JP6063704B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a ball game machine (pachinko machine), and more particularly to a configuration of a peripheral board that controls an apparatus (device) related to effects such as electrical decoration.

  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 to the board surface 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. 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 and ball gaming machine obtains processing information generated by a control unit that performs electrical game control processing and generates main processing information. Thus, a sub-control unit that performs control to perform a predetermined output mode process is provided, and further, peripheral boards such as a payout control unit, a game ball payout device, an electrical decoration control unit, and an acoustic control unit connected thereto are provided.

  The sound control unit generates a sound effect related to the production in order to enhance interest according to the state of the game. Similarly, the illumination control unit blinks the illumination to enhance the interest according to the state of the game.

JP, 2012-120617, A Illumination board which consists of serial communication IC which has own address setting, a drive circuit, and light emitting elements, such as LED, and transmits a control command including address specification to them A gaming machine including a control board is described.

  Boards and devices such as a control unit, a sub-control unit, and a peripheral board connected in the gaming machine transmit and receive data using a communication path provided in the gaming machine. There are parallel communication and serial communication as transmission methods. Recently, serial communication is often used for high-speed communication and cost reduction. By performing serial communication, data including a large number of bits can be easily transferred by connecting each board to a chain structure.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a part related to the control of the electrical decoration related to the production (for each element in the same figure, see also the description related to FIG. 7 described later). This figure shows an example of control of lighting, but the same applies to control of other devices such as control of sound.

  Reference numerals 44-1-1 to 44-1-3 denote three peripheral boards (lighting control units) connected in series. Three are examples and any number is possible. Note that the output of the terminal board 44-1-3 may be terminated.

  In FIG. 13, a plurality of peripheral boards 44-1-1 to 44-1-3 are connected to a common bus, and communicate with the serial communication unit 40S of the sub-control unit through the bus. The signal flowing through the bus is a serial signal (for example, a signal transmitted through two lines of a data line and a clock line like I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit)).

  Data is transmitted from the sub-control unit to the peripheral boards 44-1-1 to 44-1-3 by specifying an address. For example, when data is sent to the peripheral boards 44-1-1 to 44-1-3, addresses are preliminarily associated with these peripheral boards and data is sent to the bus. When the peripheral boards 44-1-1 to 44-1-3 recognize that the data is addressed to themselves by the address, the data following the address is latched (not shown, included in the serial communication circuit ICA). Capture and perform a predetermined operation according to the captured data. For example, some or all of the plurality of LEDs are turned on.

  When the ICA1 to ICA3 determine that the data is addressed to themselves based on the address included in the signal, the ICA1 to ICA3 convert the serial data into parallel data using, for example, a shift register (not shown, included in the serial communication circuit ICA). , A serial communication circuit to be taken into the latch.

  AS1 to AS3 are address setting units that send peripheral board-specific address signals to the serial communication circuits ICA1 to ICA3. With this address setting, desired received serial data can be fetched. If the peripheral boards 44-1-1 to 44-1-3 operate in exactly the same way, their addresses and data can be shared. However, when performing different operations, it is necessary to prepare separate addresses and data. There is.

  The address setting units AS1 to AS3 are realized by, for example, a substrate pattern. With this configuration, the address cannot be changed. To change the address, it is necessary to redesign the board. The address setting units AS1 to AS3 can be realized by jumpers or DIP switches. However, it is not preferable in a gaming machine in that the operation of the board can be changed after shipment, and jumpers or DIP switches are used. I can't.

  Due to special circumstances in gaming machines, changes in settings using jumpers and DIP switches that are normally performed in general electronic devices cannot be applied to gaming machines. Pachislot and pachinko machines must be certified by the authorities for each model, and only those that pass the certification are allowed to be sold and used. The gaming machines sold and used must be exactly the same as those that have been certified, so each part of the gaming machine is given a control number and each board is no exception. If a jumper or DIP switch is used, it is easy to change the configuration of the board, and it is not possible to guarantee the identity with the tested board. For this reason, it is not allowed to use components that can change the electrical configuration, such as jumpers and DIP switches.

