JP2005334460A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transmit a control signal transmitted from a main board to a peripheral board for a long time in an apparatus, and twists to form a coiled winding portion, which may cause L.
A microcomputer 63 on a main board 61 sends a control signal to a relay terminal board 62 via a communication port 80. The relay terminal board 62 connects the control signal transmission line from the main board 61 and the transmission line from the peripheral board 60, and transmits the control signal from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60. For this reason, the transmission line of the control signal from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60 is divided by the relay terminal plate 62. Therefore, the transmission line from the main board 61 to the relay terminal plate 62 and the transmission line from the relay terminal board 62 to the peripheral board 60 are shorter than the conventional transmission line from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60. Therefore, when the control signal transmission line is wired inside the device, the control signal transmission line is less likely to be twisted, and a coiled portion is difficult to be formed.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a main board that performs a game process that affects a game result, and a peripheral board that receives a control signal from the main board and performs an auxiliary process of the game process. It is.

  Conventionally, as such a gaming machine, for example, there is a slot machine. In the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a probability lottery process that affects a game result is performed on a main board on which a main control circuit is configured, and an internal winning combination is determined. Then, the reel stop control is performed so that the winning symbol combination of the winning combination winning in the interior is aligned with the display window. The peripheral board in which the sub-control circuit is configured receives a control signal from the main board and performs a game effect process as an auxiliary process of the game process performed on the main board. The game effect is performed by displaying an animation on the liquid crystal display device or outputting sound from a speaker, and the effect pattern is determined by the peripheral board.

In general, transmission of a control signal from the main board to the peripheral board is performed by serial communication, and the peripheral board performs control processing by converting the serially received control signal into a parallel signal. In this communication, communication data errors are checked on the peripheral board using a communication check command BCC (Block check character) or the like. Further, operating power is individually supplied from the power supply device to the main board and the peripheral board.
See paragraphs [0039] to [0054] and FIG.

  However, in the above conventional slot machine, the transmission line of the control signal transmitted from the main board to the peripheral board crawls in the apparatus for a long time, so that a coiled winding portion is formed and an inductance (L) component is formed. May occur. In such a case, due to this inductance, an error occurs in the time until the control signal reaches the peripheral board from the main board, and there is a possibility that the execution timing of the effect processing performed on the peripheral board may deviate from the original timing.

  In the slot machine as described above, generally, communication in only one direction from the main board to the peripheral board is performed, and the main board does not receive a response signal from the peripheral board, The control signal is sent to the peripheral board by estimating the processing time. Therefore, in the conventional slot machine in which bidirectional communication is not performed between the main board and the peripheral board, it is difficult to prevent the timing shift as described above. Effects such as production processing will fade.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and a main board that performs a game process that affects a game result, and a peripheral that performs a control process from the main board to perform an auxiliary process of the game process. In a gaming machine configured with a board, a relay means provided between the main board and the peripheral board and relaying a control signal transmitted from the main board to the peripheral board (for example, interconnecting wiring in the gaming machine) And a specific peripheral board that performs a process of relaying a control signal transmitted from the main board to the peripheral board as an auxiliary process.

  According to this configuration, the transmission line of the control signal from the main board to the peripheral board is divided by the relay unit. Therefore, the transmission line from the main board to the relay unit and the transmission line from the relay unit to the peripheral board are shorter than the conventional transmission line from the main board to the peripheral board. Therefore, when the control signal transmission line is wired inside the device, the control signal transmission line is less likely to be twisted, and a coiled portion is difficult to be formed. For this reason, unlike the prior art, there is no possibility that an error occurs in the time until the control signal reaches the peripheral board from the main board, and the execution timing of the effect processing performed on the peripheral board is not shifted from the original timing. As a result, the effect processing or the like on the peripheral board is performed at an appropriate timing, and the effect of the processing is not reduced.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the peripheral board has a function of inputting a signal from the outside in addition to inputting a control signal from the relay means.

  With this configuration, the external signal input is performed on the peripheral board, and the relay means for inputting the control signal from the main board does not input the signal from the outside, so that security is improved and a healthy gaming machine is provided. Provided.

  In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the peripheral board has a function of outputting a signal to other peripheral boards other than itself.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to build a circuit configuration that outputs a signal from a peripheral board that receives a control signal from the relay unit to another peripheral board.

  In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the relay means has a predetermined additional function in addition to the function of relaying the control signal transmitted from the main board to the peripheral board.

  With this configuration, by adding a predetermined additional function to the relay unit, the added value of the relay unit is increased.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined additional function is a function for determining a pattern of a game effect performed by the peripheral board.

  According to this configuration, since the process for determining the pattern of the game effect is performed by the relay means, the processing load on the peripheral board is reduced and the functions are distributed. By reducing the processing load on the peripheral substrate, the processing speed on the peripheral substrate is increased, and image display processing and the like are performed quickly, and the effect of the display is enhanced. Further, the manufacturing cost of the peripheral substrate is reduced by reducing the processing load on the peripheral substrate.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined additional function is a function of checking an error in a control signal transmitted to the peripheral board.

  According to this configuration, the processing for checking the error of the control signal transmitted to the peripheral board is performed by the relay unit, so that the processing load on the peripheral board is reduced and the functions are distributed. This configuration also reduces the processing load on the peripheral substrate, thereby increasing the processing speed on the peripheral substrate and reducing the manufacturing cost of the peripheral substrate.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined additional function is a function of converting a serial control signal received from the main board into a parallel control signal and transmitting the parallel control signal to the peripheral board.

