JP2015043842A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine characterized in a construction for sending or receiving a signal.SOLUTION: A game machine has conversion means having at least a first function and at least a second function. The first function can output a first type signal inputted, by converting the same into a second type signal, and the second function can output the second type signal inputted, by converting the same into the first type signal.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a pachinko machine or a slot machine.

  Some conventional game machines transmit and receive signals between boards using a harness (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-200302 A

  However, in the conventional game machine, there is room for improvement in the configuration for transmitting or receiving signals.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine having a feature in a configuration for transmitting or receiving a signal.

  According to the present invention, there is a gaming machine provided with conversion means, wherein the conversion means has at least a first function, and the conversion means has at least a second function, The first function is a function capable of converting the input signal of the first format into a signal of the second format and outputting the signal, and the second function is the input of the second function. There is provided a gaming table, which is a function capable of converting the second format signal into the first format signal and outputting it.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game stand characterized by the structure which transmits or receives a signal can be provided.

The external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine of an embodiment from the front side (player side). The external view which looked at the pachinko machine of FIG. 1 from the back side. The schematic front view which looked at the game board from the front. The circuit block diagram of a control part. (A) is the figure which showed an example of the stop symbol aspect of a special figure, (b) was the figure which showed an example of the decoration symbol, (c) was the figure which showed an example of the usual stop display symbol. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. (A) is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU of the first sub-control unit, (b) is a flowchart of strobe interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit, and (c) is a timer variable update interrupt of the first sub-control unit. The process flowchart, (d) is a flowchart of the image control process of the first sub-control unit. (A) is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU of the second sub-control unit, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit, and (c) is a timer interrupt of the second sub-control unit. The flowchart of a process. The terminal arrangement of a conversion device, and function explanatory drawing of each terminal. The internal block diagram of a conversion device. (A) is a diagram summarizing the types of operation modes of the conversion device and the state of each terminal, (b) is a truth table of the output enable signal, (c) is a truth table of the latch enable signal. The figure which shows the usage example of a conversion device. The figure which shows the usage example of a conversion device. The figure which shows the usage example of a conversion device. The figure which shows the usage example of a conversion device. The figure which shows the example of wiring. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a conversion device. Comparative example not using a conversion device. A configuration example using a conversion device. A configuration example using a conversion device. A configuration example using a conversion device. A configuration example using a conversion device. A configuration example using a conversion device. A configuration example using a conversion device. The perspective view of the slot machine of embodiment. The front view of the state which opened the front door of the slot machine of embodiment. The block diagram of the control part of the slot machine of embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing a plane arrangement of symbols arranged on each reel, (b) is a type of winning combination (including an operating combination), a combination of symbols corresponding to each winning combination, The figure which shows the action | operation or payout of a winning combination. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. (A) is a flowchart of main processing of the first sub-control unit, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit, and (c) is a timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit. Flowchart. (A) is a flowchart of main processing of the second sub-control unit, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit, and (c) is a timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit. (D) is a flowchart of image control processing of the second sub-control unit.

<Embodiment 1>
<Overall configuration>
The overall configuration of the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the front side (player side).

  As an external structure, the pachinko machine 100 includes an outer frame 102, a main body 104, a front frame door 106, a door 108 with a ball storage tray, a launching device 110, and a game board 200 on the front surface.

  The outer frame 102 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body 104 is referred to as an inner frame, and is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 102 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge portion 112. The main body 104 is formed in a frame shape and has a space 114 inside. In addition, when the main body 104 is opened, an inner frame opening sensor (not shown) that detects the opening of the main body 104 is provided.

  The front frame door 106 is attached to the front surface of the main body 104 on the front side of the pachinko machine 100 so as to be openable and closable with a lock function, and is configured in a frame shape so that the inner side of the front frame door 106 can be opened and closed. Is a door member having an opening 116. The front frame door 106 is provided with a transparent plate member 118 made of glass or resin at the opening 116, and a speaker 120 and a frame lamp 122 are attached to the front side. A game area 124 is defined by the rear surface of the front frame door 106 and the front surface of the game board 200. Further, a front frame door opening sensor (not shown) that detects opening of the front frame door 106 when the front frame door 106 is opened is provided.

  The door 108 with a ball storage tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body 104 on the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. The ball storage tray-equipped door 108 is capable of storing a plurality of game balls (hereinafter simply referred to as “balls”), and an upper plate 126 provided with a passage for guiding the game balls to the launching device 110. A lower plate 128 that stores game balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 126, a ball removal button 130 that discharges the game balls stored in the upper plate 126 to the lower plate 128 by the player's operation, A ball discharge lever 132 that discharges game balls stored in the lower plate 128 to a game ball collection container (common name, dollar box) by operation, and a game ball guided to the launching device 110 by operation of the player 200 ball launch handles 134 for launching into the game area 124, a chance button 136 for changing the production mode of various production devices by the player's operation, and a chance button for causing the chance button 136 to emit light , A ball lending operation button 140 for giving a ball lending instruction to a card unit (CR unit) installed in a game store, a return operation button 142 for giving a card balance return instruction to the card unit, And a ball rental display unit 144 for displaying the balance of the player and the state of the card unit. In addition, a lower plate full tank sensor (not shown) that detects that the lower plate 128 is full is provided.

  The launching device 110 is attached to the lower side of the main body 104, and a launching rod 146 that rotates when the ball launching handle 134 is operated by the player, and a launching rod 148 that strikes the game ball at the tip of the launching rod 146. .

  The game board 200 has a game area 124 on the front surface, and is detachably attached to the main body 104 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space 114 of the main body 104. The game area 124 can be observed from the opening 116 after the game board 200 is mounted on the main body 104.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the pachinko machine 100 of FIG. 1 viewed from the back side.

  The upper part of the back surface of the pachinko machine 100 has an opening that opens upward, a ball tank 150 for temporarily storing game balls, and a lower part of the ball tank 150 that is positioned below the ball tank 150. A tank rail 154 is provided for guiding a ball passing through the formed communication hole and dropping to the dispensing device 152 located on the right side of the back surface.

  The payout device 152 is formed of a cylindrical member, and includes a payout motor, a sprocket, and a payout sensor (not shown) inside.

  The sprocket is configured to be rotatable by a payout motor. The sprocket that temporarily passes through the tank rail 154 and flows down into the payout device 152 is temporarily retained, and the payout motor is driven to rotate by a predetermined angle. Thus, the temporarily accumulated game balls are sent one by one downward to the payout device 152.

  The payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball sent out by the sprocket. When the game ball is passing, either a high signal or a low signal is passed. Either the high signal or the low signal is output to the dispensing control unit 600. The game ball that has passed through the payout sensor passes through a ball rail (not shown) and reaches the upper plate 126 disposed on the front side of the pachinko machine 100. The pachinko machine 100 has this configuration. To pay out the ball to the player.

  On the left side of the payout device 152 in the figure, a main board case 158 that houses the main board 156 that constitutes the main control section 300 that performs control processing for the entire game, and control related to effects based on the processing information generated by the main control section 300 The first sub-board case 162 that houses the first sub-board 160 that constitutes the first sub-control unit 400 that performs processing, and the second sub-board that performs control processing related to effects based on the processing information generated by the first sub-control unit 400. An error release switch that constitutes a second sub-board case 166 that houses the second sub-board 164 that constitutes the control unit 500, a payout control unit 600 that performs control processing related to the payout of game balls, and that releases an error by the operation of a game clerk Discharge board case 172 storing the payout board 170 having 168, launch base constituting the launch control unit 630 that performs control processing relating to the launch of the game ball A launch board case 176 that houses 174, a power control unit 660 that supplies power to various electrical gaming machines, and a power switch 178 that turns the power on and off by the operation of a game store clerk and an RWM clear by being operated when the power is turned on A power board case 184 that houses a power board 182 that includes an RWM clear switch 180 that outputs a signal to the main controller 300, and a CR interface 186 that transmits and receives signals between the payout controller 600 and the card unit are provided. ing.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the game board 200 as viewed from the front. In the game board 200, an outer rail 202 and an inner rail 204 are arranged, and a game area 124 in which a game ball can roll is defined.

  An effect device 206 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 124. In the effect device 206, a decorative symbol display device 208 is disposed substantially at the center, and an effect movable body 223 provided with a display device 209 is disposed with its upper portion as an initial position (origin return position). The size of the decorative symbol display device 208 is larger than the size of the display device 209. Since the size of the display area differs between the decorative symbol display device 208 and the display device 209, there are cases where more various effects can be performed. Around the decorative symbol display device 208, a normal symbol display device 210, a first special symbol display device 212, a second special symbol display device 214, a normal symbol hold lamp 216, a first special symbol hold lamp 218, A second special symbol holding lamp 220 and a high-probability middle lamp 222 are provided. Hereinafter, the normal symbol may be referred to as “general symbol” and the special symbol may be referred to as “special symbol”.

  The effect device 206 operates the effect movable bodies 223 and 224 to produce an effect, and details will be described later.

  The decorative symbol display device 208 is a display device for performing various displays used for decorative symbols and effects. In the present embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 208 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device (Liquid Crystal Display). The decorative symbol display device 208 is divided into four display areas, a left symbol display area 208a, a middle symbol display area 208b, a right symbol display area 208c, and an effect display area 208d, and the left symbol display area 208a and the middle symbol display area 208b. The right symbol display area 208c displays different decorative symbols, and the effect display area 208d displays an image used for the effect. Furthermore, the position and size of each display area 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d can be freely changed within the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208. In addition, although the liquid crystal display device is employ | adopted as the decoration symbol display apparatus 208, it is not a liquid crystal display device, What is necessary is just the structure which can display various effects and various game information, for example, a dot matrix display device Other display devices including a 7-segment display device, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device, a reel (drum) display device, a leaf display device, a plasma display, and a projector may be adopted.

  The effect movable body 223 has a configuration in which a display device 209 is arranged inside a horizontally long rectangular frame. The display device 209 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, for example.

  The general map display device 210 is a display device for displaying a general map, and is configured by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment. The first special figure display device 212 and the second special figure display device 214 are display devices for displaying special figures, and in the present embodiment, are constituted by 7 segment LEDs.

  The multi-purpose hold lamp 216 is a lamp for indicating the number of general-purpose variable games (details will be described later) that are on hold. In this embodiment, the general-purpose variable games are reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, two). It is possible to do. The first special figure hold lamp 218 and the second special figure hold lamp 220 are lamps for indicating the number of special figure variable games (details will be described later) that are being held. In this embodiment, the special figure variable games are displayed. It is possible to hold up to a predetermined number (for example, four). The high-probability medium lamp 222 is a lamp for indicating that the gaming state is a high probability state in which a big hit is likely to occur or a high probability state, and the gaming state is changed from a low probability state in which a big hit is unlikely to occur. Turns on when switching to the probability state, and turns off when switching from the high probability state to the low probability state.

  In addition, there are predetermined ball entrances, for example, a general prize opening 226, a general start port 228, a first special view start port 230, a second special view start port 232, around the effect device 206. A variable winning opening 234 is provided.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of general winning holes 226 are arranged on the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering the general winning holes 226 (in the general winning holes 226). In the case of winning, the payout device 152 is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of balls are discharged to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. The player can freely take out the balls discharged to the upper plate 126. With these configurations, the player can pay out the winning balls to the player based on winning. The ball that has entered the general winning opening 226 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the game island side. In this embodiment, a ball to be paid out to a player as a consideration for winning may be referred to as a “prize ball”, and a ball lent to a player may be referred to as a “lending ball”. They are called “balls (game balls)”.

  The normal start port 228 is configured by a device called a gate or a through chucker for determining whether or not a ball has passed a predetermined area of the game area 124. In this embodiment, the left side of the game board 200 is used. One is arranged. Unlike the ball that has entered the general winning opening 226, the ball that has passed through the usual starting port 228 is not discharged to the amusement island side. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has passed through the general map starting port 228, the pachinko machine 100 starts a general map variable game by the general map display device 210.

  In the present embodiment, only one first special figure starting port 230 is disposed at the center of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the first special figure starting port 230, a payout device 152, which will be described later, is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, three) of balls is used as a prize ball for the upper plate 126. The special figure changing game by the first special figure display device 212 is started. The ball that has entered the first special figure starting port 230 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The second special figure starting port 232 is called an electric tulip (electric Chu), and in the present embodiment, only one second special figure starting port 232 is disposed directly below the first special figure starting port 230. The second special figure starting port 232 includes a wing member 232a that can be opened and closed to the left and right. When the wing member 232a is closed, it is impossible to enter a ball. When 210 hits and stops and displays the symbol, the blade member 232a opens and closes at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the second special figure starting port 232, the payout device 152 is driven and a predetermined number (for example, four) of balls is discharged to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. At the same time, the special figure variation game by the second special figure display device 214 is started. The ball that has entered the second special figure starting port 232 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The variable winning opening 234 is called a big winning opening or an attacker. In the present embodiment, only one variable winning opening 234 is disposed below the center of the game board 200. The variable winning opening 234 includes a door member 234a that can be opened and closed. When the door member 234a is closed, it is impossible to enter a ball, and the special figure display device stops the jackpot symbol when the special figure variable game is won. When displayed, the door member 234a opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, an opening time of 29 seconds and a closing time of 1.5 seconds) and at a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 234, the payout device 152 is driven to discharge a predetermined number (for example, 15 balls) of balls to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. The ball that entered the variable winning opening 234 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  Further, a plurality of disc-shaped hitting direction changing members 236 called a windmill and a plurality of game nails 238 are arranged in the vicinity of these winning openings and start openings, and at the bottom of the inner rail 204, After guiding a ball that has not won any prize opening or start opening to the back side of the pachinko machine 100, an out opening is provided for discharging to the game island side.

  This pachinko machine 100 supplies the ball stored in the upper plate 126 by the player to the launch position of the launch rail, drives the launch motor with strength according to the operation amount of the player's operation handle, and launches 146 Further, the outer rail 202 and the inner rail 204 are passed by the launcher 148 and driven into the game area 124. Then, the ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 124 falls downward while changing the advancing direction by the hitting direction changing member 236, the game nail 238, etc., and a winning opening (general winning opening 226, variable winning opening 234) or start opening (Outside the first special figure starting port 230, the second special figure starting port 232), winning out any winning port or starting port, or just passing through the normal start port 228, the out port 240 To reach.

<Directing device 206>
Next, the rendering device 206 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  On the front side of the effect device 206, a warp device 242 and a stage 244 are arranged in an area where the game ball can roll, and an effect movable body 224 is arranged in an area where the game ball cannot roll. . In addition, a decorative symbol display device 208 and a shielding device 246 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a door) are disposed on the back side of the effect device 206. That is, in the effect device 206, the decorative symbol display device 208 and the shielding means are located behind the warp device 242, the stage 244, and the effect movable body 224.

