JP5126955B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to audio output control in gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines.

In gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines, sound output such as music and sound effects from a speaker is performed along with various effects such as lighting / flashing of lamps and image display. The sound output from the gaming machine is also performed when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the gaming machine or when various illegal acts are performed on the gaming machine. In order to ensure that the hall where the gaming machine is installed is not damaged and that the player can enjoy the game without any delay in the gaming machine, the alarm sound at the time of these abnormalities and fraudulent acts is properly generated. It is hoped that.
However, since those who engage in fraudulent actions are wary of the sound of these notification sounds, there are cases in which they perform fraudulent actions after destroying the speaker or the like in advance so that no notification sound is emitted. In order to properly operate the gaming machine, a countermeasure against such an action has been desired.

  As one of countermeasures, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure that makes it difficult to destroy a speaker. In this technique, it is disclosed that a cover provided with an opening on the front surface of a speaker is attached in a double state with the positions of the openings being shifted. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the speaker from being broken by a normal tool.

JP-A-8-224345 JP 2000-217164 A

  However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, with the method of covering the front of the speaker and preventing the destruction of the speaker, a new effect that the production sound and the sound of the notification sound become small or unclear sound. Will invite serious problems. It is desirable to enable a proper sound output even when a speaker or the like is destroyed while having a structure capable of outputting a sound with a clear and sufficient volume when operating normally.

Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for detecting an abnormal operation by monitoring a current change of a speaker or the like. If this technology is used, it is possible to detect whether or not the speaker has been destroyed.
However, Patent Document 2 does not disclose a specific output method for forming information indicating that an abnormality has been detected. Although it is conceivable to notify the abnormality using a lamp or the like when the sound cannot be output, it is known that the abnormality has occurred compared to the notification sound in that the staff will not notice the abnormality unless they witness the lamp lighting. There is a disadvantage that the effect is weak.

  In view of these problems, the present invention has an object to enable effective notification so that a hall clerk can immediately cope with the destruction of a sound output device such as a speaker of a gaming machine.

Examples of the gaming machine of the present invention include a spinning machine such as a slot machine, a pachinko machine, and the like. The gaming machine of the present invention has a payout device for paying out game media to a player under predetermined conditions, and an audio output device for outputting various sounds during the game. A game medium refers to a medium such as a game ball or medal that is a target of investment or privilege during a game.
The audio output device can be configured by a speaker, a sound source IC, a memory storing sound source data, and the like. In addition to the above, the gaming machine may be provided with a lighting device such as a lamp, an image display device for displaying an image, and a segment-type display device.
The gaming machine also has a main control device that integrally controls the progress of the game, and an effect control device that controls the audio output device in accordance with the game state of the game based on a command output from the main control device. Yes. The main control device and the effect control device are connected by a unidirectional signal line that transmits signals in one direction from the main control device to the effect control device.

A gaming machine is installed in a hall with a plurality of gaming machines arranged side by side. In the following, this line of gaming machines is called an “island”. In the hall, two rows of gaming machines are arranged back to back, and these two rows are sometimes collectively referred to as “islands”, but in this specification, unless otherwise specified, one row is narrowly defined as “island”. Called.
The gaming machine of the present invention has a pair of left and right inter-unit communication ports that connect signal lines so as to perform one-to-one communication with adjacent gaming machines on the left and right on the island. The inter-station communication port is connected to the effect control device, and communication is possible between the effect control devices of different gaming machines. The reason that the inter-unit communication ports are paired on the left and right is to enable connection of two communication lines, that is, the communication line with the right side of the gaming machine and the communication line with the left side. By providing a pair of communication ports between the left and right sides, it is possible to connect a plurality of gaming machines on the island. Of course, if the gaming machine has a network communication function, a pair of left and right communication ports may be shared by a single network connection port.

The gaming machine includes a fraud detection unit that detects fraudulent behavior that causes the gaming machine to perform an abnormal operation with respect to paying out game media, or detects abnormal behavior due to the fraudulent act. The fraud detection unit is connected to the main control device or the production control device, and outputs detection results of fraudulent acts and abnormal operations based thereon to these control devices.
Examples of illegal acts and abnormal operations to be detected include the following acts.
-In a pachinko machine called a two- or multi-function machine, that is, a pachinko machine equipped with a variable winning device that determines the occurrence of a jackpot by the movement of a game ball in a mechanical movable part, the game machine is struck or vibrated vigorously. That affect the movement of the game ball and aim to generate a big hit;
-In a pachinko machine that draws electronically, an act of performing a RAM clear operation for erasing the stored contents of the RAM included in the main control board in order to generate a random number for jackpot at a known timing;
・ An act of changing the setting by intruding a foreign object such as a wire into the gaming machine and operating an internal switch;
These are merely examples, and other illegal acts and abnormal operations may be detected.

The effect control device of the present invention inputs the detection result by the fraud detection unit together with the effect command for instructing the audio output content from the main control device. When an effect command is input, the effect control device causes the sound output device to output sound for effect based on the effect command. In addition, when a fraudulent act or abnormal operation is detected by the fraud detection unit, a notification sound for notifying the detection result is output. At this time, if the fraud detection unit is connected to the main control device, the detection result is input to the effect control device via the main control board.
Then, the effect control device performs a sound output diagnosis as to whether sound output is being performed properly. For example, a method of detecting the energization state of the audio output device during audio output, a method of detecting audio output with a microphone, or the like can be employed.
As a result of the sound output diagnosis, if it is determined that the sound output is not appropriate, the production control device outputs a substitute output command for causing the sound output on behalf of the own device at a predetermined timing. To the adjacent gaming machine. The state in which the sound output is not appropriate may be, for example, a state in which no sound is output from the sound output device, or a state in which some sound is abnormal. When a plurality of speakers are provided, the case where all the speakers are destroyed corresponds to the former mode, and the case where some speakers are destroyed corresponds to the latter mode. In either case, only a state where no sound is completely output may be diagnosed as an abnormality. For the time being, although sound can be output, only a sound smaller than the original volume can be output. You may make it diagnose with abnormality at the time of becoming a state.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when there is an abnormality in the voice output device, voice output can be performed by another gaming machine using inter-table communication. For this reason, even if the audio output device is destroyed prior to the fraudulent act, the notification sound can be output and the fraudulent act can be prevented.

  In the present invention, the sound output diagnosis may be performed at the time of sound output for production, or may be performed at the time of outputting a notification sound when an illegal act or the like is detected. If it is performed at the time of sound output for production, there is an advantage that an abnormality can be detected at the time when a preliminary act of fraud such as destruction of the sound output device is performed and it can be dealt with early. is there.

  When inter-table communication is performed, sound may be output immediately at an adjacent gaming machine. This aspect can be easily realized by providing each gaming machine with a function of immediately executing the proxy output command received from another gaming machine.

As another mode, sound may be output from a gaming machine at the end of the island. In the hall, an attendant often stands by near the end of the island, so by making a voice output from the gaming machine at the end, it is possible to promptly notify the attendant.
The mode of outputting from the end gaming machine can be realized by the following configuration. First, when a gaming machine receives a proxy output command from one of the inter-unit communication ports, the gaming machine transfers the proxy output command from the other inter-unit communication port to the adjacent gaming machine. If this transfer is not possible, voice output based on the substitute output command is performed.
In the case of a gaming machine that is not at the end of the island, since another gaming machine is connected to both of the inter-tablet communication ports, when a proxy output command is received from one gaming machine, the other via the other inter-unit communication port The proxy output command can be transferred to the gaming machine. On the other hand, in the case of a gaming machine located at the edge of the island, since the other gaming machine is connected to only one of the inter-unit communication ports, when the proxy output command is received from one inter-unit communication port, the other The proxy output command cannot be transferred from the inter-station communication port. In this way, the gaming machine determines whether it can transfer the proxy output command to another gaming machine, in other words, whether or not the other gaming machine is connected to both of the inter-vehicle communication ports. It can be determined whether or not it is at the end. If the voice output command cannot be transferred to other gaming machines, if the voice is output, it is possible to output the voice based on the proxy output command from the gaming machine located at the end of the island.

As another aspect, the sound output source may be moved in order from the gaming machine at the end of the island toward a gaming machine in which an illegal act or abnormality is detected (hereinafter referred to as “abnormal machine”). A clerk waiting near the edge of the island can quickly notice the abnormality by the sound output from the gaming machine at the end, and by chasing the voice moving toward the abnormal machine, It becomes possible to specify quickly.
This aspect can be realized by the following configuration. First, as in the case of outputting sound from the end, when a gaming machine receives a proxy output command from one of the inter-station communication ports, the gaming machine transfers the proxy output command from the other inter-table communication port to the adjacent gaming machine. Then, when transfer is not possible, that is, when the terminal is a terminal, voice output based on the substitute output command is performed. Further, in this case, the proxy output command is returned to the gaming machine that has transmitted the proxy output command to the terminal machine.
Each gaming machine operates in the same manner as an end machine when it receives a reply of the proxy output command from the gaming machine to which it has transferred the proxy output command. That is, the voice is output based on the substitute output command, and the substitute output command is returned to the gaming machine that has transferred the substitute output command to the own machine. For example, the gaming machine next to the end machine (second from the end) first receives the proxy output command from the third gaming machine, forwards it to the end machine, and then receives a reply of this command from the end machine It will be. In response to this reply, the second gaming machine outputs a voice, and returns the proxy output command to the gaming machine that has previously transferred the proxy output command to itself, that is, the third gaming machine.
With this configuration, a gaming machine that outputs sound can be sequentially moved from the end machine toward the abnormal machine, and the abnormal machine can be quickly identified.

  In the present invention, when the gaming machine includes a light emitting effect device that produces an effect by lighting a lamp, the lamp may be used for the effect or notification. In order to utilize the lamp for production, the production command output from the main control board includes a command for instructing the lamp lighting mode, and the production control device is based on the command output from the main control device. What is necessary is just to control lamp lighting. When an illegal act or abnormal operation is detected, a lamp may be turned on to notify it. As the notification lamp lighting, for example, a method of lighting the lamp in a mode clearly different from the effect during the game, such as lighting the entire area around the game board in red, can be considered.