  According to this configuration, since the processing for converting the serial control signal received from the main board into the parallel control signal is performed by the relay unit, the processing load on the peripheral board is reduced and the functions are distributed. This configuration also reduces the processing load on the peripheral substrate, thereby increasing the processing speed on the peripheral substrate and reducing the manufacturing cost of the peripheral substrate.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined additional function is a function of supplying operating power to the peripheral board.

  According to this configuration, it is not necessary to connect a power supply line from the power supply device to the peripheral board.

  According to such a gaming machine according to the present invention, as described above, when the control signal transmission line is wired inside the device, it is less likely to be twisted and less likely to generate an inductance component. For this reason, an error occurs in the time until the control signal reaches the peripheral board from the main board, and there is no possibility that the execution timing of the effect processing or the like performed on the peripheral board is shifted from the original timing.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a pachislot machine 1 according to this best mode.

  Three reels 2, 3, 4 are rotatably provided inside the cabinet at the center of the main body of the pachislot machine 1. A plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter referred to as symbols) are displayed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 2, 3, 4. Display windows 5, 6, and 7 are formed in the cabinet front panel 38, and three symbols displayed on each reel 2, 3, and 4 are observed through the display windows 5, 6, and 7, respectively. The The display windows 5, 6 and 7 are provided with a total of five pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B, three horizontally and two diagonally. In addition, on the lower right side of the display windows 5 to 7, a slot 8 is provided for a player to insert a medal as a game medium.

  Prior to the start of the game, when the player inserts one medal from the medal insertion slot 8, the central one winning line L1 is activated. When two cards are inserted, the three horizontal pay lines L1, L2A, L2B are activated. When three cards are inserted, all of the pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B are validated.

  In addition, on the device front panel 38 on the left side of the display windows 5 to 7, four game operation indicators 9 to 12, three BET lamps 13 to 15, a stored number display unit 16, and a start lamp are provided from the top. 17 is provided. The game operation indicators 9 to 12 and the BET lamps 13 to 15 are controlled to be turned on according to the game state, and the player is notified of the game state at that time. The stored number display unit 16 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED (light emitting diode) and displays the number of medals currently credited in the machine. The start lamp 17 is lit when the reels 2 to 4 are operable.

  A bonus count display section 18, a WIN lamp 19, a payout number display section 20, and an insert lamp 21 are provided on the apparatus front panel 38 on the right side of the display windows 5 to 7 from the top. The bonus count display section 18 is made up of three-digit 7-segment LEDs, and digitally displays the remaining number of possible winnings of the RB game and the jack game when winning the bonus game. The WIN lamp 19 is turned on when the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) is won internally. The number-of-payout display unit 20 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED and displays the number of medals to be paid out by winning. The insert lamp 21 blinks when a medal can be inserted into the insertion slot 8.

  A liquid crystal display device 22 is provided on the device front panel 38 below the display windows 5 to 7. A game effect image and various information are displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 22. Further, on the left side of the liquid crystal display device 22, a cross key 23, a “o” button 24, an “x” button 25, a 1 stored medal insertion switch 26, a 2 stored medal insertion switch 27, and a 3 stored medal insertion switch 28 are provided. It has been. The cross key 23 is operated to switch in four directions, up, down, left and right, and is used together with the “o” button 24 and the “x” button 25 to select information to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. Further, the stored medal insertion switches 26 to 28 are used for one game (unit game) instead of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 8 when the number of medals is displayed on the stored number display unit 16 and credited. Used when betting 1 to 3 medals.

  Also, below the device front panel 38, a stored medal settlement switch 29, a start lever 30, and stop buttons 31, 32, 33 are provided from the left side. The stored medal settlement switch 29 is used when a medal credited in the machine is settled. Further, the operation of the start lever 30 starts the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 all at once. The start lever 30 constitutes an operation unit operated by the player. The stop buttons 31 to 33 are arranged corresponding to the reels 2 to 4, and the operation is activated when the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 reaches a constant speed. The rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is stopped.

  A medal tray 34 is provided at the lower front of the pachi-slot machine 1. The medal tray 34 stores medals paid out from the medal payout opening 35. In addition, a payout display section 36 indicating how many medals are paid out for winning is provided at the upper front portion of the pachislot machine 1. A pair of covers 37 a and 37 b are provided on both sides of the payout display portion 36, and a decoration display device 38 is provided above the payout display portion 36. On the back side of the pair of covers 37a and 37b, a pair of speakers 98 and 98 for outputting game sound effects and the like are provided. Further, LEDs and lamps that emit light to produce a game are provided inside the covers 37a and 37b and the decoration display device 38, respectively. These LEDs and lamps constitute LEDs 101 and lamps 102 which are controlled by a sound / lamp control circuit (see FIG. 7) configured on a second peripheral board 60b described later. The speakers 98 are also controlled by a sound / lamp control circuit described later.

  Each reel 2 to 4 is configured as a rotary reel unit shown in FIG. 2 and is attached to a frame 41 via a bracket 42. Each of the reels 2 to 4 has a reel band 44 attached to the outer periphery of the reel drum 43. A symbol row is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel band 44. Each bracket 42 is provided with a stepping motor 45, and each of the reels 2 to 4 is rotated by driving the motor 45.

