JPS61284280A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to a pachinko game machine, particularly one equipped with an electric winning device called a yakubutsu.

[Prior Art] In the field of pachinko gaming machines, machines equipped with electric winning devices called so-called yakumono are used to improve services for players and expand the number of customers who can enjoy the games. being developed.

By adding these accessories, the content of the game becomes more diverse, thereby increasing the wholesome enjoyment of the players.

By the way, in this type of pachinko game machine, when a specific mode in which the accessory operates, such as ``R jackpot'' or ``R offer,'' occurs, a fanfare or the like is played depending on the type of the specific mode. By generating a sound effect, the occurrence of the specific mode can be very effectively produced. Through this acoustic production, players can experience fun things other than winning prize balls.
This greatly helps to enhance the wholesome entertainment value of pachinko gaming machines.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the past, in order to effectively perform the acoustic production, a dedicated large scale for sound generation called a so-called programmable sound generator (PSG) has been used. Large-scale semiconductor integrated circuit devices were needed. This programmable sound generator is expensive and has a very complex architecture that makes it difficult to handle1. In order to do so, there was a problem in that a new, complicated and large-scale device equivalent to or more complex than a microcomputer system would be required.

On the other hand, since pachinko gaming machines are generally used in harsh environments, it is desirable for the electronic devices incorporated therein to have as simple and simple a structure as possible in order to ensure reliability. Furthermore, the concise and simple configuration is useful for preventing and detecting unauthorized modification of pachinko gaming machines.

[Objective of the Invention] This invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and one of its typical objectives is to create a sound generator that does not rely on a dedicated programmable sound generator that is expensive and difficult to handle. With a relatively simple and concise additional configuration, a pachinko machine can easily and freely emit complex sound effects such as fanfares, thereby improving its suitability as a wholesome entertainment device. Our goal is to provide gaming machines.

The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[Means for Solving the Problems] Representative inventions disclosed in this application will be summarized as follows.

That is, in the present invention, as a means for achieving the above object, as shown in FIG.
In the pachinko game machine equipped with the above-mentioned scale generating means 2,
57, a latch circuit 256a that temporarily stores and holds the input scale data until the next scale data is input.
The presettable counter 256b, which repeatedly counts the held output value of the latch circuit 256a according to a predetermined count clock φk, outputs a count output every time the held output value is counted, as the sound source of the sound effect. There is.

[Operation] With the above means, a sound source output value having the same cycle as the count cycle in which the presettable counter 256b counts its preset value can be obtained. In other words, by simply applying scale data to the latch circuit 256a, it is possible to arbitrarily generate a sound source with a frequency proportional to the reciprocal of the scale data value. This sound source can be taken directly from the output of counter 256b. The scale can be freely varied by simply supplying new scale data to the latch circuit 256a, that is, by simply updating the contents of the latch circuit 256a.

In addition, when emitting the same scale continuously, the latch circuit 2
The contents of 56a may be left alone without being updated. During this time, the scale of the data stored and held in the latch circuit 256a is continuously emitted.

Therefore, the amount of scale data can be extremely reduced, and complex sound effects such as fanfares can be freely generated using a small storage area.

As a result, complex sound effects such as fanfares can be easily and freely emitted with a relatively simple and simple additional configuration, thereby improving suitability as a wholesome entertainment device.

[Embodiments] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

Note that in FIG. 1, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

2 to 9 show the main body side portion of a pachinko game machine to which the present invention is applied.

First, the outline and operation of the pachinko game machine according to the present invention will be briefly explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows a gaming area 1 formed on the gaming board 1.
An example of the configuration of a is shown below.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, a ball hitting guide rail 3 is provided on the front surface of the game board 1. As shown in FIG. This ball guide rail 3
guides the game ball, that is, the batted ball, fired by the batted ball firing device 2 to the upper part of the game area 1a. Ball launch bag @2
is operated and driven by a lower operation dial knob 2a.

The game area 1a includes the ball guide rail 3 and the opening/closing panel l.
It is formed in a space surrounded by ot glass plates. Various winning holes 5a, 6b, 6c, 7°8.53a and winning devices 5, 9 forming a winning area are arranged in this gaming area 1a. Along with this, a large number of obstacle nails 11 and various guiding members 12a, 12b, 12c,
Also provided are direction setting members 13a, 13b, etc., so that the ball hit into the game area la falls while changing its direction in various ways. At the lowest part of the game area 1a, an out port 10 is provided for collecting the hit balls that did not win in any of the winning areas to the back of the game board.

Also, in the center of the game area 1a is a variable display bag that serves as a kind of game device! 2!4 is equipped.

This variable display device! 4, segment type indicators LEDA, LEDB, LEDC, LED using light emitting diodes
D allows Arabic numerals from 0 to 9 to be displayed. When the variable display device 4 operates, the displayed numbers on each of the indicators LEDA to LEDD change respectively. This change can be made by the player using the stop switch SW2.
It will be stopped by operating or after a certain amount of time has elapsed. At this time, if the combination of displayed numbers after this stop results in a pre-contracted result, a specific mode described later will be generated.

The above winning opening 6at 6tz 6ct 7t IL 53
A is a fixed winning hole that always has a winning area open.

These prize openings 6a, 6b, 6c, 71s+53a
, depending on its function, is the general winning opening 6a.

It is classified into 6b, 6c+ 53a, and specific winning lower, 8. The batted balls are general prize winners 6a, 6b, and 6c.

53a, a predetermined number (usually 10 to 15) of prize balls will be paid out. If the batted ball lands in the special prize winning lower, 8, a predetermined number of prize balls will be paid out in the same way as in the case of winning in the general winning hole, as will be described later.

The variable display device 14 is activated to provide an opportunity to obtain special benefits.

The winning device 15.9 is a tulip-style prize bag! ! 9 and a special variable winning device 5 are provided.

Among them, the special variable winning bag w5 does not normally have a winning area, but a specific aspect occurs as a result of the stoppage of the variable display operation in the variable display bag 5!4.
A wide special variable prize opening 80 with a very high winning probability is temporarily opened. Furthermore, inside the special variable prize opening 80,
It is divided into a normal winning hole 82 which only brings a predetermined number of prize balls, and a continuous winning hole 81 which gives the right to reopen the special variable winning hole 80 in addition to the prize balls.

On the other hand, an illuminated central display member 20 is disposed above the game board 1. This illuminated concentrated display member 20 includes:
A prize lamp 21 that is temporarily turned on when a batted ball enters any winning area; a turbo lamp 22 that is turned on or blinks when a specific condition occurs due to the stoppage of the variable display operation of the variable display device 14; and a turbo lamp 22 that will be described later. A segment-type display LED numerically displays the number of times the special variable prize winning device 5 continues to be in the open state when a specific form of "jackpot" occurs, and the number of times the continuous number of times is set to a predetermined limit number (1
A completion lamp 24 is provided to notify the completion of the game by the special variable winning device 5 when the number of winnings (0 times) is reached.

Further, the variable display device 4 is provided with lighting means 27 for jackpot display. This lighting means 27 includes the segment type indicators LEDA, LEDB, LEDC, LED
While the display by D is changing, it is lit for one blink. Furthermore, when a specific form of jackpot occurs, the flashing speed is controlled to become faster.This allows the operation of variable display bag [4] and the occurrence of a jackpot to be effectively produced.・It is now displayed.

Furthermore, a continuation condition fulfillment display section 29 is provided within the special variable prize winning device 5. This continuation condition fulfillment display section 2
9 is when a specific aspect of "r jackpot" occurs,
When a ball hits the continuous winning hole 81, the lighting is driven. As a result, it is displayed that a special continuation right to re-open the special fluctuating prize opening 80 has been granted.

A single firing device driving lamp 26 is provided on the upper part of the holding frame 100 of the pachinko game machine that holds the game board 1 having the above structure. This firing device drive lamp 2G is turned on when the operating dial knob 2a of the ball firing device is operated.

In addition, an opening/closing panel 101 attached to the holding frame 100
A supply tray 102 is attached to hold the batted balls to be supplied to the batted ball launcher. Furthermore, below it,
Receiving tray 1 for storing prize balls overflowing from the supply tray 102
03 is provided.

A push-operated stop switch SW2 is provided on the side (left side in the figure) of the holding frame 100. This stop switch SW2 is used when it is desired to manually stop the variable display operation of the variable display device 4 activated by the specific winning lower or the winning opening to 8.

