610D on the downstream side. The decoration control device 610D is connected to a branch type decoration control device 610E, and further controls the decoration device 620D included in the decoration device substrate 625D.

  The decoration control device 610E is connected to a decoration control device 610F that controls the first effect member 70 and a decoration control device 610G that controls the second effect member 80. The first effect member 70 and the second effect member 80 perform an effect operation in conjunction with each other. The decoration control device 610F is disposed on the first light emitting substrate 106 included in the first effect member 70 (FIG. 6), and the decoration control device 610G is disposed on the second light emitting substrate 116 included in the second effect member 80. (FIG. 7).

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the decoration control device 610F controls the LEDs included in the first effect member 70, and the decoration control device 610G controls the LEDs included in the second effect member 80. Note that the accessory driving first MOT 71 and the accessory driving second MOT 81 for outputting the driving force for moving the first effect member 70 and the second effect member 80 to the front of the display unit 53a are controlled by the relay board 600. Is done.

  The effect control device 550 controls the first effect unit 63 (the first effect member 70) and the second effect unit 64 (the second effect member 80) when the predetermined condition is satisfied, such as when the variable display game is executed. Perform the action. Specifically, in order to control the accessory driving first MOT 71 included in the first effect unit 63 and the accessory driving second MOT 81 included in the second effect unit 64, the individual address (“0000”) of the relay board 600 is set. Designate and send control signals to operate these motors. Furthermore, a control signal for controlling a light emitting device such as an LED included in the first effect member 70 is transmitted by designating the individual address (“0110”) of the decoration control device 610F for controlling the first effect member 70. Similarly, a control signal for controlling a light emitting device such as an LED included in the second effect member 80 is transmitted by designating the individual address (“0111”) of the decoration control device 610G for controlling the second effect member 80. After that, issue a stop condition.

  On the other hand, decoration control devices 610H to 610L are arranged on the normal plate front frame 3. The decoration control device 610H controls the lighting unit 11. The decoration control device 610I and the decoration control device 610J control the decoration member 9a on the left side of the normal plate front frame 3. Further, the decoration control device 610K and the decoration control device 610L control the decoration member 9b on the right side portion of the normal plate front frame 3.

  The decoration control device 610H is a branch type decoration control device, and transmits the received control signal to the decoration control device 610I and the decoration control device 610J. Further, a decoration device substrate 625H for turning on the abnormality notification LED 29 is connected to the decoration control device 610H, and the abnormality notification LED 29 is controlled by the decoration control device 610H.

  As described above, the decoration member 9a on the left side portion of the normal plate front frame 3 includes the connection type decoration control device 610I and the terminal type decoration control device 610J. The decoration control device 610I receives the control signal transmitted from the master IC 570 of the effect control device 550 from the decoration control device 610H and transmits it to the decoration control device 610J. The decoration control device 610I and the decoration control device 610J respectively control the decoration device substrate 625I and the decoration device substrate 625J connected thereto.

  As described above, the decoration member 9b on the right side portion of the normal plate front frame 3 includes the connection type decoration control device 610K and the terminal type decoration control device 610L. The decoration control device 610K receives the control signal transmitted from the master IC 570 of the effect control device 550 from the decoration control device 610H and transmits the control signal to the decoration control device 610L. The decoration control device 610K and the decoration control device 610L control the decoration device substrate 625K and the decoration device substrate 625L connected thereto, respectively.

  Also, different individual addresses are assigned to the decoration control devices 610I to 610L included in the decoration member 9a and the decoration member 9b, respectively, and different rendering operations are executed based on the control signals transmitted from the master IC 570. Can be made. Specifically, the individual addresses of the decoration control devices 610I and 610J included in the decoration member 9a of the normal plate front frame 3 are "1010" and "1100", and the individual addresses of the decoration control devices 610K and 610L included in the decoration member 9b. “1101” and “1110” are assigned to the addresses.

  On the other hand, the low price front frame 3 (see FIG. 12) includes a decoration control device 610I, 610J, 610K and 610L (first specification dependent group unit) among the decoration control devices provided in the normal plate front frame 3. There is nothing equivalent to the control means), and instead, decoration control devices 610M and 610N (second specification-dependent group unit control means) are attached. However, the decoration control device 610H provided in the normal plate front frame 3 is also attached to the low cost plate front frame 3, and controls the illumination unit 11 in the same manner as the normal plate front frame 3 to display the abnormality notification LED 29. A decoration device substrate 625H for lighting is connected. The decoration control device 610H is assigned the same individual address as that of the normal plate front frame 3, and the same control is executed.

  As described above, the decoration members 9a and 9b of the normal plate front frame 3 irradiate with a maximum of 60 LEDs, whereas the decoration members 9a ′ and 9b ′ of the inexpensive plate front frame 3 with a maximum of 30 LEDs. Irradiate.

  In addition, the low-cost front frame 3 is provided with a decoration control device 610M that controls the left decoration member 9a 'and a decoration control device 610N that controls the right decoration member 9b'. The same individual address (“1111”) is assigned to the decoration control device 610M and the decoration control device 610N. Therefore, in the low-price front frame 3, the same control is executed by the left and right decorative members, and the irradiation by the LEDs is executed at the same timing.

  In addition, the decoration control device 610M and the decoration control device 610N are assigned individual addresses that are not assigned to the decoration control device 610 of the normal plate front frame 3.

Then, regardless of whether it is used for either the normal plate front frame 3 or the cheap plate front frame 3, the effect control device 550 gives the I ² CI / O X of the decorative members 9a, 9b, 9a ′, 9b ′. The effect control data including all of the individual addresses “1001”, “1010”, “1100”, “1101”, “1110” and “1111” assigned to the panda 615 is transmitted to the decoration control device 610. The

  Therefore, the production control device 550 according to the embodiment of the present invention can perform the control for the normal version and the control for the low cost version, and therefore can be shared by each front frame, so that the production cost of the production control device 550 is reduced. Can be reduced.

In the low price front frame 3, the I ² CI / O expander 615 with individual addresses “1001”, “1010”, “1100”, “1101”, and “1110” is not used, and the normal version front frame 3, the I ² CI / O expander 615 whose individual address is “1111” is not used. Therefore, in any front frame 3, there is an unconnected I ² CI / O expander 615 in the abnormality determination table 3000 (see FIG. 30). However, as will be described later, if data is normally transmitted between at least one I ² CI / O expander 615 registered in the abnormality determination table 3000 and the master IC 570, the operation is normal. Therefore, the process will not be interrupted due to this.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a connection state of the decoration control devices 610A to 610N according to the embodiment of this invention. For convenience of explanation, as the decoration control device 610, one relay board 600 and six decoration control devices (610A, 610C, 610D, 610H, 610I, 610J) are illustrated. A required number of decoration control devices 610 corresponding to the specifications of the gaming machine 1 are connected.

  The production control device 550 includes a connection line Vcc, a connection line Vled, a connection line SDA, a connection line SCL, a connection line GND, connection lines M11 to M14, connection lines M21 to M24, connection lines M31 to M34, a connection line SL1, and a connection line. The relay board 600 is connected by SL2, the connection lines SE1 to 3, the connection line Vms, and the connection line Vse.

  The connection line Vcc, the connection line Vled, the connection line SDA, the connection line SCL, the connection line GND, the connection line Vms, and the connection line Vse are as described with reference to FIG.

  Signals for controlling the first to fourth phases of the accessory driving first MOT 71 included in the first effect unit 63 are transmitted to the connection lines M11 to M14. Signals for controlling the first to fourth phases of the accessory driving second MOT 81 included in the second effect unit 64 are transmitted to the connection lines M21 to M24. The accessory driving first MOT 71 and the accessory driving second MOT 81 use a four-phase driving stepping motor.

  The connection lines M31 to M34 are connection lines for controlling the motor. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, since the motor corresponding to the relay board 600 is not connected, the empty terminal monitor 603 for displaying the connection state is connected. Is done. The vacant terminal monitor 603 includes four LEDs corresponding to the connection lines M31 to M34, and can check whether or not each connection line is disconnected. Therefore, when some or all of the connection lines are disconnected, a part of the vacant terminal monitor 603 is not lit, so that it can be determined that the quality of the cable is bad.

  In particular, as in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the cable 91 that connects the master IC 570 and the relay board 600 includes a connection line GND for supplying power, a connection line Vcc, a connection line Vled, a connection line Vms, and A connection line Vse is included (see FIG. 10 or FIG. 13). These wires for supplying electric power are originally used as cables having a large (thick) cross-sectional area that can secure a sufficient amount of current in order to realize a stable operation.

  However, when a flat cable such as the cable 91 is used, the cross-sectional area of each cable needs to be the same (common) because of the connection of the connectors. Therefore, it is conceivable to supply power using a plurality of connection lines instead of a cable having a large cross-sectional area. For example, six cables are used as the connection lines GND and three cables are used as the connection lines Vms. A configuration such as use can be realized.

  At this time, even if a part of the connection line for supplying power is disconnected, if all the connection lines are not disconnected, it will operate without any problem, so that the LED is turned on, Although it is possible to drive the motor, since a sufficient amount of current cannot be secured, abnormal heat generation may occur on the cable. In such a case, by connecting a power supply line to the vacant terminal monitor 603, a cable with inferior quality such that some of the connection lines are disconnected even though it seems to be operating normally at first glance is discovered. It is possible to perform replacement or perform necessary maintenance before a failure occurs.

  The connection line SL1 and the connection line SL2 are connection lines for transmitting signals for controlling the side lamps 45 arranged on the left and right sides of the game board 10. Connection lines SE <b> 1 to 3 are connection lines for receiving the detection result by the motor position detection sensor 560.

  The relay board 600 is connected with an accessory driving motor (an accessory driving first MOT 71, an accessory driving second MOT 81). The relay board 600 controls the accessory driving first MOT 71 based on the control signal transmitted via the connection lines M11 to M14. Similarly, based on the control signal transmitted via the connection lines M21 to M24, The accessory driving second MOT 81 is controlled. Further, in order to drive each motor, the power supplied from the connection line Vms is supplied to each motor. The electric power supplied to the accessory driving solenoid for moving the decoration piece 46 up and down is also supplied from the connection line Vms.

  In addition, a motor position detection sensor 560 for detecting the rotational position of the accessory driving motor is connected to the relay board 600. Relay board 600 transmits the rotation position of the accessory drive motor detected by motor position detection sensor 560 to effect control device 550 via connection lines SE1 to SE3.

  Further, a side lamp 45 attached to the game board 10 is connected to the relay board 600. The relay board 600 controls the decoration device 620 of the two side lamps 45 based on the control signal received via the connection lines SL1 and SL2.

  The decoration control device 610 including the relay board 600 is connected to each other via the connection line Vcc, the connection line Vled, the connection line SDA, the connection line SCL, and the connection line GND (hereinafter, these five connection lines are referred to as one harness). Connected.

  Further, two decoration control devices 610A and 610H are connected to the relay board 600 in parallel by harnesses.

  The decoration control device 610C is connected to the decoration control device 610A via a harness, and the decoration control device 610D is connected to the decoration control device 610C via a harness.

  On the other hand, a decoration control device 610I is connected to the decoration control device 610H via a harness, and a decoration control device 610J is connected to the decoration control device 610I via a harness.

  Each decoration control device 610 includes a connector serving as an attachment port for connecting the harness to itself. Since this connector is common to each decoration control device 610, the connection order of each connection line is common, and erroneous wiring can be prevented.

Here, a method in which the I ² CI / O expander 615 (described later in FIG. 14) provided in the decoration control device 610 controls the decoration device 620 will be described.

