JPH11267272A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with a configuration for performing control to generate a sound corresponding to a play state which can prevent illegal play control operation as much as possible and can be easily reused. SOLUTION: Between a microcomputer 330 for play control provided on a play control circuit board 71 and a microcomputer 91 for sound control provided on a sound control circuit board 90, information such as sound control command data are unidirectionally communicated from the microcomputer 330 to the microcomputer 91 so that sound control is performed. Further, stored information in a ROM 93 for sound provided on the sound control circuit board 90 can be reloaded, and even when play control contents are changed, the sound control circuit board 90 can be reused for controlling sounds corresponding to new play control.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a pachinko game machine,
The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a coin gaming machine or a slot machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine capable of generating a sound in accordance with a gaming state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine of this type has heretofore been generally known, which can generate a sound in accordance with a gaming state. In such a gaming machine, a game control circuit for controlling a game state and a sound control circuit for performing control for generating a sound effect according to the game control state are mounted on one control circuit board. The game control circuit includes various electronic components such as a game control microcomputer and a drive circuit, and the sound control circuit includes various electronic components such as a sound ROM storing sound data to be generated. I was

When a gaming machine having such a configuration is replaced with a new type of gaming machine on a gaming machine installation island in a gaming arcade, mainly the structure of the gaming machine such as a gaming board and the above-described control circuit board are newly installed. It was generally exchanged for something.

[0004] When the model of the gaming machine is changed,
Since a circuit such as a drive circuit needs to be updated in accordance with a new structural component or the like, a game control circuit is newly designed. For this reason, the above-mentioned control circuit board has been designed differently for each gaming machine. However,
Since the sound control circuit on the control circuit board merely drives and controls the speakers, the circuit configuration itself is the same even if the game machine models are different, only the information stored in the sound ROM is different. Met. However, in the past,
Because the game control circuit and the sound control circuit are configured to be mounted on one control circuit board, even if only the configuration of the game control circuit is changed, the entire control circuit board must be redesigned to a new one. Instead, there was waste in the design work of the substrate.

Also, if the parts of the sound control circuit are to be reused, the parts of the sound control circuit must be used separately for reuse. Such a new control circuit board has also substantially attached new sound control circuit components.

[0006]

In order to eliminate the above-mentioned waste in design, it is conceivable to divide the game control circuit and the sound control circuit on separate boards. When such a configuration is employed, a new board design for the sound control circuit is not required in the development of a new type of gaming machine, and the board design work can be simplified.

However, simply dividing the game control circuit and the sound control circuit on separate boards may cause the following problems.

First, if a general information transmission configuration in which two-way communication of information is possible between the game control circuit and the sound control circuit is employed, an illegal transmission from the board on the sound control circuit side to the board on the game control circuit side is performed. It is conceivable that a problem may occur in which an illegal act of inputting data and causing the game control microcomputer to perform an unauthorized control operation is performed.

Further, since the sound ROM has conventionally been manufactured for each model, when replacing the game machine with a game machine of a new model, the board on the sound control circuit side must be provided with a sound ROM adapted to the new game control. It is considered necessary to replace the board with a ROM mounted. For this reason, the RO for sound
If M is manufactured for each model, if the gaming machine is a new model, as described above, the board on the sound control circuit side should use parts that can be used in common for various models, that is, reusable parts. Despite having, the board is discarded and replaced with a new board. However, simply discarding the substrate despite having such commonly used components poses a problem that is contrary to the demand for recycling that has been actively promoted in recent years in the industry.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a configuration for performing a control for generating a sound in accordance with a game state, and to prevent an illegal control operation in the game control as much as possible. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine which can be reused easily.

[0011]

According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine capable of generating a sound in accordance with a game state, wherein the sound generating means is capable of generating the sound. A game control means provided on a game control board for controlling the game state, wherein the control means outputs, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, command information necessary for generating a sound from the sound generation means. Control means, provided on a sound control board formed separately from the game control board, provided on the sound control board, sound information storage means in which information of a sound generated from the sound generation means is stored, Sound control means for receiving the command information from the game control means and performing control for generating a sound from the sound generation means based on information stored in the sound information storage means in accordance with the command information; Means and said Between the control means, information is transmitted by one-way communication from the game control means to the sound control means, the sound information storage means, the sound storage information is rewritable, characterized in that I do.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine capable of generating a sound in accordance with a game state, wherein said sound generating means is capable of generating said sound and provided on a game control board. A game control means for controlling the game state, the game control means performing control for outputting command information necessary for generating a sound from the sound generation means when a predetermined condition is satisfied; A sound information storage means provided on a sound control board formed separately from the control board, wherein information of a sound generated from the sound generation means is stored; provided on the sound control board; Sound control means for receiving command information and performing control for generating a sound from the sound generation means based on information stored in the sound information storage means in accordance with the command information, wherein the game control means and the sound control means Between , The transmission of information by one-way communication to the sound control unit from said game control means is performed,
The sound information storage means is provided detachably with respect to the sound control board.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the sound control board is housed therein and is detachably attached to the gaming machine. It is characterized by further including a container.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect of the invention, the sound control board includes information indicating a model name of a gaming machine to which the sound control board is applied. The corresponding model name display body attached is attached, and the sound control board container is provided with the corresponding model name display body attached to the sound control board so as to be visible from the outside of the sound control board container. It is characterized by including a viewing window part provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the game control means further comprises:
The sound information storage means further performs control to transmit determination information used for determining whether or not the content of the control of the game state is determined to the sound control means at a predetermined timing, and the sound control means includes: When receiving the judgment information, the sound information storage means includes a judgment means for judging whether or not the sound information storage means is adapted to the contents of the control of the game state based on the judgment information. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the sound generating means is adapted so that the sound information storage means is adapted to the contents of the control of the game state by the determination means. When it is determined that the user has not performed the notification, a notification to that effect is given by sound.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the game control means controls the transmission of the determination information at a timing when the command information is not output. Performing the determination according to the reception of the determination information at a timing when no sound is generated from the sound generating means.

[0018]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the following operation is performed. Sound can be generated by the function of the sound generating means. A control for outputting command information necessary for generating a sound from the sound generating means when a predetermined condition is satisfied by the operation of a game control means for controlling a game state provided on the game control board. Is performed. Sound information storage means provided on a sound control board formed separately from the game control board stores information on sounds generated by the sound generation means. The sound control unit provided on the sound control board receives command information from the game control unit, and controls the sound generation unit to generate a sound based on the information stored in the sound information storage unit according to the command information. It is. Between the game control means and the sound control means, information is transmitted from the game control means to the sound control means by one-way communication. The sound information stored in the sound information storage means can be rewritten.

As described above, the game control means and the sound control means are provided on separate substrates, and based on the information stored in the sound information storage means in accordance with the command information given from the game control means to the sound control means. Control for generating a sound from the sound generating means is performed. Control for generating such a sound is performed based on one-way communication of information from the game control means to the sound control means. For this reason, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the unauthorized control operation of the game control means due to the input of unauthorized data from the sound control means to the game control means. Furthermore, when the game control means and the sound information storage means are provided on separate substrates, and the sound storage information of the sound information storage means is rewritable, the game state control content is updated. To
It is possible to replace only the game control board provided with the game control means, and the sound control board provided with the sound information storage means only needs to change the content of the sound information storage means. By rewriting the sound storage information of the storage means with information corresponding to the new game state control contents, the sound control board can be easily reused in accordance with the new game state control contents. Become.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the operation is as follows. Sound can be generated by the function of the sound generating means. By the operation of the game control means, which is means for controlling the game state provided on the game control board,
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, control for outputting command information necessary for generating a sound from the sound generating means is performed. Sound information storage means provided on a sound control board formed separately from the game control board stores information on sounds generated by the sound generation means. The sound control unit provided on the sound control board receives command information from the game control unit, and controls the sound generation unit to generate a sound based on the information stored in the sound information storage unit according to the command information. It is. Between the game control means and the sound control means, information is transmitted from the game control means to the sound control means by one-way communication. Sound information storage means is detachable from the sound control board.

As described above, the game control means and the sound control means are provided on separate substrates, and based on the information stored in the sound information storage means in accordance with the command information given from the game control means to the sound control means. Control for generating a sound from the sound generating means is performed. Control for generating such a sound is performed based on one-way communication of information from the game control means to the sound control means. For this reason, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the unauthorized control operation of the game control means due to the input of unauthorized data from the sound control means to the game control means. Further, since the game control means and the sound information storage means are provided on separate substrates, and the sound information storage means is detachable from the sound control board, the control contents of the game state are renewed. In this case, it is possible to replace only the game control board provided with the game control means, and the sound control board provided with the sound information storage means only needs to change the content of the sound information storage means. This facilitates the operation of replacing the sound information storage means or rewriting the storage information of the sound information storage means so that the sound storage information of the sound information storage means corresponds to the new game state control contents. This makes it possible to easily reuse the sound control board in accordance with the control content of a new game state.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
In addition to the functions of the invention described in Item 2, the following functions are provided. The sound control board is housed inside the sound control board housing, and the sound control board housing is detachably attached to the game machine, so that the sound control board can be easily removed from the game machine, The task of reusing the control board in accordance with the control of a new game state can be easily performed. Further, when the work for reusing the sound control board in accordance with the control of a new game state is performed at a place away from the gaming machine, the sound control board housing and the sound control board housing body transport the sound control board when the sound control board is transported. It becomes possible to protect the information storage means.

According to the invention set forth in claim 4, according to claim 3,
In addition to the operation of the invention described in the above, the following operation is performed. On the sound control board, a corresponding model name display body indicating information indicating a model name of a game machine to which the sound control board is applied is attached. The sound control board housing is provided with a viewing window so that the corresponding model name display attached to the sound control board can be viewed from outside the sound control board housing. In this way, the corresponding model name indicator is attached to the sound control board,
Since the corresponding model name display attached to the sound control board can be visually recognized from the viewing window provided in the sound control board housing, the sound control board housing is attached to the game machine. Whether the control board is suitable for the model of the gaming machine or not can be easily visually confirmed.

According to the invention described in claim 5, according to claim 1,
In addition to the functions of the invention described in Item 2, the following functions are provided. By the further function of the game control means, control for transmitting the determination information used for determining whether or not the sound information storage means is adapted to the content of the control of the game state to the sound control means at a predetermined timing is performed. When the information for determination is received by the function of the determination means included in the sound control means, it is determined whether or not the sound information storage means is adapted to the content of the control of the game state based on the information for determination. It is. As described above, the determination as to whether or not the sound information storage means is adapted to the contents of the control of the game state is performed by an electrical determination process of making a determination based on the determination information transmitted from the game control means. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably determine whether the sound information storage means is adapted to the contents of the control of the game state.

According to the invention described in claim 6, according to claim 5,
In addition to the operation of the invention described in the above, the following operation is performed. When the determination means determines that the sound information storage means is not adapted to the contents of the control of the game state, the sound generation means notifies the user of the fact by sound. As described above, when it is determined that the sound information storage means is not adapted to the content of the control of the game state, the sound information storage means is notified using the sound generation means. It is possible to easily know that the content is not adapted. Further, since such notification is performed using existing sound generating means, it is not necessary to provide a special means for the notification.

According to the invention of claim 7, according to claim 5,
In addition to the operation of the invention described in the above, the following operation is performed. With the further function of the game control means, control for transmitting the determination information at the timing when the command information is not output is performed. By the further function of the determining means, the determination according to the reception of the determination information is performed at a timing when no sound is generated from the sound generating means. As described above, at the timing when the sound is not generated based on the command information from the game control means, it is determined whether or not the sound information storage means is adapted to the contents of the control of the game state. The determination can be performed by simple processing without affecting the control of sound generation by the control means in terms of processing load. Furthermore, since the determination timing is not fixed and the determination is performed an appropriate number of times, even if an erroneous determination is made at a certain timing, it is possible to perform an appropriate determination at another timing, which is possible. It is possible to make a determination as sure as possible.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other gaming machines such as coin gaming machines and slot machines. is there. That is, the present invention is applicable to all gaming machines that can generate a sound in accordance with a gaming state.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a game board of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention. The gaming area 3 is provided on the front of the gaming machine main body 102 of the pachinko gaming machine, and a front frame 103 that can be opened and closed is further provided.

A left speaker 60 and a right speaker 61 for generating a stereo sound effect are provided on the left and right of the front frame 103 above the game area 3. A game handle 106 for a player to operate the driving of a pachinko ball is provided at a lower front portion of the pachinko gaming machine. By operating the game handle 106 by a player,
Pachinko balls are fired one by one. The fired pachinko balls are guided into the game area 3 by a guide path formed between an outer rail and an inner rail described later with reference to FIG. The pachinko balls hit into the game area 3 are referred to as “hit balls” in the following description.

In the center of the game area 3, a variable display device 4 for variably displaying a plurality of types of images including identification information is provided. The variable display device 4 has a variable display unit 5 composed of a CRT in the case of the present embodiment. Below the variable display device 4, a variable winning ball device 11 is provided. At a position on the left side of the variable winning ball device 11, which is generally called a “sleeve portion”, a variable starting port device 16 made of a so-called electric tulip is provided. Further, in the game area 3, various lamps such as a game effect lamp 18a, a side lamp 18, a ball breaking lamp 44a and a prize ball lamp 44b, and various LEDs such as a decoration LED 18b are provided.