Thus, in a gaming machine equipped with a light-emitting effect device, when performing inter-table communication, the effect control device includes a command for causing the lamp to be lit while the lamp lighting control unit continues to perform the lamp lighting. It is also possible to output without using it. In other words, only commands related to voice output may be output to other gaming machines.
By doing so, the staff can easily identify the abnormal machine by observing the lighting state of the lamp. For example, in the abnormal machine, when the lamp is lit based on the production command, the clerk may search for a gaming machine whose lamp is lit in a lighting state corresponding to a sound output from another gaming machine. Further, when the notification lamp is lit, it is possible to immediately identify the abnormal machine from the abnormal lighting mode without considering the correspondence with the sound output from other gaming machines. .

In order to make it possible to easily identify an abnormal machine, the present invention can take the following modes.
First, on the island, identification information for uniquely identifying each gaming machine is stored in the gaming machine. Although it is preferable that the identification information can be automatically set, for example, a staff member may set the identification information by using a dip switch or the like.
The gaming machine is provided with an identification information display unit that displays the identification information visually. For example, when the identification information is given as a number, it may be a display unit that can identify the number. A liquid crystal display or other image display device may be used, or a segment type display unit may be provided. Further, the identification information may be displayed as a binary number in an ON / OFF manner of a plurality of LEDs. Further, the identification information may be displayed in a blinking manner of one LED.
In such a configuration, when a proxy output command is newly transmitted by inter-station communication, the gaming machine outputs identification information together. Since it is “when a new call is made”, when the substitute output command is transferred or returned, the previous identification information is transferred as it is. That is, the identification information of the abnormal machine in which the illegal action or the abnormal operation is detected is sequentially transferred together with the substitute output command by inter-station communication.
A gaming machine that performs voice output using a proxy output command causes the identification information display unit to display the identification information output together with the proxy output command. As described above, the gaming machine that performs voice output by the proxy output command may be next to the abnormal machine, may be an end machine, or may be moved sequentially from the end machine to the abnormal machine. Also good. In any case, since the staff can be notified by voice output and the identification information of the abnormal machine can be displayed, there is an advantage that the staff can easily identify the abnormal machine.

  In the present invention, a command specific to notification by inter-station communication may be provided as a substitute output command, but it is preferable to use a command for outputting a notification sound as it is. By doing so, it is possible to perform notification during inter-station communication within the range of functions originally possessed by the gaming machine, without increasing new commands.

The transmission of the substitute output command by inter-station communication can be performed at various timings.
First, the substitute output command may be output when the voice output diagnosis unit diagnoses that the voice output is not appropriate. For example, it is only necessary to diagnose the propriety of the sound output using the sound for performance during the game, and to send a substitute output command when it is diagnosed that the sound is not properly output. In this way, at the time when the audio output device is destroyed, notification by inter-station communication is performed before fraud is not performed. Therefore, the clerk can deal with the abnormality at an early stage, and can prevent fraud. In this case, it is preferable that a notification command is transmitted instead of a production command used for diagnosis of voice output so as to easily call the attendant's attention.
In addition, even if there is no opportunity to make a diagnosis using production sound, a diagnosis is performed when a notification sound is output when an illegal act or the like is detected. Since it is possible to notify the staff by communication, it is possible to deal with fraud quickly.

  Secondly, a substitute output command may be output at the time when an illegal act or an abnormal operation is detected after the voice output diagnosis unit diagnoses that the voice output is not appropriate. By doing so, there is an advantage that it is possible to suppress a brilliant notification at the time of abnormality due to a simple failure or the like, and to perform appropriate notification using inter-station communication when fraud is performed.

  All of the above-described features are not necessarily provided, and some of them may be omitted or combined as appropriate.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
A. System configuration:
B. Pachinko machine configuration:
B1. Overall structure:
B2. Speaker structure:
C. Control hardware configuration:
D. Game progress control process:
D1. Main control side power-on processing:
D2. Main control timer interrupt processing:
D3. Sub integration side reset processing:
E. Inter-table communication processing:
F. Variations:
F1. Modified example (1) of inter-station communication notification processing:
F2. Modified example (2) of inter-station communication notification processing:
F3. Modified example (3) of the inter-station communication notification process:

A. System configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a gaming system as an embodiment. The gaming system includes a plurality of pachinko machines 1 [1] to 1 [10] and a hall computer 10 that manages them. The number of pachinko machines 1 [1] to 1 [10] is not limited to the illustrated number, and may be larger or smaller than these numbers.
As shown in the drawing, a predetermined number of pachinko machines 1 are installed side by side in the hall. Usually, two rows are often arranged back to back. In this embodiment, a group of pachinko machines arranged on one side as shown in the drawing is called an “island”.

The pachinko machine 1 is an apparatus for playing a game in which a player operates a control handle to fire a game ball and wins the game ball in various winning holes provided on the game board surface. When winning, a prescribed number of game balls are paid out to the player as prize balls. In addition, some winning openings are called start winning openings, and when a game ball wins, a lottery is performed electronically. As a result of the lottery, the big winning opening is opened and closed continuously when a big win is won.
The pachinko machine 1 may perform lottery using a distribution mechanism that mechanically distributes how to play the game balls, such as what is called a second type or a multi-function machine.

  The pachinko machines 1 [1] to 1 [10] are provided with data counters 40 [1] to 40 [10], respectively. The data counters 40 [1] to 40 [10] are data holding for statistical processing of the occurrence status of a jackpot in a gaming machine for each gaming machine in the hall where the gaming machine is installed, It is a device used for display, call of staff, etc. The data counters 40 [1] to 40 [10] are provided with a microcomputer having a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM as a control device for realizing the functions for realizing these displays and calls as software.

  The pachinko machines 1 [1] to 1 [10] are connected to the hall computer 10 by communication lines 20 [1] to 20 [10]. The data counters 40 [1] to 40 [10] are connected to the hall computer 10 by communication lines 21 [1] to 21 [10]. These communication lines are signal lines that simply transmit a voltage signal to the hall computer 10 without using a complicated protocol such as a network. The hall computer 10 inputs voltage high / low of each communication line or signal on / off by sampling the voltage state of these communication lines at a predetermined timing. In the figure, these communication lines are shown as a single line, but the communication line 20 [1] is a plurality of communication lines corresponding to the amount of information exchanged between the pachinko machine 1 [1] and the hall computer 10. Are bundled. The same applies to other communication lines.

  Further, the pachinko machines 1 are connected to each other by signal lines for inter-station communication. Each pachinko machine 1 is provided with two inter-unit communication ports for inter-unit communication in order to connect to the left and right pachinko machines 1 respectively. And beaded one-on-one. That is, as shown in the figure, the pachinko machines 1 [1] and 2 [1] are connected by the signal line L12, and the pachinko machines 1 [2] and 3 [1] are connected by the signal line L23. The same applies to the other pachinko machines 1.

  In the following, when referring to the individual devices provided in the gaming system, reference numerals such as [1], [2], etc. are attached as in the case of pachinko machines 1 [1], 1 [2]. Show. When generically referring to gaming machines, reference numerals such as [1] and [2] are simply omitted as in the pachinko machine 1. The same applies to the data counter 40 and the communication lines 20 and 21.

B. Pachinko machine configuration:
B1. Overall structure:
FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 as an embodiment. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a game board having a game area 6 in the center. The player can play a game by operating the handle 8 and driving a game ball into the game area 6 to win a winning opening. When a game ball wins a start winning opening 9 which is one of the winning openings, the pachinko machine 1 performs a lottery, and it is determined whether or not it is a “hit” according to the result. When a big hit occurs, a big hit game such as opening the big prize opening 10 for a predetermined period is performed.

  In the center of the game area 6, an LCD 16 is provided, and various effect screens (sometimes referred to as decorative symbols) are displayed during the game. An effect screen corresponding to the state of the game is also displayed when winning at the start winning opening 9 or when a big hit occurs.

Above the pachinko machine 1, a pair of left and right speaker units 400 </ b> L and 400 </ b> R (in the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between left and right, the speaker unit 400 may be indicated).
From the speaker units 400L and 400R, various sound effects for production are output according to the game situation such as a sound effect at the time of winning a prize and a sound effect at the time of a big hit. Various notification sounds are also output when an abnormality occurs in the operation of the pachinko machine 1 or when it is detected that various illegal acts are performed. Similarly, a notification sound is output when RAM clear is performed to erase information backed up in the RAM of the control device when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on.

B2. Speaker structure:
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a speaker structure. The AA cross section of FIG. 2 was shown.
The speaker unit 400 includes a speaker 410 that functions as an audio output unit and a cover 420 that covers the front surface of the speaker 410. The cover 420 is provided with a slit 421. As shown in FIG. 2, the slit 421 has an annular shape when viewed from the front.
Although the speaker 410 is temporarily covered with the cover 420, there remains a possibility that the speaker 410 may be destroyed by picking up an elongated tool from the slit 421 of the cover 420.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a speaker structure as a modification. FIG. 4A shows a cross section corresponding to the AA cross section of FIG. In order to avoid the complexity of the drawing, only the AA cross section is shown.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the modified speaker unit includes a resin inner cover 440 and an outer cover 430 that are doubled on the front surface of the speaker 410. Audio output holes 441 and 431 are formed in the inner cover 440 and the outer cover 430, respectively.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the sound output holes 441 and 431 are circular when viewed from the front, and are uniformly arranged on the surfaces of the inner cover 440 and the outer cover 430. The sound output hole 441 of the inner cover 440 has a smaller diameter than the sound output hole 431 of the outer cover 430, and the positions of the sound output holes 441 and 431 are aligned when viewed from the front. It is easy to go outside without being inside. The audio output holes 441 of the inner cover 440 are formed radially so that the center line is along the audio output direction from the speaker 410.

The shape of the audio output holes 441 and 431 is shown enlarged on the lower side of the figure by an enlarged view of the area A in FIG. The audio output hole 441 of the inner cover 440 is formed without a taper, and the audio output hole 431 of the outer cover 430 is tapered so that the inside has a small diameter and the outside has a large diameter. A center line HC connecting the inner center and the outer center points the pachinko machine 1 downward from the horizontal direction.
Thus, by making the audio output hole 441 of the inner cover 440 non-tapered, it is possible to give a certain degree of directivity to the sound coming out of this, and efficiently transmit it to the audio output hole 431 of the outer cover 430. It becomes possible to do. In addition, by setting the center line HC of the audio output hole 431 of the outer cover 430 downward, it is possible to give a certain degree of directivity to the sound coming out from here. Since the cover of the modified example has an opening for outputting sound, that is, the total area of the sound output holes 431 and 441 is smaller than that of the example of FIG. This problem can be alleviated by providing directivity and facilitating the efficient transmission of voice to the player. That is, imparting directivity to the audio output is a countermeasure against the opening being reduced as a countermeasure against fraud. The directivity in sound output also has an advantage that noise to the surroundings can be suppressed.