The effect control device 550 determines the output mode of the effect device (decoration device 620) based on the game data input from the game control device 500. Then, the production control device 550 produces production control data (production control) including the individual address of the decoration control device 610 to be controlled (the individual address of the I ² CI / O expander 615) so that the determined output mode is obtained. Information) is output to the relay board 600. At this time, the effect control data is output from the relay board 600 to all the decoration control devices 610 to be controlled through the connection line SDA.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the rendering device controlled by the decoration control device 610 is mainly a light emitting device such as an LED, and the light emission mode of the LED corresponds to the output mode of the rendering device. In this case, lighting / flashing / extinguishing of the LED is instructed by the effect control data, and further, the flashing cycle and the lighting brightness of the LED are instructed.

Each decoration control device 610 is previously set with a unique individual address as described above. When the presentation control data is input, the address included in the input presentation control data and the set individual address It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the address included in the input effect control data matches the set individual address, the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 captures the effect control data. Thus, the output mode of the corresponding decoration device 620 is controlled, and a response signal is output to the master IC 570 immediately after the 8th bit data is input.

  As described above, the master IC 570 transmits the effect control data to all the decoration control devices 610 connected to the master IC 570, and the decoration control device 610 corresponding to the individual address included in the effect control data makes a request. The rendering device can be controlled so as to be in the output mode.

Each decoration control device 610 is set with a reset address for initializing the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 in addition to the individual address. This reset address is an address provided in common to all the I ² CI / O expanders 615 and cannot be used as an individual address. The reset address value cannot be changed (details will be described later).

When the effect control device 550 initializes the decoration control device 610 (more precisely, the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610), the effect control device 550 receives the initialization instruction data including the common address for resetting. , Output to the relay board 600. At this time, the initialization instruction data effect control data is output from the connection line SDA to all the decoration control devices 610 connected to the effect control device 550 via the relay board 600.

Since a common address for reset is set in advance in each decoration control device 610, it is determined whether or not the address included in the input data matches the common address for reset. When it is determined that they match, the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 outputs a response signal to the master IC 570 and takes in the input data as initialization instruction data, and outputs the I ² CI / O expander. The panda 615 itself is initialized.

When the I ² CI / O expander 615 is initialized, the rendering device controlled by the initialized I ² CI / O expander 615 is turned off.

As described above, the decoration control device 610 performs control based on a command from the effect control device 550, and therefore, the master IC 570 of the effect control device 550 is the master of the relationship between the effect control device 550 and the decoration control device 610. The I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 becomes a slave.

  In FIG. 13, the control target of the decoration control device 610 other than the relay board 600 is the decoration device 620 that is a light emitting device such as an LED, but it is also possible to control a movable object such as a motor or a solenoid. In this case, since the effect device serves as a drive source such as a motor or a solenoid, the operation mode of these drive sources corresponds to the output mode of the effect device. The effect control data includes an operation / stop instruction for the drive source, and it is also possible to specify the operation speed.

  FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the decoration control device 610 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  As described above, the decoration control device 610 according to the embodiment of the present invention is classified into three types, that is, a branch type, a connection type, and a termination type, based on the connection form. FIG. 14 shows an example in which a terminal type decoration control device 610Y is connected to a branch type decoration control device 610X. Further, a decoration device substrate 625 is connected to the decoration control device 610Y.

The branch type decoration control apparatus includes an I ² CI / O expander 615, a connector (upstream connector) for receiving a signal received by the I ² CI / O expander 615, and a signal received from the upstream connector. A connector (downstream connector) for transmitting to a plurality of decoration control devices 610 is provided. For example, like the decoration control device 610X in the figure, an I ² CI / O expander 615 and an LED (decoration device 620) are provided inside, and further, one upstream connector 611 and two downstream connectors 612A and 612B are provided. .

The connection line SDA and the connection line SCL are branched into two in the decoration control device 610, and one is connected to the downstream connector 612B for output to the next decoration control device 610Y as it is. The other further branches, one connected to the I ² CI / O expander 615 and the other connected to another downstream connector 612A.

Further, a decoration device 620 to be controlled is connected to the output side of the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610X. The output side of the I ² CI / O expander 615 includes ports 0 to 15 described with reference to FIG. Furthermore, all the ports of the decoration control device 610 are connected to internal LEDs via current limiting resistors R0 to R15 described later with reference to FIG. Note that the current control resistors R0 to R15 are also provided in the decoration control device 610.

As described above, the I ² CI / O expander 615 has an address included in the effect control data input from the effect control device 550 and an individual address set in the I ² CI / O expander 615. Only when they match, the decoration device 620 connected to the I ² CI / O expander 615 is controlled based on the decoration data included in the effect control data.

  Since only one downstream connector is provided, a decoration control device that can transmit a signal received from the upstream connector to only one decoration control device 610 is a connected decoration control device. For example, the decoration control device 610X described above includes only the downstream connector 612B and does not include the downstream connector 612A.

The terminal-type decoration control device has an I ² CI / O expander 615 and a connector (upstream connector) for receiving a signal received by the I ² CI / O expander 615. This signal is not transmitted to the other decoration control device 610. For example, the decoration control device 610Y in the figure includes an I ² CI / O expander 615 and an LED (decoration device 620), and allows a current to flow through the LED provided on the decoration device substrate 625 connected to the outside of the decoration control device 610Y. The decoration control device 610 and the decoration device substrate 625 are connected to each other through a connection line for supplying power to the LEDs of the decoration device substrate 625 and a connection wire grounded to the ground.

The decoration device substrate 625 is a substrate that does not include the I ² CI / O expander 615 but includes only a light emitting device such as an LED. In this case, a current limiting resistor (FIG. 16) connected to the LED provided on the decoration device board 625 is provided on the decoration device board 625, but the decoration control device provided with the I ² CI / O expander 615. 610 may be provided.

It should be noted that the number of connection lines for passing current to these LEDs to be passed from the decoration control device 610 to the decoration device substrate 625 is determined in accordance with the number of LEDs provided on the decoration device substrate 625. . For example, when the decoration device substrate 625 includes two LEDs, two control lines for connecting the port of the I ² CI / O expander 615 and the corresponding LED, and power supplied from the Vled At least one power supply line is required.

The I ² CI / O expander 615 provided in the decoration control device 610Y is also set in the address included in the effect control data input from the effect control device 550 and the I ² CI / O expander 615. The decoration device 620 connected to the I ² CI / O expander 615 is controlled based on the decoration data included in the effect control data only when the address matches the existing address. In this case, both the decoration device 620 provided in the central decoration control device 610 and the decoration device 620 provided on the decoration device substrate 625 are controlled by the I ² CI / O expander 615.

In this way, by providing the decoration device substrate 625 and separating a part of the decoration devices (LEDs) from the decoration control device 610, even if the LEDs are arranged at remote locations, a common I ² CI / It can be controlled by the O expander 615.

  In addition, as described above, the decoration control device 610 can control a movable object such as a solenoid or a motor instead of a light emitting device such as an LED, and will be specifically described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the I ² CI / O expander 615 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The I ² CI / O expander 615 includes a transistor 630 connected to the connection line SDA, a filter 631 connected to the connection line SDA, a driver 632 connected to the connection line SDA, a filter 633 connected to the connection line SCL, Bus controller 634, output setting register 635, output controller 636, driver 637 connected to ports 0-15 on the output side of I ² CI / O expander 615, transistors 638A-638P connected to ports 0-15 , And a reset signal generation circuit 639.

  The filter 631 is connected to the connection line SDA, removes noise of data input from the connection line SDA, and outputs the data from which noise has been removed to the bus controller 634. When the driver 632 outputs a response signal from the connection line SDA, the driver 632 applies a voltage at which the transistor 630 can operate to the transistor 630.

  When the driver 632 outputs data (response signal) from the connection line SDA, the driver 632 applies a voltage at which the transistor 630 can operate to the transistor 630.

  The transistor 630 uses a field effect transistor (FET) to suppress power consumption. The gate of the transistor 630 is connected to the driver 632, and a predetermined voltage is applied to the drain by a pull-up resistor R (see FIG. 18). Connected to the connected connection line SDA, and the source is grounded.

  If the voltage applied to the gate of the transistor 630 is smaller than a predetermined value for operating the transistor 630, no current flows between the drain and the source. On the other hand, if the voltage applied to the gate of the transistor 630 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value that causes the transistor 630 to operate, a current flows from the drain to which the voltage of the predetermined value is applied to the grounded source. The voltage drops. Note that the transistor 630 has a specification that does not break even when a current of about 10 milliamperes flows from the drain to the source.

  When the driver 632 outputs data (response signal) from the connection line SDA, the driver 632 applies a voltage of a value that allows the transistor 630 to operate to the gate of the transistor 630 so that a current flows between the drain and the source. To do. The driver 632 outputs data from the connection line SDA by repeatedly changing the voltage of the connection line SDA from HIGH to LOW.

  The filter 633 is connected to the connection line SCL, removes noise of data input from the connection line SCL, and outputs the data from which noise has been removed to the bus controller 634.

In addition, the I ² CI / O expander 615, is set a unique address by the address setting terminals A0~A3 provided in the I ² CI / O expander 615 is input to the bus controller 634. Further, an address for resetting the I ² CI / O expander 615 is also set in advance.

The bus controller 634 determines whether or not the address of the data input from the connection line SDA matches the unique address set in the I ² CI / O expander 615. Capture as production control data.

The bus controller 634 determines whether the address of the data input from the connection line SDA matches the reset address set in the I ² CI / O expander 615. The data is fetched as initialization instruction data, and the I ² CI / O expander 615 is initialized.

  In addition, the bus controller 634 changes the signal level of the connection line SCL from LOW to HIGH, and when the signal level of the connection line SCL changes from HIGH to LOW after fetching the eighth bit data. The response signal is output from the connection line SDA to the master IC 570. Furthermore, when it is confirmed that the signal level of the connection line SCL changes from LOW to HIGH, and the signal level of the connection line SCL changes from HIGH to LOW again, the connection line SDA is released. In other words, the response signal is output at the timing when the signal level of the connection line SCL changes from LOW to HIGH.

In the output setting register 635, the operation mode of the I ² CI / O expander 615 and the output state of the ports 0 to 15 are set. When the bus controller 634 fetches the initialization instruction data from the connection line SDA and the I ² CI / O expander 615 is initialized, the output setting register 635 causes a current to flow to all the ports 0 to 15. It is set to the initial state so that there is no.

  Based on the data set in the output setting register 635, the output controller 636 causes the directing device connected to each of the ports 0 to 15 to actually output the output state of the directing device through the port driver 637. To control. This output state is updated to the content specified in the effect control data at the timing of the stop condition received from the master IC 570 immediately after the bus controller 634 fetches the effect control data from the connection line SDA.

That is, the output setting register 635 is set based on the effect control data received from the master IC 570, and when the stop condition is received, the output state of each port 0-15 is updated and reflected in the effect device. Therefore, it is not necessary to receive the LAT signal as in the shift register, that is, the production control can be performed without the need for wiring for receiving the LAT signal. In particular, it is effective when the port output state needs to be updated by a plurality of I ² CI / O expanders 615 at the same time, and even if the rendering device is controlled by different I ² CI / O expanders 615, Since it can be controlled to execute the production operation at the same time, the production effect can be further enhanced.

  When a current flows through a port, the driver 637 applies a voltage at which the transistors 638A to 638P connected to the port through which the current flows can operate.

  The gates of the transistors 638A to 638P are connected to the driver 637, the drain is connected to the port terminal connected to the connection line to which the voltage for operating the effect device is applied as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, and the source is grounded Has been.

  If the voltage applied to the gates of the transistors 638A to 638P is smaller than a predetermined value for operating the transistors 638A to 638P, no current flows between the drain and the source. On the other hand, if the voltage applied to the gates of 638A to 638P is equal to or higher than a predetermined value for operating the transistor 638, the predetermined voltage applied to the gate from the power supply Vled shown in FIG. 16, or the power supply Vmot or the power supply Vsol shown in FIG. Current flows to the source grounded through the drain of the transistor 638, so that the output state of the effect device connected to the port terminal can be controlled.

