JP6266697B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  For game machines represented by so-called pachinko machines or slot machines, for example, operating parts such as a count switch and a solenoid for driving an opening / closing member of a big prize opening used for game control, and power supply to this operating part And a main control board that transmits and receives control signals, and a relay terminal board that relays and transmits electrical signals such as control signals between the main control board and the operating unit.

In general, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, the number of devices to be controlled, the number of operating parts, the structure, etc. are frequently changed along with the model change.
Further, if there is a vacant terminal on a board such as the main control board or the relay terminal board, a signal may be illegally input via the vacant terminal.

  For example, when there is a change in the number of used boards or operating parts of a gaming machine or a change in the structure, the number of power terminals or input / output terminals for control signals is changed accordingly. Furthermore, each board is changed or designed for each gaming machine model so that there is no empty terminal on the board.

  For this reason, it is frequently necessary to manufacture and replace the main control board and the relay terminal board for each model of the gaming machine, and there is a disadvantage that the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine becomes high.

  As a related technology for this, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, when there is an unused input / output unit (empty terminal), it is possible to suppress unauthorized control by performing processing on an input signal for this empty terminal. A gaming machine is disclosed.

JP-A-6-261978

  However, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, when there is an unused input / output terminal, it is necessary to invalidate the function of the signal input to this input / output terminal. There is an inconvenience that enormous costs are required to process the input.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a gaming machine in which the generation of empty terminals on a control board is suppressed.

According to the present invention, the control board, the control board and the operation unit are connected, the power relay line for applying a constant potential to the operation unit, the control board and the operation unit are connected, and the control board A control signal relay line through which a control signal is transmitted to and from the operating unit, a plurality of control signal ports provided in the control board for outputting or inputting the control signal, and at least the first control signal port And another board connected to the second control signal port, wherein the other board is arranged as a part of the power relay line, and the first control A second print pattern provided as a part of the control signal relay line connecting the signal port and the operation unit, and arranged branched from the first print pattern, provided with a resistance element, Said second control signal port Gaming machine is provided having a a third printed pattern connected to.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine in which the generation of an empty terminal on a control board is effectively suppressed, and when the control board includes a logic circuit, the logic circuit is logically fixed, and the potential environment in the control board is reduced. Because it stabilizes, no unexpected signal is generated.

It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the main internal structures of the gaming machine of Embodiment 1. It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the game board arrange | positioned in a gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main control structures of a gaming machine. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the main internal structures of the gaming machine of Embodiment 2. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the internal circuit structure of the game machine of Embodiment 3. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the internal circuit structure of the game machine of Embodiment 4. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the main internal structures of the game machine of Embodiment 5. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the main internal structures of the conventional machine. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the main internal structures of the conventional machine.

Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
The gaming machine 10 according to the first embodiment is a so-called pachinko gaming machine, and fires a game ball on a front area (hereinafter referred to as a game area 50a) of a game board 50 on which a large number of game nails (not shown) are erected. When a game ball enters a specific winning opening (for example, a big winning opening, etc.), a game in which a winning ball is obtained is performed (see FIG. 4).
In the following embodiment, a case will be described in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine that uses pachinko balls (game balls) as game media and produces various games according to the game situation. The present invention may be applied to a spinning-type game machine (so-called slot machine) that uses medals as game media.

[About the outline of the gaming machine 10]
FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a main internal configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a control board 100 connected to a control signal relay line 253 through which a control signal is transmitted to and from the operating unit 400, and one or more powers connected to a constant potential. A relay line 251, and one or a plurality of control signal ports 104 and 106 provided on the control board 100 for outputting or inputting the control signal, and the power relay line 251 branches to the control signal port 106. Connected.

Here, the operation unit 400 includes an operation unit used for controlling the game, an operation unit indicating the state of the gaming machine, and an operation unit used for producing the game.
The “operation part used for controlling the game” is started when the gaming ball 10 enters a specific winning opening when the gaming machine 10 is a pachinko gaming machine, and is determined by various functional parts described later. An operation unit (operation unit used for game control) used for a series of game processes until the output of the result is performed is included. Specifically, a count switch that detects a ball entering a winning opening such as a start opening, which triggers a series of games, and a normal electric combination or special electric combination that outputs the result of the determined game. Examples include an opening / closing member attached as an object and an actuator (solenoid actuator or motor actuator) that drives the operation of a member that operates in conjunction with a game result.
In addition, as the “operation unit indicating the state of the gaming machine”, a fraudulent part installed in the gaming machine 10, a magnetic sensor that detects a fraudulent act of guiding a game ball using a magnet, or an opening of a door is detected. Sensors to be included.

In addition, the “operation unit used for the game effect” includes output means (hereinafter referred to as “output means”) used for the game effect in the gaming machine 10. Examples of the output means include an effect display device, a speaker, and a decorative lamp (LED). Further, the other output means includes an effect display device, a substrate (controlled substrate) provided with a decoration lamp such as a speaker and an LED, an effect actuator for driving an effectable movable accessory, and the like.
Here, the “game effect” refers to an effect that is executed in conjunction with a series of processes executed for a game or triggered by these processes and is output in a sensible manner for the player.

  In addition, when the gaming machine 10 is a swing-type gaming machine (so-called slot machine), a start operation notification is received when a start condition such as betting a medal is satisfied, and this Then, an internal lottery is performed, a reel stop operation is received, a reel stop pattern is determined, a privilege corresponding to a prize is awarded, and a medal process is performed until a medal process is performed (action unit 400). Is included).

Here, the control signal includes various signals such as a detection signal sent from the operation unit 400 of the gaming machine 10 to the control board 100 and an operation command sent from the control board 100 to the operation unit 400.
More specifically, a detection signal sent from the operation unit 400 to the control board 100 indicating that the operation of the game ball in the gaming machine 10 has been detected, a detection signal indicating an error detected by the magnetic sensor, and an operation from the control board 100 A command signal, a drive signal (drive current signal), and the like that are sent to the unit 400 and control operations in the operation unit 400 are included.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the gaming machine 10, the control signal relay line 253 through which the control signal is transmitted is connected to the control signal port 104 and the operation unit 400 provided on the control board 100. Further, the power relay line 251 is connected to the power port 102 and the operation unit 400 of the control board 100. A branch power line 255 branched from the power relay line 251 is connected to the control signal port 106 provided on the control board 100. The control signal relay line 253 may be configured to be connected to a different operation unit (not shown) included in the operation unit 400.

Here, the constant potential indicates a connection target (constant potential connection target) of the power relay line 251 to which a substantially constant voltage potential is applied in the gaming machine 10, and for example, operating power is supplied. A power supply terminal, an operation unit 400 to which a constant potential is applied, a ground (earth) such as a frame ground, and the like are included.
In addition, as a constant potential connection target in the gaming machine 10, a power supply terminal or ground (earth) provided in the control board 100, or a power supply terminal or ground provided outside the control board 100 or a relay terminal plate described later. Etc. are included.

The power relay line 251 includes a power transmission line connected to a constant potential connection target to which a constant potential is applied. Here, the power relay line 251 is connected to a constant potential connection target and a control board (including a main control board and an effect control board) or a relay terminal board. Examples of the constant potential connection target include a ground such as a frame ground provided in the front frame 12 of the gaming machine shown in FIG.
In addition, the gaming machine 10, for example, when the power relay line 251 is connected to the control board 100 and a ground (an example of a “constant potential connection target”) provided outside the control board 100. The line 251 may be branched and connected to the control signal port 106.

  The power relay line 251 includes a power supply line for supplying power to the operation unit 400, a current supply line for supplying a current for driving operation in the operation unit 400, and the like. The power supply line and current supply line specifically include a switch common, a solenoid common, and the like. These configurations will be described later.

Also, as the control board 100, the main control boards 110, 130, 150 having various functions that control the game in the gaming machine in an integrated manner and affect the game result, and the effect control board for controlling the effects related to the game 300 is included. The configuration and various functions of each of these boards (control board, main control board, presentation control board) will be described later (see FIGS. 5 to 10).
In addition, the control board 100 controls the gaming state (for example, the probability variation state, the variation state, etc.) in the gaming machine 10 according to the type of the detection signal sent from the operation unit 400, the number of detections, and the like.
Note that the type of detection signal indicates the installation position of each operation unit 400, the weighting difference with respect to the winning, and the like.

  In addition, as main winning holes in the first embodiment and the second to fifth embodiments to be described later, large winning holes 55 and 56, a first starting port 57, a second starting port 59, an operation gate 63, an ordinary winning port, which will be described later. Ports 67 (67a, 67b, 67c) and the like are included (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

As described above, in the gaming machine 10, the branch power line 255 that is a power line branched from the power relay line 251 is directly connected to a control signal port (referred to as “empty port”) that can be unused in the control board 100. ing.
That is, the branch power line 255 is connected to the control signal port 106 which is not connected to the control signal relay line, thereby preventing the generation of empty ports on the control board 100. Therefore, even when there is a model change in the gaming machine 10, a model structure, a model specification change, or the like, the control board 100 can be used in common (control board common use).

[About empty ports in the gaming machine 10]
Here, the “empty port” will be described.
In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a spinning machine (slot machine), as described above, the number and structure of controlled devices and output means corresponding to the control board are changed in accordance with the model change or the like.
For this reason, for example, when a model change is made from an old model to a new model, one or a plurality of operation units (a plurality of operation units (a plurality of operation units connected to the control board in the old model) It may occur that the operation unit D1 is not necessary in a new model.
In such a case, the operation unit D1 that is not used in the new model, the control signal line (L1: not shown) to which the operation unit D1 is connected, and the control to which the control signal line L1 is connected No signal port is required.
Here, when the same control board is used in the new model, the control signal port of the control board to which the control signal line L1 is connected in the old model becomes an unused port. That is, the unused control signal port is referred to as “empty port”.
For this reason, in the gaming machine 10 according to the first embodiment (corresponding to the “new model” here), as shown in FIG. 1, the branch power line 255 is connected to the control signal port 115 that is an empty port. It has a configuration. As a result, even when a new model uses a common control board with the old model, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an empty terminal on the control board.

Note that the power relay line 251, the branch power line 255, and the control signal relay line 253 in the gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment are each configured by a flexible cable, and the control board 100 and the operation unit 400 are connected by aerial wiring. May be.
In addition, as a connection mode between the control board 100 and the operation unit 400, a relay terminal plate is provided between the control board 100 and the operation unit 400, and a part of the control signal relay line 253, the power relay line 251, and the branch power line 255 is provided. The structure patterned on the relay terminal board with the conductor may be sufficient. A configuration in which a part of the control signal relay line 253, the power relay line 251 and the branch power line 255 is provided on the relay terminal board will be described later as Embodiments 2 to 5.

[Appearance of gaming machine]
Next, the appearance of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that gaming machines 10a, 20, 30, and 10b, which will be described later, also have the same appearance.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gaming machine 10 includes a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 15 that opens forward and backward, and a middle frame (not shown) that detachably holds a game board 50 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15. And a front frame 12 configured to cover the front side of the game board 50 (medium frame).