Further, the sound output holes 441 of the inner cover 440 have radial center lines. Since the audio output hole 441 in FIG. 4A is below the center of the speaker 410, the inner wall is formed so as to be substantially parallel to the center line HC in FIG. The sound output hole 441 located above the center of the speaker 410 is formed so that its inner wall is parallel to the upper outer wall of the sound output hole 431 of the outer cover 430.
By forming in such a radial manner, the sound from the speaker 410 can be more efficiently output from the sound output holes 441 and 431. Further, the shape of the audio output hole 441 of the inner cover 440 is determined based on the above-described center line HC below the center of the speaker 410 and the upper outer wall of the audio output hole 431 of the outer cover 430 on the outer side. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the upper audio output hole 441 from excessively facing upward, and the audio output holes 431 and 441 can be formed so as to output the sound slightly downward toward the player as a whole. .
However, the audio output holes 441 and 431 are not limited to the above-described shapes, and can be formed in various shapes. For example, both may be provided with a taper or both may have no taper.

  Since the cover 430, 440 of the modified example has the positions of the sound output holes 441, 431, it is possible to pierce the cone of the speaker 410 by inserting an elongated tool. However, by using a double structure of the inner cover 440 and the outer cover 430, the sound output holes 441 and 431 can mutually restrict the movement of the tool. Therefore, even if it is easy to pierce the speaker 410, it is not easy to destroy the speaker 410 so that sound output is completely impossible by destroying the coil of the speaker 410 or the like. As described above, the cover 430, 440 according to the modified example has an advantage that the destruction of the speaker 410 can be suppressed without hindering the sound output.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a cover is provided for suppressing the breakage of the speaker 410. However, this alone cannot completely prevent the speaker 410 from being destroyed. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the speaker 410 is destroyed to such an extent that voice output cannot be performed, such as a coil being destroyed, another pachinko machine 1 on the island is used by using inter-station communication. Use for voice output. The control process for this will be described later.

C. Control hardware configuration:
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a control hardware configuration of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 is controlled by distributed processing of each control board such as the main control board 3, the payout control board 25, the sub control board 350, and the decorative design control board 30. The main control board 3, the payout control board 25, and the sub control board 350 are each configured as a microcomputer having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and realize various control processes according to programs recorded in the ROM. . In this embodiment, the sub-control board 350 and the decorative design control board 30 are configured as separate boards, but may be a board in which both are integrated. In this case, the function of the sub control board 350 and the function of the decorative design control board 30 may be realized by distributed processing of a plurality of CPUs, or may be realized by a single CPU.

In the pachinko machine 1 according to the embodiment, input from the outside to the main control board 3 is restricted in order to prevent various frauds. The main control board 3 and the sub control board 350 are connected by a unidirectional parallel electric signal, and the main control board 3 and the payout control board 25 are connected by a bi-directional serial electric signal for the necessity of control processing. Yes. The payout control board 25 and the sub control board 350 operate in accordance with commands from the main control board 3, respectively. The decorative design control board 30 operates in response to a command from the sub control board 350. The pachinko machine 1 also has a mechanism that is directly controlled by the main control board 3. In the figure, as an example of a device controlled by the main control board 3, a special winning opening solenoid 18 for driving the special winning opening 10 and a special symbol display device 41 are illustrated. The special symbol display device 41 is a device that displays the result of the lottery performed by the main control board 3 in a lighting state of a predetermined number of LEDs.
In addition to this, the main control board 3 can control displays such as a normal symbol display device, a special symbol hold lamp, a normal symbol hold lamp, a big hit type display lamp, and a status display lamp.
Further, detection signals from various sensors are input to the main control board 3 in order to control the operation during the game. In the figure, the input from the winning detector 15a is illustrated as an example. The winning detector 15 a is a sensor for detecting a winning at the start winning opening 9. The main control board 3 can execute the jackpot game by performing the lottery described above according to the signal from the winning detector 15a. Various other inputs are made on the main control board 3, but the description thereof is omitted here.

  The main control board 3 is provided with a RAM clear switch 3SW. When the clerk turns on the power of the pachinko machine 1 while operating the RAM clear switch 3SW, the backed up RAM information of the main control board 3 is cleared. As a result, the pachinko machine 1 starts to operate from the initial state. Since various random numbers used for the lottery are also initialized, the timing of the jackpot can be predicted. Since a player who is familiar with the operation mode of the pachinko machine 1 at the time of RAM clearing may perform an illegal act by intentionally clearing the RAM during the game, a notification sound is output when the RAM is cleared. It has become.

  An outer end plate 303 is connected to the main control board 3. The outer end plate 303 is a terminal plate for connecting the communication line 20 to the hall computer 10. The outer end plate 303 is provided with terminals capable of connecting the signal lines for the types of signals to be exchanged with the hall computer 10. The signals to be exchanged include, for example, the status of occurrence of jackpots, detection results of fraud.

Other controls during the game are performed via the payout control board 25 and the sub control board 350.
The payout control board 25 controls the launch and payout of the game ball being played in the following procedure. The launch of the game ball is directly controlled by the launch control board 47. That is, when the player operates the launch handle 8, the launch control board 47 controls the launch motor 49 according to the operation to launch a game ball. The game ball is fired only under a situation where the touch detector 48 detects that the player is touching the firing handle 8. The payout control board 25 indirectly controls the launch of the sphere by sending a launch control signal to the launch control board 47.

  When a command indicating that a prize has been won during the game is received from the main control board 3, the payout control board 25 controls the payout motor 20 in the prize ball payout device 21 and regulates the number of balls by the payout ball detector 22. Pay out a number of balls. The operation of the payout motor 20 is monitored by a motor drive sensor 24, and when an abnormality such as a ball bit or a ball break is detected, the payout control board 25 displays an error code on the display unit 4a. When an error is displayed, it can be recovered by operating the operation switch 4b after the attendant has removed the abnormality.

The sub control board 350 controls effects such as voice, display, and lamp lighting during the game. The sub-control board 350 is configured as a microcomputer including a CPU 351, a RAM 352, and a ROM 353 for executing these controls.
These effects vary according to the status during the game, such as during normal times, when winning a prize, or when winning a big hit. When an effect command corresponding to each status is transmitted from the main control board 3, the sub-control board 350 activates a program corresponding to each command to realize the effect instructed from the main control board 3. .
The sub-control board 350 notifies the occurrence of an abnormality by outputting an alarm sound or turning on a lamp for warning when an error, an illegal act or other abnormality occurs. The alarm sound when the RAM clear switch 3SW of the main control board 3 is operated is also included in this alarm sound. When the RAM clear switch 3SW is operated, the main control board 3 outputs a notification sound output command to the sub-control board 350, so that the notification sound is output.
As the alarm sound, for example, a buzzer sound that is clearly different from the sound effect during the game can be used. As the warning lamp lighting, for example, lighting and blinking can be performed in a mode clearly different from that during the game, for example, the entire periphery of the game board blinks red.

  In the present embodiment, the LCD 16 is controlled via the decorative design control board 30 as shown in the figure. That is, the sub control board 350 determines the contents of the screen to be displayed on the LCD 16 and transmits a command representing the screen contents to the decorative design control board 30. The decorative design control board 30 is provided with a character ROM previously provided with character data and the like for use in screen display, and a VDP (Video Display Processor). The VDP generates display data representing the luminance of each pixel of the LCD 16 while referring to the character ROM in accordance with a command from the sub control board 350 and outputs the display data to the LCD 16.

  The lamps to be controlled by the sub-control board 350 include the panel decoration lamp 12 provided on the game board surface and the frame decoration lamp 31 provided on the frame. The sub-control board 350 is connected to the panel decoration lamp 12 and the frame decoration lamp 31 via the lamp relay boards 32 and 34, and can blink each lamp individually.

In order to control the speaker unit 400, the sub-control board 350 is provided with a sound source IC 354 and an amplifier 355. When the CPU 351 determines the sound to be output from the speaker unit 400 and outputs a sound output command, the sound source IC 354 reproduces the sound source data designated from the prepared sound source data, amplifies it with the amplifier 355, and outputs it from the speaker unit 400. To do.
The speaker unit 400 is provided with an audio output diagnosis mechanism for diagnosing whether audio output is being performed properly. As shown in the figure, the sub-control board 350 is provided with a current sensor 356s, and a return current from the speaker unit 400 to the sub-control board 350 is detected when outputting sound. When the speaker unit 400 is operating properly, a current corresponding to the command flows, but when the speaker unit 400 is destroyed, no current corresponding to the voice output command flows.
The frequency of this current waveform is proportional to the frequency of the sound output from the speaker unit 400. In this embodiment, as will be described later, since the sound effect at the time of winning and the notification sound at the time of RAM clearing are used for operation diagnosis of sound output, the frequency of the current waveform to be detected when operating properly is known. .
Therefore, when the voice output command is output, the signal detected by the current sensor 356 s is monitored via the band-pass filter 356 that passes only the known frequency, so that the speaker unit 400 appropriately outputs the voice. It is possible to accurately diagnose whether or not

The diagnosis method of the speaker unit 400 is not limited to the above example. For example, a microphone may be provided in place of the current sensor 356 s and the sound output from the speaker unit 400 may be directly detected.
The voice output command used for diagnosis is not necessarily limited to the sound effect at the time of winning or the notification sound at the time of clearing the RAM, and other commands such as a command for outputting music for production may be used. However, the output command of the sound effect at the time of winning and the notification sound at the time of clearing the RAM outputs a sound of a known frequency immediately in response to the output of the command. Is suitable.

The sub-control board 350 is also provided with a communication port 357 for performing inter-base communication. The communication port 357 is provided with an L port for connecting to the left pachinko machine 1L and an R port for connecting to the right pachinko machine 1R. By connecting communication ports 357 provided in each pachinko machine 1 with signal lines, adjacent pachinko machines 1, 1 </ b> L, 1 </ b> R can communicate with each other between the sub control boards 350.
When the sub-control board 350 has a function capable of network communication, the communication port 357 may be provided with a single port for connecting to the network instead of the R port and the L port.