  For the LEDs of the peripheral boards 44-1-1 to 44-1-3, the shape, light emission color, and the like of the LEDs are selected in accordance with the design unique to the gaming machine model. In accordance with this, the model number / performance / connection relationship of the LED drivers ICB1 to ICB3 is specific to the model of the gaming machine. For this reason, the peripheral board is not compatible between different models, and a unique board must be designed and manufactured for each model.

  Further, as described above, an address is set in order to identify which peripheral board the data is to be sent to. However, this address is different if the model is different. In a general electronic device, the address can be changed on the board using a jumper or a DIP switch. However, in a gaming machine, such means cannot be taken due to the above-described circumstances. From this point of view, it was difficult to share peripheral boards and divert them to other models.

  The present invention aims to make common use so that at least a part of the peripheral board of the gaming machine can be used in any model, to stabilize the product by mass production and to reduce the unit price, and to provide a gaming machine suitable for reuse and recycling. The purpose is to do.

The present invention includes a control unit that performs a game process including a lottery process based on a predetermined opportunity, a sub-control unit that performs a process related to an effect based on the process information generated according to the result of the lottery process of the control unit, A device that performs an operation related to the production, and a peripheral board that controls the device based on a signal from the sub-control unit,
The sub-control unit transmits a serial signal including an address specifying a data transmission destination to the peripheral board,
The peripheral board examines an address included in the serial signal, captures data of the serial signal when the address matches a predetermined own address, and controls the device based on the captured data. In gaming machines,
The peripheral substrate is
A common substrate including a serial communication circuit that captures data of the serial signal when an address included in the serial signal matches the own address;
An address setting unit that sends the address to the serial communication circuit; and an individual board that includes a driver that drives the device based on data from the serial communication circuit.
The common substrate and the individual substrate are detachably connected by a connector.

The individual board is attached to a main body member of the gaming machine,
The common board is attached to the individual board by fitting the connector,
Both the signal line for the serial signal and the power supply line for supplying current to the peripheral board may be connected to the common board, and current may be supplied to the individual board via the connector.

The individual substrate includes a power storage unit that stores a supplied current,
The current of the power storage unit may be supplied to the driver.

  According to the present invention, the peripheral board for controlling the production device includes a common board including a serial communication circuit that captures data of the serial signal when the address included in the serial signal matches its own address, and the serial communication circuit And an individual board including an address setting unit for sending the address to the driver and a driver for driving the device based on data from the serial communication circuit, and the common board and the individual board are detachable by a connector. Since they are connected, the common board can be used in any model, and it is possible to realize stabilization of products and reduction in unit price by mass production.

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. It is a block diagram of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of the hardware constitutions of a sub-control part. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to a comparative example. It is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to a comparative example. It is a figure which shows the state which attached the common board | substrate to the separate board | substrate which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a block diagram which shows the modification of the separate board | substrate which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a block diagram which shows the modification of the separate board | substrate which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a block diagram of the part which concerns on the electrical decoration control of the conventional gaming machine

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).

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 40 denotes a control unit 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.
40b is provided through the main body member 51 or the game board 10 or a support member provided to these, and a sub-control that performs a predetermined output mode process by obtaining processing information generated by the control unit 40. It is a control unit.
A payout control unit 42 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 opening 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 winning device of 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 device) 30d is provided with movable pieces on both sides for expanding and contracting the opening range of the winning opening, making a variable display by winning a game ball and winning a prize for a player. 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.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Reference numeral 40 denotes a control unit (also referred to as a “main board”) that performs electrical game control processing and generates main processing information. The control unit 40 moves (flows down) the game area and receives signals from the ball passage detectors 20b to 20d that detect the winning balls that have passed through the winning ports 30b to 30d, respectively, and passes the winning balls through the winning ports 30b to 30d. A winning determination unit 40a for performing a lottery / determination in accordance with this is included.