The front frame 12 is rotatably supported on the left end side by the hinge mechanism 21 and can be opened and closed with respect to the middle frame. The front frame 12 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23.
The front frame 12 includes a transparent member 25 disposed so as to cover the game area 50a, and the game area 50a and the game board 50 are see-through protected by the transparent member 25.
The front frame 12 includes an upper ball tray 27 and a lower ball tray 29 that store game balls, and the upper ball tray 27 and the lower ball tray 29 are provided integrally with the front frame 12 so as to be spaced apart from each other.
The front frame 12 is provided with an operation handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball tray 29 so that the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a by the turning operation of the operation handle 31. It has become.

A pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are disposed on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 12, respectively. In addition, the upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34 and 36 of the front frame 12 are formed by a light-transmitting cover, and the illumination devices 35 (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, and 35f) are respectively provided in the interior. 35 g). The speaker 33 and the illuminating device 35 can output sound or can be turned on or off in conjunction with effects or error notifications that occur during the game.
The front frame 12 is provided with a button 37 at the front portion of the upper ball tray 27. The button 37 can accept a player's operation performed to switch effects generated during the game or to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10 by the player.

  Below the lower ball receiving tray 29, a ball removal mechanism 39 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower ball receiving tray 29 downward is provided. By operating the ball removal mechanism 39, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball receiving tray 29 is opened, and the game ball is naturally dropped and discharged from the bottom opening.

The effect display device 80 is disposed substantially at the center of the game board 50. The effect display device 80 can display various effects including changes in effect symbols. Here, the effect symbol is a symbol displayed on the effect display device 80 in order to further enhance the interest of the game in the gaming machine 10, and is specifically composed of numbers, patterns, or a combination thereof.
In general, the player of the gaming machine 10 is intrigued by the fluctuating effect of the effect symbol displayed on the effect display device 80, and the effect display device 80 is arranged at a position that is easily visible to the player. ing.
As the effect display device 80, a liquid crystal display device in which a liquid crystal panel is housed in a housing case is generally adopted. However, the display device 80 is not limited to this, and various types of display devices such as a drum type and a dot matrix type are used. Can be adopted.

  The effect display device 80 displays an effect symbol in the approximate center of its display area, and further displays the effect symbols on the left and right sides of the effect symbol, respectively. That is, the effect display device 80 displays effect symbols on “left”, “middle”, and “right”, respectively, and the displayed effect symbols form one or more columns. By scrolling these effect symbols in the up-down direction or the left-right direction, the effect symbols are variably displayed in the display area of the effect display device 80.

The symbol display device 90 is disposed at a position that is less visible to the player than the effect display device 80, such as the lower right side of the effect display device 80. Further, the display area of the symbol display device 90 is smaller than the display area of the effect display device 80.
In the symbol display device 90, a plurality of lamps are arranged. The lamp used in the symbol display device 90 in the present embodiment is a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as LED). The symbol display device 90 shows various information depending on the arrangement of the light emitting LEDs, and includes a special symbol display device 91 and a normal symbol display device 92.

  The special symbol display device 91 displays the lottery result (special symbol) of the special symbol variation game by the light emission patterns of a plurality of (for example, 16) LEDs. More specifically, the special symbol display device 91 of the present embodiment is controlled by the first special symbol display device 91a controlled by the first special symbol display control unit 1151 and the second special symbol display control unit 1152. And a second special symbol display device 91b. The first special symbol display device 91a includes eight LEDs on the left side of the 16 LEDs constituting the special symbol display device 91. Further, the second special symbol display device 91b is composed of eight right-side LEDs among the 16 LEDs constituting the special symbol display device 91. The normal symbol display device 92 displays the lottery result (ordinary symbol) of the normal symbol variation game by the light emission patterns of the LEDs (for example, two) less than the special symbol display device 91.

On the front surface of the game board 50, a large number of game nails (not shown), windmills 52, decorative members, and the like are arranged, so that a game area 50a is drawn so that the launched game ball rolls. It is made. Further, on the left side and the upper side of the game area 50a, curved outer rails 51 and inner rails 53 provided for guiding game balls launched by the rotation operation of the operation handle 31 to the upper part of the game area 50a are arranged. Has been. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 as viewed from the center of the game area 50a.
Here, the windmill 52 is a mechanism for changing the direction in which the game ball is dropped, and is a nail-like one.

  The gaming machine 10 can increase or decrease the strength of the game ball according to the magnitude of the rotation operation amount (for example, the rotation angle) of the operation handle 31, and the first flow path in which the weakly launched game ball rolls. Various obstacles enter the game area 50a so that the game ball rolls in any one of X (so-called left-handed) and the second flow path Y (so-called right-handed) in which the more strongly launched game ball rolls. Has been placed.

In the game area 50a, various winning holes (for example, a large winning hole 55) are arranged, and behind each winning hole, various switches (for example, a count switch SW4, etc.) for detecting a game ball that has entered are arranged. Has been. In the following description, “entering a ball” means that a game ball enters a specific winning opening.
In Embodiment 1 and Embodiments 2 to 5 to be described later, the above-described various switches are arranged at positions where the player cannot visually recognize them, and are not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

  In FIG. 3, the main winning opening 55, the large winning opening 56, the first starting opening 57, the second starting opening 59, the operation gate 63, and the normal winning opening 67 (67a, 67b, 67c) are illustrated as main winning openings. Has been. The winning award shown here is an example, and the number and arrangement thereof may be changed as appropriate.

The first start port 57 is arranged at the center lower part (below the effect display device 80) of the game area 50a, and is generally called “navel”.
Behind the first start port 57, a first start port switch SW1 for detecting a game ball that has entered is disposed.
A start condition for starting a special symbol variation game by detecting a game ball entering the first start port 57 by the first start port switch SW1, and a payout condition for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls And are given.
In the present embodiment, the game area 50a enters the first start port 57 when the game ball rolls from the first flow path X rather than when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y. Various obstacles are arranged to make it easier. That is, the first start port 57 is provided in the first flow path X mainly on the left side of the game area 50a.

The second start port 59 is disposed in the lower right part of the game area 50a (the lower right side of the effect display device 80), and the ordinary starter 61 is attached to the second start port 59. The ordinary electric accessory 61 is an opening / closing member that can be switched to an open state in which a game ball can easily enter the second starting port 59 or a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the ball. Transition to one of the closed states. The control of the ordinary electric accessory 61 will be described in detail later.
Behind the second start port 59, a second start port switch SW2 for detecting an incoming game ball is arranged. By detecting the game ball that has entered the second start port 59 with the second start port switch SW2, the start condition of the special symbol variation game and the payout condition of the prize ball are given.
In the present embodiment, the game area 50a enters the second start port 59 when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y, rather than when the game ball rolls from the first flow path X. Various obstacles are arranged to make it easier. That is, the second start port 59 is provided in the second flow path Y mainly on the right side of the game area 50a.

The operation gate 63 is disposed above the second start port 59 (on the right side of the effect display device 80). Behind the operation gate 63, a normal symbol variation switch SW3 for detecting a passed game ball is disposed. The actuating gate 63 can be given a starting condition for the normal symbol variation game by detecting the entered game ball with the normal symbol variation switch SW3.
In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the detection of the normal symbol variation switch SW3 is not included in the award ball payout condition. That is, even if a game ball enters the operation gate 63 of this embodiment, the prize ball is zero.
Further, the operation gate 63 may be a so-called gate type winning opening in which the passed game ball rolls again in the game area 50a after passing. In this case, passing through the operation gate 63 is also referred to as “entrance ball” in this specification.

The special winning opening 55 is arranged above the second start opening 59 (lower right side of the effect display device 80). A special electric accessory 65 that opens and closes by the operation of the actuator AC2 is disposed in the opening of the special winning opening 55. Behind the big prize opening 55, a count switch SW4 for detecting a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 55 is arranged.
Here, when the count switch SW4 detects a game ball that has entered the big winning opening 55, a payout condition for the prize ball is given.

The big prize opening 56 is arranged above the big prize opening 55 (on the right side of the effect display device 80). A special electric accessory 66 that opens and closes by the operation of the actuator AC3 is disposed in the opening of the special winning opening 56. Behind the big prize opening 56, a count switch SW5 that detects a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 56 is arranged. Here, when the count switch SW5 detects a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 56, a payout condition for the prize ball is given.
In addition, a communication path (not shown) communicating with the special winning opening 56 is provided, and a count switch SW0 for detecting a game ball that has passed is disposed in the communication path. The communication path is configured such that the passing path of the game balls is branched into a plurality of paths, and by distributing the game balls passing through the passing path from one passing path to the other passing path, one or the other A sorting member is provided to open the passage route.
Here, during the big hit game, the passage route where the count switch SW0 is arranged is opened for a predetermined time, and when the game ball is detected by the count switch SW0, the probability is changed after the big hit game is over at that time. A state is given as a privilege.
That is, the winning probability control unit 1141 that controls the provision of the probability variation state provides a privilege advantageous to the player due to the game ball passing through a specific passage route.
The function of the winning probability control unit 1141 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The special winning opening 55 is opened by the opening operation of the special electric accessory 65 during the big hit game that is won in the special symbol variation game caused by the entry of the first starting port 57 or the second starting port 59. Sphere entry is allowed. Also, the big winning opening 56 is opened by opening the special electric accessory 66 during the big hit game which is won in the special symbol variation game caused by the entry of the first starting port 57 or the second starting port 59. And game balls are allowed to enter.
Regardless of which jackpot game is played, the player's chances of winning a prize ball can be greatly increased. In this embodiment, when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y, it is easier to enter the big winning opening 55 or the big winning opening 56 than when rolling from the first flow path X. Various obstacles are placed in the area.

  The normal winning opening 67 (67a, 67b, 67c) is arranged at the lower left portion of the effect display device 80. A count switch (not shown) for detecting a game ball that has entered the ball is disposed behind the normal winning port 67. By detecting the game ball that has entered the normal winning port 67 with this count switch, a payout condition for the winning ball can be given.

  The out port 69 is disposed at the lowermost part of the game area 50a. The game balls that have not entered the winning gates described above (in the case where the operation gate 63 is a gate type, the game balls that have passed through the operation gate 63 and have not entered the other winning ports are included). It falls into the mouth 69 and is processed as an out ball.