  The structure of each reel 2-4 is shown in FIG. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, a lamp case 46 is provided inside the reel drum 43 behind the reel band 44. In each of the three chambers of the lamp case 46, reel back lamps 47a and 47b are provided. 47c are attached. These back lamps 47a to 47c are configured such that LEDs 47 that emit a plurality of different colors are attached to a substrate 48, as shown in FIG. 5B, and the substrate 48 is attached to the back surface of the lamp case 46. Yes. A photo sensor 49 is attached to the bracket 42. The photo sensor 49 detects that the shielding plate 50 provided on the reel drum 43 passes through the photo sensor 49 as the reel drum 43 rotates.

  The back lamps 47a to 47c constitute lamps 102 that are controlled to be turned on by a sound / lamp control circuit described later. When the back lamps 47a to 47c are turned on, among the symbols drawn on the reel band 44, three symbols positioned at the front of each back lamp 47 are individually illuminated from behind, and the display windows 5 to 7 are illuminated. Three symbols are projected on each.

  FIG. 4 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the reel bands 44 of the left, middle, and right reels 2, 3, and 4 are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored as a data table in a program ROM 65 (FIG. 6) described later. On each of the reels 2, 3, and 4, a symbol row composed of “7”, “BAR”, “watermelon”, “bell”, “replay”, and “cherry” symbols is represented. Each reel 2, 3 and 4 is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows the combinations and payout numbers corresponding to winning symbol combinations in each gaming state.

  The gaming state of the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes “general gaming state”, “BB internal winning state”, “RB internal winning state”, “BB general gaming state”, and “RB gaming state”. Each of these five game states is basically distinguished by the types of winning combinations that may be won internally and the types of bonuses that can be achieved.

  The bonus winning flag of the BB combination or the RB combination is carried over to the next game and held as an internal winning combination until the bonus winning is actually established after the internal winning of the bonus. The winning flags of other combinations are valid only for the unit game won internally, and are not carried over to the next game.

  A gaming state that occurs when a BB winning is established and is configured by the “BB general gaming state” and the “RB gaming state” is hereinafter collectively referred to as “BB gaming state”. The “BB internal winning state” and “RB internal winning state” are states in which the bonus is internally won, and these are collectively referred to as “internally winning state” hereinafter. In the “internal winning state”, at least one of the bonus winning flags is carried over.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the BB winning is established by arranging “7-7-7” along the activated winning line in the internal winning state. After the BB winning is established, the gaming state becomes the BB general gaming state.

  In the RB winning, “BAR-BAR-BAR” is arranged along the activated winning line in the internal winning state, or “Replay-Replay-Replay” or “BAR-Replay-Replay” is arranged in the BB general gaming state. It is established by The establishment of RB winning in the BB general gaming state is generally referred to as “JAC IN”. After the RB winning is established, the gaming state becomes the RB state.

  The replay winning is established by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay” or “BAR-Replay-Replay” in the general gaming state and the internal winning state. When a re-game winning is established, the same number of medals as the number of inserted medals are automatically inserted, so that the player can play the next game without consuming the medals.

  In addition, in the general gaming state, the internal winning state, and the BB general gaming state, winning of “medium cherry small part”, “horn cherry small part”, “bell small part”, and “watermelon small part” is established. Although it can be realized, the number of payouts is as shown.

  The winning combination of winnings is established by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay” or “BAR-Replay-Replay” in the RB gaming state. When the number of winning winnings of the bonus becomes “8”, the gaming state changes. Here, a game in an RB gaming state in which a winning combination of an accessory may be established is generally referred to as a “JAC game”.

  6 and 7 show circuit configurations configured on the main board 61 and the peripheral board 60 that control the game processing operation of the pachislot machine 1 described above.

  The main board 61 shown in FIG. 6 includes a main control circuit that performs a game process that affects the game result. The control unit in the main board 61 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 63 as a main component, and a circuit for random number sampling is added thereto. The microcomputer 63 includes a main CPU (central processing unit) 64 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a program ROM (read only memory) 65 that is a program storage means, and a control RAM (random access) with a backup function. -Memory) 66.

  The main CPU 64 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 67 and a frequency divider 68 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 69 for generating a certain range of random numbers, and a random number sampling circuit 70 for specifying one of the generated random numbers. It is connected. Further, an I / O port (input / output port) 71 for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a peripheral device (actuator) described later is connected. The random number generator 69 constitutes random number updating means for periodically updating random numbers in a predetermined numerical range (in this embodiment, a range of 0 to 16383) in a predetermined order (in order of increasing numerical values in this embodiment). As will be described later, the random number value is updated every 250 μsec. Further, when the start lever 30 is operated within a predetermined set time from the start of the previous unit game, the random number sampling circuit 70 extracts the random number updated by the random number generator 69 when the set time elapses. It constitutes a random number extraction means.

  In the program ROM 65, a storage unit is divided so as to store various tables including a probability lottery table shown in FIG. 8, a sequence program, and the like. The main CPU 64 performs game processing according to this sequence program.

  FIG. 8 conceptually shows the probability lottery table.