D. Game progress control process:
Hereinafter, the control process of the main control board 3 after the power is turned on will be described. The main control board 3 controls the progress of the game. During the game, a lottery such as the occurrence of a jackpot is performed using various random numbers. However, the random number in the present embodiment is not generated every time by a so-called random number function, but is a variable that is sequentially updated from the predetermined initial value at a predetermined period by a predetermined value. In gaming machines, a lottery is performed with a winning at the winning opening as a trigger, and the timing of using random numbers becomes irregular, so even if the variable is updated according to certain rules, it can function as a random number as a result. It fulfills. In this specification, the term random number is used in this sense.

Examples of random numbers used in this embodiment include the following.
(1) jackpot determination random number: a random number used to determine whether or not to generate a jackpot gaming state;
(2) Random number for determining the initial value for jackpot determination: a random number used to determine the initial value of the random number for determining the jackpot;
(3) Reach determination random number: a random number used to determine whether or not to generate a reach when a jackpot gaming state is not generated;
(4) Random number for variable display pattern: random number used to determine the variable display pattern to be displayed on the special symbol display device 41;
(5) Random numbers for jackpot symbols: Random numbers used to determine a combination of special symbols to be displayed on the special symbol display device 41 when a jackpot gaming state is generated;
(6) Random number for determining the initial value for the jackpot symbol: a random number used for determining the initial value of the random number for the jackpot symbol;
(7) Random number for judgment per normal symbol: Random number used to determine whether or not to open / close the opening / closing blade of the start winning opening;
(8) Random number for initial value determination for normal symbol determination ... Random number used for determination of initial value of random number for normal symbol determination;
(9) Random number for normal symbol variation display pattern: Random number used to determine the variation display pattern to be displayed on the normal symbol display;

D1. Main control side power-on processing:
6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of main control side power-on processing. This is a process in which the CPU of the main control board 3 starts and executes with power recovery upon power-on as a trigger. "Restoration" means that the power is turned on after the power is turned off, the power is restored after a power failure or momentary power failure, and the reset state is detected after a high frequency radio wave irradiation is detected for the pachinko machine. Including.

  When the process is started, the CPU sets an initial value to the stack pointer (step S10). The stack pointer is a storage address for various information that is temporarily stored when advancing control processing, such as the contents of the register being used, the return address of this routine when returning to this routine after exiting the subroutine, and the like. This variable represents the storage location of the latest information in the stacker so that it can be stored and read sequentially in the stacker.

  Next, the CPU starts outputting a power failure clear signal (step S12). The power failure clear signal can be continuously monitored without latching the power failure warning signal by releasing the latch state of the D-type flip-flop that latches the power failure warning signal from the power failure monitoring circuit provided on the power supply board. Process.

When the power failure notice signal is logically inverted and can be monitored, the CPU determines whether or not the power failure notice signal has been input after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed by the wait timer process 1 (step S14). . In this embodiment, the waiting time is set to 200 milliseconds (ms). When a power failure warning signal is input, detection is performed again after a wait time (step S14) by the wait timer process 1. By doing so, the CPU detects whether or not the power failure notice signal is continuously output.
The reason for such continuous detection is as follows. The power failure notice signal is output when the supply voltage to the pachinko machine 1 becomes lower than a predetermined power failure notice voltage due to a power failure or a momentary power failure. Since a certain amount of time is required from when the power is turned on to the predetermined voltage, the power failure warning signal is erroneously detected before the voltage is sufficiently increased by detecting the power failure warning signal continuously by the processes of steps S14 and S16. Detection can be avoided.

  When the power failure warning signal is not detected (step S16) and it is determined that there is no abnormality in the power supply voltage, the CPU stops outputting the power failure clear signal (step S18) and sets the D-type flip-flop to the latched state. . Thereafter, the power failure notice signal is output from the D-type flip-flop when the supply voltage falls below the power failure notice voltage.

  When the RAM clear switch 3SW is operated, the CPU (step S20). A value 1 is set to the RAM clear notification flag RCL (step S22), and a value 0 is set when not operated (step S24). When the RAM clear switch 3SW is operated, as will be described later, game information related to the game such as probability variation on the RAM of the main control board 3 and unpaid prize balls is erased.

  Next, in the wait timer process 2 (step S26), the CPU waits for the decorative symbol control board 30 to be activated. However, since the main control board 3 cannot receive the activation completion notification from the decorative symbol control board 30, it is assumed that the activation is completed when a predetermined time has elapsed, and the next process is executed. In this embodiment, 2 seconds (s) is set as the time until booting (boot timer).

When the RAM clear notification flag RCL is 0 (step S28), that is, when the RAM clear switch 3SW is not operated, the CPU calculates a checksum of game information stored in the RAM (step S30). Then, it is determined whether or not the checksum value matches the checksum value that was previously calculated and backed up at the previous power-off (step S32).
If the checksums match, it is determined whether the backup flag BK is 1 (step S34). The backup flag BK is a flag indicating that the game information, the checksum value, and the like have been normally backed up at the previous power-off.
When the backup flag BK is 1, the CPU sets a value 0 to the backup flag BK as a power recovery setting of the RAM work area, and sets power recovery information read from the ROM to the RAM work area ( Step S36). In addition, a power-on command creation process, that is, a process of storing various commands corresponding to the backed up game information in a predetermined storage area of the RAM (step S38). Various commands stored in this way are read from the storage area and output to the sub-control board 350 and the like in a command transmission process described later.

  As described above, in this embodiment, whether or not the backup information is normal is checked based on the checksum, and whether or not the main control side power-off process is normally completed based on the backup flag BK. . In this embodiment, whether or not the backup information is stored by an illegal act is inspected by this double check.

On the other hand, when the RAM clear notification flag RCL is 1 (step S28), that is, when the RAM clear switch 3SW is operated, processing for initializing the RAM is performed as described later. The same applies when the checksum values do not match or when the backup flag BK is 0 (steps S32 and S34). This is because it is determined that the backup is not performed normally.
As initialization of the RAM, the CPU first clears the RAM by writing a value 0 to the entire area of the RAM (step S40). By this process, values such as the jackpot determination random number and the initial value update type counter are set to the initial value 0.
Next, the CPU sets initial information read from the ROM in the RAM (step S42).
Then, the CPU performs RAM clear notification and test command creation processing (step S44). The RAM clear notification process creates a RAM clear notification command for instructing voice output to notify that the RAM has been cleared, and stores it in a predetermined storage area of the RAM so that it can be output to the sub-control board 350 by a command transmission process described later. It is a process to memorize. The test command creation process creates commands for performing various inspections such as the sub-control board 350, the sound source IC 354, and the decorative design control board 30 and stores them in a predetermined storage area of the RAM so that they can be output by a command transmission process described later. It is processing. The operation of the sub control board 350 when receiving these commands will be described later.

When the above processing is completed, the CPU performs interrupt initialization (step S46), and sets the interrupt cycle for timer interrupt processing. In this embodiment, the interrupt cycle is 4 ms.
When the CPU performs the interrupt permission setting (step S48), the timer interrupt process is repeatedly performed at the above-described interrupt cycle.

Next, the CPU executes main control side main processing.
In this process, a preset value A is set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL (step S50). This is one of the processes necessary to clear the watchdog timer. In this embodiment, in addition to this value A, the watchdog timer is configured to be cleared when the value B and the value C are sequentially set in the main control timer interrupt processing described later.
As shown in the figure, since the main process on the main control side constitutes a loop, this process is normally repeated, and as long as the main control timer interrupt process is periodically performed, the watchdog timer clear register WCL has a value. A, B, and C are set in order, and the watchdog timer is always cleared. On the other hand, if an abnormality occurs in the processing of the CPU, the clear setting of the watchdog timer clear register WCL (step S50) is not performed. Therefore, the CPU determines that an abnormality has occurred, resets the processing when the power is turned on (step (S10 and later) will be executed again.

After the watchdog timer clear register WCL is cleared, when no power failure warning signal is input (step S52), the CPU performs a non-winning random number update process (step S54). Of the random numbers shown above, random numbers that are not related to winning judgment (big hit judgment), that is, random numbers for determining initial values for jackpot determination, random numbers for reaching determination, random numbers for variable display patterns, random numbers for determining initial values for jackpot symbols, etc. are updated. To do. Also, a random number for determining per ordinary symbol, a random number for determining initial value for determining per ordinary symbol, a random number for normal symbol variation display pattern, and the like are updated.
In the present embodiment, the jackpot determination random number starts from the above-described jackpot determination initial value determination random number, and is incremented by 1 every time the main control timer interrupt processing is performed, and reaches a predetermined upper limit value. This time, it counts up again from a predetermined lower limit value. In the above non-winning random number update process, the big hit determination initial value determination random number is updated, so the start point of the above count up changes, and the period in which the big hit determination random number becomes a specific value varies. By doing so, it is possible to make the jackpot determination random number function as a random number while performing a simple process of counting up at a constant cycle. The same applies to other random numbers.
The CPU repeatedly performs steps S50 to S54 described above as the main process on the main control side.

  On the other hand, when a power failure warning signal is input (step S52), the CPU performs a main control side power-off process. The power failure notice signal is a signal generated by the power supply board when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is cut off, or when a power failure or a momentary power failure occurs and the voltage becomes lower than the power failure notice voltage.

In the main control side power-off process, the CPU first performs an interrupt prohibition setting (step S56). This is to prevent the main control timer interruption process from being performed and writing to the RAM during the RAM backup.
Next, the CPU outputs a power failure clear signal (step S58). Also, it outputs to the open / close solenoid, the open / close plate solenoid, the special symbol display 41, the special symbol memory lamp, the normal symbol indicator, the normal symbol memory lamp, the game state display lamp, the small hit display lamp, the round display lamp, etc. Stop the drive signal.
Then, a checksum is calculated based on the game information in the RAM (step S60), and a value 1 is set in the backup flag BK (step S62). This completes the storage of the backup information.

  Thereafter, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S64), and an infinite loop is entered. When the infinite loop is entered, the watchdog timer is not cleared, so the CPU is reset after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the CPU either performs the main control side power-on processing (after step 10) again, or the power is shut off. If it is, stop the operation.

D2. Main control timer interrupt processing:
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the main control timer interruption process. This process is repeated by the CPU of the main control board 3 every predetermined interrupt period (4 ms in the present embodiment).
When the process is started, the CPU sets a value B in the watchdog timer clear register WCL (step S70), clears the interrupt flag (step S72), and initializes the timing start value of the interrupt cycle.
Hereinafter, the CPU sequentially executes the illustrated processes. The execution order of these processes is not limited to the illustrated order.