Now, in the pachinko game machine configured as described above, if a ball hit into the game area la by the ball launcher 2 lands in any winning area, a predetermined number of prizes (usually 10 to 15) will be awarded. The ball is paid out. Furthermore, when the winning ball wins a specific winning prize lower or 8, the variable display device 4 is activated. And the segment type display LEDA-LEDD of the variable display device 4
The four numbers displayed can now be changed individually. Here, when the player presses the stop switch SW2 or after a certain amount of time has passed, the operation of the variable display is thereby stopped. At this time, if the combination of displayed numbers after the stop results in a pre-contracted result, a specific pattern is generated.

When a specific situation occurs, the special variable winning device 5 is converted from the closed state to the open state, and a winning area by the above-mentioned special variable winning opening 80 is temporarily opened and provided within the gaming area la. This changes the probability of winning there from zero to extremely high. As a result, the player is given a special opportunity to generate a large number of winning balls within a relatively short period of time and win many prize balls.

In this case, there are two types of states caused by the above-mentioned specific mode, ``jackpot'' and r-offer J, depending on the combination of the above-mentioned displayed numbers.

A "jackpot" state occurs when a specific situation occurs in which all four displayed numbers match one of the predetermined specific numbers. The state of "roffer" occurs when a specific situation occurs in which any three of the three displayed numbers match one of the pre-contracted specific numbers. In other words, if you get four matches, you will get a jackpot, and if you get three matches, you will get an offer.

If a specific form of [jackpot] occurs.

The special variable winning device 5 receives a relatively long predetermined time (about 30 seconds)
It is set to the open state during . Due to this.

The probability of winning a prize increases dramatically. Furthermore, while the special variable winning device 5 remains open, if a ball hits the continuous winning hole 81 set in the special variable winning hole 80, the special variable winning device 5 will temporarily return to the closed state. It will then be set to the open state again. In other words, the time period during which the special variable winning device 5 remains open is substantially extended. This provides players with many opportunities to win prizes.

In addition, when a specific aspect such as "R offer" occurs, the special variable prize winning device 5 is set to the open state only for a relatively short predetermined time (about 6 seconds). This results in a “jackpot”
Although not as many as 1, the player is given an opportunity to win considerably more prize balls than would normally be the case.

Here, the combination of numbers displayed on the variable display device 4 is changed randomly. Therefore, the special opportunities according to the above-mentioned specific mode are given almost equally, regardless of individual differences such as the level of gaming proficiency. This allows even beginners to enjoy the fortuitous opportunity of the above-mentioned specific aspect.

However, if the profits given to the players by the above-mentioned special opportunities are too large, there is a risk that unnecessary gambling will be aroused. Therefore, in order to avoid stirring up the gambling spirit, the following control operations are also performed in the control operations related to the occurrence of the above-mentioned specific aspect.

That is, when the above-mentioned "jackpot" state occurs, the number of winning balls into the special variable winning device 5 is limited to a certain limit (
10), the special variable prize winning device 5 is forced to immediately return to the closed state without waiting for a predetermined period of time (approximately 30 seconds) to elapse. Further, the set number of times the continuous winning hole 81 is kept open due to winnings is also limited to a certain number of times (10 times) or less.

In this way, the healthy interest of the players is not spoiled, and unnecessary speculation is not aroused.

On the other hand, although not shown in the drawings, when a specific mode such as "jackpot" or "r offer" occurs, in addition to the above-mentioned control operation, depending on the type of the specific mode, for example, a sound effect such as a fanfare, etc. The display of effects using sound is also controlled. Note that the sound effect such as a fanfare, which will be described in detail later, is electronically generated and emitted from a speaker (not shown) built into the gaming machine.

This type of performance display allows players to experience fun things other than winning prize balls.

Next, the configuration of the pachinko game machine described above is shown in FIGS. 2 to 9.
A more detailed explanation will be given with reference to the figures.

FIG. 2 shows the front of a pachinko game machine to which this invention is applied.

The pachinko game machine, the outline of which is shown in the figure, has a game board 1. Ball launcher 2. Dial knob for batting ball operation 2 ay batting ball guide rail 3. Holding frame 100. Opening/closing panel 101. Supply tray 102. It has an overflow ball tray 103 and the like.

The game board 1 is held inside a holding frame 100, and its front side is covered by an opening/closing panel 101. The opening/closing panel 101 is constructed using a transparent glass plate. The center portion of the game board 1 is largely surrounded by a ball hitting guide rail 3. A gaming area 1a is formed within this surrounding area.

In addition, an illuminated central display member 2 is provided at the top of the game board 1.
0 is placed. This concentrated display member 20 includes a prize ball lamp 21. Specific mode occurrence indicator lamp 22. and a completion lamp 24 are integrally incorporated. Further, a segment type display LEDE made of a light emitting diode is attached to the concentrated display member 20. The functions of these lamps and indicators are as described above.

That is, the prize ball lamp 21 is temporarily turned on when a ball hits the winning area. The winning area is provided by, for example, a tulip-type winning device 9. The specific mode occurrence indicator lamp 22 is turned on or blinks when a specific mode such as "roffer" or "jackpot" occurs. The segment type display LEDE numerically displays the number of times the open state of the special variable winning device 5 is continued/extended due to a hit ball winning in the continuous winning hole 81 when a predetermined form of "jackpot" occurs. . The completion lamp 24 can be continued/extended a predetermined limit number of times (10
The completion of the game is notified by the special variable prize winning device 5 when the number of times) is reached.

The ball firing device 2 is electrically driven and fires the game balls in the supply tray 102 one by one. This operation is performed by rotating the dial knob 2a. The dial knob 2a is rotated manually and is configured to automatically spring back to a non-operating position when the player releases his/her hand.

The ball guide rail 3 guides a game ball fired by the first firing device 2, that is, a hit ball, into a game area la to be described later.

As described above, the game area 1a is formed on the front side of the game board 1 surrounded by the ball hitting guide rail 3. In this game area la, there are a large number of obstacle nails 11 that randomly change the direction of the ball, and a transfer guide member 12a that controls the falling speed and direction of the ball.

12b, 12c, etc. are arranged. Along with this,
Within the gaming area la, there are various winning devices that provide winning areas, namely a special variable winning device 5, a first predetermined winning lower, a second predetermined winning opening 8°, a tulip type winning device 9
etc. are provided.

As mentioned above, the special variable prize winning device 5 includes a variable display device [
The system is configured to operate when the specific mode No. 4 occurs and temporarily open a winning area. An example of the configuration of this special variable prize winning device 5 will be explained in detail later. Also, 1st. As mentioned above, the second specific winning lower 8 provides a specific winning area for activating the variable display device [14].Furthermore, within the gaming area 1a, a variable display Device 4. Out port 10. , lighting means 25, etc. are provided.

Although the details will be described later, the variable display device 4 is configured to variably display a plurality of types of characters in each display window section at a plurality of display windows (four locations).

In this embodiment, Arabic numerals from O to 9 are variably displayed as characters. The results of the displayed numbers are changed randomly.

The out port IO collects batted balls that could not enter any winning areas in the game area la, that is, missed balls that could not win.

The illumination means 25 blinks or lights up when a specific mode occurs due to the stoppage of the variable display operation of the variable display device @4.

On the other hand, the holding frame 100 forms the outer frame of the pachinko game machine. This holding frame 100 is provided with the aforementioned stop switch SW2, firing drive lamp 26, and the like. The stop switch SW2 is for manually stopping the variable operation of the variable display device 4, and is a suppressing operation type (
It is constructed using a momentary type switch (button type).

The overflow ball tray 103 is a place where balls overflowing from the supply tray 102 are stored. When 6 batted balls win a prize, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. It has become.

FIG. 3 shows details of the game board 1.

In FIG. 3, above the variable display device 4, three general prize winning slots 6a, 6b, and 6c, so-called "heaven,""heaven'sleft," and "heaven's right" are integrally provided. In addition,
These general winning openings 6a, 6b.

6c may be provided independently apart from the variable display device 4.

In the upper half of the game area 1a, the transfer guide member 12a,
In addition to 12b, 12c, etc., 1. Second direction setting members 13a, 13b are provided. These direction setting members 13a, 13b are formed by obstruction nails.

The transfer guide members 12a, 12b, and 12c are arranged below these direction setting members 13a, 13b, respectively.