  This probability lottery table is used when the internal winning combination is lottered during the general gaming state in the probability lottery process (FIG. 10, step 114) of the main flowchart described later. The probability lottery table stores data that is generated by the random number generator 69 and that classifies the random numbers extracted by the random number sampling circuit 70 into roles. Each combination is assigned a predetermined numerical group in a predetermined numerical range of 0 to 16383 as each random number range. A random number range with a lower limit value of 0 and an upper limit value of 19 is assigned to the small role of “middle cherry”. When the extracted random number value is in the range of 0 to 19, a request flag for “middle cherry” is set. The winning probability of the small role of “medium cherry” is 20/16384 (= 1 / 8819.2). A random number range of a lower limit value 20 and a lower limit value 219 is assigned to the small role of “horn cherry”. When the extracted random value belongs to the range of 20 to 219, a request flag per “horn cherry” is set. The winning probability of the small role of “Kaku Cherry” is 200/16384 (= 1 / 81.92). A random number range of a lower limit value 220 and an upper limit value 2252 is assigned to the small part of “Bell”. When the extracted random number value belongs to the range of 220 to 2252, a request flag per “Bell” is set. The winning probability of the small part of “Bell” is 2033/16384 (= 1 / 8.059). A random number range of a lower limit value 2253 and an upper limit value 2380 is assigned to the small part of “watermelon”, and a request flag for “watermelon” is set when the extracted random number value belongs to the range of 2253 to 2380. The winning probability of the small part of “Watermelon” is 128/16384 (= 1/128). “Replay” is assigned a random number range of a lower limit value 23811 and an upper limit value 4625, and a request flag per “replay” is set if the extracted random number value belongs to the range of 2381-4625. The winning probability of “Replay” is 2245/16384 (= 1 / 7.298). A random number range of a lower limit value 4626 and an upper limit value 4663 is assigned to “RB”, and a request flag per “RB” is set when the extracted random number value belongs to the range of 4626 to 4663. The winning probability of “RB” is 68/16384 (= 1 / 240.941). “BB” is assigned a random number range of a lower limit value 4694 and an upper limit value 4807, and a request flag per “BB” is set when the extracted random number value belongs to the range of 4694 to 4807. The winning probability of “BB” is 114/16384 (= 1 / 143.719). A random number range having a lower limit value 4808 and an upper limit value 16383 is assigned to “losing”, and the winning probability is 11576/16384 (= 1 / 1.415).

  The main CPU 64 and the program ROM 65 of the main board 61 shown in FIG. 6 assign a role type to each random number range shown in the table of FIG. 8, and assign a role assigned to the random number range to which the random number extracted by the random number sampling circuit 70 belongs. An internal winning combination determination means for determining an internal winning combination is configured. That is, the internal winning combination is determined by which random number range the sampled one random number value belongs to, and is represented by the determined combination hit request flag. The bonus request flag “BB” or “RB” is carried over to the game after the flag is set, and the symbol combination “BB” or “RB” is stopped and displayed on the activated pay line, and the bonus winning is actually performed. If this happens, the bonus requirement flag is cleared. Flags other than the bonus requirement flag are valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and are cleared at the end of the game and are not carried over after the next game.

  Further, the main CPU 64 constitutes a game start means for starting a unit game when the start lever 30 is operated. The unit game is started when the start lever 30 is operated. Strictly speaking, after the start lever 30 is operated, one game monitoring timer is set (see step 118 in FIG. 10). Is done. Further, when the start lever 30 is operated before a predetermined set time (4.096 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous unit game, the main CPU 64 starts the game until the set time elapses. A game start standby means for waiting for the start of the unit game by the means is configured.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 63 include a stepping motor 45 that rotationally drives the reels 2, 3, and 4, various lamps (BET lamps 13 to 15, a start lamp 17, a WIN lamp 19, There are an insert lamp 21), various display units (game action indicators 9 to 12, a stored number display unit 16, a bonus count display unit 18, a payout number display unit 20), and a hopper 72 for storing medals. These are driven by a motor drive circuit 73, each lamp drive circuit 74, each display unit drive circuit 75, and a hopper drive circuit 76, respectively. These drive circuits 73 to 76 are connected to the main CPU 64 via the I / O port 71 of the microcomputer 63.

  As main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 63 to generate a control signal, the inserted medal sensor 8S for detecting a medal inserted from the medal slot 8 and the operation of the start lever 30 are used. There are a start switch 30S for detecting the stored medal, the aforementioned stored medal insertion switches 26 to 28, and a stored medal settlement switch 29. Further, as the input signal generating means, there is a reel position detection circuit 77 which receives the output pulse signal from the photo sensor 49 and detects the rotational position of each reel 2, 3 and 4. The photo sensor 49 is included in the driving mechanism of each reel 2 to 4 and is not shown in the figure.

  The reel position detection circuit 77 counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 45 after the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is started, and writes this count value in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66. Accordingly, the control RAM 66 stores a count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range for each of the reels 2 to 4. The photo sensor 49 generates a reset pulse every time the reels 2 to 4 make one rotation. This reset pulse is given to the main CPU 64 via the reel position detection circuit 77, and the count value of the drive pulse counted by the control RAM 66 is cleared to "0". By this clearing process, the deviation generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor 45 is eliminated every rotation.

  Further, as the input signal generating means, a reel stop signal circuit 78 for generating a signal for stopping the corresponding reels 2, 3, 4 when the stop buttons 31, 32, 33 are pressed, and medals paid out from the hopper 72. There are a medal detection unit 72S for counting the number and a payout completion signal generation circuit 79. These are also connected to the main CPU 64 via the I / O port 71. The payout completion signal generation circuit 79 pays out medals when the medal count value actually paid out input from the medal detection unit 72S reaches the payout number data represented by the count signal input from the display unit drive circuit 75. Generates a signal to detect completion of

  A communication port 80 is connected to the I / O port 71, and the microcomputer 63 sends a control signal to the relay terminal board 62 shown in FIG. The relay terminal board 62 connects the wiring in the gaming machine to each other, and connects the control signal transmission line from the main board 61 and the transmission line from the peripheral board 60 to control from the main board 61. The signal is transmitted to the peripheral board 60. The relay terminal board 62 is provided between the main board 61 and the peripheral board 60 and constitutes a relay means for relaying a control signal transmitted from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60.