In addition, the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 can simultaneously control all effect devices (decoration devices 620 such as LEDs) connected to the port terminals of the I ² CI / O expander 615. Since it is possible, one rendering device connected to the port terminal of the I ² CI / O expander 615 can be controlled as one group.

Since the I ² CI / O expanders 615 included in each decoration control device 610 are assigned different individual addresses, the rendering device is divided into a plurality of groups. That is, the I ² CI / O expander 615 included in each decoration control device 610 is configured as a group unit control unit that can control the effect device in units of groups.

  Therefore, the effect control device 550 that controls each decoration control device 610 functions as a group control unit that controls the group unit control unit.

The reset signal generation circuit 639 is connected to a Vcc terminal connected to a connection line Vcc that supplies power to the I ² CI / O expander 615 and a RESET terminal that receives an external reset signal.

The reset signal generation circuit 639 generates a reset signal when the I ² CI / O expander 615 is turned on and the voltage rises to a predetermined value. The generated reset signal is sent to the bus controller 634, the output setting register 635, And initialization by inputting to the output controller 636.

  Note that when a LOW level reset signal is input from the outside, the reset signal generation circuit 639 outputs a reset signal, and therefore, from the CPU 551 of the effect control device 550 via the NOR gate circuit 590, from the RESET terminal. A reset signal may be input. When the RESET terminal is not used, the RESET terminal may be pulled up to HIGH as shown in FIGS.

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram around the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 that controls the decoration device 620 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The I ² CI / O expander 615 includes an NC terminal, a RESET terminal, an SCL terminal, an SDA terminal, a Vcc terminal, an A0 to A3 terminal, and a GND terminal as input terminals, and includes PORT0 to PORT15 as output terminals.

A power source supplied to the I ² CI / O expander 615 is connected to the RESET terminal via a pull-up resistor R. For this reason, the voltage applied to the reset terminal is always maintained HIGH.

  The SCL terminal is connected to the connection line SCL, and the SDA terminal is connected to the connection line SDA.

A power supply supplied to the I ² CI / O expander 615 is connected to the Vcc terminal. Further, a capacitor CP for removing power supply noise is connected to the Vcc terminal.

The A0 to A3 terminals are terminals for setting individual addresses in the I ² CI / O expander 615. The individual address of the I ² CI / O expander 615 is normally expressed by 4 bits. When the power of the I ² CI / O expander 615 is applied to this terminal, “1” is given to the bus controller 634. ”Is set, and when this terminal is connected to the ground,“ 0 ”is set in the bus controller 634.

Therefore, the individual address of the I ² CI / O expander 615 shown in FIG. 16 is “0100”. The GND terminal is a terminal for grounding a voltage.

  The PORT0 terminal to the PORT15 terminal are connected to a decoration device 620 including the LEDs 0 to 15 via current limiting resistors R0 to R15. Note that one LED may be connected to one port as in PORT0, but a plurality of LEDs may be connected to one port as in PORT1-15.

When one LED is provided for every port, a maximum of 16 LEDs can be controlled by one I ² CI / O expander 615. Further, when the number of LEDs connected to each port is different, if all LEDs connected in series to one port are referred to as one type of LED, one I ² CI / O expander is used. By 615, up to 16 kinds of LEDs can be controlled.

  When a voltage is applied from the driver 637 to the gates of the transistors 638A to 638P (see FIG. 7) connected to the PORT0 terminal to the PORT15 terminal, a current flows from the drain to the source of the transistors 638A to 638P to which the voltage is applied. Thus, a current flows through the LED0 to LED15 connected to the PORT0 terminal to the PORT15 terminal, and each of the LED0 to LED15 lights up.

  On the other hand, if the driver 637 does not apply a voltage to the gates of the transistors 638A to 638P, no current flows through each LED0 to LED15, and each LED0 to LED15 is not lit.

It should be noted that a motor or solenoid can be connected to the PORT0 terminal to the PORT15 terminal of the I ² CI / O expander 615 instead of the LED, and the motor or solenoid can be configured as an effect device that is used for gaming. . Hereinafter, a case where a motor and a solenoid are controlled using the I ² CI / O expander 615 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram around the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 according to the embodiment of this invention, and shows a case where a motor and a solenoid are controlled.

  The motor used here is constituted by a stepping motor, and rotates by sequentially applying a predetermined voltage to signal terminals of each phase that drive the stepping motor. In the embodiment of the present invention, the signal terminals of the respective phases of the motor are connected to the PORT0 terminal to the PORT3 terminal.

  When a voltage is applied from the driver 637 to any one of the gates of the transistors 638A to 638D connected to the PORT0 terminal to the PORT3 terminal connected to the motor, the drain to the source of the transistors 638A to 638D to which the voltage is applied Current flows to the motor, current flows to the motor connected to the PORT0 terminal to the PORT3 terminal, and the accessory driving motor is driven.

  The connection lines connecting the PORT0 to PORT3 terminals and the motor are branched, and one of the branched connection lines is connected to a power source supplied to the motor via a diode D and a Zener diode ZD.

  The PORT terminal 15 is connected to a solenoid to be used. When a voltage is applied from the driver 637 to the gate of the transistor 638P connected to the PORT15 terminal connected to the solenoid, a current can flow from the drain to the source of the transistor 638P to which the voltage is applied, A current flows through a solenoid connected to the PORT 15 terminal, and an effect device (not shown) driven by the solenoid is driven.

In FIG 17, although both the motors and solenoids to I ² CI / O expander 615 is connected, for one I ² CI / O expander 615, the motor and the solenoid at least one only connection The configuration may be also possible.

For example, as or provided or provided I ² CI / O expander 615 as a group controls only the stepping motor only, the I ² CI / O expander 615 as a group to control only the solenoid dedicated Also good. With such a configuration, it is possible to control the rendering devices belonging to the same group at the same timing, and therefore it becomes possible to group and control only the rendering devices that require high-speed processing.

  FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram of connection lines related to input / output of the branch type decoration control device 610 according to the embodiment of this invention. In this figure, description will be made with the same reference numerals as the parts provided in the above-described branch type decoration control device 610X.

The branch type decoration control device 610X includes an upstream connector 611, two downstream connectors 612A and 612B, and an I ² CI / O expander 615. The branch type decoration control device 610X shown in FIG. 18 includes two downstream connectors 612A and 612B, but may include three or more downstream connectors.

  The upstream connector 611 is a connector connected to the decoration control device 610 upstream of the decoration control device 610X. The downstream connectors 612A and 612B are connected to a decoration control device 610 on the downstream side of the decoration control device 610X (for example, the decoration control device 610Y in FIG. 14).

  In order to connect the connection line SDA to the two downstream connectors 612A and 612B, the internal connection line SDA1811 extending from the upstream connector 611 branches at a branch 1801 into a first connection line SDA1821 and a second connection line SDA1831. The first connection line SDA1821 is connected to the downstream connector 612A, and the second connection line SDA1831 is connected to the downstream connector 612B.

  Similarly, the internal connection line SCL1812 extending from the upstream connector 611 branches at a branch 1802 into a first connection line SCL1822 and a second connection line SCL1832. The first connection line SCL1822 is connected to the downstream connector 612A, and the second connection line SCL1832 is connected to the downstream connector 612B.

In order to connect the connection line SDA to the I ² CI / O expander 615, the second connection line SDA 1831 branches at the branch 1803, and the branched second connection line SDA 1831 is the I ² CI / O expander 615 shown in FIG. It is connected to the SDA terminal shown in FIG. Further, in order to connect the connection line SCL to the I ² CI / O expander 615, the second connection line SCL 1832 branches at a branch 1804, and the branched second connection line SCL 1832 is a diagram of the I ² CI / O expander 615. 16 and the SCL terminal shown in FIG.

Note that the I ² CI / O expander 615 is supplied with a voltage Vcc that is a power supply voltage of the I ² CI / O expander 615. Further, although not shown in FIG. 18, from the I ² CI / O expander 615, the signal lines (FIG. 16) of the ports 0 to 15 for driving the LEDs (decoration device 620) provided in the decoration control device 610X. Reference) is output.

The I ² CI / O expander 615 is connected to the second connection line SDA1831 and the second connection line SCL1832, but may be connected to the first connection line SDA1821 and the first connection line SCL1822.

The signal output from the I ² CI / O expander 615 to the upstream decoration control device 610 via the connection line SDA, and the connection line from the upstream decoration control device 610 to the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610X A Zener diode ZD1841 is connected to the internal connection line SDA1811 in order to remove noise from a signal input via the SDA.

  Specifically, the internal connection line SDA1811 branches at a branch 1805, the branched internal connection line SDA1811 is connected to the cathode side of the Zener diode ZD1841, and the anode side of the Zener diode ZD1841 is grounded.

  For this reason, a voltage (for example, a pulsed noise signal) higher than a predetermined voltage applied to the internal connection line SDA1811 is released by the Zener diode ZD1841.

Further, in order to remove noise of a signal input from the upstream decoration control device 610 to the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610X via the connection line SCL, the internal connection line SCL 1812 includes a Zener diode ZD1842. Is connected.

  Specifically, the internal connection line SCL1812 branches at a branch 1806, the branched internal connection line SCL1812 is connected to the cathode side of the Zener diode ZD1842, and the anode side of the Zener diode ZD1842 is grounded.

  For this reason, a voltage (for example, a pulsed noise signal) higher than a predetermined voltage applied to the internal connection line SCL 1812 is released by the Zener diode ZD1842.

A signal output from the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610X to the decoration control device 610Y connected to the downstream connector 612A via the connection line SDA and a decoration from the decoration control device 610 connected to the downstream connector 612A. A Zener diode ZD1843 is connected to the first connection line SDA1821 in order to remove noise of a signal input to the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the control device 610X via the connection line SDA.

  Specifically, the first connection line SDA1821 branches at a branch 1807, the branched first connection line SDA1821 is connected to the cathode side of the Zener diode ZD1843, and the anode side of the Zener diode ZD1843 is grounded.

  For this reason, a voltage (for example, a pulsed noise signal) higher than a predetermined voltage applied to the first connection line SDA1821 is released by the Zener diode ZD1843.

  Similarly to the Zener diode ZD1843 connected to the first connection line SDA1821, the Zener diode 1845 is also connected to the second connection line SDA1831.

In addition, the first connection line is used to remove noise of signals input from the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610X to the decoration control device 610 connected to the downstream connector 612A via the connection line SCL. A Zener diode ZD1844 is connected to the SCL1822.

  Specifically, the first connection line SCL1822 branches at a branch 1808, the branched first connection line SCL1822 is connected to the cathode side of the Zener diode ZD1844, and the anode side of the Zener diode ZD1844 is grounded.

  For this reason, a voltage (for example, a pulsed noise signal) higher than a predetermined voltage applied to the first connection line SCL 1822 is released by the Zener diode ZD1844.

  Similarly to the Zener diode ZD1844 connected to the first connection line SCL1822, the Zener diode ZD1846 is connected to the second connection line SCL1832.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the relay board 600 functions as a branch type decoration control device. When the branch type decoration control device 610X is the relay board 600, the voltages of the upstream connection line SDA connected to the master IC 570 and the downstream connection line SDA connected to the decoration control device 610 are pulled up. A pull-up resistor R1851 is connected to the first connection line SDA1821. Similarly, a pull-up resistor R1852 for pulling up the voltage of the upstream connection line SCL connected to the master IC 570 and the downstream connection line SCL connected to the decoration control device 610 is provided in the first connection line SCL1822. Connected.

  Specifically, the first connection line SDA1821 branches at the branch 1809, and the branched first connection line SDA1821 is connected to the pull-up resistor R1851. Similarly, the first connection line SCL1822 branches at a branch 1810, and the branched first connection line SCL1822 is connected to a pull-up resistor R1852.

