Game machine

Abstract

To constitute a wiring pattern with an appropriate width corresponding to its application.SOLUTION: In a board (frame control board 200A), a first wiring pattern for connecting a processor (frame control CPU 200a) and a first electronic component (motor driver IC2), a second wiring pattern for connecting the processor and a second electronic component (transistor Q1), a third wiring pattern for connecting the first electronic component and a first connector (connector CN2), and a fourth wiring pattern for connecting the second electronic component and a second connector (connector CN3) are formed, and the width of the wiring patterns is in a relationship of the width of the first wiring pattern or the width of the second wiring pattern<the width of the third wiring pattern<the width of the fourth wiring pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Gaming machines are equipped with various circuit boards with different functions inside. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a wiring pattern on a circuit board includes a power supply pattern extending from a connector to an electronic component and a ground pattern surrounding the power supply pattern, and the width of the power supply pattern is set to the width of at least two connector terminals. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-234760 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, increasing the width of the power supply pattern on the board increases the allowable current of the power supply pattern and reduces the influence of noise from other electronic components. However, since many electronic components are densely arranged on the board, it is necessary to ensure paths for many wiring patterns and clearances between the wiring patterns. Therefore, in a situation where the density of electronic components and wiring patterns on the board must be increased in order to reduce the area occupied by the board itself, the width of the wiring patterns cannot be increased randomly.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can configure wiring patterns with an appropriate width depending on the application. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a board that controls the progress of a game, a processor disposed on the board, a first electronic component disposed on the board and that controls a first actuator for distributing gaming balls toward a launching device in response to a command from the processor, a second electronic component disposed on the board and that controls a second actuator for distributing the gaming balls toward the launching device in response to a command from the processor, the second electronic component being different from the first electronic component, a first connector disposed on the board and that electrically connects the first electronic component to the first actuator, and a second connector disposed on the board and that controls the first electronic component to the first actuator. and a second connector for electrically connecting a second electronic component and the second actuator, and the substrate is formed with a first wiring pattern connecting the processor and the first electronic component, a second wiring pattern connecting the processor and the second electronic component, a third wiring pattern connecting the first electronic component and the first connector, and a fourth wiring pattern connecting the second electronic component and the second connector, and the widths of the wiring patterns satisfy the relationship: width of the first wiring pattern or width of the second wiring pattern < width of the third wiring pattern < width of the fourth wiring pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to configure the wiring pattern with an appropriate width depending on the application. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of a frame control board. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the wiring pattern of the frame control board. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining signals between electronic components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 100. The gaming machine 100 includes a gaming machine main body 102. The gaming machine main body 102 includes a main body frame and a front door that is supported on the main body frame so that it can be opened and closed freely. A gaming board 104 is held in the main body frame, and a transparent plate is held in the front door. When the front door is closed relative to the main body frame, the transparent plate faces the gaming board 104 while maintaining a predetermined distance therebetween.

[0011] An operating handle 106 that protrudes from the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided at the bottom of the front door. This operating handle 106 is provided so that it can be rotated by a player, and when a player rotates the operating handle 106 to perform a firing operation, a gaming ball is fired with a strength that corresponds to the rotation angle of the operating handle 106. The gaming ball thus fired rises between rails 104a and 104b provided on the gaming board 104 and is guided to a playing area 110.

[0012] The play area 110 is a space formed between the play board 104 and the transparent plate, and is an area where the game balls can flow down or roll. The play board 104 is provided with a large number of nails and windmills, and the game balls guided into the play area 110 collide with the nails and windmills, causing them to flow down or roll in irregular directions.

[0013] The play area 110 includes a first play area 110a and a second play area 110b. The first play area 110a is located on the left side of the play area 110 as seen by a player facing the game machine 100, and the second play area 110b is located on the right side of the play area 110 as seen by a player facing the game machine 100. Because the rails 104a and 104b are located on the left side of the play area 110, a game ball launched with a launch intensity less than a predetermined intensity enters the first play area 110a, and a game ball launched with a launch intensity equal to or greater than the predetermined intensity enters the second play area 110b.

[0014] The gaming area 110 is also provided with a general prize opening 118, a first start opening 120, and a second start opening 122 through which game balls can enter, and when a game ball enters these general prize opening 118, first start opening 120, and second start opening 122, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. The number of prize balls may be any number greater than or equal to one, and the number of prize balls paid out for each of the general prize opening 118, first start opening 120, and second start opening 122 may be different or the same number of prize balls. In this case, it is also possible to set the number of prize balls paid out when a game ball enters the first start opening 120 to be less than the number of prize balls paid out when a game ball enters the second start opening 122.

