Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of reducing an influence of noise on a conductor wiring pattern.SOLUTION: A first surface includes a first conductor wiring pattern that is a wiring pattern formed by a conductor including a specific wiring pattern that has a first mounted electrode with which a first terminal of an electronic component to be mounted is connected electrically and a second mounted electrode with which a second terminal of the electronic component is connected electrically, a region between the first mounted electrode and the second mounted electrode in the first surface is set as a non-conductive region in which a conductor of the first conductor wiring pattern is not formed, and a second surface has a second conductor wiring pattern including a special wiring pattern formed in a back section of a non-conductive region by a conductor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing games.

Background Art

[0002] Some conventional gaming machines have conductor wiring patterns (conductor wiring patterns) formed on both the front surface (first surface) and the back surface (second surface) of a power supply board (electronic circuit board) for powering the electrical components in the gaming machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, since the wiring pattern formed on the front surface of the power supply board and the wiring pattern formed on the back surface are separated only by the thickness of the power supply board, there is a problem that each wiring pattern is likely to be affected by noise.

[0005] The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the occurrence of the influence of noise on the conductor wiring pattern. <00者00029>

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] <四000033>The gaming machine according to claim 1 is a gaming machine capable of playing games, having a first surface and a second surface which is the back surface of the first surface, Multiple types comprising a flat electronic circuit board on which electronic components can be mounted, wherein the first surface is a wiring pattern formed by a conductor and is mounted 1The device has a first conductor wiring pattern that includes a specific wiring pattern comprising a first mounting electrode to which the first terminal of an electronic component is electrically connected, and a second mounting electrode to which the second terminal of the electronic component is electrically connected. The first mounting electrode is provided with a first through-hole that penetrates the electronic circuit board, The second mounting electrode is provided with a second through-hole that penetrates the electronic circuit board, The first on the first surface through hole and further 2 through hole The region between these two points is defined as a non-conductor region where no conductors of the first conductor wiring pattern are formed. A predetermined marking that identifies the type of electronic component mounted at the position is marked in the region between the first through-hole and the second through-hole on the first surface. The second side is, The space between the first through-hole and the second through-hole on the second surface is intersected with the electronic component mounted on the first surface, straddling the first through-hole and the second through-hole. It has a second conductor wiring pattern which includes a special wiring pattern formed by a conductor, The aforementioned special wiring pattern is electrically connected to the overcurrent protection circuit. 、 The electronic circuit board is the first penetration hole and the second penetration A hole different from a regular hole, having a mounting hole used for attaching the electronic circuit board to a gaming machine, The First penetration hole and the second penetration The inner surface of the pore is coated with a conductive film. The inner surface of the aforementioned mounting hole is not coated with a conductive film. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, since a special wiring pattern is formed on the opposite side of the non-conductive region where electronic components are mounted, the distance between the specific wiring pattern and the special wiring pattern can be made greater than the thickness of the substrate. This reduces the influence of noise from the special wiring pattern or specific wiring pattern on the opposite side on the specific wiring pattern or special wiring pattern.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention may have only the inventive features described in the claims of the present invention, or it may have the inventive features described in the claims of the present invention along with other features not described therein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Front view of the pachinko machine in this embodiment. [Figure 2] Configuration diagram showing various control boards and the like mounted on the pachinko machine. [Figure 3] (A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating production control commands. [Figure 4] Explanatory diagram showing each random number. [Figure 5] Explanatory diagram showing the display result determination table. [Figure 6] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the jackpot type determination table, and (B) is an explanatory diagram of the jackpot type. [Figure 7] Block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 8] Diagram showing the mounting surface of the game control board in the embodiment. [Figure 9] Diagram showing the solder side of the game control board in the embodiment. [Figure 10] Diagram showing the mounting surface of the game control board in the embodiment with the input circuit and output circuit mounted. [Figure 11] Diagram showing the configuration of the data bus formed on the solder side of the game control board in the embodiment. [Figure 12] Diagram showing the wiring pattern branched from the data bus on the mounting surface of the game control board in the embodiment. [Figure 13] Diagram showing the configuration of the ground area formed on the mounting surface of the game control board in the embodiment. [Figure 14] Diagram showing the configuration of the ground area formed on the solder side of the game control board in the embodiment. [Figure 15] Circuit diagram showing the connection mode of the low voltage components and high voltage components mounted on the game control board in the embodiment. [Figure 16] Diagram showing the configuration of the connector mounted on the mounting surface of the game control board in the embodiment. [Figure 17]This figure shows the wiring pattern around the connector formed on the solder side of the game control board in the embodiment. [Figure 18] This diagram shows the game control board in the embodiment housed in a board case. [Figure 19] This is a circuit diagram relating to the supply of backup power to the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the game control board in the embodiment. [Figure 20] This figure shows the wiring pattern for power supply formed on the solder side of the game control board in the embodiment. [Figure 21] This figure shows the relationship between the wiring pattern formed on the mounting surface of the game control board in the embodiment and the wiring pattern for power supply formed on the solder surface. [Figure 22] This is a magnified view of a portion of the game control board. [Figure 23] This is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 22. [Figure 24] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of BB. [Figure 25] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of CC. [Figure 26] This is a schematic diagram showing the connection configuration of power supply lines. [Figure 27] This is a schematic diagram showing the connection configuration of resistors. [Figure 28] This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the application, rated current, and rated voltage of each electronic component. [Figure 29] This is an explanatory diagram showing the combination of the first conductor wiring pattern and the second conductor wiring pattern. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Feature 1] The gaming machine with feature 1 is, It comprises a flat electronic circuit board having a first surface and a second surface which is the back surface of the first surface, on which electronic components can be mounted, The first surface is a wiring pattern formed by a conductor, and includes a first conductor wiring pattern that includes a specific wiring pattern comprising a first mounting electrode to which the first terminal of the mounted electronic component is electrically connected, and a second mounting electrode to which the second terminal of the electronic component is electrically connected. The region between the first mounting electrode and the second mounting electrode on the first surface is a non-conductor region where no conductor of the first conductor wiring pattern is formed. The second surface has a second conductor wiring pattern, which includes a special wiring pattern formed by a conductor on the back surface of the non-conductor region. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, since a special wiring pattern is formed on the opposite side of the non-conductive region where electronic components are mounted, the distance between the specific wiring pattern and the special wiring pattern can be made greater than the thickness of the substrate. This reduces the influence of noise from the special wiring pattern or specific wiring pattern on the opposite side on the specific wiring pattern or special wiring pattern. Corresponding drawings: Figures 22 to 25

