JP6045435B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine such as a ball game machine (pachinko machine) or a revolving game machine (slot machine), and more particularly, to a machine adopting a serial data communication system.

  A ball ball game machine (a so-called pachinko machine) installed in a game machine installation store or the like uses a game ball (also called a game medium) to play a game. The borrowed game balls are launched into the board provided on the game board of the ball game machine, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out each time the game balls enter a predetermined winning opening (winning device). ing. The game balls to be paid out are called prize balls.

  When a game ball is received at a specific winning opening of a ball game machine, an electronic lottery is performed. In many cases, the lottery uses a random number generated by hardware such as a counter or a register or a random number generated by a counter executed by software.

  In order to perform processing related to a game including electronic lottery, the ball game machine performs processing of electrical game control and generates main processing information, and processing information generated by the main control device And a sub-control device that performs control to perform a predetermined output mode process. Furthermore, peripheral boards, such as a payout control apparatus connected to these, an electrical decoration control part, and an acoustic control part, are provided.

JP, 2011-110240, A Game machine which enabled data transmission from a peripheral board to a sub-control device using a serial communication channel with a chain structure is indicated.

  Boards and devices such as a main controller, a sub controller, and a peripheral board connected in the gaming machine transmit and receive data using a specific communication path. There are parallel communication and serial communication as transmission methods. Recently, serial communication is often used for high-speed communication and cost reduction.

  When performing serial communication, it has become possible to easily transfer data including many bits by making the connection of each board a loop structure (chain structure), but it can be disconnected at any one place in the loop structure, If any one of the ICs on each board breaks down, the effect will spread to other boards. In other words, the loop structure has a problem that the problem spreads over a wide range. In addition, there is a problem that it takes time and labor to identify a defective part. In serial communication, it is necessary to provide another structure in addition to the communication path in order to detect disconnection and to solve other problems. For this reason, both the simplification of the configuration and the improvement of the reliability are difficult, and the cost is increased.

  Patent Document 1 transmits data including abnormality confirmation data, output data, and input blank data as serial data, returns the abnormality confirmation data, output data, and input value to the serial communication unit (loopback), and serial communication unit By comparing the abnormality confirmation data returned with the error confirmation data that has been transmitted, a failure in the transmission system is detected. As a result, it is possible to easily detect defects such as disconnection at low cost.

  However, apart from permanent malfunctions such as disconnection and board failure, the data transmitted due to the influence of noise etc. changes in the middle (the data becomes garbled), so the peripheral board correctly corrects the data from the sub controller. In some cases, it cannot be received and the intended normal operation cannot be performed. When such a situation occurs, if it is a loopback structure, the sub-control unit detects that the data returned by the loopback is different from the transmitted data, and retransmits the data based on this, or does not match It is possible to take measures such as discarding all transmission data in the period in which the error is detected and canceling the operation based on garbled data.

  Such measures are also effective if data corruption occurs very rarely. However, if such a problem often occurs, although it cannot be said to be a failure, a delay in processing due to data retransmission and a problem due to cancellation of the operation (peripheral boards are mostly related to production, production is canceled. And the player feels uncomfortable and impairs the interest). The invention of Patent Document 1 cannot solve such a problem. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 detects a defect and identifies a failure location, and does not take measures when data is garbled.

  In the gaming machine equipped with serial communication (loopback structure) that circulates and receives transmitted data and monitors the success or failure of transmission, the data transmitted due to the influence of noise or the like is part of the loopback structure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the influence caused by changes in the middle.

This invention
A control device for executing control related to the game;
A sub-control device that executes predetermined processing based on information generated by the control device;
A serial communication unit that receives data from the control device or the sub-control device, converts the data into serial data, transmits the serial data, and receives the returned serial data;
Receives the serial data from the serial communication unit, converts the serial data into parallel data, holds the converted parallel data, and outputs the serial data from the serial communication unit with a predetermined time delay A first peripheral board that includes a first serial-parallel converter and executes predetermined processing based on the parallel data;
A second serial / parallel converter that receives the serial data from the serial communication unit, converts the serial data into parallel data, and holds the converted parallel data, and executes predetermined processing based on the parallel data; A second peripheral substrate that
A dummy circuit that receives the serial data from the serial communication unit and outputs the serial data with a predetermined time delay;
A branching unit connected to the output end of the first peripheral board and branching the serial data from the serial communication unit,
The output end of the serial communication unit, the first peripheral board, the dummy circuit and the input end of the serial communication unit are connected in a loop,
An input terminal of the second peripheral board is connected to the branch part, and the second peripheral board receives the serial data from the branch part.

  The delay time in the dummy circuit corresponds to the time required for the second peripheral board to convert the serial data into the parallel data.

  The portion between the branch portion and the second peripheral board has a higher frequency of errors in the serial data communication than the other portions.

  According to the present invention, since the second peripheral substrate is separated from the loopback path, the branch portion and the dummy circuit are provided, and therefore, due to the influence of noise or the like in a part of the loopback structure including the second peripheral substrate. When the transmitted data changes in the middle, the influence of this can be limited to the second peripheral board, and the spread to the entire peripheral boards can be prevented.

It is a perspective view which shows the surface structure of a game machine. It is a perspective view of the state where the front door of the gaming machine was opened. It is a rear view which shows the back surface structure of a game machine. It is a figure (front view) which shows the mode of the board surface seen from the player. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart of the process regarding the special symbol of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing (block diagram) of the loopback connection in the serial communication path | route which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a block diagram of a serial communication part. It is a block diagram of a serial parallel conversion part (IC). It is explanatory drawing of the serial communication which concerns on embodiment of invention (with a communication error). It is explanatory drawing of the serial communication which concerns on embodiment of invention (with a communication error). It is explanatory drawing (block diagram) of the loopback connection in the serial communication path | route which concerns on a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing of the serial communication which concerns on a comparative example (no communication error). It is explanatory drawing of the serial communication which concerns on a comparative example (with a communication error).

  An outline of the structure of the ball game machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. FIG.

  First, the external structure of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The outer frame 50 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body member 51 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 50 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base shaft that is rotatably mounted on the outer frame 50 via a hinge portion 51a. The main body member 51 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside thereof.

  The opening frame door 52 is mounted on the front surface of the main body member 51 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable, and is configured in a frame shape so that the inside is an opening. It is a door member.

  A transparent plate member made of glass or resin is provided at the opening of the opening frame door 52, and an electric decoration 52a, a speaker 52b, and the like are attached near and inside the opening.

  The game board 10 is detachably attached to the main body member 51 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space portion of the main body member 51. After the game board is mounted on the main body member 51, the game area can be observed from the opening.