  The warp device 242 discharges the game balls that have entered the warp inlet 242a provided at the upper left of the effect device 206 to the stage 244 below the front surface of the effect device 206 from the warp outlet 242b.

  The stage 244 can roll a ball discharged from the warp outlet 242b, a ball carried on by a nail of the game board 200, or the like, and the passed ball is a first special figure starting port 230 at the center of the stage 244. A special route 244a is provided to facilitate entry into the golf course.

  In the initial state, the effect movable body 223 is stopped at the initial position (origin position) above the decorative symbol display device 208 as shown in FIG.

  The effect movable body 223 can be moved two-dimensionally in a plane substantially parallel to the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208 in front of the decorative symbol display device 208 by a drive system (not shown). The drive system of the effect movable body 223 can take various configurations. For example, one end of two connecting rods that are rotatably connected is rotatably fixed to a predetermined position of the rendering device 206 outside the decorative symbol display device 208, and moved two-dimensionally in the front plane of the display screen The link mechanism that can be configured. The effect movable body 223 is fixed to the other end of the two connecting rods connected so as to be rotatable in the plane. A motor for driving the connecting rod is arranged at one end of the two connecting rods and the connecting node. Thereby, the effect movable body 223 can be moved two-dimensionally in the display screen front plane. Further, a motor for rotating the effect movable body is arranged at the other end of the two connecting rods. Thereby, the effect movable body 223 can be rotated in the display screen front plane.

  In this embodiment, the effect movable body 224 includes an upper arm portion 224a and a forearm portion 224b simulating the upper arm and forearm of a human right arm. A forearm motor (not shown) that rotates the forearm 224b at a position is provided. The effect movable body 224 moves in front of the decorative symbol display device 208 by the upper arm motor and the forearm motor.

  The shielding device 246 includes a lattice-like left door 246a and right door 246b, and is disposed between the decorative symbol display device 208 and the front stage 244. Belts wound around two pulleys (not shown) are fixed to the upper portions of the left door 246a and the right door 246b, respectively. That is, the left door 246a and the right door 246b move to the left and right as the belt driven by the motor through the pulley moves.

  In the state where the left door 246a and the right door 246b are closed, the shielding device 246 covers the inner end portions of the shielding device 246 so that it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the decorative symbol display device 208. In the state where the left door 246a and the right door 246b are opened, each inner end portion slightly overlaps the outer end portion of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208, but the player can visually recognize all of the display of the decorative symbol display device 208. It is.

  In addition, the left door 246a and the right door 246b can be stopped at arbitrary positions, respectively, for example, only a part of the decorative design so that the player can identify which decorative design the displayed decorative design is. Can be shielded. In addition, the left door 246a and the right door 246b may be configured so that a part of the decorative symbol display device 208 behind the lattice hole can be visually recognized, or the shoji part of the lattice hole is closed with a translucent lens body. The display by the decorative symbol display device 208 may be made vaguely visible to the player, or the shoji part of the holes in the lattice is completely blocked (shielded), and the decorative symbol display device 208 behind is made completely invisible. Also good.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the pachinko machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the pachinko machine 100 can be roughly classified into a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. A first sub-control unit 400 that controls the second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400, and a command transmitted by the main control unit 300 The payout control unit 600 that mainly controls the game ball payout, the launch control unit 630 that controls the launch of the game ball, and the power supply control unit 660 that controls the power supplied to the pachinko machine 100 are configured. Yes.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control programs and various data, and temporary data. RAM 308 for storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency, and WDT 314 for monitoring abnormalities in program processing are mounted. . Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 316 as a system clock.

  The basic circuit 302 also includes a counter circuit 318 used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 each time a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 316 is received (this circuit has 2 2 counters) and a predetermined ball detection sensor, for example, a sensor that detects a game ball passing through each starting port, winning port, variable winning port, front frame door opening sensor, and inner frame opening A sensor circuit 322 for receiving signals output from various sensors 320 including a sensor and a full plate sensor, and outputting a comparison result with an amplification result or a reference voltage to the counter circuit 318 and the basic circuit 302, and a predetermined symbol display A drive circuit 324 for controlling the display of the device, for example, the first special figure display device 212 or the second special figure display device 214, and a predetermined symbol display device, for example, A drive circuit 326 for performing display control of the figure display device 210, and various status display units 328 (for example, a general map hold lamp 216, a first special figure hold lamp 218, a second special figure hold lamp 220, a high-probability medium lamp) 222) and a variety of solenoids 332 for opening and closing predetermined movable members, such as the blade member 232a of the second special figure starting port 232 and the door member 234a of the variable winning port 234. A drive circuit 334 for controlling is connected.

  When the ball detection sensor 320 detects that a ball has won the first special figure starting port 230, the sensor circuit 322 outputs a signal indicating that the ball has been detected to the counter circuit 318. Upon receiving this signal, the counter circuit 318 latches the value of the counter corresponding to the first special figure starting port 230 at that timing, and stores the latched value in the built-in counter value corresponding to the first special figure starting port 230. Store in the register. Similarly, when the counter circuit 318 receives a signal indicating that the second special figure starting port 232 has won a ball, the counter circuit 318 latches the value at the timing of the counter corresponding to the second special figure starting port 232. The latched value is stored in a built-in counter value storage register corresponding to the second special figure starting port 232.

  Further, an information output circuit 336 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an information input circuit 350 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 336. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a voltage monitoring circuit 338 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power source control unit 660 to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 338 is a voltage value of the power source. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 302.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When an activation signal is input, game control is started (main control section main processing described later is started).

  The main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub-control unit 400 and an output interface for transmitting a command to the payout control unit 600. With this configuration, the first control unit 300 Communication with the sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is enabled. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 sends commands and the like to the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600. The first sub control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 are configured such that signals such as commands cannot be transmitted to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 mainly based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404 and ROM 406 for storing control programs and various effects data, RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and for measuring time, frequency, etc. The counter timer 412 is mounted. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 may store the control program and various effect data in separate ROMs.

  The basic circuit 402 includes a sound source IC 416 for controlling the speaker 120 (and amplifier), a drive circuit 420 for controlling various lamps 418 (for example, the chance button lamp 138), and a shielding device 246. A drive circuit 432 for performing drive control, a shielding device sensor 430 that detects the current position of the shielding device 246, a chance button detection sensor 426 that detects pressing of the chance button 136, a shielding device sensor 430, and a chance button detection sensor The sensor circuit 428 that outputs the detection signal from the 426 to the basic circuit 402, and the image data stored in the ROM 406 based on the signal from the CPU 404 are read, and the display image is generated using the work area of the VRAM 436 to decorate An image is displayed on the symbol display device 208 or the display device 209. DP434 and (video display processor), is connected to.

  Next, the second sub control unit 500 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time and frequency 512 is installed. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock, and controls a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, and an image display A ROM 506 storing data and the like is provided.

  The basic circuit 502 also includes a drive circuit 516 for controlling the drive of the effect movable body 223, an effect movable body sensor 423 that detects the current position of the effect movable body 223, and a detection signal from the effect movable body sensor 423. Is output to the basic circuit 502, a drive circuit 517 for performing drive control of the effect movable body 224, an effect movable body sensor 424 for detecting the current position of the effect movable body 224, and an effect movable body sensor 424. Sensor circuit 519 for outputting a detection signal from the basic circuit 502, a game board lamp drive circuit 530 for controlling the game board lamp 532, and a game table for controlling the game table frame lamp 542 Lighting control by serial communication among the frame lamp drive circuit 540, the game board lamp drive circuit 530, and the game stand frame drive circuit 540 Cormorant is connected to the serial communication control circuit 520, a.

<Discharge control unit, launch control unit, power supply control unit>
Next, the payout control unit 600, the launch control unit 630, and the power supply control unit 660 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The payout control unit 600 controls the payout motor 602 of the payout device 152 mainly based on a command signal or the like transmitted from the main control unit 300, and a prize ball or a rental ball based on a control signal output from the payout sensor 604 It is detected whether or not the payout has been completed, and communication with a card unit 608 provided separately from the pachinko machine 100 is performed via the interface unit 606.

  The launch control unit 630 outputs a control signal output from the payout control unit 600 to permit or stop the launch, or a launch intensity output circuit provided in the ball launch handle 134 to operate the ball launch handle 134 by the player. Control of the launch motor 632 that drives the launcher 146 and launcher 148, and control of the ball feeder 634 that supplies the launcher 110 with a ball from the upper plate 126 based on a control signal that indicates the launch intensity according to the amount. I do.

  The power control unit 660 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the pachinko machine 100 into a DC voltage, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and controls each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400, the payout device 152, etc. Supply to each device. Further, the power supply control unit 660 supplies a power storage circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off. , Capacitor). In the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage is supplied from the power supply control unit 660 to the payout control unit 600 and the second sub control unit 500, and the main control unit 300, the second sub control unit 500, and the launch control unit are supplied from the payout control unit 600. Although a predetermined voltage is supplied to 630, the predetermined voltage may be supplied to each control unit and each device through another power supply path.

<Type of design>
Next, using FIGS. 5A to 5C, the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the decorative symbol display device 208, and the normal symbol display device 210 of the pachinko machine 100 are stopped and displayed. The types of special maps and general maps to be described will be described. Fig.5 (a) shows an example of the stop symbol aspect of a special figure.

  The special figure 1 variable game is started on the condition that the first start port sensor detects that the ball has entered the first special figure start port 230, and the ball has entered the second special figure start port 232 The special figure 2 variable game is started on the condition that the second start port sensor has detected. When the special figure 1 variable game is started, the first special symbol display device 212 performs “variable display of special figure 1” by repeating all lighting of seven segments and lighting of one central segment. In addition, when the special figure 2 variable game is started, the second special symbol display device 214 displays “fluctuation display of special figure 2” which repeats lighting of all seven segments and lighting of one central segment. Do.

  These “variable display of special figure 1” and “variable display of special figure 2” correspond to an example of a symbol variable display. Then, when the variation time determined before the start of the fluctuation of the special figure 1 elapses, the first special symbol display device 212 stops and displays the stop symbol form of the special figure 1, and the fluctuation time determined before the start of the fluctuation of the special figure 2 When elapses, the second special symbol display device 214 stops and displays the stop symbol form of the special symbol 2.

  Therefore, from the start of “figure display of special figure 1” until the stop symbol form of special figure 1 is stopped, or after the start of “fluctuation display of special figure 2”, the stop symbol form of special figure 2 is displayed. Until the stop display corresponds to an example of the symbol variation stop display, hereinafter, a series of processes from the start of the “variable display of the special figure 1 or 2” until the stop symbol form of the special figure 1 or 2 is stopped and displayed. The display is referred to as symbol variation stop display. As will be described later, the symbol variation stop display may be continuously performed a plurality of times. FIG. 5A shows ten types of special drawings from “Special Figure A” to “Special Figure J” as the stop symbol forms in the symbol variation stop display. In FIG. 5 (a), the white portions in the drawing indicate the locations of the segments that are turned off, and the black portions indicate the locations of the segments that are turned on.

  “Special Figure A” is a 15 round (15R) special jackpot symbol, and “Special Figure B” is a 15R jackpot symbol. In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, the determination as to whether or not the big hit in the special figure variable game is made by lottery of hardware random numbers, and the decision as to whether or not it is a special big hit is made by lottery of software random numbers. The difference between the jackpot and the special jackpot is the difference in whether the probability of winning the jackpot is high (special jackpot) or low (jackpot) in the next special figure variation game. Hereinafter, a state having a high probability of winning the jackpot is referred to as a special figure high probability state, and a state having a low probability is referred to as a special figure low probability state.

  Moreover, after the 15R special jackpot game ends and after the 15R jackpot game ends, both shift to the time-saving state. Although the time reduction will be described in detail later, the state that shifts to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal high probability state, and the state that does not shift to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal low probability state. “Special figure A”, which is a 15R special jackpot symbol, is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state, and “Special figure B”, which is a 15R jackpot symbol, is a special figure low probability ordinary figure high probability state. These “special chart A” and “special chart B” are symbols that give a relatively large profit amount to the player.

  “Special figure C” is a 2R jackpot symbol called sudden probability change, and is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state. That is, “Special Figure C” is 2R compared to “Special Figure A” which is 15R. "Special figure D" is a 2R jackpot symbol called sudden time reduction, and is a special figure low probability normal figure high probability state. That is, “Special Figure D” is 2R compared to “Special Figure B” which is 15R.

  “Special figure E” is a 2R jackpot symbol called hidden probability change, and is a special figure high probability normal figure low probability state. "Special figure F" is a 2R jackpot symbol suddenly called normal, and is a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. These “special drawing E” and “special drawing F” are both 2R and are in a state in which they do not shift to the time-saving state.

  "Special figure G" is a first small hit symbol, and "Special figure H" is a second small hit symbol, both of which are in a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. The small hit here is equivalent to the same short hit big hit with 2R. That is, “Special Figure G” and “Special Figure H” are in the same state as “Special Figure F”, but the effects displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 are different in both cases. By providing “G”, “Special Figure H”, and “Special Figure F”, the interest of the game is enhanced.

  In addition, “Special Figure I” is a first off symbol, and “Special Figure J” is a second off symbol, and the profit amount given to the player is a relatively small profit amount.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, symbols other than “Special Figure A” are prepared as 15R special jackpot symbols, and the same applies to other symbols such as 15R jackpot symbols.

  FIG. 5B shows an example of a decorative design. There are 10 types of decoration patterns of the present embodiment: “Decoration 1” to “Decoration 10”. The first start port sensor detects that a ball has won the first special figure start port 230 or the second special view start port 232, that is, the ball has entered the first special view start port 230; or On the condition that the second start port sensor detects that a ball has entered the second special symbol start port 232, the left symbol display area 208a, the middle symbol display area 208b, and the right symbol display of the decorative symbol display device 208 are displayed. Displayed in the order of “decoration 1” → “decoration 2” → “decoration 3” →... “Decoration 9” → “decoration 10” → “decoration 1” →... “Decoration display of decorative pattern” is performed. When the 15R jackpot of “Special Figure B” is notified, a symbol combination (for example, “decoration 1—decoration 1—decoration”) corresponding to the 15R jackpot corresponding to the 15R jackpot is displayed in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c. 1 ”or“ decoration 2—decoration 2—decoration 2 ”). When the 15R special jackpot of “special drawing A” is notified, a combination of three symbols of the same odd number of decorative symbols (for example, “decoration 3—decoration 3—decoration 3” or “decoration 7—decoration 7—decoration 7”). Etc.) is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, the 2R jackpot called “hidden probability change” of “Special Figure E”, the 2R jackpot called “Special Figure F” suddenly, or the first small hit of “Special Figure G”, “Special Figure H” When notifying the second small hit, “decoration 1-decoration 2—decoration 3” is stopped and displayed. Furthermore, in order to notify the 2R jackpot called “sudden change” of “special drawing C” or the 2R jackpot called “sudden time reduction” of “special drawing D”, “decoration 1-decoration 3—decoration 5” is displayed. Stop display.