[0015] When a gaming ball enters the first start slot 120 or the second start slot 122, a lottery is held to determine one of a plurality of pre-established special symbols. Each special symbol is associated with various gaming benefits, such as whether or not a major or minor win game advantageous to the player can be executed, and what the subsequent gaming state will be. Therefore, when a gaming ball enters the first start slot 120 or the second start slot 122, the player not only acquires a predetermined prize ball, but also has the opportunity to acquire the right to receive various gaming benefits.

[0016] The first starting port 120 is located at the bottom of the game area 110, and is either capable of receiving only game balls flowing down the first game area 110a, or is located at a position where game balls that have entered the first game area 110a can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the second game area 110b.

[0017] The second starting opening 122 is located in the second game area 110b, and is either capable of receiving only game balls flowing down the second game area 110b, or is positioned so that game balls that have entered the second game area 110b can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the first game area 110a. The second starting opening 122 is configured as a variable starting opening having a movable piece 122b, and is capable of changing the ease with which game balls can enter the second starting opening 122.

[0018] Specifically, second start opening 122 is provided with a movable piece 122b that can be opened and closed, and when this movable piece 122b is in a closed state, it is impossible or difficult for game balls to enter second start opening 122. Note that the specific configuration of second start opening 122 is not particularly limited, but here, movable piece 122b is recessed into the back side of game board 104 in the closed state, and protrudes into the front side of game board 104 in the open state. In the closed state with movable piece 122b recessed, second start opening 122 is closed, and game balls flow down the front side of second start opening 122.

[0019] In contrast, when a gaming ball passes through the gate 124 provided in the first gaming area 110a and the second gaming area 110b, it is determined whether or not to execute an auxiliary game in which the second start opening 122 is opened, and if it is determined that an auxiliary game is executed, the auxiliary game is executed in which the second start opening 122 is controlled to open and close. More specifically, on the condition that the gaming ball has passed through the gate 124, a lottery for a normal symbol is held, and if a winning combination is selected in this lottery, the movable piece 122b is controlled to be in an open state for a predetermined time.

[0020] In the open state in which the movable piece 122b protrudes, game balls flowing down the front side of the second starting opening 122 fall onto the movable piece 122b. The game balls that fall onto the movable piece 122b are guided by the movable piece 122b and led to the second starting opening 122. In this way, when the movable piece 122b is in the open state, the movable piece 122b functions as a tray that leads the game balls to the second starting opening 122, making it easier for the game balls to enter the second starting opening 122.

[0021] Furthermore, a large prize opening 126 is provided at the bottom of the game area 110. The large prize opening 126 is arranged in a position where at least game balls flowing down the second game area 110b can enter. An opening / closing door 126b is provided at the large prize opening 126 so that the opening / closing door 126b can open and close, and normally the opening / closing door 126b closes the large prize opening 126, preventing game balls from entering the large prize opening 126. In contrast, when the aforementioned large prize game or small prize game is executed, the opening / closing door 126b opens and functions as a tray, allowing game balls to enter the large prize opening 126. When a game ball enters the large prize opening 126, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player.

[0022] At the bottom of the gaming area 110, there is provided an outlet 130 that discharges gaming balls that do not enter any of the general winning opening 118, the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122, and the big winning opening 126 from the gaming area 110 to the back side of the gaming board 104. Next, the internal configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described.

[0023] (Internal configuration of control means) 2 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 100. The gaming machine 100 includes a main control board 100A, a frame control board 200A, and a sub-control board 300A.

[0024] The main control board 100A controls the basic operations of the game. The main control board 100A is equipped with a main CPU 100a, a main ROM 100b, and a main RAM 100c. The main CPU 100a reads programs stored in the main ROM 100b and performs arithmetic processing based on input signals from each detection switch and timer, and also directly controls each device and display, or sends commands to other boards depending on the results of the arithmetic processing. The main RAM 100c functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing by the main CPU 100a.

[0025] The gaming machine 100 is broadly divided into a special game that is started when a gaming ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, and a normal game that is started when a gaming ball passes through a gate 124. The main ROM 100b of the main control board 100A stores various programs for progressing the special game and the normal game, as well as data and tables required for various games.

[0026] The main control board 100A is connected to a general prize opening detection switch 118s that detects when a game ball enters the general prize opening 118, a first start opening detection switch 120s that detects when a game ball enters the first start opening 120, a second start opening detection switch 122s that detects when a game ball enters the second start opening 122, a gate detection switch 124s that detects when a game ball passes through the gate 124, and a special prize opening detection switch 126s that detects when a game ball enters the special prize opening 126, and detection signals are input from each of these detection switches to the main control board 100A.

[0027] In addition, the main control board 100A is connected to a normal electric role solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second starting opening 122, and a large prize opening solenoid 126c that operates the opening and closing door 126b that opens and closes the large prize opening 126, and the opening and closing of the second starting opening 122 and the large prize opening 126 is controlled by the main control board 100A.