[0010] [Feature 2] The gaming machine with feature 2 is, The aforementioned specific wiring pattern is a wiring pattern used to transmit a predetermined signal, The aforementioned special wiring pattern is a wiring pattern for supplying power to electronic components. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the transmission of predetermined signals to electronic components electrically connected to a specific wiring pattern, and also enables the supply of power through a special wiring pattern formed on the second surface of the electronic circuit board. Corresponding drawing: Figure 28

[0011] [Feature 3] The gaming machine with feature 3 is, The pattern width dimension in the special wiring pattern is longer than the pattern width dimension in the specific wiring pattern excluding the first and second mounted electrodes. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for an increase in the amount of power that can be supplied by making the special wiring pattern for supplying power longer. Corresponding drawings: Figures 22 to 25

[0012] [Feature 4] The gaming machine with feature 4 is, The aforementioned special wiring pattern is electrically connected to the overvoltage protection circuit. It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents malfunctions caused by overvoltage being applied to special wiring patterns. Corresponding drawing: Figure 27

[0013] [Feature 5] The gaming machine with feature 5 is, The aforementioned special wiring pattern is electrically connected to the overcurrent protection circuit. It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents malfunctions caused by overcurrent flowing through special wiring patterns. Corresponding drawing: None (Variation 1)

[0014] [Feature 6] The gaming machine with feature 6 is, The aforementioned specific wiring pattern is a wiring pattern for supplying power to an electronic component, The aforementioned special wiring pattern is a wiring pattern used to transmit a predetermined signal. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows power to be supplied to electronic components electrically connected to a specific wiring pattern, and a predetermined signal to be transmitted through a special wiring pattern formed on the second surface of the electronic circuit board. Corresponding drawing: Figure 29 (Modified example 2)

[0015] [Feature 7] The gaming machine with feature 7 is, The aforementioned specific wiring pattern is electrically connected to the overvoltage protection circuit. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it possible to prevent malfunctions caused by overvoltage being applied to specific wiring patterns. Corresponding drawing: None (Variation 2)

[0016] [Feature 8] The gaming machine with feature 8 is, The aforementioned specific wiring pattern is electrically connected to the overcurrent protection circuit. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it possible to prevent malfunctions caused by overcurrent flowing through specific wiring patterns. Corresponding drawing: None (Variation 2)

[0017] [Feature 9] The gaming machine with feature 9 is, The rated voltage applied to the special wiring pattern is higher than the rated voltage applied to the specific wiring pattern. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, by increasing the voltage of a special wiring pattern formed on the second surface of the electronic circuit board, it is possible to reduce the effects of noise caused by applying a high voltage to a specific wiring pattern on which electronic components are mounted. Corresponding drawing: Figure 28

[0018] [Feature 10] The gaming machine with feature 10 is, The rated current value flowing through the special wiring pattern is greater than the rated current value flowing through the specific wiring pattern. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, by increasing the rated current value of the special wiring pattern formed on the second surface of the electronic circuit board, it is possible to reduce the impact of noise caused by a large current flowing through a specific wiring pattern on which electronic components are mounted. Corresponding drawing: Figure 28

[0019] [Feature 11] The gaming machine with feature 11 is, Within a predetermined range including the non-conductive region, a predetermined mark is printed. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it easier to recognize the mounting position of electronic components on an electronic circuit board. Corresponding drawing: Figure 22