  On the other hand, when notifying the first deviation of “Special Figure I” and the second deviation of “Special Figure J”, the symbol combinations other than the symbol combinations shown in FIG. 3B are stopped in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c. indicate.

  FIG.5 (c) shows an example of the usual stop display symbol. In the present embodiment, there are two types of stoppage display modes for ordinary maps: “general diagram A” which is a winning symbol and “general symbol B” which is a missed symbol. Based on the fact that the above-mentioned gate sensor has detected that a sphere has passed through the general-purpose start opening 228, the normal symbol display device 210 repeats all lighting of the seven segments and lighting of the central one segment. Perform a “normal change display”. Then, when notifying the winning of the common figure variable game, the “normal figure A” is stopped and displayed, and when notifying the usual figure variable game, the “normal figure B” is stopped and displayed. Also in FIG. 5C, the white portions in the drawing indicate the locations of the segments that are turned off, and the black portions indicate the locations of the segments that are turned on.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input performs reset start by a reset interrupt, and executes main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  In step SA01, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, setting of a stack initial value (temporary setting) to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of an interrupt mask, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, to the WDT 314 The operation is permitted and the initial value is set. In the present embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to 32.8 ms is set in WDT 314 as an initial value.

  In step SA03, the counter value of WDT 314 is cleared, and the time measurement by WDT 314 is restarted.

  In step SA05, whether or not the low voltage signal is on, that is, the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power source control unit 660 to the main control unit 300 by the voltage monitoring circuit 338 is a predetermined value (in this embodiment). 9v), it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. If the low voltage signal is on (when the CPU 304 detects that the power supply is cut off), the process returns to step SA03. If the low voltage signal is off (if the CPU 304 does not detect that the power supply is cut off), the step returns. Proceed to SA07. Even if the predetermined value (9 V) is not yet reached immediately after the power is turned on, the process returns to step SA03, and step SA05 is repeatedly executed until the supply voltage becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value.

  In step SA07, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a numerical value for determining a cycle for executing a main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, in the counter timer 312 and a predetermined port of the I / O 310 (for example, a test output port, A process of outputting a clear signal from the output port to the first sub control unit 400, a setting for permitting writing to the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step SA09, it is determined whether or not to return to the state before the power interruption (before the power interruption), and the state before the power interruption is not restored (when the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 is set to the initial state). ) Proceeds to an initialization process (step SA13).

  Specifically, first, a RAM clear signal transmitted when a store clerk or the like of an amusement store operates the RWM clear switch 180 provided on the power supply board is turned on (indicates that there has been an operation). That is, it is determined whether or not RAM clear is necessary. If the RAM clear signal is on (RAM clear is necessary), the process proceeds to step SA13 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is OFF (when the RAM clear is not necessary), the power status information stored in the power status storage area provided in the RAM 308 is read, and the power status information is information indicating suspend. It is determined whether or not. If the power status information is not information indicating suspend, the process proceeds to step SA13 to set the basic circuit 302 to an initial state. If the power status information is information indicating suspend, a predetermined area of the RAM 308 is set. A checksum is calculated by adding all the 1-byte data stored in (for example, all areas) to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and the calculated checksum results in a specific value (for example, 0) (whether or not the checksum result is normal).

  If the checksum result is a specific value (eg, 0) (if the checksum result is normal), the process proceeds to step SA11 to return to the state before the power interruption, and the checksum result is a specific value. If the value is other than 0 (for example, 0) (if the result of the checksum is abnormal), the process proceeds to step SA13 to set the pachinko machine 100 to the initial state. Similarly, when the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process proceeds to step SA13.

  In step SA11, power recovery processing is performed. In this power recovery process, the value of the stack pointer stored in the stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power failure is read out and reset to the stack pointer (this setting). In addition, the value of each register stored in the register save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power interruption is read out and reset in each register, and then the interrupt permission is set. Thereafter, as a result of the CPU 304 executing the control program based on the reset stack pointer and registers, the pachinko machine 100 returns to the state when the power is turned off.

  That is, the processing is restarted from the instruction next to the instruction (predetermined in step SA15) performed immediately before branching to the timer interrupt processing (described later) immediately before the power interruption. A RAM 308 mounted on the basic circuit 302 in the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with a transmission information storage area. In step SA11, a power recovery command is set in the transmission information storage area. This power recovery command is a command indicating that the power has been restored to the state at the time of power interruption, and is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in step SB33 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, which will be described later.

  In step SA13, initialization processing is performed. In this initialization process, interrupt prohibition setting, stack initial value setting to the stack pointer (this setting), initialization of all storage areas of the RAM 308, and the like are performed. Further, here, a normal return command is set in the transmission information storage area provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. This normal return command is a command indicating that the initialization process (step SA13) of the main control unit 300 has been performed. Like the power recovery command, the normal return command is the first command in step SB33 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300. 1 is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400.

  In step SA15, after setting for prohibition of interruption, a basic random number initial value update process is performed. In this basic random number initial value update process, two initial value generation random number counters for generating the initial values of the ordinary figure winning random number counter and the special figure random value counter, the ordinary figure timer random number value, and the special figure timer, respectively. Two random number counters for generating each random value are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as a normal timer random number value is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal timer random value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other initial value generation random number counters and random number counters are similarly updated. The initial value generation random number counter is also updated in step SB07 described later.

  The main control unit 300 repeatedly executes the process of step SA15 except during a timer interrupt process that starts every predetermined period.

<Main control unit timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step SB01, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step SB03, the WDT is periodically updated (so that the count value of the WDT 314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) and no WDT interrupt occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step SB05, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update process, the detection signals of various sensors 320 including the above-mentioned front frame door open sensor, inner frame open sensor, lower pan full sensor, and various ball detection sensors are input via the input port of the I / O 310. The input is monitored for the presence or absence of a detection signal, and stored in a signal state storage area provided for each of the various sensors 320 in the RAM 308. If the detection signal of the sphere detection sensor is described as an example, information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected in the timer interruption process (about 4 ms before) is stored in the RAM 308 for each sphere detection sensor. This information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area partitioned and stored in the RAM 308 in the previous detection signal storage area partitioned for each sphere detection sensor, and the previous timer interrupt processing (about 2 ms before) ) Is read from the current detection signal storage area provided for each sphere detection sensor in the RAM 308, and this information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area described above. To remember. Further, the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected this time is stored in the above-described current detection signal storage area.

  In step SB05, the information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor stored in each storage area of the detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area is compared. It is determined whether or not the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in the ball detection sensor matches the winning determination pattern information. This main control unit timer interrupt process that is repeatedly started at a very short interval of about 2 ms while one game ball passes one ball detection sensor is started several times.

  For this reason, every time the main control unit timer interruption process is started, in the above-described step SB05, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is confirmed. As a result, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is stored in each of the detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area. That is, when the game ball starts to pass through the ball detection sensor, there is no detection signal before, a previous detection signal, and a current detection signal. In the present embodiment, in consideration of erroneous detection of the sphere detection sensor and noise, it is determined that there is a prize when the detection signal is stored twice continuously after no detection signal.

  The ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 stores winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is no previous detection signal, that there is a previous detection signal, and that there is a current detection signal). In this step SB05, information on presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times in each sphere detection sensor is predetermined winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, no previous detection signal, previous detection signal, current detection signal present). In the case of the general winning port 226, the variable winning port 234, the first special figure starting port 230, and the second special figure starting port 232, or the ordinary drawing starting port 228. Is determined to have passed. In other words, it is determined that a prize has been awarded to the winning ports 226 and 234 and the starting ports 230, 232, and 228. For example, when the information on the presence / absence of the detection signals for the past three matches with the above-described winning determination pattern information in the general winning opening sensor for detecting the winning at the general winning opening 226, there is a winning at the general winning opening 226. If the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times does not match the above-described winning determination pattern information, the subsequent general winnings are performed. The process branches to the subsequent process without performing the process associated with winning the prize to the mouth 226.

  Note that the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 stores winning determination clear pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is a detection signal before the previous time, no previous detection signal, and no current detection signal). After it is determined that there has been a single win, it is not determined that there has been a win until the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times matches the winning determination clear pattern information in each ball detection sensor, and the winning determination is cleared. If it matches the pattern information, it is next determined whether or not it matches the winning determination pattern information.

  In step SB07 and step SB09, a basic random number initial value update process and a basic random number update process are performed. In these basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing, the value of the initial value generation random number counter performed in step SA15 is updated, and then the normal winning random number value used in the main control unit 300, Two random number counters for generating the special figure 1 random value and the special figure 2 random value are updated.

  For example, if the range of values that can be taken as a random number value for a normal winning number is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal winning random number value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. If it is determined that the random number counter has made one round as a result of adding 1 to the acquired value, the value of the initial value generating random number counter corresponding to each random number counter is acquired and stored in the storage area of the random number counter. set.

  For example, a value is acquired from a random number counter for generating a regular winning random number that fluctuates in a numerical range of 0 to 100, and a result obtained by adding 1 to the acquired value is stored in a predetermined initial value storage area provided in the RAM 308. If the value is equal to the previously set initial value (for example, 7), the value is acquired as an initial value from the initial value generation random number counter corresponding to the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal number, The initial value set this time is stored in the above-described initial value storage area in order to determine that the random number counter for generating the winning random number value has made one round next time, in addition to setting it in the random number counter for generating the winning random value Keep it.

  Further, apart from the above-described initial value storage area for determining that the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal signal has made one round next, it is determined that the random number counter for generating the special figure random number has made one round. An initial value storage area is provided in the RAM 308. In the present embodiment, the counter for acquiring the random number value of FIG. 1 and the counter for acquiring the random value of FIG. 2 are separately provided, but the same counter may be used.

  In step SB11, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated.

  In step SB13, timer update processing is performed. In this timer update process, the normal symbol display symbol update timer for timing the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped on the normal symbol display device 210, and the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 212 are timed. Special symbol 1 display symbol update timer for performing, special symbol 2 display symbol update timer for measuring the time for the symbol to be changed and stopped on the second special symbol display device 214, a predetermined winning effect time, a predetermined opening time Various timers including a timer for measuring a predetermined closing time, a predetermined end effect period, and the like are updated.

  In step SB15, winning prize counter updating processing is performed. In this winning opening counter updating process, when winning holes 226 and 234 and starting holes 230, 232 and 228 have been won, the RAM 308 stores the winning ball number storage area provided for each winning hole or for each starting hole. The value is read and 1 is added to set in the original prize ball number storage area.

  In step SB17, a winning acceptance process is performed. In this winning acceptance process, it is determined whether or not there has been a winning at the first special figure starting port 230, the second special figure starting port 232, the ordinary drawing starting port 228, and the variable winning port 234. Here, the determination is made using the determination result of whether or not it matches the winning determination pattern information in step SB03. When a winning is made at the first special figure starting port 230 and the corresponding reserved number storage area provided in the RAM 308 is not full, the value is stored in the special counter value storage register of the counter circuit 318. And a value from the random number counter for generating the special figure 1 random value as a special figure 1 random value and storing it in the corresponding random value storage area.

  When a winning is made to the second special figure starting port 232 and the corresponding reserved number storage area provided in the RAM 308 is not full, the value is sent from the winning counter value storage register of the counter circuit 318 to the special figure 2 winning random number value. And a value from the random number counter for generating the special figure 2 random value as a special figure 2 random value and storing it in the corresponding random value storage area. If there is a win at the general figure starting port 228 and the corresponding reserved number storage area provided in the RAM 308 is not full, the value is obtained as a normal figure winning random number value from the random number counter for generating the normal figure winning random number value. Store in the corresponding random value storage area. When there is a winning at the variable winning opening 234, information indicating that a ball has entered the variable winning opening 234 is stored in the winning storage area for the variable winning opening.

  In step SB19, a payout request number transmission process is performed. Note that the output schedule information and the payout request information output to the payout control unit 600 are composed of, for example, 1 byte, strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 6 Power-on information (if turned on, indicates that this is the first command transmission after power-on), bits 4-5 indicate the current processing type for encryption (0-3), and bits 0-3 indicate encryption The number of payout requests after processing is shown.

  In step SB21, a normal state update process is performed. This normal state update process performs one of a plurality of processes corresponding to the normal state. For example, in the normal state update process in the middle of the normal symbol display (the above-described general symbol display symbol update timer value is 1 or more), the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is repeatedly turned on and off. Turns off drive control. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 performs a usual fluctuation display (ordinary figure fluctuation game).

  Also, in the normal state update process at the timing when the normal symbol change display time has elapsed (the timing when the value of the general symbol display symbol update timer has changed from 1 to 0), if the hit flag is on, the win symbol is displayed. The normal symbol display device 210 is controlled so that the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is turned on / off, and when the hit flag is off, the normal symbol display device 210 is configured to be in the off symbol display mode. 7 segment LED on / off drive control is performed.

  Further, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a setting area for performing various settings in various processes, not limited to the normal state update process. Here, the above-described lighting / extinguishing drive control is performed, and the setting area is set to indicate that the normal stop display is being performed. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 determines the symbol of either the winning symbol (the common symbol A shown in FIG. 5C) or the off symbol (the common symbol B shown in FIG. 5C). Display. Thereafter, information indicating the stop period is set in a storage area of a normal stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 msec). With this setting, the symbol that has been confirmed and displayed is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the player is notified of the result of the normal game.

  Further, if the result of the usual figure variable game is a hit, the usual figure hit flag is turned on as will be described later. When the usual figure hit flag is on, in the usual figure state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (when the value of the usual figure stop time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), The normal operation is set in the setting area, and the blade member 232a is opened to a solenoid (332) for opening and closing the blade member 232a of the second special figure starting port 232 for a predetermined opening period (for example, 2 seconds). And a signal indicating the open period is set in the storage area of the blade open time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  In the usual state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the value of the blade opening time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the blade member has a predetermined closing period (for example, 500 milliseconds). A signal for holding the blade member in the closed state is output to the opening / closing drive solenoid 332, and information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the blade closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  Further, in the normal state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined closing period ends (when the value of the blade closing time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the non-operating state is set in the setting area of the RAM 308. To do. Furthermore, if the result of the usual figure fluctuation game is out, the usual figure out flag is turned on as will be described later. When the off-normal flag is on, the normal state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (the timing at which the normal stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0) In the setting area of the RAM 308, normal operation inactive is set. In the general state update process in the case where the general map is not in operation, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step SB23.