An upper plate 107 for storing the paid-out pachinko balls, and an upper plate 1
07, the lower plate 10 for storing the pachinko balls discharged by operating the upper plate ball release lever 105.
8 are provided. The pachinko balls stored in the lower plate 108 can be discharged by operating the lower plate ball removal lever 110. In the figure, reference numeral 104 denotes a key for preventing the front frame 103 from being opened and closed, and reference numeral 107 denotes an ashtray used by a player.

Referring to FIG. 2, the structure of the game board 1 will be described in more detail. On the front surface of the game board 1, two section rails 2 are planted in a circular shape. Section rail 2
It consists of an outer rail and an inner rail. A circular area surrounded by the section rails 2 is called a game area 3.

The variable display device 4 provided at the center of the game area 3 has the variable display section 5 composed of a CRT as described above. The variable display section 5 includes three variable display sections 5a, 5
b and 5c. Each variable display section 5a,
5b and 5c variably display a plurality of types of images including identification information. At the upper part of the variable display device 4, a winning opening 9 is provided. A normal winning opening 10 is provided at a position called “sleeve” at the lower right of the game area 3.

The variable winning ball device 11 will be described. The variable winning prize ball device 11 is provided with an opening / closing plate 14 that can be tilted in a predetermined range in the front-rear direction of the game area 3. Opening / closing plate 1
4 is driven by a solenoid 24 (shown by a broken line) provided on the back surface of the game board 1.

Normally, the variable winning ball device 11 normally closes the opening / closing plate 14 and is disadvantageous for a player who has difficulty hitting a ball (hereinafter, this state is referred to as a "second state"). ing. On the other hand, on the display unit 5 of the variable display device 4, based on the fact that a ball is hit in the starting port 19 of the variable starting port device 16 or the starting port 13 provided above the variable winning ball device 11, three The symbol is fluctuated. When the variable display is stopped, a “big hit” occurs when the combination of the three symbols becomes a predetermined specific combination. This state is called a specific game state. When a big hit occurs, the variable winning ball device 11 changes from the second state to an advantageous state for a player who easily hits the ball (hereinafter, this state is referred to as a “first state”).
Becomes When the above-mentioned big hit occurs, the variable prize ball device 11 opens the opening / closing plate 14 so that the hit ball can win the large prize hole of the variable prize ball device 11, which is advantageous to the first player. State.

The first state of the variable prize ball device 11 is such that a predetermined time, for example, 29.5 seconds, has elapsed after the opening and closing plate 14 has been opened, or that the variable prize ball device 11 has a large prize. The process ends when the earlier condition of whether a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls are won in the mouth is satisfied. That is, when the above condition is satisfied, the open / close plate 14 is in the closed state, and the variable winning ball device 11
Is in the second state.

A hit ball that has won a special winning opening is detected by a winning ball detector 23 provided on the back surface of the game board 1. On the other hand, a specific area commonly referred to as a “V pocket” is provided in a central portion inside the special winning opening. When the hit ball that has entered the special winning opening wins the specific area, the specific winning ball is detected by the specific ball detector 22 provided on the back surface of the gaming board 1. When a specific prize ball is detected, the continuous continuation control for driving and controlling the variable prize ball device 11 to the first state again is waited until the first state of the variable prize ball device 11 is completed. Done. By the repetition continuation control, the variable winning ball device 11 is continuously in the first state a predetermined number of times, for example, up to 16 times.

The number of hit balls that have won the variable winning ball device 11 is displayed by the number display 15.

Next, the above-mentioned start winning will be described.
The fact that a ball is hit in the starting opening 13 or 19 is particularly called "starting winning". A hit ball that has won the starting port 13 or 19 is detected by a starting ball detector 21 or 25 provided on the back surface of the game board 1, respectively. Triggered by the fact that a ball is hit in the starting opening 13 or 19, the display of the symbol is changed on the display unit 5 of the variable display device 4. When a specific symbol combination is displayed when the variable display is stopped, the variable winning ball device 11 enters the first state as described above. If a ball is hit in the starting port 13 or 19 while the variable prize ball device 11 is in the first state based on the result of the symbol variable display and the symbol variable display, the The starting prize is memorized. This is called start memory. The number of start memories is notified to the player by lighting of the start memory display 6. The upper limit of the start memory is set to a predetermined number, in this embodiment, four. If there is a start memory, the display change of the symbol by the display unit 5 is started again after the symbol change display on the display unit 5 is stopped or after the first state of the variable prize ball device 11 ends.

Next, the configuration of the variable starting port device 16 will be described in detail. The variable starting port device 16 has the starting port 19 as described above, and when the starting ball detector 25 detects a hit ball that has won the starting port 19, the variable display by the variable display device 4 is started. . This variable starting port device 16
It has a movable member 17 that can be opened and closed. When the movable member 17 is opened, a ball can be won in the starting port 19. Whether or not to open the movable member 17 is determined as follows. Passage 2 is located in the left area of the game area 3.
0 is provided. If the hit ball passes through the passage opening 20,
The hit ball is detected by the passing ball detector 27, and the variable display of the ordinary symbol variable display device 28 provided in the variable starting opening device 16 is started based on the detection output.

The ordinary symbol variable display device 28 includes a 7-segment display (7-segment LED), and the 7-segment display performs variable display of ordinary symbols such as numbers. When the display result of the variable symbol display device 28 at the time of variable stop becomes predetermined specific identification information (for example, “7”), the left and right movable members 17 of the variable starter device 16 are driven by the solenoid 26. Open it up,
This is an advantageous state for a player who can hit a ball at the starting port 19. If a ball hits in the starting port 19 of the variable starting port device 16, the hit ball is detected by the starting ball detector 25, and based on the detection output, the variable display of the variable display section 5 of the variable display device 4. Is started.

If the hit ball passes through the passage 20 again and is detected by the passing ball detector 27 while the variable design display device 28 is variably displaying, the passing ball is stored and the normal design variable After the variable display on the display device 28 is stopped, the variable display can be started again, and then the variable display on the ordinary symbol variable display device 28 is started again based on the storage of the passing balls. The passing balls can be stored up to a predetermined number, for example, up to "4", and the passing balls are usually displayed on the symbol start storage display 29.

Big winning opening, winning openings 10 and 12, starting opening 1
After the hit balls are won on 3, 19, and the winning balls are detected by the corresponding detectors, the winning balls are gathered,
The player is guided to the winning ball processing device 150 described later. The winning ball thus induced is detected by the winning ball detection switch 151, and a predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out according to the detection.

On the left and right of the lower position of the variable display device 4, members for guiding hit balls, which are named as warp entrances 7, are provided. The pachinko balls that entered the warp entrance 7
It is guided to the warp exit 8 provided above the starting port 13 and is discharged again into the game area 3 and falls. Therefore, the ball that has entered the warp entrance 7 is more likely to win the starting opening 13, and has the effect that the interest of the player is higher than in the case where the warp entrance 7 and the warp exit 8 are not provided.

A normal winning opening 12 is provided on the left and right sides of the variable winning ball device 11, and an out opening 30 for accommodating out balls is provided in the lower center of the game area 3.

While the game is being played, the left speaker 60
Stereo sounds based on various sounds including natural sounds are reproduced from the right speaker 61, and a predetermined sound effect is generated during variable display by the variable display device 4 or when a big hit occurs. In this case, the localization of the sound source can be moved relative to the player due to the characteristics of the stereo sound, and for example, an effect that the sound source orbits around the player can be generated. Therefore, there is an effect that the interest of the game is higher than in the case of the conventional monaural sound.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the main body 102 of the gaming machine. A ball tank 111 is arranged at the upper center of the back surface. Pachinko balls are supplied into the ball tank 111 from above with the pachinko gaming machine installed on the gaming machine installation island. The pachinko balls stored in the ball tank 111 are supplied to the prize ball unit 113 including the ball payout device 97. The prize ball hit into the prize area such as the prize port 10 and the variable prize ball device 11 or the variable prize ball device 11 as described above is processed by the prize ball processing device 150 and the prize ball is processed. A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out from the ball payout device 97 into the upper plate 107 per one.

On the lower side of the ball tank 111, a ball alignment rail 69 for arranging the prize balls stored in the ball tank 111 in a plurality of rows (two rows in the present embodiment).
Is provided. The ball alignment rail 69 is used for the ball tank 11
One ball is attached in an inclined manner from one end, which is the outlet of the ball, to the other end, and a partition wall is erected in the center of the inside. The partition wall ensures that the prize balls flowing out of the falling port of the ball tank 111 are aligned in two rows on the left and right as they go downstream. A curved gutter 74 is provided on the downstream side of the ball alignment rail 69 so as to change the direction of the prize ball guided by the ball alignment rail 69 toward the prize ball unit 113 described later. The balls aligned and guided by the ball alignment rail 69 are changed in flowing direction left and right by the curved gutter 74.

At a position below the curve gutter 74, a passage body 84 is provided.
And a ball payout device 97 is provided below the passage body 84. Explaining in more detail, the passage body 84 is
There are prize ball passages 86a and 86b for allowing two rows of prize balls whose flow direction has been changed left and right by the curve gutter 74 to flow downward. The prize ball passages 86a, 86
On the upstream side of b, ball cutout switches 87a and 87b are provided so as to face each other. This switch 87a, 8
7b detects the presence or absence of a prize ball in the prize ball passages 86a and 86b.
When a and 87b no longer detect the prize ball, the ball-out lamp 44a is turned on, the rotation of a payout motor 189 composed of a stepping motor of the ball payout device 97 described later is stopped, and the payout of the prize ball is deactivated. You.

The prize balls flowing down the prize ball passages 86a and 86b are supplied to a ball discharging device 97 on the downstream side. The ball payout device 97 is configured to be housed inside a rectangular parallelepiped case. The ball payout device 97 is of a type in which a screw (not shown) is rotated by a payout motor 189 (to be described later), which is a stepping motor, to pay out balls while counting them one by one. In the ball discharging path in the ball discharging device 97, ball discharging detectors 240a and 240b for detecting the balls discharged from the ball discharging device 97 are provided.

On the ball exit side of the ball payout device 97,
The prize balls paid out from the ball payout device 97 are transferred to the upper plate communication port 11.
A prize ball channel 201 for guiding toward 0a is provided. The upper plate communication port 110a guides a prize ball to the upper plate 107 provided on the front of the pachinko gaming machine.
Therefore, the prize ball paid out from the ball payout device 97 is
The prize ball 201 is guided to the upper plate 107 via the upper plate communication port 110a. A prize ball number switch 256 for detecting a prize ball paid out from the ball payout device 97 and guided in the prize ball flow channel 201 is provided in the prize ball flow channel 201.

The passage body 84 and the ball dispensing device 9 as described above.
7, ball cut switches 87a, 87b, prize ball channel 201
And the prize ball number switch 256
It is provided as a unit inside. Then, the prize ball unit 113 is attached to the back side of the pachinko gaming machine. In this way, the unit related to the payout of prize balls is unitized, so that the assembling work at the time of manufacturing the pachinko gaming machine, the maintenance work in the case of failure of the pachinko gaming machine, and the replacing work at the time of parts replacement are performed. It can be facilitated.

A communication passage (not shown) is connected to the side of the upper plate communication port 110a, and an excess ball passage (not shown) is connected to an end of the communication passage. Thus, when a large number of prize balls based on the prize are paid out and the upper plate 107 becomes full of prize balls, and finally reaches the upper plate communication port 110a and continues to pay out the prize balls, the prize balls pass through the communication passage. After that, it is guided to the surplus ball passage, and then discharged to the lower plate 108 via a connection gutter (not shown). When the prize balls continue to be paid out, the lower plate 108 is also full, but when the prize balls reach a full tank detection plate (not shown) provided on the side wall of the surplus ball passage, a full tank detection plate is provided. Is pressed by the prize ball and swings outward around the upper end spindle, whereby the lower plate full switch 114
Is turned on, the driving of the payout motor of the ball payout device 97 is stopped to inactivate the prize ball payout operation, and the driving of the hit ball firing device 140 is also stopped.

A CRT display 44 constituting the variable display section 5 of the variable display device 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is fixed to the center of the rear surface. On the lower surface of the CRT display 44,
A display control circuit board 125 on which an image display control circuit 112 including a display control microcomputer 200 for controlling image display by the CRT display 44 is provided. A game control board box 115 is provided at the lower center of the back of the gaming machine. Inside the game control board box 115, a game control circuit board 71 including a game control microcomputer 330 for controlling a game state is housed. Game control board box 11
5, a game control microcomputer 330
A model name sticker 66 on which a model name of a pachinko gaming machine to which the control content of the game control executed by the game machine is applied is described so as to be visible.

The game control contents of the pachinko gaming machine are as follows:
Generally, it differs depending on the type of pachinko gaming machine.
The game control circuit board 71 is generally manufactured for each type of pachinko game machine. Therefore, if the model of the pachinko game machine is different, the type of the game control circuit board 71 is different, and the game control content executed by the game control microcomputer 330 is different. For this reason, the above-described model name label 66 indicates the type of the game control content by indicating the model of the pachinko gaming machine.