The door 53 with a ball tray is a door member provided at least with a ball tray for storing a game ball attached to the lower part of the main body member 51 on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. In addition, the following members are attached to the door 53 with a ball tray in the present embodiment.
(1) A ball tray in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and provided with a passage for guiding the game balls to a launch driving device (not shown).
(2) A rotary operation handle 48b for performing an operation of launching the stored game ball guided to the launch drive device to a game area provided on the board surface 11 of the game board 10.
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit provided with buttons for instructing the related to reading processing of a bripaid card and lending processing related to a borrowed game ball.
(4) A storage ball discharge operation button for a ball tray for releasing the game ball stored in the ball tray into a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).
(5) A jog dial JD operated by the player to select an option displayed on the screen.

  Next, an internal configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, reference numeral 100 denotes a main control device that is provided via the main body member 51 or the game board 10 or a support member attached thereto, and performs electrical game control processing to generate main processing information. .

  200 is provided via the main body member 51 or the game board 10 or a support member attached thereto, and performs control to perform predetermined output mode processing by obtaining processing information generated by the main control device 100. It is a sub-control device.

  Reference numeral 110 denotes a payout control device that performs payout control of prize balls.

  FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board of the gaming machine.

  In FIG. 4, reference numeral 11 denotes a board surface of the game board 10. The board surface 11 is a rectangular board surface provided with a guide rail 12 and a discharge port (out port) 13 for guiding a game ball dropped in a substantially circular game area defined by the guide rail 12 to the outside.

  The game area of the board surface 11 described above is partitioned and formed into a substantially circular shape by the guide rail 12 (including a sliding part for sliding the game ball and a regulation part for regulating the game ball), and the movement of the game ball that has been launched It is an area that regulates the range. A restricting portion is provided to follow the sliding portion. The sliding portion is arranged on the board surface 11 in a spiral as a whole.

  The discharge port (out port) 13 is a collection opening provided at a position where the game balls thrown into the game area converge.

  Although not shown, the board surface 11 is provided with a plurality of obstacles such as nails and windmills that change the direction of the game ball moving in the game area. The game nails as the obstacles are a plurality of rod-like members that are driven into appropriate positions on the board surface 11 in order to make the movement direction irregular by contacting with the game ball or to restrict the movement direction.

  Reference numeral 30a denotes a variable display device (center accessory) that is provided at the center or slightly above the game area and has one or more variable display sections such as an effect display lamp and an LCD (liquid crystal display device).

  30b is a through chucker.

  30c is a normal winning device having a normal winning opening.

  30d is a start chucker (start winning device) having a start winning opening.

  30e is an attacker having a big prize opening.

  In the following description, 30b to 30d may be collectively referred to as a winning device 30 or the like.

  Although not shown, the ball passage detectors 20b, 20c, and 20d are provided inside the 30b, 30c, and 30d (the reference numerals in parentheses in the figure mean that).

  The start chucker 30d is also called a specific winning device, and the big winning device of the attacker 30e is also called a special winning device.

  The start chucker (start winning opening) 30d is provided with movable pieces on both sides for expanding and contracting the opening range of the winning opening, and a winning display that allows a player to acquire a winning ball while performing variable display by winning a winning game ball. Device.

  The attacker (large winning device) 30e is driven and controlled by a movable door that is in an open state that exposes the winning port and a closed state that closes the winning port, and from a state in which the game ball is prohibited from winning in the normal gaming state. By winning game balls in a specific gaming state that satisfies a predetermined condition, a larger number of prize balls can be obtained as compared with other winning devices and winning ports.

  The board surface 11 is provided with decorative devices of various designs for enhancing interest, together with a winning device 30, obstacles such as nails and windmills (not shown). The decoration member is unitized with the winning device 30 and the like.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine.

  Although not shown, the main control device 100 and the sub control device 200 are configured around a CPU and include a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. Then, the CPU operates as described below by reading the program stored in the ROM.

  Reference numeral 100 denotes a main control device that performs processing related to a game (also referred to as a “main board”). The main control device 100 performs electrical game control processing and generates main processing information. The main control device 100 receives the signals of the ball passage detectors 20b to 20d that move (flow down) the game area and detect the winning balls that have passed through the winning devices 30b to 30d, respectively, and receive the winning balls of the winning devices 30b to 30d. A lottery / judgment is made according to the passage. Specifically, the following processing is performed for the winning devices 30b to 30d.

  The winning devices 30b to 30d in which the game balls are provided in the game area are respectively provided with ball passage detectors (for example, switches) 20b to 20d so that the passing of the winning balls can be detected. When the winning ball passes through the detectable position of any of the winning devices 30b to 30d, the ball passing detectors 20b to 20d detect this, and in response to this, the winning determination unit 40a performs a predetermined lottery / determination process. For example, when the ball passage detector 20b detects a game ball that has passed through the through chucker (winning chucker) 30b, a predetermined lottery is performed, and when winning, the start chucker (starting winning port) 30d is opened for a predetermined time. That is, a pair of movable pieces provided opposite to each other on the left and right sides of the start chucker (start winning prize opening) 30d are opened outward. Then, when it is detected that the game ball has passed the start chucker (start prize opening) 30d, a predetermined lottery is performed, and when the game is won, the big prize of the attacker 30e who is in a state where it is impossible to win under the normal gaming state Open the device for winning.

  In relation to the lottery / determination according to the winning ball passing of the winning devices 30b to 30d, the following processing is performed.

  When the lottery is performed after winning the start chucker, the main control device 100 displays the lottery result regarding the special symbol on the special symbol display device (7-segment display) 120 provided on the game board, and the lottery The result and the variation time of the special symbol (variation symbol on the liquid crystal display device) in the image display device (liquid crystal display device) 210 of the variable display device 30a (the variation pattern and the variation time of the special symbol are determined by lottery) It transmits to the control apparatus 200. The sub-control device 200 variably displays the special symbol based on the received lottery result and the variation time of the special symbol.

  In the case of a big hit, the change time sent from the main control device 100 to the sub-control device 200 is grasped, and when the main control device 100 finishes timing the change time, the big hit processing (the attacker 30e For a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times).

  Incidentally, when the passing of the through-chucker 30b by the game ball is detected, the lottery result regarding the normal symbol is displayed on the normal symbol display device 130 provided on the board, and in the case of winning, the movable piece of the start chucker 30d is displayed. To release. At the same time, the lottery result regarding the normal symbol is displayed also in a predetermined area of the variable display device (liquid crystal display device) 30a.

