JP6111496B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a Starring output device.

  As a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, when a game ball is launched into the game area formed on the front surface of the game board, and the launched game ball wins the start opening, the image display means constituted by a liquid crystal display device, etc. There is a game that displays a plurality of identification information (special symbols) in a variable manner. In addition, a game that causes a special game state that gives value to the player is known in connection with the result of the variable display game being in a specific mode.

For example, a rendering operation is performed using a rendering device as in Cited Document 1.

JP 2006-346369 A

However, in the conventional gaming machine, there is a possibility that the rendering device malfunctions at an unexpected timing.

The purpose of this application is to prevent the rendering device from malfunctioning at an unexpected timing.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the overall control means for performing control relating to the effect of the game, on the basis of the data transmitted from the central control unit, a single level control that controls the rendering device that performs rendering of the game and means, between the front KiMitsuru Batch control means and before Kitan position control means, and a data signal line for transmitting data, a regulating signal line for transmitting a regulating signal for regulating the output of said unit control means It comprises, before Kitan position control means, while starting with a predetermined reference voltage, before KiMitsuru Batch control means is configured to start at the predetermined reference voltage step-down voltage obtained by stepping down the front the Kitan position control means in the apparatus which is arranged, between the generation of the predetermined reference voltage to said reduced voltage is produced, it regulates the voltage level of the regulating signal line for regulating the output of said unit control means A signal fixing unit at start-up for fixing the state is provided.

Incidentally, the game machine may be a pachinko machine may be a slot machine (pachi-slot machine), need only be executable configured effect using the Starring output device. Further, the drive source of the “ rendering device ” may be a motor such as a stepping motor or a solenoid.

Further, "Unit Control means" effect and may be any capable of controlling Starring output device, for example, may be a shift register to reflect the effect control data to the effect device by LAT signal, it receives a stop condition A device such as an I ² C bus that reflects the effect control data in the apparatus may be used. "Integrated Batch control means" is, for example, a processor (CPU) that controls the entire presentation.

"Startup signal fixing means", for example, a pull-down resistor provided between the centralized control means and units of the control unit.

According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the rendering device from malfunctioning at an unexpected timing.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board with which the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention is provided. It is a block block diagram which shows the control system centering on the game control apparatus of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a block block diagram which shows the control system centering on the production | presentation control apparatus of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the first half of the main process of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the latter half part of the main process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the timer interruption process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure game process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 1st main process performed by the microcomputer for main control (1stCPU) of the presentation control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 1st scene control process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process in the fluctuation | variation of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the connection form of the presentation control apparatus of embodiment of this invention, a board decoration apparatus, and a board presentation apparatus. It is a figure explaining the connection form of the production | presentation control apparatus of embodiment of this invention, a frame decoration apparatus, and a frame production apparatus. It is a figure explaining the structure of the light emission effect device connected to the board decoration apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the drive body (motor) connected to the board production apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the connection form of the LED driver 1 of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the connection form of the LED driver 2 of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the connection form of the LED driver 5 of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining arrangement | positioning of the drive body (motor) contained in the board | presentation apparatus of embodiment of this invention, (A) is the figure which looked at the center case from the opposite side, (B) is the center case on the front side It is the figure seen from. It is a figure explaining the connection form of the MOT driver 1 of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure in the production | presentation control apparatus of the embodiment of this invention, and a board | substrate production apparatus, (A) shows the conventional structure, (B) shows the structure of this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the detail of the shift register in the board production apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the change of the voltage and enable signal at the time of power-on of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention, the operation of the stepping motor, (A) is a conventional configuration, (B) is the configuration of this embodiment This case is shown. It is a figure explaining the state of the period when the enable signal output by CPU at the time of power-on of the conventional gaming machine is indefinite, (A) shows the voltage of the power provided to each configuration, (B) The signal levels in (1) to (6) are shown. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an enable signal output by the CPU is indefinite when the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is turned on, and (A) shows a power supply voltage provided to each configuration; (B) shows signal levels in (A) to (F). It is a figure explaining the change of the signal level until the signal output from the production | presentation control apparatus in the gaming machine of embodiment of this invention is inputted into the shift register of a board | substrate presentation apparatus. It is a timing chart explaining the change of voltage, game control, and effect control from the time of power-on to the start of normal game according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the front, rear, left, and right in the description of the embodiment refer to a direction viewed from the game board (a direction viewed from the player).

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 1 includes an opening / closing frame 4 that is attached to a main body frame 2 fixed to an island facility via a hinge 3 so that a right side portion can be freely opened and closed. The open / close frame 4 includes a front frame 5 and a glass frame 6.

  A game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is disposed on the front frame 5, and a glass frame 6 having a cover glass 6 a that covers the front surface of the game board 30 is attached. The front frame 5 and the glass frame 6 can be opened individually. For example, only the glass frame 6 can be opened to access the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30. Further, by opening the front frame 5 in a state where the glass frame 6 is not opened, it is possible to access a game control device 600 (see FIG. 3) or the like disposed on the back side of the game board 30.

  A decorative member 7 is disposed around the cover glass 6 a of the glass frame 6. A frame decoration device 21 (see FIG. 4) configured by LEDs or the like is accommodated inside the decoration member 7, and the light emission state of the decoration member 7 can be adjusted by controlling the frame decoration device 21.

  An illumination unit 8 is disposed above the glass frame 6, and a movable illumination 9 is disposed on the left and right sides of the illumination unit 8. The illumination unit 8 accommodates an illumination member such as an LED inside, and performs a light emission effect according to the gaming state. The movable illumination 9 includes an illumination member such as an LED, and a frame effect device 22 (see FIG. 4) that includes an illumination drive motor that drives the illumination member. The frame effect device 22 of the movable illumination 9 is controlled so as to drive (for example, rotationally drive) the illumination member according to the gaming state. In addition, the illumination member arrange | positioned inside the illumination unit 8 and the movable illumination 9 also comprises some frame decoration apparatuses 21 (refer FIG. 4).

  The gaming machine 1 includes an upper speaker 10a and a lower speaker 10b that emit sound effects, alarm sounds, notification sounds, and the like. The upper speaker 10 a is disposed on both upper side portions of the glass frame 6, and the lower speaker 10 b is disposed below the upper plate 11 a constituting the upper plate unit 11.

  A gaming state notification LED 12 for notifying abnormality in the gaming machine 1 is provided on the upper right side of the movable illumination 9 disposed on the left side. When an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, the gaming state notification LED 12 lights up or blinks, and a notification sound for notifying the abnormality is output from the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b.

  Abnormalities occurring in the gaming machine 1 include failure of the gaming machine 1 and implementation of fraud. The illegal act includes, for example, an act of illegally manipulating the trajectory of the launched game ball with a magnet or an act of vibrating the gaming machine 1. These fraudulent acts are detected by detecting magnetism with the magnetic sensor switch 23 (see FIG. 3) or detecting vibration with the vibration sensor switch 24 (see FIG. 3).

  Further, the act of opening the open / close frame 4 illegally is also included in the illegal act. The open / closed state of the front frame 5 is detected by a front frame open detection switch 25 (see FIG. 3), and the open / closed state of the glass frame 6 is detected by a game frame open detection switch 26 (see FIG. 3).

  An upper plate unit 11 including an upper plate 11 a is provided at the lower part of the glass frame 6. The game balls stored in the upper plate 11a are supplied to a ball launcher provided at the lower part of the front frame 5.

  A fixed panel 13 that is positioned below the glass frame 6 and fixed to the front frame 5 is provided with a lower plate 14 and an operation unit 15 for driving the ball emitting device. When the player rotates the operation unit 15, the ball launcher launches the game ball supplied from the upper plate 11 a to the game area 31 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30. The lower plate 14 is provided with a ball removal mechanism 16 for discharging game balls stored in the lower plate 14 to the outside.

  The upper plate unit 11 is provided with an effect button 17 for receiving an operation input from a player on the front side of the upper plate 11a. When the player operates the effect button 17, it is possible to perform an effect in which the player's operation is intervened in the variable display game on the display device 35 (see FIG. 2), and in the normal game state, the effect pattern ( The production mode) can be changed. The fluctuation display game includes a special figure fluctuation display game and a common figure fluctuation display game. In the present specification, when the fluctuation display game is simply referred to, the special figure fluctuation display game is indicated.

  The normal gaming state is a gaming state in which a specific gaming state has not occurred. The specific game state is, for example, a probability change state with a high probability of drawing a variable display game, a short time state capable of improving the number of executions of the variable display game per unit time, a jackpot game state (special game state), Or a small hit gaming state.

  Here, the probability variation state is one that continues until the next big hit (loop type), one that continues until a predetermined number of fluctuation display games are executed (number-of-times type), and a predetermined probability falling lottery. Continuing until it is done (falling lottery type) is considered.

  Further, whether or not to generate a probability variation state is not determined by the jackpot symbol random number, it is possible to always generate a probability variation state when a jackpot occurs, or provide a winning device or the like having a specific area, A probability variation state may be generated when a game ball passes through a specific area.

  In addition, after the variable display game is started, an operation promotion effect for promoting the operation of the effect button 17 is executed. By operating the effect button 17 while the operation promotion effect is being executed, the start memory is stored. It is possible to execute a notice effect or the like for notifying the result of the corresponding variable display game in advance.

  Below the decorative member 7 of the glass frame 6, a ball lending button 18 that is operated when a player rents a game ball, and a discharge button 19 that is operated to discharge a prepaid card or the like from a card unit (not shown). Are arranged. Further, a balance display unit 20 for displaying a balance of a prepaid card or the like is provided between the ball lending button 18 and the discharge button 19.

  Further, in order to prevent forgetting to remove a prepaid card or the like, a warning message is displayed at a timing such as after the end of the big hit (special game state) or after the end of the short-time state, to alert the player. For example, a display such as “Caution forgetting to remove card” is displayed on the display device 35, or the balance display unit 20 is caused to emit light.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the gaming board 30 disposed in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 30 provided in the gaming machine 1.

  The game board 30 is provided with guide rails 33 as partition members on the surface of a rectangular game board main body 32 made of plywood, plastic, or the like, thereby forming a substantially circular game region 31.

  A center case 34 having an opening 34 a is disposed in the game area 31. An opening 30 a having a shape along the outer periphery of the center case 34 is formed in the game board 30, and the center case 34 is fitted into the opening 30 a from the front of the game board 30.

  A control base unit including a display device 35 is disposed on the back surface of the game board 30. The display device 35 includes a display unit 35a capable of displaying a variable display game that displays a plurality of pieces of identification information. The control base unit further includes an effect device capable of executing an operation effect and a light emission effect. The effect device includes a seesaw accessory 71 provided at a position corresponding to a lower portion of the center case 34, a side portion of the center case 34, and It is comprised from the sickle combination 500 provided in the position corresponding to an upper part.