Reference numeral 42a denotes a first display control unit that controls the lighting of a first display device (such as a 7-segment display) provided in the variable display device (center accessory) 30a.
Reference numeral 42b denotes a second display control unit that controls lighting of a second display device (such as a lamp) provided in the variable display device (center accessory) 30a.
When the lottery is performed by winning the start chucker, the control unit 40 displays the lottery result regarding the special symbol on the first display device (7-segment display) 43a provided on the game board, and the lottery result. And a variation time of a special symbol (a variation symbol on the liquid crystal display device) in a variable display device (liquid crystal display device) 30a described later (the variation time of the special symbol is determined by lottery) is transmitted to a sub-control unit 40b described later. To do. The sub-control unit 40b variably displays the special symbol based on the received lottery result and the variation time of the special symbol.
When the jackpot is reached, the control unit 40 knows the variation time sent to the sub-control unit 40b, and when the control unit 40 finishes timing the variation time, the jackpot processing (the attacker 30e is set to a predetermined value). For a predetermined number of times).
By the way, 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 second display device (lamp) 43b provided on the board surface, and in the case of winning, the start checker 30d Open the movable piece. 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.

  The LCD 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. When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the start chucker (start winning device) 30d, the displayed symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time, and the lottery is drawn when the game ball start chucker (start winning device) 30d passes. The stop symbol determined by the random number for lottery is displayed on the LCD 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 symbol after the LCD fluctuation stop is stopped 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 is opened, the opening / closing plate is closed when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls are won.

42 is a payout control unit that receives a signal from the winning determination unit 40a and controls the game ball payout device 43 according to the game ball winning of the winning ports 30b to 30d and / or according to the lottery / determination result. .
43 is a game ball payout device provided with a drive source for paying out a predetermined number of game balls according to the game ball winnings of the winning openings 30b to 30d and / or the lottery / determination results thereby as game profits. .

  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 30b, a predetermined lottery is performed, and when it is won, the start chucker (start winning device) 30d is released for a predetermined time. That is, a pair of movable pieces provided opposite to each other on both the left and right sides of the start chucker (start winning device) 30d are opened outward. Then, when it is detected that the game ball has passed the start chucker (start prize-winning device) 30d, a predetermined lottery is performed. Open the device for winning.

  Reference numeral 40b denotes processing information generated by the control unit 40 (information including game state, lottery result, etc. This information is sent as a command generated by the control unit 40). It is a sub-control unit (also referred to as “sub-board”) that performs control to perform a predetermined output mode process including effects such as generation of sound.

  The sub-control unit 40b includes a serial communication unit 40S that transmits serial data to peripheral substrates such as the peripheral substrate (electric decoration control unit) 44-1 and the peripheral substrate (movable body control unit) 44-2. When the serial communication unit 40S includes the peripheral board 44-3 that receives a signal from the input device, the serial communication unit 40S also receives and analyzes the input data.

  Reference numeral 41 denotes a display control unit that controls the variable display device (liquid crystal display device) 30a to display an image related to the effect.

  Reference numeral 44-1 denotes an electric decoration control unit for controlling lighting of a lamp / electric decoration 52a and the like provided on the game board 10 or the gaming machine casing. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the lamp and electrical decoration 52a is provided on the board | substrate of the electrical decoration control part 44-1, and both may be comprised integrally.

  44-2 is a movable body control part which controls the movable body 52c provided in the game board 10. FIG.

  The configuration of the peripheral substrates 44-1 and 44-2 will be further described later.

  The movable body 52c changes its state by the process of the sub control unit 40b (the display of the movable body 52c is omitted in FIG. 4). The movable body 52c, for example, moves back and forth between 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 52c is provided. The movable body control unit 47 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 illumination control unit 44-1 and the movable body control unit 44-2 are peripheral boards connected to the sub-control unit 40b including the CPU, and receive units (reception side receivers) that receive data from the CPU of the sub-control unit 40b. Device). In the following description, the electrical decoration control unit 44-1 and the movable body control unit 44-2 may be collectively expressed as a peripheral board without being distinguished. In addition, embodiment of this invention is applicable also to an acoustic control part other than an electrical decoration control part and a movable body control part, for example.

  If the serial communication unit 40S only controls the peripheral board, nothing is connected to the output terminal of the peripheral board 44-2 which is the terminal (the terminator may be connected to stabilize the signal). ).

  When the serial communication unit 40S receives a signal from a device provided in the gaming machine, it is possible to adopt a loopback structure in which the signal returns as shown by a dotted line in FIG.

  44-3 is a board (also expressed as a peripheral board) that receives data from an arbitrary device (input device) provided in the gaming machine and sends the data to the serial communication unit 40S. The device is not particularly limited, but is a jog dial input unit or the like.