  An image display device (liquid crystal display device) 210 provided in the variable display device (center accessory) 30a is a device that variably displays a specific symbol related to the big hit state and displays a background image and various characters in an animated manner. is there. When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the start chucker (start winning prize opening) 30d, the displayed pattern fluctuates for a predetermined time, and the lottery is drawn when the game ball starts to pass through the start chucker (start winning prize opening) 30d. A stop symbol determined by the random number for lottery is displayed on the image display device 210 and stopped. The attacker 30e includes an opening / closing plate that can be opened forward. A special game called “big hit” is started when the LCD is stopped and displayed with a winning symbol such as “777”, and the opening / closing plate of the attacker 30e cannot be awarded for a predetermined number of times. Only the game is opened to make it possible to win. After the opening / closing plate of the attacker 30e in a state where a game ball cannot be won is opened in order to shift to a state where a prize can be won, the opening / closing plate closes when a predetermined time has passed or a predetermined number of game balls have won. As a result, the state shifts to a state in which a prize cannot be awarded.

  The main controller 100 draws a game ball into the start chucker (start prize opening) 30d (detection of the start prize ball), and the lottery for winning / losing the start prize ball is performed. The start winning ball that has not been executed yet according to the lottery result is stored as a holding ball, and the digestion process is performed in a timely manner.

  The reserved ball is stored up to a predetermined upper limit value. For example, a jackpot lottery result related to the reserved balls, specifically, a jackpot determination random number acquired by the start winning ball set as the reserved ball is stored in the order in which the reserved balls are generated. For example, the upper limit value of the storage of stored balls (the number of held balls) is four. In addition, hereinafter, when each jackpot determination random number acquired based on the detection of the starting winning ball set as each holding ball corresponds to a jackpot, hereinafter, "holding ball hits" or "hold corresponding to a win" Sometimes referred to as “sphere”.

  With respect to the stored reserved ball, at the end of the effect image display (symbol variation display) or the jackpot operation according to the lottery result, the digestion process, that is, the symbol variation display related to the reserved ball is performed.

  The presence / absence and number of the holding balls are displayed on the holding number display section 160. In a gaming machine in which the upper limit value of the number of held balls is four, the held number display unit 160 includes, for example, four held ball display elements each of which is a light emitting element (LED), and the held ball is turned on and off according to the light-off state. The presence / absence and number of items are displayed. Each time the digestion process is performed, the number of reserved balls is reduced by one, and when the number is less than the upper limit, here, less than four, the number is increased again up to four from that point.

  As described above, the jackpot determination random numbers are acquired and stored for the holding balls, and since the jackpot value is set in advance, whether or not each of the holding balls is related to the jackpot is determined. It can be easily determined (provisional determination). Therefore, from the stored contents of the holding balls, whether each holding ball is a big hit or whether there is a winning thing in all the holding balls (presence / absence of the holding ball) It can be read before digestion (prefetch). For the convenience of the player or to enhance the fun of the game, for example, the on-hold ball display element of the on-hold number display unit 160 is turned on to notify the on-hold number, and the on-hold corresponding to the hit ball corresponding to the hit By differentiating the luminescent color of the sphere display element from the others, it may be notified that the reserved sphere is a hit.

  The main controller 100 tentatively determines (prefetchs) the random number that is the stored content of the reserved ball at the timing of starting winning random number extraction, and sends the result to the sub-controller 200. In response to the temporary determination result from the main control device 100, the sub control device 200 performs control such as changing the color and shape of the reserved ball on the screen displayed on the image display device 210.

  After the provisional determination, main controller 100 makes a formal determination for each held ball at the start of the next special symbol variation.

  The reason for making a formal decision later is as follows.

  The fluctuation time table may be changed according to the increase or decrease in the number of reserved balls at the start of the next special symbol fluctuation.

  When the change is a big hit and the next special symbol change starts at a state change such as a probability change, the change time table may be changed.

  Main controller 100 is connected to a hall computer (not shown), and sends game state information (game machine information) to the hall computer that manages the hall. The hall computer is a computer that monitors and manages a plurality of gaming machines installed in the hall. Since the hall computer is known, its description is omitted.

  The following is the gaming machine information.

  For example, safe ball information related to a game ball (safe ball) paid out by winning is transmitted. For example, one safe ball pulse signal is output every time ten game balls are paid out.

  For example, one start pulse signal is output when symbols are displayed in a variable manner on a display device (not shown) in order to display a lottery result due to the winning of a game ball at the start port.

  For example, the result of a lottery performed due to the winning of a game ball at the start opening is a win, and when a jackpot game is executed, a jackpot game state signal (digital H level signal) is output.

  1100 is a random number acquisition for acquiring a random number based on the fact that a game ball has passed through the start chucker (start winning prize opening) 30d (more precisely, detected by the sensor 20d provided therein). Part.

  1110 is a hard random number generator. The hard random number generator 1110 is, for example, a counter (hardware composed of an IC or the like) that operates at high speed based on a predetermined clock. The random number acquisition unit 1100 uses the signal (value) output from the hard random number generator 1110 as a random value (random number by hardware, hard random number) for lottery.

  Reference numeral 1120 denotes a soft random number generator. The soft random number generator 1120 is realized by a program, and a random number value (random number by software, soft random number) obtained by changing (incrementing) the value stored in the memory by the CPU according to a predetermined program. Output as. The random number acquisition unit 1100 uses a signal (value) output from the soft random number generator 1120 as a random value for lottery.

  Hard random numbers generated by hardware such as a counter IC change at high speed. For this reason, it is not possible to obtain a specific (winning) random number value, and it is difficult to cheat hard random numbers. Since soft random numbers are not updated as fast as hard random numbers, measures such as changing the initial value of random numbers may be taken in order to make fraud difficult.

  Reference numeral 1200 denotes a symbol variation control unit that causes the special symbol display device 120 to display the symbols in a variable manner based on the random number acquired by the random number acquisition unit 1100.

  1300 is a special game control unit. The special game control unit 1300 causes the special symbol display device 120 to stop display the symbols constituting the predetermined award mode on condition that the random number acquired by the random number acquisition unit 1100 is a winning random number (big hit). Later, it is for making a special game advantageous to the player.

  The special game is, for example, the following game.

  For example, the special game start condition is a mode in which a symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 120 is preset. When this start condition is achieved, the first round of the special game is started, and the special game control unit 1300 opens the attacker (large winning device, variable winning device) 30e.

  The end condition of each round is that when the opening time of the attacker 30e reaches a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), or when the number of general winning balls that have won the attacker 30e reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10) End the round according to the conditions previously achieved.

  If a predetermined round update condition is satisfied while the special game is continued, the attacker 30e is temporarily closed and then opened again to start the special game state of the next round. Thereafter, if the round update condition is satisfied while the special game for each round is continued, the special game is repeated until a predetermined final round (upper limit number of times). The special gaming state is completed when the round update condition is not satisfied midway or when the final round is completed.