  The opening 34 a of the center case 34 is provided corresponding to the display unit 35 a of the display device 35, and the display unit 35 a of the display device 35 is disposed so as to face the opening 34 a of the center case 34. The display unit 35a of the display device 35 is a liquid crystal display capable of displaying an arbitrary image. An image based on the progress of the game, such as a plurality of identification information (special symbols) and a character that produces a variable display game on the display screen. Is displayed. The display device 35 is configured such that a plurality of variable display areas (for example, three variable display areas on the left side, the center, and the right side) are set on the display unit 35a, and an independent image can be displayed in each display area. Yes.

  In the game area 31 on the upper right side of the center case 34, a normal figure start gate 36 is provided that establishes a start condition for a normal symbol (normal figure) variable display game when a game ball passes.

  A gaming area 31 below the center case 34 is provided with a first start winning opening 37 that can give a start condition for a first special symbol (first special figure) variable display game based on winning of a game ball. In the center case 34, the warp passage 200 for guiding the game balls flowing down the game area 31 to the inside of the center case 34 and the game balls passing through the warp passage 200 can roll and roll. A stage unit 80 is provided for allowing the game ball to flow down to the game area 31 above the first start winning opening 37.

  A game area 31 on the lower right side of the center case 34 is provided with a second start winning port 38 that can give a start condition for the second special symbol (second special figure) variable display game based on the winning of the game ball. . Since the second start winning opening 38 is located behind the decorative plate 39, the second starting winning opening 38 is not shown in FIG. The second start winning opening 38 is movable so that it projects forward of the game area 31 when the result of the normal variation display game is a win and can guide the flowing game ball to the second starting winning opening 38. A receiving part (not shown) is provided. The movable receiving portion is housed on the back side of the game board 30 in a normal state, and the game ball passing behind the decoration board 39 cannot enter the second start winning opening 38 (a disadvantageous state for the player). The game ball flows down without winning the second start winning opening 38. On the other hand, when the result of the universal figure change display game is a win, the movable receiving portion projects forward of the game area 31 based on the driving force of the universal solenoid 27 (see FIG. 3), and the decorative board 39 The game ball passing behind is likely to flow into the second start winning opening 38 (a state advantageous to the player). The movable receiving part provided in the second start winning opening 38 is controlled by the game control device 600 (FIG. 3). The game control device 600 generates a short-time state (a general power support state) as a specific game state by increasing the frequency of occurrence of the easy-to-win state or increasing the occurrence time of the easy-to-win state.

  In the game areas 31 on both the left and right sides of the first start winning opening 37, a plurality of general winning openings 40 are provided which satisfy only the conditions for paying out a winning ball when a winning game ball is won.

  In the game area 31 on the right side of the first start winning opening 37, an attacker-type opening / closing door that can be opened by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side falls to the near side by a large winning opening solenoid 28 (see FIG. 3). A first variable winning device 41 having a large winning opening 41a is provided. When the result of the first special figure variation display game is a big hit, the first variable prize winning device 41 changes from a state in which the big prize opening is closed (blocking state unfavorable to the player) to an open state (state advantageous to the player). By converting and facilitating the inflow of game balls into the special winning opening, prize balls are given to the players.

  A second variable winning device 45 is provided on the right side of the center case 34. When the game ball wins, the second variable winning device 45 gives a predetermined prize ball. The second variable winning device 45 includes a receiving port 45a that receives a game ball and an opening / closing part 45b that opens and closes the receiving port 45a. The receiving opening 45a of the second variable winning device 45 is disposed so as to be positioned between the second starting winning port provided behind the decorative plate 39 and the usual starting gate 36 in the vertical direction.

  When the result of the second special figure variation display game is out of place, the second variable winning device 45 closes the receiving port 45a by the opening / closing portion 45b, and the game ball cannot flow into the second variable winning device 45 (A disadvantageous situation for the player). On the other hand, when the result of the special figure 2 variable display game is a big hit, the opening 45a is opened by the opening / closing part 45b, and the game ball is likely to flow into the second variable winning device 45 (advantageous for the player). State).

  In addition to the above-mentioned starting prize opening and the like, the game area 31 includes a flow direction changing member such as a windmill (not shown) that changes the flow direction of the game ball and obstacle nails (not shown), An out port 42 for collecting the played game balls is provided.

  In the lower right part of the game board 30, a special figure fluctuation display of the special figure fluctuation display game (the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game), the special figure winning memory number (the first special figure) Fluctuation display game and second special figure fluctuation display game start memory number), ordinary figure fluctuation display game usual figure fluctuation display, ordinary figure winning memory number (ordinary figure fluctuation display game start memory number), and determination of jackpot A collective display device 50 for displaying the number of rounds and the like is provided.

  In the gaming machine 1, a game ball launched by a ball launching device (not shown) is launched into the game area 31 through the launch ball guide passage 43 defined along the inner peripheral wall of the guide rail 33, and the direction is changed. The game area 31 flows down while changing the dropping direction by a member (not shown). The firing ball guide passage 43 is formed by the guide rail 33 and the inner rail 44, and a valve body 400 is provided at the end of the inner rail 44 located at the exit of the firing ball guide passage 43. The lower end of the valve body 400 is fixed to the inner rail 44, and the valve body 400 is disposed so as to close the outlet of the firing ball guide passage 43. The valve body 400 is a leaf spring member made of a metal plate, and allows a game ball to be launched from the launch ball guide passage 43 to the game region 31, while playing from the game region 31 side to the launch ball guide passage 43. The back flow of the sphere is prohibited.

  The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the player makes a left or right strike according to the gaming state, and a short-time state does not occur after a normal gaming state or a big hit gaming state such as immediately after the game starts. Is left-handed by the player. Note that a left-handed or right-handed instruction is displayed on the display unit 35a of the display device 35 so that the player can easily make a game according to the gaming state.

  When left-handed, the game ball flows down the game area 31 on the left side of the center case 34, and the first winning prize opening 37 and the general winning opening provided on the left side of the first starting prize opening 37 are displayed. The player wins the prize 40 or is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the out port 42 provided at the bottom of the gaming area 31. The game ball guided to the stage unit 80 through the warp passage 200 also wins the first start winning opening 37 or wins the general winning opening 40 on the left side of the first starting winning opening 37. When a game ball wins the general winning opening 40 or the first start winning opening 37, the number of game balls corresponding to the type of the winning winning opening is paid out to the player as a winning ball.

  When a game ball wins the first start winning opening 37, the first special figure variation display game is executed on the collective display device 50, and a decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the first special figure variation display game is displayed on the display device. 35. In the display device 35, a decoration special figure fluctuation display game in which identification information composed of three numbers or the like is sequentially displayed in a changing manner is started, and an image relating to the decoration special figure fluctuation display game is displayed on the display unit 35a. When a game ball is won at the first start winning opening 37 at a predetermined timing, the result of the first special figure variation display game becomes a special result mode (big hit), and the ornament special figure variation display game has three displays. Stop when the symbols are aligned. In this case, the open / close door 41a of the first variable winning device 41 is opened, and a big hit gaming state (special gaming state) is entered.

  During the big hit gaming state, in order to make the game ball win a big winning opening of the first variable winning device 41, the player will make a right strike. When a right strike is made, the game ball flows down the game area 31 on the right side of the center case 34. The game winning ball from the closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) that does not accept the game ball until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of game balls wins the game winning port. Is in an open state (a state advantageous to the player). When a game ball wins a big winning opening, a player is given a game value capable of acquiring many game balls. One round is defined as opening the grand prize opening until a predetermined number of game balls are won in the big prize opening or a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening of the grand prize opening. The number of rounds (for example, 15 times or 2 times) is continued.

  By the way, when the stop symbol at the time of the big hit is a specific symbol or the like, the gaming state after the big hit gaming state becomes a short time state. The time reduction state is continued until, for example, the special figure fluctuation display game (the first special figure fluctuation display game or the second special figure fluctuation display game) is performed 100 times. During the short-time state, the gaming machine 1 is set so that the player makes a right turn. In the case where the time-short state does not occur after the big hit gaming state, a left-handed instruction is displayed on the display unit 35a of the display device 35, and the player left-handed.

  When a right-handed strike is made during the short-time state and the game ball passes through the usual figure start gate 36, the collective display device 50 starts the usual figure change display game. When the game ball is passed to the usual figure start gate 36 at a predetermined timing, the result of the usual figure change display game is won. In this case, the movable receiving portion of the second start winning port 38 located behind the decorative plate 39 projects forward of the game area 31 based on the driving force of the general-purpose solenoid 27 (see FIG. 3), and the second start The possibility of winning a game ball in the winning opening 38 is increased.

  When a game ball wins the second start winning opening 38, the second special figure variation display game is executed on the collective display device 50, and the decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the second special figure variation display game is displayed on the display device. 35. Similarly to the first special figure fluctuation display game, the display device 35 starts a decoration special figure fluctuation display game in which identification information composed of three numbers and the like is sequentially displayed, and an image relating to the decoration special figure fluctuation display game is displayed. It is displayed on the display unit 35a. When the game ball is won at the second start winning opening 38 at a predetermined timing, the result of the second special figure variation display game becomes a special result mode (big hit), and the ornament special figure variation display game has three displays. Stop when the symbols are aligned. In this case, the open / close door 41a of the first variable winning device 41 is opened, and a big hit gaming state (special gaming state) is entered.

  In addition, after completion of the time-saving state, a left-handed instruction is displayed on the display unit 35a of the display device 35, and left-handed by the player. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game progresses while the player makes a left strike or a right strike.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the game control device 600 and the effect control device 700 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing a control system centering on the game control device 600 of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram showing a control system centering on the effect control device 700 of the gaming machine 1.

  A game control device (game control means) 600 shown in FIG. 3 is a main control device (main board) that comprehensively controls games in the gaming machine 1. A power supply device 800, a payout control device 640, and an effect control device 700 are connected to the game control device 600. The game control device 600 transmits a control signal (command) to the payout control device 640 and the effect control device 700 to instruct execution of various processes. Furthermore, the game control device 600 is connected to various switches, solenoids to be controlled, and the like.

  The game control device 600 includes a CPU unit 610 that performs various arithmetic processes, an input unit 620 that receives input of various signals, and an output unit 630 that outputs various signals and control signals. The CPU unit 610, the input unit 620, and the output unit 630 are connected to each other by a data bus 680.

  The input unit 620 receives signals output from various switches provided on the game board 30 and the like and signals output from the payout control device 640. The input unit 620 includes a proximity interface (I / F) 621 and input ports 622 and 623.

  The input ports 622 and 623 receive a signal input via the proximity I / F 621 or directly receive a signal input from the outside. Information input to the input ports 622 and 623 is provided to the CPU unit 610 and the like via the data bus 680.

  The proximity I / F 621 is an interface that receives signals output from various switches, converts the input signals, and outputs the converted signals to the input port 622. The proximity I / F 621 is connected to a first start port switch 601, a second start port switch 602, a gate switch 603, winning port switches 604a to 604n, and a count switch 605.

  The first start port switch 601 is a switch that detects that a game ball has won the first start winning port 37. The second start port switch 602 is a switch that detects that a game ball has won the second start winning port 38. The gate switch 603 is a switch that detects that the game ball has passed the usual start gate 36. The winning award opening switches 604a to 604n are switches for detecting that the game ball has won the general winning opening 40.