  Together with 44-1 and 44-2, 44-3 is also referred to as a peripheral substrate. These are the same in that they are connected to and under the control of the serial communication unit 40S, but the peripheral boards 44-1 and 44-2 receive data from the serial communication unit 40S and based on the data, The peripheral board 44-3 is different in that it controls the devices such as the lamp / electrical decoration 52a and the movable body 52c under control, and transmits the received data to the serial communication unit 40S. In other words, the former is a receiver and the latter is a transmitter. Due to this difference in function, the peripheral boards 44-1 and 44-2 include an output unit, and the peripheral board 44-3 includes an input unit.

  As indicated by the dotted lines in FIG. 5, the peripheral substrates 44-1 to 44-3 are chain-connected and loop-back connected. That is, 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 sends (transfers) the received data to the next peripheral board 44-2 as it is. The data is received by the peripheral board 44-2 and processed here, and the received data is sent to the next peripheral board 44-3 as it is. The peripheral board 44-3 adds a value (data) from the device to the received data, and then sends (returns) the data 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 the chain connection and the loop back connection of the peripheral boards can be applied not only to the sub-control unit 40 but also to the control unit 40. For example, regarding the control unit 40, the display control unit 41 and the payout control unit 42 may be chain-connected and loop-back connected. In the following, for the sake of convenience, description will be added by taking the connection of the sub-control unit 40b as an example.

  An acoustic control unit 46 generates sound effects / sounds through a speaker 52b provided in the gaming board 10 or the gaming machine casing.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the hardware configuration of the sub-control unit 40b. The sub-control unit 40b of FIG. 5 is actually realized by the hardware configuration of FIG. In other words, a CPU (processing unit), a ROM (nonvolatile storage unit), a memory M (readable and writable storage unit, RAM), and an I / O (input / output device) are connected to a BUS composed of a plurality of bits (wiring). It is connected. The processing related to the game executed by the sub-control unit 40b in FIG. 5 is executed by the CPU operating in accordance with a program stored in advance in the ROM in FIG. The processing of the serial communication unit 40S in FIG. 5 is the same. The CPU performs processing such as storing various data in the memory M when performing processing, reading out processing as necessary, performing processing, and storing again as necessary. The memory M may have received a battery backup, and in this case, the stored contents are retained even during power-off.

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

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the structure of peripheral boards and their connection relations according to the embodiment of the invention. Since there is no significant difference between the peripheral boards 44-1 and 44-2 in terms of operation, the peripheral board 44-1 which is an electrical decoration control unit will be described as an example. In addition, it is assumed that a light emitting element (LED) of the lamp / electric decoration 52a is provided on one of the peripheral substrates (individual substrates) (individual substrates KB1 to KB2). The LEDs may be provided outside the individual substrates KB1 and KB2. In FIG. 7, three peripheral boards 44-1-1 to 44-1-3 are connected in series. A plurality of electrical decorations may be arranged around the board surface of the gaming machine. In such a case, cascade connection as shown in FIG. 7 may be made. In the configuration of FIG. 5, the output of the peripheral board 44-1-3 at the right end is input to the peripheral board 44-2.

  In FIG. 7, a plurality of peripheral boards 44-1-1 to 44-1-3 are connected to a common bus, and communicate with the sub-control unit 40b through the bus. The signal flowing through the bus is a serial signal (for example, a signal transmitted through two lines of a data line and a clock line like I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit)). The serial signal is a signal including serial data obtained by converting parallel data including a plurality of bits. The serial data (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “data”) includes control data such as addresses as well as control data of devices such as the lamp / lighting 52a.

  Data is sent from the sub-control unit 40b to the peripheral board by designating an address. For example, when data is sent to the peripheral boards 44-1-1 to 44-1-3, addresses are preliminarily associated with these peripheral boards and data is sent to the bus. Each of the peripheral boards 44-1-1 to 44-1-3 analyzes the serial signal and identifies an address included therein. Each peripheral board is assigned a specific address in advance, and if it recognizes that the identified address matches the address assigned to itself in advance, the data following the address is latched (see FIG. (Not shown). A predetermined operation is performed according to the fetched data. For example, some or all of the plurality of LEDs are turned on.