[About control configuration of gaming machine 10]
Next, the control configuration of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that gaming machines 10a, 20, 30, and 10b, which will be described later, also have the same control configuration.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a main control configuration of the gaming machine 10.
Each function illustrated in FIG. 4 is a function necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10, and a function (not illustrated) may be added to the gaming machine 10. Further, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have all of the functions illustrated here, and some functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

The gaming machine 10 includes a main control board that realizes various functions including the functions shown in FIG. 4 by processing the board and functional components electrically connected to the board. Yes.
More specifically, the main control board includes a CPU that executes a control operation in a predetermined procedure, a ROM (not shown) that stores a control program for the CPU, and a RAM that can write and read necessary data ( (Not shown).
In addition, various functions can be realized by executing a control program read from the ROM by the CPU and writing or reading various data in the RAM.
The various functions shown in FIG. 4 are functions that can be realized with only one board, functions that can be realized by exchanging various data between a plurality of boards, and functional parts that are not mounted on the board and the board. Functions that can be realized by being electrically connected to each other are mixed. There may be various hardware configurations for realizing these various functions, and the hardware configuration is not necessarily limited to one.

The main control board includes a main control unit 1000 that controls the game in an integrated manner. The main control unit 1000 is a component that functions as a so-called main control board having a function that affects or may affect the game result.
As shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 1000 has a number of functions, and these functions are connected to each other. However, the configuration shown here is an example, and this is not necessarily the case. It is not limited to.

  The main functions of the main control unit 1000 include a special drawing lottery control unit 1130, a general drawing lottery control unit 1170, a gaming state control unit 1140, a symbol display control unit 1150, a variation pattern determination unit 1110, and the like.

The special drawing lottery control unit 1130 has a function of controlling other components in relation to the special symbol variation game or a function of managing a jackpot game.
The regular drawing lottery control unit 1170 has a function of controlling other components or a function of managing a winning game in relation to the normal symbol variation game.
The game state control unit 1140 has a function of managing the presence / absence of the probability change state and the presence / absence of the change state, and controlling the granting and release (transition to the normal state).
The symbol display control unit 1150 has a function of causing the symbol display device 90 to display a special symbol selected as a result of the special symbol variation game or a normal symbol selected as a result of the normal symbol variation game.

The variation pattern determination unit 1110 determines a variation pattern used for determination of a display effect performed in connection with the special symbol variation game based on the selected special symbol, and the determined variation pattern is represented by the effect control unit 320. To communicate.
The effect control unit 320 has a function of controlling effects related to games played by the gaming machine 10, in particular, special symbol variation games.

  The functions listed in the previous stage and the previous stage will be described in more detail below.

[About random numbers for jackpot determination and special figure hold]
The main control unit 1000 includes a first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1111, a second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1112, and a special figure reservation control unit 1120.

The first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1111 holds the lottery value acquired by the game ball entering the first start port 57 in a reserved manner. The second special figure lottery value acquiring unit 1112 holds the lottery value acquired by the game ball entering the second start port 59 in a reserved manner.
When the lottery value is stored on hold in the second special drawing lottery value acquisition unit 1112, the special figure selection unit 1132 regardless of whether the lottery value is stored on hold in the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1111. In addition, it is possible to perform the lottery determination based on the lottery value stored on hold in the second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1112.

  More specifically, the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1111 determines the big hit that is used as the lottery value of the special symbol variation game when the first start opening switch SW1 detects that the first start opening 57 has entered the ball. A random number is acquired and stored in a dedicated storage area (holding storage). The upper limit number of lottery values that can be stored on hold by the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1111 is determined in advance. In the present embodiment, the upper limit number is four.

  The second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1112 acquires a big hit determination random number used as a lottery value of the special symbol variation game when the second start opening switch SW2 detects that the second start opening 59 has entered the ball, Store in a dedicated storage area (hold storage). The upper limit number of lottery values that can be stored on hold by the second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1112 is determined in advance, and in the present embodiment, the upper limit number is four.

  When the special figure lottery control section 1130 is not performing the control related to the special symbol variation game or the control related to the big hit game, the special figure hold control section 1120 is configured to receive the first special figure lottery value acquisition section 1111 or the second The lottery value (random number for jackpot determination) stored on hold by the special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1112 is read. When the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1111 and the second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1112 both hold one or more lottery values, the special figure reservation control unit 1120 displays the second special figure lottery value. It is possible to preferentially read out the lottery value stored on hold by the acquiring unit 1112.

  Since the jackpot lottery unit 1131 executes the jackpot lottery using the lottery value read by the special figure hold control unit 1120, as a result, from the lottery value stored in the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1111 The lottery values stored in the second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1112 are preferentially processed.

  Here, the random number refers to a series of numbers that are random and have the same appearance frequency as a whole. When the gaming machine 10 is operating, a random number is always generated inside the player machine, and the random number is used for various lottery processes. As a random number generation method, there are a method of generating by a dedicated IC (hardware method), a method of generating by a dedicated program (software method), or a method of generating by a combination thereof. In this embodiment, several types of random numbers including the above-mentioned jackpot determination random number are used. However, any of the methods described above may be used to generate these random numbers.

  The special figure hold control unit 1120 monitors the number of lottery values stored on hold in the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1111 or the second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1112. Further, the special figure hold control unit 1120 may issue a command to the symbol display control unit 1150 so that the number of lottery values being monitored is displayed on the symbol display device 90, or the effect display device 80 displays the command. As such, a command may be issued to the effect control unit 320.

[About jackpot lottery and jackpot games]
The special drawing lottery control unit 1130 is a function for managing a big hit lottery and a big hit game, and has a big hit lottery unit 1131, a special drawing selection unit 1132, and a big hit game control unit 1133.

The jackpot lottery unit 1131 performs a jackpot winning lottery using a lottery value (random number for jackpot determination) acquired when a game ball enters the first start port 57 or the second start port 59. Note that the winning probability of the lottery performed by the big hit lottery unit 1131 is lower in the normal state than in the probability variation state, and is higher in the probability variation state than in the normal state.
Here, “predetermined processing is triggered by entering a ball” means that the predetermined processing can be executed thereafter on condition that the incoming ball is detected. That is, even if a ball is detected, the predetermined process does not necessarily have to be executed. For example, in this embodiment, when the number of lottery value hold of the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1111 exceeds the upper limit, the ball detected by the first start switch SW1 or the second special figure lottery value acquisition The entry detected by the second start port switch SW2 when the number of lottery value reservations in the part 1112 exceeds the upper limit does not become the start condition of the special symbol variation game.

The special symbol selection unit 1132 selects a special symbol based on the result of the success / failure lottery performed by the jackpot lottery unit 1131, and displays the selected special symbol as the symbol display control unit 1150 (the first special diagram display control unit 1151 or the second special diagram). Display to the display control unit 1152) to display the special symbol display device 91 (the first special symbol display device 91a or the second special symbol display device 91b).
The selection here includes a case where the lottery value used in the winning / failing lottery and the number of types of special symbols prepared in advance are the same and are uniquely “determined” without “selection”.

The jackpot game in this embodiment is controlled by the jackpot game control unit 1133.
First, after winning and winning lottery by the jackpot lottery unit 1131, the jackpot symbol selected by the special symbol selection unit 1132 in the special symbol variation game displayed on the special symbol display device 91 is stopped and displayed. Be started.
Before the big hit game is started, the big hit game control unit 1133 issues a command to the special figure hold control unit 1120 and the like to temporarily stop the processing related to the big hit lottery or the processing related to the big lottery during the big hit game. put out.
When the big hit game starts, the big hit game control unit 1133 issues a command related to the opening effect indicating the start of the big hit game to the effect control unit 320. The effect control unit 320 executes the opening effect for a predetermined time (opening time) in accordance with the command of the jackpot game control unit 1133.
After the opening effect is completed, the round game in which the big prize opening 55 or the big prize opening 56 is opened is performed a plurality of times, with a predetermined number of times (number of rounds) as an upper limit. One round game is until the grand prize opening 55 or the grand prize opening 56 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times (the number of times of opening and closing). The game is released until (the maximum number of balls entered) game balls enter or until a specified time (round game time) elapses. In the round game, a round effect is performed.

  After the end of the round game, the big prize opening 55 or the big prize opening 56 is closed for a predetermined time (interval time), and the big prize opening 55 or the big prize opening 56 is opened again with the start of the next round game.

  The jackpot game control unit 1133 is a special power command that includes, as control information, the number of rounds, the number of times of opening / closing, the maximum number of balls entered, the round game time, the interval time, etc., in order to open the big prize opening 55 or the big prize opening 56 The data is transmitted to the control unit 1190.

  The special electric role control unit 1190 operates the actuator AC2 or the actuator AC3 according to the command received from the big hit game control unit 1133 to open the special electric role item 65 or the special electric role item 66. In addition, the special electric role control unit 1190 is a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 55 or the big prize opening 56 during one round game while the special electric combination 65 or the special electric combination 66 is opened. Is monitored based on the detection of the count switch SW4 or the count switch SW5. When the upper limit number of balls is reached, the actuator AC2 or the actuator AC3 is operated to activate the special electric accessory 65 or the special electric accessory 66. Close.

The big hit game control unit 1133 issues a command related to the effect related to the round game to the effect control unit 320. The effect control unit 320 executes the round effect according to the command of the jackpot game control unit 1133.
When the round game of the specified number of rounds is completed, the big hit game control unit 1133 issues a command related to the ending effect indicating the end of the big hit game to the production control unit 320. The effect control unit 320 executes the ending effect for a predetermined time (ending time) according to the command of the jackpot game control unit 1133, and the jackpot game is ended.
In the big hit game of the present embodiment, it is more advantageous for the player to make a right hit because the ball that rolls along the second flow path Y is easier to enter the big winning opening 55.

[About game state control]
The gaming state control unit 1140 has a function of controlling the gaming state, and has a winning probability control unit 1141 and a change control unit 1142.

Detection by the count switch SW0 is transmitted to the winning probability control unit 1141, and the winning probability control unit 1141 gives a certain change state triggered by the detection.
That is, at the end of the big hit game in which the passage route where the count switch SW0 is arranged is opened for a certain period of time, it is determined whether or not the detection by the count switch SW0 has occurred from the start to the end of the big hit game. When it occurs, the winning probability control unit 1141 gives a probability variation state.
The change control unit 1142 gives a change state when the big hit game executed by the big hit game control unit 1133 ends.

[About winning lottery and winning games]
The gaming machine 10 includes a general drawing lottery value acquisition unit 1113 and a general drawing hold control unit 1160.
When the normal symbol variation switch SW3 detects the winning of the operating gate 63, the ordinary symbol lottery value acquiring unit 1113 acquires a random number for hit determination used as a lottery value for the normal symbol variation game, and stores it in a dedicated storage area. (Hold storage). The upper limit number of lottery values that can be held by the normal lottery value acquisition unit 1113 is determined in advance. In the present embodiment, the upper limit number is four.
When the general drawing lottery control unit 1170 is not performing the control related to the normal symbol variation game or the control relating to the winning game, the general symbol holding control unit 1160 is stored by the general drawing lottery value acquisition unit 1113 in a predetermined cycle. The lottery value (random number for hit determination) is read.

  The general figure hold control unit 1160 monitors the number of lottery values stored on hold in the general drawing lottery value acquisition unit 1113. Further, the general symbol hold control unit 1160 may issue a command to the symbol display control unit 1150 to display the number of lottery values being monitored on the symbol display device 90, or display the command on the effect display device 80. As such, a command may be issued to the effect control unit 320.