  In step SB23, a general drawing related lottery process is performed. In this general map-related lottery process, the open / close control of the general map variable game and the second special map start port 232 is not performed (the state of the general map is not in operation), and the pending general map variable game is not held. When the number is 1 or more, it is decided whether to win or not to win the result of the variable figure game by random lottery based on the random number value stored in the random number value storage area. When the winning judgment is made and the winning is made, the winning flag provided in the RAM 308 is set to ON. If unsuccessful, turn off the winning flag. Regardless of the result of the hit determination, next, the value of the random number counter for generating the normal figure timer random value is acquired as the normal figure timer random number value, and a plurality of fluctuation times are obtained based on the acquired general figure timer random number value. One time is selected for variably displaying the normal map on the general map display device 210, and this variable display time is stored as a normal map variable display time in a general map variable time storage area provided in the RAM 308.

  In addition, the number of pending general figure variable games is stored in the usual figure pending number storage area provided in the RAM 308, and from the number of pending custom figure variable games each time a hit determination is made. The value obtained by subtracting 1 is re-stored in the usual figure number-of-holds storage area. Also, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  Subsequently, the special figure state update process for each of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 is performed. First, the special figure state update process (the special figure 2 state update process) for the special figure 2 is performed (step SB25). In the special figure 2 state update process, one of the following eight processes is performed in accordance with the state of the special figure 2. For example, in the special figure 2 state update process in the middle of the special figure 2 fluctuation display (the value of the above-mentioned special figure 2 display symbol update timer is 1 or more), the 7-segment LED constituting the second special symbol display device 214 is turned on. Performs lighting / extinguishing drive control that repeatedly turns off. By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 performs the variable display of the special figure 2 (special figure 2 variable game).

  In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the rotation start setting transmission process is to be executed in the command setting transmission process (step SB33) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area, and the process ends.

  Further, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 includes a 15R big hit flag, a 2R big hit flag, a first small hit flag, a second small hit flag, a first off flag, a second off flag, a special figure probability variation flag, and a normal figure. A flag for each probability variation flag is prepared. In the special figure 2 state update process starting at the timing when the special figure 2 fluctuation display time has elapsed (the timing when the special figure 2 display symbol update timer value has changed from 1 to 0), the 15R big hit flag is on, and the special figure probability fluctuation When the flag is also on and the normal figure probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure A, 15R jackpot flag shown in FIG. 5A is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is off, and the common figure probability fluctuation flag is on. When the special figure B, 2R big hit flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is on, and the general figure probability fluctuation flag is also on, the special figure C, 2R big hit flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is off, When the probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure D, 2R jackpot flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is on, and when the common figure probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure E, 2R jackpot flag is on, special chart Probability flag is off, normal When the rate fluctuation flag is also off, the special figure F, when the first small hit flag is on, the special figure G, when the second small hit flag is on, the special figure H, and the first off flag are on. In such a case, the 7-segment LED constituting the second special symbol display device 214 is controlled to be turned on / off so that the special figure I and the second off flag are turned on, respectively, so that the special figure I is in the respective mode. A setting indicating that the special figure 2 stop display is in progress is made in the setting area of the RAM 308.

  By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 has a 15R special jackpot symbol (special symbol A), a 15R jackpot symbol (special symbol B), a sudden probability variation symbol (special symbol C), and a sudden time-short symbol symbol (special symbol). D), hidden probability variation (special E), suddenly normal (special F), first small hit (special G), second small hit (special H), first off symbol (special) Any one of the symbols I) and the first off-set symbol (special symbol J) is confirmed and displayed. After that, information indicating the stop period is set in the storage area of the special figure 2 stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 milliseconds). With this setting, the specially displayed special figure 2 is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the result of the special figure 2 variable game is notified to the player. In addition, if the time reduction number stored in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308 is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted from the time reduction number, and if the subtraction result becomes 1 to 0, the special figure probability is changing. If not (details will be described later), the time reduction flag is turned off. Further, the hourly flag is also turned off during the big hit game (in the special game state).

  Further, the special transmission information indicating that the rotation stop setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step SB33) is additionally stored in the above-described transmission information storage area, and the design for stopping the variable display is shown in FIG. The special figure 2 identification information indicating the presence is additionally stored in the RAM 308 as information to be included in command data, which will be described later, and the processing is terminated.

  If the result of the special figure 2 variable game is a big hit, the big hit flag is turned on as will be described later. When the jackpot flag is on, in the special figure 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (the timing when the special figure 2 stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the RAM 308 In the setting area, the special figure 2 is in operation and waits for a predetermined winning effect period (for example, 3 seconds), that is, a period during which an image for notifying the player that the big win by the decorative symbol display device 208 is started is displayed. Therefore, information indicating the winning effect period is set in the storage area of the special figure 2 standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Further, predetermined transmission information indicating that the winning effect setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step SB33) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

  Further, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined winning effect period ends (the timing when the value of the special figure 2 standby time management timer changes from 1 to 0), a predetermined release period (for example, 29 seconds) Alternatively, the door member 234a is opened to the solenoid (332) for opening and closing the door member 234a of the variable prize opening 234 until a winning of a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls) is detected at the variable prize opening 234. In addition to outputting a signal to be held at the same time, information indicating the opening period is set in the storage area of the door opening time management timer provided in the RAM 308. In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the special winning opening release setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step SB33) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

  In the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the door opening time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the predetermined closing period (for example, 1.5 seconds) A signal for holding the door member 234a in a closed state is output to a solenoid (332) for opening and closing the door member 234a of the variable prize opening 234, and a closing period is stored in a storage area of a door closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Set the information indicating. In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the special winning opening closing setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step SB33) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

  In addition, the opening / closing control of the door member is repeated a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 15 rounds or 2 rounds), and in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the end timing, a predetermined end effect period (for example, 3 seconds) In other words, the effect standby period is stored in the storage area of the effect standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to set to wait for a period during which an image for informing the player that the big hit by the decorative symbol display device 208 is to be ended is displayed. Set the information indicating.

  Also, if the normal probability fluctuation flag is set to ON, at the same time as the end of the jackpot game, the time reduction number 100 is set in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308, and the time reduction flag provided in the RAM 308 is set. Turn on. If the usual time probability variation flag is set to OFF, the time reduction number is not set in the time reduction number storage unit, and the time reduction flag is not turned ON.

  The short time here means that the pachinko machine is in an advantageous state for the player in order to shorten the time from the end of the big hit in the special figure variable game to the start of the next big hit. If the short time flag is set to ON at this time, it is a normal high probability state. There is a higher probability of hitting a general-purpose variable game in the high-probability state than in the low-probability state. In addition, the fluctuation time of the normal figure variable game and the fluctuation time of the special figure variable game are shorter in the normal figure high probability state than in the normal figure low probability state. Further, in the normal high probability state, the opening time in one opening of the pair of blade members 232a of the second special start port 232 tends to be longer than in the normal low probability state. In addition, the pair of blade members 232a are more likely to open in the normal high probability state than in the normal low probability state.

  In addition, as described above, the hourly flag is set to off during the big hit game (in the special game state). Therefore, the normal low probability state is maintained during the jackpot game. This is because, if the game is in a high probability state during a jackpot game, a large number of games will be placed in the second special figure start port 232 until a predetermined number of game balls are entered during the jackpot game. There is a problem that a ball enters and the number of game balls that can be acquired during the jackpot increases, resulting in an increase in euphoria. This is to solve this problem.

  Further, predetermined transmission information indicating that the end effect setting transmission process is executed in the command setting transmission process (step SB33) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

  Also, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined end production period ends (when the production standby time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the special figure 2 is not activated in the setting area of the RAM 308. Set medium. Further, if the result of the special figure 2 variable game is out of the way, the off flag is turned on as will be described later. In the case where the miss flag is on, even in the special figure 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (the timing when the special figure 2 stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), In the setting area of the RAM 308, special figure 2 inactive is set. In the special figure 2 state update process when the special figure 2 is not operating, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step SB27.

  Subsequently, special figure state update processing (special figure 1 state update process) for special figure 1 is performed (step SB27). In the special figure 1 state update process, each process described in the special figure 2 state update process is performed according to the state of the special figure 1. Each process performed in the special figure 1 state update process is the same as the process in which “special figure 2” in the contents described in the special figure 2 state update process is replaced with “special figure 1”. Omitted. The order of the special figure 2 state update process and the special figure 1 state update process may be reversed.

  When the special figure state update process in step SB25 and step SB27 is completed, a special figure related lottery process for each of special figure 1 and special figure 2 is performed. Also here, the special figure related lottery process (special figure 2 related lottery process) for special figure 2 is performed first (step SB29), and then the special figure related lottery process for special figure 1 (special figure 1 related lottery process) (Step SB31).

  Also for these special drawing related lottery processes, the main control unit 300 performs the special figure 2 related lottery processing before the special figure 1 related lottery processing, so that the special figure 2 variable game start condition and the special figure 1 fluctuation Even if the game start conditions are satisfied at the same time, since the special figure 2 variable game is changing first, the special figure 1 variable game does not start changing. Further, the notification of the result of the jackpot determination of the special figure variable game by the decorative symbol display device 208 is performed by the first sub-control unit 400, and the lottery result of the lottery based on the winning at the second special figure starting port 232 is notified. However, it is performed in preference to the notification of the lottery result of the lottery based on the winning at the first special figure starting port 230.

  In step SB33, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. The output schedule information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits, for example, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bits 11 to 14 are Command type (In this embodiment, command types such as basic command, symbol variation start command, symbol variation stop command, winning effect start command, end effect start command, jackpot round number designation command, power recovery command, RAM clear command are specified. Possible information), bits 0 to 10 are composed of command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

  Specifically, the strobe information is turned on and off in the command transmission process described above. If the command type is a symbol variation start command, information indicating the value of the 15R jackpot flag or 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, the timer number selected in the special figure related lottery process, etc. is included in the command data. In the case of the symbol variation stop command, the value of the 15R jackpot flag, 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, etc. are included. In the case of a jackpot round number designation command, the value of the special variation probability flag, the number of jackpot rounds, and the like are included. When the command type indicates a basic command, device information in the command data, presence / absence of winning at the first special figure starting port 230, presence / absence of winning at the second special figure starting port 232, winning of the variable winning port 234 Includes presence or absence.

  In the rotation start setting transmission process described above, the 15R jackpot flag or 2R jackpot flag value, the special figure probability variation flag value, the special figure 1 related lottery process, and the special figure 2 relation stored in the RAM 308 as command data. Information indicating the timer number selected in the lottery process, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game held, etc. is set.

  In the rotation stop setting transmission process described above, information indicating the value of the 15R jackpot flag, the 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, etc. stored in the RAM 308 is set in the command data. In the winning effect setting transmission process described above, the command control data stored in the RAM 308, the effect control information output to the decorative symbol display device 208, various lamps 418, and the speaker 120 during the winning effect period, the special figure probability variation flag Information indicating the value, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game being held, etc. is set. In the above-described end effect setting transmission process, the command control data stored in the RAM 308, the effect control information output to the decorative symbol display device 208, various lamps 418, and the speaker 120 during the effect standby period, the special figure probability variation flag Information indicating the value, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game being held, etc. is set.

  In the above-described large winning opening release setting transmission process, the number of big hits stored in the RAM 308 in the command data, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, the pending first special figure variation game or the second special figure variation game is stored. Set information such as number. In the above-mentioned big winning opening closing setting transmission process, the number of big hits stored in the RAM 308 in the command data, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, the pending first special figure variation game or the second special figure variation game is stored. Set information such as number. In step SB33, general command special figure hold increase processing is also performed. In this general command special figure pending increase process, special figure identification information (information showing special figure 1 or special figure 2) stored in the transmission information storage area of the RAM 308, command notice information (preliminary notice information, false) Set either advance notice information or no advance notice information).

  In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step SB35, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 350 separate from the pachinko machine 100 via the information output circuit 336.

  In step SB37, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors stored in the signal state storage area in step SB05 are read, and the presence or absence of a predetermined error, for example, the presence or absence of a front frame door opening error or the bottom pan full error is monitored. When the front frame door opening error or the lower pan full error is detected, the transmission information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 includes device information indicating the presence or absence of the front frame door opening error or the lower pan full error. Set. Further, various solenoids 332 are driven to control the opening and closing of the second special figure starting port 232 and the variable prize opening 234, and the normal symbol display device 210 and the first special symbol display via the display circuits 324, 326 and 330. Display data to be output to the device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the various status display units 328, and the like is set in the output port of the I / O 310. Further, the output schedule information set in the payout request number transmission process (step SB19) is output to the first sub-control unit 400 via the output port (I / O 310).

  In step SB39, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step SB43. When the low voltage signal is off (power supply cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step SB41.

  In step SB41, a timer interrupt end process is performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step SB01 is set in each original register, interrupt permission is set, etc., and then the main control unit main process shown in FIG. Return to.

  On the other hand, in step SB43, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
The process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 5B is a flowchart of the strobe interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 6C is a flowchart of the timer variable update interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 4D is a flowchart of the image control process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step SC01 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in SC01. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In step SC03, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SC05.

  In step SC05, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step SC07, command processing is performed. The CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 determines whether a command has been received from the main control unit 300. In step SC09, an effect control process is performed. For example, when there is a new command in SC07, the effect data corresponding to this command is read from the ROM 406, and the effect data is updated when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step SC11, when pressing of the chance button is detected, processing for changing the effect data updated in step SC09 to effect data corresponding to the pressing of the chance button is performed. In step SC13, if there is a command to VDP 434 in the effect data read in SC09, this command is output to VDP 434 (details will be described later). In step SC15, when there is a command to the sound source IC 416 in the effect data read in SC09, this command is output to the sound source IC 416.

  In step SC <b> 17, if there is a command to various lamps 418 in the effect data read in SC <b> 09, this command is output to the drive circuit 420. In step SC19, when there is a command to the shielding device 246 in the effect data read in SC09, this command is output to the drive circuit 432. In step SC21, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read in SC09, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to SC03.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step SD01 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is performed by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step SE01 of the first sub control unit timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step SC03 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. Is stored in the timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step SC03, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step SE03 of the first sub control unit timer interrupt process, a control command is transmitted to the second sub control unit 500 set in step SC19, an effect random number value is updated, and the like.