  The switch input process (step S74) is a process for inputting signals of various switches of the pachinko machine. Examples of the input signal include a detection signal for a game ball that has entered the normal winning opening, a starting winning opening, and a large winning opening, and an ACK signal that is output by the payout control board 25 when a payout payout command is received.

  The timer subtraction process (step S76) is a process of subtracting timer values used for various time management. The timer value to which the initial value is set is subtracted by 4 ms by this subtraction process and becomes 0, so that the passage of time corresponding to the initial value can be detected. A timer value is provided for each time to be managed. As the time to be managed, for example, the time when the special symbol display 41 is lit according to the variation display pattern, the time when the normal symbol display is lit according to the normal symbol variation display pattern, and the ACK signal from the payout control board 25 are input. The time required until.

The winning random number update process (step S78) is a process of counting up various random numbers. The random numbers to be updated are a jackpot determination random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a jackpot determination initial value determination random number, and a jackpot symbol initial value determination random number. The random number for determining per ordinary symbol and the random number for determining initial value for determining per ordinary symbol are also updated by this winning random number update processing.
Various initial value determination random numbers are updated both in the main control side main process (step S54 in FIG. 7) and the main control side timer interrupt process. This is because the randomness can be further improved.

  The prize ball control process (step S80) is a command transmission process to the payout control board 25. For example, when a game ball is won, a prize ball command for instructing the payout control board 25 to pay out the game ball is created and stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM so that it can be transmitted to the payout control board 25. Further, when the ACK signal is not input from the payout control board 25 within a predetermined time, a predetermined self-check command for confirming the connection state with the payout control board 25 is created and transmitted to the payout control board 25 so as to be transmitted to the payout control board 25. Store in the storage area.

  The frame command reception process (step S82) is a process for sending a command from the payout control board 25 attached to the frame side of the pachinko machine to the main control board 3. Examples of the command on the payout control board 25 include a status command indicating an abnormality such as a prize ball unit causing a stagnation of a ball and not being able to pay out a game ball.

  The cheating detection process (step S84) is a process for confirming and notifying an abnormal state related to the prize ball. For example, when it is detected that a game ball has entered the big prize opening 1400 when it is not in the big hit game state, the CPU determines that it is abnormal and can create a prize ball abnormality notification command and output it to the sub-control board 350. The data is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM.

In the special symbol and special electric accessory control process (step S86), the CPU first stores values such as jackpot determination randomness and jackpot symbol random numbers as startup information when winning at the start winning opening is detected.
In the area for storing start information, eight blocks of start information storage blocks 0 to 7 are provided. The start information is stored in time series in the order of the start information storage blocks 0 to 7 together with the identification information indicating which start winning award is won.
The start information storage block is a FIFO (First In First Out) type memory area, and reading is performed in the stored order. When the start information of the start information storage block 0 is read, the start information after the start information storage block 1 is sequentially moved up and stored after the start information storage block 0.
The CPU turns on the special symbol storage lamps as reserved balls for the number of startup information storage blocks in which the startup information is stored. For this purpose, the CPU sets a lighting signal according to the number of lighting of the special symbol memory lamp, and stores it in a predetermined storage area of the RAM so that it can be output to the sub-control board 350. In the present embodiment, the maximum number of holds is set to four.

The CPU also compares the jackpot determination random number stored as start information in the start information storage block 0 with the jackpot determination value stored in advance in the ROM. If the two match, it is determined that the jackpot gaming state should be entered.
Further, the CPU compares the value of the jackpot symbol random number with a probability variation hit determination value stored in advance in the ROM. If both coincide, it is determined that the probability fluctuation has occurred. “Probability fluctuation” refers to a gaming state in which the probability of a big hit is changed to a high probability (at the time of a probable change) that is set higher than at a normal time (low probability). The probability variation is realized by switching the table for reading the jackpot determination value to a normal determination table for low probability and a probability change determination table for high probability.
The CPU further determines the variation display pattern based on the variation display pattern random number.

  The CPU creates a game effect command for performing an effect based on the game state determined by the determination result and the variation display pattern, and stores it in a predetermined storage area of the RAM so that it can be transmitted to the sub-control board 350. In addition, according to the game state, a driving signal for the solenoid of the accessory is also output. For example, in the big hit game state, the CPU stores the drive signal for opening / closing the open / close plate of the big prize opening in a predetermined storage area of the RAM.

In the normal symbol and normal electric accessory control process (step S88), the CPU first stores a random number for normal symbol determination as gate information when it is detected that a game ball has passed through the gate on the game board surface.
The gate information storage area is a FIFO type memory area composed of four blocks of gate information storage blocks 0 to 3.
The CPU turns on the normal symbol storage lamps as reserved balls for the number of gate information storage blocks in which gate information is stored. For this purpose, the CPU sets a lighting signal according to the number of lighting of the normal symbol memory lamp and outputs it to the sub-control board 350. In the present embodiment, the maximum number of holds is set to four.

  The CPU also compares the value of the random number for normal symbol determination stored as gate information in the gate information storage block 0 with the determination value for normal symbol stored in advance in the ROM. If they match, a drive signal is output to the open / close blade solenoid to open / close the open / close blade of the winning opening. Further, the normal symbol display unit is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM so that a lighting signal can be output so as to light the normal symbol display device with the normal symbol variation display pattern determined based on the random number for the normal symbol variation display pattern.

  The port output process (step S90) is a process for outputting the signals described in the various processes described above from the output terminal of the main control I / O port. In this embodiment, the CPU sets a signal to be output and stores it in the output information storage area at the time of executing each of the processes described above, and based on the information in the output information storage area in the port output process. Output various signals. As signals to be output, for example, an ACK signal for the payout control board 25, a drive signal to an opening / closing plate solenoid of an opening / closing plate such as a big prize opening, a jackpot information output signal, an information output signal during probability variation, a special symbol display information output Various information related to the game (game information) such as a signal, a normal symbol display information output signal, a short time and medium information output information, a start opening prize information output signal, and a signal for lighting a display lamp.

  The sub integrated board command transmission process (step S92) is a process for outputting the control signal set in the above-described various processes to the sub control board 350. In this embodiment, the CPU sets a control signal for each process described above and temporarily stores it in the transmission information storage area. In the sub-integrated board command transmission process, the CPU stores information in the transmission information storage area. A control signal is transmitted based on The transmission information includes, for example, a game effect command, a RAM clear notification command, a test command, a prize ball abnormality notification command and a status command, and a connection state between the main control board 3 and the payout control board 25. Examples include a connection failure command created when a failure occurs in the connection state based on the value of the set self-check flag.

  After completing the above processing, the CPU sets a value C in the watchdog timer clear register WCL (step S94). By this process, the process in step S70, and the main process on the main control side (step S50 in FIG. 7), the value A, the value B, and the value C are sequentially set in the watchdog timer clear register WCL. Is cleared.

  When the main control side timer interrupt processing is started, the CPU saves the contents of the general-purpose registers on the stack by hardware. Therefore, when the above processing is completed, the CPU reads the contents saved on the stack and writes it to the original register, thereby switching (restoring) the register (step S96) and setting the interrupt permission. To end this routine.

D3. Sub integration side reset processing:
Next, a control process executed by the sub control board 350 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the sub integration side reset process. This is a process executed by the CPU 351 of the sub control board 350 in response to power-on to the pachinko gaming machine 1. This process is also executed when power is restored after a reset is caused by a power failure or a momentary power failure.
When the processing is started, the CPU 351 performs initial setting processing such as processing for initializing the CPU 351 and processing for setting a wait timer after reset (step S700). The CPU disables interrupts during the initial setting process, and enables interrupts after the initial setting process.

  Next, following step S700, the process waits until the 16 ms elapsed flag ST becomes 1 (step S702). The 16 ms elapsed flag ST is a flag for counting 16 ms, and is set to a value of 1 when 16 ms have elapsed. The value of the flag is updated by a 2 ms timer interrupt process described later.

When the 16 ms elapsed flag ST is 1 (step S702), the 16 ms elapsed flag ST is cleared with 0 (step S704).
Thereafter, the value 1 is set to the 16 ms processing flag SP indicating that the 16 ms steady processing is being executed (step S706), and the 16 ms steady processing is performed (step S708). In the 16 ms steady process, a command analysis process for analyzing various commands from the main control board 3, a lamp process for controlling the lighting of the panel decoration lamp 12 and the frame decoration lamp 31 (see FIG. 1), a production sound, an alarm sound, etc. Output process, a process for displaying an effect screen on the LCD 16 via the decorative design control board 30, a watchdog timer process for monitoring that these processes are normally performed, and a driving pattern of the accessory Perform processing to set to.

When the 16 ms steady process is completed, the CPU 351 sets a value 0 to the 16 ms processing flag SP (step S710).
The CPU 351 repeatedly executes the above processing (steps S702 to S710).

  The sub control board 350 repeatedly executes 16 ms steady processing and performs various interrupt processing. Examples of such interrupt processing include 2 ms timer interrupt, command reception interrupt processing, command reception end interrupt processing, stock notification processing, and ball removal notification processing.

  In the 2 ms timer interrupt process, a drive process based on the driving pattern of the accessory set in the 16 ms steady process is performed, and a value of 1 is set to the 16 ms elapsed flag ST every time the program is executed 8 times to execute the 16 ms steady process. Manage timing. When the value 1 is set to the 16 ms elapsed flag ST, the work area used in the 2 ms timer interrupt process is backed up.

In the command reception interrupt process, a command is received in accordance with a command transmission instruction from the main control board 3. In this embodiment, the command is composed of 16 bits (2 bytes). Due to hardware limitations of the communication line, the command is transmitted from the main control board 3 in 4 bits × 4 packets. The sub control board 350 sequentially receives four packets and recombines them to generate a command.
When the reception of the command is completed, processing such as resetting the counter of the number of received packets to a value 0 or discarding a command that has not been normally received is performed by command reception end interrupt processing.