[0028] Furthermore, the main control board 100A is connected to a plurality of indicators that show the status of the game, such as a first special symbol indicator that displays special symbols, a second special symbol indicator, a first special symbol reserve indicator that displays the number of special 1 or special 2 reserves, a second special symbol reserve indicator, a normal symbol indicator that displays normal symbols, and a normal symbol reserve indicator that displays the number of normal symbols reserved. Here, each of these indicators is referred to as a main indicator 128. The display of the main indicator 128 is controlled by the main control board 100A.

[0029] An abnormality detection sensor 132s is also connected to the gaming machine 100. The abnormality detection sensor 132s is configured, for example, with a radio wave detection sensor that detects radio waves, a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism, etc. An abnormality detection signal is input from the abnormality detection sensor 132s to the main control board 100A.

[0030] Furthermore, a setting change switch 134s is provided on the back of the gaming board 104. The setting change switch 134s is configured to be accessible with a dedicated key. When the setting change switch 134s is turned on, it becomes possible to change and check the setting values. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the gaming machine 100 stores one of six setting values ​​with different degrees of advantage as a registered setting value in a setting value buffer, and the game progresses according to the stored registered setting value.

[0031] Furthermore, a frame control board 200A and a sub-control board 300A are connected to the main control board 100A.

[0032] The frame control board 200A includes a frame control CPU 200a, a frame control ROM 200b, and a frame control RAM 200c. Together with the main control board 100A, the frame control board 200A performs various controls related to the progress of the game, such as control for launching game balls and control for paying out prize balls. The frame control board 200A is connected to the main control board 100A so that it can communicate bidirectionally.

[0033] The frame control board 200A is connected to a handle volume 213s, a launch stop switch 214s, an out switch 216s, and a payout motor sensor 217s. The handle volume 213s detects the operation angle of the operating handle 106. The launch stop switch 214s detects the operation of a launch stop button provided on the operating handle 106. When the launch stop button is operated, the launch of game balls is stopped regardless of the operation angle of the operating handle 106. The out switch 216s detects game balls discharged from the play area 110 to the back side of the game board 104. The payout motor sensor 217s detects the rotation of the payout motor 217c. In this way, various detection signals are input to the frame control board 200A from the handle volume 213s, the launch stop switch 214s, the out switch 216s, and the payout motor sensor 217s.

[0034] In addition, a launch solenoid 231c and a payout motor 217c are connected to the frame control board 200A. The launch solenoid 231c is provided in the launch device and launches game balls toward the game area 110. The payout motor 217c drives the payout rotor and pays out the game balls loaded on the payout rotor one by one, equal to the number of winning balls. The payout motor 217c and the launch solenoid 231c are controlled by the frame control board 200A.

[0035] The sub-control board 300A includes a sub-CPU 300a, a sub-ROM 300b, and a sub-RAM 300c. The sub-control board 300A mainly controls the effects during gameplay. Communication between the main control board 100A and the sub-control board 300A is limited to one direction only, from the main control board 100A to the sub-control board 300A.

[0036] The sub-control board 300A is connected to a sub-display 310, a speaker 311, a lighting device 312, and a paraphernalia device 313. The sub-display 310 displays images related to the performance. The speaker 311 outputs music and sound related to the performance. The lighting device 312 emits light from light-emitting elements related to the performance. The paraphernalia device 313 moves or rotates paraphernalia. The sub-display 310, the speaker 311, the lighting device 312, and the paraphernalia device 313 are controlled by the sub-CPU 300a.

[0037] An operation switch 314s is also connected to the sub-control board 300A. The operation switch 314s detects operation inputs by the player. A detection signal from the operation switch 314s is input to the sub-CPU 300a.

[0038] (Board configuration of frame control board 200A) As described above, the frame control board 200A performs control for paying out prize balls. The payout device drives the payout motor 217c to pay out game balls loaded on the payout rotor. The game balls move toward the launch device via the upper tray. The frame control CPU 200a obtains rotation information (number of prize balls) of the payout motor 217c from the payout motor sensor 217s and controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 217c. In addition, the frame control board 200A performs control for firing game balls. The launch device drives the launch solenoid 231c to fire game balls toward the game area 110. The frame control CPU 200a obtains operation angle information of the operating handle 106 from the handle volume 213s and controls the firing strength of the launch solenoid 231c with a current value corresponding to the operation angle.

[0039] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the frame control board 200A. The frame control board 200A receives signals from signal generating devices such as the handle volume 213s, firing stop switch 214s, out switch 216s, and dispensing motor sensor 217s through various electronic components, and drives drive devices such as the dispensing motor 217c and the firing solenoid 231c. Figure 3 shows the dispensing motor 217c and the firing solenoid 231c as drive devices, and explains the circuit configuration for controlling the drive devices.