  Next, the image control process in step SC13 in the main process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step SF01, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 404 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 436. As a result, it is possible to display an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area on the decorative symbol display device 208 or the display device 209. Next, the CPU 404 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 406), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 436) and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 434 based on the position information table and the like, and then the image from the ROM 406 to the VRAM 436. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 434 transfers the image data from the ROM 406 to the VRAM 436 based on the command set in (1). Thereafter, the VDP 436 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 404.

  In step SF03, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal from the VDP 434 is input. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step SF05. Otherwise, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In step SF05, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 436 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 436 in step SF01, the CPU 404 has information on the image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes and image sizes of the VRAM 436). , VRAM coordinates (arrangement coordinates, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 434. The VDP 434 sets parameters according to attributes based on instructions stored in the attribute register.

  In step SF07, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 404 instructs the VDP 434 to start drawing an image. The VDP 434 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 404.

  In step SF09, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 434 based on the image drawing end is input. If the generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step SF11. If not, the generation end interrupt signal is determined. Wait for input. In step SF11, a scene display counter which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 408 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 500>
The process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 8C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500.

  First, in step SG01 of FIG. When power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in SG01. In this initialization processing, initial setting of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  In step SG03, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SG05.

  In step SG05, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step SG07, command processing is performed. The CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. In step SG09, an effect control process is performed. For example, when there is a new command in SG07, the effect data corresponding to this command is read from the ROM 506, and when the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated.

  In step SG 11, if there is a command from the first sub-control unit 400 to the game board lamp 532 or the game table frame lamp 542, this command is output to the serial communication control circuit 520. In step SG13, if there is a command from the first sub-control unit 400 to the effect movable body 223 or the effect movable body 224, this command is output to the drive circuit 516, and the process returns to SG03.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400. In step SH01 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is predetermined by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step SI01 of the second sub control unit timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step SG03 in the second sub control unit main process shown in FIG. Is stored in the timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step SG03, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step SI03 of the second sub-control unit timer interrupt process, an effect random number update process is performed.

<Wiring between boards>
Parallel communication is known as a format for transmitting and receiving signals between substrates. However, in parallel communication, depending on the number of data bits, the number of data signal lines of the wire harness connecting between the boards increases, and the degree of freedom in arranging the boards and handling the harness may be reduced. Further, when the number of signal lines is large, the flexibility of the harness may be reduced, and it may be difficult to use as a harness connected to a substrate mounted on the movable body. Therefore, it is possible to adopt serial communication. However, when adopting serial communication, it is necessary to mount a parallel-serial conversion device (serializer) on the board on the transmission side and a serial-parallel conversion device (deserializer) on the board on the reception side. More types.

<Conversion device>
In this embodiment, a conversion device capable of selecting two conversion functions is employed. One of the two conversion functions is a function capable of converting a parallel signal into a serial signal when a parallel signal is input to the conversion device. Another of the two conversion functions is a function capable of converting a serial signal into a parallel signal when a serial signal is input to the conversion device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the terminal arrangement of the conversion device A and functions of each terminal, and FIG. 11 is an internal block diagram of the conversion device A.

  The conversion device A is an integrated circuit of one package. 20 terminals from 1 to 20 are provided. No. Terminals 1 to 8 (DATA0 to DATA7) are input / output terminals for data signals, and an 8-bit data signal can be input / output in a parallel format. No. The terminals 1 to 8 also serve as input terminals and output terminals. The data latch unit 1 may include a 16-bit register. Thereby, the conversion device A can transmit a data signal of up to 16 bits in a parallel format.

  No. The terminals 9 and 10 (CTL_0, CTL_1) are No. These are input terminals for control signals for controlling data latching and output at the input / output terminals 1 to 8, and input terminals for signals for controlling the data latch unit 1.

  No. Terminals 16 and 17 (IO−, IO +) are terminals that can input and output serial signals. No. The terminals 16 and 17 serve as both input terminals and output terminals. In the present embodiment, single-end transmission and differential transmission can be selected. In the case of differential transmission, no. No. 16 terminal, the minus signal is No. The + side signal can be input and output at 17 terminals. For single-ended transmission, No. Signals can be input / output at 17 terminals.

  No. A terminal 18 (SIG) is a terminal to which a serial communication transmission mode setting signal is input. For example, when a low-level signal is input, the conversion device A executes single-ended transmission and receives a high-level signal. When a signal is input, differential transmission is performed.

  No. Terminals 11 and 20 (VDD, GND) are terminals connected to a power source (for example, 3.0 to 5.5 V) and a ground (for example, 0 V), respectively.

  No. A terminal 12 (RSTn) is a terminal to which a reset signal is input. For example, the conversion device A is reset by a low level signal input, and the conversion device A performs a normal operation by a high level signal input. No. Reference numeral 13 (FAULTn) is a terminal that outputs a signal notifying the occurrence of an abnormality, and outputs, for example, a low level signal when an abnormality occurs. Examples of the abnormality include disconnection and transmission error. For example, when there is an abnormality in the received serial data, an abnormality occurs when the serial data is not received for a certain period (for example, 30 seconds) or longer. To do.

  No. Terminals 14 and 15 (TxEn, RxEn) are terminals to which the above two conversion function setting signals are input, and the conversion device A is, for example, when (TxEn, RxEn) = (Low, High). A serial-parallel conversion function (hereinafter also referred to as a reception mode) is executed, and when (TxEn, RxEn) = (High, Low), a parallel-serial conversion function (hereinafter also referred to as a transmission mode) is executed.

  The conversion unit 2 includes a serializer and a deserializer. The transmitter 4 generates a clock signal for serial transmission. In the transmission mode, the conversion unit 2 converts the parallel format data signal input to the data latch unit 1 into a serial format data signal and outputs the serial format data signal to the setting switching unit 3. The setting switching unit 3 performs No. 1 according to the transmission mode setting. 16 and 17 terminals (IO-, IO +) or No. Data in serial format is output from the 17 terminals (IO +).

  In the reception mode, the conversion unit 2 converts the serial format data signal input to the setting switching unit 3 into a parallel format data signal and outputs it to the data latch unit 1. The data signal converted into the parallel format is received by the data latch unit 1 as No. Output from terminals 1 to 8 (DATA0 to DATA7).

  No. A terminal 19 (TESTn) is a terminal to which a signal for setting whether or not to operate the conversion device A in the test mode is input. The conversion device A is in the test mode when a high level signal is input, for example. When a low level signal is input, normal operation is performed.

  In addition, No. 1 to 10 terminals (DATA0-7, CTL_0, CTL_1) are internally connected to a pull-up resistor (for example, 100 kΩ). Terminals 12-14 to 19 (RSTn, TxEN, RxEN, IO-, IO +, SIG, TESTn) are internally connected to a pull-down resistor (for example, 100 kΩ).

  FIG. 12A is a diagram summarizing the types of operation modes of the conversion device A and the state of each terminal. In the figure, “PS conversion” indicates parallel-serial conversion, and “SP conversion” indicates serial-parallel conversion. “Hi-z” indicates high impedance. "Input DOUT1" to "Input DOUT7" 1 to 8 indicate that the terminals (DATA0 to DATA7) function as input terminals. “Output DIN1” to “Output DIN7” It shows that terminals 1 to 8 (DATA0 to DATA7) function as output terminals. “CMOS output” indicates that a CMOS level signal is output.

  “OEn_L” and “OEn_U” are Nos. In the reception mode. Control signals for terminals 9 and 10 (CTL_0, CTL_1) are shown, and FIG. 12B shows an operation example of the data latch unit 1 for a combination of control signals. The operation example in the figure assumes that the data latch unit 1 includes a 16-bit internal register. When (OEn_U, OEn_L) = (CTL_1, CTL_0) = (Low, high), the upper 8 bits are used. The data is No. 1 to 8 terminals (DATA0 to DATA7), and when (OEn_U, OEn_L) = (CTL_1, CTL_0) = (high, Low), the lower 8 bits of data are No. 1 to 8 terminals (DATA0 to DATA7).

  “LEn_L” and “LEn_U” are Nos. In the transmission mode. Control signals for terminals 9 and 10 (CTL_0, CTL_1) are shown, and FIG. 12C shows an operation example of the data latch unit 1 for a combination of control signals. The operation example in the figure assumes that the data latch unit 1 includes a 16-bit internal register. When (LEn_U, LEn_L) = (CTL_1, CTL_0) = (Low, high), the upper 8 bits are used. This indicates that data is output to the conversion unit 2 and lower 8 bits of data are output to the conversion unit 2 when (OEn_U, OEn_L) = (CTL_1, CTL_0) = (high, Low). When (LEn_U, LEn_L) = (CTL_1, CTL_0) = (high, high), No. It shows that signals input to terminals 1 to 8 (DATA0 to DATA7) are held.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, one type of IC (conversion device A) can be used as a serializer or a deserializer, and the types of circuit components can be reduced as compared with the case where these are used individually.

  Note that the arrangement of terminals, the types of operation modes, and the like are not limited to the examples described above, and various modes can be employed. For example, in the above-described example, all of the data signal terminals (DATA0 to DATA7) are arranged on the left side of the IC package. No. 1 is connected to the terminal No. Each of the 20 terminals may be provided with VDD, and in this case, the test may be facilitated.

<Example of use of conversion device>
Examples of use of the conversion device A will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 13 shows a configuration example in which 8-bit data is transmitted and received by one-way communication. The conversion device A1 and the conversion device A2 are both the same as the conversion device A described above.

  The conversion device A1 is set to the transmission mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminals (TxEn, RxEn), and is set to the differential transmission mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminal (SIG). Further, the lower 8 bits are input to the conversion unit 2 by the input of the control signals (LEn_L, LEn_U) to the terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1).

  The conversion device A2 is set to the reception mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminals (TxEn, RxEn), and is set to the differential transmission mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminal (SIG). Furthermore, the lower 8 bits are output by the input of control signals (OEn_L, OEn_U) to the terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1).

  The terminals (IO−, IO +) of the conversion device A1 and the terminals (IO−, IO +) of the conversion device A2 are connected to each other.

  According to this usage example, 8-bit data input to the conversion device A1 can be transmitted to the conversion device A2 in a serial format and output from the conversion device A2 as data in a parallel format. As long as it is used in this way, the signals to the terminals (TxEn, RxEn) and the terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1) may be fixed signals and need not be controlled. Therefore, for example, it can be set by a circuit configuration (pull-up or pull-down).

  FIG. 14 shows a configuration example in which, in one-way communication, the transmission side transmits 16-bit data by 8 bits and the reception side receives 8-bit data. The conversion devices A1 to A3 are all the same as the conversion device A described above.

  The conversion device A1 is set to the transmission mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminals (TxEn, RxEn), and is set to the differential transmission mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminal (SIG). Furthermore, upper 8 bits (Low, high) or lower 8 bits (high, low) can be input to the conversion unit 2 by inputting control signals (LEn_L, LEn_U) to the terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1).

  The conversion device A2 is set to the reception mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminals (TxEn, RxEn), and is set to the differential transmission mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminal (SIG). Further, the upper 8 bits are output by the input of control signals (OEn_L, OEn_U) to the terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1).

  The conversion device A3 is set to the reception mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminals (TxEn, RxEn), and is set to the differential transmission mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminal (SIG). Furthermore, the lower 8 bits are output by the input of control signals (OEn_L, OEn_U) to the terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1).

  The terminals (IO−, IO +) of the conversion device A1 and the terminals (IO−, IO +) of the conversion devices A2 and A3 are connected to each other.

  According to this usage example, 8-bit (upper 8 bits) data input to the conversion device A1 can be transmitted to the conversion device A2 in a serial format, and output from the conversion device A2 in parallel format. In addition, 8-bit (lower 8 bits) data input to the conversion device A1 can be transmitted to the conversion device A3 in a serial format and output from the conversion device A3 as parallel data. As long as it is used in this way, the signals to the terminals (TxEn, RxEn) and terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1) of the conversion devices A2 and A3 may be fixed signals and need not be controlled. Therefore, for example, it can be set by a circuit configuration (pull-up or pull-down).

  As for the conversion device A1, the signal to the terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1) needs to be controlled in order to switch between the output to the conversion unit 2 of the upper 8 bits and the output to the conversion unit of the lower 8 bits. The signal to (TxEn, RxEn) may be a fixed signal and need not be controlled.

  FIG. 15 shows a configuration example in which 16-bit data is transmitted and received by one-way communication. The conversion device A1 and the conversion device A2 are both the same as the conversion device A described above.

  The conversion device A1 is set to the transmission mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminals (TxEn, RxEn), and is set to the differential transmission mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminal (SIG). Furthermore, upper 8 bits (Low, high) or lower 8 bits (high, low) can be input to the conversion unit 2 by inputting control signals (LEn_L, LEn_U) to the terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1).

  The conversion device A2 is set to the reception mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminals (TxEn, RxEn), and is set to the differential transmission mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminal (SIG). Further, upper 8 bits (Low, high) or lower 8 bits (high, low) can be output by inputting control signals (OEn_L, OEn_U) to the terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1).

  The terminals (IO−, IO +) of the conversion device A1 and the terminals (IO−, IO +) of the conversion device A2 are connected to each other.

  According to this usage example, data input to the conversion device A1 can be transmitted to the conversion device A2 in a serial format and output from the conversion device A2 as data in a parallel format. At that time, by switching control data to the respective terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1) of the conversion devices A1 and A2 synchronously, the upper 8 bits of data and the lower 8 bits of data are transmitted and received. Bit data can be transmitted and received. Note that the signals to the terminals (TxEn, RxEn) of the conversion devices A1 and A2 may be fixed signals and need not be controlled.

  13 to 15 use the conversion device A on the transmission side and the reception side, respectively, but a configuration using the conversion device A on one side can also be adopted. In the example of FIG. 16, the conversion device A is used on the transmission side, and the circuits B1 to Bn (n ≧ 3 natural number) are used on the reception side. The circuits B1 to Bn include, for example, a deserializer.

  The conversion device A1 is set to the transmission mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminals (TxEn, RxEn), and is set to the differential transmission mode by the input of the setting signal to the terminal (SIG). Furthermore, upper 8 bits (Low, high) or lower 8 bits (high, low) can be input to the conversion unit 2 by inputting control signals (LEn_L, LEn_U) to the terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1).