Of these transfer guide members, the first transfer guide member 12a has its rotation axis located slightly toward the center from diagonally above the first specific winning lower, and the first transfer guide member 12a located above the first specific winning lower. It is pivotally supported at a distance A away from the center line of the direction setting guiding member 13a. Second
The transfer guidance member 12b is located slightly below the inside of the first specific winning lower, and is located at a distance C from the center line of the interval between the second direction setting guidance member 13b and the shoulder portion 4a of the variable display device 4.
It is pivoted at a distance to the outside. As a result, the direction of the batted balls flowing down toward the transfer guide members 12a and 12b is controlled so that they tend to flow down toward the center of the game board.

Here, the first. The second specific winning Roa, the winning ball to 8 is:
Behind the game board 1, the player is guided along a different route from the winning balls to other winning areas. Then, after passing the start switch SW1 whose mounting position is shown by the dotted line in FIG. 3, it is made to join the guide path common to other winning balls.

The start switch SWI is installed in the passage path of the batted ball that won the specific winning lower or 8, and thereby detects the specific winning ball. The variable display device 4 is activated by this detection signal.

The variable display device 4 is set so that the end of the shoulder portion 4a is located at a position higher than the lower end of the second direction setting guide member 13b by a distance B. As a result, the batted ball that has flowed down along the second direction setting member 13b and the shoulder portion 4a of the variable display device 4 passes through the AC surface (described later) of the variable display device 4 and reaches the second specific winning opening located below. 8 and special variable winning device 5
It is designed to make it easier to jump into.

As described above, the direction setting guiding member 13a is completed.

13b and the rolling guide members 12a, 12b are installed in such a way that the flow path of the game ball is largely opened in the center by determining the position, thereby eliminating wasted game balls and allowing the game balls to move toward the center efficiently. It has become.

The special variable winning device 5 has two types of winning holes 80 and 53.
A is provided. One is the special variable winning opening 80 which is temporarily opened in the center, and the other is the general winning opening 53a which is always opened on both sides. A distribution guide member 14 consisting of a plurality of obstacle nails is provided corresponding to these two types of winning holes 80 and 53a. This distribution guide member 14 is provided between the second specific winning hole 8 and the special variable winning device 5, and distributes the batted balls to the two types of winning holes, and also controls the speed of the winning ball to the special variable winning device 5. It acts to reduce.

An arcuate line guide member 15 is fixed to the right end of the game area 1a so as to form an arc continuous with the ball hitting guide rail 3. A riot prevention member 1 is attached to the upper end of this line guide member 15.
6 is installed.

This riot prevention member 16 acts to suppress the violence within the game area by suppressing the momentum of the ball hit at high speed.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show in detail a specific example of the configuration of the variable display device 4 described above.

The variable display bag M4 has a mounting hole 44 and a fifth hole shown in FIG.
It is fixed to the game board l with screws 43a, nails 45, etc. shown in the figure.

At the top of this variable display device 4, as shown in FIG.
A guiding plane 40b is integrally formed with a decorative plate 40a that covers the front thereof. This guiding plane 40b is formed to protrude forward from the surface of the game board 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, an arched shoulder 4a is provided at the upper end of the guiding plane 40b.

This shoulder portion 4a acts to slow down the speed of the hit ball flowing down from above the game board and to smoothly distribute the hit ball to either the left or right game area.

On both sides of the lower end of the guiding plane 40b, there are formed downward guiding inclined surfaces 40c which are inclined downwardly toward the inside. This guiding inclined surface 40c allows the ball to be hit onto the AC surface 41.
In addition, an exchange surface 41 is formed below the guiding plane 40b. This AC surface 41 is substantially flush with the surface of the game board 1, as shown in FIG. As a result, the exchange surface 4
1, allowing interaction of batted balls flowing down the left and right game areas. As a result, the ball can easily fly into the second specific winning hole 8 or the special variable winning device 5 described above.

As shown in FIG. 5, a recess forming wall 42 is fixed to the exchange surface 41. As shown in FIG. This recess forming wall 42 is the fastening part 4
1a and screws 43, forming a recess 42a that penetrates deep into the game board 1.

A mounting surface 46 for mounting a variable display member 47, which will be described later, is provided at the back of this recess 42a.

As shown in FIG. 4, three display windows 46b are formed in a horizontal row on the mounting surface 46.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a support for fixing the variable display member 47 is provided protruding from the back thereof.

The variable display member 47 has a substrate 47a as shown in FIG.
It is attached and fixed behind the mounting surface 46 in a state where it is attached to. This variable display member 47 is
As shown in FIG. 4, it has three indicators arranged in a horizontal line. In this embodiment, as this indicator, as shown in FIG. 4, a segment type indicator LE using light emitting diodes is used.
It uses DA, LEDB, and LEDC. Each display L
EDA, LEDB, and LEDC are mounted on the mounting surface 4 above.
It is positioned so as to face the display window section 46b of No. 6.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, one display window 40d is also formed in the center of the guiding surface 40b.

Another variable display member 48 is attached behind this display window 40d. This variable display member 48 has one indicator LEDD. This indicator LEDD is also a segment type indicator using light emitting diodes. As shown in FIG. 5, this variable display member 48 has a mounting board 48a.
At the same time, it is positioned and fixed by screws 43d.

Here, the segment type indicators LEDA, LEDB,
Each of the LEDC and LEDD is a type of character display element, and is configured to be able to arbitrarily and variably display a plurality of types of characters by combining segments that drive one light emission. In this embodiment, Arabic numerals from 0 to 9 are used as the characters. Therefore, the segment type indicator LEDA.

The LEDB, LEDC, and LEDD are configured such that each display can display any number from 0 to 9 depending on the combination of its segments. Note that the above-mentioned characters may be characters other than numbers, symbols, or pictures.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, at the bottom of the variable display device 4, there are four memory display lamps for displaying the aforementioned specific winning lower and the number of batted balls that won 8 (FIGS. 2 and 3). LED1 to LED4 are arranged in a horizontal row. As shown in FIG. 5, these memory display lamps LEDl to LED4 are exposed through a through window 42d formed at the lower part of the recess forming wall 42.

As described above, the variable display member 47 and the memory display lamps LED1 to LED4 are all arranged at a position set back from the first surface of the game board. This is because the display member on which the variable display member 47 and the memory display lamp LEDI-LED4 appear is an alternating current surface, and the five balls exchange frequently, so these are protected from being hit by the ball and their damage is prevented. In addition, in order to widen the visual range in which the variable display member 47 can be viewed from the front, the recess-forming wall 42 is sloped from the back toward the front side in a manner that widens toward the front, and the inner wall surface thereof is plated. The display contents of the variable display member 47 are made clear. Furthermore, the rear surface of the recess 42a formed by the recess forming wall 42 allows the external incident light to reflect on the surface and enter the player's field of vision, so that the variable display member 47
In order to avoid obscuring the display, it is tilted slightly upward (approximately 8 to 10 degrees) with respect to the vertical plane.

On the other hand, on both sides of the guiding plane 40b, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of jackpot display illumination means 27 made of semi-transparent colored members are provided. A lamp (not shown) which is a light source of this jackpot display illumination means 27 is mounted inside the illumination means 27 using a mounting board 27a and screws 43c, as shown in FIG. The mounting board 27a is 1
Although not shown, it is attached to a post protruding from the back side of the substrate of the variable display device 4 via a cushioning material so as to improve ventilation. This allows vibrations caused by the light source lamp to be absorbed and heat generated from the lamp to be efficiently dissipated.

The variable display device 4 configured as described above is activated (triggered) by the start switch SWI (FIG. 3) which detects the specific winning lower and the winning ball 8. When the variable display device 4 is activated, the display contents of the four indicators LEDA, LEDB, LEDC, and LEDD of the variable display members 47 and 48 disposed therein are changed from a static state to a variable state. . And for each display LEDA, LEDB, LEDC, and LEDD.

The displayed numbers are 0.1, 2, 3. ...9, 0, 1°2, etc. It will change (update) regularly. When a stop signal is received from the stop switch SW2 (Fig. 2) in this state of fluctuation display, or after a certain amount of time has passed since the state of fluctuation display,
Each display LEDA, LEDB.

Changes in the displayed numbers for each LEDC and LEDD are sequentially stopped at regular intervals. Then, the state returns from the fluctuating state to the stationary state. When the display stops changing, if the four numbers that appear on each display LEDA, LEDB, LEDC, and LEDD are in a specific combination (roll),
This creates specific features that offer particular benefits. In this embodiment, for example, all the numbers on the variable display member 47 are "rl", "r3", r5J, r7J or "9".
”, that is, the opening of those numbers (Zorome)
If it appears, the first specific mode is called a "jackpot". Also, any three of the four numbers on the variable display members 47, 48 may be rIJ, r3J, r5'', r7'' or ``9''.
'', the second specific mode is called ``Chubu Tari''. For other rolls, the specific aspect will not occur.