[0040] The frame control board 200A receives, for example, DC 12V and DC 37V power supplies from the main control board 100A via connector CN1. In the frame control board 200A, the DC 12V power supplied from the main control board 100A is stepped down to DC 5V by a three-terminal regulator IC1. The DC 5V power supplies, for example, the frame control CPU 200a. The DC 12V power supplies, for example, the motor driver IC2. The DC 37V power supplies, for example, the transistor Q1.

[0041] First, the circuit configuration for controlling the dispensing motor 217c will be described. The frame control CPU 200a transmits a binary signal (a digital signal that takes only two values: ON or OFF, or maximum or minimum) indicating a rotation command (rotation direction, rotation angle, and rotation speed) to the motor driver IC2 via the parallel ports (PO10, PO11). The frame control CPU 200a also transmits a binary signal to the motor driver IC2 via the parallel port (PO12) to stop the dispensing motor 217c with weak excitation. Note that, for convenience of explanation, an example will be described in which the frame control CPU 200a directly transmits a binary signal to the motor driver IC2. However, electronic components such as a stabilization circuit for stabilizing voltage and a logic circuit for performing logical calculations with other binary signals may also be included between the frame control CPU 200a and the motor driver IC2.

[0042] The motor driver IC2 may be, for example, a stepping motor dual-bridge driver IC capable of two-phase excitation or one-two-phase excitation using a constant current PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) drive system. In response to a rotation command received from the frame control CPU 200a, the motor driver IC2 outputs a one-two-phase excitation signal from the A-phase output terminals (OUT1A, OUT2A) and B-phase output terminals (OUT1B, OUT2B) to the dispensing motor 217c via the connector CN2.

[0043] The dispensing motor 217c is, for example, a unipolar stepping motor that operates with excitation signals of phases A, B, / A, and / B. The rotation of the dispensing motor 217c is controlled by a 1-2 phase excitation signal received from the motor driver IC2.

[0044] Next, the circuit configuration for controlling the launch solenoid 231c will be described. The frame control CPU 200a transmits a binary signal indicating the launch strength of the gaming ball to the transistor Q1 via bit 2 (D2) of the data line. For ease of explanation, an example will be described in which the frame control CPU 200a directly transmits the binary signal to the transistor Q1. However, electronic components such as a stabilization circuit for stabilizing voltage and a logic circuit for performing logical calculations with other binary signals may also be included between the frame control CPU 200a and the transistor Q1.

[0045] A P-channel power MOSFET, for example, can be used as the transistor Q1. The transistor Q1 outputs a PWM signal corresponding to the firing intensity received from the frame control CPU 200a to the firing solenoid 231c via the connector CN3. The firing solenoid 231c is controlled to be turned on and off by the PWM signal received from the transistor Q1. The negative terminal of the firing solenoid 231c is connected to GND (ground) via a resistor (shunt resistor) R1 for detecting the return current from the firing solenoid 231c.

[0046] FIG. 4 shows the wiring pattern of the frame control board 200A, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating signals between electronic components. The frame control board 200A is a two-layer printed circuit board. The component side (front side) and solder side (back side) of the frame control board 200A are formed with multiple wiring patterns and multiple lands for soldering electronic components. The component side (front side) of the frame control board 200A is shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the wiring pattern on the component side is indicated by solid lines, and the wiring pattern on the solder side (back side) is indicated by dashed lines. For ease of explanation, the connection relationship between the frame control CPU 200a, motor driver IC2, transistor Q1, resistor R1, three-terminal regulator IC1, and connectors CN1, CN2, and CN3 is described here. Other electronic components of the frame control board 200A that are not relevant to this embodiment are not described here. Therefore, although an example in which a GND pattern is widely arranged on the component side of the frame control board 200A is presented, in reality, other electronic components are also arranged there. 4, the numerals followed by "P" (PIN) indicate the reference terminal numbers of the electronic components. For example, in the frame control CPU 200a, the leftmost terminal number in the lower row in FIG. 4 is 1P, the rightmost terminal number is 35P, the rightmost terminal number in the upper row in FIG. 4 is 36P, the leftmost terminal number is 71P, and the terminal numbers between them are assigned in ascending order.

[0047] The majority of electronic components mounted on the frame control board 200A are digital elements driven by binary signals. For example, on the frame control board 200A, not only the frame control CPU 200a but also the motor driver IC2 and transistor Q1 operate on binary signals. Furthermore, the motor driver IC2 and transistor Q1 output binary signals using PWM control to the dispensing motor 217c and the firing solenoid 231c, respectively. However, each electronic component requires different voltage and current values ​​to control its controlled object. For example, the frame control CPU 200a controls other electronic components, requiring only approximately 5V and 1mA of power per terminal. In contrast, the dispensing motor 217c requires 12V and 200mA of power, and the firing solenoid 231c requires 37V and 3A of power. In this case, electronic components that operate at low voltages and small currents, such as the frame control CPU 200a, may be affected by electronic components that operate at high voltages and large currents, such as the motor driver IC2, transistor Q1, and three-terminal regulator IC1, and their operation may become unstable.