  In the present embodiment, the upper 8 bits are used as an addressing data signal for selecting the circuits B1 to Bn, and the lower 8 bits are used as a data signal. That is, chip selection is performed with the upper 8 bits of data, and the subsequent lower 8 bits of data are the contents. When the circuits B1 to Bn are designated by the addressing data signal, the circuits B1 to Bn output the lower 8 bits of data following the data, for example, in a parallel format. The conversion device A can be used in this way.

<Example of arrangement of conversion device>
Next, an arrangement example of the conversion device A will be described. FIG. 17 shows an example of wiring between components of the pachinko machine 100. Wiring between components includes wiring between substrates and wiring between the substrate and electronic components. The wiring between the component parts is configured by connecting the connector C disposed on one side and the connector C disposed on the other side with a wire harness H. By adopting serial communication using the conversion device A, the number of signal lines of the harness H can be reduced.

  The harness H to be serially communicated with the conversion device A can be selected as appropriate, but is suitable for a communication part having a large number of data bits or a part where one component side is a movable object. In the case of the example of FIG. 17, for example, in the case of the example of FIG. 17, between the “main control board” and the “board relay board”, between the “main control board” and the “board frame relay board”, Between "Main Control Board" and "First Sub Control Board", Between "First Sub Control Board" and "Second Clothes Control Board", "First Sub Control Board" and "Board Frame Relay Board" Between the “first sub-control board” and the “liquid crystal control board”.

  In the case of the example in FIG. 17, for example, the part between the one component side and the movable object can be a portion between the “second sub control board” and the “production movable body”. Since the number of signal lines of the harness can be reduced, the burden on the harness that bends due to the movement of the movable object may be reduced. In addition, since there are few signal lines, it may be easy to follow the arm of the movable object so that the harness is not visible to the player.

  Further, there is a case where the board can be downsized by optimizing which electronic component is arranged between the two boards. For example, there may be a case where the drive circuit and the sensor circuit of the electronic component are arranged on one substrate to reduce the size of the other substrate. Specifically, in the case of the example of FIG. 17, among the “first sub control board” and the “board frame relay board” that communicate with each other, the “button illumination” drive circuit is “first sub control board”. Instead, the “first sub-control board” may be downsized by arranging it on the “board frame relay board”. Similarly, the “main control board” and the “board relay board” that communicate with each other between the sensor circuit of “starter switch” and “proximity switch / sensor” and the drive circuit of “solenoid” and “design display board” ”, It may be possible to reduce the size of the“ main control board ”by arranging it on the“ board surface relay board ”instead of the“ main control board ”.

  Next, a specific arrangement example of the conversion device A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 shows the conversion device A1 for wiring of the harness H between the connector C of the main control board 10 constituting the main control unit 300 and the connectors C of the plurality of relay boards 11, the relay boards 12, and the relay board 13. ~ A6 is used to perform signal transmission in a serial format. The conversion devices A1 to A6 are the same as the conversion device A described above.

  Each relay board 11 is a board to which an input device is connected. In the example of the figure, “switch”, “proximity sensor”, “photocoupler”, and “sensor” are illustrated as input devices. The relay board 11 to which the “proximity sensor” is connected is provided with an interface (IFIC) in order to convert the drive voltage and the data signal voltage.

  In terms of function or application, examples of the input device include a ball detection sensor and an abnormality detection sensor in the case of a pachinko machine. Examples of the abnormality detection sensor include a magnetic sensor, a magnetic field sensor, and a vibration sensor. In the case of a slot machine, for example, a medal acceptance sensor, a start lever sensor, a stop button sensor, a medal insertion button sensor, a settlement switch sensor, a setting change switch sensor, a setting key switch sensor, a reset switch sensor, an external reset sensor, and the like can be given.

  Each relay board 11 is provided with a conversion device A1. The conversion device A1 is set to the transmission mode, and particularly functions as the transmission-side conversion device (A1) in the configuration example described with reference to FIG. 13 for transmitting and receiving 8-bit data by one-way communication.

  The relay boards 12 and 13 are boards to which output devices are connected. In the example of the figure, “motor”, “solenoid”, and “symbol display board” are illustrated as output devices. A drive circuit (driver or the like) for driving these output devices is mounted on the relay boards 12 and 13.

  In terms of function or application, as an output device, in the case of a pachinko machine, for example, an electric chew opening / closing solenoid, an attacker opening / closing solenoid, a motor for a sorting device in a game board, a motor for a sorting device in an attacker, an LED, Lamps such as 7 segments (first special figure display device 212, second special figure display device 214, universal figure display device 210, various status display units 328 (for example, universal figure holding lamp 216, first special figure holding lamp 218, And the second special figure holding lamp 220, the high-probability middle lamp 222, etc.). In the case of a slot machine, a reel motor, a hopper motor, a selector solenoid, a medal return solenoid, a winning line display lamp, a notification lamp, a game medal insertion lamp, a replay lamp, a game medal insertion lamp, a game start lamp, a stored number indicator, A game information display, a payout number display, and the like can be given.

  The relay substrate 12 is provided with two conversion devices A5. The relay substrate 13 is provided with one conversion device A6. Conversion devices A5 and 6 are set to the reception mode. The conversion device A5 is a one-way communication described with reference to FIG. 14, in which the transmission side transmits 16-bit data by 8 bits, and the reception side receives 8-bit data. It functions as a device (A2, A3). The conversion device A6 functions as the reception-side conversion device (A2) in the configuration example described with reference to FIG. 13 and configured to transmit and receive 8-bit data by one-way communication.

  The main control board 10 is provided with a plurality of conversion devices A2, a conversion device A3, and a conversion device A4. Conversion device A2 is set to the reception mode. Conversion devices A3 and A4 are set to the transmission mode.

  Chip select signals CS1 to CS4 are input from the basic circuit 302 to the terminal (CTL_0) of each conversion device A2, and the conversion device A2 that captures the signal can be selected. The terminal (CTL_1) of each conversion device A2 may be fixed.

  The chip select signals CS5 and CS6 are input from the basic circuit 302 to the terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1) of the conversion device A3, and the upper 8 bits data or the lower 8 bits data is selected and converted according to the combination of the signals. Output to the device A5 is possible.

  The chip select signal CS7 is input from the basic circuit 302 to the terminal (CTL_0) of the conversion device A4, and the signal output to the conversion device A6 can be switched. The terminal (CTL_1) may be fixed.

  With the above configuration, the basic circuit 302 can receive the data of the input device from the relay board 11 in the serial format, and can transmit the data of the output device to the relay boards 12 and 13 in the serial format. Since data can be transmitted and received in a serial format, the number of data signal lines of the harness H between the substrates can be reduced.

<Example of reducing the number of data signal lines>
<Example 1>
In connection with the example of FIG. 18, an example of reducing the data signal lines of the harness H by serial communication using the conversion device A will be described. Here, a more specific configuration example of the relay board 11 to which the “proximity sensor” is connected and the main control board 10 will be described. The “proximity sensor” can be used as a detection sensor for a game ball, for example.

  First, FIG. 19 shows, as a comparative example, a conventional example in which data communication between substrates is parallel communication, and the conversion device A is not used. The number of data signal lines of the harness H is nine. The “proximity sensor” is assumed to be driven at 12V. On the other hand, the main control board 10 assumes 5V drive. The IFIC 21 converts the detection result of the “proximity sensor” into a signal within 5V. The IC 23 outputs the detection result of the “proximity sensor” to the data bus (DATA0 to DATA7) of the basic circuit 302 in accordance with the chip select signal (XCS0) from the basic circuit 302. The IC 22 monitors the abnormality occurrence signal output from the IFIC in accordance with the chip select signal (XCS1) from the basic circuit 302. If there is an abnormality, the data on the data bus (DATA0 to DATA7) is forced to a predetermined state. (For example, Low).

  20 and 21 show configuration examples of the embodiment using the conversion device A. In particular, in FIG. 18, concrete examples of the relay board 11 to which the “proximity sensor” is connected and the main control board 10 are shown. A simple configuration example is shown. 20 shows the configuration on the relay board 11 side, and FIG. 21 shows the configuration on the main control board 10 side.

  Referring to FIG. 20, IFIC 21 is mounted on relay substrate 11 in the example of FIG. Thereby, the main control board 10 may be downsized. Conversion device A1 is mounted on relay board 11, and its operation setting is a transmission mode of single-ended transmission. Terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1) = (High, Low) are fixed, and detection results of eight “proximity sensors” are output as 8-bit data.

  Referring to FIG. 21, conversion device A2 is mounted on main control board 10, and its operation setting is a reception mode of single-ended transmission. The terminal (CTL_1) is fixed at High, and the detection results of the eight “proximity sensors” are output to the basic circuit 302 as 8-bit data. The terminal (CTL_0) is connected to the chip select terminal (XCS2) of the basic circuit 302, and outputs data when a Low signal is input.

  The terminal (FAULTn) of the conversion device A2 is connected to the IC 22 and outputs, for example, a low level signal when an abnormality occurs. The IC 22 monitors the abnormality occurrence signal output from the terminal (FAULTn) in accordance with the chip select signal (XCS0) from the basic circuit 302, and if there is an abnormality, the data on the data bus (DATA0 to DATA7) is forced. To a predetermined state (for example, Low). The terminal (RSTn) of the conversion device A2 is connected to the reset terminal (XRST0) of the basic circuit 302 and can be reset by the basic circuit 302.

  When comparing the comparative example of FIG. 19 with the embodiment of FIGS. 20 and 21, the signal line of the harness H is 9 in the comparative example, whereas the number is 4 in the embodiment, and more than half can be reduced. It has become.

<Example 2>
22 and FIG. 23 show configuration examples of the embodiment using the conversion device A. In particular, in FIG. 18, a specific example of the relay board 11 to which the “switch” is connected and the main control board 10 is shown. A configuration example is shown. 22 shows the configuration on the relay board 11 side, and FIG. 23 shows the configuration on the main control board 10 side.

  Referring to FIG. 22, conversion device A1 is mounted on relay board 11, and its operation setting is a transmission mode of single-ended transmission. The terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1) = (High, Low) are fixed, and the detection results of the eight “switches” are output as 8-bit data.

  Referring to FIG. 23, conversion device A2 is mounted on main control board 10, and its operation setting is a reception mode of single-ended transmission. The terminal (CTL_1) is fixed to High, and the detection results of the eight “switches” are output to the basic circuit 302 as 8-bit data. The terminal (CTL_0) is connected to the chip select terminal (XCS2) of the basic circuit 302, and outputs data when a Low signal is input.

  The terminal (FAULTn), terminal (RSTn), and IC 22 of the conversion device A2 are the same as in the example of FIG. In this example, the number of signal lines of the harness H is three.

<Example 3>
24 and 25 show configuration examples of the embodiment using the conversion device A. In particular, in FIG. 18, the specifics of the relay board 13 to which the “design display board” is connected and the main control board 10 are shown. A typical configuration example is shown. FIG. 25 shows the configuration on the relay board 11 side, and FIG. 24 shows the configuration on the main control board 10 side.

  Referring to FIG. 24, conversion device A4 is mounted on main control board 10, and its operation setting is a transmission mode of single-ended transmission. The terminal (CTL_1) is fixed to High and outputs 8-bit data output from the basic circuit 302 in a serial format. The terminal (CTL_0) is connected to the chip select terminal (XCS7) of the basic circuit 302. When a Low signal is input, data is captured and output in a serial format. The terminal (FAULTn) and terminal (RSTn) of the conversion device A4 and the IC 22 are the same as in the example of FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 22, conversion device A <b> 6 is mounted on relay substrate 11, and its operation setting is a reception mode for single-ended transmission. Terminals (CTL_0, CTL_1) = (High, Low) are fixed, and the serial format data received from the main control board 10 is converted into 8-bit parallel format data and output to the “driver”. In this example, the number of signal lines of the harness H is three.

<Embodiment 2>
In addition to the pachinko machine 100 of the first embodiment, the present invention can be applied to various game machines such as a slot machine. Hereinafter, a slot machine to which the present invention can be applied will be described as an example.

  A slot machine 1100 shown in FIG. 26 includes a main body 1101 and a front door 1102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 1101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 1101. Inside the center of the main body 1101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 1110, middle reel 1111 and right reel 1112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 1100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 1110 to 1112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 1110 to 1112 are configured by attaching the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 1110 to 1112 are generally displayed in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 1113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 1110 to 1112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 1110 to 1112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 1100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  Backlights (not shown) for illuminating individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 1113 are arranged on the rear surfaces of the reels 1110 to 1112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 1100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each reel 1110 to 1112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of this optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. Based on the detection result of this sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 1110 to 1112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 1120 is a lamp indicating a winning line 1114 that is valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are 5 winning lines 1114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added. If three are valid and three medals are bet, five lines including a right-down winning line and an upper-right winning line are valid as winning lines. Note that the number of winning lines 1114 is not limited to five. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the right The down line and the upper right line may be set as valid pay lines, and the same number of pay lines may be set as valid pay lines regardless of the number of bets.

  The notification lamp 1123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later, or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 1124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 1122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal insertion is unnecessary) when winning a replay that is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 1128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 1130 to 1132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 1100. In this embodiment, every time the bet button 1130 is pressed, a maximum of 3 cards are inserted, 2 when the bet button 1131 is pressed, and 2 when the bet button 1132 is pressed. It has become so. Hereinafter, the bet button 1132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 1129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a specified number of medals are inserted, a game start is informed that a game start operation is possible. The lamp 1121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 1141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. In other words, the insertion of medals can be performed electronically by using the bet buttons 1130 to 1132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 1141, and the insertion includes both. is there. The stored number display 1125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 1100. The game information display 1126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 1127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The stored number display 1125, the game information display 1126, and the payout number display 1127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 1135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 1110 to 1112. In other words, when a desired number of medals is inserted into the medal insertion slot 1141 or the bet buttons 1130 to 1132 are operated and the start lever 1135 is operated, the reels 1110 to 1112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 1135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 1136 is provided with stop buttons 1137 to 1139. Stop buttons 1137 to 1139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 1110 to 1112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 1135, and are associated with the reels 1110 to 1112. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 1137 to 1139, and when the stop button 1137 to 1139 can be operated, the light emitter may be turned on to notify the player.

  The medal return button 1133 is a button for pressing and removing a medal when the inserted medal is clogged. The payment button 1134 is a button for adjusting the medals stored electronically in the slot machine 1100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 1155. Door key hole 1140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking front door 1102 of slot machine 1100 is inserted.

  Below the stop button unit 1136, a title panel 1162 for displaying a model name and pasting various types of certificate stamps is provided. At the bottom of the title panel 1162, a medal payout opening 1155 and a medal tray 1161 are provided.