On the other hand, the jackpot display lighting means 27 on both sides of the variable display device 4 are driven to blink while the display on the variable display members 47, 48 is changing. Furthermore, display member 47.4
When the display change of 8 stops, it is a “jackpot” or r
When the condition of ``chubu-tari'' occurs, the blinking speed is controlled to become faster.

In addition, the memory display lamp LED1 at the bottom of the variable display device 4
~LED4 is controlled to light up as many times as the number of reservations on the variable display section.

6 to 9 show detailed configuration examples of the special variable prize winning device 5 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The special variable prize winning device 5 shown in the figure first has a mounting board 5o for mounting on the game board 1.

This mounting board 50 has a mounting tag 5 disposed on its periphery.
4, etc., it can be attached to the game board 1.

As shown in FIG. 7, a horizontally elongated opening 50a is formed in the center of the mounting board 50. As shown in FIG. A window portion 50b is formed immediately below this opening portion 50a. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, this opening 50a accommodates a door-shaped special variable winning slot 51 that can be opened and closed.

Further, a back plate 52 is attached behind the mounting board 50, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. This back plate 5
2 is attached so as to cover the opening 50a from the back side. As shown in FIG. 8, the back plate 52 is punched with an opening window 52b corresponding to the center of the opening 50a.

Further, on the back side of the mounting board 50, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a surrounding frame 54 is integrally formed. As shown in FIG. 8, this surrounding frame 54 has the opening 50
It is formed along both left and right edges of the window portion 50b from the upper edge of the window portion 50b. The back plate 52 is fixed to the rear end of the surrounding frame 54 with screws 55.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, winning ball guiding channels 54a are formed on both sides of the surrounding frame 54, respectively.

This winning ball guide gutter 54a is formed at a position corresponding to the pair of winning devices 53 on the front surface of the mounting board 50. and,
The winning hole 53a acts to guide the winning batted ball to the back of the game board.

Further, on both left and right sides of the mounting board 50,
A winning device 53 is detachably attached. Each prize-winning outfit [
53, respectively, the 6th. As shown in FIG. 7, a rotating member 70 and illumination means 53b are provided. Also,
Each of the winning devices 53 is provided with a winning hole 53a that opens upward at its upper end. This prize opening 53a
As mentioned above, constitutes a general winning opening.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the mounting board 50 includes:
Through holes 50e are located at positions corresponding to the pair of winning devices 53.
are formed respectively. An illumination lamp 28 serving as a light source for the illumination means 53b is inserted into the through hole 50e. This verification lamp 28 is mounted and fixed on the board 28a through its socket, and the mounting board 5
It is attached and fixed to the straight boss portion 50f. Its installation/
Fixation is done through the mounting hole 28b of the board 28a and the screw 28c.
It is done using.

Here, the special variable winning slot 51 is opened and closed in response to a specific aspect of the variable display device 4, and as shown in FIG. It is attached so that it can be opened and closed. When this special variable winning hole 51 opens, as shown in FIG. 7, a special variable winning hole 80, which is much wider than the general winning hole, is temporarily opened. In this special variable winning hole 80, there is a normal winning hole 82 that brings only the normal winning profit of paying out a predetermined number of prize balls, as well as a continuous winning hole that brings the right to continue and extend the above-mentioned specific mode. Mouth 8
1 is formed.

Further, an actuating piece 51a is formed on one side (the right side in FIG. 7) of the special variable winning hole 51.

The end of the actuating piece 51a projects from a long hole 52a formed in the back plate 52 to the back side of the back plate 52. Then, it is adapted to be engaged with an electromagnetic solenoid, which will be described later, via a transmission member 65. As a result, the special variable prize receiving slot 51 is driven to open and close via its operating piece 51a.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the special variable winning hole 51 is closed by rising backward, and FIG. 7 shows a state in which the door-shaped special variable winning hole 51 is folded forward. Shows the state where the special variable prize opening is opened.

On the other hand, on the back side of the mounting board 50, a pair of winning ball guiding members 56a are provided in an abbreviated shape along the lower edge of the window portion 50b.
56b is formed. This pair of winning ball guiding members 5
The tips of 6a and 56b are opposed to each other with an interval of one fishing line. Further, an engagement recess 57a is formed at the tip of one of the winning ball guide members 56a. Along with this, an engaging portion 57b is formed below the base end side of the other winning ball guiding member 56b. Detector SW4 for detecting and counting the number of winning balls into the special variable winning hole 80 by this engaging portion 57b and the engaging recess 57a.
is designed to be installed and maintained. This detector S
W4 is a so-called 10-count detector, and a non-contact proximity switch is used here. This 10-count detector SW4 is mounted so that the detection portion 31a at its tip faces within the interval between the image tips of the guide members 56a and 56b. Thereby, this detector SW4 can detect the winning balls guided by the guiding members 56a and 56b one by one.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a sorting room 58 is formed within the special variable prize opening 80. This sorting room 58 has the above-mentioned surrounding frame 54 (FIG. 8) on its top, bottom, left and right sides.
Accordingly, the lower side thereof is the winning ball guiding member 56a, 56b.
(Fig. 8). This sorting room 58
As shown in FIG. 8, the winning balls that have entered are sent to the winning ball guiding member 56a.

56b, the particles are aligned and guided one by one and allowed to flow down through the detection section 31a of the 10-count detector SW4. After passing through the detector 31a, the winning ball is guided to one side (to the right in FIG. 8) by an arc-shaped direction regulating portion 50d shown in FIG. The arc-shaped direction regulating portion 50d is integrally formed at the lower part of the back surface of the mounting board 50, as shown in FIG.

Here, on the front surface of the back plate 52, as shown in FIG. 7, a pair of guide plates 52c are formed on both side edges of a window 52b formed in the center thereof. By this guide plate 52c, the upper part of the sorting room 58 is divided into the above-mentioned continuous winning opening 81 and normal winning opening 82.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, on the back surface of the back plate 52, a support projection 52 is provided along the upper end of the opening window 52b on the back surface.
d is formed. This support protrusion 52d has a pin 5.
9, a sensing piece 60 is suspended in a swingable manner. This sensing piece 60 is swingably suspended while
It is urged to go in and out of the continuous winning opening 81 shown in FIG. 7 from inside the opening window 52b. As a result, the batted ball that enters the continuation winning slot 81 (FIG. 7) is guided to a pair of guide plates 52c, as shown across FIGS. 7 and 8, and is passed through the rear opening window 52b. After the sensing piece 60 protruding forward is rotated backward, it flows downward toward the detection part 31a of the 10-count detector SW4, where it is detected one by one along with the batted balls that have won in the normal winning hole 82. It is now counted as follows.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sensing piece 60 is weakly elastically biased to protrude forward from the opening window 52b by the elasticity of the actuator 32a of the continuation condition detection switch Sw3, which is a microswitch. There is. This continuation condition detection switch SW3 is for detecting a hit ball that has won in the continuation prize opening 81, and is attached to the back plate 52 via an L-shaped attachment member 61.

The continuation condition detection switch SW3 is positioned such that its actuator 32a comes into contact with the suppressing portion 60a bulged on the back surface of the sensing piece 60.

The upper end of the sensing piece 60 is formed with a pin hole 60b into which the pin 59 is inserted, and a stopper portion 60c that projects rearward to restrict the rotation range of the sensing piece 60. Also,
The support pin 59 of the sensing piece 60 that is engaged with the support protrusion 52d is prevented from being removed by fixing a rotation regulating portion 62a integrally formed on the holding member 62 to the support protrusion 52d.

Further, the continuation condition fulfillment display section 29 is inserted into the slit section 62d on one side of the holding member 62. This continuation condition fulfillment display section 29 indicates that the holding member 62
It is held and protected by a protection member 63 fixed to the boss portion 62c.

The hit ball that enters the continuous winning hole passes through the opening window 52d while pushing away the sensing piece 60.