  As the round update condition, for example, after the start of the special game state, the game ball is moved to a specific area that is determined in advance by the time point that either 10 game balls win the attacker 30e or 30 seconds elapse. For example. The upper limit (final round) of the round is, for example, the fifteenth round.

  1400 is a probability variation game control unit. The probability variation game control unit 1400 is for causing a probability variation game to increase the possibility of acquiring a winning random number by the random number acquisition unit 1100 after the special game by the special game control unit 1300 is completed.

  In the probability variation game, for example, the winning probability is increased by increasing the number of winning random numbers. Note that the probability variation game is not limited to increasing the number of winning random numbers, but increases the number of lotteries per unit time and, as a result, increases the number of times random numbers are acquired. It is a concept including “game”). By shortening the time (shortening time), the maximum value of the number of times the variable display is performed within a certain time is increased. In a model that cannot shorten the time, the number of times that the variable display can be started within a certain time is 2 to 3. However, in a model that can shorten the time, a larger number of times (for example, about 10 times) is possible.

  For example, in the following case, the probability variation game is shifted.

(1) When the random number for transfer becomes a predetermined value When the random number value obtained in parallel when the reserved ball is generated becomes the predetermined value, the game shifts to the probability variation game after the special game ends. Alternatively, when the random value acquired at a predetermined opportunity (from the time when the reserved ball is generated until the end of the special game) becomes a predetermined value, the game shifts to the probability variation game after the special game ends.

(2) When a predetermined winning random number value is acquired For example, when the random number range is “1” to “640” and the winning random number value is “7” or “327”, when “7” is acquired, After the special game ends, the game shifts to a probability variation game.

(3) In the case of a predetermined pattern For example, after the first special game ends, the game always shifts to a probability variation game. When the probability game changes to a special game, the game shifts to a general game after the special game ends. To do.

(4) When a predetermined condition is achieved When the number of wins to the start chucker (start winning opening) 30d during a special game exceeds a predetermined number, the game shifts to a probability-variable game after the special game ends. Alternatively, when a predetermined number of winning holes or gates are won or passed during a special game, the game shifts to a probability variation game after the special game ends.

  The probability variation game control unit 1400 also counts the number of symbol variations during the probability variation game, and the condition that the counted symbol variation count has reached a predetermined number of times set in advance, for example, 50 times. Then, the probability variation game is terminated. The termination condition of the probability variation game is not limited to the number of symbol variations. For example, the probability variation game may be terminated in accordance with the condition that has been achieved first, that is, the number of symbol variations reaches a predetermined number of times set in advance or the game shifts to a special game.

  1500 is a hold processing unit. Although not shown, the hold processing unit 1500 includes a hold random number storage unit, a hold random number determination unit, and a hold random number processing unit.

  The reserved random number storage means acquires a random number by the random number acquisition unit 1100 based on the fact that the hit ball is detected by the start chucker (start winning prize opening) 30d during the symbol variation display or special game, and holds the random number Store as a random number.

  The hold random number determination means reads the hold random number stored in the hold random number storage means and determines the lottery result of the hold random number.

  The reserved random number processing means reads the reserved random numbers stored in the reserved random number storage means in a predetermined order after the display of the variable display of the symbols, and displays the symbols variably based on the reserved random numbers. The pending random number processing means changes the reading order of the winning random numbers stored as the reserved random numbers when the determined random numbers are included in the determined pending random numbers during the probability variation game.

  Reference numeral 1600 denotes a prefetch processing unit. As described above, since the jackpot determination random numbers are acquired and stored for the holding balls, the prefetch processing unit 1600 determines whether or not each of the holding balls is related to the jackpot. That is, it is determined whether the “holding ball is a hit” or “a holding ball corresponding to a win”. A random number, which is the stored content of the reserved ball, is provisionally determined (prefetched) at the timing of starting winning random number extraction, and the result is sent to the sub-control device 200.

  Reference numeral 110 denotes a payout control device for paying out a predetermined number of game balls according to the game ball winning of the winning devices 30b to 30d and / or the result of the lottery / determination based on the game balls as game profits.

  A special symbol display device 120 is a display device (for example, a 7-segment display) provided in the variable display device (center accessory) 30a.

  Reference numeral 130 denotes a normal symbol display device which is a display device (for example, a 7-segment display) provided in the variable display device (center accessory) 30a.

  Reference numeral 140 denotes a state display device provided on the board surface of the gaming machine so that the player can visually recognize it. The status display device 140 includes a round number display unit 150 that displays the number of rounds and a reservation number display unit 160 that displays the number of reservations. The number-of-holds display unit 160 is arranged on the game board and displays a held ball during the symbol variation display.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a sub-control device that performs control to perform predetermined output mode processing including effects such as blinking of light and generation of sound by obtaining processing information generated by the main control device 100 (“sub-board”). Also called).

  An effect symbol control unit 2100 controls the image display device 210 to display an image related to the effect.

  Reference numeral 2200 denotes an accessory driving unit that controls the movable body 220 provided in the game board 10.

  Reference numeral 2300 denotes a lamp control unit for controlling lighting of a lamp / electrical decoration 230 provided on the game board 10, the variable display device 30a, or the gaming machine housing.

  Reference numeral 2400 denotes a sound control unit that controls the sound generator 240.

  Reference numeral 2500 denotes a prefetch effect processing unit that performs an effect related to prefetching. For example, the display corresponding to the holding ball corresponding to the winning of the image display device 210 (e.g., the light emission color of the holding ball display) is made different from the other, thereby notifying that the holding ball is winning. The holding ball display element of the holding number display unit 160 is turned on to notify the holding number at the same time, but this is controlled by the main controller 100.

  Reference numeral 2600 denotes a specific effect processing unit that performs processing related to a specific effect that is an effect unrelated to the gaming state of the main control device 100 based on the output (time signal) of the real-time clock 2700. For example, at every hour or at a predetermined time, a predetermined music piece is played independently of the gaming state, and the video image is displayed on the image display device 210.

  Reference numeral 2700 denotes a real-time clock that outputs a time signal.

  Reference numeral 210 denotes an image display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD).

  220 is a movable body. The movable body 220 moves back and forth between, for example, a normal state and a different state. The movable body is, for example, a flat plate shape, a cylindrical shape, a disk shape, a gear shape having irregularities, or the like. Although not shown, a power unit for driving the movable body 220 is provided. The accessory driving unit 2200 actually drives the power unit. The power unit is, for example, a driving device using electric power or magnetic force such as a motor or a solenoid, or a control device including a driving source.