  Since serial communication is publicly known, a detailed description of its configuration and procedure is omitted.

  KA1 to KA3 are boards that constitute a peripheral board, and have the same electrical performance and mechanical structure regardless of the type of gaming machine, etc., and are removed from a certain gaming machine and used for other gaming machines. It is a common substrate that can be used.

  KB1 to KB3 are boards constituting the peripheral board, and are individual boards having specific electrical performance and mechanical structure that are different for each type of gaming machine. The individual boards KB1 to KB3 are designed in accordance with the design specific to the gaming machine model, such as the shape of the board, the type of elements (LED model number, emission color, etc.) and number, etc. Cannot be converted to other gaming machines.

  The peripheral substrates 44-1-1 to 44-1-3 are composed of common substrates KA1 to KA3 and individual substrates KB1 to KB3, respectively.

  CNA1 to CNA3 are connectors provided on the common substrates KA1 to KA3, respectively.

  CNB1 to CNB3 are connectors provided on the individual boards KA1 to KA3, respectively.

  By connecting the connectors CNA1 to CNA3 and the connectors CNB1 to CNB3 to each other, the common substrates KA1 to KA3 and the individual substrates KB1 to KB3 are connected to each other.

  ICA1 to ICA3 are provided on the common substrates KA1 to KA3. When it is determined that the data is addressed to itself based on the address included in the signal, the serial data is converted into parallel data by a shift register, for example, and is taken into the latch. It is a serial communication circuit. Although not shown, the serial communication circuits ICA1 to ICA3 include an address decoder, a shift register, a latch, and the like. Data converted in parallel by the serial communication circuits ICA1 to ICA3 is sent to the individual substrates KA1 to KA3 through the connectors CNA1 to CNA3 and the connectors CNB1 to CNB3.

  AS1 to AS3 are address setting units that are provided on the individual boards KB1 to KB3, respectively, and send address signals specific to the peripheral boards to the serial communication circuits ICA1 to ICA3. The address setting units AS1 to AS3 are realized by, for example, a substrate pattern (in this case, the address cannot be changed). The address setting units AS1 to AS3 can be realized by jumpers or DIP switches. However, as described above, it is not preferable in a gaming machine in that the operation of the board can be changed after shipment. The switch is not used.

  ICB1 to ICB3 are LED drivers that are provided on the individual substrates KB1 to KB3, respectively, and turn on LEDs (light emitting elements) based on signals from the serial communication circuits ICA1 to ICA3.

  For the LEDs of the individual substrates KB1 to KB3, the model number, the light emission color, and the like are selected in accordance with the design specific to the gaming machine model. Accordingly, the model numbers / performances / wirings of the LED drivers ICB1 to ICB3 are specific to the game machine model.

  As the individual boards KB1 to KB3 are designed in accordance with the design specific to the gaming machine model, the signals (data) output from the serial communication circuits ICA1 to ICA3 are also model specific. Since the generation of the unique signal is performed by the serial communication unit 40S, the operations of the serial communication circuits ICA1 to ICA3 themselves are common regardless of the model (when it is determined that the data is addressed to itself based on the address included in the signal) Serial data is converted into parallel data and imported). Therefore, the common substrates KA1 to KA3 can be diverted to other models.

  With the configuration including the common board and the individual board shown in FIG. 7, the data communication between the sub-control unit and the peripheral board connected to the sub-control unit can be realized in common for the part performing data communication on the peripheral board side, The product can be stabilized and the unit price can be reduced by mass production of common substrates, and can be reused. The design load related to the peripheral board can be reduced.

  FIG. 7 is the best in that the above-described effect is obtained. The effect of FIG. 7 will be further described with reference to a comparative example.

  FIG. 8 shows an example in which the peripheral substrate 44-1 is composed of common substrates KA1 'to KA3' and individual substrates KB1 'to KB3' as in FIG. FIG. 8 is different in that the address setting units AS1 to AS3 provided in the individual substrates KB1 to KB3 in FIG. 7 are provided in the common substrates KA1 'to KA3'.

  In FIG. 8, since the address setting units AS1 to AS3 are provided on the common substrates KA1 'to KA3', if the address is changed, it cannot be diverted to another model. In other words, there is no compatibility unless the peripheral boards have the same address.