  Even in the branch type decoration control device 610, pull-up resistors R1851 and 1852 for pulling up the voltages of the connection line SDA and the connection line SCL are not necessary unless the relay board 600 is used. On the other hand, in the case of the relay board 600, the pull-up resistors R1851 and 1852 are required even in the connection type decoration control device 610 described in FIG.

  Further, the pull-up resistors R1851 and 1852 may be provided at a location where the voltage Vcc can be supplied to the drain terminal of the transistor that drives the connection line SDA and the connection line SCL. For example, if the pull-up resistors R1851 and 1852 are provided in the master IC 570, the pull-up resistors R1851 and 1852 are provided in the decoration control device 610 even if the branch-type decoration control device 610 is the relay board 600. There is no need to be.

An internal connection line Vcc1871 extending from the Vcc terminal of the upstream connector 601 connected to the connection line Vcc for supplying the power supply voltage to the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610X, and extending from the GND terminal of the upstream connector 601 to the ground The internal connection line GND1872 is connected via a smoothing capacitor C1861 and a bypass capacitor CP1862.

  The smoothing capacitor C1861 is a capacitor for smoothing the voltage waveform of the power supply, and the bypass capacitor CP1862 is a capacitor for removing noise in the power supply voltage.

For this reason, the power supply voltage supplied to the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610X is smoothed by the smoothing capacitor C1861, noise is removed by the bypass capacitor CP1862, and the I ² CI / O expander is removed. The panda 615 is supplied.

  Similarly, the internal connection line Vcc 1873 extending from the Vcc terminal of the downstream connectors 612A and 612B and the internal connection line GND 1874 extending from the GND terminal are connected via a smoothing capacitor C1861 and a bypass capacitor CP1862. As a result, the smoothed and noise-free voltage is applied to the connection line Vcc connected to the downstream decoration control device 610.

  FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram of connection lines relating to input / output of the connection type decoration control device 610 according to the embodiment of this invention. In the drawing, the same numbering is applied to the parts provided in the branch type decoration control device 610X described above, but the downstream connector 612B is described as the upstream connector 612. Moreover, since it is a connection type decoration control device, there is no connector corresponding to the downstream connector 612A.

The connected decoration control device 610 includes an upstream connector 611, an I ² CI / O expander 615, and a downstream connector 612.

  A bus is connected to the upstream connector 611 from the relay board 600 or the decoration control device 610 on the upstream side. The downstream connector 612 is connected to a bus connected to the decoration control device 610 on the downstream side.

  The SDA terminal of the upstream connector 611 and the SDA terminal of the downstream connector 612 are connected by an internal connection line SDA1911. The SCL terminal of the upstream connector 611 and the SCL terminal of the downstream connector 612 are connected by an internal connection line SCL1912.

In order to connect the connection line SDA to the I ² CI / O expander 615, the internal connection line SDA 1911 branches at the branch 1901, and the branched internal connection line SDA 1911 is the I ² CI / O expander 615 shown in FIGS. Connected to the SDA terminal shown in FIG. Further, in order to connect the connection line SCL to the I ² CI / O expander 615, the internal connection line SCL 1912 branches at the branch 1902, and the branched internal connection line SCL 1912 corresponds to the I ² CI / O expander 615 shown in FIG. It is connected to the SCL terminal shown in FIG.

Note that the I ² CI / O expander 615 is supplied with a voltage Vcc that is a power supply voltage of the I ² CI / O expander 615. Although not shown in FIG. 19, from the I ² CI / O expander 615, signal lines (FIG. 16) of the ports 0 to 15 for driving the LEDs (decoration device 620) related to the decoration control device 610 are displayed. Is connected).

The signal output from the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 shown in FIG. 19 to the upstream decoration control device 610 connected to the upstream connector 611 or the relay board 600 via the connection line SDA, and the upstream connector 611 In order to remove the noise of the signal input via the connection line SDA from the upstream decoration control device 610 or relay board 600 connected to the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 shown in FIG. A zener diode ZD1941 is connected to the internal connection line SDA1911.

  Specifically, the internal connection line SDA 1911 branches at the branch 1903, the branched internal connection line SDA 1911 is connected to the cathode side of the Zener diode ZD1941, and the anode side of the Zener diode ZD1941 is grounded.

  For this reason, a voltage (for example, a pulsed noise signal) higher than a predetermined voltage applied to the internal connection line SDA1911 is released by the Zener diode ZD1941.

Further, noise of a signal input from the upstream decoration control device 610 or the relay board 600 connected to the upstream connector 611 to the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 shown in FIG. 19 via the connection line SCL. In order to eliminate this, a Zener diode ZD942 is connected to the internal connection line SCL1912.

  Specifically, the internal connection line SCL 1912 branches at a branch 1904, the branched internal connection line SCL 1912 is connected to the cathode side of the Zener diode ZD1942, and the anode side of the Zener diode ZD1942 is grounded.

  For this reason, a voltage (for example, a pulsed noise signal) higher than a predetermined voltage applied to the internal connection line SCL 1912 is released by the Zener diode ZD1942.

The signal output from the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 shown in FIG. 19 to the downstream decoration control device 610 connected to the downstream connector 612 via the connection line SDA and the downstream connector 612 In order to remove noise from a signal input via the connection line SDA from the downstream decoration control device 610 to the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device shown in FIG. ZD1943 is connected.

  Specifically, the internal connection line SDA 1911 branches at a branch 1905, the branched internal connection line SDA 1911 is connected to the cathode side of the Zener diode ZD1943, and the anode side of the Zener diode ZD1943 is grounded.

  For this reason, a voltage (for example, a pulsed noise signal) higher than a predetermined voltage applied to the internal connection line SDA1911 is released by the Zener diode ZD1943.

Further, in order to remove noise of a signal input via the connection line SCL from the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 shown in FIG. 19 to the downstream decoration control device 610 connected to the downstream connector 612. In addition, a Zener diode ZD1944 is connected to the internal connection line SCL1912.

  Specifically, the internal connection line SCL 1912 branches at a branch 1906, the branched internal connection line SCL 1912 is connected to the cathode side of the Zener diode ZD1944, and the anode side of the Zener diode ZD1944 is grounded.

  For this reason, a voltage (for example, a pulsed noise signal) higher than a predetermined voltage applied to the internal connection line SCL 1912 is released by the Zener diode ZD1944.

The internal connection line Vcc 1971 extending from the Vcc terminal of the upstream connector 611 connected to the connection line Vcc for supplying the power supply voltage to the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610, and the GND terminal of the upstream connector 611 extending to the ground The internal connection line GND1972 is connected via a smoothing capacitor C1961 and a bypass capacitor CP1962.

  The smoothing capacitor C1961 is the same capacitor as the smoothing capacitor C961 shown in FIG. 18, and the bypass capacitor CP1962 is the same capacitor as the bypass capacitor CP962 shown in FIG.

  The internal connection line Vcc 1973 extending from the Vcc terminal of the downstream connector 612 and the internal connection line GND 1974 extending from the GND terminal are connected via a smoothing capacitor C1961 and a bypass capacitor CP1962.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the slave address 2000 included in the data output from the effect control device 550 to the decoration control device 610 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The slave address 2000 is composed of a fixed address part 2001 composed of upper 3 bits and a variable address part 2002 composed of lower 5 bits.

The fixed address portion 2001 is preset with a value of “110” and cannot be changed by the I ² CI / O expander 615.

The variable address unit 2002 can be set by the I ² CI / O expander 615. The variable address unit 2002 includes a 4-bit I ² CI / O expander address 2003 corresponding to the pattern set at the terminals A0 to A3 of the I ² CI / O expander 615 to be controlled, and the data It consists of 1-bit R / W identification data 2004 indicating whether it is a read request or a write request.

  Since the effect control data output from the effect control device 550 to the decoration control device 610 is a write request, “0” is normally registered in the R / W identification data 2004.

  The terminal-type decoration control device 610 has a configuration in which the downstream connector 612 and the surrounding Zener diodes and capacitors do not exist, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the I ² CI / O expander address table 2100 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The I ² CI / O expander address table 2100 is a table managed by the master IC 570. The I ² CI / O expander address table 2100 shows the correspondence between the slave address 2101 and the I ² CI / O expander address 2102.

The slave address 2101 stores the slave address of the decoration control device 610 that is designated as a transmission / reception target by the effect control device 550. As described above with reference to FIG. 20, the slave address is configured by combining a fixed address portion consisting of upper 3 bits, a 4-bit I ² CI / O expander address, and 1-bit R / W identification data. .

In the I ² CI / O expander address 2102, a 4-bit I ² CI / O expander address corresponding to each slave address is registered as described above with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

However, among the I ² CI / O expander addresses, an address “1000” and an address “1011” (shaded entries in FIG. 21) are used to identify each I ² CI / O expander 615 from each other. It cannot be used as a unique address.

  The address “1000” is used as a default value at power-on of an address (all call address) specified when a common command is output to all the decoration control devices 610. The address “1011” is a common address used when all the decoration control devices 610 connected to the master IC 570 are unconditionally reset by software.

As described above, since there are 14 addresses that can be set in the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610, the effect control device 550 controls the 14 I ² CI / O expanders 615. be able to. Since each decoration control device 610 includes PORT0 to PORT15, it is possible to control 16 (in other words, 16 types) LEDs. Therefore, the effect control device 550 can control 224 (in other words, 224 types) LEDs.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for describing work registers assigned to the output setting register 635 provided in the I ² CI / O expander 615 according to the embodiment of this invention.

A work register (device register) and a control register (control register) are assigned to the output setting register 635 of the I ² CI / O expander 615.

Work register, I ² CI / O Aix information and for performing settings that are predefined for Panda 615, I ² CI / O Aix effect device connected to the expander 615 (decoration device 620, for example, The information for specifying the output mode of LED) is stored.

  In addition, the control register stores information defining a procedure for writing data to the work register. The work register is configured to store a plurality of pieces of information in different storage areas, and a different register number is assigned to each storage area.

The register number “00h” and the register number “01h” correspond to a mode register for performing the initial setting of the I ² CI / O expander 615. The register name “MODE1” is assigned to the storage area of the register number “00h”. The register name “MODE2” is assigned to the storage area of the register number “01h”. When values are written in the storage areas of the register numbers “00h” and “01h”, the I ² CI / O expander 615 is initialized based on the written values.

Note that bit 3 (OCH) of the “MODE2” register is a parameter that defines the timing at which the effect control data stored in the output setting register 635 of the I ² CI / O expander 615 is actually reflected in the effect device. . In the embodiment of the present invention, as described with reference to FIG. 15, “0” is set, and when the stop condition is received, the effect control data stored in the output setting register 635 is output, and the effect device Is set to actually control the output state.

Parameters to be controlled such as LEDs included in the decoration device 620 are set in the register numbers “02h” to “11h” (register names “PWM0” to “PWM15”). When a value is written in any of the storage areas of register numbers “02h” to “11h”, among the 16 LEDs constituting the light emitting device (decoration device 620) connected to the I ² CI / O expander 615 The brightness of the LED corresponding to the register number in which the value is written is adjusted based on the written value. For example, when a value is written in the storage area of the register number “02h”, the luminance of the LED 0 connected to the port 0 shown in FIG. 16 is adjusted.

Note that the I ² CI / O expander 615 can also control a movable object such as a motor or a solenoid as described above. When a solenoid is connected to the I ² CI / O expander 615, the register number corresponding to the port to which the solenoid is connected is operated by energizing the solenoid or not energized. A value indicating whether to do is written. When a motor is connected to the I ² CI / O expander 615, a value indicating the target rotational position of the motor is written in the register number corresponding to the port to which the motor is connected.

  In the register number “12h” (register name “GRPPWM”) and the register number “13h” (register name “GRPFREQ”), parameters for specifying the operation pattern of the entire control target are set. When a value is written in the storage areas of the register numbers “12h” and “13h”, the blinking pattern of the entire LED (16 LEDs) is set based on the written value. Specifically, a duty cycle that is an on / off ratio of the entire LED is set in the register number “12h”, and a blinking cycle of the entire LED is set in the register number “13h”.