[0020] [Feature 12] The gaming machine with feature 12 is, The predetermined marking includes a name identification marking that can identify the names of the electronic components electrically connected to the first mounting electrode and the second mounting electrode. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for accurate identification of the names of electronic components mounted on special wiring patterns. Corresponding drawing: Figure 22

[0021] [Feature 13] The gaming machine with feature 13 is, The predetermined markings include connection direction identifying markings that can identify the connection direction of electronic components electrically connected to the first and second mounting electrodes. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for accurate determination of the correct connection direction of electronic components mounted on special wiring patterns. Corresponding drawing: None (Variation 3)

[0022] [Feature 14] The gaming machine with feature 14 is, In the first surface, a plurality of the non-conductive regions are arranged in an aligned manner. The special wiring pattern is formed across the back surfaces of multiple non-conductor regions. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for easier formation of the special wiring pattern and prevents the shape of the special wiring pattern from becoming complex, as the special wiring pattern is formed across the back surfaces of each of the aligned non-conductor regions. Corresponding drawing: Figure 22

[0023] [Feature 15] The gaming machine with feature 15 is, The first conductor wiring pattern includes a non-specific wiring pattern at a position different from the specific wiring pattern. The second conductor wiring pattern is a wiring pattern formed on the back surface of the non-specific wiring pattern, and includes a non-specific wiring pattern different from the special wiring pattern. The aforementioned non-specific wiring pattern and the aforementioned non-special wiring pattern are wiring patterns that have common uses. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, non-specific and non-special wiring patterns with common applications can be formed on the surface of the electrical circuit board, thereby preventing the complexity of the conductor wiring patterns. Corresponding drawing: None (Example 4)

[0024] [Feature 16] The gaming machine with feature 16 is, The electronic component in which the first terminal is electrically connected to the first mounting electrode and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second mounting electrode is a resistor. It is characterized by the following. This feature reduces the impact of noise generated by general-purpose resistors on special wiring patterns. Corresponding drawings: Figure 22, Figure 24

[0025] [Feature 17] The gaming machine with feature 17 is, The electronic component in which the first terminal is electrically connected to the first mounting electrode and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second mounting electrode is a diode. It is characterized by the following. This feature reduces the impact of noise generated by general-purpose diodes on special wiring patterns. Corresponding drawings: Figures 22 and 23

[0026] [Feature 18] The gaming machine with feature 18 is, The electronic component in which the first terminal is electrically connected to the first mounting electrode and the second terminal is electrically connected to the second mounting electrode is a capacitor. It is characterized by the following. This feature reduces the impact of noise generated by general-purpose capacitors on special wiring patterns. Corresponding drawings: Figure 22, Figure 25

[0027] [Feature 19] The gaming machine with feature 19 is, The first mounting electrode includes a first insertion hole through which the first terminal is inserted. The second mounting electrode includes a second insertion hole through which the second terminal is inserted. At least one of the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole is fixed from the second surface side by low-temperature molten metal with the terminal inserted through it. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, by fixing electronic components placed on the first surface side with low-temperature molten metal on the second surface side, it is possible to prevent deterioration of electronic components due to the heat generated by fixing with low-temperature molten metal. Corresponding drawings: Figures 22 to 25

[0028] [Feature 20] The gaming machine with feature 20 is, At least one of the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole has an insulating region on the outer periphery of the insertion hole facing the second surface. It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents low-temperature molten metal from expanding beyond the insertion hole, thus preventing connection failures. Corresponding drawings: Figures 22 to 25

[0029] [Feature 21] The gaming machine with feature 21 is, The first terminal is inserted into the first insertion hole, so that its end protrudes toward the second surface. The second terminal is inserted into the second insertion hole, so that its end protrudes toward the second surface. The ends of the first terminal and the ends of the second terminal are bent toward the non-conductor region on the second surface side. It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents the ends of the first terminal and the second terminal of an electronic component from making improper contact with the conductor on the second surface. Corresponding drawings: Figures 22 to 25

[0030] [Feature 22] The gaming machine with feature 22 is, The electronic circuit board has mounting holes that are different from the first and second insertion holes, and are used for attaching the electronic circuit board to the gaming machine. The inner surfaces of the first and second insertion holes are coated with a conductive film. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the inner surfaces of the first and second insertion holes are coated with a conductive film, which prevents poor conductivity of electronic components mounted on the electronic circuit board, while the mounting holes are not coated with a conductive film, thus keeping costs down. Corresponding drawing: Figure 22

[0031] [Feature 23] The gaming machine with feature 23 is, The aforementioned first insertion hole, the aforementioned second insertion hole, and the aforementioned mounting hole are all round holes. The mounting hole has a different diameter from the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it easy to distinguish between the first and second insertion holes and the mounting holes. Corresponding drawing: Figure 22