The game control circuit board 71 and the display control circuit board 125 are connected by a cable via a connector 118. A ball payout control circuit board 117 is provided at the lower left of the game control board box 115. On the ball payout control circuit board 117, a payout control circuit including a ball payout control microcomputer 500 for controlling the prize ball unit 113 and the firing motor 189 is mounted.

In this case, the game control board box 115
Are provided so that a part thereof covers a part of the ball payout control circuit board 117. The ball payout control microcomputer 500 of the ball payout control circuit board 117 receives the prize ball number signal output from the game control microcomputer 330 of the game control circuit board 71 in response to the winning of the ball, and the ball payout device. A driving start signal is output to the payout motor 189 of the 97 and the signals from the ball payout detectors 240a and 240b provided in the ball payout device 97 are counted, and the counted value becomes a predetermined payout prize ball number. Then, a drive stop signal is given to the payout motor 189 to stop the prize ball payout operation. Here, the prize ball number signal is a signal for requesting the payout of prize balls and specifying the number of prize balls to be paid out,
It consists of 4-bit signals of 0, 1, 2, and 3.
The bit information indicates the number of prize balls.

Further, the ball breaking switches 87a, 87b
When the prize ball impossible signal is input from the game control microcomputer 330 by the lower plate full switch 114 or the lower plate full switch 114, a stop signal is output to the payout motor 189 when the payout operation for the winning is completed, and a firing control circuit to be described later. A signal for stopping the firing motor 140a is output to the substrate 140b. As a result, the payout of the prize ball is stopped, and the firing of the hit ball is stopped. A terminal board box 780 is provided at an upper corner portion of the pachinko gaming machine. An information terminal plate 781 is provided in the terminal board box 780. The information terminal plate 781 has a power connector 62 for connecting to an external power source and a power switch 610.
Is provided. Further, the information terminal plate 781 stores various information such as prize ball information (information indicating the number of prize balls to be paid out) and ball out information (information indicating the lack of balls in the ball tank 111) to the outside (such as a hall management computer). An information terminal 782 including an output terminal for outputting to an external device and an input terminal for receiving a hit control signal for stopping hitting from an external device (such as a hall management computer) is also provided. Also, C
On the left side of the RT display 44, an information terminal plate 65 connected to the game control circuit board 71 by a cable is provided. From the information terminal board 65, jackpot information (information indicating that a jackpot has occurred), symbol determination frequency information (information indicating the number of times the symbol has been determined by variable display), and probability variation information (in a probability variation state). Various information, such as information indicating that the hall is present, is output to the outside (hall management computer).

Reference numeral 140 denotes a hitting ball firing device, which uses a rotating force of a firing motor 140a included in the hitting ball firing device 140 to fire hit balls one by one into a game area.
The hit ball launching device 140 includes a launch control circuit board 1 on which a launch control circuit for controlling the launch motor 140a is formed.
40b is provided. A winning ball processing device 150 is provided below the upper plate communication port 110a, and one winning ball is processed as described above. Specifically, the winning ball processing device 150 is sent all the winning balls that have won each winning area. In the winning ball processing device 150,
The winning ball is temporarily stopped. Then, when a prize ball is detected by the prize ball detection switch 151 in a state where the prize ball is once stopped, one prize ball is processed each time a predetermined prize ball is paid out.

Further below the winning ball processing device 150 is a box-shaped housing in which a sound control circuit board 90 in which a circuit for performing a control for generating a sound such as a sound effect according to a game state is accommodated. A sound control circuit board box 120 is provided. On the sound control circuit board 90, various circuits such as a sound control microcomputer 91, a sound ROM 93, and a volume changeover switch 95 are mounted. here,
The sound control microcomputer 91 is for executing a program for performing control for generating sounds such as sound effects according to a game state. ROM 93 for audio
Is composed of a flash memory in which stored data is rewritable, and information of various sounds generated by the control of the sound control microcomputer 91 (hereinafter referred to as voice control data) and a pachinko machine to which the voice control data is applied. Various types of information including collation information indicating a model code for specifying the model of the gaming machine are stored. The volume changeover switch 95 is a switch operated by a staff member when switching the volume of the sound generated under the control of the sound control microcomputer 91.

The sound control circuit board 90 is connected to the game control circuit board 71 via a cable. The power supply power of the sound control circuit board 90 is supplied from the game control circuit board 71. Further, the sound control circuit board 90 is connected to the speaker wiring 9.
9 are connected to a left speaker 60 and a right speaker 61. The sound control circuit board box 120 is made of metal and houses the sound control circuit board 90. The sound control circuit board box 120 is configured to be screwed to a pachinko gaming machine by a plurality of screws 100. For this reason, the sound control circuit board box 120 can be easily attached to and detached from the pachinko gaming machine by attaching and detaching the screw 100.

At a predetermined position on the sound control circuit board 90, a model name label indicating the model name of the pachinko game machine to which the sound information stored in the sound ROM 93 provided on the sound control circuit board 90 is applied. 96 is attached so as to be visible. The model name sticker 96 describes the same information as the model name sticker 66 described above, and is stored in the audio ROM.
The content of the description differs depending on the type of 93.

The sound control circuit board box 120 is provided with a window 121 as an opening.
, A transparent plate 122 is attached. This window 121
The transparent plate 122 is attached to the sound control circuit board 90 accommodated in the sound control circuit board box 120 by attaching the model name sticker 96 from outside the sound control circuit board box 120.
It is formed at a position that can be seen through. Therefore,
The attendant visually recognizes the model name sticker 96 inside through the window 121, and thereby the model name of the pachinko gaming machine to which the sound control data stored in the sound ROM 93 provided on the sound control circuit board 90 is applied. Can be confirmed.

As described above, the game control board box 1
In FIG. 15, the model name sticker 66 is attached in a visible manner, and in the sound control circuit board box 120, the sound control circuit board 9 is visible in the window 121.
Since the model name sticker 96 is affixed to 0, the attendant compares the model name sticker 66 and the model name sticker 96 to determine whether or not both model names match. It can be easily confirmed whether or not the game is suitable for the game control content of the microcomputer 330 for use.

Next, the configuration of the sound control circuit board box 120 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the sound control circuit board box 120.

Referring to FIG. 4, sound control circuit board box 120 is provided for mounting sound control circuit board box 120 to a pachinko game machine and for mounting sound control circuit board box 90 within sound control circuit board box 120. And a metal cover body 124 mounted on the mounting board 123 and used to cover the sound control circuit board 90.

In the mounting board 123, the sound control circuit board box 12
A board box fixing portion 123c having a screw hole 100a formed therein for inserting a screw 100 for fixing 0 to a pachinko gaming machine is provided. Further, in the mounting board 123, a side wall having a predetermined height is formed at an edge portion, and first supporting portions 123a, 123a,... For supporting the lower surface of the sound control circuit board 90 at a plurality of positions on the side wall. , And second support portions 123b, 123b. Screw holes 101a into which screws 101 for fixing the sound control circuit board 90 on the mounting board 123 are inserted are formed in each of the second support portions 123b. Further, screw holes 109 a through which screws 109 for fixing the cover body 124 are inserted are formed at a plurality of locations on the side wall of the mounting board 123.

On the sound control circuit board 90, a microcomputer 91 for sound control, a sound synthesis IC 92, a RO for sound
Electronic components such as an M93, a rewriting terminal portion 94, and a volume switch 95 are mounted by soldering. A sound ROM on the sound control circuit board 90
A model name sticker 96 is attached near 93. Of these, the volume changeover switch 95 is attached to one end of the sound control circuit board 90 in the longitudinal direction, and the rewriting terminal 94 is attached to the edge of the sound control circuit board 90 at the center in the longitudinal direction. I have. The rewriting terminal portion 94 is provided such that a part thereof protrudes outward from an edge of the sound control circuit board 90. A protruding portion of the rewriting terminal portion 94 is set in a socket portion of a ROM rewriting device described later. In the sound control circuit board 90, screw holes 90a, 90a through which the screws 101 are inserted are formed in the above-described portion located on the second support portion 123b.

The positions of the screw holes 90a, 90a and the screw holes 10
Sound control circuit board 9 so that the positions of 1a and 101a match.
0 to the first support portion 123a and the second support portion 123b.
The sound control circuit board 90 is mounted on the mounting board 123 by being mounted thereon and fixed by the screws 101.

The cover body 124 includes a microcomputer 91 for sound control, a voice synthesis IC 92, a ROM 93 for voice,
It is configured to cover the rewriting terminal portion 94 and the volume switch 95. In the cover body 124, a window portion 121 is formed so that at least the sound control microcomputer 91, the voice synthesis IC 92, and the voice ROM 93 can be visually recognized from the outside. In the window 121, a transparent plate 122 made of transparent synthetic resin is attached. In this way, the main components such as the sound control microcomputer 91 can be visually recognized, and even if the device has been tampered with, the evidence can be easily confirmed. A screw hole 120 into which the above-mentioned screw 109 is inserted is provided on a side surface of the cover body 124.
a is formed at a plurality of locations. Also, the cover body 124
An opening 120 for projecting a lever of the volume changeover switch 95 is provided at a position on the volume changeover switch 95 in FIG.
b is formed. Here, the volume switch 95
Is composed of a slide switch, and the left speaker 60 and the right speaker 6
It is possible to switch the volume of the sound generated from No. 1.

The cover 124 is attached to the mounting board 123 so that the position of the screw hole 109a and the position of the screw hole 120a match.
By putting it on the top and fixing it with screws 109,
The cover body 124 and the mounting board 123 are mounted. When the cover body 124 and the mounting board 123 are mounted in the manner described above, the main part of the sound control circuit board 90 is covered and protected by the sound control circuit board box 120.

The screw 100 passing through the screw hole 100a
The sound control circuit board box 120 accommodating the sound control circuit board 90 is attached to the back side of the pachinko game machine.

When the sound control circuit board 90 is removed from the pachinko game machine for maintenance of the sound control circuit board 90, rewriting of information stored in the audio ROM 93, or replacement of the sound control circuit board 90, etc. Is
After removing the connector such as the speaker wiring 99 and the screw 100, the sound control circuit board 90 is moved to the sound control circuit board box 12
Removed every zero. Here, the rewriting of the information stored in the voice ROM 93 corresponds to the exchange when the model of the pachinko gaming machine for exchanging the gaming board 1 and the game control circuit board 71 of the pachinko gaming machine with another is exchanged. This is performed when the sound used for sound control is changed.

When the sound control circuit board 90 is removed, the sound control circuit board 90 is removed together with the sound control circuit board box 120. Therefore, the sound control circuit board 90 is protected by the sound control circuit board box 120. The sound control circuit board 90 can be prevented from being damaged as much as possible during the work of removing the board 90.

When rewriting the information stored in the sound ROM 93 of the sound control circuit board 90, the sound control circuit board 90 is taken out of the removed sound control circuit board box 120, and the sound control circuit board 90 is replaced with a ROM rewriter ( It is possible to rewrite the stored information by setting it in a ROM rewriter 493) described later. Specifically, in the ROM rewriting device, a socket portion into which the rewriting terminal portion 94 of the sound control circuit board 90 can be inserted is provided. The rewriting terminal portion 94 of the sound control circuit board 90 is inserted into the socket portion of the ROM rewriter and set.
The stored information of 93 is rewritten. Like that, for voice R
When the storage information of the OM 93 has been rewritten, it is necessary to replace the model name sticker 96 with a model name sticker indicating the model of the pachinko gaming machine to which the new storage information corresponds.

As described above, the sound control circuit board 90 is provided separately from the game control circuit board 71,
Since the information stored in the voice ROM 93 can be rewritten, even if the game control content is changed, the sound control circuit board 90 can be reused in accordance with the new game control content without being discarded. Thus, the sound control circuit board 90 can be easily recycled, and resources can be saved.

Further, the sound control circuit board 90 is housed in the sound control circuit board box 120, and the sound control circuit board box 120 can be easily attached to and detached from the pachinko game machine with the sound control circuit board 90 housed. Therefore, when the sound control circuit board 90 is transported to a ROM rewriter or a game machine maker for rewriting the information stored in the sound ROM 93, the sound control circuit board 90 and the sound ROM 93 are transferred by the sound control circuit board box 120. And other electronic components can be protected. This can prevent electronic components such as the sound control circuit board 90 and the sound ROM 93 from being damaged when the sound control circuit board 90 for rewriting information stored in the sound ROM 93 is transported.

The sound control circuit board 90 is stored in the sound control circuit board box 120 and the sound ROM 93 is stored.
May be rewritten. That is, after the rewriting terminal portion 94 is projected outside the sound control circuit board box 120 and the sound control circuit board box 120 is removed from the back surface of the pachinko game machine, the sound control circuit board 9 is removed.
0 is stored in the sound control circuit board box 120 and the rewriting terminal 94 of the sound control circuit board 90 is
The information may be rewritten in the audio ROM 93 by inserting it into the socket portion of the M rewriter and using the ROM rewriter. In this case, the model name sticker 96 is attached to the outside of the sound control circuit board box 120, and the model name sticker 96 corresponds to the rewritten storage information in response to rewriting of the storage information in the audio ROM 93. Stick it to something.