  The sound hole 1180 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 1100 to the outside. Side lamps 1144 provided at the left and right portions of the front door 1102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 1160 is disposed above the front door 1102, and a sound hole 1143 is provided above the effect device 1160. This effect device 1160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 1163 including two right shutters 1163a and 1163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 1157 (effect image) disposed on the back side of the shutter 1163. And a display screen of the liquid crystal display device 1157 appears on the front side (player side) of the slot machine 1100 when the right shutter 1163a and the left shutter 1163b are opened horizontally in front of the liquid crystal display device 1157. It has become. It should be noted that the display device is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

  FIG. 27 is a front view showing the slot machine 1100 with the front door 102 opened. The main body 1101 is a box that is surrounded by an upper surface plate 1261, a left side plate 1260, a right side plate 1260, a lower surface plate 1264, and a back plate 1242 and opens to the front. Inside the main body 1101, a main control board storage case 1210 in which a main control board is stored is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation opening 1249 provided in the upper part of the back plate 1242. Below the three reels 1110 to 1112 are arranged. On the side plate 1260 on the left side of the main control board storage case 1210 and the reels 1110 to 1112, a sub control board storage case 1220 storing the sub control board is disposed. Further, an external concentration terminal plate 1248 that is connected to the main control board and outputs information of the slot machine 1100 to an external device is attached to the side plate 1260 on the right side.

  The bottom plate 1264 is provided with a medal payout device 1180 (device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket), and has a power supply board above the medal payout device 1180, that is, below the reels 1110 to 1112. A power supply device 1252 is provided, and a power switch 1244 is provided on the front surface of the power supply device 1252. The power supply device 1252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 1100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device such as a main control unit 1300 and sub-control units 1400 and 1500 described later. To do. Furthermore, a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 1308 of the main control unit 1300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the power supply from the outside is cut off is provided. Yes.

  A medal auxiliary storage 1240 is arranged on the right side of the medal payout device 1180, and an overflow terminal is arranged behind this (not shown). The power supply device 1252 is provided with a power cord connecting portion for connecting a power cord 1265, and the power cord 1265 connected thereto extends to the outside through a power cord hole 1262 provided in the back plate 1242 of the main body 1101. Yes.

  The front door 1102 is hinged to the left side plate 1260 of the main body 1101 via a hinge device 1276, and an effect device 1160 and an effect control board (which controls the effect device 1160) are provided above the symbol display window 1113. An upper speaker 1272 is provided. At the bottom of the symbol display window 1113, a medal selector 1170 for selecting inserted medals, a passage 1266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 1170 drops illegal medals etc. on the medal tray 1161, etc. are provided. Yes. Further, a bass speaker 1277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 1180.

  The circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 1100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the slot machine 1100 can be broadly divided into main effects according to a main control unit 1300 that controls the progress of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 1300. The first sub-control unit 1400 that performs the above control, and the second sub-control unit 1500 that controls various devices based on the command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 1400.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 1300 of the slot machine 1100 will be described. The main control unit 1300 includes a basic circuit 1302 that controls the entire main control unit 1300. The basic circuit 1302 includes a CPU 1304, control program data, lottery data used during an internal lottery for a winning combination, and reel stop. ROM 1306 for storing position, RAM 1308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 1310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 1312 for measuring time, frequency, etc. WDT (watchdog timer) 1314 is mounted. Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 1306 and the RAM 1308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 1400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later. The CPU 1304 of the basic circuit 1302 operates by inputting a clock signal having a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 1314 as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 1304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 1306 to the counter timer 1312. The counter timer 1312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 1304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 1304 executes monitoring of each sensor and transmission of drive pulses. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 1314 is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 1312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division in the ROM 1306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

  The main control unit 1300 includes a random number generation circuit 1316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535, and an activation signal output circuit that outputs an activation signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 1304 starts game control when a start signal is input from the start signal output circuit 1338 (starts main processing main processing described later).

  Further, the main control unit 1300 includes a sensor circuit 1320, and the CPU 1304 is inserted from various sensors 1318 (a bet button 1130 sensor, a bet button 1131 sensor, a bet button 1132 sensor, and a medal slot 1141 at every interruption time. Medal reception sensor, start lever 1135 sensor, stop button 1137 sensor, stop button 1138 sensor, stop button 1139 sensor, checkout button 1134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 1180, index sensor for reel 1110 , The index sensor of the reel 1111, the index sensor of the reel 1112, etc.).

  When the sensor circuit 1320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 1316. The random number generation circuit 1316 that has received this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random number value used for the lottery.

  Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 1141 and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 1135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 1135 and detect a start operation by the player. The stop button 1137 sensor, the stop button 1138 sensor, and the stop button 1139 are installed in each of the stop buttons 1137 to 1139, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The bet button 1130 sensor, the bet button 1131 sensor, and the bet button 1132 sensor are installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 1130 to 1132, and the medal electronically stored in the RAM 1308 is inserted as an inserted medal into the game. Detecting the input operation when The settlement button 1134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 1134. When the settlement button 1134 is pressed once, medals stored electronically are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting a medal paid out by the medal payout device 1180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The index sensor of the reel 1110, the index sensor of the reel 1111, and the index sensor of the reel 1112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the respective reels 1110 to 1112. Becomes L level. When detecting this signal, the CPU 1304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the reel rotation position information to zero.

  The main control unit 1300 is provided in a drive circuit 1322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 1110 to 1112, a drive circuit 1324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 1170 for selecting inserted medals, and a medal payout device 1180. A drive circuit 1326 for driving the motor, various lamps 1338 (a winning line display lamp 1120, a notification lamp 1123, a game medal insertion enable lamp 1124, a re-game lamp 1122, a game medal insertion lamp 1129, a game start lamp 1121, and a stored number display. A driving circuit 1328 for driving a device 1125, a game information display 1126, and a payout amount display 1127).

  In addition, an information output circuit 1334 (external concentration terminal board 1248) is connected to the basic circuit 1302, and the main controller 1300 is connected to an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 1334. The gaming information (for example, gaming state) of the slot machine 1100 is output to the information input circuit 1652 provided.

  The main control unit 1300 includes a voltage monitoring circuit 1330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supplied from the power management unit (not shown) to the main control unit 1300, and the voltage monitoring circuit 1330 includes the voltage of the power supply. When the value is less than a predetermined value (9 v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 1302.

  The main control unit 1300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 1400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 1400. Information communication between the main control unit 1300 and the first sub control unit 1400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 1300 is configured to transmit a signal such as a command to the first sub control unit 1400. However, the first sub-control unit 1400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 1300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 1400 of the slot machine 1100 will be described. The first sub control unit 1400 includes a basic circuit 1402 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 1300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub control unit 1400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 1402 includes a CPU 1404, a RAM 1408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 1410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 1412 for measuring time and frequency. It is installed. The CPU 1404 of the basic circuit 1402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 1414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 1400, a backlight lighting pattern, data for controlling various displays, and the like.

  The CPU 1404 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 1406 to the counter timer 1412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 1412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 1404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 1404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The first sub-control unit 1400 is provided with a sound source IC 1418, and the sound source IC 1418 is provided with speakers 1272 and 1277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 1418 controls sound output from the amplifiers and speakers 1272 and 1277 in accordance with a command from the CPU 1404. The sound source IC 1418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored. The sound data acquired from the ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 1272 and 1277.

  The first sub-control unit 1400 is provided with a drive circuit 1422, and various lamps 1420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 1144, title panel 1162 lamp, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 1422 through an input / output interface. It is connected.

  The first sub-control unit 1400 is provided with a drive circuit 1424 for driving the motor of the shutter 1163. This drive circuit 1424 is a stepping motor (not shown) provided on the shutter 1163 in response to a command from the CPU 1404. A drive signal is output to.

  The first sub-control unit 1400 is provided with a sensor circuit 1426, and a shutter sensor 1428 is connected to the sensor circuit 1426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 1428 every interruption time.

  The CPU 1404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 1500 via the output interface. Second sub-control unit 1500 performs various controls of effect device 1160 including display control of effect image display device 1157. Note that the second sub-control unit 1500 is, for example, a control unit that controls display of the liquid crystal display device 1157 and a control unit that controls various driving devices for effects (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 1163). For example, it may be configured by a plurality of control units.

  The second sub control unit 1500 includes a basic circuit 1502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub control unit 1400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub control unit 1500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 1502 includes a CPU 1504, a RAM 1508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 1510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time and frequency 1512. The CPU 1504 of the basic circuit 1502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 1514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub control unit 1500, data for image display, and the like.

  The CPU 1504 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 1506 to the counter timer 1512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 1512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 1404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 1504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The second sub control unit 1500 is provided with a VDP 1534 (video display processor), and a ROM 1506 and a VRAM 1536 are connected to the VDP 1534 through a bus. The VDP 1534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 1506 based on a signal from the CPU 1504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 1536, and displays the image on the effect image display device 1157.

  A symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 1110 to 1112 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a diagram in which the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 1110, middle reel 1111, right reel 1112) is developed in a plane.

<Conversion device>
The conversion device A described above can be provided on, for example, a main control board on which the main control unit 1300 is mounted and a relay board to which various sensors 1318 and the like are connected, and communication between them can be serial communication It is.

<Pattern arrangement>
In each reel 1110 to 1112, a plurality of types (eight types in the present embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the same figure are arranged by a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in the present embodiment). Also, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the reels 1110 to 1112. For example, in the present embodiment, the “Replay” symbol is assigned to the number 1 frame on the left reel 1110, the “Bell” symbol is assigned to the number 0 frame on the middle reel 1111, and the “No. 2” symbol is assigned to the number 2 frame on the right reel 1112. "Watermelon" design is arranged respectively.

<Type of winning prize>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 1100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination. Of the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a combination for shifting to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) is a replay without newly inserting a medal. Each winning combination is sometimes distinguished from a winning combination and sometimes called an “acting combination”. However, in the “winning combination” in this embodiment, a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay that are operating combinations are included. included. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator not accompanied by a medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on an active line, for example, a big bonus, regular Includes bonuses and replay wins.

  The winning combination of the slot machine 1100 includes a big bonus (BB1, BB2), a regular bonus (RB), a small combination (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replay (replay). Needless to say, the type of winning combination is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  “Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)” (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “BB”) is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning a prize. . Corresponding symbol combinations are “white 7-white 7-white 7” for BB1, and “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” for BB2. Further, flag carryover is performed for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 and BB2 are won internally, a flag indicating this is raised (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 1308 of the main control unit 1300), but even if the game does not win BB1 and BB2, Until then, the flag indicating the internal winning is maintained, and even after the next game, BB1 and BB2 are being internally selected, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1 “white 7-white 7-white 7”, the symbol corresponding to BB2 The combination “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is in a state of winning a prize.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination is “bonus-bonus-bonus”. Note that the RB carries over the flag as well as the above-mentioned BB. However, in the big bonus game (BB game) (details will be described later), the regular bonus game (RB game) is won internally and the combination of symbols is displayed on the winning line. In addition, the regular bonus game is started after the start of the big bonus game, and when the regular bonus game is finished once, the regular bonus game is automatically started so that the next regular bonus game is immediately started. It is good. “Short (cherry, watermelon, bell)” (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cherry”, “watermelon”, “bell”) is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. The symbol combinations are “cherry-ANY-ANY” for cherry, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” for watermelon, and “bell-bell-bell” for bell. The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “cherry-ANY-ANY”, the symbol of the left reel 1110 may be “cherry”, and the symbol of the middle reel 1111 and the right reel 1112 may be any symbol.

“Replay” is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The corresponding symbol combination is “replay-replay-replay” for replay.
<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 1100 will be described. The gaming state is information for identifying the type of lottery data selected in a lottery or the like. In the present embodiment, the gaming state of the slot machine 1100 is roughly divided into a normal game, a BB game, an RB game, and an internal winning game of a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB). However, the internal winning game may be a division included in the normal game.
<Normal game>
The winning combinations that are internally won for normal games include a big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay), and small roles (cherry, watermelon, bell).

  “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. “Regular Bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) upon winning. The “replay” (replay) is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without a medal being inserted in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The “small role” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. In addition, the internal winning probability of each combination is a range of random values obtained at the time of internal lottery from numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each combination from lottery data prepared for normal games. It is calculated by the value divided by numerical data (for example, 65535). The lottery data prepared for the normal game is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

In the normal game, the internal lottery result is almost lost (big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay) and small role won), or any stop display result A setting is made so that the stop display result of the losing that does not correspond to the symbol combination of the combination is generally derived, and the total number of medals to be acquired is less than the total number of inserted medals. Therefore, it is a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a gaming state that may be changed to increase the probability of internal winning of replaying. In this case, Consumption of medals used for games is suppressed, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a small role, resulting in a gaming state where the total number of medals exceeds the total number of medals inserted, which is beneficial to the player. May become a gaming state.
<BB game>
The BB game is set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the BB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning a big bonus (BB), and an RB game (described later) can be continuously executed repeatedly, and a predetermined number (for example, during the game) The process ends when more than 465 medals are obtained. However, the BB game only needs to be able to execute the RB game a plurality of times. For example, when a combination (for example, replay-replay-replay) is set for starting the RB game, and this combination is won internally, or The RB game may be set to start when winning. Furthermore, in the BB game, when the BB general game excluding the RB game during the BB game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times), or the number of the RB games executed during the BB game is a predetermined number of times. It may be made to end when it reaches (for example, three times).
<RB game>
The RB game is set so as to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the RB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game is started by winning a regular bonus (RB), and a predetermined role is set to a variation that increases the probability of internal winning (for example, “setting 1” or “normal game”). The internal winning probability 1/15 of “small role 1” is increased to an internal winning probability 1 / 1.2, which is a predetermined value), and a predetermined number (for example, 8 times) It ends when there is a prize. In the RB game, when a predetermined number of times (at least 2 times) is won (for example, 8 times), or when the number of RB games executed during the RB game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, (8 times). Since the BB game described above can execute the RB game a plurality of times, when a single RB game is performed, the number of medals less than the total number of medals obtained in the BB game is acquired and terminated. Become.
<Big winning (BB) and regular bonus (RB) internal winning games>
The winning combination that is internally won for the internal winning game of the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) includes a replay and a small role. The big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) are not won internally, and are game states in which a symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) can be won.

  However, the probability of the internal winning of the replay may be changed from the next game that has been internally won for the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB). Until the symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB) wins, the total number of medals to be acquired is almost the same as the total number of inserted medals, and is compared with the normal game. The gaming state may be beneficial to the player. It should be noted that BB game and RB game are both game states that are beneficial to the player, and may be generally referred to as bonus games or special games.