[0048] Here, electronic components are arranged so that electronic components that operate at low voltages and small currents, such as the frame control CPU 200a, are less likely to be affected by electronic components that operate at high voltages and large currents, such as the motor driver IC2, transistor Q1, and three-terminal regulator IC1. Specifically, electronic components that operate at low voltages and small currents, such as the frame control CPU 200a, are arranged on the left side of the frame control board 200A in FIG. 4, while electronic components that operate at high voltages and large currents, such as the motor driver IC2, transistor Q1, and three-terminal regulator IC1, are arranged on the right side of the frame control board 200A in FIG. 4. In this way, by distinguishing the areas on the board where electronic components are arranged according to their specifications, it is possible to reduce the influence between electronic components.

[0049] Here, we will first explain the wiring pattern and signals between electronic components related to the dispensing motor 217c. Note that Figure 4 only shows the electronic components and their reference terminal numbers along with the wiring pattern. For detailed information on each electronic component, please refer to Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the parallel port PO10 (16P) of the frame control CPU 200a and the A-phase terminal PhaseA (4P) of the motor driver IC2 are connected via a wiring pattern formed on the component side. The parallel port PO11 (14P) of the frame control CPU 200a and the B-phase terminal PhaseB (21P) of the motor driver IC2 are also connected via a wiring pattern formed on the component side. The parallel port PO12 (12P) of the frame control CPU 200a and the current setting terminals X1A (5P) and X1B (20P) of the motor driver IC2 are also connected via a wiring pattern formed on the component side. Hereinafter, these wiring patterns may be simply referred to as the first wiring pattern.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5(a), a binary signal of several tens of Hz with a binary ratio of approximately 3:5 is transmitted from the parallel port PO10 of the frame control CPU 200a to the A-phase terminal PhaseA of the motor driver IC2. Similarly, a binary signal of several tens of Hz with a binary ratio of approximately 3:5 is transmitted from the parallel port PO11 of the frame control CPU 200a to the B-phase terminal PhaseB of the motor driver IC2. Furthermore, a binary signal of several tens of Hz with a binary ratio of approximately 1:1 is transmitted from the parallel port PO12 of the frame control CPU 200a to the current setting terminals X1A and X1B of the motor driver IC2. These binary signals require only approximately 5V and 1mA of power, so their pattern width can be as small as 0.2 mm, for example.

[0051] Here, by shortening the width of the first wiring pattern that only passes a low voltage and a small current, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in arranging binary signals around the frame control CPU 200a, which has a relatively high density.

[0052] 4, the A-phase output terminals OUT1A (8P) and OUT2A (11P) of the motor driver IC2 are connected to the terminals (21P, 22P) of the connector CN2 through wiring patterns formed on the solder surface. The B-phase output terminals OUT1B (17P) and OUT2B (14P) of the motor driver IC2 are connected to the terminals (19P, 20P) of the connector CN2 through wiring patterns formed on the solder surface. Hereinafter, these wiring patterns may be simply referred to as the third wiring patterns.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5(b), motor driver IC2 repeatedly passes current from A-phase output terminal OUT1A to A-phase output terminal OUT2A and from A-phase output terminal OUT2A to A-phase output terminal OUT1A, with a non-excitation interval in between. Similarly, motor driver IC2 repeatedly passes current from B-phase output terminal OUT1B to B-phase output terminal OUT2B and from B-phase output terminal OUT2B to B-phase output terminal OUT1B, with a non-excitation interval in between. Here, either A-phase output terminal OUT2A or A-phase output terminal OUT1A, or either B-phase output terminal OUT1B or B-phase output terminal OUT2B, functions as a current return line.

[0054] In this way, a binary signal of several tens of hertz (Hz), so-called 1-2 phase excitation, is transmitted from the A-phase output terminals OUT1A and OUT2A and the B-phase output terminals OUT1B and OUT2B. Because this binary signal requires a power of approximately 12 V and 200 mA, the pattern width is set to, for example, 0.5 mm. Increasing the width of the third wiring pattern reduces the resistance of the third wiring pattern, preventing it from burning out or melting due to temperature rise.

[0055] 4, the third wiring patterns connecting the motor driver IC2 and the connector CN2 are arranged in parallel so that the clearance between the third wiring patterns is within a predetermined range, and the four third wiring patterns are collectively isolated from the GND pattern. This makes it possible to minimize the impact of the outputs of the A-phase output terminal and B-phase output terminal of the motor driver IC2 on other electronic components and wiring patterns.