  For this reason, FIG. 8 is inferior in comparison with FIG. 7 in terms of “commonization of a portion that performs data communication on the peripheral board side”. In FIG. 8, “address must not change” is required as a premise for sharing.

  Note that the address setting units AS1 to AS3 are not fixed wiring patterns, but can be configured by DIP switches and jumpers to cope with address changes. However, as described above, the DIP switches and jumpers cannot be used in gaming machines. For this reason, in the gaming machine, FIG. 8 can realize the above-mentioned “peripheral board side data communication part” in common with FIG. 7 and can stabilize the product and reduce the unit price by mass production of the common board. It is inferior in terms of the effect that “it can be reused”.

  FIG. 9 shows an example in which the peripheral substrate 44-1 is composed of common substrates KA1 ″ to KA3 ″ and individual substrates KB1 ″ to KB3 ″ as in FIG. FIG. 9 is different from FIG. 7 in that the LED drivers ICB1 to ICB3 provided on the individual substrates KB1 'to KB3' in FIG. 7 are provided on the common substrates KA1 "to KA3".

  In FIG. 9, since the address setting units AS1 to AS3 are provided on the individual substrates KB1 "to KB3", they can be diverted to other models even when the address is changed. In this regard, FIG. 9 does not have the disadvantage as shown in FIG.

  However, since the LED drivers ICB1 to ICB3 are provided on the common boards KA1 "to KA3", it is required that "the LEDs on the individual boards can always be driven by the LED driver on the common board" as a precondition for sharing. It is done. For example, since the number of LEDs is determined from the design requirements of the gaming machine, the number varies. One gaming machine X may have eight LEDs on one peripheral board 44-1 and another gaming machine Y may have sixteen LEDs. In order to share a board between these two types of gaming machines, the LED drivers ICB1 to ICB3 of the common boards KA1 "to KA3" need to be devices (ICs) capable of driving a maximum of 16 LEDs respectively. If the driving device (IC) can drive up to eight LEDs, it is necessary to mount two driving devices (IC). This is a requirement for the common boards KA1 ″ to KA3 ″ by the gaming machine Y, and is over-spec for the gaming machine X. In the gaming machine X, one of the two driving devices (ICs) is not used and is useless. According to FIG. 9, the number of parts increases, which is disadvantageous in terms of cost.

  The same thing occurs with respect to the emission color and brightness of the LED. When the gaming machine X is a single color LED, but the gaming machine Y is a three-color LED, the maximum brightness of the gaming machine X is half of the maximum brightness of the gaming machine Y. This is because, as the number of driving LEDs increases, the number of devices (IC) increases and the cost increases. When the driving current increases, an expensive device (IC) having a larger output must be used.

  As described above, it is preferable that the LED drivers ICB1 to ICB3 use an optimum device (IC) corresponding to specifications such as the number of LEDs to be driven, the number of colors, and the luminance. From this point, the common substrate KA1 "to Not suitable for KA3 ″.

  In FIG. 9, the address setting units AS1 to AS3 are provided on the individual substrates KB1 "to KB3". Therefore, even if the address is changed, it can be used for other models, but the LED drivers ICB1 to ICB3 are used. Since they are provided on the common substrates KA1 ″ to KA3 ″, if the specification of the LED to be driven is changed, it cannot be diverted to another model. In order to enable diversion, the number of devices (ICs) must be increased according to some models, or expensive devices (ICs) must be used, resulting in an increase in cost. For this reason, FIG. 9 is inferior to FIG. 7 in terms of “commonization of a portion that performs data communication on the peripheral board side”. In FIG. 9, “accept cost increases” is required for sharing.

  FIG. 10 is a structural diagram of a connection state of any of the common substrates KA1 to KA3 and the individual substrates KB1 to KB3 of FIG. Hereinafter, when referring to one substrate, KA and KB are used as symbols. The same applies to other codes.

  10A is a plan view, FIG. 10B is a front view, and FIG. 10C is a right side view.

  10, the same or corresponding parts as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 10, LS is a signal line for serial signals, and LP is a power supply line for supplying power. Electric power is supplied to the individual board KB through the connectors CNA and CNB. In FIG. 10, both the signal line LS and the power supply line LP are chain-connected.