  The image display device 210 and the movable body 220 are provided in a variable display device (center accessory) 30a.

  Reference numeral 230 denotes a lamp / lighting.

  240 is a sound generator. The sound generating device 240 includes a speaker 52b and a sound processor (not shown) that generates a driving signal for the speaker 52b based on a signal from the sound control unit 2400 of the sub-control device 200.

  JD is an effect button (jog dial). The sub-control device 200 receives a signal from an effect button (jog dial) JD. For example, the sub-control device 200 performs processing such that any of the options displayed on the image display device 210 is selected by a signal from the effect button (jog dial) JD.

  SSW is a volume switch. The sub-control device 200 receives a signal from the volume switch SSW. The volume switch SSW is provided, for example, inside the housing of the gaming machine and can be operated only by a hall clerk. The volume switch SSW may be provided on the sub-control device 200. The volume switch SSW is for selecting one of the stages 1, 2,. This sets the volume corresponding to the selected numerical value. For example, the volume increases as the numerical value increases.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of processing related to special symbols (particularly random number processing). The process will be described below with reference to this figure.

S1: The main controller 100 determines whether or not there is a winning (or a game ball passing through a predetermined area) at the start winning opening. When there is a prize (YES), the process proceeds to S2.
In the case of a normal symbol, S1 is “a game ball passing through a gate (predetermined region)”, and the same process as the lottery procedure using a special symbol is performed except that there is no prize ball. When the normal symbol display device 130 displays a winning symbol, that is, when a random value acquired based on passing through the gate is true, it is predetermined to open the movable piece of the start chucker 30d for a predetermined time. Do it a number of times.
In the “winning”, the game ball is collected by the gaming machine, but “the passing of the gate” is not collected by the gaming machine, and is detected by a sensor provided on the gaming board and then returned to the gaming board. . Moreover, both differ also by the presence or absence of a prize ball. However, both are common in that the symbol is displayed and the winning based on the passing of the game ball is drawn.

S2: Main controller 100 sets a winning flag for start chucker (start winning port) 30d. Then, a prize ball signal is generated.

S3: The random number acquisition unit 1100 extracts a plurality of random numbers from the hard random number generator 1110 and the soft random number generator 1120. A plurality of random numbers are used in S6 to S9 below.
From the hard random number generator 1110, a random number per special symbol (part 1), a random number per special symbol (part 2), and a random number per normal symbol are extracted. Since the hard random number has a higher update speed than the soft random number, the initial value update process is omitted.
The soft random number generator 1120 extracts a winning design random number, an initial value update random number for the winning design, a rendering mode determining random number such as reach, and a variation pattern random number.

S4: Main controller 100 determines whether or not the special symbol is changing. If it is changing, the process proceeds to S5 (YES), and if not, the process proceeds to S6 (NO).

S5: Main controller 100 holds a plurality of extracted random numbers in hold processing unit 1500.
The amount exceeding 4 is invalid. There is a prize ball.

S6: Main controller 100 determines whether the winning random number acquired in S3 or the winning random number held in S5 is correct.
The main control device 100 makes a determination regarding the hit random number of the special symbol (part 1), the hit random number of the special symbol (part 2), and the hit random number of the normal symbol. The hit / random number from the hard random number generator 1110 is checked with a “normal win / fail decision table” or “probability change hit / fail decision table” (not shown) corresponding to the gaming state (normal / probable change) to determine whether or not the game is successful.

S7: Main controller 100 determines whether the winning design random number is correct. A combination of display symbols corresponding to the winning is set, or a combination of display symbols corresponding to the loss is set.

S8: The main control device 100 determines whether or not a production mode determination random number such as reach is appropriate. An effect mode corresponding to the win is set, or an effect mode corresponding to the loss is set (in consideration of the number of stored memories).

S9: The main controller 100 determines whether or not the variation pattern random number is correct. A variation pattern corresponding to the hit is set, or a variation pattern corresponding to the loss is set.
Fluctuation patterns are: "Direction with reach", "Disaster with reach", "Direction with no reach", "Disaster with no reach", "Performance with reach of 30 seconds / Lose effect", "Perfect with 15 seconds / Lose with reach" Production "...

  Since the lottery is also drawn for the timing of displaying (determining) the result (how many seconds later (determining)) when the lottery is performed, the variation pattern is the time element until the result of the lottery is displayed (determined) (Time information) is included.

  In S9, an effect suitable for the time indicated by the time element of the variation pattern is selected from the effects prepared in advance, and other elements (for example, “winning effect with reach”, “losing effect with reach”) are included in this information. A command in which an effect parameter indicating what effect is to be performed among the effects is sent to the sub-control device 200 as an effect command, and the selected effect is displayed on the image display device 210. Control to be performed is performed. Screen data related to the selected effect is sent from the sub-control device 200 to the image display device 210, and the screen is displayed there.

  In S <b> 7 to S <b> 9, main controller 100 determines whether or not the random number extracted from soft random number generator 1120 is collated with a plurality of tables corresponding to the winning loss and gaming state. The plurality of tables include a “hit symbol table”, “losing symbol table”, “hit effect mode table”, “lose effect mode table”, “hit variation pattern table”, “lack variation pattern table”, etc. (not shown).

S10: The main controller 100 manages processing time such as fluctuation time. An end signal is transmitted after the end of the fluctuation time.

S11: The main control device 100 outputs a drive signal or a control signal to the opening / closing of the payout control device 110, the attacker (large winning device) 30e, the special symbol display device 120, the normal symbol display device 130, and the state display device 140. At the same time, a command is transmitted to the sub-control device 200.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a system (loopback structure) related to serial data transfer in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 shows the connection relationship between the sub-control device 200 functionally shown in FIG. 6 and the peripheral board (image display device 210, movable body 220, sound generator 240, etc., particularly lamp / lighting 230). It has been rewritten and shows an outline of the actual connection. The two peripheral substrates 44-1 and 44-2 may be the same, for example, the two lamps / lights 230. The lamp / lighting 230 includes a light emitting element such as an LED, a driving circuit for the light emitting element, a control unit for controlling the driving circuit, and the like. In FIG. 7, the display of the light emitting element is omitted.

  For convenience of explanation, FIG. 7 shows a configuration in which two peripheral boards 44-1 and 44-2 are connected to the sub-control device 200, but the number of peripheral boards may be three or more. For example, the sub-control device 200, the image display device 210, the movable body 220, the lamp / electric decoration 230, and the sound generation device 240 may be connected in a loopback manner as a peripheral board.