[0056] Next, the wiring pattern and signals between electronic components related to the firing solenoid 231c will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the data line D2 (41P) of the frame control CPU 200a and the gate terminal G (1P) of the transistor Q1 are connected through a wiring pattern formed on the component surface. Hereinafter, this wiring pattern may be simply referred to as the second wiring pattern.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5(c), this second wiring pattern transmits a binary signal of approximately 1.7 Hz with a binary ratio of approximately 12:1. Specifically, the frame control CPU 200a controls transistor Q1 to be ON for 40 to 50 ms every 600 ms. Furthermore, during the 40 to 50 ms period during which transistor Q1 is controlled to be ON, PWM control of several kHz is also performed. This PWM control is achieved by turning the binary signal OFF if the return current from the firing solenoid 231c is equal to or greater than a reference current, and turning the binary signal ON if the return current is less than the reference current. Since this binary signal requires only approximately 5 V and 1 mA of power, the pattern width may be as small as 0.2 mm, for example.

[0058] Here, by shortening the width of the second wiring pattern that only passes a low voltage and a small current, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in arranging binary signals around the frame control CPU 200a, which has a relatively high density.

[0059] 4, the drain terminal D (2P) of the transistor Q1 and the terminal (13P) of the connector CN3 are connected through wiring patterns formed on the component side and the solder side. Hereinafter, this wiring pattern may be simply referred to as the fourth wiring pattern.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5(d), the fourth wiring pattern transmits a binary signal of approximately 1.7 Hz with a binary ratio of approximately 12:1, similar to FIG. 5(c). Specifically, transistor Q1 is turned on for 40 to 50 ms every 600 ms. Furthermore, PWM control of several kHz is performed during the 40 to 50 ms period during which transistor Q1 is turned on. Therefore, the output current of transistor Q1 is adjusted by the length of the on period (40 to 50 ms) and the binary ratio of the PWM signal. Since this binary signal requires an output of approximately 37 V and 3 A, the pattern width is set to, for example, 2.0 mm. Increasing the width of the fourth wiring pattern reduces the resistance of the fourth wiring pattern, similar to the third wiring pattern, and prevents it from burning out or melting due to temperature rise. Note that while dispensing motor 217c requires 12V and 200mA, firing solenoid 231c requires a higher voltage and current of 37V and 3A than dispensing motor 217c because solenoids generally have greater torque than motors.

[0061] As described above, the fourth wiring pattern is separated from the GND pattern because a high voltage and a large current flow through it, thereby minimizing the effect of the output from the drain terminal of transistor Q1 on other electronic components and wiring patterns.

[0062] In addition, the source terminal S of transistor Q1 is connected to a DC 37V power supply. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the source terminal S (3P) of transistor Q1 and the DC 37V power supply terminal (20P) of connector CN1 are connected through a wiring pattern (power supply pattern) formed on the component surface. However, a current equivalent to the output from drain terminal D flows through source terminal S of transistor Q1. As a result, like drain terminal D, a high voltage and large current of 37V and 3A also flows through source terminal S of transistor Q1.

[0063] As described above, the power supply line to transistor Q1 also requires an output of about 37 V and 3 A, so the pattern width is set to, for example, 2.0 mm. By increasing the width of the wiring pattern in this way, the resistance value of the wiring pattern can be reduced, as with the fourth wiring pattern, and it is possible to prevent burning or melting due to temperature increases.

[0064] In addition, to prevent the supply of high-voltage power such as DC 37V from affecting other electronic components and wiring patterns, the wiring pattern is arranged so that it runs directly (without distributing power to other electronic components) from the terminal (20P) of connector CN1, which is the power supply source, to the source terminal S (3P) of transistor Q1 over as short a distance as possible. This configuration minimizes the impact of the supply of high-voltage power such as DC 37V on other electronic components and wiring patterns.

[0065] Furthermore, the return wire of the launch solenoid 231c is connected to resistor R1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, a terminal (12P) of connector CN3 and one terminal of resistor R1 are connected through a wiring pattern formed on the component surface. However, the current output from drain terminal D of transistor Q1 also flows in the return wire of the launch solenoid 231c. As a result, a large current of 3A also flows in the return wire of the launch solenoid 231c, just like in drain terminal D.

[0066] As described above, the return wire of firing solenoid 231c also requires a current of about 3 A, so the pattern width is set to, for example, 2.0 mm. By increasing the width of the wiring pattern in this way, the resistance value of the wiring pattern can be reduced, as with the fourth wiring pattern, and it is possible to prevent burning or melting due to an increase in temperature.