E. Inter-table communication processing:
When the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment detects that the speaker unit 400 does not output sound properly when outputting sound, the other pachinko machine 1 is connected via the communication port 357 provided in the sub-control board 350. The voice is output from the other pachinko machine 1 by transmitting the voice output command. The voice output command transmitted via the communication port 357 may be called a substitute output command in the sense that the other pachinko machine 1 performs voice output in place of the own machine.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of audio output using inter-station communication. Consider a case where an abnormality occurs in the pachinko machine 1 [3] while the pachinko machine 1 [1] to 1 [10] is connected to the island. As described with reference to FIG. 1, each pachinko machine 1 is connected in a daisy chain by communication ports 357R and 357L.
When the pachinko machine 1 [3] detects an abnormality, the pachinko machine 1 [3] tries to output a warning sound while turning on a lamp for warning. At this time, it is assumed that the lamp is properly lit, but the speaker unit 400 is destroyed and the alarm sound is not properly output.
The diagnosis as to whether the sound output is appropriate can be made based on various criteria. In this embodiment, when one of the pair of left and right speaker units 400 (see FIG. 2) provided in the pachinko machine 1 is destroyed, sound can be output from the other speaker unit 400. Even so, the diagnosis was made that the sound output was not appropriate. The diagnosis of the sound output can be performed based on various criteria, and it may be diagnosed that the sound output is not appropriate only when both the speaker units 400 are destroyed.

  When it is diagnosed that the alarm sound output is not appropriate, the pachinko machine 1 [3] is installed on the edge of the island 1 [1], 1 [10] (hereinafter referred to as "end machine") Also have audio output. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 [3] transmits the proxy output command C1 from the communication port 357L to the left pachinko machine 1 [2], and the communication port 357R transmits the proxy output command C1 to the right pachinko machine 1 [4]. Send C4.

  When the pachinko machine 1 [2] receives the proxy output command C1, it further transfers it to the left pachinko machine 1 [1] (command C2). Since the pachinko machine 1 [1] is an end machine, the proxy output command cannot be transferred from the communication port 357L (command C3). Since the substitute output command cannot be transferred, the pachinko machine 1 [1] recognizes that the own machine is a terminal machine and outputs a sound based on the substitute output command (voice output S1).

Similarly, the pachinko machines 1 [4] to 1 [9] sequentially transfer the substitute output commands (commands C5, C6, and C7). Since the pachinko machine 1 [10] is an end machine, the proxy output command cannot be transferred (command C8). Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 [10] tries to output sound from the own machine (audio output S2).
Here, it is assumed that the pachinko machine 1 [10] also has the speaker unit 400 broken and cannot properly output sound. The pachinko machine 1 [10] detects an abnormality in voice output and newly sends a substitute output command to the adjacent pachinko machine 1 [9].
Under normal circumstances, the pachinko machine 1 [9] sequentially transfers the substitute output commands to the pachinko machine 1 [8]. However, at this time, the proxy output command is received from the destination (command C7) to which the proxy output command has already been transferred from the pachinko machine 1 [9]. Accordingly, the pachinko machine 1 [9] determines that an abnormality has occurred in the pachinko machine 1 [10] to which the proxy output command has been transferred, and performs voice output without transferring the proxy output command (voice output S3). .

According to the above aspect, when an abnormality occurs in any one of the pachinko machines on the island, a warning sound is output from the terminal machine. At this time, if the audio output from the end machine is not possible, the audio output is made from the pachinko machine closest to the end machine.
In the hall, the clerk is often waiting near the end machine on the island, so by outputting an alarm sound from the end machine on the island in this way, there is an advantage that the clerk can be notified of the abnormality quickly. is there.
In addition, although voice output is made to the end machine by inter-station communication, the warning display is performed with confidence of the abnormal machine, so the clerk can easily identify the abnormal machine by looking at the lighting state of the lamp be able to.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the audio output process. This process is executed by the CPU 351 of the sub-control board 350, and is a control process for realizing audio output in the mode shown in FIG. This voice output process is called whenever a voice output is required, such as a RAM clear notification sound output (step S44 in FIG. 7), a 16 ms steady process in the sub-control board 350 (step S708 in FIG. 9), or the like. It is a subroutine.

When the process is started, the CPU 351 analyzes a command related to voice output (step S100), specifies the type of voice to be output, the output time, and the like, and outputs a voice output command to the sound source IC 354 (step S102). The sound source IC 354 reproduces sound source data prepared in advance according to the sound output command, and outputs it to the speaker unit 400.
While the audio output is performed, the CPU 351 performs a diagnosis as to whether the audio output is properly performed based on a signal from the current sensor 356s (see FIG. 5), that is, detects an abnormality in the audio output (step S104). ). As described above, when a current change corresponding to the voice output command is not detected by the current sensor 356s, it is determined that there is an abnormality. In the present embodiment, if there is an abnormality in one of the left and right speaker units 400, it is determined that there is an abnormality. However, it may be determined that there is an abnormality only when both are abnormal.

When there is no abnormality in the audio output (step S106), the CPU 351 ends the audio output process.
When there is an abnormality (step S106), the CPU 351 transfers a voice output command to another unit (step S108). As described above, when an abnormality in the audio output is detected, the information is immediately transferred to another vehicle, so that it is possible to notify the staff early and to deal with the abnormality early. For example, if the speaker unit 400 is destroyed prior to the fraud, the clerk can know the occurrence of the abnormality before the fraud is performed. Can be prevented in advance.

Here, various settings can be made for the command to be transferred. For example, a voice output command that is to be output by the own device in the voice output process may be transferred as it is. For example, if an abnormality is detected when an alarm sound is output, an alarm sound is also output from another stand. If an abnormality is detected when a sound effect is output during a game, the sound effect during the game will be output from another stand, and the staff will be notified of the abnormality without producing a sound as alarming as the alarm sound. Is possible. This is because the occurrence of an abnormality can be sufficiently recognized when the attendant notices the inconsistency between the sound effect output from the end machine and the effect display or lamp lighting state at the end machine.
As another aspect, the substitute output command may be an audio output command for an alarm sound regardless of the audio output command that the device itself is supposed to output. At this time, a specific alarm sound output command for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in another pachinko machine may be prepared, or a sound output command of another alarm sound may be used. For example, a RAM clear notification command or a notification command when other fraud is detected can be used. According to the latter mode, since it is not necessary to increase a new command, it is possible to avoid complication of the command system.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the inter-station communication notification process. This corresponds to the process executed by the pachinko machine that has received the proxy output command transmitted in step S108 in FIG. The sub-control board 350 of each pachinko machine executes this process with the reception of a command from another machine as a trigger in the 16 ms steady process (step S708 in FIG. 9) described above.

  When the process is started, the CPU 351 receives a substitute output command from another unit via the communication port 357 (step S150). Since the process is executed by receiving a substitute output command from another unit as a trigger, when the substitute output command is not received, the CPU 351 ends this process as it is.

  Next, the CPU 351 determines whether or not the received proxy output command is received from a table that has already been transmitted (step S152). If it is from a table that has already been transmitted (step S152), the pachinko machine 1 [9] in FIG. 10 has an error in the terminal machine, such as when a substitute output command is received from the pachinko machine 1 [10]. Therefore, the CPU 351 immediately executes a sound output process (step S158). The contents of the audio output process are as described in FIG. By executing this process, voice output based on the proxy output command can be performed as in the pachinko machine 1 [9] in FIG.

In step S152, various methods can be used to determine whether the proxy output command is a reply from a table that has already been transmitted.
As an example, the sub-control board 350 may store the logs of the transmission source and the transfer destination as the transfer history each time the substitute output command is transferred. Next, when a substitute output command is received, if the sender of the substitute output command matches the transfer destination of this log, it can be determined that the reply is a reply. In order to avoid mistakenly judging that a reply is made between proxy output commands issued from two islands at completely different timings, the above-mentioned log retention period should be set to a sufficiently short time. Is desirable.

  If the proxy output command is not a reply (step S152), the CPU 351 transfers the command from a port different from the reception port to another unit (step S154). That is, when a proxy output command is received from the communication port 357R, the proxy output command is transferred from the other communication port 357L. Conversely, when it is received at the communication port 357L, it is transferred from the communication port 357R. By doing so, as shown in FIG. 10, the proxy output command can be sequentially transferred between the pachinko machines on the island.

  When the proxy output command can be transferred (step S156), the CPU 351 determines that the own device is not a terminal device and does not need to output sound, and ends the inter-unit communication notification process. This corresponds to the processing performed by the pachinko machines 1 [2], 1 [4], etc. in FIG. The success or failure of transfer of the proxy output command can be determined by confirming the presence or absence of a reception response signal (so-called ACK signal) from the transfer destination. When the proxy output command can be transferred and the inter-station communication notification process is terminated, it is desirable to update the log recording described above.

When the proxy output command cannot be transferred (step S156), the CPU 351 determines that the own device is a terminal device and should output a sound, and executes a sound output process (step S158). By this processing, voice output based on the substitute output command is performed. This processing corresponds to the processing of the pachinko machines 1 [1] and 1 [10] in FIG.
If a further abnormality is detected during the audio output based on the proxy output command as in the pachinko machine 1 [10] in FIG. 10 (audio output S2 in FIG. 10), the CPU 351 follows step S108 in FIG. A new output command will be sent to another unit. Then, in the other units, the inter-unit communication notification process is executed again in response to the newly issued substitute output command.

  According to the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to diagnose whether or not sound output is properly performed from the speaker unit 400. When there is an abnormality in the audio output, the audio output can be performed using the speaker unit 400 of another unit using inter-station communication. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent an illegal act after destroying the speaker unit 400 so as not to sound an alarm sound.

F. Variations:
F1. Modified example (1) of inter-station communication notification processing:
(1) In the embodiment, the example in which the voice output for the substitute output command is performed by the terminal device is shown. Various processing is possible for the proxy output command. For example, the pachinko machine 1 that has received the proxy output command may output a voice regardless of whether it is a terminal machine. If it carries out like this, audio | voice output will be promptly output from the pachinko machine 1 adjacent to an abnormal machine.

(2) Moreover, in the Example, the example which transmits a substitute output command from the output ports 357R and 357L of both of the abnormal machines was shown (see FIG. 10). On the other hand, the substitute output command may be transmitted only from the side where the abnormality of the speaker unit 400 is found. For example, when it is detected that the right speaker unit 400 is normal and only the left side is destroyed, a substitute output command is output from the output port 357L to the left pachinko machine. By doing so, the adjacent pachinko machine 1 can replace the part of the speaker unit 400 in which an abnormality has occurred while outputting an alarm sound from the normal speaker unit 400 of the own machine.