  In FIG. 7, at least the relationship between the peripheral board 44-1 and the serial communication unit 40S is chain connection and loop back connection. Data from the serial communication unit 40S is first received by the peripheral board 44-1 and processed there. Then, the peripheral board 44-1 outputs (transfers) the received data as it is. The data is returned to the serial communication unit 40S.

  Chain connection means that n (n stages) peripheral substrates are connected (connected) in a chain. The loop-back connection means that the connection including the serial communication unit 40S and the n (n stage) peripheral boards is circular, in other words, the peripheral board located at the end of the chain connection. The output is returned to the serial communication unit 40S as the transmission source.

  Note that chain connection and loopback connection of peripheral boards can be applied not only to the sub-control device 200 but also to the main control device 100. For example, the devices connected to the main control unit 100 may be chain connected and loop back connected. In the following, for the sake of convenience, a description will be given taking the connection of the sub-control device 200 as an example.

  Reference numeral 40S denotes a serial communication unit that receives data from the sub-control device 200, converts the data into serial data, transmits the serial data to the peripheral boards 44-1 and 44-2, and receives the returned serial data. In FIG. 7, the serial communication unit 40 </ b> S is provided inside the sub-control device 200, but can also be provided outside thereof. Alternatively, the same operation may be performed upon receiving data from main controller 100. The serial communication unit 40S can receive the looped-back serial data and determine whether the data is normal.

  Reference numerals 44-1 and 44-2 are peripheral boards corresponding to the image display device 210, the movable body 220, the lamp / electrical decoration 230, the sound generator 240, and the like.

  The peripheral board 44-1 receives the serial data from the serial communication unit 40S at the input terminal (IN), converts the serial data into parallel data, holds the converted parallel data, and receives the serial data from the serial communication unit 40S. A first serial / parallel conversion unit 44-11 that delays serial data by a predetermined time and outputs it from the output terminal (OUT), and a drive circuit 44 for executing predetermined processing (for example, lamp / LED blinking) based on the parallel data. -12.

  The peripheral board 44-2 receives serial data from the serial communication unit 40S at the input terminal (IN) (in the example of FIG. 7, serial data is received via the peripheral board 44-1), and the serial data is received. A second serial / parallel converter 44-21 for converting into parallel data and holding the converted parallel data, and a drive circuit 44-22 for executing predetermined processing (for example, blinking of a lamp / LED) based on the parallel data Including.

  Similarly to the first serial / parallel conversion unit 44-11, the second serial / parallel conversion unit 44-21 may delay the received serial data for a predetermined time and output it from the output terminal (OUT). In the example of FIG. 7, this output terminal (OUT) is not connected and is not used as a result. However, from the viewpoint of facilitating management by sharing the specifications of the peripheral board, it may be configured as such. .

  44D is a dummy circuit that receives serial data from the serial communication unit 40S (in the example of FIG. 7, serial data is received via the peripheral substrate 44-1) and delays and outputs the serial data for a predetermined time. is there. From the viewpoint of facilitating management by sharing specifications, the same circuit (IC) as the first serial / parallel conversion unit 44-11 may be used for the dummy circuit 44D.

  Reference numeral 45 denotes a branching unit that is connected to the output terminal of the peripheral board 44-1 and branches serial data from the serial communication unit 40S. The branch part 45 can be comprised with an electric wire. For example, two electric wires can be connected to the output terminal OUT of the first serial / parallel conversion unit 44-11, and these two electric wires can be used as the branching unit 45. In the example of FIG. 7, one of the electric wires is connected to the input end of the peripheral substrate 44-2, and the other end of the electric wire is connected to the input end of the dummy circuit 44D. Peripheral board 44-2 receives serial data from branch 45.

  The serial communication unit 40S, the peripheral board 44-1, the dummy circuit 44D, and the serial communication unit 40S are connected in a loop shape. That is, the output terminal OUT of the serial communication unit 40S is connected to the input terminal IN of the serial / parallel converter 44-11, and the output terminal OUT of the serial / parallel converter 44-11 and the input terminal IN of the dummy circuit 44D are branched. 45, the output terminal OUT of the dummy circuit 44D and the input terminal IN of the serial communication unit 40S are connected.

  The delay time in the dummy circuit 44D corresponds to the time required for the peripheral board 44-2 to convert serial data into parallel data. Since the conversion is performed by receiving serial data corresponding to the number of bits of the parallel data, the time is the reception time. For example, when the parallel data is 8 bits and the communication speed in serial communication is A (bit / s), the time is approximately 8 ÷ A (s).

  As another expression, the time can be said to be the time until the specific data that has entered the input terminal IN of the serial-parallel converter 44-21 appears at the output terminal OUT.

  The peripheral substrate 44-2 shown in FIG. 7 or a portion between the branching portion 45 and the peripheral substrate 44-2 (wiring, a portion indicated by a symbol W indicated by a thick line in FIG. 7) is connected to another portion, for example, the peripheral substrate 44-1. Compared to serial data communication, the frequency of errors is high.

  For example, it is assumed that the peripheral board 44-1 blinks the LED, there is no switching noise, the driving current is small, and the voltage fluctuation accompanying on / off is small. On the other hand, the driving target of the peripheral board 44-2 is a motor (not shown) for moving the accessory (movable body 220) and the like, and noise generated from the brush and / or between the peripheral board 44-2 and the motor. There is noise generated from a contact point such as a slip ring provided on the peripheral board. Due to the influence of this noise, the data on the peripheral substrate 44-2 is likely to change midway (data is garbled). Alternatively, since the motor drive current is large, the power supply voltage fluctuates, and an error may occur in the operation of the peripheral board 44-2.

  In addition, due to the internal structure of the gaming machine, the wiring W must be routed near a motor or slip ring that is a noise source, and as a result, the data in the wiring W often becomes garbled.

  Even if such data corruption or error occurs, according to the configuration of FIG. 7, the loop is closed in front of the location where the data corruption or error occurs, so the influence is limited to the peripheral board 44-2. be able to. In the example of FIG. 7, a malfunction in the peripheral board 44-2 does not affect the peripheral board 44-1 and the serial communication unit 40S.

  Therefore, according to the embodiment of the invention, the influence of data corruption and errors can be limited to a part of the peripheral substrates, and the spread to a plurality of peripheral substrates can be prevented. This is particularly significant when the number of connected peripheral boards is large. For example, if there are six peripheral boards and one of them is likely to cause the above trouble, the other five peripheral boards can be made normal by adopting the connection relation (including dummy circuit) as shown in FIG. Can be operated. Since data is not retransmitted, there are no processing delays and problems caused by canceling the operation (the peripheral board is often related to the effect, and if the effect is canceled, the player feels uncomfortable and impairs the entertainment).