  Detection signals of the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602 are output to the input port 622 and also to the gaming microcomputer 611 via the inversion circuit 612 of the CPU unit 610. This is because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 611 is designed to detect the low level as an effective level.

  The count switch 605 is a switch for detecting that a game ball has won a big winning opening. When a winning game ball is detected by the count switch 605, the number of winning game balls is counted, and the counted number of gaming balls is stored in a memory provided in the game control device 600.

  Since the voltage of the input signal to the proximity I / F 621 is normally within a predetermined range, according to the proximity I / F 621, disconnection of lead wires in various switches based on voltage values of signals from the various switches, Short circuit, abnormal voltage value, etc. can be detected. When such an abnormality is detected, the proximity I / F 621 outputs a signal indicating the abnormality from the abnormality detection output terminal.

  In addition, since the output value (ON / OFF) of the signal input to the proximity I / F 621 is switched by attaching / detaching the connector of the switch connected to the proximity I / F 621, the proximity I / F 621 is not connected to the switch. Even so, the output is kept constant.

  In addition, signals from the magnetic sensor switch 23 and the vibration sensor switch 24 are directly input to the input port 622, and the front port opening detection switch (SW) 25 and the game frame opening detection switch (SW) 26 are input to the input port 623. The signal is input directly. Various signals from the payout control device 640 are also input to the input port 623.

  The magnetic sensor switch 23 detects a magnetic force in order to detect an illegal act of manipulating the trajectory of the launched game ball with a magnet. The vibration sensor switch 24 detects the vibration of the gaming machine 1 in order to detect an illegal act that vibrates the gaming machine 1.

  The front frame opening detection SW 25 detects that the front frame 5 is opened. The front frame opening detection SW 25 is set to ON when the front frame 5 is released from the main body frame 2, and is set to OFF when the front frame 5 is closed to the main body frame 2.

  The game frame opening detection SW 26 detects that the glass frame 6 has been opened. The game frame opening detection SW 26 is set to ON when the glass frame 6 is released from the front frame 5, and is set to OFF when the glass frame 6 is closed to the front frame 5.

  The CPU unit 610 of the game control device 600 includes a game microcomputer 611, an inversion circuit 612, and a crystal oscillator 613.

  The gaming microcomputer 611 includes a CPU 611a, a ROM 611b, and a RAM 611c, and executes various processes such as a big hit lottery by executing a program stored in the ROM 611b based on a signal input via the input unit 620. . Through the output unit 630, the gaming microcomputer 611 includes a collective display device 50 including a gaming state notification LED 12, a collective display device 50, and the like, a general electric solenoid 27, a special prize opening solenoid 28, an effect control device 700, and a payout A control signal is transmitted to the control device 640 to control the gaming machine 1 in an integrated manner. The gaming microcomputer 611 selects a port for inputting or outputting a signal by chip selection.

  The ROM 611b is a non-volatile storage medium and stores programs, data, and the like for game control.

  The RAM 611c is a volatile storage medium, and is used as a work area for temporarily storing information (for example, random number values) necessary for game control.

  The inversion circuit 612 inverts the logical value of the signal (the signal from the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602) input via the proximity I / F 621 and outputs the inverted value to the gaming microcomputer 611.

  The crystal oscillator 613 is configured as an operating clock source of a hard random number for performing a timer interrupt, a system clock signal, a big hit lottery, and the like.

  The output unit 630 of the game control device 600 includes ports 631a to 631e, buffers 632a and 632b, drivers 633a to 633d, and a photocoupler 634.

  The ports 631a to 631e receive signals input via the data bus 680.

  The buffers 632a and 632b temporarily hold signals input via the data bus 680 and the ports 631a and 631b.

  The drivers 633a to 633d generate various drive signals from the signals input via the ports 631c to 631e and output them to each device.

  The photocoupler 634 is configured to be connectable to an external inspection device 670, and removes noise from various signals that are input and output to shape the waveforms of the various signals. Information is transmitted and received between the photocoupler 634 and the inspection device 670 by serial communication.

  Information output from the CPU unit 610 by parallel communication is transmitted to the payout control device 640 via the port 631a. Since there is no need to secure one-way communication for the payout control device 640, a control signal is directly transmitted from the port 631a to the payout control board of the payout control device 640.

  Also, the payout control device 640 outputs a firing permission signal to the firing control device 690. The launch control device 690 can launch a game ball into the game area 31 only when a launch permission signal is input.

  The payout control device 640 discharges the winning ball from the payout unit (not shown) based on the prize ball command signal from the game control device 600, or the payout unit based on the lending request signal from the card unit (not shown). Or renting a ball. The payout control device 640 outputs a payout abnormality status signal, a shot ball shortage switch signal, and an overflow switch signal to the game control device 600 when a failure such as a ball breakage or a failure occurs.

  The payout abnormality status signal is a signal output when the game ball is not paid out normally. The payout chute ball switch signal is a signal that is output when there is a shortage of game balls before payout. The overflow switch signal is a signal output when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 14 (see FIG. 1).

  The effect control device 700 receives a data strobe signal (SSTB) from the port 631a of the output unit 630 and an 8-bit data signal from the port 631b via the buffer 632a. The data strobe signal (SSTB) is a 1-bit signal indicating whether data is valid or invalid. The 8 + 1 bit signal (subcommand) from the buffer 632a is output by parallel communication. The buffer 632a is provided to secure one-way communication so that a signal cannot be transmitted from the effect control device 700 to the game control device 600. The subcommands transmitted to the effect control device 700 include effect control command signals such as a change start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, and an error designation command.

  A signal output from the CPU unit 610 is input to the special winning opening solenoid 28 and the general power solenoid 27 via the port 631c and the driver 633a. The large winning opening solenoid 28 rotates the open / close door 41a (see FIG. 2) of the first variable winning apparatus 41, and the general electric solenoid 27 is a movable receiving portion of the second starting winning opening 38 disposed behind the decorative board 39. Is moved back and forth.

  The collective display device 50 includes a gaming state notification LED 12, a collective display device 50, and the like. The anode terminal of the LEDs of the collective display device 50 is connected to the driver 633c via a segment line, and the driver 633c and the port 631d are connected. The cathode terminal of the LEDs of the collective display device 50 is connected to the driver 633b via a digit line, and the driver 633b and the port 631c are connected. The on / off drive signal from the driver 633c is input to the anode terminal of the LEDs of the collective display device 50, and the on / off drive signal is output from the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 50 to the driver 633b.

  The external information terminal 660 is a terminal for outputting game data such as a start signal indicating the start of the variable display game and a special prize signal indicating the occurrence of the big hit gaming state to the information collecting terminal device. The game data is output to the external information terminal 660 via the port 631e and the driver 633d.

  The game control device 600 is configured to be connectable to an external test firing test device via a relay board 650. The test firing test apparatus is an apparatus for performing a type test of the gaming machine 1 in a predetermined engine. The test firing test apparatus includes signals from the first start port switch 601, the second start port switch 602, the gate switch 603, the winning port switches 604a to 604n, and the count switch 605, the big winning port solenoid 28 and the general electric solenoid 27. Signals necessary for the test fire test, such as signals output to, are input.

  The game control device 600 is connected to the power supply device 800 via a Schmitt circuit 624 provided in the input unit 620. The Schmitt circuit 624 is a circuit that removes fluctuation (noise) of the input signal in order to prevent the operation of the gaming machine 1 from becoming unstable when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. The Schmitt circuit 624 receives a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 800.

  The power supply device 800 includes a normal power supply unit including an AC-DC converter that generates a DC32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power supply, and a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC12V and DC5V from the DC32V voltage. 810, a backup power supply unit 820 that supplies a power supply voltage to the RAM 611c in the gaming microcomputer 611 at the time of a power failure, a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch, and notifies the game control device 600 of the occurrence and recovery of the power failure And a control signal generation unit 830 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal.

  The backup power supply unit 820 is a power supply for backing up game data stored in the RAM 611c of the game microcomputer 611. After the power failure is restored, the game control device 600 restores the gaming state before the power failure based on the game data held in the RAM 611c.

  The control signal generator 830 monitors the input voltage (guaranteed DC 32V) of the switching regulator that generates DC 12V and DC 5V. When the detected voltage is DC 17.2 V to DC 20.0 V, it is determined that there is a power failure, and a power failure monitoring signal is output from the control signal generation unit 830. The power failure monitoring signal is input to the input port 623 of the input unit 620 via the Schmitt circuit 624. After the power failure monitoring signal is output, the power failure monitoring circuit outputs a reset signal. The reset signal is input to each port 631a to 631e of the gaming microcomputer 611 and the output unit 630 via the Schmitt circuit 624. When the game control device 600 receives the power failure monitoring signal, the game control device 600 performs a predetermined power failure process, and stops the operation of the CPU unit 610 after receiving the reset signal.

  The control signal generation unit 830 includes an initialization switch (not shown), and an initialization switch signal is output from the control signal generation unit 830 when the initialization switch is in an ON state when the power is turned on. The initialization switch signal is input to the input port 623 of the input unit 620 via the Schmitt circuit 624. The initialization switch signal is a signal for forcibly initializing information stored in the RAM 611c of the gaming microcomputer 611 and the RAM of the payout control device 640.

  An effect control device (effect control means) 700 shown in FIG. 4 includes a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 710 composed of an amusement chip (IC) and a main control microcomputer 710 in the same manner as the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600. A video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 720 that performs video control and the like under control, and a VDP that performs image processing for video display on the display device 35 (see FIG. 2) in accordance with commands and data from the video control microcomputer 720. Video Display Processor) 730, and a sound source LSI 705 for reproducing various melodies and sound effects from the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b.

  PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) 702 and 703 storing programs executed by the CPUs are connected to the main control microcomputer 710 and the video control microcomputer 720, respectively. Character images and video data are stored in the VDP 730. An image ROM 704 is connected, and an audio ROM 706 storing audio data is connected to the tone generator LSI 705. The main control microcomputer 710 analyzes the command from the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600, instructs the video control microcomputer 720 about the contents of the output video, instructs the sound source LSI 705 to reproduce the sound, LEDs, etc. Processing such as lighting, motor drive control, production time management, etc. is executed.

  RAMs 711 and 721 that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer 710 and the video control microcomputer 720 are provided in the respective chips. The RAMs 711 and 721 that provide the work area may be provided outside the chip.

  Data transmission / reception is performed between the main control microcomputer 710 and the video control microcomputer 720 and between the main control microcomputer 710 and the tone generator LSI 705 in a serial manner. In contrast, the main control microcomputer 710 and the VDP 730 are configured to transmit and receive data in a parallel manner. By transmitting and receiving data in the parallel system, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the serial system.

  The VDP 730 includes an ultrahigh-speed VRAM (video RAM) 731 used for expanding and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 704, and a scaler 732 for enlarging and reducing the image. , And a signal conversion circuit 733 for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 35 by the LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is output from the VDP 730 to the main control microcomputer 710 in order to synchronize the image of the display device 35 and the lighting of the LEDs provided on the front frame 5 and the game board 30. Also, the VDP 730 notifies the video control microcomputer 720 that it is waiting to receive commands and data from the interrupt signals INT0 to n and the video control microcomputer 720 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in the VRAM 731. A wait signal WAIT is output.