[0032] [Feature 24] The gaming machine with feature 24 is, The electronic circuit board has positioning holes that are different from the first insertion holes and the second insertion holes, and are used for positioning the electronic components to be mounted. The inner surfaces of the first and second insertion holes are covered with a conductive film. The inner surface of the positioning hole is not covered by the conductive film. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the inner surfaces of the first and second insertion holes are coated with a conductive film, which prevents poor conductivity of electronic components mounted on the electronic circuit board, while the positioning holes are not coated with a conductive film, thus keeping costs down. Corresponding drawing: None (Variation 5)

[0033] [Feature 25] The gaming machine with feature 25 is, The first insertion hole, the second insertion hole, and the positioning hole are all round holes. The positioning hole has a different diameter from the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it easier to distinguish between the first and second insertion holes and the positioning holes, thus making it easier to identify the holes through which the terminals of electronic components are inserted during the mounting process of electronic components. Corresponding drawing: None (Variation 5)

[0034] [Feature 26] The gaming machine with feature 26 is, The first terminal is fixed by the low-temperature molten metal that flows into the first insertion hole. The second terminal is fixed by the low-temperature molten metal that flows into the second insertion hole. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows the first terminal to be firmly fixed in the first insertion hole and the second terminal in the second insertion hole, thus enabling the suitable mounting of electronic components. Corresponding drawings: Figures 23 to 25

[0035] [Feature 27] The gaming machine with feature 27 is, The first insertion hole and the second insertion hole are round holes of the same diameter. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the commonization of the process of forming the first insertion hole and the process of forming the second insertion hole in the electronic circuit board, thereby reducing the cost of the electronic circuit board. @Corresponding drawings: Figures 22-25

[0036] The embodiments for implementing the pachinko game machine 1 of the present invention will be described below based on examples.

[0037] (Configuration of Pachinko Game Machine 1, etc.) Figure 1 is a front view of the pachinko game machine 1, showing the layout of its main components. The pachinko game machine (game machine) 1 is broadly composed of a game board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes the game surface, and a game machine frame (frame) 3 that supports and fixes the game board 2. A game area is formed on the game board 2, and game balls, which serve as the game medium, are launched from a predetermined ball launching device and fired into this game area.

[0038] Furthermore, "variable display" of special symbols refers to, for example, the display of multiple types of special symbols in a variable manner (the same applies to other symbols described later). Variations include updating the display of multiple symbols, scrolling the display of multiple symbols, transforming one or more symbols, and enlarging / shrinking one or more symbols. In the variation of special symbols and the regular symbols described later, multiple types of special symbols or regular symbols are displayed in an updated manner. In the variation of decorative symbols described later, multiple types of decorative symbols are displayed in a scrolling or updated manner, or one or more decorative symbols are transformed or enlarged / shrinked. Furthermore, variation also includes the display of a certain symbol blinking. At the end of the variable display, a predetermined special symbol is displayed as a stopped display (also called derived or derived display, etc.) as the display result (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described later). Furthermore, variable display may be expressed as variable display or simply variable.

[0039] Furthermore, the special symbols that are variably displayed in the first special symbol display device 4A are also called "first special symbols," and the special symbols that are variably displayed in the second special symbol display device 4B are also called "second special symbols." In addition, a special symbol game using the first special symbols is called a "first special symbol game," and a special symbol game using the second special symbols is also called a "second special symbol game." Furthermore, there may be only one type of special symbol display device that performs the variable display of special symbols.

[0040] An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (electroluminescence) and displays various visual effects. The image display device 5 may also consist of a projector and a screen. Various visual effects are displayed on the image display device 5.

[0041] For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, a variable display of decorative symbols (such as symbols showing numbers) that are different from special symbols, is performed in synchronization with the first special symbol game and the second special symbol game. Here, in synchronization with the first or second special symbol game, the decorative symbols are displayed variably (for example, by scrolling up and down or updating) in the left, middle, and right decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R, respectively. Note that the synchronous execution of the special symbol game and the variable display of decorative symbols are collectively referred to simply as variable display.

[0042] Furthermore, a display area 5S is provided in the upper left of the display screen (display area) of the image display device 5 for displaying the first reserved memory number (for example, the number "0"), the second reserved memory number (for example, the number "4"), and small symbols corresponding to the decorative symbols. The small symbols are displayed variably in accordance with the variable display of the decorative symbols.

[0043] Furthermore, the first reserved memory count, second reserved memory count, reserved display, small symbols, error display (not shown) indicating an error state occurring in the pachinko game machine 1, right-hand shooting notification images prompting the player to shoot to the right, and time-saving display showing the remaining number of time-saving rounds can be displayed in front of (upper layer) the performance images (object images) such as characters to prevent the performance images from overlapping and reducing the visibility of the first reserved memory count, second reserved memory count, small symbols, and error display. On the other hand, decorative symbols can be displayed behind (lower layer) the performance images to prevent the decorative symbols from overlapping and reducing the visibility of the performance images.