As described above, the sound control circuit board 90 is accommodated in the sound control circuit
If the configuration of rewriting the storage information of M93 is adopted, it is not necessary to remove the sound control circuit board 90 from the sound control circuit board box 120, so that the game board of the pachinko machine and the game control circuit board 71 are separated. Rewriting of the information stored in the voice ROM 93 can be performed very easily when the model of the pachinko gaming machine to be replaced is changed. Further, with the sound control circuit board 90 accommodated in the sound control circuit board box 120, the sound ROM 9
3 can be rewritten, so the RO for audio
The sound control circuit board box 120 can prevent the sound control circuit board 90 such as an electronic circuit from being damaged when the sound control circuit board 90 is carried when the information stored in the M93 is rewritten.

In this embodiment, the sound control circuit board 90 is simply housed in the sound control circuit board box 120. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
A structure may be adopted in which the entirety of the sound control circuit board box 120 is housed in the sound control circuit board box 120 and the sound control circuit board box 120 is sealed with a sealing seal or the like. In this way, even if the sound control circuit board 90 is illegally modified to perform the illegal control operation of the game control microcomputer, it is checked whether or not the seal has been broken. This makes it possible to easily detect such misconduct.

In the case of this embodiment, the audio R
Although the example in which the OM 93 is fixed to the sound control circuit board 90 by soldering has been described, the present invention is not limited to this.
As shown in a fourth embodiment described later, a socket type may be configured to be easily detachable from the sound control circuit board 90.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the volume switch 95 is a slide type. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the volume switch 95 is a rotary knob (trimmer) switch. Is also good.

Next, the overall configuration of the control system of this pachinko gaming machine will be schematically described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a control system of the pachinko gaming machine.

Referring to FIG. 5, the game control microcomputer 330 provided on the game control circuit board 71 includes:
Various detection signals are received from various switches such as the starting ball detector 25. In response to the detection of the start winning ball by the starting ball detector 25, the game control circuit board 71 switches the display control circuit board 1 under the control of the game control microcomputer 330.
Display control microcomputer 20 provided at 25
0 is provided with display control command data that is display control command information. The display control command data is data for instructing display control of each of the variable display device 4 and the normal symbol variable display device 28. In this case, the game control circuit board 71 and the display control circuit board 125
Is communicated from the game control circuit board 71 to the display control circuit board 125 by one-way communication. Upon receiving the display control command data, the display control microcomputer 200 changes the variable display on the CRT display 44 of the variable display device 4 and the 7-segment display of the normal symbol variable display device 28 according to the content of the display control command data. Perform control.

The game control microcomputer 3
When the game control is performed by the game control circuit board 30, the sound control circuit board 90 is controlled by the game control microcomputer 330 to generate a sound such as a sound effect according to the game control state. Is provided with sound control command data, which is sound control command information. Details of the sound control command data will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, under the control of the game control microcomputer 330, the sound control microcomputer 91 provided on the sound control circuit board 90 from the game control circuit board 71 determines whether or not the audio ROM 93 is suitable for the game control. ROM collation data is given to the sound control microcomputer 91 at predetermined timing as information for making the determination. Here, the ROM collation data is model code data capable of specifying the model of the pachinko gaming machine to which the content of the game control executed by the game control microcomputer 330 is applied. For the output process of ROM collation data,
This will be described later with reference to FIG.

Information communication between the game control circuit board 71 and the sound control circuit board 90 in such a case is performed by one-way communication from the game control circuit board 71 to the sound control circuit board 90. When receiving the sound control command data, the sound control microcomputer 91 outputs sounds according to the contents of the sound control command data to the speakers 60 and 61.
Is performed. When the ROM control data is received, the microcomputer 91 for sound control
Based on the OM collation data, a process (ROM collation process) of determining whether or not the voice ROM 93 is suitable for game control is performed.

The sound control microcomputer 91 provided on the sound control circuit board 90 includes a ROM in which a sound control program and data are stored, a CPU for executing the sound control program, and a sound control program. And a RAM used as a work area at the time of execution, and controls to generate various sounds such as sound effects from the left speaker 60 and the right speaker 61 according to a sound control command signal given from the game control microcomputer 330.

Specifically, when performing control for generating a sound, the sound control microcomputer 91 gives a command for generating a sound corresponding to the sound indicated by the sound control command data to the voice synthesis IC 92. In response to the command, the speech synthesis IC 92 reads the speech control data instructed by the command from the speech ROM 93, and
Voice is synthesized according to the CM method, and the voice is generated from the left speaker 60 and the right speaker 61.

When receiving the ROM collation data output from the game control circuit board 71 under the control of the game control microcomputer 330, the sound control microcomputer 91 reads out predetermined collation information from the audio ROM 93, The collation information is compared with the ROM collation data, and it is determined whether or not the voice control data stored in the voice ROM 93 corresponds to the game control content of the game control microcomputer 330. .

Further, when connected to the above-described ROM rewrite device, the rewrite terminal portion 94 gives the voice control data sent from the ROM rewrite device to the voice ROM 93. Thus, the voice control data stored in the voice ROM 93 is rewritten. The volume changeover switch 95 supplies a switch operation signal to the sound control microcomputer 91. Thereby, the volume of the sound generated from the left speaker 60 and the right speaker 61 is switched.

When a prize ball is detected by the prize ball detection switch 151, the game control microcomputer 330
, The prize ball number signal, which is prize ball payout command information, is given from the game control circuit board 71 to the ball payout control microcomputer 500 provided on the ball payout control circuit board 117. When the ball payout control microcomputer 500 receives the prize ball number signal, it outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 189 of the ball payout device 97 and performs control to pay out the number of prize balls instructed by the prize ball number signal. . Further, when there is a prize ball impossible signal from the game control microcomputer 330 by the ball out switch 87a, 87b or the lower plate full switch 114, a stop signal is outputted to the payout motor 189 when the payout operation for winning is completed. And the launch control circuit board 140b
To output a signal for stopping the firing motor 140a.

Various information such as jackpot information, symbol determination frequency information, and probability variation information are given to the information terminal board 65 from the game control microcomputer 330.
The award ball information is given from the ball payout control microcomputer 500 to the information terminal plate 781. Information terminal board 78
From 1 to the ball payout control microcomputer 500,
A stop control signal is provided.

A drive signal is supplied from the game control microcomputer 330 to various lamps such as the game effect lamp 18a and various LEDs such as the number display 15, and the various lamps and various LEDs are driven according to the drive signals. .

Since the gaming control microcomputer 330 receives the detection signal of the prize ball number switch 256 from the prize ball information described above, the number of prize balls to be paid out can be grasped.
The information may be provided from the game control microcomputer 330 to the information terminal board 781. Further, in the case of a so-called CR machine provided with a card unit capable of lending a ball using the storage information (card balance) of the gaming card in a pachinko gaming machine, the ball payout control microcomputer 500 is provided with a ball. Since the lending control is also performed, ball lending information (information indicating the lending number of balls) may be given to the information terminal plate 781 from the ball payout control microcomputer 500. In the case of the CR machine, a card unit, a ball lending switch (a switch operated when receiving a ball lending), a balance display (displaying a card balance), and the like are provided in the ball payout control microcomputer 500. Equipment related to ball lending is connected.

Next, a control circuit provided in the pachinko gaming machine will be described. FIGS. 6 and 7 are block diagrams showing a control circuit used for game control of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIGS.

The control circuit includes a basic circuit 33, an information output circuit 270, an initial reset circuit 280, a periodic reset circuit 290, an address decode circuit 30, and an LED circuit 3.
1. Solenoid circuit 32, lamp circuit 34, input circuit 3
5, a prize ball number signal output circuit 38, a CRT circuit 860, a lamp circuit 40, and a power supply circuit 44. These circuits are provided on the game control circuit board 71.

[0098] Inside the basic circuit 33, a ROM 330a storing a control program and the like, a CPU 330b for performing game control in accordance with the control program,
RAM 33 functioning as a work memory of the CPU
0c, a game control microcomputer 330 including an I / O port (not shown) and the like are provided.

The address decode circuit 30 is composed of the basic circuit 3
Decoding the address signal sent from 3
And the game control microcomputer 3 of the basic circuit 33.
The ROM 330a, the RAM 330c, and the I /
This is a circuit that outputs a signal for selecting one of the O port and the like. The initial reset circuit 280 is a circuit for resetting the basic circuit 33 when power is turned on.
In response to the initial reset pulse sent from the initial reset circuit 280, the game control microcomputer 330 of the basic circuit 33 initializes the RAM 330c and the I / O port.

The periodic reset circuit 290 includes the basic circuit 33
Is a circuit for supplying a clock pulse for periodic reset to the game control microcomputer 330 of FIG. CPU 330b of microcomputer 330 for game control
Performs a reset process for repeatedly executing a predetermined control program from the beginning in response to a reset pulse periodically sent from the periodic reset circuit 290. The reset pulse sent from the periodic reset circuit 290 is sent, for example, every 0.002 seconds.

If a hit ball wins the starting opening 13 or the starting opening 19 and is detected by the starting ball detector 21 or 25,
The detection signal is input to the game control microcomputer 330 of the basic circuit 33 via the input circuit 35. If the hit ball wins the winning opening 10 or the winning opening 12 which is a normal winning opening and is detected by the winning ball detector 12, a detection signal of the detection signal is input via the input circuit 35 to the microcomputer for controlling the game of the basic circuit 33. 330. If the hit ball wins the big winning opening and is detected by the winning ball detector 23, the detection signal is sent to the basic circuit 33 via the input circuit 35.
Is input to the microcomputer 330 for game control. If a hit ball wins in the specific winning area (V pocket) and is detected by the specific ball detector 22, the detection signal is input to the game control microcomputer 330 of the basic circuit 33 via the input circuit 35. If the hit ball passes through the passage opening 20 and is detected by the passing ball detector 27, the detection signal is input to the game control microcomputer 330 of the basic circuit 33 via the input circuit 35.

Although not shown, in addition to these, the award ball number switch 256, the out-of-ball switches 87a and 87b,
The detection output of the detector such as the lower plate full switch 114 is also input to the game control microcomputer 330 of the basic circuit 33 via the input circuit 35.

When a hit ball wins in the big winning opening of the variable winning ball device 11, for example, 15 prize balls are paid out for each winning ball. In the case where a prize hole other than the above is won, for example, five prize balls are paid out per one prize ball. In such a prize ball payout control, a prize ball number signal is transmitted from the game control microcomputer 330 to the ball payout control microcomputer 500 via the prize ball number signal output circuit 38, and based on the prize ball number signal. And the ball payout control microcomputer 500
Is controlled by driving the payout motor 189 to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the winning ball number signal.

As described above, in this pachinko gaming machine, a prize area is classified into a plurality of types so that the number of prize balls to be paid out according to a prize is different. When the hit ball is won, the microcomputer 330 for game control controls the starting ball detectors 21 and 25, the winning ball detector 12, and the winning ball detector 2.
3. Based on the detection signal of the specific ball detector 22, it is determined which prize area has been won, and based on the determination, the number of prize balls to be paid out according to the winning ball is determined.

Further, the game control microcomputer 3
30 is a prize ball number signal output circuit 3 in addition to the prize ball number signal.
Then, a prize ball impossible signal is transmitted to the ball payout control microcomputer 500 via the control unit 8. Here, the prize ball impossibility signal is a signal for forcibly disabling a prize ball, and when the prize ball is cut off by the cutout switches 87a and 87b, a lower plate full switch is set. This is output when an abnormal state in which prize balls should not be paid out occurs, for example, when the full state of the lower plate is detected by 114. The microcomputer 50 for controlling the payout of the ball by using the prize ball impossible signal
When 0 is received, the payout operation of the prize ball by the payout motor 189 is prohibited by the ball payout control microcomputer 500.

The game control microcomputer 330 of the basic circuit 33 is connected to the number display 1 via the LED circuit 31.
5, start memory display 6, normal symbol start memory display 29,
Other LEDs 5 such as decorative LED 18b and sleeve LED
0 is respectively displayed. The game control microcomputer 330 of the basic circuit 33 controls the excitation of the solenoids 24 and 26 via the solenoid circuit 32.

The game control microcomputer 330 of the basic circuit 33 provides the above-mentioned jackpot information, the number of symbols determined and the probability variation information to the information terminal board 65 via the information output circuit 270.

The game control microcomputer 330 of the basic circuit 33 supplies the sound control circuit board 90 with sound control command data and ROM collation data. This allows
Sound control such as generation of sound effects is performed. The game control microcomputer 330 of the basic circuit 33 outputs a display control command signal to the CRT circuit 860. The CRT circuit 860 receives the command signal, and
The display control command data is transmitted to 25. Thereby, the variable display control of the variable display device 4 and the variable display control of the ordinary symbol variable display device 28 are respectively executed.