  From the video control microcomputer 720 to the main control microcomputer 710, a synchronization signal SYNC for notifying that the video control microcomputer 720 is operating normally and giving command transmission timing is output.

  Between the main control microcomputer 710 and the tone generator LSI 705, an interrogation signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged in order to transmit and receive commands and data by the handshake method.

  The video control microcomputer 720 uses a CPU that is faster than the main control microcomputer 710. By providing the video control microcomputer 720 separately from the main control microcomputer 710 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display on the display device 35 a fast moving image with a large screen that is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer 710 alone. In addition, an increase in cost can be suppressed as compared with the case where two CPUs having processing capabilities equivalent to those of the video control microcomputer 720 are used.

  The effect control device 700 includes an interface chip (command I / F) 701 for receiving a command transmitted from the game control device 600. The effect control device 700 receives the change start command, the customer waiting demo command, the fanfare command, the probability information command, the error designation command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 600 as the effect control command signal via the command I / F 701. To do. Since the game microcomputer 611 of the game control device 600 operates at DC 5V and the main control microcomputer 710 of the effect control device 700 operates at DC 3.3V, the command I / F 701 is provided with a signal level conversion function. Yes.

  The effect control device 700 includes a panel decoration LED control circuit 741 that controls a panel decoration device 760 including LEDs and the like provided on the center case 34 and the game board 30, and a frame decoration device 21 that includes LEDs and the like provided on the front frame 5 and the like. The frame decoration LED control circuit 742 for controlling the display, the board effect motor / SOL (solenoid) for driving and controlling the board effect device 770 including the electric accessory and the effect device 70 that enhance the effect by cooperating with the effect display on the display device 35 ) A frame effect motor control circuit 744 for driving and controlling the frame effect device 22 including the control circuit 743 and the illumination drive motor of the movable illumination 9 is provided. These control circuits 741 to 744 are connected to the main control microcomputer 710 via an address / data bus 740.

  Further, the effect control device 700 includes an effect button switch (SW) 751 for detecting that the effect button 17 (see FIG. 1) is operated and an effect motor switch (SW) for detecting that various drive motors are driven. A switch (SW) input circuit 750 that detects the ON / OFF state of 752 and transmits a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 710 is provided.

  Furthermore, the effect control device 700 is provided with amplifier circuits 707 and 708 including audio power amplifiers for driving the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b.

  The normal power supply unit 810 of the power supply device 800 is configured to be able to generate a plurality of types of voltages in order to supply a predetermined level of DC voltage to the effect control device 700 and the electronic components controlled by the effect control device 700. ing. Specifically, in addition to DC 32V for driving the drive motor and solenoid, DC 12V for driving the display device 35 including a liquid crystal panel, DC 5V as the power supply voltage of the command I / F 701, the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker It is possible to generate a DC 18V for driving the speaker 10b and a voltage of NDC 24V used as a reference for these DC voltages or for turning on the power monitor lamp.

  The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generation unit 830 of the power supply device 800 is supplied to the main control microcomputer 710, the video control microcomputer 720, the VDP 730, the tone generator LSI 705, and the various control circuits 741 to 744, 707, and 708. To the reset state. The power supply device 800 has a function of generating and supplying a reset signal for the VDP 730 using a general-purpose port of the video control microcomputer 720. Thereby, the cooperation of the operations of the video control microcomputer 720 and the VDP 730 can be improved.

  The configuration of the gaming machine in the present embodiment has been described above. Next, control in the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  First, the main process in the game control apparatus 600 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the first half of the main processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the latter half of the main process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The main process is started when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. For example, it is executed when a gaming machine is turned on to start business at a game hall or when a power failure is restored.

  When the main process is executed, the game control device 600 first prohibits interruption (A1001). Next, interrupt vector setting processing for setting a vector address indicating a jump destination executed when an interrupt occurs is executed (A1002). Furthermore, a stack pointer that is the head address of an area for saving a value of a register or the like when an interrupt occurs is set (A1003). Further, an interrupt processing mode is set (A1004).

  Next, the game control device 600 stands by until the program of the payout control device (payout board) 640 starts normally (A1005). For example, wait for 4 milliseconds. By controlling in this way, when the power is turned on, the game control device 600 is started first and the command is transmitted to the payout control device 640 before the start-up of the payout control device 640 is completed. , It can be avoided that the payout control device 640 misses the transmitted command.

  Thereafter, the game control device 600 permits access to a read / write RWM (read / write memory) such as a RAM or EEPROM (A1006). Further, all output ports are set to off (no output) (A1007). In addition, the serial port preinstalled in the gaming microcomputer 611 is set not to be used (A1008). This is because the serial port is not used because parallel communication is performed with the payout control device 640 and the effect control device 700 in the present embodiment.

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the initialization switch signal in the power supply device 800 is set to ON (A1009). The initialization switch signal is a signal for setting whether or not to start a game in an initialized state when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

  For example, if the power is turned off while the store is closed, etc., and the power is turned on when the store opens the next day, the initialization switch signal is set to ON so that the game starts in the initialized state. Is done. On the other hand, when the power is turned on again after a power failure, the initialization switch signal is turned off so that the game machine is not initialized in order to resume the game as close to the gaming state as possible before the power failure. Is set.

  When the initialization switch signal is set to OFF (the result of A1009 is “N”), the game control device 600 checks whether the data in the power failure inspection area in the RWM is normal (A1010). ~ A1013). More specifically, the power outage inspection area includes a power outage inspection area 1 and a power outage inspection area 2. The power failure inspection area 1 stores power failure inspection area check data 1, and the power failure inspection area 2 stores power failure inspection area check data 2. In the processing of step A1010 and step A1011, it is checked whether or not the power failure inspection area check data 1 stored in the power failure inspection area 1 is normal. Similarly, in the processing of step A1012 and step A1013, it is checked whether or not the power failure inspection area check data 2 stored in the power failure inspection area 2 is normal.

  When it is determined that the power failure inspection area check data in the power failure inspection area in the RWM is normal (the result of A1013 is “Y”), the game control device 600 performs a check to calculate verification data called a checksum. Sum calculation processing is executed (A1014).

  Then, the game control device 600 compares the checksum value calculated in the checksum calculation process with the checksum value calculated when the power is turned off (A1015), and determines whether these values match. Determine (A1016).

  On the other hand, in the game control device 600, when the initialization switch signal is set to ON (the result of A1009 is “Y”), the value of the power failure inspection area is not normal (the result of A1011 or A1013 is “N”). If the checksum value at power-off and the checksum value calculated in step A1014 do not match (result of A1016 is “N”), the initial values from step A1039 to step A1043 in FIG. Execute the conversion process. Details of the initialization process will be described later.

  When the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value at the time of power-off (the result of A1016 is “Y”), the game control apparatus 600 has executed the power failure processing normally, and therefore The process for recovering the state is executed (A1017 to A1023 in FIG. 20). First, an area in the RWM (read / write memory: RAM in the embodiment) in which information for determining whether or not the information at the time of a power failure has been normally stored is cleared (initialized). Specifically, all the power outage inspection areas are cleared (A1017), and the area where the checksum is stored is cleared (A1018). Further, an area for storing error-related information and information for monitoring fraud is reset (A1019).

  Next, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the game state at the time of the power failure is a high probability state from the area for storing the game state in the RWM (A1020). If it is determined that the probability is not high (the result of A1020 is “N”), the processing after step A1023 is executed.

  In addition, when it is determined that the gaming state at the time of the power outage is a high probability state (the result of A1020 is “Y”), the game control device 600 sets the high probability notification flag to ON and performs the high probability notification. Save to the flag area (A1021). Subsequently, the high-probability notification LED (third gaming state indicator 58) provided in the collective display device 50 is set to ON (lighted) (A1022).

  Further, the game control device 600 transmits a command at the time of power failure recovery corresponding to the special figure game process number to the effect control device 700 (A1023). The special figure game process number is a number indicating the state of the special figure game, and is stored in a predetermined area of the RWM when a power failure occurs. In this way, by transmitting the power failure recovery command corresponding to the special figure game process number to the effect control device 700, the game can be resumed in a state as close as possible to before the power failure occurs.

  Here, a case where the initialization process is executed will be described. As described above, the initialization process is executed when a gaming machine that has been normally powered off is activated or when it cannot return to the state before the occurrence of a power failure.

  In the initialization process, the game control device 600 first clears all work areas before the access prohibited area (A1039). Further, all stack areas after the access prohibited area are cleared (A1040). Then, an initial value for power-on is saved in the initialized area (A1041).

  Subsequently, the game control apparatus 600 sets a time value corresponding to the period for outputting the external information related to RWM clear (A1042). Then, at the end of the initialization process, a command for turning on the power is transmitted to the effect control device 700 (A1043), and the processes after step A1024 are executed.

  When the processing of step A1023 or step A1043 is completed, the game control device 600 includes a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the game microcomputer 611 (clock generator). Start (A1024).

  The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 611. The clock generator includes a frequency dividing circuit that divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 613 and the CTC circuit described above. The timer interrupt signal is a signal for causing the CPU 611a to generate a timer interrupt with a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) based on the divided signal. The random number update trigger signal (CTC) is supplied to the random number generation circuit based on the divided signal, and the random number generation circuit serves as a trigger for updating the random number.

  When the CTC circuit is activated, the game control device 600 performs activation setting of the random number generation circuit (A1025). Specifically, the CPU 611a executes processing such as setting a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Further, the values of predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at the time of power-on are saved in predetermined areas of the RWM as initial values (start values) of various initial value random numbers (A1026). . Thereafter, the game control device 600 permits an interrupt (A1027).

  Note that the random number generation circuit in the CPU 611a of the present embodiment is configured such that the initial value of the soft random number register is changed each time the power is turned on, and initial values of various initial value random numbers are based on the initial value of the soft random number register. By setting a value (start value), it becomes possible to break the regularity of random numbers generated by software, making it difficult for a player to acquire illegal random numbers. The various initial value random numbers include, for example, a random number for determining a jackpot symbol (big hit symbol random number 1, a jackpot symbol random number 2), and a random number for determining a hit of a normal variation display game (a hit random number).

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 executes an initial value random number update process for updating the values of various initial value random numbers and breaking the regularity of the random numbers (A1028). In the present embodiment, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number generated in the random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, and the variation pattern random number are soft random numbers generated by software. Note that the source of various random numbers is not limited to the above-described mode, and the big hit random number may be a software random number, or the big hit symbol random number, the hit random number, and the variation pattern random number may be a hardware random number. .

  Further, after the initial value random number update process is executed, the game control device 600 sets the number of times of checking the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 800 and read through the port and the data bus (A1029). Normally, a value of 2 or more is set as the number of checks. It is possible to determine whether or not a power failure has occurred by checking the power failure monitoring signal. The game control device 600 determines whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on (A1030). When the power failure monitoring signal is not on, that is, when there is no power failure (the result of A1030 is “N”), the initial value random number update processing of step A1028 is executed again, and the processing from step A1028 to step A1030 is repeated. Execute (loop processing).