  Communication from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60 via the relay terminal board 62 is performed only in one direction from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60. In the present embodiment, the control signal sent from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60 includes a command type in which the control type is represented by 7 bits and a parameter in which the content of the command is represented by a maximum of 24 bits. It consists of

  The peripheral board 60 includes a first peripheral board 60a in which an image control circuit (gSub) is configured, and a second peripheral board 60b in which a sound / lamp control circuit (mSub) is configured. Based on the control signal, a predetermined effect process is performed as an auxiliary process of the game process on the main board 61.

  The first peripheral board 60a includes an image control microcomputer 81, a serial port 82, a program ROM 83, a work RAM 84, a calendar IC 85, an image control IC 86, a control RAM 87, an image ROM (character ROM) 88, and a video RAM 89.

  The image control microcomputer 81 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port. The CPU provided in the image control microcomputer 81 performs various processes according to the control program stored in the program ROM 83 based on the control signal received from the main board 61. Note that the image control microcomputer 81 does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a chronograph, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the operation program of the image control microcomputer 81. .

  The serial port 82 receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 61 via the relay terminal board 62. The program ROM 83 stores a control program executed by the image control microcomputer 81, various tables, and the like. The work RAM 84 is used as a temporary storage means for work when the image control microcomputer 81 executes a control program. The work RAM 84 stores various information.

  The calendar IC 85 stores date data. The image control microcomputer 81 is connected to the cross key 23, “◯” button 24, and “×” button 25 described above. By operating these, date setting and the like are performed, and the image control microcomputer 81 stores the set date information in the calendar IC 85. The information stored in the work RAM 84 and the calendar IC 85 is backed up in the event of a power failure or the like, and the stored information does not disappear even if the operating power supplied to the first peripheral board 60a is cut off.

  The image control IC 86 generates an image corresponding to the effect contents of the pattern determined by the image control microcomputer 81 and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display device 22. The image control microcomputer 81 fetches information such as the current gaming state and the type of winning flag from the main board 61 via the relay terminal board 62, and displays the information on the liquid crystal display device 22 based on the fetched gaming state and winning flag. Determine the contents of the production.

  The control RAM 87 is included in the image control IC 86, and the image control microcomputer 81 writes and reads information and the like with respect to the control RAM 87. In the control RAM 87, a register of the image control IC 86, a sprite attribute table, and a color palette table are developed. The image control microcomputer 81 updates the register of the image control IC 86 and the sprite attribute table at every predetermined timing.

  A liquid crystal display device 22, an image ROM 88, and a video RAM 89 are connected to the image control IC 86. The image ROM 88 may be connected to the image control microcomputer 81. In this case, the configuration may be effective when processing a large amount of image data such as three-dimensional image data. The image ROM 88 stores image data, dot data, and the like for generating an image. The video RAM 89 is used as temporary storage means when an image is generated by the image control IC 86. The image control IC 86 transmits a signal to the image control microcomputer 81 every time data in the video RAM 89 is transferred to the liquid crystal display device 22.

  In the first peripheral board 60a, sound / lamp effect control is also performed by the image control microcomputer 81. The image control microcomputer 81 also determines the sound output pattern and the lamp lighting pattern based on the gaming state taken from the main board 61 and the winning flag. Then, based on the determined production pattern, the type of sound / lamp and the output timing thereof are determined. Then, the image control microcomputer 81 transmits a control signal to the second peripheral board 60b via the serial port 82 at every predetermined timing. In the second peripheral board 60b, only sound / lamp output is mainly performed in accordance with the control signal received from the first peripheral board 60a, excluding volume control described later.

  The second peripheral board 60b includes a sound / lamp control microcomputer 91, a serial port 92, a program ROM 93, a work RAM 94, a sound source IC 95, a power amplifier 96, and a sound source ROM 97.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, and an input / output port. The CPU provided in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs sound / lamp output processing according to the control program stored in the program ROM 93 based on the control signal received from the first peripheral board 60a. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 described above. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 transmits an output signal to the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 in response to a control signal transmitted at a predetermined timing from the first peripheral board 60a. As a result, the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 emit light in a predetermined manner according to the game effect.

  The serial port 92 receives a control signal transmitted from the first peripheral board 60a. The program ROM 93 stores a control program executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 and the like. The work RAM 94 is used as a temporary storage means for work when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 executes a control program.

  The sound source IC 95 generates a sound source based on the control signal transmitted from the first peripheral board 60 a and outputs the sound source to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 is an amplifier, and the speakers 98 and 98 described above are connected to the power amplifier 96. The power amplifier 96 amplifies the sound source output from the sound source IC 95 and outputs the amplified sound source from the speakers 98 and 98. The sound source ROM 97 stores sound source data (phrase etc.) for generating a sound source.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 is connected to a volume control unit 103. The volume control unit 103 can be operated by employees of the game hall and the like, and the tone output from the speakers 98 and 98 is adjusted. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 91 performs control to adjust the sound output from the speakers 98 and 98 to the input volume based on the input signal transmitted from the volume adjusting unit 103.