  In FIG. 10, the common substrate KA is a substrate mounted on the individual substrate KB. FIG. 10 can be called a so-called parent-child board. Since the individual board KB is fixed to the board surface of the gaming machine, the common board KA, which is a child board, is fixed only by coupling with the connectors CNA and CNB. Therefore, the trouble of fixing the common substrate KA to the frame (main body member) of the gaming machine is unnecessary, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

  In addition, since both the signal line LS and the power supply line LP are connected to the common substrate KA, there is an advantage that the harness of the signal line LS and the power supply line LP can be diverted together with the common substrate KA.

  FIG. 11 shows a modification. The power supply to the individual substrate KB is performed through the power supply line LP and the connectors CNA and CNB. In FIG. 11, the power supplied to the individual substrate KB is not supplied to the LED driver ICB as it is, but is once stored in the power storage unit BATT. The power storage unit BATT is a capacitor, a secondary battery, or the like.

  The LED driver ICB is characterized in that it consumes a larger amount of current during driving than the serial communication circuit ICA, and is frequently turned on and off, resulting in a large current fluctuation over time. For this reason, a voltage drop is likely to occur when the LED driver ICB is driven, and the operation may become unstable or the brightness of the LED may decrease. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to make the power supply have a large capacity, to make the power supply line LP and the power supply pattern on the substrate thick, and to reduce the impedance of the power supply system. However, this approach increases costs.

  FIG. 11 solves this problem. By applying the current stored in the power storage unit BATT to the LED driver ICB, the voltage drop is reduced and the above problem does not occur.

  That is, the power storage unit BATT is provided near the LED driver ICB and does not pass through the connectors CNA and CNB, so that the wiring is shortened and the resistance value is small, so that the voltage drop is also small. Since the LED of illumination is not constantly lit but flashes repeatedly, a current is supplied to the power storage unit BATT when the LED is turned off, and a current required from the LED driver ICB can be supplied by flowing a current from the electricity storage unit BATT.

  The power storage unit BATT can be provided near another driver that consumes a large amount of current. FIG. 12 shows an example in which the power storage unit BATT is provided near the motor driver that drives the motor (or solenoid coil) of the movable body 52c. Since a large current is required for driving the motor, it is sufficiently meaningful to provide the power storage unit BATT.

  As described above, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of a gaming machine, but the embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine such as a 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.

40 Control Unit 40b Sub Control Unit 41 Display Control Unit 41-1, 41-1-1, 41-1-2, 41-1-3 Illumination Control Unit (Peripheral Substrate)
41-2 Movable body controller (peripheral board)
46 Acoustic control unit 52a Lamp / lighting 52b Speaker KA, KA1, KA2, KA3 Common board KB, KB1, KB2, KB3 Individual board ICA, ICA1, ICA2, ICA3 Serial communication circuit ICB, ICB1, ICB2, ICB3 LED driver AS, AS1, AS2, AS3 Address setting unit CNA, CNA1, CNA2, CNA3 connector CNB, CNB1, CNB2, CNB3 connector BATT power storage unit LS signal line LP power line

Claims (2)

A control unit that performs a game process including a lottery process based on a predetermined opportunity, a sub-control unit that performs a process related to an effect based on processing information generated according to a result of the lottery process of the control unit, and an operation related to the effect And a peripheral board that controls the device based on a signal from the sub-control unit,
The sub-control unit transmits a serial signal including an address specifying a data transmission destination to the peripheral board,
The peripheral board examines an address included in the serial signal, captures data of the serial signal when the address matches a predetermined own address, and controls the device based on the captured data. In gaming machines,
The peripheral substrate is
A first substrate including a serial communication circuit that captures data of the serial signal when an address included in the serial signal matches the own address;
Said serial communication circuit to the own address and sends an address setting unit, and a driver for driving the device on the basis of data from the serial communication circuit, a power storage unit for storing the supplied current, and a second substrate comprising Prepared,
The gaming machine, wherein the first board and the second board are detachably connected, and a current of the power storage unit is supplied to the driver . The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first board is a common board that can be used for a plurality of models, and the second board is an individual board that is different for each model.

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