During this passage, the continuation condition detection switch SW3 is activated and a detection signal is generated for each ball. After this,
Together with the batted balls that have won in the normal winning hole 82, they are guided to the detection section 31a of the count detector SW4 and detected one by one.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a continuation condition fulfillment display section 29 is attached to the back plate 52. This continuation condition fulfillment display section 29 is arranged so as to face into the opening window 52b. This continuation condition fulfillment display section 29 is driven to light up in response to a detection signal from the continuation condition detection switch SW3. This allows the player to know the establishment of the special condition that grants him the right to continue or extend the specific mode described above.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the back plate 5
A pair of boss portions 52f are provided on both sides of the elongated hole 52a on the back surface of No. 2.
is formed. As shown in FIG.
a is pivotally supported so that it can move up and down. The transmission member 65 is
It has the shape of a "to" character. Its tip portion projects forward from the elongated hole 52a. Furthermore, the transmission member 65
The tip is brought into contact with the upper surface of the rear end of the actuating piece 51c. This operating piece 51c is formed in the special variable prize receiving hole 51 (FIG. 7). Furthermore, the operating end of the plunger 66a of the electromagnetic solenoid SQL is in contact with the upper end of the transmission member 65. This electromagnetic solenoid SQL serves as a driving source for the special variable prize winning device 5.

In FIG. 9, when the electromagnetic solenoid SQL is in a steady state in which it is not driven, the plunger 66a is pushed down by its return spring 66b, thereby pushing the transmission member 65 downward. Then.

As illustrated by the dotted line in FIG. 9, the rear end side of the actuating piece 51e is pushed down and the special variable winning slot 51 is closed. As a result, the opening 50a is closed, and therefore the special variable prize opening 80 is also closed.

On the other hand, when the electromagnetic solenoid SQL is energized by the occurrence of a specific mode in the variable display device 4 or the right to continue, the plunger 66a is driven upward.

As a result, the pressing force of the transmission member 65 is released, and the special variable prize receiving slot 51 falls forward under its own weight. As a result, the opening 50a is opened wide and the special variable winning hole 80 is temporarily opened.

As described above, the special variable prize winning device 5 is electrically opened and closed depending on the occurrence of a specific mode in the variable display device 4 and the above-mentioned right to continue.

Next, an embodiment of a control portion of a pachinko game machine to which the present invention is applied will be shown.

FIG. 10 Control device 10 for a pachinko game machine according to the present invention
0 shows the overall hardware configuration of 0.

FIG. 11 shows the waveform of the reset pulse φt and the CPU
210 is shown by a timing chart.

FIG. 12 shows means for generating the reset pulse φt.

FIG. 13 shows the I10 unit 240 of the control device 200.
Show nearby details.

FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the scale generating means 260 within the I10 unit 240.

First, in FIG. 10, the pachinko game machine 30 described above
The control device 200 of 0 is a program storage type CPU (central processing unit: micro-processor) that is implemented as a semiconductor integrated circuit device.
computer) 210.

That is, the control device 200 shown in FIG.

210 to CPt. ROM (read-only memory bag [) 220
, RAM (Random Access Memory) 230° address decoder 240 . l10 (input/output) unit 250
．． Clock signal generation means 280. Reset signal generating means 290. It is composed of an address bus LA, a data bus LB, a logic gate 01, and the like.

The CPU 210 is an 8-bit type (model number: Z8
0) is used. This CPU 210 includes an address terminal (Ao=A1s), a data terminal (Do to D7), a read control terminal RD, a write control terminal WR, and a clock terminal CK.
, and functional terminals such as a reset terminal R. Other important functional terminals include an interrupt input terminal (not shown). However, the interrupt terminal is not used here. Instead, a reset terminal R is used. How to use the reset terminal R will be described later. In addition, the CPU 210 used here
(Z80) has an address space of 64 bytes with 16 address terminals (Ao to A,). but,
Only about 2 bytes are used here.

The ROM 220 stores programs executed by the CPU 210 and fixed data. This ROM 220 has a storage capacity of 2 bytes. This capacity of 2 bytes is very small compared to the bytes of the address space 64 of the CPU 210 (280).

The RAM 230 provides a work area for the CPU 210 and a storage area for variable data. A static type RAM 230 is used. Its storage capacity is kept very small, only 12
It's only 8 bytes.

In this case, since it is difficult to obtain a 128-byte RAM, a 1-byte RAM is actually used. By fixing the upper address terminal of this lk byte RAM to the power supply potential side, the actual usable storage capacity is kept to 128 bytes.

As mentioned above, the storage capacity of each of the ROMs 220 and 230 is kept very small. This makes it possible to reliably eliminate the possibility of soft errors known as bugs, and also greatly reduces the possibility of malfunctions such as CPU runaway or jumping into an infinite loop. You will be able to reduce it. This makes it possible to achieve extremely high reliability even under harsh electrical and physical operating environments.

Furthermore, by minimizing the storage capacity of the ROM 220 and RAM 230 (7), it becomes difficult to modify the system by adding programs. Even if a modification were made, it would be easy to discover and check because the storage capacity is small. This also provides the effect of preventing the pachinko game machine from being misused due to unauthorized modification.

The address decoder 240 decodes address data (Ao-A, . . . ) issued from the CPU 210 to generate a plurality of alternative selection signals 81 to S9. The decoding operation is performed by activating either the read control signal (RD) or the write control signal (WD). These two control signals (RD/WD)
Emitted from 210. Both signals (RD/WD) are ORed together by logic gate G1. This logical sum becomes a control signal for the address decoder 240.

Selection signals 81~ output from address decoder 240
A part of S9 (S8.S9) is used as a chip select signal for the ROM 220 and RAM 230. Further, other selection signals 81 to S7 are used to control input/output circuits within the I10 unit 250, which will be described later. In other words, the input and output channels are placed in the address space.

The so-called memory Matsubuto I10 system is adopted. By adopting this memory Matsubuto I10 method, input/output can be performed from any input/output circuit using the simple process of accessing a specific address, without the need for complex procedures such as opening and closing input/output channels. It is designed to perform an action.

It should be noted that the memory Matsubuto I/O system had a problem in that part of the address space was occupied by the I10 area and became narrow, so it was difficult to employ it in general microcomputer systems. However, in the control device 200 of this embodiment, as described above, the ROM
Since the storage capacity of each of 220 and RAM 230 is very small.

The above problem does not need to be considered at all.

The I10 unit 250 forms an interface (I/F) section between the control device 200 and the pachinko gaming machine main body 300. This I10 unit 250 is provided with a large number of input/output circuits, as will be described later. The operation of each input/output circuit is individually controlled by the selection signals 81 to S7. Although the individual configurations of the input/output circuit will be described later, for example, a decoder, a latch circuit, a driver, a buffer gate, an amplifier, etc. are used.

The clock generating means 280 uses a crystal oscillator X as a frequency reference.
By using t a l (4 MHz), a high precision clock pulse φk of, for example, 2 MHz is generated. This clock pulse φ is applied to the clock terminal GK of the CPU 210.

The reset signal generating means 290 generates the clock pulse φ
A reset pulse φt of a constant period is generated from k. This reset pulse φt is applied to the reset terminal R of the CPU 210. This reset signal generating means 290 is constructed simply and on a small scale using a counter or the like.

In this case, the reset pulse φt has a duty width, that is, a pulse width that is long enough to reliably reset the CPU 210. Also,
The pulse generation interval, that is, the period, is determined by the CPU 210.
is set so that the processing time is reliably longer than the processing time for executing the program instructions stored in the ROM.

FIG. 11 shows the waveform of the reset pulse φt and the above C
The operating states of the PU 210 are shown in time correspondence with each other.

The reset pulse φt shown in FIG. 11 has a pulse width of 15 μs and a period of 3 ms. This pulse width of 15 μs is a sufficient time to reliably reset the CPU 210. Also, the period of 3 ms is C
This is sufficient time for the PU 210 to execute the instructions stored in the ROM 220.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11 in time correspondence with the reset pulse φt, the CPU 210 controls the ROM 22
Each time a series of program instructions written to 0 is completed, it is forcibly reset to the complete initial state.

As a result, even if the CPU 210 were to malfunction, such as running out of control or entering an infinite loop, the CPU 210 can be automatically returned to a normal operating state by resetting every 3 ms.

As a result, the worst situations, such as runaway or jumping into an infinite loop, which were most feared in a CPU-based control system, can be reliably avoided.

In other words, a kind of fail-safe works here to ensure that at least the normal operating state of the CPU 210 is maintained. In this way, the reliability necessary for a pachinko gaming machine is ensured.

Furthermore, since the reset interval of the CPU 21Q is a constant cycle, the number of resets is stored in the RAM 230.
By storing the information in the memory, a so-called soft timer function can be easily configured.

Furthermore, since the reset interval is relatively long, for example 3 ms, a relatively long timer of several seconds to tens of seconds can be maintained by allocating a small storage area of 1 or 2 bytes.
It can be configured very easily and concisely.