[0044] The above-mentioned small symbol is also called the fourth symbol. The fourth symbol is a symbol that indicates that the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) are being displayed in a variable manner, and is displayed in a variable manner by a certain operation in a manner that is always visible on a display device such as the image display device 5. Because the fourth symbol is displayed in a variable manner, even if the decorative symbols are difficult to recognize, such as when the performance content including the variable display of the decorative symbols disappears from the screen for a moment, or when the movable body 32 obscures all or part of the screen of the image display device 5, it becomes possible to recognize whether or not the decorative symbols are currently being displayed in a variable manner. The performance control CPU 120 performs the variable display of the fourth symbol corresponding to the first special symbol by operating the image display device 5 based on the receipt of the first variable display start command. The performance control CPU 120 also performs the variable display of the fourth symbol corresponding to the second special symbol by operating the image display device 5 based on the receipt of the second variable display start command.

[0045] At the bottom of the screen of the image display device 5, there are display areas (special symbol hold memory display area 5U, active display area 5F) for displaying hold displays corresponding to variable displays whose execution is pending, and active displays corresponding to variable displays that are currently running. The hold displays and active displays are collectively referred to as variable display corresponding displays. In this embodiment, a special symbol hold memory display area 5U is provided common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, but a first special symbol hold memory display area that displays a first hold display representing a variable display whose execution of the first special symbol is pending, and a second special symbol hold memory display area that displays a second hold display representing a variable display whose execution of the second special symbol is pending, may be provided separately. In this embodiment, the special symbol hold memory display area 5U is a display area that displays a hold display corresponding to the first special symbol when the game state is in the normal state, and a display area that displays a hold display corresponding to the second special symbol when the game state is in the time-saving state or probability-changing state. Furthermore, the Active Display Area 5F is a display area that shows an active display corresponding to the first special symbol when the game state is in the normal state, and a display area that shows an active display corresponding to the second special symbol when the game state is in the time-saving state or probability-changing state.

[0046] A first reserve indicator 25A and a second reserve indicator 25B, each composed of multiple LEDs, are provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2. The first reserve indicator 25A displays the first reserve memory count by the number of LEDs lit. The second reserve indicator 25B displays the second reserve memory count by the number of LEDs lit.

[0047] A prize ball device 6A is provided below the image display device 5, and a variable prize ball device 6B is provided to the right of the prize ball device 6A.

[0048] The prize ball entry device 6A forms a first starting prize entry opening that is kept in a constant open state, allowing game balls to enter at all times, for example, by a predetermined ball receiving member. When a game ball enters the first starting prize entry opening, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 3) are dispensed, and the first special game may be started.

[0049] The variable prize ball device 6B (ordinary electric mechanism) forms a second starting prize opening that changes between a closed state and an open state by a solenoid 81 (see Figure 2). The variable prize ball device 6B includes, for example, an electric mechanism with a movable piece that can be opened and closed. When the solenoid 81 is in the off state, the movable piece is in the upright position, resulting in a closed state where no game balls can enter the second starting prize opening (this is also said to be the second starting prize opening being in the closed state). On the other hand, when the solenoid 81 is in the on state, the movable piece of the variable prize ball device 6B is in the tilted position, resulting in an open state where game balls can enter the second starting prize opening (this is also said to be the second starting prize opening being in the open state). When a game ball enters the second starting prize opening, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 3) are dispensed, and the second special game may be started. Furthermore, the variable prize ball device 6B is not limited to those described above, as long as it changes between a closed state and an open state.

[0050] General prize slots 10 are provided at predetermined locations on the game board 2 (in the example shown in Figure 1, three locations in the lower left of the game area and one location above the variable prize ball device 6B) and are kept in a constant open state by predetermined ball receiving members. In this case, when a ball enters any of the general prize slots 10, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are dispensed as prize balls.

[0051] Between the prize ball device 6A and the variable prize ball device 6B, there are a first special variable prize ball device 7A and a second special variable prize ball device 7B, both having large prize openings. The first special variable prize ball device 7A is equipped with a large prize opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 82 (see Figure 2), and forms a first large prize opening as a specific region that changes between an open state and a closed state by this large prize opening door. The second special variable prize ball device 7B is equipped with a large prize opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 83 (see Figure 2), and forms a second large prize opening as a specific region that changes between an open state and a closed state by this large prize opening door.

[0052] In the first special variable prize ball device 7A, when the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door (for the special electric mechanism) is in the off state, the large prize opening door closes the first large prize opening, preventing game balls from entering (passing through) the first large prize opening. On the other hand, in the first special variable prize ball device 7A, when the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door is in the on state, the large prize opening door opens the first large prize opening, making it easier for game balls to enter the first large prize opening.

[0053] Similarly, in the second special variable prize ball device 7B, when the solenoid 83 for the large prize opening door (for the special electric mechanism) is in the off state, the large prize opening door closes the second large prize opening, preventing game balls from entering (passing through) the second large prize opening. On the other hand, in the second special variable prize ball device 7B, when the solenoid 83 for the large prize opening door is in the on state, the large prize opening door opens the second large prize opening, making it easier for game balls to enter the second large prize opening.