  In register numbers “14h” (register name “LEDOUT0”) to “17h” (register name “LEDOUT3”), the output state of the LED controlled by each port is set. Each register can set four LED output states.

  When a value is written in the storage area of the register number “14h”, the output states of the LEDs 0 to LED3 are set based on the written value. Similarly, the output state of LED4 to LED7 is stored in the storage area of register number “15h”, the output state of LED8 to LED11 is stored in the storage area of register number “16h”, and the LED12 to LED15 are stored in the storage area of register number “17h”. Output status is set.

  Sub-addresses are set in the register numbers “18h” to “1Ah” (register names “SUBADR1” to “SUBADR3”). When values are written in the storage areas of the register numbers “18h” to “1Ah”, the first subaddress to the third subaddress are set based on the written values.

  In the register number “1Bh” (register name “ALLCALLADR”), an all call address for outputting a command to all the decoration control devices 610 is set. The all call address is used, for example, when the initialization processing is executed in all the decoration control devices 610 when the power is turned on.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a start condition and a stop condition in which the master IC 570 according to the embodiment of this invention outputs data via the connection line SDA and the connection line SCL.

  The connection line SCL has a signal level of HIGH when data is not transmitted. When outputting data to the decoration control device 610, the master IC 570 changes the signal level of the connection line SCL from LOW to HIGH so that the decoration control device 610 acts as a strobe signal for taking in the data of the connection line SDA.

  The connection line SDA has a high signal level when data is not transmitted, and data is output from the connection line SDA in accordance with the clock signal of the connection line SCL.

  Master IC 570 changes the signal level of connection line SDA from HIGH to LOW while maintaining the signal level of connection line SCL at HIGH, and outputs a signal that is a start condition indicating that data output starts. .

The I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 recognizes that output of data is started when a signal serving as a start condition is input from the connection line SDA and the connection line SCL.

  The master IC 570 changes the signal level of the connection line SDA from LOW to HIGH while maintaining the signal level of the connection line SCL at HIGH, and outputs a signal indicating a stop condition indicating that data output is completed. .

The I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 recognizes that the data output ends when the stop condition is input. In the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, when the decoration control device 610 receives a signal indicating a stop condition, control of the effect device controlled by the decoration control device 610 is started.

  FIG. 24 is a timing chart at which the decoration control device 610 to which the data output from the master IC 570 according to the embodiment of this invention is input outputs a response signal.

  The decoration control device 610 counts the number of changes in the signal level of the connection line SCL after the start condition is satisfied, and takes in data input from the connection line SDA in accordance with the clock signal of the connection line SCL.

  Then, the decoration control device 610 outputs a response signal to the master IC 570 via the connection line SDA immediately after the start condition is satisfied and immediately before the signal line change number of the connection line SCL reaches nine. In other words, the decoration control device 610 outputs a response signal via the connection line SDA when the signal level of the connection line SCL changes from HIGH to LOW after taking the 8th bit data from the connection line SDA. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 24, a response signal (ACK response signal) indicating that the data has been successfully received is indicated by a LOW level, and a response signal (NACK response signal indicating that data reception has failed), In the figure, this corresponds to no ACK output) is indicated by a HIGH level.

  Further, when the signal level of the connection line SCL changes eight times after the start condition is satisfied, the master IC 570 waits for a response signal from the decoration control device 610 by releasing the connection line SDA. Then, the master IC 570 changes the signal level of the connection line SCL while releasing the connection line SDA, and takes in the response signal from the decoration control device 610.

  FIG. 25 is a timing chart of signal levels of connection line SDA and connection line SCL when master IC 570 according to the embodiment of the present invention outputs effect control data.

  First, when starting output of data, the master IC 570 changes the signal level of the connection line SDA from HIGH to LOW while maintaining the signal level of the connection line SCL at HIGH, thereby indicating a start condition signal. And the decoration control device 610 is notified that data output is to be started.

  Next, the master IC 570 outputs the slave address of the decoration control device 610 to be controlled consisting of 7 bits in total. Furthermore, the master IC 570 outputs information indicating whether the request is a write request, which is a read request, at the eighth bit.

  The master IC 570 receives a response signal from the decoration control device 610 when the signal level of the connection line SCL becomes HIGH for the ninth time. Therefore, if the signal is an ACK response signal, the signal level of the connection line SDA is LOW. If the response signal is NACK, the signal level of the connection line SDA changes to HIGH.

  Next, after outputting the address data, the master IC 570 outputs the data with a bit number that is a multiple of eight. Further, after the eighth bit of data is output, the ninth bit of data is output after an ACK response signal is input. Thereafter, when data of a bit corresponding to a multiple of 8 is output, after confirming that an ACK response signal is input, a (multiple of 8 + 1) th bit is output and all data is output. Repeat until.

  If the master IC 570 outputs a bit that is a multiple of 8 after the data has been output and the ACK response signal is not received after a predetermined time, the master IC 570 assumes that the data transmission has failed and starts again. Send the condition. Next, the address data is output again via the connection line SDA, and the data is output again from the first bit while confirming the ACK response signal.

  The master IC 570 outputs the signal indicating the stop condition after outputting the data of the last bit of the data and waiting for the ACK response signal to be input.

  In FIG. 25, a total of 24 bits (slave address 8 bits, data 16 bits) of data is output from when the signal indicating the start condition is output until the signal indicating the stop condition is output. Depending on the size of data to be transmitted, it may be 24 bits or more, or 24 bits or less.

FIG. 26 shows the relationship between the master IC 570 and the I ² CI / O expander 615 when the master IC 570 of the embodiment of the present invention specifies the slave individual address and sets the effect control data in the decoration control device 610. It is a figure explaining the format of the data transmitted / received between.

The 8-bit data 2601 that is output first includes an address “A0 to A6” of the decoration control device 610 that is a target of data transmission, and a 1-bit that indicates whether the data is a read request or a write request. R / W identification data is included. Among the addresses “A0 to A6”, “A4 to A6” are fixed address portions having a value “110”, and “A0 to A3” are set to terminals A0 to A3 of the I ² CI / O expander 615. (Refer to FIG. 16). The data 2601 is data corresponding to “ADDRESS” and “R / W” in FIG.

The 8-bit data 2602 to be output next includes setting data for the control register assigned to the output setting register 635 (see FIG. 15) of the I ² CI / O expander 615. Data 2602 is data corresponding to “DATA” transmitted first in FIG. 25.

  Here, the control register will be described. The control register consists of 8 bits, and the upper 3 bits “AI0 to AI2” are automatic write parameters for designating the writing or reading method to the work register of the output setting register 635, and the lower 5 bits “D0 to D4” are the work. This is a register address that specifies an access start position (a start position at which writing starts or a start position at which reading starts) in the register.

  The automatic write parameter is accessed by the master IC 570 including only the area at the access start position specified by the register address (auto-increment is prohibited) or including the area adjacent to the area at the access start position specified. (Specifically, “000”, “100”, “101”, “110”, “111”) can be set.

  When a value of “000” is set in the automatic writing parameter, auto-increment is prohibited, and only the area at the access start position specified by the register address is accessed, and the area other than the start position is not accessed. For example, if the register address is “10100”, only the storage area with the register number “14h” is accessed, and the other storage areas are not accessed. That is, it is used when only the value of the storage area of a specific register address is changed. When the values of the storage areas of a plurality of register addresses are changed continuously, the address designation can be omitted by permitting auto-increment as described below.

  When the value of “100” is set in the auto-write parameter, auto-increment is permitted, and after accessing the area at the access start position specified by the register address, access is made sequentially while moving the area in the direction of increasing the register number. repeat. Then, after accessing the storage area where the register number is “1Bh” at the end, the storage area where the register number is “00h” is accessed and accessed again sequentially while moving the area in the direction in which the register number increases. repeat. For example, if the register address is “10100”, after accessing the storage area where the register number is “14h”, the register number is “15h” → “16h” →→→ “1Bh” → “00h” → “01h” →... (Ie, all areas) are repeatedly accessed.

  When the value of “101” is set in the automatic write parameter, the register number is set after accessing the area at the access start position specified by the register address, as in the case of setting the value of “100” in the automatic write parameter. Access is repeated in order while moving the area in the direction of increasing. However, once the storage area whose register number is “11h” is accessed, the storage area whose register number is “02h” is accessed, and thereafter, the section where the register numbers are “02h” to “11h”. The recording area (area relating to LED brightness adjustment) is repeatedly accessed. For example, if the register address is “10100”, after accessing the storage area where the register number is “14h”, the register number is “15h” → “16h” →. →→ “1Bh” → “00h” → The area which becomes “01h” →... Is accessed in order. After accessing the storage area where the register number is “11h”, the area where the register number is “02h” → “03h” → ··· “11h” → “02h” → “03h” → ··· , Repeatedly access.

  When the value “110” is set in the automatic write parameter, the register number is set after accessing the area at the access start position specified by the register address, as in the case where the value “100” is set in the automatic write parameter. Access is repeated in order while moving the area in the direction of increasing. However, once the storage area whose register number is “13h” is accessed, the storage area whose register number is “12h” is accessed, and thereafter, the section where the register numbers are “12h” to “13h”. The recording area (area related to the LED blinking cycle) is repeatedly accessed. For example, if the register address is “10100”, after accessing the storage area where the register number is “14h”, the register number is “15h” → “16h” →. →→ “1Bh” → “00h” → The area which becomes “01h” →... Is accessed in order. Then, after accessing the storage area where the register number is “13h”, the area where the register number is “12h” → “13h” → “12h” → “13h” →... Is repeatedly accessed.

  When the value “111” is set in the automatic write parameter, the register number is set after accessing the access start position area specified by the register address, as in the case where the value “100” is set in the automatic write parameter. Access is repeated in order while moving the area in the direction of increasing. However, once the storage area whose register number is “13h” is accessed, the storage area whose register number is “02h” is accessed, and thereafter, the section where the register numbers are “02h” to “13h”. The recording area (area related to LED brightness and blinking cycle) is repeatedly accessed. For example, if the register address is “10100”, after accessing the storage area where the register number is “14h”, the register number is “15h” → “16h” →. →→ “1Bh” → “00h” → The area which becomes “01h” →... Is accessed in order. After accessing the storage area where the register number is “13h”, the area where the register number is “02h” → “03h” → ··· “13h” → “02h” → “03h” → ··· , Repeatedly access.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 26, the work register setting data 2603 is output following the control register setting data 2602. The setting data 2603 is data corresponding to “DATA” transmitted after the second in FIG.

  When the automatic writing parameter is “000”, the setting data 2603 is 8-bit data for updating one storage area designated by the register address. When the automatic writing parameter is set to a value other than “000”, the setting data 2603 is a multiple of 8 necessary for repeatedly updating a plurality of areas starting from the storage area specified by the register address. It becomes bit data.

FIG. 27 shows the relationship between the master IC 570 and the I ² CI / O expander 615 when the master IC 570 according to the embodiment of the present invention specifies the slave individual address and sets the effect control data in the decoration control device 610. It is the figure which applied the specific numerical value to the presentation control data transmitted / received between. FIG. 27 shows presentation control data for prohibiting auto-increment and updating only one specific storage area of the work register. Specifically, the PORT0 terminal of the I ² CI / O expander 615 A case where the light emission state of the LED connected to the PORT3 terminal is updated will be described.

First, “1101100” indicating the slave address of the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the destination decoration control device 610 is assigned to the 8-bit data 2701 output first.

The 8-bit data 2702 to be output next is set in the control register of the output setting register 635 of the I ² CI / O expander 615 assigned to set the automatic writing parameter and LED output data. Value to be included.

Here, since the light emission state of the LED connected to the PORT0 terminal to the PORT3 terminal of the I ² CI / O expander 615 is set, LEDOUT0 (address = 10100) is designated as the register address.