  Also, by permitting an interrupt (A1027) before the initial value random number update process (A1028), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process can be preferentially executed. Become. Accordingly, since the timer interrupt process cannot be executed until the execution of the initial value random number update process is completed, it is possible to avoid a shortage of time for executing various processes included in the interrupt process.

  In the initial value random number update process (A1028), the initial value random number update process may be executed by a timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. However, when the initial value random number update process is executed in the timer interrupt process, an interrupt is issued during the initial value random number update process in the main process in order to avoid executing the initial value random number update process in both processes. It is prohibited to release the interrupt after updating the initial random number. However, if the initial value random number update process is not executed in the timer interrupt process and the initial value random number update process is executed only in the main process as in this embodiment, the interrupt can be canceled before the initial value random number update process. There is no problem, and there is an advantage that the main processing is simplified.

  On the other hand, when the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON (the result of A1030 is “Y”), the game control device 600 indicates that the number of times that the power failure monitoring signal is continuously detected is detected. It is determined whether the number of checks set in step A1029 has been reached (A1031). If the number of times that the power failure monitoring signal is set to ON is not reached the number of checks (result of A1031 is “N”), whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is ON again. Is determined (A1030). That is, when the power failure monitoring signal is on, it is determined whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on for the number of checks.

  When the number of times that the power failure monitoring signal is continuously turned on reaches the number of checks (the result of A1031 is “Y”), the game control device 600 considers that a power failure has occurred. Then, processing at the time of occurrence of a power failure is executed (A1032 to A1038).

  The game control device 600 prohibits interruption (A1032) and sets all output ports to off (A1033). Thereafter, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 1 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 1 (A1034), and further, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 2 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 2 (A1035).

  Furthermore, the game control device 600 executes a checksum calculation process for calculating a checksum when the RWM is turned off (A1036), and saves (saves) the calculated checksum value in the checksum area of the RWM ( A1037). Finally, access to the RWM is prohibited so that the contents of the RWM are not changed (A1038), and the system waits until the power of the gaming machine 1 is cut off. In this way, by saving check data in the power failure recovery inspection area and calculating and storing the checksum at the time of power-off, the information stored in the RWM before power-off is correctly backed up. It is possible to determine when the power is turned on again.

  Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of timer interrupt processing according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The timer interrupt process is started when a periodic (for example, 1 millisecond cycle) timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 611a.

  When the timer interrupt process is started, the game control device 600 first saves the register by moving the value held in the predetermined register to the RWM (A1101). In this embodiment, a Z80 microcomputer is used as the game microcomputer. The Z80 microcomputer has a front register and a back register, and the processing in step A1101 can be implemented by saving the value held in the front register to the back register.

  Next, the game control device 600 executes input processing for acquiring input signals from various sensors and switches input via the input unit 620 and reading the state of each input port (A1102). The various sensors include a first start port switch 601, a second start port switch 602, a conventional gate switch 603, a count switch 605, and the like. In the input process, the input information is confirmed by performing chattering removal or the like on the input signal.

  Further, the game control device 600 executes output processing for transmitting output data related to game control set in various processes to the effect control device 700 and the payout control device 640 (A1103). The output data is information for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid, and the solenoids to be controlled include, for example, a big prize opening solenoid 28 and a general electric solenoid 27. The output process also includes a process of outputting game data to an information collecting terminal device (not shown) that collects game data in the gaming machine.

  Next, the game control device 600 executes a command transmission process for transmitting (outputting) the command set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the effect control device 700, the payout control device 640, etc. (A1104). Specifically, the effect control device 700 includes a change pattern designation command for designating the change pattern of the identification information in the special figure change display game, and a power failure recovery command for causing the effect control device 700 to execute the power failure recovery process when recovering from the power failure. Or a prize ball command specifying the number of prize balls to be paid out from the payout device is sent to the payout control device 640.

  Further, the game control device 600 executes a random number update process 1 for updating the jackpot symbol random number 1 and the jackpot symbol random number 2 (A1105), and subsequently uses a variation pattern random number for determining the variation pattern in the special diagram variation display game. Random number update processing 2 to be updated is executed (A1106). In random number update processing 1 and random number update processing 2, in order to give randomness to various random numbers, the values of counters corresponding to various random numbers (big hit random number counter, hit random number counter, presentation determination random number counter, etc.) are incremented by one To do.

  After that, the game control device 600 executes a winning port switch / error monitoring process for monitoring various winning port switches and the like, and monitoring errors such as unauthorized opening of a frame (A1107). The various winning opening switches include, for example, a first starting opening switch 601, a second starting opening switch 602, a gate switch 603, winning opening switches 604a to 604n, and a count switch 605. In the prize opening switch / error monitoring process, it is monitored whether a normal signal is input from these switches. As for error monitoring, the front frame 5 and the glass frame 6 are targeted for unauthorized opening.

  Further, the game control device 600 executes special figure game processing for performing processing related to the special figure variation display game (A1108). The details of the special figure game process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, the game control device 600 executes a general game process for performing a process related to the general map display game (A1109).

  Next, the game control device 600 executes a segment LED editing process for controlling the display contents of the segment LED for displaying the special figure variation game and various information related to the game (A1110). Specifically, the parameters for outputting the results of the special map variation display game and the general map variation display game to the segment LED (for example, the collective display device 50) are edited.

  The game control device 600 checks a detection signal from the magnetic sensor switch 23 or the vibration sensor switch 24 and executes a magnet error monitoring process for determining whether there is an abnormality (A1111). When the occurrence of an abnormality is detected, a notification sound is output from the speaker 10 or the gaming state notification LED 12 is turned on to notify the outside.

  Next, the game control device 600 executes an external information editing process for editing various signals output from the external information terminal 660 (A1112).

  Then, the game control device 600 clears the interrupt request and declares the end of the interrupt (A1113). Thereafter, the register temporarily saved in the process of step A1101 is restored (A1114), the interrupt and timer interrupt by the prohibited external device are permitted (A1115), the timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process. To do.

  Next, the details of the special game process (A1108) in the timer interrupt process described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of special figure game processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the special figure game process, input signal monitoring by the first start opening switch 601 and the second start opening switch 602, control of the entire process related to the special figure variation display game, and setting of display of the special figure (identification symbol, identification information) are set. Do.

  When the special figure game process is started, the game control device 600 first executes a start switch monitoring process for monitoring winnings of the first start port switch 601 and the second start port switch 602 (A1201).

  In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball wins at the first start winning port 37 and the second start winning port 38, various random numbers (such as big hit random numbers) are extracted, and a special variable display game based on the win Prior to the start of the game, a game result pre-determination is made to pre-determine a game result based on a prize.

  Next, the game control device 600 executes a count switch monitoring process (A1202). In the count switch monitoring process, a game ball won in the first variable winning device 41 is detected by a count switch 605 provided in the first variable winning device 41, and the number of winning game balls is monitored.

  Next, the game control device 600 determines whether or not the special figure game process timer has already expired or the special figure game process timer has expired as a result of updating (-1) the special figure game process timer. Is checked (A1203). Note that the special figure game processing timer is set with an initial value of the variation time of the special figure fluctuation display game to be executed, and the value of the special figure game processing timer is decremented by 1 in the process of step A1203. When the value of the special figure game processing timer becomes 0, it is determined that the time is up.

  When the special game process timer has not expired (the result of A1204 is “N”), the game control apparatus 600 executes the processes after step A1216.

  On the other hand, when the special game process timer expires (the result of A1204 is “Y”), the game control device 600 refers to the special game sequence to be branched to the process corresponding to the special game process number. The branch table is set in the register (A1205). Further, the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is acquired based on the table (A1206). Then, the return address after the branch process ends is saved in the stack area (A1207), and the process is branched according to the game process number (A1208).

  When the game process number is “0” (the result of A1208 is “0”), the game control device 600 executes a special figure routine process (A1209). The special chart routine process monitors the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, sets the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game, sets the effects, sets the information necessary to execute the special figure fluctuation processing, etc. Do.

  When the game process number is “1” (the result of A1208 is “1”), the game control device 600 executes the special figure changing process (A1210). In the special figure changing process, the stop display time of the identification information in the special figure changing display game, the setting of information necessary for performing the special figure display process, and the like are performed.

  When the game process number is “2” (the result of A1208 is “2”), the game control apparatus 600 executes a special figure display process (A1211). In the special figure display process, if the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is a big hit, the fanfare command setting according to the type of the big hit, the fanfare time corresponding to the big winning opening opening pattern of each big hit, Information necessary for performing fanfare / interval processing is set.

  When the game process number is “3” (the result of A1208 is “3”), the game control apparatus 600 executes the fanfare / interval process (A1212). In the fanfare / interval processing, setting of the opening time of the big prize opening, updating of the number of times of opening, setting of information necessary for performing the processing during opening of the big prize opening, and the like are performed.

  When the game process number is “4” (the result of A1208 is “4”), the game control apparatus 600 executes a special winning opening opening process (A1213). The processing during opening of the big prize opening is necessary to set an interval command if the big hit round is not the final round, while setting the command of the big hit end screen if the big round is the final round, or to perform the big prize opening remaining ball processing Set information.

  When the game process number is “5” (the result of A1208 is “5”), the game control device 600 executes the big winning opening remaining ball process (A1214). In the winning ball remaining ball processing, when the big hit round is the final round, the time for the remaining ball in the big winning mouth to be discharged is set, or the information necessary to perform the big hit end processing is set Or

  In the winning prize remaining ball process, information necessary for updating the special symbol process timer and performing the fanfare / interval process or the big hit end process is set. In addition, it is determined whether the maximum opening time of the grand prize opening has elapsed, or a predetermined number (predetermined number) of game balls have been won in the big prize opening, and the opening / closing door 41a is closed when any of the conditions is met. To do. After this is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds, the special figure game process number is set to 6.

  When the game process number is “6” (the result of A1208 is “6”), the game control apparatus 600 executes a jackpot end process (A1215). In the jackpot end process, information necessary for performing the special figure routine process in step A1209 is set.

  After that, the game control device 600 prepares a table for controlling the variation of symbols in the collective display device 50 in the special figure fluctuation display game (first special figure fluctuation display game, second special figure fluctuation display game) (A1216). ). Subsequently, the symbol variation control process related to the collective display device 50 is executed (A1217).

  The processing executed by the game control device 600 has been described above. Then, the process performed with the production | presentation control apparatus 700 is demonstrated.

  Subsequently, a process executed by the effect control device 700 to perform effect display will be described. First, details of the main process executed by the effect control device 700 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the first main process executed by the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 710 of the effect control device 700 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The 1st main process is executed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

  When the execution of the 1st main process is started, the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 710 first prohibits interruption (B1001). Next, the RAM 711 as a work area is cleared to 0 (B1002), and CPU initialization processing is executed (B1003). Thereafter, initial values necessary for executing various processes are set in the RAM 711 (B1004), and a random number initialization process is executed (B1005).