[0054] Game balls that enter the first major prize slot are detected by the first count switch 23 (see Figure 2), and game balls that enter the second major prize slot are detected by the second count switch 24 (see Figure 2). When game balls are detected by these first count switches 23 and 2 count switches 24, that is, when game balls enter the major prize slots, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 15) are dispensed as prize balls. When game balls enter the major prize slots, more prize balls are dispensed than when game balls enter, for example, the first starting prize slot, the second starting prize slot, or the general prize slot 10.

[0055] When a game ball enters any of the prize-winning slots, including the general prize-winning slot 10, it is also called "winning a prize." In particular, when a ball enters the starting slots (first starting prize-winning slot, second starting prize-winning slot), it is also called a "starting prize."

[0056] A regular symbol display unit 20 is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (in the example shown in Figure 1, the lower left of the game area). For example, the regular symbol display unit 20 consists of a 7-segment LED and performs a variable display of regular symbols as multiple types of regular identification information distinct from special symbols. Regular symbols are represented by lighting patterns such as numbers "0" to "9" or "-". Regular symbols may also include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off. Such a variable display of regular symbols is also called a regular symbol game.

[0057] To the right of the image display device 5, there is a passage gate 41 through which game balls can pass. Based on the fact that a game ball has passed through the passage gate 41, the regular game is executed.

[0058] Below the regular symbol display unit 20, a regular symbol hold indicator unit 25C is provided. The regular symbol hold indicator unit 25C is composed of, for example, four LEDs and displays the number of regular symbol hold memories, which is the number of regular symbol games whose execution is pending, by the number of lit LEDs.

[0059] In addition to the above configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is equipped with windmills and numerous obstacle pins that change the direction and speed of the game balls. At the very bottom of the game area is an outlet where game balls that do not enter any of the winning pockets are collected.

[0060] In this embodiment, the game area consists of a left game area 2L, which is formed to the left of the image display device 5 and into which game balls can enter the general prize entry 10 and the first starting prize entry 6A formed by the prize ball entry device 6A as they flow down, and a right game area 2R, which is formed to the right of the image display device 5 and into which game balls can enter the second starting prize entry 6B formed by the variable prize ball entry device 6B, the first large prize entry 6B and the second large prize entry 7 formed by the special variable prize ball entry device 7, and can also pass through the passage gate 41.

[0061] In this embodiment, the normal state is a game state in which the player mainly shoots game balls toward the left game area 2L, while the time-saving state, probability variation state, and jackpot game state in this embodiment are game states in which the player shoots game balls toward the right game area 2R.

[0062] Speakers 8L and 8R for playing and outputting sound effects are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3. A main lamp 9a is provided above the image display device 5 in the gaming machine frame 3, and side lamps 9b are provided to the left and right of the main lamp 9a so as to surround the game area, and a button lamp 9e is provided below the game board 2. These main lamp 9a, side lamps 9b and button lamps 9e provided on the gaming machine frame 3 are also called "frame lamps".

[0063] A movable body 32 that operates according to the effects is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (above the image display device 5 in Figure 1), and a movable body lamp 9d is provided on the movable body 32. In addition, an attacker lamp 9c is provided near the special variable prize ball device 7 on the game board 2, and a decorative lamp 9f is provided on the left side of the game board 2. These attacker lamp 9c, movable body lamp 9d, and decorative lamp 9f provided on the game board 2 are also called "board lamps". Furthermore, these main lamps 9a, side lamps 9b, attacker lamps 9c, movable body lamps 9d, button lamps 9e, and decorative lamps 9f are sometimes collectively referred to as game effect lamps 9. Note that these main lamps 9a, side lamps 9b, attacker lamps 9c, movable body lamps 9d, button lamps 9e, and decorative lamps 9f are composed of LEDs. The various lamps will be described later.

[0064] A ball-launching handle (operating knob) 30 is provided at the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, which is operated by the player or others to launch the game balls towards the game area using a ball-launching device.

[0065] A ball supply tray (upper tray) is provided at a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the game area, which holds (stores) game balls dispensed as prize balls or game balls dispensed by a predetermined ball dispenser so that they can be supplied to the ball launching device. In addition, the gaming machine frame 3 may also be provided with a dispensing section (ball supply tray) separate from the upper tray, from which prize balls are dispensed when the upper tray is full.

[0066] A stick controller 31A, which can be grasped and tilted by the player, is attached to a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area. The stick controller 31A is equipped with a trigger button that can be pressed by the player. Operations on the stick controller 31A are detected by the controller sensor unit 35A (see Figure 2).

[0067] A push button 31B is provided at a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, allowing the player to perform predetermined instruction operations by pressing it. Operations on the push button 31B are detected by a push sensor 35B (see Figure 2).