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the serial communication unit 40S.

  The serial communication unit 40S reads data from the transmission data buffer 40S-1 and the transmission data buffer 40S-1 that store data to be transmitted to peripheral substrates such as the peripheral substrate 44-1 and the peripheral substrate 44-2. Parallel-serial conversion unit 40S-2 for converting data into serial data and sending it out, transmitted data storage register 40S-3 for storing data read from transmission data buffer 40S-1, and dummy circuit 44D (or connected to the end) Loop back shift register 40S-4 for converting serial data returned from the peripheral board (not shown) (serial data looped back from the peripheral board) into parallel data, and loop back register 40S for storing the converted parallel data. -5, transmitted data storage register 40S-3 Including data and loopback register 40S-5 of the notification unit 40S-7 for error notification based on the output of the comparison unit 40S-6 and Comparative portion 40S-6 compare data.

  The serial communication unit 40S is realized by software when the CPU executes a program, or by hardware by combining a plurality of ICs.

  The serial / parallel conversion units 44-11 and 44-21 and the dummy circuit 44D illustrated in FIG. 7 are electronic circuits such as an IC. An example of the internal configuration is shown in FIG.

  The serial / parallel conversion unit 44-11 includes eight (in the case of 8 bits, the same applies hereinafter) D-type flip-flop DFF1, eight D-type flip-flop DFF2, and eight buffers BUF. The eight DFF1 constitute an 8-bit shift register (in the following description, DFF1 may be used as a sign of the shift register). The eight DFFs 2 constitute an 8-bit storage register (in the following description, DFF 2 may be used as a sign of the storage register). The eight BUFs control the output of the storage register (output or not output (whether L or H level is output or a high impedance state is set)). The serial / parallel conversion unit 44-11 includes a plurality of other buffers (NOT gates), but the description thereof is omitted.

  The shift register converts serial data into parallel data. The storage register holds the converted parallel data.

  In DFF1, the R terminal is a reset terminal, the D terminal is a data input terminal, the Q terminal is a data output terminal, and SCK is a clock input terminal. The D terminal of DFF2 is a data input terminal, the Q terminal is a data output terminal, and RCK is a data storage terminal to the storage register.

  QH 'is an output terminal (output terminal OUT) of the terminal DFF1, which is connected to an input terminal of the IC at the next stage. The SI terminal is an input terminal (input terminal IN). The SCK terminal is an input terminal for a clock. The clock is supplied from, for example, the serial communication unit 40S to the peripheral substrates 44-1 and 44-2 and the dummy circuit 44D (wiring display for this purpose is omitted in FIG. 7). The / SCLR terminal is a shift terminal clear terminal. It is assumed that the / SCLR terminal is not used (pull up to the power supply voltage). The RCK terminal is a data storage terminal for the storage register. The store signal (latch signal) is supplied from, for example, the serial communication unit 40S to the peripheral boards 44-1 and 44-2 (the display of wiring for that purpose is omitted in FIG. 7). The / G terminal is an output enable terminal of the storage register. It is assumed that the / G terminal is not used (grounded and the output is always valid).

  The RCK terminal is connected to a store signal output terminal (not shown) of the serial communication unit 40S. The store signal is generated in units of a predetermined word, for example, two peripheral boards as shown in FIG. 7, and each 2 × 8 = 16 bits (16 clock cycles) when each 8-bit data is handled. . In accordance with the store signal, the shift register DFF1 transfers the content held therein to the storage register DFF2 (transferred at timings t1 and t2 in FIG. 10 and the like). One word = 16 bits, that is, one cycle = 16 clock cycles is an example.

  Note that the DFF2 may not be provided in the dummy circuit 44D.

  10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams (timing charts) of serial data transmission in the configuration of FIG.

  FIG. 12 shows a loopback structure of a comparative example (conventional example). 12, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts as in FIG. 7, and the description thereof is omitted.

  13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams (timing charts) of serial data transmission in the comparative example of FIG.

  For convenience of explanation, a data transmission procedure in a conventional loopback structure will be first described.

  In FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, data transmission is shown in units of “cycles” such as k and k + 1. One cycle of data (for example, (8 bits for peripheral board 44-2, A, C in the figure) + (8 bits for peripheral board 44-1, B, D in the figure) = 16 bits) Is transmitted. That is, 16-bit data is transmitted in two cycles, for example, 16 cycles of the clock, and a store signal is output in synchronization with the last clock (timing t1, t2 when all 16-bit data is prepared), and the shift register The data of DFF1 is taken into the storage register DFF2. In FIGS. 13 and 14, the square including the symbols A to D is serially transmitted with the data of the words A to D in the corresponding cycle, and the last (the right end t1, assuming that the time axis is pointing to the right, It means that data is taken into the storage register DFF2 at t2).

  On the other hand, the loopback shift register 40S-4 of the serial communication unit 40S loops back the returned data (returned from the output terminal OUT of the serial / parallel conversion unit 44-21 in the example of FIG. 12) in units of 8 bits, for example. The data is taken into the register 40S-5. T11 to t14 in FIG. 13 and the like indicate the capture timing. Note that the capture timing is an example, and may be in units of 16 bits such as t1 and t2.

  The comparison unit 40S-6 compares the data fetched into the loopback register 40S-5 with the data two cycles before in the transmitted data storage register 40S-3 (this number corresponds to the number of peripheral boards). .

  In FIG. 13 and the like, six cycles k to (k + 5) are shown. Data A to D are transmitted from serial communication unit 40S over cycles k to (k + 3), respectively. For example, when the parallel data is 8 bits and the communication speed in serial communication is A (bit / s), the time of one cycle is approximately 8 ÷ A (s).

  Data A to D or E is stored in the loopback register 40S-5 from cycle (k + 2) to (k + 5). Note that data E in FIG. 14 is data D garbled due to a problem.

  As shown in FIG. 13, A, B, C, and D data are transmitted in order from the serial communication unit 40S. Here, A and C are data for the peripheral substrate 44-2, and B and D are data for the peripheral substrate 44-1. A store signal is output from the serial communication unit 40S at predetermined t1 and t2, and based on this, the store signal is taken from the shift register DFF1 to the storage register DFF2 in each serial / parallel conversion unit. The serial / parallel converter 44-11 takes in B and D, and the serial / parallel converter 44-21 takes in A and C. Each peripheral board performs a predetermined operation based on the data held by the storage register DFF2.

  Since serial data goes around the peripheral boards 44-1 and 44-2 in order, it takes two cycles before the transmitted data is returned.