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 activates various interrupt timers for generating an interrupt at a predetermined timing (for example, 2 milliseconds) (B1006), and permits the interrupt (B1007). When the interrupt is permitted, a command reception interrupt process for receiving a command transmitted from the game control device 600 is executable.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 clears the WDT (watchdog timer) (B1008). The WDT is activated by the above-described CPU initialization process (B1003) and monitors whether the CPU is operating normally. If the WDT is not cleared after a certain period, the WDT times out and the CPU is reset.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 detects an operation signal of the effect button 17 by the player, or executes a process according to the detected signal (B1009). Further, a game control command analysis process for analyzing the game control command received from the game control device 600 is executed (B1010).

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a test mode process (B1011). In the test mode process, an inspection command is received at the time of inspection at the time of shipment from the factory, and LED lighting or the like is inspected. Therefore, the test mode process is executed when the CPU is inspected at the time of factory shipment.

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a 1st scene control process for controlling a scene (display content) to be displayed on the display device 35 based on the control command analyzed in the game control command analysis process (B1010) (B1012). ). In the 1st scene control process, the display contents of the screen are controlled in an integrated manner. Also included is a pre-reading notice control process for informing in advance that a variable display game with a high expectation level of jackpot is executed. The 1st scene control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a gaming machine error monitoring process for monitoring occurrence of abnormality in the gaming machine 1 (B1013). In addition to the abnormality related to the effect control device 700, when a command for instructing error notification is received from the game control device 600, a predetermined process such as alarm sound notification is executed.

  Then, the main control microcomputer 710 executes an effect command editing process for editing a command transmitted to the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 720 (B1014).

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 executes sound control processing for controlling sound output from the speaker 10 (B1015). Further, a decoration control process for controlling decoration devices such as LEDs (board decoration device 760, frame decoration device 21) is executed (B1016).

  Furthermore, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a motor / SOL control process for controlling a rendering device (board rendering device 770, frame rendering device 22) such as an electric accessory driven by a motor or a solenoid or a movable illumination ( B1017).

  Finally, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a random number update process for updating a random number such as an effect random number (B1018), and returns to the process of step B1008. Thereafter, the processing from step B1008 to step B1018 is repeated.

  Next, details of the 1st scene control process (B1012) in the 1st main process described above will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the first scene control process according to the embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the testing mode (B1101). In the case of the in-test mode (the result of B1101 is “Y”), it is not necessary to actually perform the production control, so the 1st scene control process is terminated.

  When the gaming machine 1 is not in the testing mode (the result of B1101 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not a scene change command transmitted from the gaming control device 600 has been received ( B1102). When the scene change command has not been received (the result of B1102 is “N”), the processing after step B1107 is executed.

  When the main control microcomputer 710 has received the scene change command (the result of B1102 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 acquires the updated (current) gaming state (B1103). Further, it is determined whether a valid command is received (B1104). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the change destination scene matches the current gaming state. If the main control microcomputer 710 has not received a valid command (the result of B1104 is “N”), the main control microcomputer 710 executes the processing after step B1107.

  When receiving a valid command (result of B1104 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 saves the received command in a predetermined area of the memory (RAM) (B1105). Further, an effect request flag is set (B1106). The effect request flag is a flag indicating that it is time to change the scene, and a process according to whether or not the effect request flag is set is executed in the changing process (B1111) described later.

  Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 executes processing according to the received command identifier (B1107).

  When the received command is a “power-on command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a power-on process (B1108). In the power-on process, the screen displayed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on is controlled.

  When the received command is a “power failure recovery command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a power failure recovery process (B1109). In the power failure recovery process, the screen displayed when the gaming machine 1 recovers from the power failure is controlled. It should be noted that no special process is executed when the customer waiting process is executed before the power failure.

  If the received command is a “customer waiting demo command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a customer waiting process (B1110). In the customer waiting process, the screen displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last execution of the variable display game is controlled.

  When the received command is a “variation pattern command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes the in-fluctuation process (B1111). In the changing process, information necessary for displaying a scene corresponding to the set change pattern is acquired, and effect control corresponding to the set change pattern is performed.

  If the received command is a “symbol stop command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes symbol stop processing (B1112). In the symbol stop process, the symbol variation display is stopped at the specified symbol.

  If the received command is a “fanfare command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes fanfare processing (B1113). In the fanfare process, a fanfare sound corresponding to the generated jackpot is output from the speaker 10.

  When the received command is the “large-open / open n-th command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes the in-round processing (B1114). In the round process, effect control during each round in the special gaming state is performed.

  When the received command is an “interval command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes interval processing (B1115). In the interval process, effect control between each round in the special gaming state is performed.

  When the received command is an “ending command”, the main control microcomputer 710 executes an ending process (B1116). In the ending process, effect control is performed when the special gaming state is finished.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes symbol command reception processing (B1117). The symbol command includes information for designating a stop symbol.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a hold number command reception process (B1118). The hold number command is a command for notifying the updated hold number. In the hold number command reception process, the hold display and the like are updated based on the received hold number.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a prefetch command reception process (B1119). The pre-read command receiving process is a process of setting a hold display effect or the like based on a pre-design symbol command or the like.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a probability information command reception process (B1120). The probability information command reception process is a process for setting a gaming state such as an internal probability based on the received probability information command. The probability information command includes, for example, a high accuracy / short time command, a low accuracy / short time command, a low accuracy / no support command, and the like.

  Next, details of the changing process (B1111) in the first scene control process described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the changing process according to the embodiment of this invention.

  First, the main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not an effect request flag is set (B1201). When the effect request flag is set (result of B1201 is “Y”), various information is set.

  Specifically, the main control microcomputer 710 first clears the effect button related information (B1202). That is, information on operation of each button constituting the effect button 17 is cleared. Subsequently, the main control microcomputer 710 sets a movable body request (B1203). That is, the operation mode of the movable illumination or the electric accessory is set according to the contents of the production.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes variation pattern information setting processing (B1204). In the variation pattern information setting process, a stop symbol of the special figure variation display game is set, or a variation time and a notice effect are set based on the variation pattern command.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a movable device setting process (B1205). In the movable device setting process, data for operating the movable accessory is set.

  Next, the main control microcomputer 710 executes random number seed initialization processing (B1206). The random number seed initialization process is a process for initializing a random number seed used for determining the contents of the production.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 sets a scene sequence table corresponding to the set variation pattern (B1207).

  Further, the main control microcomputer 710 executes a variation count management process for managing the variation count (B1208). Further, the effect request flag is cleared (B1209), and the process during change ends.

  On the other hand, when the effect request flag is not set (result of B1201 is “N”), main control microcomputer 710 determines whether or not to change the display effect state by the update timer. Specifically, first, it is determined whether the update timer is 0, that is, whether the time is up (B1211).

  When the update timer times out (the result of B1211 is “Y”), the main control microcomputer 710 sets the next scene data set in the scene sequence table (B1212), and ends the changing process. .

  Next, a more detailed configuration of the effect device and the effect control device 700 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described. First, the connection between the effect device provided in the game board and the effect control device 700 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a connection form between the effect control device 700, the board decoration device 760, and the board effect device 770 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 12, the connection of the effect control device 700, the lamp relay terminal (substrate) 790, the board decoration device 760, and the board effect device 770 will be described. The effect control device 700 includes a connection line Vcc, a connection line Vled, a connection line Vmot, a connection line Vsw, a connection line DAT (data signal line, data signal connection means), a connection line CLK (timing signal line, timing signal connection means), The lamp relay terminal (substrate) 790 is connected by a connection line LAT (latch signal line, holding data signal connection means), a connection line EN (enable signal line, allowable signal connection means), and a connection line GND.

  The connection line Vcc is a connection line for supplying power for logic to the lamp relay terminal 790 and control means such as a driver for controlling each effect device. The connection line Vled is a connection line for supplying power for causing the LED (panel decoration device 760) to emit light. The connection line Vmot is a connection line for supplying power to a motor or solenoid provided in the board effect device 770. The connection line Vsw is a connection line for supplying power to various sensors (a state detection sensor that detects a state of a motor included in the board effect device 770).

  The connection line CLK is a connection line for inputting and outputting a clock signal used for data communication on the connection line DAT, and functions as a timing signal line. The connection line DAT functions as a transmission data line that transmits a data signal from the effect control device 700 to the control means of each effect device, and receives information (for example, motor position information) detected by various sensors. It also functions as a receiving data line.

  The connection line EN is a connection line for transmitting an enable signal (allowance signal) that designates whether or not the performance operation can be performed. The connection line GND is a ground of the power supplied by the connection line Vcc, the connection line Vled, the connection line Vmot, and the connection line Vsw.

  As described above, the panel decoration device 760 includes a light emitting effect device such as an LED, and does not include a movable accessory (movable effect device) driven by a driving body such as a motor. Therefore, the lamp relay terminal 790 and the panel decoration device 760 are connected by a connection line Vcc, a connection line Vled, a connection line CLK, a connection line DAT, a connection line EN, and a connection line GND. A connection line Vmot and a control connection line Vsw necessary for driving a driving body such as a motor are not connected.

  On the other hand, the board effect device 770 is not provided with a light emission effect device such as an LED, but is provided with a movable accessory (movable effect device) driven by a driving body such as a motor. Therefore, a connection line Vled necessary for controlling a light emitter such as an LED is not connected between the lamp relay terminal 790 and the board effect device 770.

  Next, the connection between the effect device provided in the open / close frame 4 (the front frame 5 and the glass frame 6) and the effect control device 700 will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a connection form between the effect control device 700, the frame decoration device 21, and the frame effect device 22 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the effect control device 700 includes a frame decoration device via a front frame relay terminal (substrate) 1 (791), a front frame relay terminal (substrate) 2 (792), and a frame relay terminal (substrate) 793. 21 and the frame effect device 22.

  Between the effect control device 700 and the front frame relay board 1 (791), similarly to the lamp relay terminal 790, the connection line Vcc, the connection line Vled, the connection line Vmot, the connection line Vsw, the connection line DAT, the connection line CLK, Connected by a connection line LAT, a connection line EN, and a connection line GND, and further, a push button signal line and a select button signal line for inputting and outputting signals corresponding to operations of the effect button 17 and the select button are connected. Further, signal lines for outputting sound from the speaker 10 (speaker output R (+), speaker output R (−), speaker output L (+), speaker output L (−), speaker output W (+), speaker The output W (−)) is also connected.

  The front frame relay terminal 1 (791) and the front frame relay terminal 2 (792) are each provided with an output terminal connected to the speaker 10. Specifically, the front frame relay terminal 1 (791) is provided with a terminal connected to the lower speaker 10b provided at the lower part of the front frame 5. In addition, the front frame relay terminal 2 (792) is provided with terminals connected to the upper speakers 10a disposed on the left and right of the upper portion of the front frame 5. The frame relay terminal 793 may be provided with output terminals for all the speakers 10 and may not include the front frame relay terminal 1 (791) and the front frame relay terminal 2 (792) or one of them.