  The gaming machine 10 includes a general drawing lottery control unit 1170 and a normal electric role control unit 1180. The regular drawing lottery control unit 1170 has a function of managing winning lottery and winning games, and includes a winning lottery unit 1171, a universal drawing selecting unit 1172, and a winning game control unit 1173.

  The winning lottery unit 1171 uses the winning determination random number read from the general drawing lottery value acquiring unit 1113 by the general drawing hold control unit 1160 to determine whether or not to shift the ordinary electric accessory 61 to the open state. I do. The winning probability of the lottery performed by the winning lottery unit 1171 is lower in the normal state than in the variable state, and is higher in the variable state than in the normal state. .

The common symbol selection unit 1172 selects a normal symbol based on the result of the open lottery by the winning lottery unit 1171 and transmits the selected normal symbol to the symbol display control unit 1150 (general symbol display control unit 1153). It is displayed on the symbol display device 92. One of the two LEDs corresponding to the normal symbol display device 92 hits one and the other corresponds to the off, and the normal symbol display control unit 1153 emits either one according to the normal symbol selected by the normal symbol selection unit 1172. Let
The selection here is the same as the selection by the special figure selection unit 1132, and the lottery values used in the open lottery and the number of types of special symbols prepared in advance are the same, and “selection” is not performed. In some cases, it is uniquely determined.

When the winning game control unit 1173 wins the winning lottery by the winning lottery unit 1171, the winning game control unit 1173 transmits a command to the ordinary electric combination control unit 1180 and operates the actuator AC 1 to open the ordinary electric combination 61 under a predetermined opening condition. .
The ordinary electric combination control unit 1180 controls the ordinary electric combination 61 so as to increase the unit time of the opened state or the number of times of opening in the variable state.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, Embodiment 2 as a structure provided with the relay terminal board 200a between the control board 100 and the operation part 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the gaming machine of the second embodiment is a gaming machine 10a (FIG. 5).
As shown in FIG. 5, the gaming machine 10a includes a control signal relay line, a power relay line, and a branch power line (corresponding to the control signal relay line 253, the power relay line 251, and the branch power line 255 in the first embodiment). The relay terminal board 200a provided with a part is provided.

The relay terminal board 200a includes a plurality of different control signal relay terminals 215a connected to one or more power relay line portions 281a, the control signal relay line portion 283a, and the control signal ports 104 and 106 of the control board 100, respectively. 217a.
Further, the control signal relay line 253a connects the control signal port 104 and the operation unit 400 via part of the control signal relay terminals 215a and 217a (here, 215a) of the relay terminal board 200a, and the power relay line 251a. Branch power line portion 285a (corresponding to “branched power relay line”) branched from the control signal relay terminal 215a, a part of the control signal relay terminal 217a (here, the control signal relay terminal 217a), the control signal port 106 of the control board 100 It is connected to the.

  Here, the power relay line portion 281a corresponds to a part of the power relay line 251 (FIG. 1) and indicates a portion (print pattern) patterned on the relay terminal board 200a. Further, the control signal relay line portion 283a corresponds to a part of the control signal relay line 253 (FIG. 1) and shows a printed pattern patterned on the relay terminal board 200a. A branch power line portion 285a corresponds to a part of the branch power line 255 (FIG. 1) and shows a printed pattern patterned on the relay terminal board 200a.

As described above, the relay terminal plate 200a has a configuration in which the power relay line portion 281a as a part of the power relay line 251 is disposed in the relay terminal plate 200a. The power relay line portion 281a may be arranged as a print pattern.
Further, in the relay terminal board 200a, a control signal relay line portion 283a, which is a part of the control signal relay line 253, is disposed in the relay terminal board 200a and is connected to the control signal relay terminal 215a. Further, the control signal relay line portion 283a may be disposed in the relay terminal board 200a as a print pattern. The control signal ports 104 and 106 of the control board 100 and the control signal relay terminals 215a and 217a of the relay terminal board 200a are connected via transmission lines 183 and 185, respectively.
Here, the transmission lines 183 and 185 are, for example, conductive flexible cables, and at both ends (the control board 100 side and the relay terminal board 200a side), a power port, a control signal port, and a relay included in the control board 100. It is assumed that a connector connected to the power terminal and the control signal terminal provided in the terminal board 200a is provided. The control signal relay terminals 215a and 217a have an inner terminal connected to the print pattern disposed on the relay terminal board 200a and an outer terminal connected to the transmission lines 183 and 185, respectively.

  Thereby, in the gaming machine 10a (FIG. 5), the transmission line 185 is connected to the control signal port 106 which can be an empty port, and the internal terminal of the control signal relay terminal 217a to which the transmission line 185 is connected is connected to the relay terminal plate 200a. The branch power line portion 285a, which is the print pattern of, is connected. As a result, as in the case of the first embodiment (FIG. 1), it is possible to suppress the occurrence of empty terminals on the control board 100.

Further, in the gaming machine 10a, for example, when a ground (corresponding to “constant potential connection object”) provided outside the relay terminal plate 200a and a power relay line connected to the relay terminal plate 200a are provided, The power relay line may be branched and connected to the inner terminal of the control signal relay terminal 217a that can be an empty terminal on the relay terminal board.
Here, as a constant potential connection target in the gaming machine 10a, for example, a power supply terminal or ground (earth) provided in the relay terminal plate 200a, or provided outside the relay terminal plate 200a, via a power relay line The power supply terminal connected to the relay terminal board 200a, the ground, and the like are included.
Thereby, similarly to the case of the second embodiment (FIG. 5), it is possible to suppress the generation of empty ports (empty terminals) in the control board 100 and the relay terminal board 200a.

In addition, the relay terminal plate 200a of the gaming machine 10a connects the control signal relay terminal 217a to which the branched power relay line (branched power line portion 285a) is connected and the branching point (branch point) in the power relay line portion 281a. The branch power line portion 285a may be provided with a resistance element R289a.
At this time, the resistance element R289a is provided in series with the branch power line portion 285a.

  As a result, the logic circuit included in the control board 100 is logically fixed in the same manner as the potential environment in the old model described later. For this reason, the potential environment in the control board 100 can be stabilized, and the occurrence of unexpected signals in the control board 100 can be suppressed.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, as a third embodiment, a gaming machine 20 that is a more specific embodiment corresponding to the above-described second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 6. Here, FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the internal circuit configuration of the gaming machine 20.
In the gaming machine 20 (FIG. 6), various switches provided in the gaming machine are provided as operation units corresponding to the operation unit 400 in the first embodiment (FIG. 1) and the second embodiment (FIG. 5).
Here, specifically, the various switches are generic names including the first start port switch SW1, the second start port switch SW2, the normal symbol variation switch SW3, the count switches SW4, SW5, SW0, and the like (FIG. 4). reference).
In the gaming machine 20, as shown in FIG. 6, the main control board 130 corresponding to the control board 100 (FIG. 5), the relay terminal board 202 corresponding to the relay terminal board 200a (FIG. 5), and the operation unit 400 (FIG. 5). A count switch 420 corresponding to is provided.

  That is, the gaming machine 20 detects a ball entering a start opening, a big winning opening, etc., and outputs a detection signal (corresponding to a control signal), and supplies power to the count switch 420 (power supply). And a relay terminal provided with a part of each of a power relay line and a control signal relay line for obtaining the detection signal from the count switch 420, and for supplying the power and relaying the detection signal. A plate 202 is provided.

  Here, the count switch 420 in the gaming machine 20 is a first start port SW1 that detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 57, and a second start that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 59. Mouth switch SW2, normal symbol variation switch SW3 that detects a game ball that has passed through the operation gate 63, count switch SW4 that detects a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 55, and a game ball that has entered the big prize port 56 Either the count switch SW5 or the count switch SW0 installed in the communication path communicating with the special winning opening 56 may be used.

The count switch 420 is driven by power supply from the main control board 130, and detects a winning ball that has entered a variable winning device such as a big winning opening as described above.
Here, the count switch 420 includes a detection signal output unit 424 that detects a game ball passing through its own opening 422 and outputs a detection signal (output signal) corresponding to a control signal.
In the third embodiment, the detection signal (output signal) output from the count switch 420 (detection signal output unit 424) is a control signal transmission line 383 connected to the operation signal relay terminal 263 of the relay terminal plate 202, and the control signal. The signal is transmitted to the main control board 130 (control signal port 113) via the signal relay line portion 283, the control signal relay terminal 215, and the transmission line 183.

The relay terminal board 202 includes a power relay line part 281 corresponding to a part of the power relay line 251 (FIG. 1), a control signal relay line part 283 corresponding to a part of the control signal relay line 253 (FIG. 1), The power relay line unit 281 includes a branch power line unit 285 that branches at a branch point 276 and is connected to the inner terminal of the control signal relay terminal 217. Here, a branch point in the power trunk line unit 281 is defined as a branch point 276. The control signal relay line 253 (FIG. 1) is a count switch line that connects the control signal port 113 and the count switch 420 via the control signal relay terminal 215 of the relay terminal plate 202.
6 are printed patterns arranged on the relay terminal board 202, and the power relay line 281a, the control signal relay in FIG. This corresponds to the line portion 283a and the branch power line portion 285a, respectively.

The relay terminal board 202 transmits power to the power port 111 and a plurality of different control signal relay terminals 215 and 217 connected to the control signal ports 113 and 115 of the main control board 130 via transmission lines 183 and 185, respectively. A power relay terminal 211 connected via a line 181 is provided.
Here, transmission lines 183 and 185 in FIG. 6 are conductive flexible cables, as in the second embodiment (FIG. 5), and are connected to both ends (main control board 130 side and relay terminal board 202 side). Assume that the connector is connected to the power port 111 and the control signal ports 113 and 115 of the control board 130 and the power relay terminal 211 and the control signal relay terminals 215 and 217 of the relay terminal plate 202.

Here, the control signal port 113 is an input port to which a detection signal (control signal) sent from the count switch 420 (operation unit) is input.
As a result, the detection signal output from the count switch 420 is sent to the main control board 130.
Further, the control signal relay terminal 217 and the control signal port 115 are connected via the transmission line 185, and for this reason, the branch power line unit 285 is connected to the control signal port 115 via the control signal relay terminal 217.

As shown in FIG. 6, a power relay line portion 281 that is a part of a power relay line (corresponding to the power relay line 251 in FIG. 1) is printed on the relay terminal board 202 in the relay terminal board 202. The configuration, that is, the power relay line portion 281 is arranged on the relay terminal board 202 as a print pattern.
Further, the relay terminal plate 202 is provided with a control signal relay line portion 283 that is a part of the control signal relay line (corresponding to 253 in FIG. 1) in the relay terminal plate 202 and is connected to the control signal relay terminal 215. Has been. The control signal relay line portion 283 may be disposed in the relay terminal board 202 as a print pattern.
The control signal ports 113 and 115 of the main control board 130 and the control signal relay terminals 215 and 217 of the relay terminal board 202 are connected via transmission lines 183 and 185, respectively.
The control signal relay terminals 215 and 217 correspond to the control signal relay terminals 215a and 217a in FIG. 5, respectively, and the inner terminal connected to the print pattern disposed on the relay terminal plate 202 and the transmission lines 183 and 185, respectively. And an external terminal connected to the terminal.