For example, if the above reset interval is 3ms, by allocating 1 byte of the RAM area to the timer area, 3ms
You can get a timer hour from ms to 0.768 seconds (3ms x 256 bytes = 768ms = 0.768 seconds).
768 seconds). By allocating an additional 2 bytes, you can obtain a timer hour from 3ms to 196.608 seconds (3ms x 256 bytes x 256 bytes = 1966
08ms=196.608 seconds).

As a result, even if the RAM area is only 128 bytes, for example, it is possible to easily configure a large number of timer functions necessary to individually control various functions within the pachinko gaming machine main body 300. . Incidentally, it is possible to obtain a comparatively long one hour timer of several seconds to several tens of seconds, which is necessary to control the operation of the above-mentioned special variable prize winning device 5 (Figs. 2, 6 to 9), with only 2 bytes of RAM area. I can do it.

In FIG. 11, a halt state (standby state) is maintained from the time the program command is executed until the next reset. This halt state is set by executing a halt instruction at the end of the program.

In other words, the above program ends with a halt instruction.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the configuration of the reset pulse generation means 290 (FIG. 10) that generates the reset pulse φt. As shown in the figure, the reset pulse generation means 290 includes a preliminary frequency dividing circuit 291. counter 292, and logic gate (
AND gate) G2. In the figure, Cin indicates a count input, and Cout indicates a count up output.

With the above configuration, it is possible to ensure reliability as a pachinko game machine and to configure various functions necessary to control the operation of the pachinko game machine.

Next, the configuration near the I10 unit 250 will be explained.

The I10 unit 250, as shown in FIG.
A buffer gate 251 and latch circuits 252 to 256 are provided as input/output circuits.

The operation of only these output circuits (251-256) is controlled by the selection signal 5l-86 mentioned above.

In addition, each input/output circuit (251 to 256) is connected to a data bus L.
It is connected to the CPU 210 (FIG. 10) via D. Data exchanged between the pachinko gaming machine main body 300 side and the control device 200 side is carried out via the data bus LD.
It is now available to be posted on. Furthermore, in addition to the input/output circuits (251 to 256), a scale generating means 257 is provided. The operation of this scale generating means 257 is also controlled by the selection signal S7 mentioned above.

Among the input/output circuits (251 to 256), the buffer gate 251 constitutes an input circuit. This buffer gate 25
1 receives detection signals from various detection means (SW1 to SW4, etc.) provided on the pachinko gaming machine main body 300 side, and puts them on the data bus LD in the control device E200. In this case, the detection means is the start switch SWI described above.

Stop switch SW2. Continuation condition detection switch SW3
, 10 count detector SW4 (Fig. 3.7).

Furthermore, among the input/output circuits (251 to 256), latch circuits 252 to 256 form output circuits.

Further, latch circuits 252 and 254 therein each include a decoder. These decoders respectively decode each display data of the light emitting diode type segment type display LEDA-LEDE on the pachinko game machine main body 300 side. The display data is transmitted via the data bus LD.
Given from PU210.

The functions of each output circuit (252-256) are as follows.

That is, the latch circuits 252 and 253 are connected to the segment type display LED of the variable display device 4 (FIGS. 2 to 5) described above.
A-LEDD is dynamically driven for display.

The display data is given from the CPU via the data bus LD. Note that each latch circuit 252, 253 is attached with a driver 262, 263, respectively, for increasing the driving force of its output.

The latch circuit 254 drives the segment type display LEDE. As mentioned above, this indicator LED is
This is to display the number of times the special right continues when a specific form of "jackpot" occurs.

The display data is given from the CPU via the data bus LD.

The latch circuit 255 individually drives the memory display lamps LEDI to LED4 made up of one light emitting diode to turn on. Control data for the lighting is given from the CPU via the data bus LD. These memory display lamps LEDl to LED4 are
As mentioned above, it is used to display the number of retained batted balls that won a prize in the specific winning lower, 8 (Figures 2 and 3).

Latch circuit 256 via driver 266.

The drive source and display means on the pachinko game machine main body 300 side are individually driven. The driving source in this case is the electromagnetic solenoid 66 (FIG. 9) that drives the special variable winning device 5 mentioned above to open. The display means in this case is the continuation condition fulfillment display unit 29 (FIG. 3.9) attached to the variable display device 4 described above.

Further, the scale generating means 257 generates a sound source having a predetermined scale. The generated sound source is amplified by an amplifier 267,
It is given to the speaker SP for generating sound effects on the pachinko game machine main body 300 side. The scale of this sound source is set by data given from the CPU via the data bus LD.

FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the scale generating means 257.

As shown in the figure, the scale generating means 257 is composed of a latch circuit 256a that holds scale setting data and a presettable counter 256b.

The latch circuit 256a connects the CPU via the data bus LD.
Holds the scale setting data given by. This latch circuit 256a reads and holds the data on the data bus DL when the selection signal S7 becomes valid. The held data is preset to the count contents of the presettable counter 256b.

The presettable counter 256b is a type of down counter, and is decremented by 1 by the clock pulse φk. The initial count contents are preset by the latch circuit 256a. Each time the preset count content reaches [0], the data held in the latch circuit 256a is newly preset.

Here, the output state of the carry terminal (count output terminal) Crry of the presettable counter 256b changes from H (high level) to L (low level) every time the count content is decelerated to "0". ) or alternately transition from L (low level) to H (high level). As a result, a signal that alternately transitions between H (high level) and L (low level) is obtained from the carry terminal Crry. This signal is then used as the above-mentioned sound source. This sound source is amplified by an amplifier 267 and is provided to a speaker SP for generating sound effects on the pachinko game machine main body 300 side. At this time, the scale of the sound source is determined by the preset value. Moreover, if the preset value is small, the period of the above-mentioned transition becomes long, and the pitch becomes low.

Furthermore, if the preset value is small, the above-mentioned transition cycle becomes short and the pitch becomes high. As a result, the control device M2O0 controls the pachinko game machine main body 30.
At 0, sound effects such as fanfare sounds can be generated arbitrarily.

Note that the presettable counter 257b may be an up counter.

Next, the software configuration of the above-mentioned control device 200 will be explained along with its operation.

FIG. 15 shows the entire processing flowchart of the above-mentioned control device 200 (FIG. 10.1, 1).

FIG. 16 shows an enlarged part of the processing flowchart.

First, Table 1 below shows the allocation contents of the at-tray space sections accessed by the CPU 210 (FIG. 10) of the control device 200 using a memory map. Note that the address is expressed in hexadecimal numbers from 0 to F.

In Table 1 below, the range of addresses that the CPU 210 accesses is 64 that the CPU (Z80) 210 has.
This is between addresses 0000 and 4000 of the byte address space (addresses o o o o to FFFF).

Of these, two bytes from addresses oooo to 07'FF are allocated to the ROM area. Also, from 0800
128 bytes up to address 087F are allocated to the RAM area. And 1000.1800,2000
, 2800, 3000, 3800, and 4000 are each assigned an I10 area of 1 byte. In this case, the gaps in each of the 10 areas are not used. Therefore,
The size of the address space that the CPU 210 actually accesses is only about 2 bytes.

Table] CPU Access Range Memory Map The following Table 2 shows the variable storage contents of the RAM 220 (FIG. 10) using a memory map.

Table 2 RAM Area Memory Map Next, the operation of the control device 200 described above will be explained with reference to FIG. 15 and Tables 1 and 2 above.

In FIG. 15, the CPU 210 of the control device 200
As mentioned above, it is forcibly reset by hardware by the cent pulse φt (Fig. 10.11.12). This reset causes the CPU to start up from a complete initial state. CP started from initial state due to reset
First, U starts accessing the R○M 220 and sequentially reads and executes the program instructions stored there.

As a result, a series of processes shown in FIG. 15 are started.

When execution of a program instruction is started, a stack pointer is first set (R1). Next, it is checked whether start data indicating the beginning of the backup area (addresses 0838 to 0843) and end data indicating the tail are set (R2-R3-R14-R15
).

Here, in the first operation after the control device 200 is cold started (started by turning on the power), initial settings of the program are performed (R17).

In this initial setting, all variable data such as output data and count data stored in the I10 area are initialized. Thereafter, the start data and end data are set (written) (R11).

This start data and end data include R, A M2
A value 1, such as A5 (0100101 in binary), is used to ensure that a storage error in B5 is reflected. Further, after transferring the initialized data to the backup area, the CPU executes a halt command to stop the processing itself (R12-R13). Then, there is a reset by the primary reset pulse φt.