[0068] In the pachinko game machine 1, a stick controller 31A and a push button 31B are provided as detection means for detecting the actions (operations, etc.) of the player, but other detection means may also be provided.

[0069] (Outline of how the game progresses) The player rotates the ball-shooting handle 30 on the pachinko game machine 1, launching the game ball towards the game area. When the game ball passes through the passage gate 41, the regular symbol game is started using the regular symbol display 20. If the game ball passes through the passage gate 41 during the execution of the previous regular symbol game (i.e., the game ball passes through the passage gate 41 but the regular symbol game based on that passage cannot be executed immediately), the regular symbol game based on that passage is held up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

[0070] In this regular symbol game, if a specific regular symbol (regular symbol winning symbol) stops and is displayed, the display result for the regular symbol will be "Regular Symbol Win". On the other hand, if a regular symbol other than the regular symbol winning symbol (regular symbol losing symbol) stops and is displayed as a confirmed regular symbol, the display result for the regular symbol will be "Regular Symbol Loss". When "Regular Symbol Win" occurs, an opening control is performed that keeps the variable prize ball device 6B open for a predetermined period of time (the second starting prize entry point becomes open).

[0071] When a game ball enters the first starting prize entry opening formed in the prize ball entry device 6A, the first special symbol game is started by the first special symbol display device 4A.

[0072] When a game ball enters the second starting prize entry opening formed in the variable prize ball entry device 6B, the second special symbol game is started by the second special symbol display device 4B.

[0073] Furthermore, if a game ball enters (wins) the starting entry point during the execution of a special feature game or during the period when the game is controlled to be in a jackpot state as described later (i.e., a starting entry occurs but the special feature game based on that entry cannot be executed immediately), the execution of the special feature game based on that entry will be suspended until a predetermined maximum number of entries (for example, 4) are reached.

[0074] In the special feature game, if a specific special symbol (a winning symbol, for example, "7," although the actual symbol will differ depending on the type of jackpot described later) stops and is displayed as a guaranteed special symbol, it is a "jackpot." If a special symbol other than the winning symbol (a losing symbol, for example, "-") stops and is displayed, it is a "miss."

[0075] After the display result in the special game is "Big Win," the game is controlled to a Big Win game state, which is advantageous for the player.

[0076] In a jackpot state, the first and second large prize pockets formed by the special variable prize ball device 7 are opened in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until the earlier of the following two timings: the elapsed time of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) or the number of game balls that have entered the large prize pockets reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9 balls). The predetermined period is the upper limit period for which the large prize pockets can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as the upper limit period. One cycle in which the large prize pockets are open in this manner is called a round (round game). In a jackpot state, the round can be repeated until it reaches a predetermined upper limit number of times (10 times, 6 times, etc.).

[0077] In a jackpot state, players can win prize balls by getting them into the jackpot slot. Therefore, a jackpot state is advantageous for the player. The more rounds there are in a jackpot state, and the longer the maximum opening period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

[0078] Furthermore, each "jackpot" has a designated jackpot type. For example, there may be multiple types of opening patterns for the jackpot opening (number of rounds and maximum opening period) and game states after a jackpot (normal state, time-saving state, probability variation state, etc.), and the jackpot type is set according to these. There may also be jackpot types that award many prize balls, jackpot types that award few prize balls, or jackpot types that award almost no prize balls.

[0079] After the jackpot game state ends, the game may be controlled to a time-saving state or a probability-increasing state depending on the type of jackpot.

[0080] In the time-saving state, a control (time-saving control) is implemented that shortens the average special symbol variation time (the period during which the special symbols vary) compared to the normal state. In the time-saving state, a control (high-open control, high-base control) is also implemented that makes it easier for game balls to enter the second starting prize entry point, such as shortening the average normal symbol variation time (the period during which the normal symbols vary) compared to the normal state, or increasing the probability of getting a "normal symbol win" in the normal symbol game compared to the normal state. The time-saving state is advantageous for the player because it improves the variation efficiency of the special symbols (especially the second special symbol).

[0081] In the probability variation state, in addition to the time-saving control, probability variation control is implemented that makes the probability of the displayed result being "jackpot" higher than in the normal state. The probability variation state is even more advantageous for the player because, in addition to the improved efficiency of special symbol variations, it is a state in which "jackpot" is more likely to occur.

[0082] The time-saving mode and the probability-increasing mode continue until one of the following termination conditions is met first: either a predetermined number of special symbol games have been played, or the next jackpot game state has begun. When the termination condition is the execution of a predetermined number of special symbol games, it is also called a count-cut mode (count-cut time-saving mode, count-cut probability-increasing mode, etc.).

[0083] The normal state refers to any game state other than advantageous states such as a jackpot game state, a time-saving state, or a probability variation state, which are advantageous to the player. It is a state in which the pachinko game machine 1 is controlled to be the same as its initial state (for example, when a system reset is performed and a predetermined recovery process is not executed after power-on).