  Note that “000” is designated in the auto-write parameter to prohibit auto-increment.

Next, the output 8-bit data 2703 includes data for setting the light emission mode of the decoration device 620 controlled by the destination decoration control device 610. Specifically, data set in the LEDOUT0 register is assigned. As a result, the light emission state (lighting, extinguishing, blinking, etc.) of the LED connected to the PORT0 terminal to the PORT3 terminal of the I ² CI / O expander 615 is designated, and the LED emits light in the designated state.

In this way, the light emission state of the LED PORT0 terminal ~PORT3 terminal I ² CI / O expander 615 is controlled, the other PORT terminal I ² CI / O expander 615 (PORT4~PORT15) also Individual control is possible by designating the value of the control register data 2702 and setting the output data 2703. Even if a motor or a solenoid is connected to the PORT terminal, the same control is performed.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating the order in which the production control data of the master IC according to the embodiment of the present invention is transmitted. In FIG. 28, the order in which each data included in the effect control data is transmitted when auto-increment is permitted and all the storage areas of the work register are updated is defined.

  First, the master IC 570 transmits 8-bit data (data having the same format as the data 2601 in FIG. 26) that can specify the individual address of the decoration control device 610 to be controlled.

Next, the master IC 570 transmits data (data having the same format as the data 2602 of FIG. 26) set in the control register of the output setting register 635 of the I ² CI / O expander 615 to be controlled. In FIG. 28, in order to allow auto-increment and update all the storage areas of the work register, “100” is designated as the automatic write parameter, and the register address designating the start position of writing or reading is “00h” which is the head area of the work register is designated.

For this reason, in the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 to be controlled after receiving the control register set value, the storage area (MODE1 register) of the register number “00h” is updated first. It will be.

Next, after transmitting the control register set value, the master IC 570 transmits a value (total of 8 bits) to be written to the MODE1 register. When the I ² CI / O expander 615 receives the write value, it updates the value of the MODE 1 register, increments the register number, and prepares to update the next “01h” storage area (MODE 2 register). .

Further, the master IC 570 transmits values to be written to the MODE2 register (a total of 8 bits), and thereafter transmits the set values in order to the remaining storage area registers whose register numbers are “02h” to “1Bh”. . Each time the I ² CI / O expander 615 receives the write value, the I ² CI / O expander 615 updates the value of the corresponding register, increments the register number, and repeats the preparation for updating the next storage area. The values of all the registers “00h” to “1Bh” assigned to are updated.

When the I ² CI / O expander 615 updates the storage area of “1Bh” which is the last of the work registers, the I ² CI / O expander 615 changes the register number to “00h” and waits for the update of the MODE1 register.

29, if the master IC570 embodiment of the present invention initializes the I ² CI / O expander 615, the format of the initialization instruction data transmitted from the master IC570 to I ² CI / O expander 615 FIG.

  When the CPU 551 of the effect control device 550 instructs the master IC 570 to initialize the decoration control device 610, the master IC 570 transmits initialization instruction data to all the decoration control devices 610 connected to the master IC 570. .

  The 8-bit data 2901 output first includes the fixed address “110” shown in FIG. 27 and the reset address “1011” (see FIG. 21), which is a common address. The data 2901 corresponds to “ADDRESS” in FIG. 25, and “0” indicating writing is set in the bit of “R / W”.

  The first predetermined value “10100101” is set in the 8-bit data 2902 to be output next, and the second predetermined value “01011010” is set in the 8-bit data 2903 to be output next. The data 2902 corresponds to “DATA” transmitted first in FIG. 25, and the data 2903 corresponds to “DATA” transmitted second in FIG.

When all the I ² CI / O expanders 615 connected to the master IC 570 receive initialization instruction data including a reset address, a first predetermined value, and a second predetermined value, the I ² CI / O expander 615 initializes itself.

The reason why both the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value are output after the reset address is output is that the master IC 570 does not transmit the reset address “1011”, but is influenced by noise or the like. This is because the I ² CI / O expander 615 erroneously fetches the reset address “1011” to prevent initialization from being executed at an incorrect timing.

Further, the reset address is an address common to all (in other words, a plurality) I ² CI / O expanders 615, unlike the individual address. Therefore, only transmit once initialization instruction data including the reset address, since all will be initialized by selecting I ² CI / O expander 615 (s), I ² CI / O Aix Compared with the method of individually selecting the panda 615 and instructing initialization, it is possible to instruct initialization at high speed.

  In FIG. 29, the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value are different from each other, but may be the same value. Further, either the first predetermined value or the second predetermined value may be transmitted once.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating the abnormality determination table 3000 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The abnormality determination table 3000 is stored in the RAM 553 of the effect control device 550. The abnormality determination table 3000 is provided for monitoring the connection state between the master IC 570 of the effect control device 550 and the I ² CI / O expander 615 connected to the master IC 570. The abnormality determination table 3000 stores information corresponding to each I ² CI / O expander 615 according to the connection state.

  The abnormality determination table 3000 includes an I / O expander address 3001, a slave address 3002, an error counter 3003, a comparison value 3004, and an error flag 3005.

The I / O expander address 3001 corresponds to the address (see FIG. 16) set at the terminals A0 to A3 of the I ² CI / O expander 615 connected to the master IC 570.

In the slave address 3002, a slave address registered in the I ² CI / O expander address table 2100 shown in FIG. 21 is registered.

Error counter 3003 sends an effect control data from the master IC570 to I ² CI / O expander 615, is incremented if it can not receive from the I ² CI / O expander 615 consecutively twice ACK .

In the comparison value 3004, a value for comparison with the value of the error counter 3003 is registered in order to determine whether or not a failure has occurred in the I ² CI / O expander 615. Note that the value of the comparison value 3004 may be set according to the type of the rendering device to be controlled.

In the error flag 3005, an error flag indicating whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the connection state of the entry with the I ² CI / O expander 615 is registered.

The method for determining whether or not a failure has occurred in the I ² CI / O expander 615 will be described in detail. If the value of the error counter 3003 reaches a predetermined value set in the comparison value 3004, an error will occur. “ON” is set in the flag 3005, and it is registered that a failure has occurred in the I ² CI / O expander 615 corresponding to the entry.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, as will be described later, the production control data output process (see FIG. 31) is executed in synchronization with the VDP interrupt (approximately 33.3 ms period).

As described above, if the ACK from the I ² CI / O expander 615 cannot be received for the ^second transmission of the presentation control data from the master IC 570 to the I ² CI / O expander 615, the error counter 3003 Is incremented.

Therefore, when an abnormality has occurred, the execution period of the data output process is 33.3 ms and the comparison value 3004 is “300”. Therefore, the I ² CI / O expander is 33.3 ms × 300≈10 s. It is detected that an abnormality relating to 615 has occurred.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the effect control device 550 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The process shown in FIG. 31 is executed by the CPU 551 of the effect control device 550.

  When the effect control device 550 is turned on, the effect control device 550 first executes the processing of steps 3101 to 3103, and in the processing of step 3104, it synchronizes with the image update cycle from the VDP 556 (for example, 33.3 ms). It waits until the synchronization signal (second cycle) is input to the CPU 551 as an interrupt signal. Thereafter, each time the synchronization signal synchronized with the image update cycle is input from the VDP 556 to the CPU 551 as an interrupt signal, the processing of steps 3105 to 3117 is repeatedly executed.

  First, the effect control device 550 executes an initialization process including initialization of the RAM 553 of the effect control device 550 (3101).

  Then, the effect control device 550 inputs a reset pulse to the master IC 570 via the output I / F 558b and the NOR gate circuit 590, and initializes the master IC 570 in hardware (3102).

Then, the effect control device 550 performs slave reset processing for outputting initialization instruction data from the master IC 570 in order to initialize the I ² CI / O expander 615 of all the decoration control devices 610 connected to the master IC 570. Execute (3103). Details of the slave reset processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  Next, the effect control device 550 permits the reception of a synchronization signal (VDP interrupt) synchronized with the image update cycle from the VDP 556 (3104). At this time, acceptance of a timer interrupt is also permitted.

  Then, in order to display an image on display device 53, effect control device 550 outputs data serving as a command to display an image on VDP 556 (3105). Furthermore, sound control data is output to the sound LSI 557 in order to output sound from the speaker 30 according to the gaming state. The sound LSI 557 outputs sound from the speaker 30 based on the input sound control data (3106).

  Next, the effect control device 550 executes light emission control slave output processing (3107 to 3110). The light emission control slave output process is a process of outputting effect control data from the master IC 570 to the light emission control device (light emission control slave).

  The effect control device 550 selects one light emission control device from a plurality of light emission control devices (3107), and executes slave continuous output processing for outputting data from the master IC 570 to the light emission control device selected in the processing of step 3107. (3108). Details of the slave continuous output processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  Then, the effect control device 550 determines whether data has been output to all the light emission control devices (3109).

  When it is determined that the output of data to all the light emission control devices has not been completed (result of 3109 is “N”), the effect control device 550 selects the light emission control device that outputs data next ( 3110), a slave continuous output process for outputting data from the master IC 570 to the light emission control device selected in the process of step 3110 is executed (3108).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the output of data to all the light emission control devices has been completed (the result of 3109 is “Y”), the effect control device 550 ends the light emission control slave output processing.

  Then, the production control device 550 edits the data that is output next to the VDP 556 (3111), edits the sound control data that is output to the sound LSI 557 (3112), and is then output to the light emission control slave of each group. The production control data is edited (3113).

  Next, the effect control device 550 refers to the abnormality determination table 3000 and executes an error determination process related to the light emission control slave (3114).

  In the error determination process, the effect control device 550 determines whether or not all the error flags 3005 of the entries corresponding to the light emission control slaves in the abnormality determination table 3000 are “ON”, that is, an error occurs in all the light emission control slaves. It is determined whether or not. In other words, it is determined whether there is at least one light emission control slave in which the error flag 3005 is “OFF”. If it is determined by this error determination processing that an error has occurred in all the light emission control slaves, the conditions for resetting the master IC 570 and all the light emission control slaves are satisfied.

  The effect control device 550 determines whether or not the reset condition is satisfied based on the result of the error determination process in step 3114 (3115). As described above, when the error flags 3005 of all the light emission control slaves are “ON” at the time of the error determination process in step 3114, it is determined that the reset condition is satisfied.

When it is determined that the reset condition is satisfied (the result of 3115 is “Y”), the effect control device 550 initializes the master IC 570 (3116), and all the I ² CI / O connected to the master IC 570 Slave reset processing for outputting initialization instruction data simultaneously to the expander 615 is executed (3117). Thereafter, it waits until a synchronization signal is input from the VDP 556 to the CPU 551.

As described above, when it is determined that the reset condition is satisfied, in step 3117, all the I ² CI / O expanders 615 connected to the master IC 570 are instructed to initialize at the same time. That is, since all the I ² CI / O expanders 615 are selected and initialized at the same time, it is faster than the method of individually selecting the I ² CI / O expanders 615 and instructing the initialization. The I ² CI / O expander 615 can be quickly returned to the normal state. At this time, the CPU 551 writes information to the reset REG 573 via the bus 563 to reset the master IC 570 in software.

  If it is determined in step 3115 that the reset condition is satisfied, an abnormality may have occurred in master IC 570, so that master IC 570 is also initialized in step 3116.

  The master IC 570 functions as a signal level control means for controlling the signal levels of the connection lines SDA and SCL in response to a command from the CPU 551. Therefore, when an abnormality related to data transmission occurs in all the light emission control devices It is also conceivable that an abnormality has occurred in the master IC 570 itself.

  Therefore, when an abnormality relating to data transmission occurs in all the decoration control devices 610, the master IC 570 is initialized by the CPU 551 (arithmetic processing means) just in case. Accordingly, even if an abnormality occurs in the master IC 570, the master IC 570 can be reliably controlled.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the reset condition is not satisfied (the result of 3115 is “N”), the effect control device 550 does not execute the processing of steps 3116 and 3117, and the synchronization signal is sent from the VDP 556 to the CPU 551. Wait for input.