That is, in the relay terminal board 202, the transmission line 185 is connected to the control signal port 115 of the main control board 130 which can be an empty port, and the transmission line 185 branches to the inner terminal of the branch power line portion 285 connected to the outer terminal. The power line unit 285 is connected.
As a result, the branch power line unit 285 and the control signal port 115 are connected via the control signal relay terminal 217, and the generation of an empty port in the main control board 130 is suppressed.

[About empty port of gaming machine 20]
Here, the empty ports in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration and circuit configuration of a gaming machine 60 that is a conventional machine.

As described above, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, the number and structure of controlled devices corresponding to control boards (including a main control board and an effect control board) are frequently changed along with model changes. For this reason, for example, when one of the operating units (various switches) operating in the old model corresponding to the main control board is not used in the new model, it is connected to this operating unit via a transmission line or the like. Further, the control signal port of the main control board and the control signal relay terminal of the relay terminal board can be unused unused ports (empty terminals).
Here, when the main control board 130 of the old model gaming machine 60 is used in common by the new model gaming machine 20, unused ports (empty terminals) that can occur on the main control board 130 of the gaming machine 20 are used. ).

Here, the gaming machine 60 including the count switches 420 and 620 as the operation unit will be described with reference to FIG.
The main control board 130 and the count switch 420 in FIG. 9 are the same as those in the third embodiment (FIG. 6). The count switch 620 is of the same type as the count switch 420, and the count switches 420 and 620 detect the entry of a game ball at the big winning opening provided, and output a detection signal.

The gaming machine 60 also includes a main control board 130 that supplies power to the count switches 420 and 620, and a relay terminal board 500 (see FIG. 6) provided between the main control board 130 and the count switches 420 and 620. Corresponding to the relay terminal board 202).
As shown in FIG. 9, the relay terminal board 500 includes a control signal relay line portion 583 that relays the detection signal from the count switch 420 and a control signal relay line portion 585 that relays the detection signal from the count switch 620. I have.
Further, the relay terminal board 500 has a power relay terminal 511 (corresponding to the power relay terminal 211 in FIG. 6) provided on the side facing the main control board 130 and an operating power on the side facing each of the count switches 420 and 620. Relay terminals 561 and 562 (corresponding to the power relay terminal 261 in FIG. 6) are provided.

The relay terminal board 500 includes a plurality of different control signal relay terminals 513 and 515 on the side facing the main control board 130, and a plurality of different operation signal relay terminals 563 and 565 on the side facing the count switches 420 and 620, respectively. It has.
The control signal relay terminals 513 and 515 are respectively connected from an internal terminal connected to the printed pattern on the relay terminal board 500 and an external terminal connected to an external device or board of the relay terminal board 500 via a transmission line or a connector. Become. Here, the external terminals of the control signal relay terminals 513 and 515 are connected to the control signal ports 113 and 115 via transmission lines 183 and 185, respectively.
Here, the control signal relay line unit 583 is connected to the inner terminal of the control signal relay terminal 513 and the inner terminal of the operation signal relay terminal 563, and the control signal relay line unit 585 operates with the inner terminal of the control signal relay terminal 515. The signal relay terminal 565 is connected to the inner terminal.

The relay terminal board 500 includes a power relay terminal 511 provided on the side facing the main control board 130 and operating power relay terminals 561 and 562 provided on the side facing the count switches 420 and 620 (see FIG. 6). Corresponding to the power relay terminal 261).
The main control board 130 in FIGS. 6 and 9 is the same as described above. The internal configuration and internal circuit of the main control board 130 will be described later.

  The count switches 420 and 620 are each driven by power supply from the main control board 130. The count switch 620 has a configuration equivalent to that of the count switch 420 and detects a game ball passing through its own opening 622. The count switch 620 includes a detection signal output unit 624 that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a control signal when a game ball that has passed through the opening 622 is detected.

  The count switch 420 of FIG. 9 is connected to the outer terminal of the operating power relay terminal 561 of the relay terminal board 500 via the power transmission line 381 and is controlled with respect to the operating signal relay terminal 563 of the relay terminal board 500. They are connected via a signal transmission line 383. The count switch 620 is connected to the outer terminal of the operating power relay terminal 562 of the relay terminal board 500 via the power transmission line 572, and to the outer terminal of the operating signal relay terminal 565 of the relay terminal board 500. Are connected via a control signal transmission line 574.

In addition, the gaming machine 60 includes power relay lines that are connected to the count switches 420 and 620 from the power port 111 of the main control board 130 and relay power supply to the count switches 420 and 620.
Here, the power relay line that relays the power supply from the main control board 130 to the count switch 420 is the power port 111 of the main control board 130 and the power relay terminal 511 of the relay terminal board 500 (in the relay terminal board 202 of FIG. 6). A power transmission line 181 connected to the power relay terminal 211), a power relay line portion 581 connected to the inner terminal of the power relay terminal 511 and the inner terminal of the operating power relay terminal 561, and the operating power relay terminal 561 and the count switch And power transmission line 381 connected to 420.
The power relay line that relays the power supply from the main control board 130 to the count switch 620 is a power transmission line 181 connected to the power port 111 of the main control board 130 and the power relay terminal 511 of the relay terminal board 500, The power relay line portion 581 is connected to the branch power line portion 587 connected to the branch point and the operating power relay terminal 562, to the inner terminal of the power relay terminal 511 and the branch point, and to the operating power relay terminal 561 and the count switch 420. Power transmission line 381.
Here, the power relay line portion 581 is a printed pattern disposed on the relay terminal board 500, and is connected to the inner terminal of the power relay terminal 511 and the inner terminal of the operating power relay terminal 561. Further, a branch power line portion 587 that branches at a branch point on the power relay line portion 581 and is connected to the inner terminal of the operating power relay terminal 562 is provided.
Here, the power relay line connecting the count switches 420 and 620 and the main control board 130 is a common line of the count switch, and a branch point on the relay terminal board 500 from the (−) terminal of each of the count switches 420 and 620. It has a configuration connected to the power port 111 via

Here, with the model change from the old model (the gaming machine 60) to the new model (the gaming machine 20), etc., the different ones connected to the main control board 130 in the old model (FIG. 9) via the relay terminal board 500 are different. One of the plurality of count switches 420 and 620 (here, referred to as count switch 620) is assumed to be removed (no longer necessary) in the new model (FIG. 6).
In this case, the count switch 620 that is not used in the third embodiment (FIG. 6), which is a new model, and the control signal lines (control signal transmission line 574, control signal relay line portion 585) to which the count switch 620 is connected, And transmission line 185), relay terminals on relay terminal board 500 (operating power relay terminal 562, operating signal relay terminal 565, and control signal relay terminal 515), and the main control board to which this control signal line was connected The control signal port 115 etc. at 130 is unused.
That is, in the gaming machine 20 which is a new model (FIG. 6), the operating power relay terminal 562, the operating signal relay terminal 565, and the branching in the relay terminal plate 500, together with the count switch 620, the power transmission line 572, and the control signal transmission line 574. The power line unit 587 and the control signal relay line unit 585 are not necessary.

For this reason, when the main control board 130 is used in the gaming machine 20 which is a new model, the control signal relay terminal 515 of the relay terminal board 500 to which the control signal relay line portion 585 is connected in the old model (FIG. 9) At this time, the control signal port 115 on the main control board 130 becomes an unused “empty port”.
Here, in the gaming machine 20 according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the branch where the detection signal is transmitted to the inner terminal of the control signal relay terminal 217 (control signal relay terminal 515 in FIG. 9). A power line unit 285 is connected. As a result, the generation of empty terminals on the relay terminal board 500 is suppressed, and the control signal port 115 connected to the control signal relay terminal 217 via the transmission line is prevented from becoming an unused empty port. be able to.

[Configuration of main control board 130]
Next, the internal configuration of the main control board 130 in the gaming machine 20 and the gaming machine 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, it is assumed that the main control board 130 in the gaming machine 20 and the gaming machine 60 has the same or equivalent functional configuration.
The main control board 130 includes a power supply unit 131 that supplies power (here, 12 volts) to the count switch 420 connected via the power supply line. In the gaming machine 60 (FIG. 6), the main control board 130 supplies power to the count switches 420 and 620 connected in parallel.
Further, the main control board 130 compares two voltages applied to the (+) and (−) terminals, and outputs a logical value (1 or 0 (H or L)) as a comparison result. A comparator 135 and a comparator 137 are provided. Here, the (−) side terminal of the comparator 135 is connected to the control signal port 113.

  Further, based on the outputs from the comparators 135 and 137, the main control board 130 reaches a constant voltage potential applied to the monitored input terminal (that is, the (−) terminal of the comparator 135). A CPU 105 is provided for detecting whether or not the operation has been performed. In addition, a power supply unit 139 is connected in parallel to the output line of the comparator 135 via a resistance element R136 and to the output line of the comparator 137 via a resistance element R138. (5V) is performed.

Here, the functional configuration included in the main control board 130 in the gaming machines 20 and 60 is referred to as a control signal acquisition unit 130A.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the power supply line from the power supply unit 131 is branched on the main control board 130, and grounded via resistance elements R132 and R134 connected in series to the branch lines, respectively. 133 is connected. The branch line branches between the resistance elements R132 and R134 and is connected in parallel to the (+) side terminals of the comparators 135 and 137, respectively.

Here, a constant voltage (constant voltage) is applied from the power supply unit 131 to the (+) side terminals of the comparators 135 and 137. Here, the constant voltage potential is a potential that is lowered due to the influence of the resistance element R134 and the resistance element R132 connected to the ground.
Here, when the detection signal (control signal) from the count switch 420 is input to the (−) side input terminal of the comparator 135, the signal input to the (−) side input terminal of the comparator 135. Exceeds the (+) terminal constant voltage, the output from the comparator 135 is switched (from 0 to 1 or from 1 to 0). That is, when a detection signal is input to the (−) side input terminal of the comparator 135, the voltage potential applied to the (−) side input terminal of the comparator 135 is applied to the (+) side terminal. Since the voltage exceeds the constant voltage potential, the logic value output from the comparator 135 is switched.
A constant voltage is applied to the (+) side terminals of the comparators 135 and 137, and this constant potential is used as a “reference potential” in the control signal acquisition unit 130A.

  Here, the main control board 130 includes a control signal acquisition unit 130A that acquires a detection signal (control signal) received by the control signal port 113 (input port), and a branch power line unit 286 (resistance element on the branched power relay line) The resistance value of the resistance element R289 is set so that the potential at the control signal acquisition unit 130A side of R289 is lower than the reference potential within the control signal acquisition unit 130A.