As described above, the operating state of the control device 200 is initialized.

After this initialization of the control device 200 is performed, the CPU:
Every time the reset pulse φt is issued, the main routine R
1 to R13 are executed sequentially. In this main routine, as shown in FIG.

The following processing is executed.

R1: Set stack pointer.

R2, R3: Check the end data of the backup area.

R4 start switch SW1. Stop switch SW
2. Continuation condition detection switch SW3.10 Performs input processing to detect each rising edge of count detector SW4.

This is done by referring to the previous detection signal and each current state. The state of the previous detection signal is stored in the buffer area.

This memory state is constantly updated.

The number of activations of the R5 start switch SWI is memorized.

The aforementioned variable display device 4 (FIGS. 2 to 7) is activated by the specific winning ball detection operation of the start switch SWI. In this processing routine, the number of winning balls, ie, the number of times the start switch SW1 is activated, is stored until the variable display operation of the activated variable display device 4 is stopped. If there is a memory of this number of operations, that is, the memory value is 1
If this is the case, the variable display device 4 will be activated again after the variable display operation has been completed. Then, when the variable display device 4 is restarted, the stored value is decelerated (decremented) by one.

That is, in this processing routine, the specific winning lower, 8
(Figures 2 and 3) performs processing to preserve the right to start the game resulting from winning.

R6: Performs fraud check processing for the 10 count detector SW4.

It is logically determined whether the function of the 10-count detector SW4 is impaired due to a disconnection or short circuit of its connection or wiring, based on the input state from the detector SW4.

R7: Update the timer values of various timers stored in the RAM area 6. R8: Set the operating parameters (scale data) of the scale generation means 257.

In this processing routine, processing is performed to output scale setting data for generating sound effects such as fanfares.

R9: Performs control processing for various display means, electromagnetic solenoids, etc.

In this processing routine, the above-mentioned jackpot display lighting means 27 and the continuation condition fulfillment display section 29 (Figs. 3 and 8) are blinking controlled, and the electromagnetic solenoid SQL (Fig. 9) in the above-mentioned special variable prize winning device 5 is controlled. will be carried out.

R10: Performs various determination and control processes related to winning.

Here, a series of processes related to the operation control of the variable display device 4 and the occurrence of specific modes such as "big win" and "chubu hit" are performed.

The detailed contents of this routine RIO are shown in FIG.

R11: Setting (writing) processing of start data and end data indicating the beginning and end of the backup area described above is performed.

R12: Perform processing to transfer variable data such as output data to a backup area.

After the above-mentioned main routines R1 to R12 are executed one by one, a halt instruction is executed in the last processing routine R13. This causes it to enter a standby state in which it stops continuing the process.

Furthermore, when an error occurs in the end data due to some abnormality during the execution of the main routines R1 to R12 described above, a routine R for checking the end data is provided.
A branch is made from 2-R3 to a routine R14-Rl5 that checks the start routine. If an error also occurs in the start data in the branched routines R14-Rl5, the routine R17 for initializing the program is re-executed, and the state of the control device 200 is returned to the state immediately after the cold start. become. In this way, fail-safe operation is performed to guide the control state of the control device 200 in a safe direction when an abnormality occurs. On the other hand, if the error occurs only in the end data and there is no abnormality in the start data, routine R16 is executed and the backed up data is transferred to the main work area 080 of the CPU.
It will be retransferred to 0 to 080A. This results in
If the degree of error is minor, it is possible to automatically return to normal operation while preserving the intermediate state of control.

FIG. 16 shows a detailed flowchart of the above-mentioned prize entry processing routine RIO.

As shown in the figure, this prize winning processing routine R10 is
The subroutines 01 to R122 are comprised of subroutines 01 to R122, and number 1 is a series of controls related to processing related to a specific winning, that is, operation control of the variable display device 4 and generation of the specific mode.
It is designed to be executed according to process numbers from 8 to 8. In other words, the start switch SWI, stop switch SW2 . Continuation condition detection switch SW3,
A processing number is set based on each detection state of the 10-count detector SW4. By selectively executing a subroutine prepared in accordance with the set processing number, it is possible to cause the pachinko game machine described above to perform a specific winning-related processing operation. Here, the process number is from N010 to N008
It is now set to one of the following. In this case, in process N000, only a check is performed as to whether or not the operation start conditions No. 1 to No. 8 are satisfied, and no processing related to a specific prize winning is performed. Processing related to a specific prize is performed when any processing number from N001 to N068 is set.

The following subroutines R111 to R118 are prepared corresponding to each process number from No. 61 to No. 8.

That is, when the process number is set to NO61, routine R111 is executed. In this routine R11l, processing for starting the variable display device 4 is performed based on the detection of the start switch SWI. After execution of this process, the next process number No. 2 is set.

If the processing number is set to No. 2, routine R1
12 is executed. In this small change R112, a process is performed to stop the operation of the variable display device 4 in stages based on the detection of the stop switch SW2. At this time, a process is performed in which a randomly set time is partially inserted into the time until the display operation stops. This randomizes the display contents after the operation is stopped. After this process is executed, the next process number No. 3 is set.

If the processing number is set to No. 3, routine R]
13 is executed. In this routine R113, processing is performed to determine whether or not a specific mode has occurred based on the result of stopping the variable display device 4.

The determination is made based on the stopped display content.

When a specific aspect of "jackpot" is determined, processing number No. 5 is set. In addition, if the specific aspect of "Chubu Tari" is determined, the processing number No.

6 is set. In other cases of loss, processing sequence number No. 8 is set.

If the processing number is set to N004, routine R1
14 is executed. In this routine R114, control processing 1, for example, control to open the special variable prize winning device 5 when a specific aspect of "big win" occurs is performed. Also,
Timer processing is also performed, thereby limiting the time for the opening drive to within a relatively long predetermined time (about 30 seconds). Furthermore, blinking driving processing for the related display means is also performed. After execution of this routine R114, process number No. 7 is set in order to determine whether or not to continue.

If the processing number is set to No. 5, routine R1
15 is set. In this routine R115, by setting the operating parameters of the scale generating means 257, a process of generating a fanfare sound accompanying the occurrence of a specific form of a "big win" is performed.

After execution of this routine R115, the process number No.

4 is set.

If the processing number is set to No. 6, routine R1
16 is executed. In this routine R116, a control process is performed when a specific mode of "r medium win" occurs, for example, control to open the special variable prize winning device 5. Also,
A timer process is also performed, thereby limiting the opening driving time to a relatively long predetermined time (about 6 seconds). Furthermore, blinking driving processing for the related display means is also performed.

Processing number N008 is set after the predetermined time has elapsed.

If the processing number is set to No. 7, routine R1
17 is executed. In this routine R117, the special variable prize winning device 5 is re-driven based on the detection of the continuation condition detection switch SW3. This process is executed when a specific form of "jackpot" occurs. After execution of this routine R117, the next processing number N008 is set.

If the processing number is set to N018, routine R1
18 is executed. This routine R118 performs processing after the "big hit" or "medium hit" state ends. When the "middle hit" operation is completed, the processing number is set to No or O after a delay time of about 1 second. Further, when the "jackpot" operation is completed, a delay time of about 3 seconds is set, and if it is confirmed that the conditions for continuing the "jackpot" state are met during that time, the processing number is set to NO64. If the continuation condition is not satisfied, process number N000
Set.

Here, the above-mentioned series of winning-related processes are processed with process number N00.
It is started by setting 1. This N
The processing number 001 is set when the number of times the start switch SWI is turned ON is stored (routines R109 and R120).

As described above, while updating the processing number, the operation control of the variable display device 4 and the winning-related processing in response to the occurrence of the specific mode are performed.

Next, FIG. 17 shows an example of the configuration of the scale generating means 257 mentioned above and a portion that controls the operation of this scale generating means.

Further, FIG. 18 shows the scale generating means 257 shown in FIG. 17.
An example of how to generate a scale is shown below.

Furthermore, FIG. 19 shows the scale generating means 25 shown in FIG. 17.
The flow chart (R8) shows the operation of the part that controls the operation of R8.
01-812). This flowchart (R
801 to 812) are the sound generation routine R8 in FIG.
Executed within.

First, the scale generation means 257 shown in FIG. 17 includes a latch circuit 256a that temporarily stores and holds the input scale data until the next scale data is input, and a latch circuit 256a that stores the output value of the latch circuit 256a. A presettable clock that repeatedly counts using a predetermined count clock pulse φk.
A counter 256b is provided, and this presettable
The count output (Crry) generated every time the counter 256b counts the held output value is output as a sound source of a sound effect such as a fanfare.