  Next, the control operation of the main CPU 64 of the main board 61 will be described with reference to the main flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, the main CPU 64 performs initialization at the start of the game (see step 101 in FIG. 9). Specifically, the contents stored in the control RAM 66 are initialized, the communication data is initialized, and the like. Subsequently, the predetermined stored contents of the control RAM 66 at the end of the game are erased (step 102). Specifically, the data in the writable area of the control RAM 66 used in the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the control RAM 66, and the start address of the sequence program of the next game is set. Make designations. Next, it is determined whether or not “30 seconds” have elapsed since the end of the previous game, that is, after all the reels 2, 3 and 4 have stopped. If this determination is “YES”, the main CPU 64 transmits a standby screen command to the peripheral board 60 via the relay terminal board 62 (step 104). The standby screen command is a command for requesting the liquid crystal display device 22 to display a “demo image”.

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not there is an automatic insertion request for medals, that is, whether or not a replay winning has been established in the previous game (step 105). When this determination is “YES”, medals for the insertion request are automatically inserted (step 106). If the determination in step 105 is “NO”, it is determined whether or not there is a medal inserted (step 107). Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the inserted medal sensor 8S or the stored medal insertion switches 26, 27, and 28. When this determination is “YES”, the process proceeds to step 108, and when the determination is “NO”, the process returns to step 103, and the above-described processing is repeated. When the main CPU 64 automatically inserts a medal or receives an input based on the medal insertion, the main CPU 64 transmits a BET command to the peripheral board 60 side via the relay terminal board 62 (step 108).

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not there is an input from the start switch 30S based on the operation of the start lever 30 (step 109). If this determination is “YES”, then the main CPU 64 determines whether or not a predetermined set time has elapsed since the start of the previous game (step 110). This set time is set to 4.1 seconds. If the set time has not elapsed, a wait time command is transmitted to the peripheral board 60 side via the relay terminal board 62, and the game start waiting time until the set time elapses after the wait function is activated is digested. (Step 111). If the operation of the start lever 30 is performed before the set time elapses, a reel non-rotation sound is emitted from the speakers 96, 96, and the player is notified that the weight function has been activated. When the set time has elapsed since the start of the previous game, the main CPU 64 next extracts a random number for lottery generated by the random number generator 69 by the random number sampling circuit 70 (see step 112 in FIG. 10).

  The random number generated by the random number generator 69 is updated by an interrupt process performed every 250 μsec shown in FIG. In this interrupt process, the main CPU 64 adds “1” to the previous random number generated by the random number generator 69 when an interrupt pulse is input from the frequency divider 68 every 250 μsec (FIG. 12, step 201), the random value obtained by the addition is set in the random number generator 69 (step 202). This process is repeated each time an interrupt pulse is input, the random number value is counted up in the range of “0” to “16383”, and when the random value reaches “16383”, the random number value is again “0”. And the random number is updated in the next cycle.

  After extracting the random number, the main CPU 64 performs a gaming state monitoring process (FIG. 10, step 113). In the gaming state monitoring process, the gaming state is set to the gaming state corresponding to the winning request flag with reference to the winning request flag including the bonus request flag. Subsequently, the main CPU 64 performs a probability lottery process (step 114). In the probability lottery process, a probability lottery table is used according to the gaming state, the random number value extracted in step 112 is determined to which random number range of the probability lottery table (see FIG. 8) belongs, The internal winning combination is determined based on the value of the request flag.

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines a combination (stop winning combination) that can establish an internal winning combination corresponding to the winning request flag set in the control RAM 66 (step 115). Next, the main CPU 64 performs a stop table selection process (step 116). That is, the stop table corresponding to the winning combination for stop determined in step 115 is determined from the stop table selection table.

  Next, the main CPU 64 sets a timer for monitoring one game (step 118). This one-game monitoring timer is a timer for monitoring a set time which is the shortest time interval between unit games. Next, the main CPU 64 performs a start command transmission process at the start of the game (step 119). Specifically, a process including transmitting a command including information such as an internal winning combination drawn in the probability lottery process in step 114 to the peripheral board 60 via the relay terminal board 62 is performed. Subsequently, the main CPU 64 performs a reel rotation process (step 120).

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the stop buttons 31 to 33 are operated “ON” (step 121). If this determination is “NO” without any of the stop buttons 31 to 33 being operated, it is next determined whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is “0” (step 122). When this determination is “NO”, the processing returns to step 121 and the above-described processing is repeated.

  If any one of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is operated and the determination in step 121 becomes “YES” or the value of the automatic stop timer becomes “0”, the main CPU 64 next performs a sliding frame number determination process. (Step 123). In this sliding frame number determination process, at the timing when the player's stop operation is performed, the types of symbols displayed on the reels 2, 3, 4 that are visually recognized by the player through the display windows 5, 6, 7, and internal winnings The number of sliding symbols is determined based on the internal winning combination determined by the combination determining means. Subsequently, the reel corresponding to the stopped stop button is rotated by the number of sliding frames and then stopped (step 124). Here, the “number of sliding symbols” indicates the number of symbols to be moved after the stop buttons 31 to 33 are operated and before the reels 2 to 4 are stopped, and is also referred to as “number of pull-in”. is there.

  At this time, a reel stop command including information that can identify the stopped reels 2, 3, and 4, information that can identify the type of the symbol displayed by the stopped reel on a predetermined activated pay line, Transmit from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60. Subsequently, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not all reels are stopped (step 125). If this determination is "NO", the process returns to step 121, and the above-described processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, when all the reels 2 to 4 are stopped and the determination in step 125 is “YES”, the main CPU 64 transmits an all reel stop command to the peripheral board 60 via the relay terminal plate 62 (FIG. 11, step 126), and subsequently, a winning search process is performed (step 127). In this winning search process, the type of combination of symbols actually arranged on the activated winning line is matched with the type of winning combination determined by the probability lottery process. Next, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step 128). If the determination result is not normal, an illegal error is displayed on the payout number display unit 20 and the liquid crystal display device 22 (step 129).