The game control microcomputer 330 of the basic circuit 33 sends the ball-out lamp 44a, the prize ball lamp 44b, and the game effect lamp 1 through the lamp circuit 34.
A drive signal is given to 8a, and those lamps are turned on or blinked. Here, the prize ball lamp 44b is turned on when a prize ball is paid out.

The game control microcomputer 330 of the basic circuit 33 supplies drive signals to various lamps such as the side lamps 18 via the lamp circuit 40, and causes these lamps to light up or blink.

The power supply circuit 44 is connected to an AC power supply of 24 V AC, and has +30 V, +21 V, +12 V, +5 V, G
This is a circuit for supplying a plurality of types of DC voltages such as ND to each circuit. The DC voltage of +30 V and GND generated from the power supply circuit 44 is output to a CRT unit (not shown).

FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram of the speech synthesis IC 92 and its peripheral circuits. Referring to FIG. 8, voice synthesis IC 92 includes a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 76.
, A memory interface 75, a microcomputer interface 85, a reset circuit 86, and a clock oscillator 87.
, ADPCM decoder 77 and electronic volume 81
a, 81b and 81c, a pan pod circuit 82, mixing circuits 83a and 83b, and digital / analog converters (D / A) 84a and 84b. D
The outputs of / A 84a and 84b are connected to a left channel amplifier 58 and a right channel amplifier 59 via low pass filters 93a and 93b, respectively.

The ADPCM decoder 77 is a channel 0 (CH0) ADPCM decoder 78 for synthesizing an audio signal for the left channel from the audio control data supplied from the memory interface 75 in accordance with the ADPCM method, and an ADPCM decoder 78 for the right channel. ADPCM decoder 79 for synthesizing audio for channel 1 (CH1) and ADP for synthesizing audio for channel 2 (CH2)
And a CM decoder 80.

The reset circuit 86 resets the voice synthesis IC 92 in response to a reset signal from the microcomputer 91 for sound control. The clock oscillator 87 oscillates a clock signal used in the voice synthesis IC 92 and the sound control microcomputer 91.

The microcomputer interface 85 is for receiving a command for voice control from the microcomputer 91 for sound control and giving the command to the DSP 76. When the sound control microcomputer 91 performs special sound control, the microcomputer interface 85 receives control data for the special sound control and outputs the data to the DSP 76.
Give to.

The DSP 76 has a microcomputer interface 8
The address of data to be read from the audio ROM 93 is stored in the memory interface 75 in response to a command given from the sound control microcomputer 91 via the memory interface 75.
To read out data for voice synthesis from the voice ROM 93. The DSP 76 further controls the electronic volumes 81a, 81b and 81c and the pan pod circuit 8 according to a command given from the sound control microcomputer 91.
2 to adjust the volume of the synthesized voice of each channel. By properly controlling these electronic volume and pan pod circuits as described below, the sound source circulates around the player using stereo sound,
Voice control can be performed on the player such that the sound source moves forward, backward, left, and right.

The memory interface 75 includes a DSP 76
ADPCM data is read from audio ROM 93 in accordance with a control signal and an address given from
The data is supplied to the decoders 78, 79 and 80 of the M decoder 77, and data necessary for reproduction control such as reproduction control data is read and supplied to the DSP 76.

ADPCM decoders 78, 79 and 80
Performs ADPCM decoding on the data of channel 0, channel 1 and channel 2, respectively, generates a 16-bit digital audio signal, and provides it to electronic volumes 81a, 81b and 81c, respectively.

Electronic volumes 81a, 81b and 81
c respectively adjusts the volume of the given digital audio data based on the control performed by the DSP 76 in accordance with the reproduction control data. Normally ROM 93 for audio
Stores audio data at the maximum volume, the electronic volumes 81a, 81b and 81c attenuate the audio data by a predetermined amount. Since the target data is actually digital, this control is performed by multiplying the coefficient by 1 or less.

The pan pod circuit 82 distributes the audio data of channel 2 to the right channel and the left channel by a predetermined amount according to the control of the DSP 76. By adjusting the sound data of channel 2 to be distributed to both channels by the pan pod circuit 82, reproduction of stereo sound that moves the localization of the sound source or circulates around the player, that is, the sound source fixed position of the reproduced sound (Panning) can be performed.

The mixing circuit 83a mixes (actually adds) the sound for the left channel of channel 2 provided from the pan pod circuit 82 to the audio signal of channel 0 provided from the electronic volume 81a, and performs D / A 84a Give to. The mixing circuit 83b adds the right channel audio data of the channel 2 supplied from the pan pod circuit 82 to the right channel audio data supplied from the electronic volume 81b, and adds a D / A signal.
84b.

The D / As 84a and 84b convert the digital 16-bit audio data supplied from the mixing circuits 83a and 83b into analog signals and supply the analog signals to the low-pass filters 93a and 93b. The low-pass filters 93a and 93b pass only the low-frequency component of the given audio signal, apply it to the left channel amplifier 58 and the right channel amplifier 59, amplify the signal, and generate the stereo sound by the speakers 60 and 61 described above.

By using a speech synthesis IC as shown in FIG. 8, an AD obtained by recording various sounds including natural sounds stored in the speech ROM 93 is obtained.
PCM data can be decoded and then synthesized as stereo sound. Further, by making the component of channel 2 monaural and distributing it to the left and right channels by the pan pod circuit 82, the sound source localization can be moved as described above. The audio ROM 93 has A
Not only DPCM audio data but also data for reproduction control is included. By controlling the reproduction of the ADPCM data in accordance with the reproduction control data by the function of the DSP 76, various sound effects can be generated. In this case, sound reproduction can be performed only by giving a command indicating the start of reproduction together with information indicating which sound should be reproduced from the sound control microcomputer 91 to the voice synthesis IC 92. The load of voice control by the computer 91 becomes very small.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a case where data stored in the audio ROM 93 composed of a flash memory is rewritten using the ROM rewriter 493. RO for audio
When rewriting the storage data of M93, as described above, the rewriting terminal portion 94 of the sound control circuit board 90 is inserted into the rewriting terminal portion which is a socket portion of the ROM rewriter 493,
The rewriting operation of the ROM rewriting machine 493 is executed.

As shown, the microcomputer 91 for sound control and the ROM 93 for sound are connected by an address bus, a control signal bus and a data bus. In this state, the audio ROM 93 is provided with an address bus connection pin 411a, a control signal bus connection pin 411b, and a data bus connection pin 411c for connection to the ROM rewriter 493 in an empty state.

The ROM rewriter 493 includes a CPU 494,
A ROM 495 for storing a data rewriting program and data for rewriting and a RAM 496 are provided.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the audio ROM 93 constituted by a flash memory. The voice ROM 93 is provided with a memory array 401. The memory array 401 has, for example, 25
It is a memory array of 6 rows × 128 columns. That is, transistors for data storage are arranged in 256 rows × 128 columns, and the transistors are specified by 256 word lines and 128 bit lines. Address bus connection pins 411a of A ₅ to A ₁₂ X address buffer / latch circuit address signal input 499 from is inputted to the X decoder 403, a word line is selected in the memory array 401 corresponding to the input address signal Is done. On the other hand, the address bus connection pin 411
Address signals are input to the Y address buffer / latch circuit 408 from A _{0 to} A _{4 of a} , and the input address signals are input to the Y decoder 406. Then, the column gate 404 selects a bit line of the memory array 401 according to the input address data. Then, a signal indicating the storage state (0 or 1) of the transistor located at the intersection of the selected word line and bit line is applied to the column gate 40.
4, the sound control microcomputer 91 or the voice synthesis IC 9 via the writing circuit 407 and the I / O buffer 409
2 is read. The voltage supplied to the audio ROM 93 is equal to or higher than the voltage supplied to the other control circuits such as the sound control microcomputer 91 and the audio synthesis IC 92. For example, the voltage supplied to the audio ROM 93 is 5
The voltage is about V to 12 V, and the voltage supplied to other circuit parts is 3 V to 5 V. Next, the ROM rewriting machine 493
When the data is rewritten by the ROM rewriting machine 493
Via the control signal bus connection pin 411b to / WE,
The control signals of / OE and / CE are input to the high voltage / write timing generation circuit 498 (note that / WE indicates a signal with-added to WE in the drawing). When a storage data erase / write control signal is input via control data bus connection pin 411b, high voltage / write timing generation circuit 498 operates to operate a high voltage / write for data erase / write. The timing signal is output to the word line high voltage driver 400 and the column gate 404. And ROM
When an address signal is input from the rewriter 493 to the address bus connection pin 411a, a word line in the memory array 401 is specified first according to the address signal. Then, a high voltage is applied to the specified word line to set all the storage states of the transistors on the word line to "1" and erase the stored data.

Next, an address signal is input from the ROM rewriter 493 to the address bus connection pin 411a, and the transistor of the memory array 401 is specified according to the input address signal. Rewriting data for further rewriting from the ROM rewriting machine 493 is supplied to the data bus connection pin 4.
11 c, the input rewrite data is input to the write circuit 407, and only the bit line of the transistor to be set to the “0” storage state is specified via the column gate 404 according to the rewrite data. . Then, a high voltage is applied to the transistor specified by the input address and the column gate 404, the storage state is rewritten to “0”, and the rewrite data is stored in the memory array 401.

As described above, the audio ROM 93, which is a flash memory, can rewrite stored data in units of the minimum word line. On the other hand, if no address signal is input from ROM rewriter 493 or if there is no address bus connection pin connectable to ROM rewriter 493, the address to be rewritten is not specified. In that case, the audio ROM 93 once erases the storage states of all addresses in the memory array 401, and then writes new data for all addresses.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the data rewriting operation of the ROM rewriter 493. Step S
According to 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as S), an operation of erasing data stored in the memory array 401 in, for example, a sector unit (block unit) is performed. Next, the process proceeds to S2, where it is determined whether or not the data is actually erased.
Then, it is determined whether or not the maximum allowable erase voltage has been reached. Generally, the voltage for erasing and writing is about 10V to 12V. If the maximum allowable voltage has not yet been reached, the process proceeds to S4, and the process proceeds to S1 with the erase voltage slightly increased, and the sector erase operation is performed again. The loop of S1 to S4 is repeatedly circulated, and if it is determined that data has been erased by S2 during the traversal, the process proceeds to S5. However, it is determined that the voltage has reached the maximum allowable without being erased. If it is determined, the process proceeds to S6, where the process of writing the non-erased bits or sectors to the map is performed, and then a non-erasable error is reported in S7. In that connection, RO
It is desirable that the M rewriter 493 be provided with an error notifying device such as a numerical display capable of displaying the cause of the error.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the data has been erased, S
5, a high voltage is applied to the selected bit line to perform a bit data write process. As a result, a high voltage is applied only to the bit line corresponding to the transistor in the memory array 401 to be set to the storage state of “0”, and the storage state becomes “0”. Next, the process proceeds to S8, where processing is performed to confirm whether or not the bit data has been written.
A determination is made as to whether writing of all sectors has been completed. If not completed, the processes of S5 and S8 are repeatedly executed. If it is determined that the writing of all the sectors has been completed, the process proceeds to S10, and as a result of the confirmation in S8, it is determined whether or not there is a writing error. If there is no writing error, the control ends as it is. In this case, the process proceeds to S11, where the bit or the sector in which the write error has occurred is written in the map, and in S12, the fact that the write error has occurred is notified.

Next, the game control microcomputer 3
A specific example of the sound control command data transmitted from one to the sound control microcomputer 91 by one-way communication will be described.

FIG. 12 shows a list of sound control command data indicating sound effects according to the game state. In FIG. 12, a to p are assigned to sound effects, and different characters represent different sound effects.

Referring to FIG. 12, sound effects a to e are generated during symbol fluctuation, during symbol stop, during reach, special reach 1 and special reach 2. Note that “reach” satisfies the condition that a specific symbol combination occurs when a part of the display area that is independently and variably displayed in the plurality of display areas is stopped as described above. In some cases, the special reach 1 and the special reach 2 each represent a case where the expectation that a specific combination of symbols will occur is higher than that of the normal reach. Also, as the combination of stop symbols becomes more advantageous to the player, the special reach 1
(For example, when a big hit is expected among the reach of the same symbols other than 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 described later), the special reach 2 (for example, the same symbol of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 described later) (The case where the jackpot is expected to be higher in the reach) may be adopted.

In 0.500 seconds from the stop of all the symbols to the judgment, the sound effect f at the time of stopping each symbol is generated.

When the symbol is stopped so as to generate a big hit, a sound effect of a fanfare g is generated for 6.500 seconds of opening of the special winning opening, and during the opening of the special winning opening and until the next opening. , Different sound effects h to m are assigned to the respective periods as shown in FIG.
Note that the interval refers to the interval between the opening of the special winning opening and the next opening, and “R” refers to the opening period of the special winning opening. The number before “R” is 16
Indicates the number of the release that is performed.

When the final release is completed, a sound effect n is output to notify the player that the release is the final release.

Further, when an abnormality occurs, the occurrence of the abnormality can be easily detected by generating the sound effect o.

Further, when an abnormality occurs in the above-described ROM collation processing, the occurrence of the abnormality due to the collation of the audio ROM 93 can be easily detected by generating the sound effect p.