  On the other hand, the comparison unit 40S-6 takes in the data looped back to the loopback register 40S-5 at predetermined timings t11 to T14, and compares this data with the transmission data of the transmitted data storage register 40S-3. If they match, it is determined that the data transmission has been performed normally. If they do not match, processing such as data retransmission and notification processing by the notification unit 40S-7 is performed.

  In the example of FIG. 13 and the like, the comparison unit 40S-6 performs comparison for each cycle. As indicated by the arrows in the figure, with reference to a certain cycle (for example, cycle (k + 5)), the data stored in the loopback register 40S-5 is changed to the cycle before that (for example, cycle (k + 3)). Compare with the data sent.

  If the data transmission is performed correctly, the data transmitted from the serial transmission unit 40S is looped back after two cycles as described above. The number “2” cycle indicating the delay corresponds to the number of peripheral substrates. Therefore, in general, when the number of peripheral boards connected in series is n (n stages), the comparison unit 40S-6 uses the looped back data as the transmitted data before n cycles. Compare.

  Note that t11 to t14 indicate a case of comparison in units of 8 bits. In the case of 16-bit units, the comparison is performed at timings t1 and t2.

  FIG. 14 shows that an error occurs during communication in the cycle (k + 4) between the peripheral boards 44-1 and 44-2 (symbol w in FIG. 12) due to noise or the like, and the data D is changed to the data E. The case is shown (symbol w in FIG. 14). Suppose that data D cannot be sent correctly due to problems such as noise, poor connector contact, and IC failure during transmission, and incorrect data E is sent. That is, at the last t14 of the cycle (k + 5), the looped back data E is stored in the loopback register 40S-5. Since the data E does not match the data D, the comparison unit 40S-6 determines that the serial transmission has not been performed correctly, performs error notification through the notification unit 40S-7, and performs predetermined processing such as data retransmission. Will do.

  In FIG. 14, although the peripheral board 44-2 receives the data E, the data D which is the original data is not used because it is not data addressed to itself (data for the peripheral board 44-1). The peripheral substrate 44-2 does not malfunction. However, since erroneous data E is looped back to the serial communication unit 40S, there is a problem.

  In other words, processing delays due to data retransmission and problems due to cancellation of operations (the peripheral boards are often related to effects, and if the effects are canceled, the player feels uncomfortable and impairs the entertainment).

  Next, data transmission according to the embodiment of the invention will be described.

  10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams (timing charts) of serial data transmission in the configuration of FIG.

  The basic operation is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 13 except for the following points.

  First, nothing is connected to the output terminal OUT of the serial / parallel converter 44-21.

  Next, a dummy circuit 44D is provided, and the serial communication unit 40S receives loopback data from the dummy circuit 44D.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10, an error occurs during communication in the cycle (k + 4) between the branching unit 45 and the peripheral substrate 44-2 (reference W in FIG. 7) due to the influence of noise or the like, and the data Even if D is converted into data E, the above-described problem does not occur.

  That is, no error has occurred in the communication path between the peripheral board 44-1 and the dummy circuit 44D, the dummy circuit 44D has correctly received the data, and the transmission data is also normal. Therefore, there is no problem in the loopback to the serial communication unit 40S, no mismatch as shown in FIG. 14 occurs, and no error notification is performed.

  The peripheral board 44-2 receives the erroneous data E, but the data D which is the original data is not used because it is not data addressed to itself (the data for the peripheral board 44-1). The substrate 44-2 does not malfunction.

  Therefore, even if a communication failure as shown in FIG. 10 occurs, no problem occurs in the operation of the gaming machine.

  FIG. 11 shows a case where data C is garbled into data E.

  It is assumed that an error occurs during communication in the cycle (k + 3) between the branching unit 45 and the peripheral board 44-2 (the symbol W in FIG. 7) due to the influence of noise and the like, and the data C is changed to the data E.

  Also in this case, the dummy circuit 44D correctly receives the data and the transmission data is normal. Therefore, there is no problem in the loopback to the serial communication unit 40S, no mismatch as shown in FIG. 14 occurs, and no error notification is performed.

  The peripheral board 44-2 receives erroneous data E. Since the original data C is data addressed to itself, the peripheral board 44-2 malfunctions. However, other peripheral substrates are not affected.

  Therefore, even if a communication failure as shown in FIG. 11 occurs, the influence can be limited to the peripheral board in which the communication error has occurred. When data transmitted in the loopback structure changes due to the influence of noise, etc., the influence of this can be limited to some peripheral boards, and the spread to multiple peripheral boards can be prevented. it can.

  In the above description, n = 2 is exemplified as the number of peripheral substrates, but it is needless to say that n = 3, 4, 5,.

  In the above description, a pachinko machine has been taken as an example, but the embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to a rotating game machine (slot machine).

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Main controller 200 Sub controller 40S Serial communication part 40S-1 Transmission data buffer 40S-2 Parallel-serial conversion part 40S-3 Transmitted data storage register 40S-4 Loop back shift register 40S-5 Loop back register 40S-6 Comparison unit 40S-7 Notification unit 44-1 Peripheral board (first peripheral board)
44-11 Serial-to-Parallel Conversion Unit 44-12 Drive Circuit 44-2 Peripheral Board (Second Peripheral Board)
44-21 Serial-to-parallel converter 44-22 Drive circuit 44D Dummy circuit 45 Branch unit DFF1 Shift register DFF2 Storage register W Communication error occurrence part

Claims (3)

A control device for executing control related to the game;
A sub-control device that executes predetermined processing based on information generated by the control device;
A serial communication unit that receives data from the control device or the sub-control device, converts the data into serial data, transmits the serial data, and receives the returned serial data;
Receives the serial data from the serial communication unit, converts the serial data into parallel data, holds the converted parallel data, and outputs the serial data from the serial communication unit with a predetermined time delay A first peripheral board that includes a first serial-parallel converter and executes predetermined processing based on the parallel data;
A second serial / parallel converter that receives the serial data from the serial communication unit, converts the serial data into parallel data, and holds the converted parallel data, and executes predetermined processing based on the parallel data; A second peripheral substrate that
A dummy circuit that receives the serial data from the serial communication unit and outputs the serial data with a predetermined time delay;
A branching unit connected to the output end of the first peripheral board and branching the serial data from the serial communication unit,
The output end of the serial communication unit, the first peripheral board, the dummy circuit and the input end of the serial communication unit are connected in a loop,
An input terminal of the second peripheral board is connected to the branch part, and the second peripheral board receives the serial data from the branch part.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the delay time in the dummy circuit corresponds to a time required for the second peripheral board to convert the serial data into the parallel data.   3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an error occurrence frequency in communication of the serial data is higher in a portion between the branch portion and the second peripheral board than in other portions.

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