As described above, in the processing shown in FIG. 31, effect control is performed from the master IC 570 of the effect control device 550 to the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 in synchronization with the cycle of updating the image of the display device 53. Send data. Since the I ² CI / O expander 615 controls the decoration device 620 based on the received effect control data, the effect on the display device 53 and the effect on the decoration device 620 are harmonized, giving the player an uncomfortable feeling. Because there is no, it can raise interest.

Also, whenever the decoration control device 610 receives the effect control data transmitted from the master IC 570 in synchronization with the cycle of updating the image on the display device 53, the I ² CI / O expander 615 updates the work register. The value is updated. Therefore, since the value of the work register is updated to the latest state every time, even if the value of the work register is destroyed due to noise or the like, it can be restored to a normal value.

  Further, since the error determination process executed in the process of step 3114 is executed in synchronization with the cycle of updating the image on the display device 53, the frequency for determining errors can be set appropriately. That is, if the error determination process is executed too frequently, the processing load on the CPU 551 of the effect control device 550 increases. Conversely, if the error determination process is executed too little, the occurrence of an abnormality can be detected at an appropriate timing. Disappear. By performing the error determination in synchronization with the cycle of updating the image of the display device 53, it becomes possible to detect the error at an appropriate timing, and to appropriately cope with the occurrence of a defect in each process.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of slave reset processing according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The slave reset process is executed in the process of step 3103 or step 3116 shown in FIG.

  First, the master IC 570 changes the signal levels of the connection line SDA and the connection line SCL to a signal level indicating a start condition (3201).

  Next, the master IC 570 sets 1-byte data indicating the reset common address (see FIG. 29) in the output BUF 572 (3202), and starts monitoring timeout (3203). Further, the reset address set in step 3202 is transmitted through the connection line SDA while changing the signal level of the connection line SCL (3204).

  Next, the master IC 570 confirms whether or not an ACK response signal is input to the master IC 570 within a predetermined time after the data is output (3205).

  Next, the master IC 570 determines whether or not an ACK response signal is input within a predetermined time after the data is output based on the confirmation result of the processing in step 3205 (3206).

When it is determined that the ACK response signal is not input within a predetermined time after the data is output (result of 3206 is “N”), the master IC 570 generates an interrupt (3207). Notifying that an ACK response signal has not been input within a predetermined time after outputting data from the IC 570, the process returns to step 3201, and data for initializing the I ² CI / O expander 615 is again displayed. Output.

  When the master IC 570 determines that an ACK response signal is input within a predetermined time after the data is output (result of 3206 is “Y”), the master IC 570 generates an interrupt (3208). Is notified that an ACK response signal has been input within a predetermined time.

  Then, the master IC 570 has three types of data constituting the initialization instruction data (data 2901 including a reset address, data 2902 having a first predetermined value, and data 2903 having a second predetermined value shown in FIG. 29). It is determined whether or not all are output (3209). Since the output order of these data is predetermined, it may be determined whether or not the data 2903 having the second predetermined value is output.

  If it is determined that not all data constituting the initialization instruction data has been output (the result of 3209 is “N”), the master IC 570 receives the first predetermined value shown in FIG. If the transmission of the first predetermined value is successful, data indicating the second predetermined value) is output (3210), and timeout monitoring is started (3211). Then, after waiting for the connection line SDA to be released (3212), the data set in the process of Step 3210 is transmitted (3213), and the process proceeds to Step 3205.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that all the data constituting the initialization instruction data has been output (result of 3209 is “Y”), master IC 570 has data indicating the second predetermined value shown in FIG. If it is output, the signal levels of the connection line SDA and the connection line SCL are changed to the signal level indicating the stop condition (3214), and the slave reset process is terminated.

When all the I ² CI / O expanders 615 connected to the master IC 570 receive the reset signal composed of the reset address, the first predetermined value, and the second predetermined value, the I ² CI / O expander 615 Initialize each register. Therefore, the master IC 570 is instructing all the I ² CI / O expanders 615 connected to the master IC 570 to perform initialization at the same time.

When an abnormality occurs in the I ² CI / O expander 615, it is necessary to restore the normal state as quickly as possible. At this time, since all the I ² CI / O expander 615 which is connected to the master IC570 it must be initialized, as in the embodiment of the present invention, all I ² CI which is connected to the master IC570 / By simultaneously initializing the O expander 615, high-speed initialization can be realized.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of slave continuous output processing according to the embodiment of this invention.

  First, the effect control device 550 sets 0 to an ACK counter that counts failure in receiving an ACK response signal (3301).

  Next, the effect control device 550 generates data to be output to the selected decoration control device 610 (3302).

  Then, the effect control device 550 executes a buffer setting process for setting the data generated in the process of Step 3302 in the output BUF 572 (3303).

  Then, the master IC 570 changes the signal levels of the connection line SDA and the connection line SCL to a signal level indicating a start condition (3304). Specifically, the master IC 570 outputs a signal indicating a start condition by changing the signal level of the connection line SDA from HIGH to LOW while maintaining the signal level of the connection line SCL at HIGH.

  Note that the master IC 570 changes the level of the connection line SCL to LOW in order to send data to the decoration control device 610 to be controlled after outputting a signal indicating the start condition.

  Then, the master IC 570 starts time-out monitoring (3305). After that, from the data stored in the output BUF 572, the 8-bit data of the slave address of the decoration control device 610 to be controlled is output via the connection line SDA while changing the signal level of the connection line SCL. (3306).

  Since the address data output in the process of step 3306 is an 8-bit data string, the address data is output in one output process (output while the connection line SCL changes to HIGH for 8 times).

When the address data output in the process of Step 3306 is input to the decoration control device 610, the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 receives the input address data and the address set in itself. It is determined whether or not.

The I ² CI / O expander 615 in which an address that matches the input address data is set immediately after the connection line SCL is changed from LOW to HIGH for the eighth time, A response signal is output from the connection line SDA to the master IC 570 when the connected connection line SCL changes to the LOW level.

  Next, the master IC 570 confirms whether or not an ACK response signal is input to the master IC 570 within a predetermined time after the address data is output in the process of step 3306 (3307). Further, based on the confirmation result of the processing in step 3307, it is determined whether or not an ACK response signal is input to the master IC 570 within a predetermined time after the address data is output (3308).

  The master IC 570 generates an interrupt when it is determined that the ACK response signal is not input within a predetermined time after the address data is output in the process of step 3306 (the result of 3308 is “N”). (3309), the CPU 551 is notified that an ACK response signal has not been input.

  When the CPU 551 receives the interrupt generated in the process of step 3309, the CPU 551 determines whether or not the ACK counter is 0 (3310).

  If it is determined that the ACK counter is 0 (the result of 3310 is “Y”), the CPU 551 updates the ACK counter by 1 to count that the reception of the ACK response signal has failed (3311). In order to transmit the same data to the decoration control device 610 again, the processing returns to step 3302.

On the other hand, when the CPU 551 determines that the ACK counter is not 0 (that is, when the ACK signal cannot be received twice consecutively (the result of 3310 is “N”)), the CPU 551 determines that the abnormality determination table 3000 Among the registered entries, the entry that matches the address of the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 for which the I / O expander address 3001 is selected is selected, and the error counter 3003 of the selected entry is selected. Is incremented (3312).

  The CPU 551 determines whether or not the value of the error counter 3003 incremented in step 3312 has reached the comparison value 3004 (3313).

  If the CPU 551 determines that the value of the error counter 3003 incremented in the processing of step 3312 has reached the comparison value 3004 (the result of 3313 is “Y”), the entry of the entry registered in the abnormality determination table 3000 is displayed. Among them, the error flag 3005 of the entry corresponding to the selected decoration control device 610 is set to “ON” (3314). Then, the master IC 570 changes the signal levels of the connection line SDA and the connection line SCL to a signal level indicating a stop condition (3315), and ends the slave continuous output process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the error counter 3003 incremented in step 3312 has not reached the comparison value 3004 (the result of 3313 is “N”), the CPU 551 proceeds to step 3315 to connect The signal levels of the line SDA and the connection line SCL are changed to signal levels indicating a stop condition (3315), and the slave continuous output process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the master IC 570 determines that an ACK response signal is input within a predetermined time after the address data is output in the process of step 3306 (the result of 3308 is “Y”), the master IC 570 outputs the response to the output BUF 572. It is determined whether all stored data has been output (3316).

  When it is determined that the master IC 570 has not output all the data stored in the output BUF 572 (result of 3316 is “N”), the master IC 570 waits for the connection line SDA to be released (3317), and then Is output to the selected decoration control device 610 (3318), and the process proceeds to step 3307.

Note that the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 in which the address data output in the process of step 3306 matches the address set to itself is used as the connection line. A response signal is output from the connection line SDA to the master IC 570 when the SCL changes from LOW to HIGH and then the connection line SCL changes from HIGH to LOW.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the master IC 570 has output all the data stored in the output BUF 572 (result of 3316 is “Y”), an interrupt is generated (3319), and the output BUF 572 The CPU 551 is notified that all stored data has been output.

  Then, the CPU 551 clears the error counter 3003 of the entry corresponding to the selected decoration control device 610 among the entries registered in the abnormality determination table 3000 (3320), and sets the error flag 3005 of the entry to OFF. (3321). Then, the master IC 570 outputs a signal indicating the stop condition (3315), and the slave continuous output process is terminated.

  In the process according to FIG. 33, the master IC 570 determines the success or failure of the data transfer by fetching the response signal from the decoration control device 610 after outputting the 8-bit data. When the NACK response signal is input to the master IC 570), the output data is output again only once, so that the data can be output to the decoration control device 610 as reliably as possible, and the malfunction of the rendering device is prevented. it can. Further, by outputting the output data once again, it is possible to prevent the data transmission time from becoming longer than necessary.

  In the process of FIG. 33, when the master IC 570 transmits the start condition in the process of step 3304, the connection line SDA needs to be HIGH, but the connection line SDA is LOW due to the influence of noise or the like. There may be a case where the state remains unchanged.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the R / W identification data is “0” (means writing) in the slave address transmitted from the master IC 570 to the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610. However, when the R / W identification data is “1” (meaning reading) due to the influence of noise or the like, the I ² CI / O expander 615 is used. May be transmitted.

In this case, the I ² CI / O expander 615 enters the read mode, and the connection line SDA is transferred from the I ² CI / O expander 615 to the master IC 570 in response to the signal level of the connection line SCL being changed by the master IC 570. A process for transmitting data bit by bit through the network is performed.

At this time, each time the I ² CI / O expander 615 transmits 8-bit data, the I ² CI / O expander 615 performs a process of receiving an acknowledge signal from the master IC 570 via the connection line SDA. Perform data transmission. Thereafter, 8-bit data transmission and acknowledgment signal confirmation are repeated. During this time, the connection line SDA is occupied by the I ² CI / O expander 615.

On the other hand, if the I ² CI / O expander 615 cannot receive an acknowledge signal from the master IC 570 via the connection line SDA after 8-bit data transmission, the I ² CI / O expander 615 releases the connection line SDA and stops data transmission. When the I ² CI / O expander 615 receives an acknowledge signal from the master IC 570 via the connection line SDA, the I ² CI / O expander 615 interprets that the acknowledge signal is received if the connection line SDA is at the LOW level. If SDA is HIGH, it is interpreted that no acknowledge signal is received.

Therefore, if the data from the master IC 570 changes due to the influence of noise or the like, and the I ² CI / O expander 615 that has received the changed data unintentionally and enters the read mode is generated, the connection line SDA Will not be released indefinitely.

In such a case, the signal level of the connection line SDA remains LOW, and the master IC 570 and the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 originally intended for transmission Cannot communicate with each other via the connection line SDA.