  On the other hand, if the determination result is normal, the main CPU 64 performs game medal storage or payout processing depending on the state at that time (step 130). That is, if the game is played with credits, the number of stored coins displayed on the stored coin number display unit 16 is increased by the number of medals acquired by winning, and the game is performed by inserting medals into the medal slot 8. If it is in a state in which the medals are performed, the number of medals won by winning is paid out to the medal tray 34.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 64 performs a WIN lamp lighting process for lighting the WIN lamp 19, and the player is notified of the winning occurrence (step 131). Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current gaming state is operating the BB game or the RB game (step 132). If the BB game or RB game is in operation, then the number of games in the BB game or RB game is checked (step 133). Subsequently, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current gaming state is at the end of the BB game (step 134). When it is time to end the BB game, a BB end command is transmitted to the peripheral board 60 via the relay terminal board 62. The BB end command includes a 3-bit parameter indicating the end operation. When the BB end command is transmitted, a RAM clear process at the end of the BB game is performed on the control RAM 66 (step 135). If the determination in step 132 is not in operation of the BB game or RB game, or if the determination in step 134 is not at the end of the BB game, or if the processing in step 135 is completed, the processing returns to step 102 and the next A new game is started.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the game process controlled by the image control microcomputer 81 of the peripheral board 60. In the peripheral board 60, various commands (control signals) received from the main board 61 side via the relay terminal board 62 are always analyzed by the image control microcomputer 81, and various game processes based on these commands are appropriately performed. (See FIG. 13, step 200).

  According to the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the transmission line of the control signal from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60 is divided by the relay terminal plate 62. Therefore, the transmission line from the main board 61 to the relay terminal plate 62 and the transmission line from the relay terminal board 62 to the peripheral board 60 are shorter than the conventional transmission line from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60. Therefore, when the control signal transmission line is wired inside the device, the control signal transmission line is less likely to be twisted, and a coiled portion is difficult to be formed. Therefore, an error occurs in the time until the control signal reaches the peripheral substrate 60 from the main substrate 61 as in the conventional case, and the peripheral substrate using the liquid crystal display device 22, the LEDs 101, the lamps 102, and the speakers 98 and 98. There is no possibility that the execution timing of the effect processing performed at 60 deviates from the original timing. As a result, the effect processing or the like on the peripheral substrate 60 is performed at an appropriate timing, and the effect of the processing is not diminished.

  Further, in the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the first peripheral board 60 a is connected to the external from the cross key 23, “O” button 24, “X” button 25 in addition to inputting a control signal from the relay terminal board 62. It has a function to input signals. Accordingly, the relay terminal board 62 that inputs signals from the outside on the peripheral board 60 and directly inputs the control signals from the main board 60 improves security and prevents sound from being input from the outside. Gaming machines are provided.

  In the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the first peripheral board 60a has a function of outputting a signal to the second peripheral board 60b other than itself using the serial ports 82 and 92. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to construct a circuit configuration for outputting a signal from the first peripheral board 60a that receives the control signal from the relay terminal board 62 to the other second peripheral board 60b. Yes.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the peripheral substrate 60 includes two substrates, the first peripheral substrate 60a and the second peripheral substrate 60b, has been described. However, the peripheral substrate 60 may be composed of one substrate, or may be composed of three or more substrates. Further, the connection form may be a form in which each peripheral board is connected in series from the relay terminal board 62 or a form in which each peripheral board is directly connected to the relay terminal board 62.

  In addition, a panel opening / closing monitoring unit that monitors the opening / closing of the device front panel 38 is provided. For example, when an image indicating that the device front panel 38 is open is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22, the peripheral substrate 60 is provided. The peripheral board 60 is connected to the panel open / close monitoring unit via a transmission line, and the peripheral board 60 receives signals from the panel open / close monitoring unit, or transmits / receives signals between the peripheral board 60 and the panel open / close monitoring unit. You may make it do.

  In the above embodiment, the relay terminal plate 62 is described as the relay means provided between the main board 61 and the peripheral board 60 and relaying a control signal transmitted from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60. . However, the relay unit may be a specific peripheral board that performs a process of relaying a control signal transmitted from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60 as an auxiliary process of the game process performed on the main board 61.

  Further, the relay terminal plate 62 constituting the relay means and the specific peripheral board described above may have a predetermined additional function in addition to the function of relaying the control signal transmitted from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60. Good. By providing the relay means with a predetermined additional function, the added value of the relay means such as the relay terminal board 62 and the specific peripheral board is increased.

  In this case, the function for determining the pattern of the game effect performed by the image control microcomputer 81 of the peripheral board 60 may be the predetermined additional function. According to this configuration, the process for determining the pattern of the game effect is performed by the relay means such as the relay terminal board 62 or the specific peripheral board, so that the processing load on the peripheral board 60 is reduced and the functions are distributed. By reducing the processing load on the peripheral substrate 60, the processing speed on the peripheral substrate 60 is increased, the image display processing on the liquid crystal display device 22 is performed quickly, and the effect of the presentation is enhanced. In addition, the manufacturing cost of the peripheral substrate 60 is reduced by reducing the processing load on the peripheral substrate 60.

