Gaming 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 Art

[0002] A gaming machine includes various substrates with different functions inside. For example, in Patent Document 1, as a wiring pattern of a substrate, a power pattern extending from a connector to an electronic component and a ground pattern surrounding the power pattern are formed, and a technique is disclosed in which the width of the power pattern is set to be wider than the width corresponding to two terminals of the connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] s

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, by increasing the width of the power pattern on the substrate, the allowable current of the power pattern can be increased, and the influence of noise received from other electronic components can be reduced. On the other hand, since a large number of electronic components are arranged on the substrate at high density, it is necessary to secure paths for a large number of wiring patterns and clearances between the wiring patterns. Therefore, in a situation where the density of electronic components and wiring patterns on the substrate has to be increased in order to reduce the occupied area of the substrate itself, the width of the wiring pattern cannot be increased randomly.

[0005] In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of configuring a wiring pattern with an appropriate width according to its use.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a circuit board for controlling the progress of the game, a processor disposed on the circuit board, a first electronic component disposed on the circuit board for controlling a first actuator for circulating game balls toward a launching device in response to a command from the processor, a second electronic component different from the first electronic component disposed on the circuit board for controlling a second actuator for launching game balls that have circulated toward the launching device in response to a command from the processor, a first connector disposed on the circuit board for electrically connecting the first electronic component and the first actuator, and the The circuit board includes a second connector for electrically connecting the second electronic component and the second actuator, and the circuit board has a first wiring pattern for connecting the processor and the first electronic component, a second wiring pattern for connecting the processor and the second electronic component, a third wiring pattern for connecting the first electronic component and the first connector, and a fourth wiring pattern for connecting the second electronic component and the second connector, wherein the widths of the wiring patterns are in 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 drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the gaming machine. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a gaming machine. [Figure 3] This is a circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the frame control board. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the wiring pattern of the frame control board. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram for describing signals between electronic components. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values ​​shown in these embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustration.

[0010] Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 100. The gaming machine 100 comprises a gaming machine body 102. The gaming machine body 102 comprises a main frame and a front door that is supported by the main frame so as to be openable and closable. The main frame holds the game board 104, and the front door holds a transparent plate. When the front door is closed relative to the main frame, the transparent plate faces the game board 104 while maintaining a predetermined distance.

[0011] At the bottom of the front door, there is an operating handle 106 that protrudes towards the front of the gaming machine 100. This operating handle 106 is designed to be rotatable by the player, and when the player rotates the operating handle 106 to perform a launch operation, a game ball is launched with a force corresponding to the rotation angle of the operating handle 106. The game ball launched in this way rises between rails 104a and 104b provided on the game board 104 and is guided to the game area 110.

[0012] The game area 110 is a space formed between the game board 104 and the permeable plate, and is an area in which game balls can flow or roll. The game board 104 is equipped with numerous nails and windmills, so that game balls guided into the game area 110 collide with the nails and windmills and flow or roll in irregular directions.

[0013] The game area 110 includes a first game area 110a and a second game area 110b. The first game area 110a is located to the left of the game area 110 as viewed from a player facing the game machine 100, and the second game area 110b is located to the right of the game area 110 as viewed from a player facing the game machine 100. Since rails 104a and 104b are located to the left of the game area 110, game balls launched with a launch intensity below a predetermined intensity enter the first game area 110a, and game balls launched with a launch intensity equal to or greater than the predetermined intensity enter the second game area 110b.

[0014] Furthermore, the game area 110 is provided with a general prize entry point 118, a first start entry point 120, and a second start entry point 122 into which game balls can be entered. When a game ball enters one of these general prize entry points 118, the first start entry point 120, or the second start entry point 122, a predetermined number of prize balls are dispensed to the player. The number of prize balls dispensed can be any number, one or more, and the number of prize balls dispensed from each of the general prize entry point 118, the first start entry point 120, and the second start entry point 122 may be different or the same. In this case, it is also possible to set the number of prize balls dispensed when a game ball enters the first start entry point 120 to be less than the number of prize balls dispensed when a game ball enters the second start entry point 122.