<Main control unit main processing>
The main control unit main process executed by the CPU 1304 of the main control unit 1300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 1300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 1338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 1304 of the basic circuit 1302 to which this activation signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG. 30 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 1306.

  When power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step SA101. In this initial setting, setting of the stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 1304, setting of interrupt inhibition, initial setting of the I / O 1310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 1308, operation permission to the WDT 1314, and initial setting Set the value. In step SA103, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 1120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Further, it is checked whether or not the start lever 1135 has been operated. If there is an operation of the start lever 1135, the process proceeds to step SA104.

  In step SA105, the number of inserted medals is determined and an effective winning line is determined. In step SA107, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 1316 is acquired. In step SA109, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 1306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step SA107. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is turned ON. In step SA111, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result.

  In step SA113, rotation of all reels 1110 to 1112 is started. In step SA115, the stop buttons 1137 to 1139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the reel stop control in which one of the reels 1110 to 1112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is selected in step SA111. Stop based on data. When all the reels 1110 to 1112 are stopped, the process proceeds to Step SA117. In step SA117, a winning determination is performed. In this case, when a picture combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 1114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “bell-bell-bell” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the player has won the bell. In step SA119, if any winning combination with payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines. In step SA121, game state control processing is performed. In the game state control process, a process related to transition of each game state of normal game, BB game, RB game, and internal winning game is performed, and the game state is shifted when those start conditions and end conditions are satisfied. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, returning to step SA103 and repeating the above-described processing, the game proceeds.

<Main control unit 1300 timer interrupt processing>
The main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 1304 of the main control unit 1300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 1300 includes a counter timer 1312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step SB101, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving the value of each register of the CPU 1304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step SB103, the WDT 1314 is periodically changed to the initial value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) so that no WDT interruption occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step SB105, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 1320 of the various sensors 1318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 1310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 1318 is partitioned in the RAM 1308. Store in the provided signal state storage area.

  In step SB107, various game processes are performed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 1318), and processing according to this status is performed (for example, the interrupt statuses of the acquired stop buttons 1137 to 1139). Based on the stop button reception process).

  In step SB109, timer update processing is performed. Various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step SB111, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 1400. The output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 1400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 are command types (in this embodiment, basic command, start lever reception command, production command accompanying production lottery processing, rotation start command when rotation of reels 1110 to 1112 starts, and operation of stop buttons 1137 to 1139 are accepted. Bits 0 to 10 are command data (stop button reception command accompanying the reels 1110 to 1112, stop position information command accompanying the stop processing of the reels 1110 to 1112, payout number command and payout end command accompanying the medal payout processing, etc.) Predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

  The first sub-control unit 1400 can determine the effect control according to the change in the game control in the main control unit 1300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step SB113, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RAM 1308 is output to an information input circuit 1652 that is separate from the slot machine 1100 via the information output circuit 1334.

    In step SB109, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, the signal states of the various sensors 1318 stored in the signal state storage area in step SB105 are read, and the presence / absence of errors relating to medal insertion abnormality and medal payout abnormality is monitored. (Not shown) Error processing is executed. Further, according to the current gaming state, the medal selector 1170 (medal blocker in which a solenoid provided in the medal selector 1170 operates), various lamps 1338, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set.

  In step SB117, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply shutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step SB121, and when the low voltage signal is off (power supply shutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step SB119.

  In step SB119, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step SB101 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step SB121, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 1308 as return data, and power-off processing such as initialization of the input / output port is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 1400>
The process of the first sub control unit 1400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400. FIG. 32B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub control unit 1400. FIG. 32C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 1400.

  First, in step SC101 in FIG. 32A, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step SC101. In this initialization process, initial setting of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 1408, and the like are performed.

  In step SC103, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SC105.

  In step SC105, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

  In step SC107, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400 determines whether a command is received from the main control unit 1300.

  In step SC109, effect control processing is performed. For example, if there is a new command in step SC107, processing corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes, for example, performing a process such as reading effect data from the ROM 1406, and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step SC111, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step C09. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC 1418 in the effect data read in step SC109, this command is output to the sound source IC 1418.

  In step SC113, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step C09. For example, if there is a command to the various lamps 1420 in the effect data read in step SC109, this command is output to the drive circuit 1422.

  In step SC115, an information output process is performed for setting to transmit a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step C09. For example, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub control unit 1500 in the effect data read in step SC109, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step SC103.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 1400 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub control unit 1400 detects the strobe signal output from the main control unit 1300. In step SD101 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 1300 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 1408 as an unprocessed command.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 1400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and this timer interrupt is used as a trigger to perform timer interrupt processing. Execute in the cycle.

  In step SE101, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 1408 described in step SC103 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. 32A, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step SC103, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step SE103, control command transmission to second sub-control unit 1500 set in step SC115, effect random number update processing, and the like are performed.

<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 1500>
The process of the second sub control unit 1500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 33A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 1504 of the second sub-control unit 1500. FIG. 33B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 1500. FIG. 33C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub-control unit 1500. FIG. 33D is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub control unit 1500.

  First, in step SG01 in FIG. 33A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step SF101. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 1508, and the like are performed.

  In step SF103, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10, and when the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SF105.

  In step SF105, 0 is substituted for the timer variable.

  In step SF107, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 1504 of the second sub control unit 1500 determines whether a command is received from the CPU 1404 of the first sub control unit 1400.

  In step SF109, effect control processing is performed. For example, if there is a new command in step SF107, processing corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes, for example, performing a process such as reading effect data from the ROM 1506 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step SF111, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result of step SF109. For example, if there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in step SF109, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed.

  In step SF113, image control processing is performed based on the processing result of step SF109. For example, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step SF109, image control corresponding to this command is performed (details will be described later), and the process returns to step SF103.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 1500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 1500 detects a strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 1400. In step SG101 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub control unit 1400 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 1508 as an unprocessed command.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 1504 of the second sub control unit 1500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 1500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms). Execute in the cycle.

  In step SH101, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 1508 described in step SF103 in the second sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. 33A, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step SF103, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step SH103, an effect random number update process is performed.

  Next, the image control process of step SF113 in the main process of the second sub control unit 1500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step SI101, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 1504 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 1536. As a result, the one-frame image stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 1157. Next, the CPU 1504 sets the ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 1506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 1536) and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 1534 based on the position information table, and then the image from the ROM 1506 to the VRAM 1536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 1534 transfers image data from the ROM 1506 to the VRAM 1536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 1534 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 1504.

  In step SI103, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal from VDP 1534 is input. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step SI105. If not, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In step SI105, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 1536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 1536 in step SI101, the CPU 1504 has information on the image data constituting the display image (coordinate axis and image size of the VRAM 1536). , VRAM coordinates (arrangement coordinates, etc.) are instructed to the VDP 1534. The VDP 1534 performs parameter setting according to the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

  In step SI107, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 1504 instructs the VDP 1534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 1534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1504.

  In step SI109, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 1534 based on the end of image drawing is input. If a generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step SI111. If not, the generation end interrupt signal is determined. Wait for input. In step SI111, a scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 1508 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process is terminated.

<Summary of Embodiment>
A1. The game table (e.g., 100, 1000) of the above embodiment is
A game machine with conversion means,
The conversion means (for example, A) has at least a first function,
The conversion means has at least a second function,
The first function is a function capable of converting the input first format signal into a second format signal and outputting the converted signal.
The second function is a function capable of converting the input signal of the second format into the signal of the first format.
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, there are cases where the types of components mounted on the game machine can be reduced and the component costs can be reduced as compared with the case where two types of conversion means are used. In addition, board design is easier than in the prior art, design errors and wiring errors can be reduced, and quality may be improved.

A2. It is a gaming table (for example, 100, 1000) of the above embodiment,
The first form is parallel,
The second format is serial.
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the types of components mounted on the game machine and to reduce the cost of components compared to the case where a serializer and a deserializer are used. In addition, board design is easier than in the prior art, design errors and wiring errors can be reduced, and quality may be improved.

A3. It is a gaming table (for example, 100, 1000) of the above embodiment,
The conversion means has a plurality of terminals (for example, DATA0-7, IO +, IO-),
At least one of the plurality of terminals is a first terminal (e.g., DATA0-7),
At least one of the plurality of terminals is a second terminal (e.g., IO +, IO-),
The first terminal is a terminal capable of inputting the signal of the first format,
The second terminal is a terminal capable of outputting a signal of the second format.
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, the terminal for the parallel signal and the terminal for the serial signal can be distinguished from each other, and wiring errors may be reduced.

A4. It is a gaming table (for example, 100, 1000) of the above embodiment,
The first terminal (e.g., DATA0-7) is a terminal capable of outputting the signal of the first format,
The second terminal (e.g., IO +, IO-) is a terminal capable of inputting the signal in the second format.
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, the terminals can be shared for input and output, the board design becomes easier than before, design errors and wiring errors can be reduced, and quality can be improved in some cases.

A5. It is a gaming table (for example, 100, 1000) of the above embodiment,
A plurality of the conversion means are provided,
At least one of the plurality of conversion means is a first conversion means (for example, A1),
At least one of the plurality of conversion means is a second conversion means (for example, A2),
The second conversion means is capable of receiving the signal of the second format output from the first conversion means.
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, the same conversion means can be used in pairs, board design is easier than before, design errors and wiring errors can be reduced, and quality may be improved.

A6. It is a gaming table (for example, 100, 1000) of the above embodiment,
A first connector (e.g. C);
A second connector (e.g. C);
A harness (e.g. H),
A first substrate (e.g. 11);
A second substrate (e.g. 10);
With
The first substrate has at least the first connector,
The second substrate has at least the second connector,
The first connector is connected to the second connector by the harness,
The first substrate has at least the first conversion means,
The second substrate has at least the second conversion means.
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, the number of signal lines of the harness can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the substrate and the handling of the harness may be increased. In addition, input wiring to the second substrate can be reduced, and the occurrence of malfunction may be prevented by simplifying the wiring of the second substrate.

  In the configuration in which the conversion means includes the first terminal (for example, DATA0-7, IO +, IO-), the number of signal lines of the harness is the first terminal (for example, DATA0-7, IO +, IO-). It may be less than the number of-). Thereby, it may be possible to increase the number of data bits while reducing the number of signal lines of the harness.

  In the configuration in which the conversion means is an IC including a plurality of terminals, at least one of the terminals may be connected to a pull-up resistor in the IC. In some cases, the signal can be stabilized. The terminal to be pulled up can be, for example, at least one of a parallel data input / output terminal and a control signal terminal. Further, it may be at least one of a transmission enable terminal, a reception enable terminal, a serial signal terminal, a serial data input / output terminal, a reset input terminal, and a test terminal.

  Further, in the IC in which the conversion means includes a plurality of terminals, the parallel data input / output terminals may be arranged separately on the left and right of the conversion device, and the ground terminal is the first number (for example, the first pin) The power supply terminal may be the last number (for example, the 20th pin). Wiring may be easy.

  Further, when the conversion means can operate in a plurality of modes, settings other than the transmission mode (TXEN / RXEN = L / H) and the reception mode (TXEN / RXEN = H / L) (TXEN / RXEN = H / L) H or L / L) may not function.

  Further, when the conversion means includes a data latch unit (for example, 1), the data latch unit may include a 16-bit register. In some cases, 16-bit data can be handled. Further, the data latch unit may be used for both parallel-serial conversion and serial-parallel conversion. There are cases where the conversion means can be simplified.

  Further, when the conversion unit includes a conversion unit (for example, 2), the conversion unit may function as a serializer and a deserializer.

  Further, in a configuration in which the communication direction is the first conversion unit → the second conversion unit, a drive circuit for an output device may be disposed after the second conversion unit. In some cases, the first conversion means can be downsized.

  Further, the first conversion means may be connected to a data bus line. The second conversion unit may not be connected to the data bus line. The first conversion means may not be connected to the data bus line. The second conversion means may be connected to a data bus line. The transmission of the parallel signal input to the first conversion unit and the reception of the parallel signal output from the second conversion unit may be performed by a common data bus line.

  The combination of the first board and the second board is, for example, a main control board and a first sub control board, a main control board and an external terminal board, a main control board and a board relay board, a main control board and a board. Frame relay board, main control board and payout control board, first sub control board and second sub control board, first sub control board and liquid crystal control board, first sub control board and board frame relay board, second sub control board Board side lighting board, second sub-control board and board-side movable accessory (connection board), second sub-control board and liquid crystal movable part (connection board), board frame relay board and payout control board, payout control board And / or a tray substrate, a payout control substrate and a launch handle substrate, a saucer substrate and a launch handle substrate, a liquid crystal control substrate and a main liquid crystal (connection board), a liquid crystal control board and a sub liquid crystal (connection board) There may be. Further, the above combination may be reversed.

  The harness may be one in which at least a part of the position is moved by the movement of the movable object. By reducing the number of wires, the arrangement may be easily deformed. The movable object may be equipped with display means (for example, liquid crystal, lamp, LED). There are cases where the production effect can be enhanced.

  In addition, at least one of the first format and the second format is not limited to the above-described example, but is serial and asynchronous, serial is a start bit, serial is a stop bit, serial is Synchronous, serial format without start bit, serial format without stop bit, serial format with clock transmitted together, serial format with separate clock transmission, serial format with parity, serial with no parity It is possible to adopt various systems such as a parallel type with 8 signal lines and a parallel type with 16 signal lines.

Claims (6)

A game machine with conversion means,
The conversion means has at least a first function,
The conversion means has at least a second function,
The first function is a function capable of converting the input first format signal into a second format signal and outputting the converted signal.
The second function is a function capable of converting the input second format signal into the first format signal and outputting the converted signal.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1,
The first form is parallel,
The second format is serial.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1 or 2,
The conversion means has a plurality of terminals,
At least one of the plurality of terminals is a first terminal;
At least one of the plurality of terminals is a second terminal;
The first terminal is a terminal capable of inputting the signal of the first format,
The second terminal is a terminal capable of outputting a signal of the second format.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 3,
The first terminal is a terminal capable of outputting a signal of the first format,
The second terminal is a terminal capable of inputting the signal of the second format.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A plurality of the conversion means are provided,
At least one of the plurality of conversion means is a first conversion means,
At least one of the plurality of conversion means is a second conversion means,
The second conversion means is capable of receiving the signal of the second format output from the first conversion means.
A game stand characterized by that. The game table according to claim 5,
A first connector;
A second connector;
A harness,
A first substrate;
A second substrate;
With
The first substrate has at least the first connector,
The second substrate has at least the second connector,
The first connector is connected to the second connector by the harness,
The first substrate has at least the first conversion means,
The second substrate has at least the second conversion means.
A game stand characterized by that.

Images