  Thereby, the potential environment in the comparator 137 of the control signal acquisition unit 130A is logically fixed. That is, the logic is fixed to the (−) side terminal of the comparator 137 in a state where a voltage having a lower potential than the constant potential (reference potential) applied to the (+) side terminal is applied. Here, since the detection signal is not input to the (−) side terminal of the comparator 137, the logical value output from the comparator 137 does not change, so the potential environment in the control signal acquisition unit 130A is stabilized. To do. For this reason, it is possible to effectively prevent an unexpected signal from being input to the CPU 105.

  Here, in the gaming machine 20 of the third embodiment, as described above, the configuration in which the comparators 135 and 137 are provided in the control signal acquisition unit 130A has been described, but the entire control signal acquisition unit 130A or the control signal acquisition is performed. A part of the internal configuration of the unit 130A may be realized by an integrated circuit.

In the control signal acquisition unit 130A of the gaming machine 20, the main control board 130 acquires a detection signal received from the control signal port 113 that is an input port. In the control signal acquisition unit 130A of the gaming machine 60, the main control board 130 Is different in that the detection signals received from the two control signal ports 113 and 115 are acquired.
In the control signal acquisition unit 130A of the gaming machine 60 (FIG. 9), a detection signal (control signal) from the count switch 620 input via the control signal port 115 is input to the (−) terminal of the comparator 137. The point where the voltage potential is applied is different from the control signal acquisition unit 130A of the gaming machine 20 (FIG. 6).

Hereinafter, the control signal acquisition unit 130A of the gaming machine 20 (FIG. 6) will be described.
In the control signal acquisition unit 130A, the voltage potential between the resistance element R289 and the control signal relay terminal 217 (referred to as “branch power line unit 286”) on the branch power line unit 285 of the relay terminal plate 202 is -) Applied to the terminal.
For this reason, the resistance value of the resistive element R289 is set so that the potential at the branch power line unit 286 is lower than the “reference potential in the control signal acquisition unit 130A”, which is a constant potential applied to the (+) terminal of the comparator 137. Is set.

For this reason, the electric resistance value of resistance element R289 (hereinafter referred to as “resistance value”) is set to a value equal to or higher than the resistance value of count switch 420.
As a result, the potential environment in the control signal acquisition unit 130A (FIG. 9) when the count switch 620 is connected to the branch power line unit 587 and the control signal relay line unit 585 on the relay terminal board 500 is changed to that of the gaming machine 20. The simulation can be performed in the control board 130 (control signal acquisition unit 130A in FIG. 6). That is, the control signal acquisition unit 130A (FIG. 6) of the gaming machine 20 can also simulate the potential environment in the control signal acquisition unit 130A of the gaming machine 60 (FIG. 9), and the control signal acquisition unit 130A (FIG. 6) The potential environment within is stabilized.

  Here, the “equivalent value” means that the count switches 420 and 620 are connected in parallel when viewed from the control signal acquisition unit 130A side in FIG. 9, and the control signal acquisition unit 130A (FIG. 9) has the same value. The resistance value of resistance element R289 when simulating a potential environment is shown. Here, specifically, the “equivalent value” is a value of ½ times to 2 times.

As described above, in the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 6, the generation of empty terminals in the main control board 130 having the control signal port as the reception port for receiving the control signal is effectively suppressed, and further, the main control board 130 (control signal acquisition unit 130A in FIG. 6) is logically fixed, so that the potential environment in the main control board 130 is stabilized, thereby suppressing the occurrence of unexpected signals in the main control board 130. It becomes possible to do.
Furthermore, when a model change is performed, it is possible to change from the old model to the new model by changing the relay terminal board without changing the main control board.

[Embodiment 4]
Next, as a fourth embodiment, a gaming machine 30 that is a more specific embodiment corresponding to the above-described second embodiment (FIG. 5) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 7, and 10. explain. FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the internal circuit configuration of the gaming machine 30.
In the gaming machine 30, as shown in FIG. 10, an actuator is provided as an operation unit corresponding to the operation unit 400 in the first embodiment (FIG. 1) and the second embodiment (FIG. 5).
Here, specifically, the actuator is an actuator AC1 that drives an open / close member that can be switched to an open state in which a game ball can easily enter the second start port 59 or a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the ball, and a grand prize. An actuator AC2 for operating the opening / closing operation of the special electric accessory 65 provided in the opening of the mouth 55, an actuator AC3 for driving the opening / closing operation of the special electric accessory 66, and the like are shown.
In each of the actuators AC1, AC2, and AC3, the coils are excited by the current sent from the main control board 150, and the corresponding opening / closing members and special electric accessories are caused to move by electromagnetic force.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, as described above, the special electric combination control unit 1190 operates the actuator AC2 in accordance with the command received from the big hit game control unit 1133, thereby opening the special electric combination item 65. Further, according to the command received from the big hit game control unit 1133 by the special electric combination control unit 1190, the actuator AC3 is operated to close the special electric combination item 66. Also, the normal electric combination control unit 1180 is a normal drawing lottery control unit 1170. Based on the command from, the actuator AC1 is operated to open the ordinary electric accessory 61 under a predetermined opening condition.

The actuators AC1, AC2, and AC3 may be solenoid actuators, motor actuators, and the like, respectively.
In the fourth embodiment, the actuators AC1, AC2, and AC3 are collectively referred to as solenoid actuators.

Hereinafter, the gaming machine 30 having a configuration including a solenoid actuator (hereinafter referred to as “solenoid”) 440 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.
As shown in FIG. 7, the gaming machine 30 includes a main control board 150 corresponding to the control board 100 (FIG. 5), a relay terminal board 204 corresponding to the relay terminal board 200a (FIG. 5), and an operation unit 400 (FIG. 5). The solenoid 440 corresponding to is provided.
The main control board 150 supplies current to the solenoid 440 (corresponding to power supply) and outputs a control signal for controlling the driving operation of the solenoid 440. The internal configuration and circuit configuration of the main control board 150 will be described later with reference to FIGS.
The relay terminal board 204 includes a part of each of a power relay line and a control signal relay line that perform the current supply and relay of the control signal.

The solenoid 440 uses the current supplied from the main control board 150 to drive the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member such as the special electric accessory 65 or the input / output device.
Specifically, the solenoid 440 is energized to drive an opening / closing operation in an opening / closing member such as an opening / closing blade. For example, when the solenoid 440 is energized and driven, the pair of opening and closing blades moves to an open position that opens the winning opening, and the energization state of the solenoid 440 is changed from a high voltage to a low voltage by sending a control signal. Is switched from the open position of the opening / closing blade to the closed position for closing the winning opening, and the movement of the opening / closing blade from the closed position to the open position is controlled.
In the gaming machine 30 of the fourth embodiment, the control signal output from the main control board 150 is the control signal port 123 (output port), the transmission line 193, the control signal relay line section 293, and the control of the main control board 150. The signal is sent to the solenoid 440 via the signal transmission line 393.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the relay terminal board 204 includes a power relay line portion 291 that is a part of a power relay line (corresponding to the power relay line 251 (FIG. 1) and the power relay line 251a (FIG. 5)). The control signal trunk line 293, which is part of the control signal trunk line (corresponding to the control signal trunk line 253 (FIG. 1) and the control signal trunk line 253a (FIG. 5)), and the power trunk line section 291 are the branch points 276. And a branch power line portion 295 connected to the control signal relay terminal 225.
Note that the power relay line portion 291, the control signal relay line portion 293, and the branch power line portion 295 may be printed patterns arranged on the relay terminal board 204.
The relay terminal board 204 includes a plurality of different control signal relay terminals 223 and 225 connected to the control signal ports 123 and 125 of the main control board 150, respectively.

Here, the control signal port 123 is an output port from which a control signal transmitted to the solenoid 440 (operation unit) is output.
The control signal relay terminal 225 and the control signal port 125 are connected via a transmission line 195. For this reason, the branch power line unit 295 is connected to the control signal port 125 via the control signal relay terminal 225.

Further, the relay terminal plate 204 has a configuration in which a power relay line portion 291 that is a part of the power relay line is printed on the relay terminal plate 204. Further, the control signal relay line portion 293 that is a part of the control signal relay line is disposed in the relay terminal plate 204 as a print pattern, and the control signal relay terminal 223 and the operation signal relay terminal that is the relay terminal on the solenoid side. 273.
The control signal ports 123 and 125 of the main control board 150 and the control signal relay terminals 223 and 225 of the relay terminal board 204 are connected via transmission lines 193 and 195, respectively.

  As a result, in the gaming machine 30 of the fourth embodiment, the branch power line unit 295 is connected to the control signal port 125 that can be an empty port via the transmission line 195, so that the occurrence of an empty terminal on the main control board 150 is suppressed. be able to.

[About empty ports in the gaming machine 30]
Here, the empty ports of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration and circuit configuration of a gaming machine 70 that is a conventional machine.
Here, the main control board 150 and the solenoid 440 in FIG. 10 are the same as those in the fourth embodiment (FIG. 7). The solenoid 640 is the same type as the solenoid 440.

As described above, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, the number and structure of controlled devices corresponding to the control board are frequently changed by changing the model. For this reason, for example, when one of the operating parts (actuators) operating in the old model corresponding to the main control board is not used in the new model, it was connected to this operating part via a transmission line or the like. The control signal port on the main control board and the control signal relay terminal on the relay terminal board can be unused unused ports (empty terminals).
Here, when the main control board 150 of the old gaming machine 70 is used in common with the new gaming machine 30, an unused port (empty terminal) that can occur on the main control board 150 of the gaming machine 30 is used. ).

  Here, the gaming machine 70 including the solenoids 440 and 640 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the gaming machine 70 includes a relay terminal plate 600 between the main control board 150 and the solenoids 440 and 640, similarly to the gaming machine 30 (FIG. 7).

As described above, the gaming machine 70 relays the control signals sent to the solenoids 440 and 640 that operate the opening and closing operations corresponding to the different opening and closing members in the gaming machine 70 and the solenoids 440 and 640, respectively. The relay terminal board 600 having a part of the control signal relay line (corresponding to the control signal relay line 253 in FIG. 1) is provided.
Further, the solenoids 440 and 640 are driven by supplying current from the main control board 150 as described above.

  Solenoid 440 is connected to operating power relay terminal 661 of relay terminal plate 600 via power transmission line 391, and to operation signal relay terminal 663 of relay terminal plate 600 via control signal transmission line 393. It is connected. Solenoid 640 is connected to an external terminal of operating power relay terminal 662 of relay terminal plate 600 via power transmission line 693, and to an external terminal of operating signal relay terminal 665 of relay terminal plate 600. Connection is made via a control signal transmission line 694.