[0015] When a game ball enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, a lottery is held to determine one of several pre-determined special symbols. Each special symbol is associated with various game benefits, such as whether or not a major or minor winning game that is advantageous to the player can be played, or what the subsequent game state will be. Therefore, when a game ball enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, the player not only wins a predetermined prize ball, but also gains the opportunity to acquire the right to receive various game benefits.

[0016] The first starting opening 120 is located below the game area 110, and is either accessible only to game balls flowing down the first game area 110a, or is positioned in such a location that game balls entering the first game area 110a are more likely to enter than game balls entering the second game area 110b.

[0017] Further, the second starting port 122 is located in the second game area 110b, and only the game balls flowing down in the second game area 110b can enter, or the game balls that have entered the second game area 110b are arranged at a position where they are more likely to enter than the game balls that have entered the first game area 110a. This second starting port 122 is constituted by a variable starting port having a movable piece 122b, and the easiness of entry of game balls into the second starting port 122 can be changed.

[0018] Specifically, the second starting port 122 is provided with the movable piece 122b so as to be openable and closable. When the movable piece 122b is in the closed state, it is impossible or difficult for game balls to enter the second starting port 122. Although the specific configuration of the second starting port 122 is not particularly limited, here, the movable piece 122b is configured to be immersed in the back side of the game board 104 in the closed state and to protrude to the front side of the game board 104 in the open state. In the closed state where the movable piece 122b is immersed, the second starting port 122 is closed, and the game balls flow down the front side of the second starting port 122.

[0019] On the other hand, when the game balls pass through the gates 124 provided in the first game area 110a and the second game area 110b, it is determined whether or not an auxiliary game in which the second starting port 122 is opened is executed. When it is determined that the auxiliary game is executed, an auxiliary game in which the opening and closing of the second starting port 122 is controlled is executed. More specifically, on the condition that the game balls have passed through the gates 124, a normal symbol lottery is performed. When winning in this lottery, the movable piece 122b is controlled to be in the open state for a predetermined time.

[0020] In the open state where the movable piece 122b protrudes, the game balls flowing down the front side of the second starting port 122 fall onto the movable piece 122b. The game balls that have fallen onto the movable piece 122b are guided by the movable piece 122b and led to the second starting port 122. Thus, when the movable piece 122b is in the open state, the movable piece 122b functions as a tray for guiding the game balls to the second starting port 122, and it becomes easier for the game balls to enter the second starting port 122.

[0021] Furthermore, a large winning opening 126 is provided at the lower part of the game area 110. The large winning opening 126 is disposed at a position where at least the game balls flowing down in the second game area 110b can enter. An opening / closing door 126b is provided to the large winning opening 126 so as to be openable and closable. Usually, the opening / closing door 126b closes the large winning opening 126, making it impossible for game balls to enter the large winning opening 126. On the other hand, when the above-described big winning game or small winning game is executed, the opening / closing door 126b is opened, and the opening / closing door 126b functions as a tray, making it possible for game balls to enter the large winning opening 126. When a game ball enters the large winning opening 126, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player.

[0022] Note that a discharge port 130 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 110 to discharge the game balls that have not entered any of the general winning openings 118, the first start opening 120, the second start opening 122, and the large winning opening 126 from the game area 110 to the back side of the game board 104. Next, the internal configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described.

[0023] (Internal Configuration of Control Means) FIG. 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 includes a main CPU 100a, a main ROM 100b, and a main RAM 100c. The main CPU 100a reads out the program stored in the main ROM 100b based on the input signals from each detection switch and timer, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device and display, or transmits commands to other boards according to the results of the arithmetic processing. The main RAM 100c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 100a.

[0025] The gaming machine 100 is broadly divided into two types: special games, which are mainly started by the entry of game balls into the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, and regular games, which are started when game balls pass through the gate 124. The main ROM 100b of the main control board 100A stores various programs for running the special games and regular games, as well as data and tables necessary for each type of game.

[0026] The main control board 100A is connected to the following: a general prize entry detection switch 118s for detecting when a game ball enters the general prize entry

[0027] Furthermore, the main control board 100A is connected to a standard electric mechanism solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second start opening 122, and a large prize opening solenoid 126c that operates the opening / closing door 126b that opens and closes the large prize opening 126. Thus, the main control board 100A controls the opening and closing of the second start opening 122 and the large prize opening 126.