When the sound control microcomputer 91 receives the sound control command data of a to p as described above, the sound control microcomputer 91 performs control for generating a sound effect corresponding to the sound control command data. Perform

By performing such sound control based on one-way communication, the illegal control operation of the game control microcomputer 330 due to the input of illegal data from the sound control circuit board 90 to the game control circuit board 71 is minimized. can do.

FIG. 13 shows the relationship between the start of fluctuation and the occurrence of reach.
FIG. 9 shows a sound volume pattern showing an example of what kind of sound is assigned to each of the special reach 1 and the special reach 2 at the time of the reach. In FIG. 13, 1 indicates that a sound effect is generated in a small volume or a low frequency range, 2 indicates that a sound effect is generated in a large volume or a high frequency range as compared with 1, and 3 indicates
Indicates that a sound effect is generated at a higher volume or higher frequency range than 2.

For example, according to the pattern A, a sound effect is generated in a small sound volume or a low sound range from the start of the fluctuation to the occurrence of the reach, but in the case of the reach, the sound effect is generated in a medium sound volume or the middle sound range. In the case of pattern D, the volume is low or low from the start of fluctuation to the occurrence of reach, the volume is medium or high in the case of reach and special reach 1, and large or low in the case of special reach 2. Generates sound effects in the treble range. In general, by increasing the volume or the range of the sound as the expectation that a big hit occurs becomes large, the expectation of the player increases and the interest of the game increases, and the surrounding attention is also taken. This is effective for improving the atmosphere of the entire game hall. In the present embodiment, to set the sound effect at a low volume, the setting value of the electronic volume in the reproduction control data may be increased, and to set the volume at a high volume, the setting value of the electronic volume may be decreased. I just need. To make the sound effect low, sample the sound whose main component is the low-frequency range and sample the sound ROM.
It is sufficient to store the data as ADPCM data in 93 and read out the data and reproduce it with the system shown in FIG. , Stored as ADPCM data, and the data may be read and reproduced by the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart for varying the probability that the variable winning prize ball device will be in the first state, which is performed in the gaming machine of the present embodiment. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a big hit occurs when the symbols displayed on the variable display portions 5a, 5b and 5c of the variable display device 4 shown in FIG. 2 are the same symbol. When the big hits of "333", "555", "777" and "999" are obtained, at least the display result of the variable display device 4 becomes a combination of specific symbols after the big hits are completed. Until a big hit occurs, control is performed such that the probability that the display result of the ordinary symbol variable display device 28 becomes specific identification information is set to a high probability, and the movable member 17 of the variable starter device 16 is frequently opened. I do. Therefore, not only the starting port 13 but also the starting port 1
There is also a possibility that a hit ball will be won in 9, and the variable display device 4 starts variable display more frequently. As a result, as a result, the number of times the symbols are variably displayed on the variable display portions 5a to 5c of the variable display device increases, and the probability that the variable winning ball device 11 will be in the first state advantageous to the player increases.

It should be noted that the variable prize ball device 11 has the above-described 5
When a big hit is caused by a combination other than the above combinations, the process of opening the movable member 17 of the variable starting port device 16 with a high probability as described above is not performed after the end of the big hit.

FIG. 15 shows variables for random numbers used in the game control program for controlling the gaming machine of the present embodiment, their possible ranges, applications, and when. A table shows whether the values of the variables are added. Referring to FIG. 15, the random number WC_RND1 for determining a big hit is incremented by one every 0.002 seconds, and fluctuates in a range of 0 to 1499.

The random number WCRND_L for displaying the left symbol
Is changed by repeatedly performing a process of adding one to the remaining time of the interrupt process, and can take a range of 0 to 14. The random number WCRND_WC for displaying the medium symbol is added by one at the time of the carry of the random number WCRND_L for displaying the left symbol described above, and can take a range of 0 to 14. The random number WCRND_R for displaying the right symbol is added by one at the time of the carry of the random number WCRND_C described above, and can take a range of 0 to 14. These WCRN
D_L, WCRND_C and WCRND_R have the value 0
This is because the number of displayed symbols is fifteen.

In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the symbol display is first stopped at the left symbol and the right symbol, and when a reach state is reached, two opponents of the fighting game of the game are displayed and compete. When the last symbol is stopped and displayed, if the winning combination is a big hit, the player's opponent wins the opponent, and if it loses, the player's opponent loses the opponent. Control is being performed. The opponent at the time of the reach at this time is designated by a random number WCRND_ENEMY. This random number is 1 in the remaining time of interrupt processing.
It is updated by successively executing the process of adding each time, and can take a range of 0 to 3.

Random number WCRN for determining whether or not to reach the state when a part of the symbol is stopped and displayed
D_RCH is added by one at the time of carry of WCRND_ENEMY described above, and can take a range of 0 to 144. Further, a random number WC for determining the reach operation
RND_ACT is incremented by one at the time of carry of the reach determination random number described above.
It can take a range of 27. Finally, the random number WCRND_FVR for determining the jackpot symbol is updated by repeatedly performing a process of adding one to the remaining time of the interrupt process, and can take a range of 0 to 9.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart for determining whether or not to make a big hit. As shown in FIG. 16, first, WC_RND1 is sampled and 3, 41, 3
There are two branches at 11, 601, 907, and 1231 and at other times. WC_RND1 is 3, 41,
311, 601, 907, 1231 and W
C_RND1 is 41 or 311 or 3, 601, 90
A determination is made as to whether it is 7 or 1231. 41
Or at 311 it is determined to be a big hit and WCRND
A specific symbol to be a big hit symbol is determined by _FVR. The specific symbol in this case is a symbol that causes a probability variation as described with reference to FIG. WC_RN
When D1 is 3, 601, 907, and 1231, a big hit is made, and a symbol to be a big hit symbol is determined by WCRND_FVR. The symbol in this case is a symbol that does not cause the probability variation described with reference to FIG. WC_
RND1 is 3, 41, 311, 601, 907, 123
If it is other than 1, it is determined to be out of place, and the left, middle, and right symbols are determined using WCRND_L, C, and R, respectively. If it coincides with the jackpot design by accident, WC
RND_C is incremented by 1 to forcibly display a missing symbol.

FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of a process for determining whether or not the symbol should be brought into the reach state at the time of stop control in cases other than the big hit. This judgment is random number W
This is performed using CRND_RCH. More specifically, when WCRND_RCH is 60 to 69, the display control is performed so that the right symbol and the left symbol are the same symbol to be in the reach state. The symbol is determined using the value of the random number WCRND_L. WCRND_RCH is 60 to 69
Otherwise, stop control other than reach is performed. In this case, the random numbers WCRND_L and R are used to determine the left and right symbols, respectively. If the left symbol and the right symbol determined in this way coincide with the reach symbol by accident, the symbol is forcibly displayed as a state other than the reach by adding 1 to WCRND_R.

FIG. 18 shows a random number WCRND_L,
The relationship between C and R and the left, middle, and right symbols is shown. WCRND_
The left, middle, and right symbols are determined as shown in FIG. 18 according to the values taken by L, C, and R.

FIG. 19 shows a random number WCRND_FVR.
WCRND_FV when determining special symbols using
The combination of R and a special symbol is shown. FIG. 19A shows WC
FIG. 19 (2) shows a random number WC_RND when _RND1 is 3, 601, 907, and 1231.
The combination when 1 is 41 or 311 is shown. FIG.
(1) shows a combination of special symbols when a normal big hit occurs, and FIG. 19 (2) shows a combination of symbols that causes a probability variation at the end.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the RO for audio
M93 stores sound control data necessary for synthesizing stereo sounds based on various sounds including natural sounds, and gives a command for sound reproduction from the sound control microcomputer 91 to the sound synthesis IC 92. By doing
The voice synthesis IC 92 reads out data from the voice ROM 93 based on the command, and performs stereo sound control.
For this reason, a wider variety of sound effects can be generated as stereo sounds than monaural sound effects, and the sound source localization can be moved. Therefore, for example, it is possible to generate a sound effect such that the sound source goes around the player or the sound source moves forward, backward, left and right with respect to the player. For this reason, since the sound effect according to the game state can be reproduced in various sounds including natural sounds and in stereo, the sound effect and the playability can be further improved.

Further, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, data for speech synthesis is stored in the speech ROM 93, and the speech synthesis IC 92 different from the sound control microcomputer 91 is used by the sound control microcomputer 92. Data is read from the voice ROM 93 based on the command from the CPU 91 to perform stereo sound control. Therefore, the sound data to be stored in the sound control microcomputer 91 can be reduced, and the amount of sound control processing to be performed in the sound control microcomputer 91 can be further reduced. Therefore, new data for improving sound controllability such as sound quality can be stored in the sound control microcomputer 91, and more advanced sound control can be realized.

Next, a process executed to determine whether or not the audio ROM 93 is suitable for the control of the game control microcomputer 330 will be described. As a process for determining such suitability, the game control microcomputer 330 executes a ROM collation data output process, and the sound control microcomputer 91 executes a ROM collation process.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ROM collation data output processing. First, step S
A (hereinafter simply referred to as SA) 1 determines whether or not the current state is a sound output silence state where no sound is output. This determination is made by checking whether or not sound control command data such as a sound effect is output (command data for silence is output, and whether or not the output is output is also checked). Good.) That is, if no sound control command data is output, no sound control is performed in accordance therewith, and no sound should be output.

Next, if it is determined by SA1 that the sound output is not in the silent state, the ROM collation data output processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in SA1 that the sound output is in the silent state, the process proceeds to SA2, and a process of outputting the ROM collation data to the sound control circuit board 90 is performed. As described above, the ROM collation data indicates the timing at which the sound control command data is not output, that is, the sound control microcomputer 91 does not perform the sound generation control, and the left speaker 60 and the right speaker 61 output the sound. Is output in a state where is not output.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ROM collation processing. First, in step SB (hereinafter simply referred to as SB) 1, it is determined whether or not ROM collation data has been input (received) from the game control circuit board 71.

When it is determined by SB1 that there is no input (reception) of the ROM collation data, the process proceeds to SB4, where the sound output processing is executed, and the ROM collation processing ends.
This sound output processing is processing for executing normal sound control for generating a sound in accordance with sound control command data. By executing the sound output process, a sound such as a sound effect according to the game control state is generated. It should be noted that the sound output processing is performed immediately even during the ROM collation processing by inputting the sound control command data. In that case, ROM collation may be interrupted at that point. Alternatively, the processes may be performed simultaneously until the verification is completed.

On the other hand, if it is determined by SB1 that the ROM collation data has been input (received), the process proceeds to SB2, where the above-mentioned collation information is read from the audio ROM 93 and received. Next, the process proceeds to SB3, and a process of comparing and collating the data with the received ROM collation data and collation information is performed. Here, since the ROM collation data specifies the model to which the game control content is applied, and the collation information specifies the model to which the sound control data is applied, if the collation information matches the ROM collation data, , RO for audio
M93 is suitable for the control content of the game control microcomputer 330.

Next, the process proceeds to SB5, where it is determined whether or not the collation result by SB3 is NG (if not coincident). When it is determined by SB5 that the collation result is not NG (when they match), the ROM collation processing ends. In this case, since it can be determined that the audio ROM 93 is suitable for the control of the game control microcomputer 330, no special processing is performed, and thereafter, the sound control according to the sound control command data is performed by SB4. Is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined by SB5 that the collation result is NG (if they do not match), the process proceeds to SB6, where a predetermined specific error sound (the above-mentioned sound effect p) is transmitted to the left speaker 60. Then, a process of outputting from the right speaker 61 is performed. The error sound in this case is a special sound that is not generated in a normal game. In this case, since it can be determined that the audio ROM 93 does not conform to the control content of the game control microcomputer 330, this is notified by an error sound. S
After B6, the ROM comparison processing ends.

As described above, in the sound control microcomputer 91, data collation is performed based on the ROM collation data received in the sound output silence state, so that control is performed such that normal sound output processing is not executed. It is determined whether or not the voice ROM 93 conforms to the control content of the game control microcomputer 330 in the empty state.

As described above, since the determination as to whether or not the audio ROM 93 is compatible with the control contents of the game control microcomputer 330 is made by the electrical collation processing of information collation by information transmission, R for audio
It is possible to more reliably determine whether or not the OM 93 matches the control content of the game control microcomputer 330.

When the sound ROM 93 does not conform to the control contents (game contents) of the game control microcomputer 330, a notification is made by an error sound, so that the sound ROM 93 is stored in the game control microcomputer 330. The attendant can easily know that the control contents are not suitable. In addition, such information
Since this is performed using an existing device such as a speaker, it is not necessary to provide a special device for such notification.

The sound control microcomputer 91
In the case of, the sound R in the idle state (sound output silence state) in which the normal sound output processing is not executed.
Since it is determined whether the OM 93 is compatible with the control content of the game control microcomputer 330,
In terms of processing load, the RO for audio can be controlled without affecting the normal sound control by the microcomputer 91 for sound control.
Judgment on the suitability of M93 can be made. further,
Since the suitability of the audio ROM 93 is determined in the sound output silence state, there is no need to consider the balance with the normal sound output processing. As a result, the control process for determining the suitability of the audio ROM 93 can be simplified.