[0067] The return line of the launch solenoid 231c is connected to GND via resistor R1. However, if the other terminal of resistor R1 were directly connected to the GND pattern near resistor R1, a 3A current would flow through the GND pattern, affecting other electronic components and wiring patterns. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the wiring pattern from the other terminal of resistor R1 is extended to the vicinity of connector CN1 and finally connected to the GND pattern at the base of terminal (2P) of connector CN1. Since this wiring pattern must also be able to withstand a current of approximately 3A, its width is set to, for example, 2.0 mm. In this way, by configuring the launch solenoid 231c so that its current does not flow through the GND pattern, the impact of the launch solenoid 231c's return current on other electronic components and wiring patterns can be minimized.

[0068] The wiring pattern for the three-terminal regulator IC1 is arranged as follows: The input terminal IN (1P) of the three-terminal regulator IC1 is connected to the terminals (25P, 26P) of the connector CN1 through a wiring pattern formed on the solder surface. The output terminal OUT (3P) of the three-terminal regulator IC1 is connected to the power supply terminals VDD (8P, 19P, 52P) of the frame control CPU 200a through a wiring pattern formed on the solder surface. The ground terminal GND (2P) of the three-terminal regulator IC1 is connected to the GND pattern near the three-terminal regulator IC1.

[0069] Thus, in this embodiment, the widths of the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern are 0.2 mm. The width of the third wiring pattern is 0.5 mm. The width of the fourth wiring pattern is 2.0 mm. Depending on the application of the wiring patterns, the widths of the wiring patterns are set such that the width of the first wiring pattern or the second wiring pattern < the width of the third wiring pattern < the width of the fourth wiring pattern, thereby enabling drive devices such as the dispensing motor 217c and the firing solenoid 231c to be controlled with appropriate voltage and current. Furthermore, by isolating these wiring patterns from other electronic components and wiring patterns, the impact on other electronic components and wiring patterns can be minimized.

[0070] Here, the relationship between the widths of the wiring patterns is shown in three stages, i.e., the width of the first wiring pattern or the width of the second wiring pattern < the width of the third wiring pattern < the width of the fourth wiring pattern, but this is not limiting, and the relationship between the widths of the wiring patterns may be expressed in four or more stages of large and small.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the width of the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern is 0.2 mm. However, the present invention is not limited to this example and an appropriate pattern width can be selected between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm. Since it is assumed that a current of approximately 1 mA will flow in such wiring patterns, a pull-up resistor of, for example, 4.7 kΩ is applied. However, this is not a limitation. For wiring patterns that carry signals that require particular stability, such as serial signals and reset signals from the main control board 100A, the pull-up resistor may be reduced to 1 kΩ, allowing a current of approximately 5 mA.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the width of the third wiring pattern is 0.5 mm, but the present invention is not limited to this example and an appropriate pattern width can be selected, for example, between 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm. In the above-described embodiment, the width of the fourth wiring pattern is 2.0 mm, but the present invention is not limited to this example and an appropriate pattern width can be selected, for example, between 1.5 mm and 4.0 mm.

[0073] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the frame control board 200A that controls the progress of the game was used as the board on which the wiring pattern is formed, but this is not limited to this example, and the main control board 100A and the sub-control board 300A can also be applied.

[0074] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the dispensing motor 217c and the firing solenoid 231c were described as driving devices, but any actuator that converts electrical energy into mechanical movement such as rotational movement or linear movement can be used, and for example, a linear motor or the like can also be applied.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, connector CN2 is described as the first connector electrically connecting motor driver IC2 and dispensing motor 217c, and connector CN3, provided separately from connector CN2, is described as the second connector electrically connecting transistor Q1 and firing solenoid 231c. However, the first connector (connector CN2) and the second connector (connector CN3) do not necessarily need to be separate connectors and may be integrally formed into a single connector (first connector = second connector). In this case, the terminal electrically connecting motor driver IC2 and dispensing motor 217c and the terminal electrically connecting transistor Q1 and firing solenoid 231c are different in the single connector. In this configuration, high-voltage, high-current terminals are concentrated in a single connector, allowing the area to be separated from other electronic components, thereby suppressing the impact of current flowing through the terminals on other electronic components.