[0028] Furthermore, the main control board 100A is connected to multiple indicators that show the state of the game, including 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 symbol reserves. Here, each of these indicators is referred to as the main indicator 128. The main control board 100A controls the display of the main indicator 128.

[0029] Furthermore, an anomaly detection sensor 132s is connected to the gaming machine 100. The anomaly detection sensor 132s consists of, for example, a radio wave detection sensor that detects radio waves, a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism, and so on. An anomaly detection signal is input from the anomaly detection sensor 132s to the main control board 100A.

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

[0031] Furthermore, the frame control board 200A and the 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 controls for launching game balls and controls for dispensing prize balls. The frame control board 200A is connected to the main control board 100A in a way that allows for bidirectional communication.

[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 operating angle of the operating handle 106. The launch stop switch 214s detects the operation of the 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 operating angle of the operating handle 106. The out switch 216s detects game balls that have been discharged from the game 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, the frame control board 200A receives various detection signals from the handle volume 213s, the launch stop switch 214s, the out switch 216s, and the payout motor sensor 217s.

[0034] Furthermore, the frame control board 200A is connected to a launch solenoid 231c and a payout motor 217c. The launch solenoid 231c is installed in the launching device and launches the game balls toward the game area 110. The payout motor 217c drives the payout rotating body and dispenses the game balls filled in the payout rotating body one at a time according to the number of prize 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 primarily controls the game's visual effects. 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 special effect device 313. The sub-display 310 displays images related to the performance. The speaker 311 outputs music and sounds related to the performance. The lighting device 312 illuminates light-emitting objects related to the performance. The special effect device 313 moves or rotates the special effect objects. The sub-display 310, speaker 311, lighting device 312, and special effect device 313 are controlled by the sub-CPU 300a.

[0037] Furthermore, an operation switch 314s is connected to the sub-control board 300A. The operation switch 314s detects the player's input. The 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 controls the payout of prize balls. The payout device drives the payout motor 217c to dispense the game balls filled in the payout rotating body. The game balls proceed to the launching device via the upper tray. The frame control CPU 200a acquires 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. The frame control board 200A also controls the launching of the game balls. The launching device drives the launching solenoid 231c to launch the game balls toward the game area 110. The frame control CPU 200a acquires operating angle information of the operating handle 106 from the handle volume 213s and controls the launching intensity of the launching solenoid 231c with a current value corresponding to the operating angle.

[0039] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the frame control board 200A. The frame control board 200A acquires signals from signal generating devices such as the handle volume 213s, the firing stop switch 214s, the out switch 216s, and the ejection motor sensor 217s through various electronic components, and also drives drive devices such as the ejection motor 217c and the firing solenoid 231c. Figure 3 shows the ejection 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, a DC12V power supply and a DC37V power supply from the main control board 100A via connector CN1. On the frame control board 200A, the DC12V power supply supplied from the main control board 100A is stepped down to a DC5V power supply by a three-terminal regulator IC1. The DC5V power supply becomes, for example, the power supply for the frame control CPU 200a. The DC12V power supply becomes, for example, the power supply for the motor driver IC2. The DC37V power supply becomes, for example, the power supply for transistor Q1.

[0041] First, the circuit configuration for controlling the dispensing motor 217c will be explained. The frame control CPU 200a transmits a binary signal (a digital signal that can take only two values: ON or OFF, or the maximum or minimum value) indicating the rotation command (rotation direction, rotation angle, rotation speed) to the motor driver IC2 via parallel ports (PO10, PO11). The frame control CPU 200a also transmits a binary signal to the motor driver IC2 via parallel port (PO12) to stop the dispensing motor 217c with weak excitation. For the sake of explanation, this example describes the case where the frame control CPU 200a directly transmits the binary signal to the motor driver IC2, but it is also possible to include electronic components such as a voltage stabilization circuit to stabilize the voltage and a logic circuit that performs logical calculations with other binary signals between the frame control CPU 200a and the motor driver IC2.

[0042] As the motor driver IC2, for example, a dual-bridge driver IC for a stepping motor capable of 2-phase excitation or 1-2-phase excitation using a constant-current PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) drive method can be used. In response to the rotation command received from the frame control CPU 200a, the motor driver IC2 outputs 1-2-phase excitation signals from the A-phase output terminals (OUT1A, OUT2A) and B-phase output terminals (OUT1B, OUT2B) to the payout motor 217c via connector CN2.