  Similarly to the board decoration device 760, the frame decoration device 21 includes a light emitting effect device such as an LED, and does not include a movable accessory driven by a driving body such as a motor. Therefore, between the frame relay terminal 793 and the frame decoration device 21, the connection line Vcc, connection line Vled, connection line DAT, connection line CLK, connection line LAT, connection line EN, connection line GND, push button signal line, select Connected by button signal line.

  On the other hand, the frame effect device 22 is connected to the connection line Vcc, the connection line Vmot, the connection line Vsw, the connection line DAT, the connection line CLK, the connection line LAT, and the connection line in the same manner as between the lamp relay terminal 790 and the board effect device 770. EN is connected by a connection line GND.

  The board decoration device 760, the board production device 770, the frame decoration device 21 and the frame production device 22, and each production device are provided with drivers that supply power to operate or shut off and stop power. . In the present embodiment, the driver includes an LED driver connected to a light emitter such as an LED, and a motor driver connected to a driver such as a motor. The LED driver and the motor driver are provided with a shift register. The driver and each rendering device controlled by the driver will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a configuration for controlling the board decoration device 760 and the board effect device 770 provided in the game board 30 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the light emitting effect device connected to the board decoration device 760 according to the embodiment of this invention. The LED boards included in the panel decoration device 760 are divided into five groups. In each group, power is supplied and control signals are transmitted via the LED drivers 1 to 5. As shown in FIG. 14, the connection line connected to the lamp relay terminal 790 branches and is connected to each LED driver.

  The LED driver 1 controls the LEDs arranged in the area including the lower part of the game board 30, the first start winning port 37, the first variable winning device (large winning port) 41, the out port 42, and the like. Specifically, an attacker LED board, a left side LED board, a chucker LED board, and a right side LED board are provided.

  The LED driver 2 controls the LEDs arranged on the right side of the center case 34. The LED driver 3 controls the LED disposed on the upper right side of the center case 34. The LED driver 4 controls the LEDs arranged on the rotating shaft side of the sickle accessory 500 arranged inside the center case 34. The LED driver 5 also controls the LED disposed on the tip side of the sickle accessory 500.

  Next, a configuration for controlling the board effect device 770 provided in the game board 30 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a driving body (motor) connected to the board rendering device 770 according to the embodiment of this invention. The motor boards included in the board effect device 770 are divided into three groups (movable groups). In each group, power is supplied and control signals are transmitted and received via MOT (motor) drivers 1 to 3. The connection line connected to the lamp relay terminal 790 branches and is connected to the MOT driver as shown in FIG.

  The MOT driver 1 controls a stepping motor for driving the sickle member 500 (see FIG. 19). The MOT driver 1 is connected to a motor switch 1 for acquiring position information of a stepping motor 771a for driving the sickle member 500. The stepping motor 771a and the motor switch 1 for detecting the position constitute an MOT (motor) group 1. In this embodiment, one set of MOT groups is configured to include one driver, but a plurality of drivers may be included.

  The MOT driver 3 controls a stepping motor 771 b that operates a seesaw accessory 71 provided at a position corresponding to the lower portion of the center case 34. The MOT driver 3 is connected to a stepping motor 771 c that operates the seesaw accessory 71 and the motor switch 3. The stepping motor 771c and the motor switch 3 constitute the MOT group 3.

  Here, the LED driver 1 will be further described. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a connection form of the LED driver 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the LED driver 1 includes a DAT terminal, a CLK terminal, a LAT terminal, an EN terminal, an A0 to A3 terminal, a Vcc terminal, a Vled terminal, and a GND terminal as input terminals, and PORT0 to PORT15 as output terminals. Is provided.

  The DAT terminal is connected to the connection line DAT, the CLK terminal is connected to the connection line CLK, the LAT terminal is connected to the connection line LAT, and the EN terminal is connected to the connection line EN. A power source supplied to the LED driver 1 is connected to the Vcc terminal. The Vled terminal is connected to the power supplied to the LED connected to each port. The A0 to A3 terminals are address setting terminals.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the LED driver 1 is provided with 16 ports (PORT 0 to 15) connected to the LEDs through resistors. Specifically, green (G), red (R), and blue (B) LEDs are connected to PORT0 to PORT2, and these LEDs are provided on the attacker LED substrate 41b. The PORTs 12 to 14 are provided with green (G), red (R), and blue (B) LEDs, and these LEDs are provided on the right side LED substrate 41c.

  The attacker LED board 41b is disposed on the back side of the first variable prize winning device (big prize opening) 41, and is controlled to emit light in a predetermined manner in each round in the big hit game, for example. Moreover, the right side LED board 41c is arrange | positioned in the right back side of the general winning opening 40 arrange | positioned at the right side of the 1st variable winning apparatus (large winning opening) 41, and it is made to light-emit in a predetermined | prescribed aspect according to the production content. Controlled.

  The LED driver 1 has a unique address set by address setting terminals A0 to A3. For example, the address “0000” is set in the LED driver 1. For example, when a control signal with an address specified is transmitted, whether or not to accept the input of the control signal compared with its own address is determined. You may make it determine.

  Further, the LED driver 2 and the LED driver 5 will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a connection form of the LED driver 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a connection form of the LED driver 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The LED driver 2 is connected to a normal power LED board, a lower left LED board, a pupil LED board, and a logo LED board. One red LED is connected to the ordinary power LED board and lights up whenever a game ball passes through the ordinary start gate 36. The logo LED board controls the LED that displays the logo of the gaming machine model. The logo LED substrate is provided with two sets of three kinds of LEDs of green, red, and blue. The address “0001” is set in the address setting terminals A0 to A3.

  The LED provided on the tip side of the sickle accessory 500 is connected to the LED driver 5. The LED driver 5 is provided with four sets of three types of green, red, and blue LEDs, and white LEDs are connected to the PORTs 12 to 14, respectively.

  Here, the arrangement of the motors connected to the MOT driver included in the board effect device 770 will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of driving bodies (motors) included in the board effect device 770 according to the embodiment of the present invention. (A) is the figure which looked at the center case 34 from the back side, (B) is the figure which looked at the center case 34 from the front side.

  The sickle accessory 500 and the seesaw accessory 71 included in the board effect device 770 are accommodated along the outer edge of the opening of the center case 34. The sickle accessory 500 is provided at a position corresponding to the side portion and the upper portion of the center case 34. The seesaw accessory 71 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower portion of the center case 34.

  In the sickle accessory 500, six small movable parts (not shown) and one large movable part have an initial position near the outer edge of the display device 35 and a maximum rotation position near the center of the display device 35. The effect production is executed by rotating between the two. The movable parts are connected to each other, and the movable parts connected to the drive shaft of the stepping motor 771a included in the motor group 1 are rotated to rotate the connected movable parts in a predetermined manner.

  Next, the MOT driver 1 will be further described. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a connection form of the MOT driver 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Similar to the LED driver 1, the MOT driver 1 includes a DAT terminal, a CLK terminal, a LAT terminal, an EN terminal, an A0 to A3 terminal, a Vcc terminal, a Vmot terminal, a Vsw terminal, and a GND terminal as input terminals, and as an output terminal, PORT0 to PORT15 are provided. Furthermore, a PI terminal is provided as an input / output terminal.

  The CLK terminal is connected to the connection line CLK, and the DAT terminal is connected to the connection line DAT. The A0 to A3 terminals are address setting terminals, and the address “1010” is set in the MOT driver 1.

  The PI terminal is connected to the motor switch 1 and outputs a position information acquisition request or receives position information output from the motor switch 1. Further, the position information of the motor 771a acquired from the PI terminal is output to the effect control device 700 through the DAT line.

  A power source supplied to the MOT driver 1 is connected to the Vcc terminal. Further, a capacitor CP for removing power supply noise is connected to the Vcc terminal. A power supply supplied to the stepping motor 771a is connected to the Vmot terminal. A power supply supplied to the motor switch 1 is connected to the Vsw terminal.

  As described above, the motor 771a controlled by the MOT driver 1 is constituted by a four-phase driving stepping motor, and rotates by sequentially applying a predetermined voltage to the signal terminals of each phase for driving the stepping motor. In the present embodiment, the signal terminals for each phase of the motor are connected to the PORT0 terminal to the PORT3 terminal.

  When a voltage is applied to one of the gates of the transistors connected to the PORT0 terminal to the PORT3 terminal connected to the motor 771a, a current may flow from the drain to the source of the transistor to which the voltage is applied. Thus, a current flows through the motor connected to the PORT0 terminal to the PORT3 terminal, and the accessory driving motor is driven.

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

  Next, the detailed configuration of the MOT driver that controls the movable accessory will be described, and the signal level for each position in the circuit when the power is turned on will be described. FIG. 21A is a diagram illustrating the configuration in the effect control device 700 and the board effect device 770 according to the embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 21A shows a conventional configuration, and FIG. 21B shows the configuration of the present embodiment. .

  (A) shows a conventional configuration, and power is supplied to the first CPU 710 at a voltage of 3.3V. The data connection line connected to the 1st CPU 710 is connected to the connector via the buffer circuit. A pull-up resistor 712 is connected between the 1st CPU 710 and the buffer circuit, and the signal level of the data connection line is maintained at a high level. The buffer circuit is supplied with power at a voltage of 5.0V.

  The effect control device 700 and the board effect device 770 are connected by a harness 780. Therefore, the production control device 700 and the board production device 770 can be easily attached and detached, and the degree of freedom of arrangement of the board production device 770 can be increased.

  The connector to which the harness 780 is connected is connected to a shift register (group unit control means) 772 that controls a rendering device such as a stepping motor in units of groups. The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 710 provided in the effect control device 700 constitutes a group overall control unit that comprehensively controls a plurality of shift registers (group unit control unit) 772.

  A pull-up resistor 773 and a buffer circuit are connected between the connector and the shift register 772. The pull-up resistor 773 and the buffer circuit are supplied with power at a voltage of 5.0V. The shift register 772 is also supplied with power at a voltage of 5.0V.

  The shift register 772 is provided with an output enable terminal (OE (negative logic)), and is configured such that when the signal level input to the output enable terminal is a low level, the rendering device to be controlled becomes active. ing. A connection line EN is connected to the output enable terminal.

  More specifically, a stepping motor is connected to the shift register 772 as an effect device to be controlled. When a signal having a low signal level is input to the output enable terminal, the stepping motor operates. The stepping motor is supplied with power at a voltage of 32.0V. In this embodiment, the stepping motor is one-phase excitation, but may be 1-2-phase excitation, two-phase excitation, or the like.

  (B) shows the configuration of the present embodiment, and the effect control device 700 includes a pull-down resistor 713 instead of the pull-up resistor 712. Specifically, a pull-down resistor 713 is connected between the 1st CPU 710 and the buffer circuit, and the signal level of the data connection line is maintained at a low level.

  Similarly, the board effect device 770 is provided with a pull-down resistor 774 instead of the pull-up resistor 773. Further, since the pull-down resistor 774 is provided, a low level signal is always input to the OE terminal of the shift register 772, so that it always becomes active. Therefore, the inverting circuit (signal inverting means) 775 is provided in the buffer circuit, so that the signal level input to the OE terminal is set to the high level.