F2. Modified example (2) of inter-station communication notification processing:
In the embodiment, an example is shown in which a pachinko machine that outputs sound in response to a substitute output command is fixed to a terminal machine or the like. Pachinko machines that output audio may be moved sequentially. Such an example is shown below.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of audio output using inter-station communication. Let us consider a case in which an abnormality is imposed on the pachinko machine 1 [3] while the pachinko machine 1 [1] to 1 [10] is installed on the island.

When the abnormal device detects an abnormality in the speaker unit 400, it transmits a substitute output command via the communication ports 357R and 357L (commands C11 and C21) as in the embodiment.
The pachinko machine 1 [2] transfers the substitute output command (command C12). Since the pachinko machine 1 [1] cannot further transfer the proxy output command (command C13), the pachinko machine 1 [1] performs voice output based on the proxy output command (voice output S11).

  Thereafter, the pachinko machine 1 [1] returns a proxy output command (command C14). The pachinko machine 1 [2] does not simply forward the substitute output command, but instead outputs the voice based on the substitute output command (voice output S12), and further sends back the substitute output command (command C15).

The pachinko machine 1 [3] receives the substitute output command, but has an abnormality in the own machine and cannot output voice (voice output S13). Therefore, the proxy output command is transmitted again (command C16). Since this proxy output command is not a reply but a new proxy output command, the pachinko machine 1 [2] transfers the command to the pachinko machine 1 [1] as when the first command C11 is received.
By repeating this process, the audio output source can be moved sequentially from the pachinko machine 1 [1], which is the terminal machine, toward the abnormal machine as in the audio outputs S11 and S12 in the figure.

The same applies to the command C21 transmitted to the pachinko machine 1 [4]. The proxy output commands are sequentially transferred as commands C22, C23, and C24. The pachinko machine 1 [10], which is an end machine, cannot transfer (command C25), so tries to output sound (voice output S21).
Here, it is assumed that there is also an abnormality in the speaker unit 400 of the pachinko machine 1 [10] and audio output cannot be performed. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 [10] newly outputs a substitute output command to the pachinko machine 1 [9] (command C26).

The pachinko machine 1 [9] receives the reply of the proxy output command (command C26) and performs audio output (audio output S22). Further, a proxy output command is returned (command C27).
In this way, each pachinko machine sequentially returns a substitute output command while outputting sound (command C28, sound output S23).
Even if a substitute output command is returned from the pachinko machine 1 [4] to the pachinko machine 1 [3] (command C29), the pachinko machine 1 [3] cannot output audio (audio output S24). Therefore, the proxy output command is transmitted again (command C30).
In this way, even between the pachinko machines 1 [4] to 1 [10], sound output can be performed while moving the sound output source in order from the end device side.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an audio output process as a modification. This is a process for realizing the inter-station communication notification process of FIG. 13, and is a process replacing the process of the embodiment (FIG. 11).

When this process is started, the CPU 351 of the sub control board 350 analyzes the command (step S100) and outputs a sound output command to the sound source IC (step S102), and the sound source IC reproduces the sound source data. And output audio.
During this time, the CPU 351 detects whether there is an abnormality in the audio output (step S104), and if there is no abnormality (step S106), the process is terminated.

If there is an abnormality (step S106), it is determined whether or not the command analyzed in step S100 is a substitute output command from another unit (step S110).
If it is not a substitute output command from another stand (step S110), the voice output command is transferred to the other stand (step S114). That is, a substitute output command is newly transmitted. The command to be transferred here may be transferred as it is in step 100 as described in the embodiment, or an alarm sound output command may be transmitted.

  On the other hand, in the case of a stand output command from another stand (step S110), this command is returned (step S112). This corresponds to the processing of the pachinko machine 1 [10] in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the inter-unit communication notification process as a modification. This process replaces the process of the embodiment (FIG. 12), and is a process executed by the CPU 351 of the sub-control board 350 in the 16 ms steady process (step S708 in FIG. 9).

When the process is started, the CPU 351 receives a substitute output command from another unit (step S150).
If this proxy output command is a reply from the table that has already been transmitted, voice output based on the proxy output command is immediately performed as shown by the voice outputs S12, S22, and S23 in FIG. 13 (step S170).

  If the proxy output command is not a reply (step S152), the proxy output command is transferred from the communication port different from the reception port to another unit (step S154). This corresponds to the transfer process of the command C12 of the pachinko machine 1 [2] in FIG.

When the proxy output command has been transferred (step S156), the CPU 351 ends the inter-unit communication notification process.
If the data cannot be transferred, the CPU 351 determines that the own device is a terminal device and performs audio output processing (step S170).

  If the CPU 351 is an abnormal machine, the CPU 351 ends the inter-station communication notification process (step S172). This corresponds to the processing of the pachinko machine 1 [3] in FIG. In FIG. 13, after a voice output with an abnormal machine is attempted (voice output S13, S24), a substitute output command is newly transmitted (commands C16, C30). This command is output in the process of performing the voice output process in step S170 (step S117 in FIG. 14).

If it is not an abnormal machine (step S172), the proxy output command is transferred from the communication port different from the receiving port or the transferable communication port to another machine (step S174).
Transfer from a communication port different from the reception port means that after the pachinko machine 1 [2] receives the command C14 in FIG. 13 and performs the audio output S12, the command C15 is transferred to the pachinko machine 1 [3]. It corresponds to the processing.
The transfer from the transferable communication port means that the pachinko machine 1 [1] at the end in FIG. 13 receives the command C12, performs the voice output S11, and then transfers the command C14 to the pachinko machine 1 [2]. It corresponds to the processing.
With the processing in step S174, as shown in FIG. 13, after performing voice output, processing for returning a proxy output command becomes possible.

  When the reply of the substitute output command is completed, the CPU 351 resets the transfer history (step S176) and ends the inter-station communication notification process. By resetting the transfer history, when a new abnormality is detected on a different machine, or when a substitute output command is sent again from the abnormal machine (command C16, C30, etc. in FIG. 13), the previous transfer history It is possible to avoid misjudgment caused by.

  According to the inter-vehicle communication notification process of the modified example described above, since the audio output source can be moved from the terminal device, the attendant can easily identify the abnormal machine by following the audio output source. There is an advantage to become.

F3. Modified example (3) of the inter-station communication notification process:
In the embodiment, when an abnormality occurs, an example is shown in which the clerk's attention is drawn by performing audio output on another unit. On the other hand, identification information is set for each pachinko machine installed on the island, and when an abnormality occurs, the abnormal machine can be easily identified by presenting the identification information of the abnormal machine together with voice output to the staff. It may be.
The identification information may be set manually for each gaming machine installed on the island by an operator by operating a dip switch or the like, but it is convenient to be able to set it automatically.
Below, after explaining the process for setting identification information automatically, the mode which performs information using identification information is explained as a modification.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing an identification information setting example (1). Consider an example in which pachinko machines 1 [1] to 1 [10] are installed on an island. It is assumed that only the pachinko machine 1 [3] is turned off and the other is already turned on.

When the power of the pachinko machine 1 [3] is turned on, the CPU 351 of the sub control board 350 transmits an ID setting command via the communication port 357 (commands C41 and C51).
The pachinko machines 1 [2], 1 [4], etc. that have received the ID setting command sequentially transfer the ID setting command from other communication ports in the same manner as when the proxy output command is received (commands C42, C52 to 54). ).

  The pachinko machines 1 [1] and 1 [10] cannot transfer identification information (commands C43 and C55). Therefore, each of these determines that the own device is a terminal device, sets an identification number “ID = 1” to the own device, and returns an ID increase command (commands C44 and C56). When replying, the ID of the own device is attached to the ID increase command.

The pachinko machine 1 [2] receives the reply of the ID increase command “ID = 1”, sets its own identification number as “ID = 2”, and further sends the ID increase command to the pachinko machine 1 [3]. ] (Command C45).
Similarly, the pachinko machine 1 [9] receives the reply of the ID increase command “ID = 1”, sets the identification number of the own machine to “ID = 2”, and further sends the ID increase command to the pachinko machine 1 Reply to [8] (command C57).
In this way, each pachinko machine sets an ID for itself and returns an ID increase command (command C46, command C58, etc.).

  When this processing is performed, ID collisions set from the pachinko machines 1 [1] and 1 [10] will eventually occur. In the example of the figure, in the pachinko machine 1 [4], the ID set in order from the pachinko machine 1 [1] is “4”, whereas the ID set in order from the pachinko machine 1 [10] is “7”. "And there is a mismatch.

At this time, the pachinko machine 1 [4] gives priority to the process with the larger ID value. Accordingly, the ID of the own device is corrected to “ID = 7” set in order from the pachinko machine 1 [10], and the ID increase command is transferred to the pachinko machine 1 [3] (command C59).
The ID set from the pachinko machine 1 [1] is ignored and the transfer of the ID increase command is also stopped.
Hereinafter, based on the command C59, the IDs of the pachinko machines 1 [3] to 1 [1] are sequentially rewritten (commands C60 and C61).
By these processes, unique identification information “ID = 1 to 10” is sequentially added in the order of the pachinko machines 1 [10] to 1 [1].

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing an identification information setting example (2). FIG. 16 shows an example of setting when only the pachinko machine 1 [3] is powered off. Next, an example of setting when all the machines are off is shown. The processing of each pachinko machine is the same as in FIG.

  First, it is assumed that the pachinko machines 1 [2], 1 [4], and 1 [10] are turned on from a state in which all the machines are off. At this time, the pachinko machines 1 [2], 1 [4], and 1 [10] try to send an ID setting command (commands C71 to C76), but since each of them cannot be transmitted, each of the own machines is not connected. Is set to ID = 1.

  Next, it is assumed that the power of the pachinko machine 1 [3] is turned on. The pachinko machine 1 [3] transmits an ID setting command (commands C77 and C80). The pachinko machines 1 [2] and 1 [4] cannot perform this transfer (commands C78 and C81). Therefore, the pachinko machines 1 [2] and 1 [4] determine that the own machine is an end machine and set “ID = 1” respectively. Returns an increase command.

Here, it is assumed that the reply from the pachinko machine 1 [2] arrives at the pachinko machine 1 [3] earlier (command C79). The pachinko machine 1 [3] sets “ID = 2” of the own machine and transfers the ID increase command to the pachinko machine 1 [4] (command C82).
Thereafter, it is assumed that the ID increase command from the pachinko machine 1 [4] reaches the pachinko machine 1 [3] (command C83). At this time, since the pachinko machine 1 [3] is “ID = 2” and is larger than “ID = 1” transmitted by the command C83, the pachinko machine 1 [3] ignores the command C83.
As a result, “ID = 1 to 3” is set in this order in the pachinko machines 1 [2] to 1 [4].