[0043] The dispensing motor 217c is a unipolar stepping motor that operates with, for example, A-phase, B-phase, / A-phase, / B-phase excitation signals. The dispensing motor 217c is rotated by the 1-2 phase excitation signals received from the motor driver IC 2.

[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 intensity of the game ball to transistor Q1 via bit 2 (D2) of the data line. For the sake of explanation, here we will describe an example in which the frame control CPU 200a directly transmits a binary signal to transistor Q1, but it is also possible to include electronic components such as a voltage stabilization circuit to stabilize the voltage and a logic circuit that performs logical calculations with other binary signals between the frame control CPU 200a and transistor Q1.

[0045] For transistor Q1, for example, a P-channel power MOSFET can be used. Transistor Q1 outputs a PWM signal corresponding to the firing intensity received from the frame control CPU 200a to the firing solenoid 231c via connector CN3. The firing solenoid 231c is controlled ON / OFF by the PWM signal received from 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] Figure 4 shows the wiring pattern of the frame control board 200A, and Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the signals between electronic components. The frame control board 200A is a two-layer printed circuit board. Multiple wiring patterns and multiple lands for soldering electronic components are formed on the component side (front) and solder side (back) of the frame control board 200A. Of these, the component side (front) of the frame control board 200A is shown in Figure 4. In Figure 4, the wiring pattern on the component side is shown with solid lines, and the wiring pattern on the solder side (back) is shown with dashed lines. For the sake of explanation, the frame control CPU 200a, motor driver IC2, transistor Q1, resistor R1, 3-terminal regulator IC1, and connectors CN1, CN2, and CN3 are listed here to explain their connection relationships, and other electronic components of the frame control board 200A that are not related to this embodiment are omitted from the explanation. Therefore, although an example is given here in which a wide area of ​​the GND pattern is arranged on the component side of the frame control board 200A, other electronic components are actually also arranged there. Furthermore, the "P" (PIN) appended to the numerical values ​​in Figure 4 indicates the reference terminal number for each electronic component. For example, in the frame control CPU 200a, the leftmost terminal number in the lower row of Figure 4 is 1P, and the rightmost terminal number is 35P. In the upper row of Figure 4, the rightmost terminal number is 36P, and the leftmost terminal number is 71P, with the terminal numbers in between being assigned consecutively in ascending order.

[0047] Most of the electronic components placed 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 IC 2 and transistor Q1 operate with binary signals. Furthermore, the motor driver IC 2 and transistor Q1 output binary signals via PWM control to the dispensing motor 217c and the firing solenoid 231c, respectively. However, each electronic component has different voltage and current values ​​required to control the controlled object. For example, the frame control CPU 200a requires only about 5V and 1mA of power per terminal to control other electronic components. In contrast, the dispensing motor 217c requires 12V and 200mA of power, and the firing solenoid 231c requires 37V and 3A of power. Consequently, electronic components that operate at low voltage and low current, such as the frame control CPU 200a, may be affected by electronic components that operate at high voltage and high current, such as the motor driver IC 2, transistor Q1, and 3-terminal regulator IC 1, potentially leading to unstable operation.

[0048] Here, electronic components that operate at low voltage and low current, such as the frame control CPU 200a, are arranged to minimize the influence of electronic components that operate at high voltage and high current, such as the motor driver IC 2, transistor Q1, and three-terminal regulator IC 1. Specifically, electronic components that operate at low voltage and low current, such as the frame control CPU 200a, are placed on the left side of the frame control board 200A in Figure 4, while electronic components that operate at high voltage and high current, such as the motor driver IC 2, transistor Q1, and three-terminal regulator IC 1, are placed on the right side of the frame control board 200A in Figure 4. In this way, by distinguishing the areas on the board where electronic components are placed according to their specifications, the influence between electronic components can be suppressed.