[0076] In this way, the gaming machine 100 includes a board (for example, the frame control board 200A) that controls the progress of the game, a processor (for example, the frame control CPU 200a) that is arranged on the board, a first electronic component (for example, the motor driver IC2) that is arranged on the board and controls a first actuator (for example, the payout motor 217c) for distributing gaming balls toward the launching device in response to a command from the processor, a second electronic component (for example, the transistor Q1) that is different from the first electronic component that is arranged on the board and controls a second actuator (for example, the launch solenoid 231c) for distributing the gaming balls that have circulated toward the launching device in response to a command from the processor, and a second electronic component (for example, the transistor Q1) that is arranged on the board and controls the first electronic component and the first actuator. The electronic component includes a first connector (e.g., connector CN2) for electrically connecting the processor to the first electronic component, and a second connector (e.g., connector CN3) disposed on the substrate for electrically connecting the second electronic component to the second actuator. The substrate is formed with a first wiring pattern connecting the processor to the first electronic component, a second wiring pattern connecting the processor to the second electronic component, a third wiring pattern connecting the first electronic component to the first connector, and a fourth wiring pattern connecting the second electronic component to the second connector, and the widths of the wiring patterns satisfy the relationship: width of the first wiring pattern or the second wiring pattern < width of the third wiring pattern < width of the fourth wiring pattern.

[0077] Here, depending on the application of the wiring pattern, the width of the wiring pattern is set so that: width of the first wiring pattern or second wiring pattern that transmits a control signal < width of the third wiring pattern that requires an excitation current to control the rotation of the first actuator (e.g., dispensing motor 217c) < width of the fourth wiring pattern that requires an excitation current to control the second actuator (e.g., firing solenoid 231c), thereby making it possible to control drive devices such as dispensing motor 217c and firing solenoid 231c with an appropriate voltage and current. Also, by isolating these wiring patterns from other electronic components and wiring patterns, the impact on other electronic components and wiring patterns can be minimized.

[0078] Furthermore, by shortening the width of the wiring pattern through which only a low voltage and a small current flows, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in arranging binary signals around the frame control CPU 200a, which are relatively dense.

[0079] Furthermore, by separating the area where electronic components that operate at low voltage and small current are placed from the area where electronic components that operate at high voltage and large current are placed, it is possible to suppress the influence between electronic components.

[0080] In addition, multiple wiring patterns carrying high voltages and large currents are arranged in parallel so that the clearance between them is within a predetermined range, and these wiring patterns are collectively isolated from the GND pattern, thereby minimizing the impact of the wiring patterns carrying high voltages and large currents on other electronic components and wiring patterns.

[0081] Furthermore, the wiring pattern that supplies high voltage power is arranged directly to the electronic component that receives the power, and as close as possible to the electronic component, minimizing the impact of the high voltage power supply on other electronic components and wiring patterns.

[0082] Additionally, large return currents are not connected to the GND pattern near the electronic components, but the wiring pattern from the electronic components is extended to the vicinity of the connector and connected to the GND pattern at the base of the connector terminal. By creating a structure in this way that does not allow large return currents to flow into the GND pattern, the impact of the return current on other electronic components and wiring patterns can be minimized.

[0083] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0084] In the above embodiment, a pachinko machine was described as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention can also be applied to slot machine gaming machines (pachislot machines). The present invention can also be applied to so-called smart pachinko machines, which use a sealed circulation system to allow players to play without touching the gaming balls. However, in smart pachinko machines, the game value indicating the payout number and the difference in balls is treated as electronic information, but the gaming balls launched into the play area are not electronic information. The present invention can also be applied to so-called smart pachislot machines, which allow games to be played without the use of actual medals. In this case, when a winning combination is achieved, the value amount corresponding to the winning combination is awarded to the player in the form of electronic information. Such smart pachinko and smart pachislot machines eliminate the need for a path for distributing gaming media such as gaming balls and medals outside the gaming machine, and furthermore, physical gaming media themselves are not required in smart pachislot machines. Furthermore, for example, by using non-magnetic gaming balls in smart pachinko, and by not using gaming media in smart pachislot, it is possible to prevent cheating that assumes the use of metallic gaming media. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100A main control board 200A frame control board 200a Frame control CPU 217c Discharge motor 231c firing solenoid IC1 3-terminal regulator IC2 motor driver Q1 transistor R1 Resistor

Claims

[Claim 1] A board that controls the progress of the game; a processor disposed on the substrate; A first electronic component is disposed on the board and controls a first actuator for distributing game balls toward the launching device in response to a command from the processor; A second electronic component different from the first electronic component is arranged on the board and controls a second actuator for launching the game balls circulated in the launching device in response to a command from the processor; a first connector disposed on the substrate for electrically connecting the first electronic component and the first actuator; a second connector disposed on the substrate for electrically connecting the second electronic component and the second actuator; Equipped with The substrate includes: a first wiring pattern connecting the processor and the first electronic component; a second wiring pattern connecting the processor and the second electronic component; a third wiring pattern connecting the first electronic component and the first connector; a fourth wiring pattern connecting the second electronic component and the second connector; is formed, A gaming machine in which the widths of the wiring patterns satisfy the relationship: width of the first wiring pattern or width of the second wiring pattern < width of the third wiring pattern < width of the fourth wiring pattern.

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