  In this way, each pachinko machine sequentially executes the processing described in FIGS. 16 and 17, so that the ID is sequentially updated each time the power is turned on. Finally, as shown in FIG. An unambiguous ID is set.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the ID setting process. 16 and 17 is a process executed by the CPU 351 of the sub control board 350 when the power is turned on and when the 16 ms steady process is executed.

When the process is started and the ID increase command is received (step S200), the CPU 351 adds the ID already assigned to the own device (hereinafter referred to as “own device ID”) to the ID increase command. It is determined whether or not it is ID (hereinafter referred to as “instruction ID”) or less. If the own device ID is less than or equal to the instruction ID, the own device ID is replaced with “instruction ID + 1” (step S204). This corresponds to a process of setting ID = 2 in the pachinko machine 1 [3] in FIG. 17, a process of rewriting the ID of the pachinko machine 1 [4] from 1 to 3, and the like.
After rewriting the own device ID, the CPU 351 transmits an ID increase command (step S206). This is transmitted from a communication port different from the communication port that received the ID increase command in step S200.

  On the other hand, if the own device ID is larger than the instruction ID (step S202), the ID setting command is ignored and the ID setting process is terminated. This corresponds to processing when the pachinko machine 1 [3] in FIG. 17 ignores the command C83.

Next, the CPU 351 transmits the ID setting command (step S214) when the ID setting command is received (step S210) or when the ID of its own device is not set (step S212). When this command can be transmitted, the CPU 351 ends the ID setting process (step S216).
The time when the ID setting command is received corresponds to the processing when the pachinko machine 1 [2] in FIG. 16 receives the command C41, and the setting command is simply changed without changing the already set ID. This corresponds to the transfer process.
The case where the ID is not set corresponds to processing when the pachinko machine 1 [3] in FIG. 16 transmits the commands C41 and C51.

When the above ID setting command cannot be transmitted (step S216), the CPU 351 determines that the own device is a terminal device, sets "1" in the ID (step S218), and returns an ID increase command. (Step S220). That is, the ID increase command is transmitted from the communication port that has received the ID setting command first.
This process corresponds to a process in which the pachinko machines 1 [1] and 1 [10] in FIG. 16 send commands C44 and C56 after setting “ID = 1”.

  By executing the above processing, a unique identification number can be assigned to each pachinko machine installed on the island as described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the inter-unit communication notification process as a modification. This process is an alternative to FIG. 12 in the embodiment, and is a process executed by the CPU 351 of the sub control board 350 in the 16 ms steady process (step S708 in FIG. 9). For the audio output processing, the processing (FIGS. 11 and 14) shown in the embodiment or the modification can be used.

In the modification, the abnormal machine transmits the ID of the own machine (hereinafter referred to as “abnormal machine ID”) and the IDs of the terminal machines at both ends together with the substitute output command. When the CPU 351 receives an abnormal machine ID and a substitute output command from another machine (step S300), if the abnormal machine is a terminal machine (step S302), it updates the terminal machine ID (step S304).
If the abnormal machine ID is “1”, the terminal machine ID is updated to “2” next to it. If the abnormal machine ID is “10”, the terminal machine ID is updated to “9” next to it. That is, when the abnormal machine ID matches the smaller one of the end machine IDs at both ends, the end machine ID is increased by 1, and the larger machine and the abnormal machine ID match. The terminal ID may be reduced by 1.

Next, the CPU 351 compares the own device ID with the end device ID attached to the substitute output command, and determines whether or not the own device is an end device (step S306). If the own device does not hit the terminal device (step S306), the substitute output command is transferred from the port different from the receiving port to the other device (step S308) as in the embodiment. If it is a terminal device (step S306), a voice output process is performed (step S310) and an abnormal device ID is displayed (step S312).
For example, the abnormal machine ID may be displayed as a number in one corner of the LCD 16, or the abnormal machine ID may be indicated by a binary number by lighting an LED or the like. Also, a number may be displayed on the segment type display unit.

  According to the inter-table communication notification process of the modified example, it is possible to alert the attendant by voice output at the end machine and to display the identification number of the abnormal machine, so that the attendant can easily deal with the abnormal machine. Can be made.

  As mentioned above, although the various Example of this invention was described, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to these Examples, and can take a various structure in the range which does not deviate from the meaning. In the embodiment, an example of application to a pachinko machine has been shown, but the present invention can be applied to various gaming machines such as a spinning-type gaming machine.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the game system as an Example. It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 as an example. It is explanatory drawing which shows a speaker structure. It is explanatory drawing which shows the speaker structure as a modification. 2 is a block diagram showing a control hardware configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. It is a flowchart (1) which shows an example of the main control side power-on process. It is a flowchart (2) which shows an example of the process at the time of main control side power-on. It is a flowchart of a main control side timer interrupt process. It is a flowchart of a sub integration side reset process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the audio | voice output using inter-station communication. It is a flowchart of an audio | voice output process. It is a flowchart of an inter-station communication alerting | reporting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the audio | voice output using inter-station communication. It is a flowchart of the audio | voice output process as a modification. It is a flowchart of the inter-table communication alerting | reporting process as a modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the identification information setting example (1). It is explanatory drawing which shows the identification information setting example (2). It is a flowchart of ID setting processing. It is a flowchart of the inter-table communication alerting | reporting process as a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine 11 ... Transparent cover 15 ... Start lever 16 ... Stop button 18 ... Power supply unit 19 ... Hopper device 21 ... Liquid crystal panel (LCD)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 ... Reel 30 ... Lamp 40 ... Speaker 50 ... Medal full sensor 51 ... Error release sensor 52 ... Door opening sensor 70 ... Game board 70 ... Variable winning device 71 ... Game area 72 ... Start winning port 80 ... Variable winning device 81 ... First DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Movable piece 82 ... 2nd movable piece 83 ... Flow path 84 ... Arm 85 ... Movable stage 86 ... General prize opening 100 ... Main control board 101 ... CPU
102 ... ROM
103 ... RAM
200 ... Sub-control board 201 ... CPU
202 ... ROM
203 ... RAM
204 ... VDP
205 ... Sound source IC
206 ... Amplifier 206a ... Amplifier circuit 206v ... Volume 210 ... System module 211 ... Main substrate command buffer 212 ... Liquid crystal command buffer 213 ... Output port image work 220 ... Command analysis module 230, 230A ... Event module 231 ... Work 232 ... Operation number table 233 ... Layer information table 240, 240A ... Production module 241 ... Production data 250 ... Sound module 251 ... Sound module main 252 ... Scheduler 252 ... Sound scheduler 252W ... Work 253 ... Channel management work 254 ... Sound layer structure 255 ... Schedule data 255F ... Phrase data 260 ... Ramp module 262W ... Work 262 ... Ramp scheduler 263 Gradation scheduler 264 ... lamp layer structure 265 ... schedule data 266 ... gradation pattern data 270 ... the character object module

Claims (8)

A gaming machine that performs a game using a predetermined game medium,
A main control device for integrated control of the progress of the game;
A payout device for paying out the game medium to a player under predetermined conditions;
An audio output device for audio output;
An effect control device that controls audio output from the audio output device based on a command output from the main control device;
A unidirectional signal line that connects the main control device and the production control device, and transmits signals in a single direction from the main control device to the production control device;
On an island where a plurality of the gaming machines are arranged side by side, a pair of left and right communication ports for connecting a signal line so as to perform one-to-one communication with each other adjacent to the left and right gaming machines and the effect control device; ,
A fraud detection unit connected to the main control device or the production control device and detecting fraudulent behavior that causes the gaming machine to perform an abnormal operation with respect to payout of the game medium, or detecting an abnormal operation due to the fraudulent activity; ,
The production control device
An effect command for instructing the audio output content from the main control device, and an input unit for inputting a detection result by the fraud detection unit,
A sound output control unit for outputting sound for production based on the effect command from the sound output device, and for outputting a notification sound for notifying the detection result when the fraud or abnormal operation is detected; ,
A voice output diagnostic unit for diagnosing whether or not the voice output is properly performed at the time of voice output based on the effect command ;
When the voice output diagnosis unit diagnoses that the voice output is not appropriate, a substitute output command for causing the voice output to be performed instead of the own device at a predetermined timing is transmitted through the inter-station communication port. A gaming machine having an inter-table communication control unit for outputting to a gaming machine. A claim 1 Symbol placement of the gaming machine,
The inter-table communication control unit
When the proxy output command is received from one of the inter-device communication ports, the proxy output command is transferred from the other of the inter-device communication ports to the adjacent gaming machine,
A gaming machine that delivers the substitute output command to the voice output control unit to perform voice output when the transfer is not possible. A claim 1 Symbol placement of the gaming machine,
The inter-table communication control unit
When the proxy output command is received from one of the inter-device communication ports, the proxy output command is transferred from the other of the inter-device communication ports to the adjacent gaming machine,
When the transfer is not possible, or when the proxy output command is received from a gaming machine that has already transferred the proxy output command, the proxy output command is delivered to the voice output control unit and voice output is performed. A gaming machine that returns the substitute output command to the gaming machine that has transferred the substitute output command. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
It has a light emitting effect device that produces an effect by lighting the lamp,
The production command further includes a command for instructing the lamp lighting mode,
The production control device further includes a lamp lighting control unit in the light emission production device based on a command output from the main control device and a detection result by the fraud detection unit,
A gaming machine in which the inter-station communication control unit outputs the lamp output command without including the command to turn on the lamp while the lamp lighting by the lamp lighting control unit is being executed. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
An identification information storage unit for storing identification information for uniquely identifying each gaming machine in the island;
An identification information display unit for displaying the identification information visually recognizable,
The inter-station communication control unit outputs the identification information together when newly sending the substitute output command,
The production control device is a gaming machine that causes the identification information display unit to display identification information output together with the substitution output command when performing voice output by the substitution output command. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
A gaming machine using a command for outputting the notification sound as the substitute output command. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The inter-station communication control unit is a gaming machine that outputs the substitute output command when the audio output diagnosis unit diagnoses that the audio output is not appropriate. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The inter-table communication control unit is a gaming machine that outputs the substitute output command when the fraudulent behavior or abnormal operation is detected after the voice output diagnostic unit diagnoses that the voice output is not appropriate.