[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 reference terminal numbers along with the wiring pattern, so it is easier to understand the detailed information of each electronic component by referring 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 through a wiring pattern formed on the component side. Also, the parallel port PO11 (14P) of the frame control CPU 200a and the B-phase terminal PhaseB (21P) of the motor driver IC2 are connected through a wiring pattern formed on the component side. Furthermore, 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 connected through a wiring pattern formed on the component side. Hereafter, these wiring patterns may simply be 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 Phase A of the motor driver IC 2. 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 Phase B of the motor driver IC 2. In addition, 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 IC 2. Since these binary signals require only about 5V and 1mA of power, the pattern width can be as small as, for example, 0.2mm.

[0051] Here, by shortening the width of the first wiring pattern, which carries only low voltage and small current, the degree of freedom in arranging the binary signals around the relatively dense frame control CPU 200a can be increased.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the A-phase output terminals OUT1A (8P) and OUT2A (11P) of the motor driver IC2 are connected to the terminals (21P, 22P) of connector CN2 via wiring patterns formed on the solder side. Also, the B-phase output terminals OUT1B (17P) and OUT2B (14P) of the motor driver IC2 are connected to the terminals (19P, 20P) of connector CN2 via wiring patterns formed on the solder side. Hereafter, these wiring patterns may simply be referred to as the third wiring pattern.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5(b), the motor driver IC2 repeatedly energizes from the A-phase output terminal OUT1A to the A-phase output terminal OUT2A, and from the A-phase output terminal OUT2A to the A-phase output terminal OUT1A, with a period of de-energization in between. Similarly, the motor driver IC2 repeatedly energizes from the B-phase output terminal OUT1B to the B-phase output terminal OUT2B, and from the B-phase output terminal OUT2B to the B-phase output terminal OUT1B, with a period of de-energization in between. Here, either the A-phase output terminal OUT2A or the A-phase output terminal OUT1A, and either the B-phase output terminal OUT1B or the B-phase output terminal OUT2B, function as current return lines.

[0054] Thus, binary signals of several tens of Hz, so-called 1-2 phase excitation signals, are transmitted from the A-phase output terminals OUT1A and OUT2A, and the B-phase output terminals OUT1B and OUT2B. Since these binary signals require power of approximately 12V and 200mA, the pattern width is set to, for example, 0.5mm. By increasing the width of the third wiring pattern, the resistance of the third wiring pattern can be reduced, preventing burnout or melting due to temperature rise.

[0055] As can be understood by referring to Figure 4, the third wiring patterns connecting the motor driver IC2 and 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 isolated from the GND pattern. In this way, 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 can be minimized.

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

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

[0058] Here, by shortening the width of the second wiring pattern, which carries only low voltage and small current, the degree of freedom in arranging the binary signals around the relatively dense frame control CPU 200a can be increased.

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

[0060] In this fourth wiring pattern, as shown in Figure 5(d), a binary signal of approximately 1.7 Hz with a binary ratio of approximately 12:1 is transmitted, similar to Figure 5(c). Specifically, transistor Q1 is ON for 40-50 msec every 600 msec. In addition, PWM control of several kHz is performed during the 40-50 msec period when transistor Q1 is ON. Therefore, the output current of transistor Q1 is adjusted by the length of the ON state (40-50 msec) 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. By increasing the width of the fourth wiring pattern, the resistance of the fourth wiring pattern can be reduced, similar to the third wiring pattern, preventing burnout or melting due to temperature rise. Furthermore, while the dispensing motor 217c requires 12V and 200mA, the firing solenoid 231c requires a higher voltage and current of 37V and 3A than the dispensing motor 217c because solenoids generally have greater torque than motors.

[0061] Thus, the fourth wiring pattern is separated from the GND pattern because it carries high voltage and high current. In this way, the impact of the output of the drain terminal of transistor Q1 on other electronic components and wiring patterns can be minimized.

[0062] Furthermore, 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 side. However, the same current as the output from the drain terminal D flows through the source terminal S of transistor Q1. Consequently, just like the drain terminal D, a high voltage and a large current of 37V and 3A flows through the source terminal S of transistor Q1.

[0063] As the power supply line to transistor Q1 also requires an output of approximately 37V and 3A, the pattern width is set to, for example, 2.0mm. By increasing the width of the wiring pattern in this way, the resistance of the wiring pattern can be reduced, similar to the fourth wiring pattern, and burnout or melting due to temperature rise can be prevented.