  Therefore, the master IC 570 determines whether or not the signal level of the connection line SDA is HIGH in order to determine whether or not the data can be output from the connection line SDA before outputting the signal indicating the start condition in the process of step 3304. It is determined whether or not.

  When it is determined that the signal level of the connection line SDA is not HIGH, data cannot be output from the connection line SDA. Therefore, the driver 576A does not apply an operable voltage to the transistor 578A without turning on the transistor 578A (connection). With the line SDA released, the signal level of the connection SCL is changed at least nine times.

By performing such processing, the I ² CI / O expander 615 that has entered the read mode outputs data to the connection line SDA in accordance with the change in the signal level of the connection SCL. The timing for confirming the acknowledge signal from the master IC 570 is generated while the change is made at least nine times. At this time, since the connection line SDA is released, it becomes HIGH level, and the I ² CI / O expander 615 that has entered the read mode determines that it has not received an acknowledge signal, so it stops data transmission and disconnects the connection line SDA. Will be released.

  Note that this processing may be performed not only before the signal indicating the start condition is output but also before the master IC 570 outputs data to the decoration control device 610. Specifically, it may be executed before the processing of steps 3305, 3315 and 3318.

In this way, the connection line SDA is forcibly released from the I ² CI / O expander 615 of the decoration control device 610 in the read mode, so that the signal level of the connection line SDA is maintained at HIGH. .

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a procedure of timer interrupt processing according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The timer interrupt process is executed in such a manner that the CPU 551 interrupts the process of FIG. 31 when the CPU 551 accepts a timer interrupt generated at a cycle of 2 ms under the condition that the timer interrupt is permitted.

  First, the effect control device 550 processes data input from the input I / F 558a (3401). Specifically, the influence such as chattering is removed from the input signal, and the data is stored in the RAM 553 or the like.

  Next, the effect control device 550 outputs the data stored in the output BUF 572 from the output I / F 558b (3402).

  Next, the effect control device 550 executes effect button processing (3403). Specifically, an input from the effect button 17 is detected, and when an input from the player is detected, the CPU 551 is notified to request to execute a predetermined process.

  Next, the effect control device 550 executes a motor position detection process (3404). In the motor position detection process, the rotational position of the accessory driving motor (the accessory driving first MOT 71 and the accessory driving second MOT 81) is detected from the motor position detection sensor 560.

  Next, the production control device 550 executes an accessory motor process (3405). In the accessory motor process, preparations for driving the motor are performed according to the effect mode to be executed based on the rotational position of the motor detected in the process of step 3404. In the embodiment of the present invention, two accessory driving motors that operate in conjunction with each other are provided, but the relay board 600 has twelve ports to which the accessory driving motors can be connected. This is because a maximum of three four-phase stepping motors can be driven. Therefore, a vacant terminal monitor 603 is connected to a port to which no accessory driving motor is connected. Further, the port for controlling the accessory driving solenoid is connected to the accessory driving solenoid for vertically moving the decorative piece 46 provided on the upper portion of the center case 51. The accessory driving solenoid is connected to the port. An unused terminal monitor composed of LEDs (not shown) is also connected to the ports that are not connected.

  When the accessory motor processing is executed, the effect control device 550 prepares output data for controlling each accessory driving motor, and stores it in the output BUF 572. Specifically, first, output data of the accessory driving first MOT 71 is prepared (3406), and then output data of the accessory driving first MOT 81 is prepared (3407).

  The effect control device 550 prepares output data of the accessory driving third motor (3408). With this output data, the vacant terminal monitor 603 is always lit unless disconnected. Further, in order to move the decoration piece 46 up and down, the output data of the accessory driving solenoid is prepared (3409). With this output data, an empty terminal monitor (not shown) is always lit unless disconnected. Next, the timer interrupt process is terminated.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, since data can be transmitted from the group control unit to the group unit control unit through one data line, wiring between substrates can be reduced.

  Further, since a response signal from the group unit control means to the group control means is transmitted through the same data line, the data transmission result response can be confirmed without adding a signal line. Therefore, it is possible to perform a process such as retransmission according to the presence or absence of a response as a result of data transmission, so that malfunction can be prevented.

  In this case, since a response signal is returned from the group unit control unit to the group control unit immediately after data is transmitted from the group control unit to the group unit control unit, high-speed data communication is possible.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the branch type decoration control device 610 can branch and connect data lines to a plurality of wiring boards (decoration control devices 610) via individual signal cables. Therefore, unlike the conventional shift register, there is no need to daisy chain the wiring boards between the data lines. Therefore, unlike the daisy chain connection, a signal cable that once transfers the data line input to the first wiring board to the second wiring board becomes unnecessary, and the wiring can be simplified. Accordingly, the data line can be further branched and connected by the decoration control device 610 on the downstream side, and the I ² CI / O expander 615 (group unit control) of the decoration control device 610 is transmitted from the effect control device 550 (group control unit). The length of the signal line up to (means) can be shortened as a whole, and a communication environment in which data transmission errors are unlikely to occur can be realized.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the decoration device substrate 625 is connected to the furthest downstream decoration control device 610, whereby the LEDs arranged in the decoration control device 610 and the decoration device substrate 625 are arranged. The LEDs can be controlled as a group.

  Furthermore, when a plurality of movable objects are controlled using a shift register, it is necessary to daisy chain connect the decoration control device 610. However, according to the embodiment of the present invention, complicated wiring is required. Since a plurality of movable objects are connected to the relay board 600 and directly controlled by the relay board 600, wiring can be simplified.

  In addition, in the case where an effect is produced by a plurality of movable effect devices, when the decoration control device 610 is arranged in the movable portion of the movable effect device and the decoration control device 610 itself is movable, the effect operation is accompanied. Since the signal cable connected to the decoration control device 610 also moves, there is a high possibility that problems such as disconnection will occur. In particular, when the decoration control device 610 is connected in a daisy chain as in the prior art, only the input signal cable is connected to the decoration control device 610 connected to the end of the daisy chain, but it is connected in the middle of the daisy chain. At least two cables for input and output are connected to the decorated control device 610. Therefore, assuming that there are a plurality of movable effect devices and each is provided with a decoration control device 610, in daisy chain connection, the number of signal cables that are easily damaged due to movement during the effect will increase. Further, the possibility of occurrence of disconnection or the like increases.

  On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, by making all of the decoration control devices 610 mounted on the movable parts of the plurality of movable effect devices terminal type, signal cables connected to these decoration control devices 610 are Only one input can be used. Therefore, the number of signal cables that are easily damaged due to movement during production is reduced, and the possibility of occurrence of disconnection or the like is reduced.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, when an update command signal (stop condition) due to a signal change of the timing signal line and the data line is transmitted from the effect control device 550 (group control unit), I of the decoration control device 610 ^{Since the 2} CI / O expander 615 (group unit control means) updates and outputs the port state, the LAT signal as in the prior art becomes unnecessary, and the wiring can be further simplified.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, since the relay board 600 directly connected to the master IC 570 is a branch type decoration control device, the wiring distance from the master to each slave can be shortened as a whole. Become.

  Further, the relay board 600 is arranged on the back side of the gaming machine, is connected to the auxiliary gaming device unit 12 and the front frame 3, and further, a group of effect devices (not included in the side lamp 45) that is not included in the auxiliary gaming device unit 12 by the relay board 600. It is possible to reduce the number of required boards while realizing a configuration for controlling the stage devices distributed in each part of the game board and the front frame. The inside of the gaming machine can be wired with good balance. Further, with this configuration, it is possible to check the operation of the effect device provided in the side lamp 45 without waiting for completion of the auxiliary gaming device unit 12.

  In addition, a signal cable (cable 653) that functions as a timing signal line and a data line for transmitting the effect control data to each decoration control device 610 mounted on the integrated effect unit such as the frame base 60 is bundled. The effect control device 550 and each decoration control device 610 are connected by simply attaching the cable to the relay board 600 (branch board) connected to the effect control device 550. It is possible to simplify the cable connected to the integrated production unit.

  In addition, even if the integrated production unit such as the frame base 60 includes movable objects such as the first production member 70 and the second production member 80, the signal lines to the motors that operate these movable objects are The motor is connected to the relay board 600. Between the relay board 600 and the effect control device 550, a signal line to the motor and a timing signal line and a data line to the decoration control device 610 of the integrated effect unit are integrated. Therefore, the signal cable for connecting the relay board 600 and the production control device 550 is made common to all models, and only by changing the relay board 600, it can be used for many models. It becomes possible to respond. Further, since the signal line to the motor is independent of the data signal line, the drive source can be controlled at high speed. Furthermore, since only the cable connecting the relay board 600 and the integrated stage unit needs to be attached and detached in order to attach and detach the integrated stage unit, the handling of the relay board 600 and the integrated stage unit can be facilitated. .

  In addition, the relay board 600 includes a vacant terminal monitor indicating the state of the signal cable connected to the effect control device 550, and the vacant terminal monitor includes a light emitting unit corresponding to the signal line of the signal cable. Since the light emitting unit is configured to be turned on when a signal is received from the effect control device 550, the quality of the connection cable can be confirmed by determining whether or not the empty terminal monitor is turned on. For example, when a part of the vacant terminal monitor is not lit, it can be determined that the power supply or ground line is partially disconnected, and it is possible to determine that the quality of the cable is poor.

  Further, even if the integrated production unit such as the frame base 60 includes a state detection sensor that detects the state of the motor, a signal line for transmitting the detection result of the sensor is connected from the sensor to the relay board 600. Between the relay board 600 and the effect control device 550, a signal line for transmitting the detection result of the sensor and a timing signal line and a data line leading to the decoration control device 610 of the integrated effect unit are integrated. Since the cable connecting the relay board 600 and the presentation control device 550 is shared by all models, the relay board 600 can be changed to cope with many models. It becomes possible. Furthermore, since the signal line connected to the state detection sensor is independent of the data signal line, monitoring by the state detection sensor can be performed at high speed. Furthermore, since only the cable connecting the relay board 600 and the integrated stage unit needs to be attached and detached in order to attach and detach the integrated stage unit, the handling of the relay board 600 and the integrated stage unit can be facilitated. .

  The embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all points and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the invention but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine in which a plurality of decoration control devices are controlled by an effect control device.

1 gaming machine 2 body frame (outer frame)
3 Front frame (game frame)
9a, 9b Decoration member 10 Game board 12 Auxiliary game device unit 30 Speaker 45 Side lamp 51 Center case 53 Display device 58 Movable effect device 63 1st effect unit 64 2nd effect unit 70 1st effect member 71 1st thing drive 1st motor (MOT)
80 2nd production member 81 Second article drive second motor (MOT)
500 Game control device 550 Production control device 570 Master IC
600 Relay board 603 Empty terminal monitor 610 Decoration control device 615 I ² CI / O expander 620 Decoration device 625 Decoration device board

Claims (2)

Comprising a performance control means to control a plurality of presentation equipment that performs rendering,
Dividing the plurality of effect devices into a plurality of groups, and providing unit control means for controlling the effect devices belonging to the divided group for each group ,
The production control means is configured as an overall control means for overall control of the unit control means,
By providing a data line for transmitting and receiving data between the overall control means and the unit control means, it is possible to transmit data between the overall control means and the unit control means,
The overall control means includes
By sequentially setting the signal level of the data line to a signal level corresponding to transmission data, data transmission is performed to the unit control means,
A determination means for determining success or failure of data transmission based on a response signal transmitted from the unit control means after data transmission;
With
The unit control means includes
A response signal output means for outputting the response signal to the overall control means via the data line ;
When a common address that is common among the unit control means is pre-assigned to determine the content of the address included in the data transmitted from the overall control means, and when it is determined that the address is a common address, A gaming machine characterized in that the transmitted data is fetched as initialization instruction data and is initialized based on the initialization instruction data . It has a game board in which a game area is formed,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game board includes a relay board that relays the electrical signal output from the effect control unit to the unit control unit.