The relay terminal board 600 includes a plurality of different control signal relay terminals 613 and 615 on the side facing the main control board 150, and a plurality of different operation signal relay terminals 663 and 665 on the side facing the solenoids 440 and 640, respectively. I have.
The control signal relay terminals 613 and 615 are each composed of an inner terminal connected to the printed pattern on the relay terminal board 600 and an outer terminal connected to a device or board outside the relay terminal board 600 via a transmission line. Here, the external terminals of the control signal relay terminals 613 and 615 are connected to the control signal ports 123 and 125 via transmission lines 193 and 195, respectively.

  The relay terminal board 600 includes control signal relay line portions 683 and 685 as print patterns, which are part of the control signal relay line (corresponding to the control signal relay line 253 in FIG. 1). Further, the control signal relay line portion 683 is connected to the inner terminal of the control signal relay terminal 613 and the inner terminal of the operation signal relay terminal 663, and the control signal relay line portion 685 is connected to the inner terminal of the control signal relay terminal 615 and the operation signal relay terminal. 665 is connected to the inner terminal.

In addition, the gaming machine 70 includes power relay lines that are connected to the solenoids 440 and 640 from the power port 121 of the main control board 150 and relay current supply to the solenoids 440 and 640.
Here, the power relay line that relays the current supply from the main control board 150 to the solenoid 440 is a power transmission line 191 connected to the power port 121 of the main control board 150 and the power relay terminal 611 of the relay terminal board 600, The power relay terminal portion 611 and the power relay line portion 681 connected to the inner terminal of the operating power relay terminal 661 and the power transmission line 391 connected to the operating power relay terminal 661 and the solenoid 440 are included.
The power relay line that relays the current supply from the main control board 150 to the solenoid 640 includes a power transmission line 191 connected to the power port 121 of the main control board 150 and the power relay terminal 611 of the relay terminal board 600, power The power connected to the branch power line 687 connected to the branch point and the operating power relay terminal 662 and the power connected to the operating power relay terminal 662 and the solenoid 640 up to the inner terminal of the power relay terminal 611 and the branch point in the relay line 681. It consists of a transmission line 693.
Here, the power relay line portion 681 is a printed pattern disposed on the relay terminal board 600 and is connected to the inner terminal of the power relay terminal 611 and the inner terminal of the operating power relay terminal 661. Further, a branch power line portion 687 that branches at a branch point on the power relay line portion 681 and is connected to the inner terminal of the operating power relay terminal 662 is provided.

  Here, the power relay line (corresponding to the power relay line 251 (FIG. 1)) connecting the solenoids 440 and 640 and the main control board 150 is a common line of the solenoids 440 and 640 and relays from the solenoids 440 and 640, respectively. The power supply port 121 is connected via a branch point on the terminal board 600.

Here, with the model change from the old model (the gaming machine 70) to the new model (the gaming machine 30), etc., the different ones connected to the main control board 150 in the old model (FIG. 10) via the relay terminal board 600 are different. One of the plurality of solenoids 440 and 640 (here, the solenoid 640) is assumed to be removed (no longer necessary) in the new model (FIG. 7).
In this case, the solenoid 640 that is not used in the new embodiment 4 (FIG. 7) and the control signal lines (control signal transmission line 694, control signal relay line 685, and transmission) to which the solenoid 640 is connected are used. Line 195), relay terminals on the relay terminal board 600 (operating power relay terminal 662, operating signal relay terminal 665, and control signal relay terminal 615), and the main control board 150 to which the control signal line was connected. The control signal port 125 and the like are not used.
That is, in the gaming machine 30 as a new model (FIG. 7), the operation power relay terminal 662, the operation signal relay terminal 665, and the branch power line in the relay terminal plate 600 together with the solenoid 640, the power transmission line 693, and the control signal transmission line 694. The part 687 and the control signal trunk line part 685 are not necessary.

  For this reason, when using the main control board 150 in the gaming machine 30 which is a new model, the inner terminal of the control signal relay terminal 615 to which the control signal relay line portion 685 was connected in the old model (FIG. 10) is not used. Terminal (empty terminal). At this time, the control signal port 125 on the main control board 150 becomes an unused “empty port”.

Here, in the gaming machine 30 according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, power is supplied to the inner terminal of the control signal relay terminal 225 (corresponding to the inner terminal of the control signal relay terminal 615 (FIG. 10)). A branch power line portion 295 to which a voltage potential in the relay line portion 291 is branched and applied is connected.
As a result, the generation of empty terminals on the relay terminal board 600 is suppressed, and the control signal port 125 connected to the control signal relay terminal 225 via the transmission line is prevented from becoming an unused empty port. be able to.

[Configuration of main control board 150]
Next, the internal configuration of the main control board 150 in the gaming machine 30 and the gaming machine 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the main control board 150 in the gaming machine 30 and the gaming machine 70 has the same or equivalent functional configuration.

The main control board 150 of the gaming machines 30 and 70 includes a power supply unit 151 that supplies a drive current to the solenoid 440 connected via the power port 121 and the power supply line (here, 30 volts). ing.
In the gaming machine 70 (FIG. 10), current is supplied to solenoid actuators (hereinafter referred to as “solenoids”) 440 and 640 connected in parallel to the main control board 150.
Further, the main control board 150 includes driver terminals 155 and 157 that output a current (drive control current) used for drive control in the solenoid 440 based on a control signal from the CPU 105. In addition, when a drive object is a motor, it is set as a motor drive.
Solenoid drives (hereinafter referred to as “driver terminals”) 155 and 157 are driver terminals such as power semiconductor elements, and generate and send out current for drive control in the solenoids 440 and 640.
Here, a functional configuration included in the main control board 150 in the gaming machine 30 is a control signal generation unit 150A.

The CPU 105 in the control signal generation unit 150A controls the sending of the drive control current at the driver terminals 155 and 157 by applying a voltage to the input terminals (IN terminals) at the driver terminals 155 and 157.
Further, the GND elements of the driver terminals 155 and 157 are respectively connected to the ground 153 in the main control board 150, and resistance elements R152 and R154 are provided on input lines from the CPU 105 to the IN terminals of the driver terminals 155 and 157, respectively. .
Here, the control signal ports 123 and 125 included in the main control board 150 are output ports for outputting drive control currents to the solenoids 440 and 640.

Hereinafter, a functional configuration excluding the CPU 105 included in the main control board 150 of the gaming machines 30 and 70 is referred to as a control signal generation unit 150A.
As shown in FIG. 10, the power supply line in the control signal generation unit 150 </ b> A in the gaming machine 70 is connected to the relay terminal plate 600 from the power supply unit 151 through the power port 121, and is branched on the relay terminal plate 600. The solenoids 440 and 640 are connected in parallel.

The main control board 150 of the fourth embodiment (the gaming machine 30) includes a control signal generation unit 150A that generates a control signal and transmits the control signal from the control signal port 123 (output port). In the control signal generation unit 150A, A constant voltage (constant voltage) is applied to the output terminal (OUT terminal) of the driver terminal 157 from the branch power line portion 295 of the relay terminal board 204 via the transmission line 195.
For this reason, the relay terminal plate 204 is configured such that the potential at the portion closer to the control signal relay terminal 225 than the resistance element R299 of the branched power relay line (branched power line portion 295) is higher than the reference potential at the control signal generation unit 150A. It is assumed that the resistance value of the resistance element R299 is set. Here, the voltage potential at the ground 153 is a reference potential.
That is, the resistance value of the resistance element R299 on the relay terminal plate 204 is set so that the voltage potential applied to the output terminal is higher than the voltage potential applied to the ground terminal (−) at the driver terminal 157. Specifically, the resistance value of resistance element R299 is set to a value equal to or less than the electrical resistance value of solenoid 440.

Thereby, in the gaming machine 70 which is an old model, the potential environment (FIG. 10) inside the control signal generation unit 150A when the solenoid 640 is connected to the main control board 150 via the relay terminal board 600 is changed to the gaming machine. 30 (FIG. 7) can be simulated in the main control board 150.
That is, since the potential environment in the control signal generator 150A in FIG. 10 is simulated in the control signal generator 150A in FIG. 7, the common main control board 150 is also used in the gaming machine 30 from which the solenoid 640 is removed. In addition, the potential environment in the main control board 150 (control signal generation unit 150A) in FIG. 7 can be stabilized.

As described above, in the gaming machine 30 shown in FIG. 7, the control signal ports 123 and 125, which are output ports for transmitting control signals, or the vacant inner terminals of the control signal relay terminals 223 and 225 in the relay terminal plate 204 are used. It is possible to effectively suppress the generation of ports (empty terminals). Further, when a model change is performed, it is possible to change from the old model to the new model by changing the relay terminal board without changing the main control board.
Further, since the logic circuit included in the main control board 150 (the control signal generation unit 150A in FIG. 7) is logically fixed, the potential environment in the main control board 150 is stabilized. It is possible to suppress the generation of this signal.

  In the third embodiment (FIG. 6) and the fourth embodiment (FIG. 7), the main control board 130 is provided with a reception port, and the main control board 150 is provided with an output port. The main control board may have a configuration including both a reception port (output port) and a transmission port (output port). That is, the above-described control signal acquisition unit 130A and control signal generation unit 150A may be provided in a single main control board having the CPU 105.

[Embodiment 5]
Next, Embodiment 5 provided with the operation | movement part 410 as an output means used for the production relevant to a game is demonstrated using FIG. Hereinafter, the gaming machine of the fifth embodiment (FIG. 8) is referred to as a gaming machine 10b. FIG. 8 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the main internal configuration of the gaming machine 10b.
Examples of the output means include an effect display device (liquid crystal display device) 80, a speaker 33, an illumination device 35 such as an LED, a movable accessory (not shown), and the like (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The output means also includes an effect display device, a substrate (non-control substrate) provided with a speaker, a decorative lamp, etc., an effect actuator 38 (see FIG. 4) for driving a movable accessory for effect. .

As shown in FIG. 8, the gaming machine 10b has a relay terminal board between the operation unit 410 (corresponding to the operation unit 400 of FIG. 5) and the effect control board 300 (corresponding to the control board 100 of FIG. 5). 200b is provided.
Further, the gaming machine 10b includes a main control board 110 that transmits an effect control signal (effect control command) related to the game to the effect control board 300. The production control command includes a voice production by the speaker 33, a lamp production by the lighting device 35 such as an LED or a cold cathode ray tube discharge tube, a symbol production by the production display device 80, and a role for driving a production gimmick such as a movable accessory. Includes control commands for realizing product effects.

The effect control board 300 performs control for driving the effect operation by the operation unit 410 by sending a control signal to the operation unit 410 used for the effect related to the game.
In addition, the effect control board 300 includes an effect control unit 320 that controls operations in the effect display device 80, the lighting device 35, the speaker 33, and the like, as shown in FIG.

Here, the effect control unit 320 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control unit 320 performs various operations based on the special symbol selected by the special symbol selection unit 1132 of the main control unit 1000, the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit 1110, the player's operation received by the button 37, or the like. Perform the production. The effect control unit 320 may switch the effect variably in accordance with the player's operation received from the button 37. Further, the effect control unit 320 may control the operation of the movable accessory (so-called effect gimmick) provided on the periphery of the effect display device 80 by the effect actuator 38.