[0064] Furthermore, to prevent the supply of a high-voltage power supply such as DC37V from affecting other electronic components or wiring patterns, the wiring pattern is arranged so that the power is supplied directly from the terminal (20P) of connector CN1, which is the power source, to the source terminal S (3P) of transistor Q1, without distributing power to other electronic components, and the distance between them is as short as possible. This configuration minimizes the impact of the high-voltage power supply, such as DC37V, on other electronic components and wiring patterns.

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

[0066] As the return wire of the firing solenoid 231c also requires a current of about 3A, the pattern width is set to, for example, 2.0mm. By increasing the width of the wiring pattern in this way, the resistance of the wiring pattern can be reduced, similar to the fourth wiring pattern, and burnout or melting due to temperature rise can be prevented.

[0067] Furthermore, the return wire of the firing solenoid 231c is connected to GND via resistor R1. However, if the other terminal of resistor R1 is directly connected to the GND pattern near resistor R1, a current of 3A will 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 the connector CN1 terminal (2P). Since this wiring pattern must also be able to withstand a current of about 3A, its width is set to, for example, 2.0mm. In this way, by creating a structure that prevents the current of the firing solenoid 231c from flowing through the GND pattern, the impact of the return current of the firing solenoid 231c on other electronic components and wiring patterns can be minimized.

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

[0069] In this embodiment, the widths of the first and second wiring patterns are set to 0.2 mm. The width of the third wiring pattern is set to 0.5 mm. The width of the fourth wiring pattern is set to 2.0 mm. Here, by setting the widths of the wiring patterns to the relationship of width of the first or second wiring pattern < width of the third wiring pattern < width of the fourth wiring pattern, it becomes possible to control drive devices such as the dispensing motor 217c and the firing solenoid 231c 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] In this example, the relationship between the widths of the wiring patterns is shown in three stages, such as the width of the first or second wiring pattern < the width of the third wiring pattern < the width of the fourth wiring pattern. However, the relationship between the widths of the wiring patterns is not limited to this example, and may be expressed in four or more stages of magnitude.

[0071] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment uses an example where the widths of the first and second wiring patterns are 0.2 mm, the example is not limited to this case, and an appropriate pattern width can be selected between, for example, 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm. In such a wiring pattern, it is assumed that a current of about 1 mA will flow, so a pull-up resistor of, for example, 4.7 kΩ is applied. However, not limited to this case, 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 to allow a current of about 5 mA.

[0072] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment used an example where the width of the third wiring pattern is 0.5 mm, the method is not limited to this example, and an appropriate pattern width can be selected between, for example, 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm. Also, although the above-described embodiment used an example where the width of the fourth wiring pattern is 2.0 mm, the method is not limited to this example, and an appropriate pattern width can be selected between, for example, 1.5 mm and 4.0 mm.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a frame control board 200A that controls the progress of the game was given as the substrate for forming the wiring pattern, but the example is not limited to this, and a main control board 100A or a sub-control board 300A can also be used.

[0074] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment mentioned the discharge motor 217c and the firing solenoid 231c as drive devices, any actuator that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion such as rotational or linear motion will suffice, and for example, a linear motor can also be used.

[0075] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, connector CN2 was given as the first connector for electrically connecting the motor driver IC2 and the dispensing motor 217c, and connector CN3, which is provided separately from connector CN2, was given as the second connector for electrically connecting the transistor Q1 and the firing solenoid 231c. However, the first connector (connector CN2) and the second connector (connector CN3) do not necessarily have to be separate, and may be integrally formed in one connector (first connector = second connector). In this case, the terminals for electrically connecting the motor driver IC2 and the dispensing motor 217c and the terminals for electrically connecting the transistor Q1 and the firing solenoid 231c will be different in one connector. With such a configuration, high-voltage, high-current terminals can be concentrated in one connector and their regions can be distinguished from other electronic components, thereby suppressing the influence of the current flowing through the terminals on other electronic components.