In the operation example shown in FIG. 18, scale data of "8" is input to the latch circuit 256a and is stored and held. As a result, the presettable counter 265b
The count content is decelerated (decremented) by 1 every certain period of time, that is, every 1 clock pulse φ, until it reaches 0.
"become. And each time the count content becomes [0].

The process of being preset to "8" again is repeated periodically. At this time, a count output (Crry) is generated every time the count becomes "0". This count output (Crry) is taken out as a sound source, is given to a speaker in the pachinko game machine main body via an amplifier, and is converted into sound there.

At this time, the scale or frequency of the sound source is given by dividing the frequency of the count clock pulse φ by the scale data value.

As described above, the presettable counter 256b
The sound source output has the same period as the count period in which the preset value is counted. In other words, by simply applying scale data to the latch circuit 256a, it is possible to arbitrarily generate a sound source with a frequency proportional to the reciprocal of the scale data value. This sound source can be taken directly from the output of counter 256b. The scale can be changed simply by supplying new scale data to the latch circuit 256a.

In other words, this can be done freely by simply updating the contents of the latch circuit 256a.

In addition, when emitting the same scale continuously, the latch circuit 2
The contents of 56a may be left alone without being updated. During this time, the scale of the data stored and held in the latch circuit 256a is continuously emitted.

Therefore, the amount of scale data can be extremely reduced, and complex sound effects such as fanfares can be freely generated with a small storage area. This makes it possible to easily and freely generate complex sound effects, such as fanfares, with a relatively simple and simple additional configuration, without relying on a dedicated programmable sound generator that is expensive and cumbersome to use. , thereby improving its suitability as a wholesome entertainment device.

Next, the configuration of the part that controls the operation of the scale generating means 257 will be explained. This part is configured by software by the microcomputer (CPU) 210.

In FIG. 17, the presettable counter 25
The clock pulse φk of the microcomputer (CPU) 210 is used as is as the counter clock pulse φk of 6b.

In addition, the microcomputer 210 stores a scale data area A1 storing the scale data in the storage areas (ROM 220 and ROM 230) accessed by the microcomputer 210, and the digital scale data stored in the scale data area AI. Transfer means 01 is provided for sequentially transferring data to the latch circuit 256a via the latch circuit 256a.

The scale data area Al is allocated within the ROM 220. In this scale data area A1, tone length data is stored together with the scale data. This tone length data is time data indicating the duration of generation of a tone based on the same tone data, and is stored as a pair with the tone data, and is read out together with the tone data.

The note length data read out together with the scale data is transferred to the note length timer 04 and becomes the time measured by the timer 04. This tone length timer 04, by its timing operation,
The transfer operation interval of the transfer means 01 is controlled. This controls the update time interval of the latch circuit 256a. As a result, the continuous generation time of a scale based on the same scale data, that is, the tone length, can be arbitrarily set variably.

Further, at the end of the scale data area A1, there is provided an identification data area A2 that stores identification data that specifies the re-reading position of the scale data. This identification data is composed of data of a pattern (bit pattern) different from the scale data and note length data. Along with this, a repeat control means 03 is provided which operates when the identification data in the identification data area Al is read out and causes the reading of the scale data to be repeated from a predetermined position. Thereby, a scale pattern consisting of a combination of a plurality of scales is repeated a predetermined number of times.

With the above configuration, even complex sound effects such as fanfares that take a relatively long time can be generated with a very small amount of stored information.

On the other hand, the first reading start position of the scale data by the transfer means 01 is specified by the stored contents of the scale data pointer area A3. This pointer area A3 is RAM
230.

The contents of this pointer area A3, that is, the transfer means 01
The first reading start position of the musical scale data is controlled by the timing variable means 02.

The timing variable means 02 adjusts the first reading start position of the pointer data, that is, the scale data within the pointer of the pointer area A3, when a sound effect when the display of the variable display device 4 rotates, a so-called digital rotation sound, is emitted. is configured to be randomly different each time.

In this case, the contents of the refresh register (not shown) of the microcomputer (280) 210 are used to randomly change the pointer data each time. This refresh register is used to refresh the RAM, but the contents of this register are updated automatically and cannot be manipulated from the outside.Therefore, whenever you sample the contents, unspecified data of a specific value will be returned. can get.

The above configuration makes it difficult for the player to synchronize the operation timing of the stop switch SW2 with the sound effect. With this, the variable display device! 4
The randomness in the operation can be further improved.

[Effects] As clarified above in the description of the embodiments, the pachinko game machine according to the present invention includes: 1. a scale generation means for generating a sound effect having an arbitrary scale; The above holding output includes a latch circuit that temporarily stores and holds the scale data until the next scale data is input, and a presettable counter that repeatedly counts the held output value of this latch circuit using a predetermined count clock. Since the count output emitted each time a value is counted is extracted as the sound source of the above sound effect, it is possible to easily and freely emit complex sound effects such as fanfares with a relatively clean and simple additional configuration. This makes it possible to improve its suitability as a wholesome entertainment device. This effect can be obtained.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main structure of the invention in accordance with the claims, and FIG. 2 shows the entire pachinko game machine main body according to an embodiment of the invention as viewed from the front. 3 is a diagram showing a portion of the game board taken out, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the front side of a variable display device disposed on the game board. 5 is a side sectional view of the variable display device shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the special variable prize winning device disposed on the game board in a closed state viewed from the front; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the open state of the special variable winning device as seen from the front, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the back side of the special variable winning device. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a side cross-sectional state of the special variable prize winning device. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the control device portion of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIGS. 2 to 9, FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing the operating state of the control device, and FIG. 12 is the control device FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reset pulse generating means provided in the interior. FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing details of the vicinity of the I10 unit of the control device, and FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of scale generation means provided in the I10 unit. FIG. 15 is a processing flowchart for explaining the configuration of the control device. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a part of the flowchart of FIG. 15 in detail, and FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a part that controls the operation of the scale generation means. FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the scale generating means shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the part that controls the operation of the scale generating means shown in FIG. 17. 1...Game board, 4...Variable display device, 5...
・Special variable prize winning device, 200...control device, 300
...Pachinko machine body, 210...Micro computer, 220...ROM, 230...
・RAM, 240... Address decoder, 250...
...I10 unit, 257...scale generation means,
290...Reset signal generating means, φk...Basic clock pulse, φt...Reset pulse. SW3...Continuation condition detection switch, SW4...
10 count detector, 257... scale generation means. 256a... Latch circuit, 256b... Presettable counter, 01... Scale data transfer means, 02... Timing control means, 03... Repeat control means, 04...・Tone length timer, At...
・Scale data area, A2...Identification data area, A3
...Scale data pointer area. Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 4 LEDB Figure 5 Figure 6 D (JD Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) A pachinko game machine equipped with a scale generation means for generating a sound effect having an arbitrary scale, the scale generation means temporarily generating input scale data until the next scale data is input. The presettable counter includes a latch circuit that stores and holds the output value, and a presettable counter that repeatedly counts the output value held by the latch circuit using a predetermined count clock. A pachinko game machine characterized in that the output is extracted as a sound source of the sound effect. (2) A scale data area in which the scale data is stored, and a transfer means for sequentially transferring the scale data stored in the scale data to the latch circuit. The pachinko game machine described in item 1. (3) comprising a scale data area in which the scale data is stored and a transfer means for sequentially transferring the scale data stored in the scale data to the latch circuit;
The present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a note length timer that controls the transfer time interval of the scale data by the transfer means, and a note length data area that memorizes and stores timing data of the note length timer as note length data. A pachinko gaming machine according to scope 1 or 2. (4) A scale data area for storing the scale data, and an identification data area for storing identification data specifying the reading position of the scale data at the end of the scale data area; Claims 1 to 3 further include repeat control means that operates when the identification data of the scale data is read out to repeat reading of the scale data from a predetermined position. Pachinko game machine described in Crab. (5) A scale data area for storing the scale data, and a transfer means for sequentially transferring the scale data stored in the scale data area to the latch circuit, and transferring the scale data from the scale data storage area at the beginning of sound generation. A pachinko game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a timing variable means for changing the reading start position of the scale data each time. (6) A program-storable microcomputer is provided as means for controlling the operation of the pachinko game machine, and clock pulses from the microcomputer are applied to the presettable counter as counter clock pulses. A pachinko game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.