  Here, the variation pattern determination unit 1110 of the main control unit 1000 is connected to the special figure hold control unit 1120, the special figure lottery control unit 1130, the gaming state control unit 1140, the general figure hold control unit 1160, and the general figure lottery control unit 1170. Thus, by obtaining signals (data) from these functions, a variation pattern suitable for game control by the main control unit 1000 can be generated. In the variation pattern, a time from when the special symbol starts to display the variation to the end (stop display) is defined.

In addition, the effect control unit 320 uses the special symbol selected by the special symbol selection unit 1132 or the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit 1110 to change the effect of the effect symbol (for example, reach effect or the like) or other effects. The effect mode is determined, and the determined effect is displayed on the effect display device 80, the illumination device 35, or the speaker 33.
It is assumed that the effect control unit 320 in the fifth embodiment has acquired the special symbol selected by the special diagram selection unit 1132 via the variation pattern determination unit 1110.
The effect mode determined by the effect control unit 320 includes, in addition to the development mode of the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 80, the background sound and color displayed on the effect display device 80, and the effect sound (sound output by the speaker 33). Music), the luminescent color and intensity of the lighting device 35, the timing of accepting the operation of the button 37, and the like.

Next, the relay terminal board 200b provided in the gaming machine 10b will be described with reference to FIG.
The relay terminal board 200b includes a power relay line part 281b that is a part of the power relay line 251b, a control signal relay line part 283b that is a part of the control signal relay line 253b, a control signal port 304 of the effect control board 300, 306 includes control signal relay terminals 215b and 217b that are connected to each other through a transmission line, and a branch power line portion 285b as a print pattern that is branched from the power relay line portion 281b and connected to the control signal relay terminal 217b. Yes.
Here, each of the power relay line portion 281b, the control signal relay line portion 283b, and the control signal relay terminal 217b is a printed pattern of a conductor disposed on the relay terminal plate 200b.

Further, the gaming machine 10b operates by sending an operation unit 410 as the output means used for the effect of the game and power supply (power supply) to the operation unit 410 and sending a control signal to the operation unit 410. An effect control board 300 that performs control for driving the effect operation in the unit 410 is provided.
Thereby, in the gaming machine 10b, power is supplied from the effect control board 300 to the operation unit 410 via the power relay line 251b. In addition, a control signal is sent from the effect control board 300 to the operation unit 410 via the control signal relay line 253b.

As described above, the relay terminal board 200b has a configuration in which the power relay line portion 281a as a part of the power relay line 251 is disposed in the relay terminal board 200a. The power relay line portion 281a may be arranged as a print pattern.
In the relay terminal board 200b, a control signal relay line portion 283b, which is a part of the control signal relay line 253b, is disposed in the relay terminal board 200b and connected to the inner terminal of the control signal relay terminal 215b. The control signal relay line portion 283b may be disposed in the relay terminal board 200b as a print pattern.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the control signal ports 304 and 306 of the effect control board 300 and the control signal relay terminals 215b and 217b of the relay terminal plate 200b are connected via transmission lines 183b and 185b, respectively.
Here, the transmission lines 183b and 185b are, for example, conductive flexible cables, and the power ports 302 and control signals provided in the effect control board 300 are provided at both ends (the effect control board 300 side and the relay terminal board 200b side). Assume that the ports 304 and 306, the power relay terminals (not shown) provided in the relay terminal plate 200b, and connectors connected to the control signal relay terminals 215b and 217b are provided.
The control signal relay terminals 215b and 217b each have an inner terminal connected to the print pattern disposed on the relay terminal board 200b and an outer terminal connected to the transmission lines 183b and 185b.

Here, in the gaming machine 10b (FIG. 8), the transmission line 185 connected to the branch power line unit 285b is connected to the control signal port 306 that can become an empty port in accordance with the model change or configuration change of the gaming machine. The Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the empty terminal in the production | presentation control board 300 can be suppressed.
In addition, the branch power line part 285b may have a configuration in which resistance elements (not shown) having resistance values simulating the resistance value in the operation part 410 are provided in series.

  As a result, the logic circuit included in the effect control board 300 is logically fixed in the same manner as the potential environment in the old model described later. For this reason, the potential environment in the effect control board 300 is stabilized, and the occurrence of unexpected signals in the effect control board 300 can be suppressed.

  The gaming machine 10b also includes a branch power line 255b (including a branch power line part 285b, a control signal relay terminal 217b, and a transmission line 185b) from the branch point of the power relay line 251b (power relay line part 281b) to the control signal port 306. , And the control signal relay line 253b may be configured by flexible cables. At this time, the effect control board 300 and the operation unit 410 are connected by aerial wiring using a flexible cable.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 10b, there is a branch power line (or a transmission line connected to the branched power line) with respect to the control signal port (in this case, the control signal port 306) that can be an empty port on the effect control board 300. Since the connection is made, it is possible to suppress the generation of empty terminals in the production control board 300. For this reason, even if the number and configuration of the output means (operation unit 410) are changed, the production control board before the change is shared. Can be used. That is, when the model is changed, it is possible to change from the old model to the new model by changing only the relay terminal board without changing the production control board.

  As described above, in the gaming machines 10, 10a, 20, 30, 10b according to the first to fifth embodiments, the power relay line is branched and connected to the control signal port included in the control board (main control board or effect control board). As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of empty terminals (empty ports) in a control board (main control board or effect control board) provided with a control signal port as an output port for transmission or a reception port for reception. it can. Furthermore, since the logic circuit included in the control board is logically fixed, the potential environment in the control board is stabilized, thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of unexpected signals on the control board.

The above embodiment includes the following technical idea.
(1) A control board connected to a control signal relay line through which a control signal is transmitted to and from the operating unit, a power relay line connected to a constant potential, and the control board for outputting or inputting the control signal 1 or a plurality of control signal ports provided in the game machine, wherein the power trunk line is branched and connected to the control signal port.
(2) The control board and the operation unit, including the one or more power relay lines, the control signal relay line, and a plurality of different control signal relay terminals connected to each of the control signal ports. The control signal relay line connects the control signal port and the operating part via a part of the control signal relay terminal, and the branched power relay line The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the gaming machine is connected to the control signal port via a part of the control signal relay terminal.
(3) A resistance element is provided on a branch power line connecting the control signal relay terminal or the control signal port to which the branched power relay line is connected and a branching point in the power relay line. The gaming machine according to any one of (1) and (2).
(4) The gaming machine according to (3), wherein the control signal port is an input port to which the control signal sent from the operating unit is input.
(5) The gaming machine according to (3), wherein the control signal port is an output port from which the control signal for the operating unit is output.
(6) The control board includes a control signal acquisition unit that acquires the control signal received by the input port, and the resistance is set so that a potential in the branched power trunk line is lower than a reference potential in the control signal acquisition unit. The gaming machine according to (4), wherein a resistance value of the element is set.
(7) The control board includes a control signal generation unit that generates the control signal and transmits the control signal from the output port, and the potential at the branched power trunk line is higher than a reference potential at the control signal generation unit. The gaming machine according to (5), wherein a resistance value of the resistance element is set.

10, 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 60, 70 Gaming machine 12 Front frame 15 Outer frame 21 Hinge mechanism 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent member 27 Upper ball tray 29 Lower ball tray 31 Operation handle 32 Upper frame portion 33 (33a, 33b ) Speakers 34, 36 Left and right frame 35 (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g) Illuminating device 37 Button 38 Production actuator 39 Ball removal mechanism 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 55, 56 Grand prize opening 57 1st start opening 59 2nd start opening 61 Normal electric accessory 63 Actuating gate 65, 66 Special electric accessory 67, 67a, 67b, 67c Normal winning opening 69 Out opening 80 Production display device 90 Display device 91 Special symbol display device 91a First special symbol display device 91b Second special symbol display device 92 Normal Pattern display device 100 control board 102,111,121,302 power ports 104,106,113,115,123,125,304,306 control signal port 105 CPU
110, 130, 150 Main control board 130A Control signal acquisition unit 131, 139, 151 Power supply unit R132, R134, R136, R138, R152, R154, R289, R289a, R299 Resistive elements 133, 153, 155, 157 Ground 135, 137 Comparator 150A Control signal generation unit 155, 157 Driver terminal 160 Benefit granting unit 183, 183b, 185, 185b, 191, 193, 195 Transmission line 181, 191, 381, 391, 572, 693 Power transmission line 200a, 200b, 202, 204, 500, 600 Relay terminal plates 211, 261, 511, 611 Power relay terminals 215, 215a, 215b, 217, 217a, 217b, 223, 225, 513, 515, 613, 615 Control signal relay terminals 251, 2 1a, 251b Power relay lines 253, 253a, 253b Control signal relay lines 255, 255b Branch power lines 263, 273, 563, 565, 663, 665 Operation signal relay terminals 276 Branch points R289, R289a, R299, R132, R134, R136, R138 Resistive elements 281, 281 a, 281 b, 291, 581, 681 Power trunk lines 283, 283 a, 283 b 293, 583, 585, 683, 685 Control signal trunk lines 285, 285 a, 285 b, 286, 295, 587, 687 Branch power line unit 300 Production control board 320 Production control unit 383, 393, 574, 694 Control signal transmission line 400, 410 Operation unit 420, 620 Count switch 422, 622 Opening 424, 624 Detection signal output unit 440, 640 Solenoi Actuator 561, 562, 661, 662 Operating power relay terminal 1000 Main control unit 1110 Fluctuation pattern determination unit 1111 First special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1112 Second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 1113 General drawing lottery value acquisition unit 1120 Special figure reservation Control unit 1130 Special drawing lottery control unit 1131, 1171 Lottery unit 1132 Special figure selection unit 1133, 1173 Game control unit 1140 Game state control unit 1141 Winning probability control unit 1142 Shortening control unit 1150 Symbol display control unit 1151 First special figure display Control part 1152 2nd special figure display control part 1153 Universal figure display control part 1160 Universal figure reservation control part 1170 Universal figure lottery control part 1172 Universal figure selection part 1180 Normal electrical role control part 1190 Special electrical role control part SW0, SW4, SW5 , SW6 count switch SW1 first start port switch SW2 second start port switch Switch SW3 Normal design variation switch AC1, AC2, AC3 Actuator

Claims (1)

A control board;
A power relay line that connects the control board and the operating unit and applies a constant potential to the operating unit ;
A control signal relay line for connecting the control board and the operation unit, and a control signal is transmitted between the control board and the operation unit;
A plurality of control signal ports provided on the control board for outputting or inputting the control signal;
And at least the first control signal port and another substrate connected to the second control signal port, and
The other substrate is
A first print pattern disposed as part of the power trunk line;
A second print pattern disposed as a part of the control signal relay line connecting the first control signal port and the operation unit;
A gaming machine comprising: a third print pattern that is branched from the first print pattern, has a resistance element, and is connected to the second control signal port.

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