  With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a malfunction of the stepping motor when a low level signal is output from the 1st CPU 710 during the startup period from when the power is turned on or reset to when the system of the production control board is started up. .

  Further, a pull-down resistor may be provided between the shift register 772 and the stepping motor 771a. When the signal level input to the output enable terminal is a high level (inactive signal), the output of the shift register 772 has a high impedance, so that the output signal is fixed to a low level by providing a pull-down resistor. Thus, it is possible to prevent the operation of the stepping motor 771a from being affected.

  Here, the structure of the shift register 772 will be described with reference to FIG. 21B. FIG. 21B is a diagram illustrating the structure of the shift register 772 in the board effect device 770 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The shift register 772 of this embodiment sequentially shifts the internal data set from the output terminals QA to QH at the timing when the signal level of the connection line CLK changes from the low level to the high level, and the data signal (of the connection line DAT). A value corresponding to (signal level), that is, control data output from the effect control device 700 is set as internal data at the output terminal QA. Each output terminal is connected to an effect device such as a stepping motor. For example, the output terminal QA is connected to a terminal corresponding to one phase of the stepping motor 772a, and the output terminal QB is connected to a terminal corresponding to two phases of the stepping motor 772a. .

  Then, at the timing when the signal level of the connection line LAT changes from the low level to the high level, it is possible to output the internal data set to QH from the output terminals QA to each effect device. At this time, when the enable (EN) signal is at a low level (active signal), control data is output, and when the enable (EN) signal is at a high level (inactive signal), the output is disabled and no control data is output.

  Here, it returns to description of FIG. 21A. As shown in FIG. 3, power is supplied from the power supply device at a voltage of 5.0V, and when power is supplied to the 1st CPU 710, the power is supplied after being converted to a voltage of 3.3V. Therefore, after the power is turned on, a conversion time is required until the voltage (reference voltage) of 5.0V is converted to the voltage (step-down voltage) of 3.3V. On the other hand, since the power of 5.0V is supplied to the shift register 772 and the like, there is a deviation from the timing when the power is supplied to the 1st CPU 710, and the time until the power is supplied to the 1st CPU 710 is indefinite. Is input to the connection line EN. This will be further described with reference to FIGS.

  22A and 22B are diagrams for explaining changes in voltage and enable signal and operation of the stepping motor when the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is turned on. FIG. 22A shows a conventional configuration, and FIG. The case of the structure of embodiment is shown.

  When the power of the gaming machine is turned on (time t0), power is supplied from the power supply device 800 to various control devices and various rendering devices. The supplied power reaches a predetermined voltage immediately after the power is turned on and takes a predetermined time until it is stabilized (time t1). Furthermore, after reaching a predetermined voltage (for example, 5.0V), the power is supplied to a predetermined device (for example, the 1st CPU 710 of the effect control device 700) by converting to a requested voltage (for example, 3.3V). .

  In addition, power is supplied to each device after the voltage is stabilized (time t1) for a rendering device to which a voltage before conversion (no conversion is required) is supplied, such as a board rendering device 770, but after conversion, as in the case of 1st CPU 710. The device to which the voltage is supplied is supplied with power after the voltage is converted. Therefore, a configuration (apparatus) to which power is supplied and a configuration (apparatus) to which power is not supplied are mixed until the voltage is converted.

  Specifically, although power is supplied to the board effect device 770, the power is not supplied to the first CPU 710 of the effect control device 700 that controls the board effect device 770 (time t1 to t2). However, this will occur in this embodiment. During this time, since the power is not stably supplied to the 1st CPU 710, the enable signal output by the 1st CPU 710 is in an indefinite state (N).

  In the conventional configuration shown in (A), since no power is supplied to the pull-up resistor 712 provided in the effect control device 700, the stepping motor is operated when the signal level is low.

  In the conventional configuration shown in (B), the signal level input to the shift register 772 can be set so that the stepping motor does not operate even when the signal level is low by the pull-down resistor 774 that does not require power supply. It becomes possible.

  Further, control of the period during which the enable signal output by the 1st CPU 710 is in an indefinite state will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the enable signal output by the 1st CPU 710 is indefinite when the conventional gaming machine is turned on. FIG. 23A shows the power supply voltage provided to each component. (B) shows signal levels in (1) to (6).

  As shown in (A), while the power supply device 800 converts the voltage of 5.0V to the voltage of 3.3V in order to supply power to the 1st CPU 710, the buffer circuit and the shift register 772 have 5.0V. However, no power is supplied to the 1st CPU 710 and the pull-up resistor 712 of the effect control device 700.

  Therefore, referring to (B), the enable signal output by the 1st CPU 710 is indefinite (N), and (1) and (2) are also indefinite. Since the buffer circuit is supplied with power, an indefinite signal is output after (3). That is, when the indeterminate signal is at the high level (H), the high level signal is input to the shift register 772, and the stepping motor does not operate. However, when the indefinite signal is at the low level (L), the shift register There is a possibility that a low level signal is input to 772 and the stepping motor performs an unexpected operation.

  In contrast, the present embodiment is configured to prevent an unexpected operation of the stepping motor. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the enable signal output by the 1st CPU 710 is indefinite when the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is turned on. FIG. The voltage is shown, and (B) shows the signal level from (A) to (F).

  As shown in (A), while the power supply device 800 converts the voltage of 5.0V to the voltage of 3.3V in order to supply power to the 1st CPU 710, the buffer circuit and the shift register 772 have 5.0V. Is supplied, but the first CPU 710 is not supplied with power.

  Therefore, referring to (B), the enable signal output by the 1st CPU 710 is indefinite (N), and (A) is also indefinite. However, in this embodiment, since the pull-down resistor 713 is provided between the 1st CPU 710 and the buffer circuit, the signal level is fixed to the low level in (B) regardless of the signal level of the indefinite signal. Then, the signal level is converted to a high level by the inverting circuit 775 (F) and input to the shift register 772. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the stepping motor from performing an unexpected operation even while the power supply device 800 is converting the voltage of 5.0V to the voltage of 3.3V.

  Further, in this embodiment, even when the harness 780 that connects the effect control device 700 and the board effect device 770 is removed and the signal level becomes indefinite, the pull-down provided in the board effect device 770 is provided. Since the signal level input to the shift register 772 can be set to the low level by the resistor 774, the stepping motor can be prevented from performing an unexpected operation.

  Here, the signal level after the power supply is stabilized will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a change in signal level until the signal output from the effect control device 700 is input to the shift register 772 of the board effect device 770 in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. The upper row shows the conventional configuration, and the lower row shows the configuration of the present embodiment.

  In the conventional configuration, the signal level of the input signal does not change and is input to the OE terminal of the shift register 772 as it is. Therefore, the stepping motor does not operate if the output signal is high level, and operates if it is low level.

  On the other hand, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the signal level input by the inverting circuit 775 is inverted. Therefore, in the configuration of the present embodiment, it is necessary to invert the signal level of the signal output from the 1st CPU 710.

  Lastly, the change in voltage and the state of each component from when the gaming machine 1 is turned on until it can be played will be described. FIG. 26 is a timing chart for explaining voltage change, game control, and effect control from when the power is turned on until normal game is started according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As described above, the normal power supply unit 810 of the power supply device 800 according to the present embodiment is configured to be capable of generating a plurality of types of voltages, and specifically, generates voltages of DC32V, DC12V, DC5V, DC18V, and NDC24V. It is possible to do.

  First, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, an initialization process by the gaming control device 600 is started. When the initialization process is completed, a power-on command is input, and the initialization operation of the movable body (the frame effect device 22 and the board effect device 770) is started. Further, the display device (display device 35) outputs the contents (power-on mode) displayed when the power is turned on.

  When the initialization process by the game control device 600 ends, the game shifts to the normal game operation state. When transitioning to the game normal operation state, the game ball can be launched and the game can be started. At this time, when a game ball wins at the start winning opening, a change pattern command is output from the game control device 600 to the effect control device 700 and a change display mode is output to the display device 35. When the variation display of the identification information is finished, the display is stopped.

  When the movable body initialization operation is started, the initialization operation is continued until a predetermined operation such as setting of an initial position is completed. At this time, even when the movable body initialization operation is executed and the game control device 700 shifts to the game normal operation state and the presentation control device 700 receives the variation pattern command, the initialization operation is not performed in response to the variation pattern. Continue to do. When the initialization operation is completed, the standby state is entered, and the operation instructed by the effect control device 700 is performed.

  With the configuration as described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the malfunction of the stepping motor is prevented when the signal is unstable, such as when turning on or resetting the gaming machine, and the subsequent operation is accurately controlled. It becomes possible to do.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine as shown in the above embodiment, and includes a gaming machine using a game ball such as an arrange ball gaming machine or a sparrow ball gaming machine or a movable accessory. Also applicable to slot machines (pachislot machines).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Main body frame 4 Opening / closing frame 5 Front frame 6 Glass frame 9 Movable illumination 10 Speaker 12 Game state notification LED
17 effect button 21 frame decoration device 22 frame production device 30 game board 31 game area 32 game board main body 34 center case 35 variable display device 36 general figure start gate 37 first start prize opening 38 second start prize opening 39 decoration board 40 general Winning mouth 41 The first variable winning equipment (big winning mouth)
42 Out port 45 Second variable winning device 50 Collective display device 70 Production device 500 Sickle character 600 Game control device (game control means)
640 Dispensing control device (dispensing board)
690 Launch control device 700 Production control device (production control means, group unit control means)
701 Interface chip (command I / F)
710 Main control microcomputer (1stCPU)
711 RAM
713 Pull-down resistor (first regulating means)
720 Microcomputer for video control (2nd CPU)
730 VDP (Video Display Processor)
731 VRAM (Video RAM)
741 Panel decoration LED control circuit 742 Frame decoration LED control circuit 743 Control circuit 744 Frame effect motor control circuit 751 Effect button switch (SW)
752 Production motor switch (SW)
760 board decoration device 770 board production device 771 stepping motor 772 shift register (group unit control means)
774 Pull-down resistor (second regulating means)
775 Inversion circuit (signal inversion means)
790 Lamp relay terminal (board)
793 Frame relay terminal (substrate)
800 Power Supply Unit 810 Normal Power Supply Unit 820 Backup Power Supply Unit 830 Control Signal Generation Unit

Claims (1)

And general control means for controlling according to the effect of the game,
Based on the data transmitted from the integrated control unit, a unit of control means that controls the rendering device that performs rendering of the game,
Between the front KiMitsuru Batch control means and before Kitan position control means includes a data signal line for transmitting data, and a regulating signal line for transmitting a regulating signal for regulating the output of said unit control means ,
Before Kitan position control means, while starting with a predetermined reference voltage,
Before KiMitsuru Batch control means is configured to start at the predetermined reference voltage step-down voltage obtained by stepping down the,
Before Kitan position control means in the apparatus which is arranged, between the generation of the predetermined reference voltage to said step-down voltage is generated, to regulate the output of the unit control section a voltage level of the regulating signal lines A gaming machine comprising start-up signal fixing means for fixing to a restricted state .

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