[0076] Thus, the gaming machine 100 includes a circuit board that controls the progress of the game (for example, a frame control board 200A), a processor (for example, a frame control CPU 200a) located on the circuit board, a first electronic component (for example, a motor driver IC 2) located on the circuit board that controls a first actuator (for example, a payout motor 217c) for circulating game balls toward the launching device in response to commands from the processor, a second electronic component (for example, a transistor Q1) located on the circuit board that controls a second actuator (for example, a launch solenoid 231c) for launching game balls that have circulated toward the launching device in response to commands from the processor, and a circuit board located on the circuit board that controls the first electronic component and the first actuator The device includes a first connector (e.g., connector CN2) for electrically connecting a diode, and a second connector (e.g., connector CN3) disposed on the substrate for electrically connecting a second electronic component and a second actuator. The substrate has a first wiring pattern for connecting the processor and the first electronic component, a second wiring pattern for connecting the processor and the second electronic component, a third wiring pattern for connecting the first electronic component and the first connector, and a fourth wiring pattern for connecting the second electronic component and the second connector. The widths of the wiring patterns are such that 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.

[0077] Here, depending on the application of the wiring pattern, the width of the wiring pattern is set such that the width of the first or second wiring pattern that transmits control signals < the width of the third wiring pattern that requires excitation current to control the rotation of the first actuator (e.g., the dispensing motor 217c) < the width of the fourth wiring pattern that requires excitation current to control the second actuator (e.g., the firing solenoid 231c). This makes it possible to control drive devices such as the dispensing motor 217c and the firing solenoid 231c 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.

[0078] Furthermore, by shortening the width of wiring patterns that carry only low voltage and small current, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in arranging relatively dense binary signals, such as those around the frame control CPU 200a.

[0079] Furthermore, by distinguishing between areas where electronic components operating at low voltage and low current are located and areas where electronic components operating at high voltage and high current are located, it becomes possible to suppress the influence between electronic components.

[0080] Furthermore, in this design, multiple wiring patterns are arranged in parallel so that the clearance between them, each carrying high voltage and high current, is within a predetermined range, and these wiring patterns are collectively isolated from the GND pattern. In this way, the impact of the high-voltage, high-current wiring patterns on other electronic components and wiring patterns can be minimized.

[0081] Furthermore, the wiring patterns that supply high voltage power are arranged directly to the electronic components to which the power is supplied, and at the shortest possible distance. This configuration minimizes the impact of high voltage power supply on other electronic components and wiring patterns.

[0082] Furthermore, instead of connecting the large return current to the GND pattern near the electronic component, the wiring pattern from the electronic component is extended to the vicinity of the connector and connected to the GND pattern at the base of the connector terminals. By creating a structure that prevents the large return current from flowing into the GND pattern in this way, the impact of the return current on other electronic components and wiring patterns can be minimized.

[0083] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally 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 is also applicable to revolving-type gaming machines (pachislo machines). Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to so-called smart pachinko machines, in which the pachinko machine is a sealed circulation type, allowing the game to proceed without the player touching the game balls. However, in smart pachinko, the game value, such as the number of balls paid out and the difference in balls, can be treated as electrical information, but the game balls launched into the game area do not become electrical information. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to so-called smart pachislo machines, in which the game can proceed without the intervention of physical tokens in a pachislo machine. In this case, when a winning combination is achieved, the value amount corresponding to the winning combination is given to the player as electrical information. In such smart pachinko and smart pachislo machines, there is no need to provide a path for distributing game media such as game balls or tokens outside the gaming machine, and furthermore, in smart pachislo machines, the physical game media itself is unnecessary. Furthermore, for example, in smart pachinko, non-magnetic game balls are used, and in smart pachislot, the game medium itself is not used, making it possible to prevent cheating that relies on the use of metal game mediums. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100A Main Control Board 200A Frame Control Board 200a Frame control CPU 217c Dispensing Motor 231c Launch Solenoid IC1 3-terminal regulator IC2 Motor Driver Q1 Transistor R1 Resistor

Claims

[Claim 1] A circuit board that controls the progress of the game, The processor arranged on the aforementioned substrate, A first electronic component is disposed on the substrate and controls a first actuator for circulating 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 disposed on the substrate and controls a second actuator for launching game balls that have flowed to the launching device in response to a command from the processor, A first connector is provided on the substrate for electrically connecting the first electronic component and the first actuator, A second connector is provided on the substrate for electrically connecting the second electronic component and the second actuator, Equipped with, The aforementioned 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, A structure has been formed, A gaming machine in which the width of the wiring patterns is such that 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.

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