The data output from the microcomputer 330 for game control and the RO for sound are described above.
The collation with the data possessed by M93 is not limited to the sound output silence state, but may be performed only when the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on. However, if the timing is limited to only when the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on, Such a problem may occur. That is, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on, if the power of the sound control circuit board 90 is turned on after the power of the game control circuit board 71 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 330 operates to operate the ROM collation data. May be in a state where the sound control microcomputer 91 has not yet been effectively operated at the time when the sound ROM 93 is output.
Cannot be determined with certainty. On the other hand, since the sound output silence state occurs during the game after the power of the game control circuit board 71 and the sound control circuit board 90 is securely turned on, as described above in such a sound output silence state. By checking the appropriate data, the suitability of the audio ROM 93 can be reliably determined. Only when the power is turned on, the audio ROM 9 is turned on.
In the case of determining the suitability of 3, even if there is an error in the determination at that time, the voice ROM 9 is not activated until the next power-on.
3 cannot be determined, but the suitability of the audio ROM 93 is determined by repeatedly determining the suitability of the audio ROM 93 at a timing that occurs many times during the operation of the pachinko game machine, such as a sound output silence state. Even if an error in gender determination occurs, the determination error can be eliminated at an early stage.

It is to be noted that here, the collation result by SB5 is N
Although an example in which an error sound is output in the case of G has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. Control may be performed such that an error sound is not output and a sound output is prohibited in which no sound is output thereafter. . In such a case, an abnormal situation occurs in which no sound is output in the normal game state, so that the voice ROM 93 matches the control contents of the game control microcomputer 330 based on such a situation. The clerk can easily know that it is not.

Also, here, an example has been described in which it is determined whether or not the voice ROM 93 conforms to the control contents of the game control microcomputer 330 by comparing the data indicating the model code. Not only
The matching of the corresponding model may be performed using the checksum function of the microcomputer 91 for sound control. Specifically, this is performed as follows. All the stored data (binary data) of the voice ROM 93 are added, the total value is converted into a hexadecimal number, and data of a plurality of lower digits is used as collation information. In this case, the ROM collation data output from the game control microcomputer 330 is data (hexadecimal) that matches the collation information obtained by converting the data stored in the voice ROM 93 conforming to the game control contents as described above. Is set to Therefore, when receiving the ROM collation data from the game control microcomputer 330, the sound control microcomputer 91 collates the ROM collation data with the collation information obtained by the checksum as described above, and In this case, it is determined that the audio ROM 93 is suitable. By doing so, it is not necessary to store the data dedicated to verification in the audio ROM 93.

In this case, the case where the sound control microcomputer 91 is directly connected to the audio ROM 93 is shown, but such a direct connection is not made, and the sound control microcomputer 91 Synthetic IC
Even if it is connected only to the audio ROM 93 via the audio ROM 92, the collation information is received from the audio ROM 93 via the audio synthesis IC 92 so that the RO
You may make it collate M collation data and collation information.

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the ROM collation data output processing and the ROM collation processing in the first embodiment described above are replaced.
Alternatively, processing for confirming the suitability of the audio ROM added to those processing will be described.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ROM audio check output processing according to the second embodiment. This ROM sound check output process is executed by the game control microcomputer 330.

First, in step SC (hereinafter simply referred to as SC) 1, it is determined whether or not the power of the pachinko gaming machine is currently turned on. If the SC1 determines that the power is not turned on, the ROM audio check output process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined by SC1 that the power has been turned on, the process proceeds to SC2, and processing for outputting command information for outputting a power-on sound is performed. Here, the power-on sound is a sound such as “This model name is XX” that indicates the model of the pachinko gaming machine to which the voice ROM 93 is compatible. The power-on sound is stored in advance in the audio ROM 93 as power-on sound data in accordance with the model of the compatible pachinko gaming machine.

As described above, when the command information for outputting the power-on sound is output from the game control circuit board 71, the sound control microcomputer 91 receives the command information. In that case, the microcomputer 91 for sound controls the ROM 93 for sound in accordance with the received command information.
The power-on sound data is read from the CPU and a process for generating the power-on sound is performed. Thereafter, the ROM audio check output processing ends. When the power-on sound that specifies the model of the pachinko gaming machine compatible with the audio ROM 93 is output when the power is turned on in this way, the attendant listens to the power-on sound and the model specified by the power-on sound is output. ,
It is determined whether or not it matches the model of the installed pachinko gaming machine.

In this way, when the power is turned on,
It can be easily determined whether or not the audio ROM 93 is compatible with a pachinko gaming machine. In this case, it is not necessary for the sound control microcomputer 91 to perform the data collation as described above.
The processing load on the sound control microcomputer 91 for determining the suitability of M93 can be reduced.

Here, an example in which the game control microcomputer 330 outputs the power-on sound by performing the ROM sound check output processing has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Without performing any necessary processing, the microcomputer 91 for sound control determines whether or not the power is turned on, and performs the above-described processing for outputting the power-on sound when the power is turned on. You may do so.
By doing so, the processing load on the game control microcomputer 330 for determining the suitability of the audio ROM 93 can be reduced.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, an example is shown in which the voice synthesis IC 92 in the first embodiment described above reproduces monaural audio instead of reproducing stereo audio.

FIG. 23 shows a speech synthesis I according to the third embodiment.
It is a circuit block diagram of C and its peripheral circuit.

The third embodiment has the same effect as the first embodiment except that a stereo sound effect based on various sounds including natural sounds cannot be generated. In the third embodiment, illustration and description of parts common to the first embodiment are omitted.
The storage contents of the audio ROM and the method of reproducing the same are
Although it is monaural unlike the first embodiment, it is considered that a so-called person skilled in the art can easily implement stereo sound reproduction based on the matters described in the description of the first embodiment. A detailed description of them will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 23, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment has a voice ROM 93 and a voice synthesis I shown in FIG.
Instead of C92, an audio ROM 93A for storing monaural ADPCM data and an audio synthesis IC 9 for reading data from the audio ROM 93A and reproducing monaural audio
2A. In this embodiment, since only one channel monaural sound is output from the speech synthesis IC 92A, there is no need to provide an amplifier for two channels as in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, speakers 60 and 61
It is assumed that monaural sound is generated from both (see FIG. 1).

Referring to FIG. 23, voice synthesizing IC 92A of the pachinko gaming machine according to the third embodiment has a latch circuit 788.
, I / O interface circuit 700, multiplexer 789, latch circuit 790, multiplexer 79
1, an ADPCM decoder 777, a D / A converter 792, a low-pass filter 793, a timing controller 796, an oscillator (OSC) 797, and an address counter 799.

The OSC 797 generates a signal of a predetermined frequency, and the timing controller 796 gives a timing signal to each section of the voice synthesis IC 92A based on the signal.

This voice synthesizing IC 92A has an I / O 700
The number of the music to be reproduced is received from the microcomputer 91 for sound control via the microcomputer and supplied to the multiplexer 789. The song number in this case is for designating an address table storing the start address and the end address of the storage area of the ADPCM data / reproduction control data stored in the audio ROM 93A.

The multiplexer 789 is controlled by the timing controller 796, and the address counter 79
9 or the output of the latch circuit 788 is selected and supplied to the audio ROM 93A as an address signal. In this case, the multiplexer 789 also has a function of converting the music number given from the latch circuit 788 into an address of an address table corresponding to the music number. The address signal is 20 bits.

The latch circuit 790 is provided in the audio ROM 93A.
Is temporarily stored and applied to the inputs of the multiplexer 791 and the address counter 799. The address counter 799 starts counting the contents of the address table given via the latch circuit 790 and counts up the address by a predetermined number under the control of the timing controller 796.
Give to 89. The audio ROM 93A outputs only 8-bit data at a time. Therefore, the contents (20 bits) of the address table need to be read out three times. The address counter 799 uses the data read out three times in this way, and
It has a function of synthesizing the start address of the storage area of the DPCM data / reproduction control data.

The multiplexer 791 includes a latch circuit 79
The 8-bit data output from 0 is divided into two 4-bit units of the above 4 bits and the lower 4 bits, and AD
It is provided to the PCM decoder 777. This is because the ADPCM data is stored in the audio ROM 93A in 4-bit units. The digital audio signal decoded by the ADPCM decoder 777 is supplied to a D / A converter 79.
The audio signal is converted into an analog audio signal by 2 and is reproduced by the speakers 60 and 61 via the low-pass filter 793 and the amplifier 705.

From the microcomputer 91 for sound control,
The operation of the voice synthesizing IC 92A when a command to reproduce a certain song is given will be described below. Latch circuit 78
Numeral 8 receives data indicating a music number from the sound control microcomputer 91 and supplies the data to the multiplexer 789. The multiplexer 789 converts the data indicating the music number into an address signal for referring to the address data table of the voice synthesis IC 92A, and supplies the address signal to the voice synthesis IC 92A. From the audio ROM 93A, the data stored at the corresponding address, that is, the start address and the end address of the area where the ADPCM data / reproduction control data corresponding to the designated music number are stored are stored in the latch circuit 7.
90. At this time, since only 8 bits are output at a time, for example, when outputting a start position, three addresses are sequentially accessed starting with an address corresponding to a specified music number to output data. Latch circuit 790 sequentially supplies the 8-bit data to address counter 799. The address counter 799 calculates the ADP corresponding to the music number from three data of 8 bits each sequentially supplied from the latch circuit 790.
The start address (20 bits) of the CM data / reproduction control data is synthesized and given to the multiplexer 789.

The multiplexer 789 uses the output of the address counter 799 as an address signal for the audio RO.
Give to M93A. From the audio ROM 93A, the corresponding ADPCM data and reproduction control data are latched by the latch circuit 7.
90. The latch circuit 790 supplies this data to the multiplexer 791, and the multiplexer 791 sequentially converts the upper 4 bits and lower 4 bits of the data into ADPC data.
It is provided to the M decoder 77. The processing for the reproduced digital audio signal is as described above. The address counter 799 continues to add the address by a predetermined number (1) under the control of the timing controller 796, and supplies the result to the multiplexer 789. The multiplexer 789 supplies the output of the address counter 799 to the audio ROM 93A, and the same processing as that described above is repeated.

Reading of such data is terminated when the address counted by address counter 799 becomes equal to the end address read from the address data table. Alternatively, the reading may be terminated when the read data becomes a value indicating the end of the data.

As described above, also in the second embodiment, the speech synthesis ADPCM is stored in the speech ROM 93A.
Data and reproduction control data are stored, and the voice synthesis IC 92A reads them out of the voice ROM 93A based on a command given from the sound control microcomputer 91, and includes a natural sound based on the read data. Generate monaural sound with various sounds. Since there is no need to store sound control data in the sound control microcomputer 91, the storage area of the ROM in the sound control microcomputer 91 can be used for other purposes. In addition, since the amount of processing to be performed by the basic circuit for sound control is greatly reduced, sound data to be stored in the sound control microcomputer 91 can be reduced, thereby improving sound controllability such as sound quality. Can be stored in the sound control microcomputer 91, and more advanced sound control can be realized.

Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, a modified example of the configuration of the sound control circuit board 90 in the first embodiment described above will be described.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of a sound control circuit board 90 according to the fourth embodiment. The difference between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment is the audio ROM.
Reference numeral 93 denotes a socket type which is detachably provided to the sound control circuit board 90.

Referring to FIG. 24, a ROM socket 930 is provided at a mounting position of audio ROM 93 on sound control circuit board 90. This ROM socket 9
Reference numeral 30 is electrically connected to the sound control microcomputer 91 and the speech synthesis IC 92 shown in the first embodiment. The ROM socket 930 has an audio ROM 9
Holes 9 into which the plurality of pins 930b of the third 3 are inserted
30a are formed, and the pins 9 are inserted into the holes 930a.
The sound ROM 93 is mounted on the sound control circuit board 90 by inserting the audio ROM 93 into the ROM socket 930 by inserting the 30b. In this case, since the audio ROM 93 is mounted on the sound control circuit board 90 in a socket type, the audio ROM 93 can be easily attached to and detached from the sound control circuit board 90.

In the case of such a configuration, the audio RO
Because the M93 is easy to attach and detach, when rewriting the information stored in the audio ROM 93, only the audio ROM 93 is removed from the sound control circuit board 90 and transported to a game machine maker or brought in with a ROM rewriter. ROM 93 for audio
By setting a single unit in a dedicated ROM rewriter, the information stored in the audio ROM 93 can be rewritten. Therefore, in this case, transport for rewriting the information stored in the audio ROM 93 or mounting on the ROM rewriter can be easily performed. In particular, when the stored information of the audio ROMs 93 of a large number of pachinko gaming machines is rewritten collectively, it is easy to transport a large number of the audio ROMs 93 at a time for rewriting the stored information and to easily mount the information on the ROM rewriter. Become. Further, it is not necessary to provide a rewriting terminal portion on the sound control circuit board 90. Furthermore, there is no possibility that the sound control circuit board 90 will be damaged during rewriting. It should be noted that not only a rewritable memory (flash memory, EEPROM, etc.) such as the audio ROM 93 but also a non-rewritable mask ROM or the like may be used. In that case, if the socket type is made detachable, the sound control circuit board can be reused by replacing only the audio ROM. Further, if the socket type is used as in the fourth embodiment, the replacement can be facilitated.