  Further, as the predetermined additional function, a function of checking an error of a control signal transmitted from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60 by using a communication check command BCC (Block check character) or the like may be employed. According to this configuration, since the process of checking the error of the control signal transmitted to the peripheral board 60 is performed by the relay means such as the relay terminal board 62 or the specific peripheral board, the processing load on the peripheral board 60 is reduced and the function is improved. Distributed. Also with this configuration, the processing load on the peripheral substrate 60 is reduced by reducing the processing load on the peripheral substrate 60, and the manufacturing cost of the peripheral substrate 60 is reduced.

  Further, as the predetermined additional function, a function of converting the serial control signal received from the main board 61 into a parallel control signal and transmitting it to the peripheral board 60 may be adopted. According to this configuration, since the process of converting the serial control signal received from the main board 61 into the parallel control signal is performed by the relay means such as the relay terminal board 62 or the specific peripheral board, the processing load on the peripheral board 60 is reduced. At the same time, the functions are distributed. Also with this configuration, the processing load on the peripheral substrate 60 is reduced by reducing the processing load on the peripheral substrate 60, and the manufacturing cost of the peripheral substrate 60 is reduced.

  Further, as the predetermined additional function, a function of supplying the operating power to the peripheral board 60 may be adopted. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to connect a power supply line from the power supply device to the peripheral board 60.

  Further, as the predetermined additional function, a function of collecting transmission lines that connect the main board 61 and the peripheral board 60 may be adopted. For example, by concentrating a plurality of transmission lines from the main board 61 into one transmission line, the number of connectors to be connected to the transmission lines provided on the peripheral board 60 is reduced from a plurality to one, for example. I can do it. Thereby, it can be expected that the risk of the unauthorized board for performing an unauthorized act by pulling out the transmission line connected to the peripheral board 60 being connected to, for example, one connector of the peripheral board 60 is reduced.

  Further, as the predetermined additional function, a function of amplifying a voltage of a control signal sent from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60 may be adopted. According to this configuration, it is possible to cope with the attenuation of the voltage or the like of the control signal generated during communication between the main board 61 and the peripheral board 60, and communication between the main board 61 and the peripheral board 60. Can be made accurate and appropriate.

  In addition, as the above-mentioned predetermined additional function, a function for ensuring that communication between the main board 61 and the peripheral board 60 is unidirectional (that is, one-way communication from the main board 61 to the peripheral board 60) is adopted. May be. According to this configuration, the main board 61 does not need to have the above collateral function, and the manufacturing cost of the main board 61 can be reduced.

  Even in the case where the pachislot machine 1 is configured with each of such configurations, the same operational effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachislot machine has been described. However, the present invention provides another game that includes a main board that performs a game process that affects a game result and a peripheral board that receives a control signal from the main board and performs an auxiliary process of the game process. The present invention can also be applied to the machine in the same manner as the above-described embodiment. Moreover, although the case where it applied to a medal insertion type pachislot machine was demonstrated in the said embodiment, it can also apply to a CR (card reader) type pachislot machine. Even when the present invention is applied to such a gaming machine, the same effects as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pachi-slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the reel unit which constitutes the pachi-slot machine by one embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of each reel which comprises the reel unit shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the symbol row drawn on the outer peripheral part of the reel shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the combination in the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention, a symbol combination, and the payout number. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure comprised by the main board | substrate of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure comprised by the peripheral board | substrate of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows notionally the probability lottery table used for one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the outline of the game process by main CPU of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the outline of the game processing by main CPU of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a 3rd flowchart which shows the outline of the game processing by main CPU of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the interruption process by main CPU of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the game process by the image control microcomputer of the pachislot machine by one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachi slot machine 2,3,4 ... Reel 22 ... Liquid crystal display device 23 ... Cross key 24 ... "O" button 25 ... "x" button 37a, 37b ... Cover 38 ... Decoration display device 60 ... Peripheral board 60a ... 1st Peripheral board 60b ... second peripheral board 61 ... main board 62 ... relay terminal board 63 ... microcomputer (microcomputer)
64 ... main CPU (central processing unit)
65, 83 ... Program ROM (read-only memory)
66, 87 ... Control RAM (Random Access Memory)
81 ... Image control microcomputer 91 ... Sound / lamp control microcomputer 98 ... Speaker 101 ... LEDs 102 ... Lamps

Claims (10)

In a gaming machine configured to include a main board that performs a game process that affects a game result and a peripheral board that receives a control signal from the main board and performs an auxiliary process of the game process,
A gaming machine comprising relay means provided between the main board and the peripheral board and relaying a control signal transmitted from the main board to the peripheral board.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the relay means is a relay terminal plate that interconnects wiring in the gaming machine.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the relay unit is a specific peripheral board that performs a process of relaying a control signal transmitted from the main board to the peripheral board as the auxiliary process.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the peripheral board has a function of inputting a signal from the outside in addition to inputting a control signal from the relay unit.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the peripheral board has a function of outputting a signal to the peripheral board other than itself.   6. The relay unit according to claim 1, wherein the relay unit has a predetermined additional function in addition to a function of relaying a control signal transmitted from the main board to the peripheral board. Gaming machine.   The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined additional function is a function of determining a pattern of a game effect performed by the peripheral board.   The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined additional function is a function of checking an error in a control signal transmitted to the peripheral board.   The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined additional function is a function of converting a serial control signal received from the main board into a parallel control signal and transmitting the parallel control signal to the peripheral board. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined additional function is a function of supplying operating power to the peripheral board.

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