Next, modified examples and feature points of the present embodiment described above are enumerated below. (1) The sound generating means is provided on the sound control board (sound control circuit board 90) formed separately from the game control board (game control circuit board 71) by the sound ROM 93 shown in FIG. A sound information storage means in which information of a sound generated from a sound is stored. The sound control circuit board box 120 shown in FIG. 4 houses the sound control board therein, and constitutes a sound control board container detachably attached to the gaming machine. The sound information storage means can rewrite stored information in a state where the sound control board is housed in a sound control board housing.

(2) The sound control microcomputer 91 shown in FIG. 5 and the like provides a command from game control means (game control microcomputer 330) provided on the sound control board and provided on the game control board. Sound control means for receiving information and performing control for generating a sound from the sound generation means based on the information stored in the sound information storage means in accordance with the command information is configured. The sound information storage means further stores corresponding model specifying sound information for outputting a corresponding model specifying sound (power-on sound) capable of specifying a model of the pachinko gaming machine to which the stored information is applied. The sound control means further performs control for generating the corresponding model specific sound from the sound generating means based on the corresponding model specifying sound information stored in the sound information storage means when the power of the gaming machine is turned on. .

(3) The game control means further performs a control of giving the corresponding model specific sound command information for instructing the output of the corresponding model specific sound to the sound control means when the power of the gaming machine is turned on (see FIG. 22). ). The sound control means further performs control for generating the corresponding model specifying sound from the sound generating means when receiving the corresponding model specifying sound command information from the game control means.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the silence state is shown by outputting command data from the sound control microcomputer 91 when the silence state is set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of outputting the silent output command data from the sound control microcomputer 91 to make it silent, the sound control microcomputer 91 uses an amplifier (the left channel amplifier 5).
8 and the right channel amplifier 59) may be directly controlled (such as turning off the power of the amplifier) so that no sound is output. By doing so, a completely silent state can be achieved.

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[0201]

(1) Left speaker 60 and right speaker 61 indicated by 1 and the like shown in FIG.
Constitutes a sound generating means capable of generating a sound. A means for controlling a game state provided on a game control board (game control circuit board 71) by a game control microcomputer 330 shown in FIG. 5 and the like. Game control means for controlling output of command information (sound control command data) necessary for generating sound from the generation means is configured. The voice ROM 93 shown in FIG.
A sound information storage means is provided on a sound control board (sound control circuit board 90) formed separately from the game control board, and stores information of a sound generated from the sound generation means. The sound control microcomputer 91 shown in FIG. 5 and the like is provided on the sound control board, receives the command information from the game control means, and responds to the command information.
Sound control means for controlling the sound generation means to generate a sound based on the information stored in the sound information storage means is configured. As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, between the game control means and the sound control means, information is transmitted by one-way communication from the game control means to the sound control means. As shown in FIG. 11, the sound information storage means is capable of rewriting the storage information of the sound.

(2) The left speaker 60 and the right speaker 61 shown by 1 and the like in the figure constitute sound generating means capable of generating a sound. A means for controlling a game state provided on a game control board (game control circuit board 71) by a game control microcomputer 330 shown in FIG. 5 and the like. Game control means for controlling output of command information (sound control command data) necessary for generating sound from the generation means is configured. The sound ROM 93 shown in FIG. 5 and the like is provided on a sound control board (sound control circuit board 90) formed separately from the game control board, and stores information on sounds generated by the sound generating means. Sound information storage means is constituted. The sound control microcomputer 91 shown in FIG. 5 and the like is provided on the sound control board, receives the command information from the game control means, and, based on the command information, stores the sound information in the sound information storage means. Sound control means for controlling the sound generation means to generate a sound. As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, between the game control means and the sound control means, information is transmitted by one-way communication from the game control means to the sound control means. As shown in FIG. 24, the sound information storage means is provided detachably from the sound control board.

(3) The sound control circuit board box 120 shown in FIG. 4 houses the sound control board therein, and constitutes a sound control board housing detachably attached to the gaming machine. .

(4) As shown in FIG. 4 and the like, on the sound control board, a corresponding model name display body (information) indicating information indicating a model name of a game machine to which the sound control board is applied. A model name sticker 96) is attached. As shown in FIG. 4, the sound control board container has a viewing window provided so that the corresponding model name display attached to the sound control board can be viewed from outside the sound control board container. Part (window part 1
21).

(5) As shown in FIG. 20, the game control means determines whether or not the sound information storage means is adapted to the contents of the control of the game state (ROM check information). Data) to the sound control means at a predetermined timing. As shown in FIG. 21, when the sound control means receives the determination information, the sound control means determines whether or not the sound information storage means is adapted to the content of the control of the gaming state based on the determination information. (SB3, SB5).

(6) As shown in FIG. 21, when the sound information storage means determines that the sound information storage means is not adapted to the content of the control of the gaming state, the sound generation means A notification is given by sound.

(7) As shown in FIG. 20, the game control means performs control for transmitting the determination information at a timing when the command information is not output (sound output silence state) (see SA1). . As shown in FIG. 21, the determination means performs the determination according to the reception of the determination information at a timing when no sound is generated from the sound generation means (see SB1).

[0208]

The effect of the concrete example of the means for solving the problems.
With regard to, the following effects can be obtained. The game control means and the sound control means are provided on separate substrates, and sound is generated from the sound generation means based on information stored in the sound information storage means in accordance with command information given to the sound control means from the game control means. Control for generating such a sound is performed based on one-way communication of information from the game control means to the sound control means. For this reason, the illegal control operation of the game control means due to the input of incorrect data from the sound control means to the game control means can be prevented as much as possible. Furthermore, when the game control means and the sound information storage means are provided on separate substrates, and the sound storage information of the sound information storage means is rewritable, the game state control content is updated. In addition, it is possible to replace only the game control board provided with the game control means, the sound control board provided with the sound information storage means only has to change the content of the sound information storage means, in that case, By rewriting the sound storage information of the sound information storage means with information corresponding to the new game state control contents, the sound control board can be easily reused in accordance with the new game state control contents. it can.

[0209] According to claim 2, the following effects can be obtained. The game control means and the sound control means are provided on separate substrates, and sound is generated from the sound generation means based on information stored in the sound information storage means in accordance with command information given to the sound control means from the game control means. Control for generating such a sound is performed based on one-way communication of information from the game control means to the sound control means. For this reason, the illegal control operation of the game control means due to the input of incorrect data from the sound control means to the game control means can be prevented as much as possible. Further, since the game control means and the sound information storage means are provided on separate substrates, and the sound information storage means is detachable from the sound control board, the control contents of the game state are renewed. In this case, it is possible to replace only the game control board provided with the game control means, and the sound control board provided with the sound information storage means only needs to change the content of the sound information storage means. This facilitates the operation of replacing the sound information storage means or rewriting the storage information of the sound information storage means so that the sound storage information of the sound information storage means corresponds to the new game state control contents. Thereby, the sound control board can be easily reused in accordance with the control content of the new game state.

According to the third aspect, the following effect can be obtained in addition to the effect according to the first or second aspect. The sound control board is housed inside the sound control board housing, and the sound control board housing is detachably attached to the game machine, so that the sound control board can be easily removed from the game machine, and the sound control board can be easily removed from the game machine. The operation of reusing the control board in accordance with the control of a new game state can be easily performed. Further, when the work for reusing the sound control board in accordance with the control of a new game state is performed at a place away from the gaming machine, the sound control board housing and the sound control board housing body transport the sound control board when the sound control board is transported. The information storage means can be protected.

Regarding claim 4, in addition to the effect according to claim 3, the following effect can be obtained. Since the corresponding model name display is attached to the sound control board, and the corresponding model name display attached to the sound control board can be visually recognized from the viewing window provided in the sound control board container, the sound control is performed. In a state where the board container is attached to the gaming machine, it can be easily visually confirmed whether or not the sound control board is suitable for the model of the gaming machine.

Regarding claim 5, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of claim 1 or 2. Since the determination as to whether or not the sound information storage means is adapted to the contents of the control of the game state is made by an electrical determination process of making a determination based on the determination information transmitted from the game control means, the sound information It is possible to more reliably determine whether the storage means is adapted to the contents of the control of the game state.

According to claim 6, in addition to the effect according to claim 5, the following effect can be obtained. If it is determined that the sound information storage means is not adapted to the contents of the control of the game state, the effect is notified using the sound generation means, so that the sound information storage means is adapted to the contents of the control of the game state. You can easily know that you are not. further,
Since such notification is performed using existing sound generating means, it is not necessary to provide any special means for the notification.

According to claim 7, in addition to the effect according to claim 5, the following effect can be obtained. At a timing when the sound based on the command information from the game control means is not generated, it is determined whether or not the sound information storage means is adapted to the contents of the control of the game state. Can be determined by simple processing without affecting the control of the occurrence of the processing in terms of processing load. Furthermore, since the determination timing is not fixed and the determination is performed an appropriate number of times, even if an erroneous determination is made at a certain timing, it is possible to perform an appropriate determination at another timing, which is possible. The determination can be made as surely as possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a front surface of a main body of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration of a game board of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a sound control circuit board box.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a control system of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used for game control of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used for game control of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram of a voice synthesis IC and its peripheral circuits.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a case where data stored in a voice ROM is rewritten using a ROM rewriter.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the audio ROM.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation for data rewriting of the ROM rewriter.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing, in a table form, a list of sound control command data indicating sound effects according to a game state.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sound volume pattern showing an example of what sounds are assigned to each of special reach 1 and special reach 2 at the time of reach from the start of fluctuation to the occurrence of reach.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart for changing the probability that the variable winning prize ball device will be in the first state, which is performed in the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing, in a table format, random numbers for determining symbols in the embodiment and symbols corresponding to the values of the random numbers.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for determining whether to make a big hit.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a process for determining whether or not a symbol should be in a reach state during stop control in a case other than a big hit.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a relationship between random numbers and left, middle, and right symbols.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing, in a tabular form, combinations of random numbers and corresponding special symbols when a big hit occurs.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a process of a ROM collation data output process.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing contents of a ROM collation processing;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing processing contents of a ROM audio check output processing according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a circuit block diagram of a voice synthesis IC and its peripheral circuits according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a main part of a sound control circuit board according to a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

60 is a left speaker, 61 is a right speaker, 71 is a game control circuit board, 330 is a game control microcomputer,
93 is a sound ROM, 90 is a sound control circuit board, 91 is a sound control microcomputer, 120 is a sound control circuit board box, 96 is a model name sticker, and 121 is a window.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A game machine capable of generating a sound in accordance with a game state, comprising: a sound generation means capable of generating the sound; and a game control board provided on a game control board for controlling the game state. A game control means for performing control to output command information necessary for generating a sound from the sound generation means when a predetermined condition is satisfied; and forming the game control board separately from the game control board. A sound information storage means provided on the sound control board provided, wherein information of a sound generated from the sound generation means is stored; and the command information received from the game control means provided on the sound control board, and the command Sound control means for performing a control to generate a sound from the sound generation means based on information stored in the sound information storage means in accordance with information, wherein the game control means and the sound control means Control hand Transmission of information by one-way communication to the sound control unit is performed from the sound information storing means may store information of the sound is rewritable, the gaming machine. 2. A game machine capable of generating a sound in accordance with a game state, comprising: a sound generating means capable of generating the sound; and a game control board provided on a game control board for controlling the game state. A game control means for performing control to output command information necessary for generating a sound from the sound generation means when a predetermined condition is satisfied; and forming the game control board separately from the game control board. A sound information storage means provided on the sound control board provided, wherein information of a sound generated from the sound generation means is stored; and the command information received from the game control means provided on the sound control board, and the command Sound control means for performing a control to generate a sound from the sound generation means based on information stored in the sound information storage means in accordance with information, wherein the game control means and the sound control means Control hand Transmission of information by one-way communication to the sound control unit is performed from the sound information storing means, and being provided detachably with respect to the sound control board, the gaming machine. 3. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the sound control board is housed therein, and further comprises a sound control board housing detachably attached to the game machine. 4. The sound control board is provided with a corresponding model name display body on which information indicating a model name of a gaming machine to which the sound control board is applied is attached. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, further comprising a viewing window provided so that the corresponding model name display attached to the sound control board can be viewed from the outside of the sound control board container. 5. The game control means transmits to the sound control means at a predetermined timing determination information used for determining whether or not the sound information storage means is adapted to the contents of the control of the game state. Further performing control, when the sound control means receives the determination information,
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit configured to determine whether the sound information storage unit is adapted to the content of the control of the game state based on the determination information.
A gaming machine according to claim 1. 6. When the sound information storage means determines that the sound information storage means is not adapted to the contents of the control of the game state by the determination means, the sound generation means gives a sound indicating that fact. The gaming machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: 7. The game control means performs control for transmitting the determination information at a timing when the command information is not output, and the determination means performs the determination according to the reception of the determination information. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the game is performed at a timing when no sound is generated from the sound generating means.