[0084] The state in which probability variation control is being performed is also called a high probability state, and the state in which probability variation control is not being performed is also called a low probability state. The state in which time reduction control is being performed is also called a high base state, and the state in which time reduction control is not being performed is also called a low base state. Combining these, the time reduction state is also called a low probability high base state, the probability variation state is also called a high probability high base state, and the normal state is also called a low probability low base state. The state that is both a high probability state and a low base state is also called a high probability low base state.

[0085] In this embodiment, the type of big win determines which large prize slot opens in a specific round (for example, the 6th round). In the type of big win where the second prize slot opens in a specific round, the game state is controlled to a probability variation state (high probability, high base state) after the big win ends, based on the detection by the second count switch 24 that a game ball enters the second large prize slot.

[0086] (Regarding the progress of the performance, etc.) In the pachinko game machine 1, various effects (effects that notify the progress of the game or enhance the excitement of the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. These effects are described below. These effects are performed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or instead of such displays, they may also be performed using sound output from speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting and extinguishing of game effect lamps 9, the operation of movable parts 32, or any effect device that includes some or all of these.

[0087] As an effect executed in accordance with the progress of the game, the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R on the image display device 5, designated as "left," "center," and "right," begin to display variable decorative symbols in response to the start of the first or second special symbol game. At the timing when the display result (also called the confirmed special symbol) is displayed in a stopped state during the first or second special symbol game, the confirmed decorative symbol (a combination of three decorative symbols) which is the display result of the variable display of decorative symbols is also displayed in a stopped state (derived).

[0088] During the period from the start to the end of the variable display of decorative symbols, the mode of variable display of decorative symbols may become a predetermined reach mode (a reach is achieved). Here, a reach mode refers to a mode in which, when the stopped display of decorative symbols on the screen of the image display device 5 constitutes part of the jackpot combination described later, the variable display of decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped continues.

[0089] Furthermore, a reach animation is executed in response to the above-mentioned reach pattern occurring during the variable display of decorative symbols. In pachinko machine 1, multiple types of reach animations are executed, each with a different probability (also called the jackpot reliability or jackpot expectation) of the display result (display result of the special symbol game or display result of the variable display of decorative symbols) being a "jackpot" depending on the animation pattern. Reach animations include, for example, a normal reach and a super reach, which has a higher jackpot reliability than a normal reach.

[0090] When the display result of the special game is "Big Win," the image display device 5 screen displays a predetermined combination of decorative symbols that results in a big win (the display result of the variable display of decorative symbols is "Big Win"). For example, identical decorative symbols (for example, "7" etc.) are lined up and displayed on predetermined active lines in the "left," "center," and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R.

[0091] If the display result of the special game is a "miss," the variable display mode of the decorative symbols may not become a reach mode, and the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols may be a confirmed decorative symbol of a non-reach combination (also called a "non-reach miss") (the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols will be a "non-reach miss"). In addition, if the display result is a "miss," the variable display mode of the decorative symbols may become a reach mode, and then the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols may be a confirmed decorative symbol of a predetermined reach combination that is not a winning combination (also called a "reach miss") (the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols will be a "reach miss").

[0092] The effects that Pachinko machine 1 can perform include displaying the above-mentioned variable display-compatible displays (hold displays and active displays). In addition, other effects, such as a prediction effect that foreshadows the probability of a big win, are performed while the decorative symbols are being displayed in a variable display. Prediction effects include prediction effects that foreshadow the probability of a big win in the variable display that is currently being performed, and pre-announcement effects that foreshadow the probability of a big win in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is pending). As a pre-announcement effect, an effect that changes the display mode of the variable display-compatible displays (hold displays and active displays) to a mode different from the normal mode may be performed.

[0093] Furthermore, the image display device 5 may perform a pseudo-consecutive display effect by temporarily pausing the display of the decorative pattern while it is being displayed in a variable manner, and then resuming the variable display, thereby making a single variable display appear as if it were multiple variable displays.

[0094] Even while in a winning state, a special animation is performed to inform the player of the winning state. This special animation may include an animation that announces the number of rounds, or an upgrade animation that indicates an increase in the value of the winning state.

[0095] Furthermore, when, for example, a special game is not being played, a demo image is displayed on the image display device 5 (a customer-waiting demo is performed).

[0096] (Board configuration 1) The pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with various control boards, such as the game control board 11, the performance control board 12, the sound control board 13, the lamp control board 14, and the relay board 15, as shown in Figure 2. In addition, various other boards, such as the payout control board, the information terminal board, and the launch control board, are located on the back of the pachinko game machine 1. Furthermore, a power supply board 17 is also installed. The term "various control boards" is a concept that includes not only electronic circuit boards such as printed wiring boards on which conductive patterns are formed and on which electrical components can be mounted, but also electronic circuit mounting boards configured to realize specific electrical functions by mounting electrical components on an electronic circuit board.

[0097] A power switch 91 is connected to the power supply board 17, and by operating the power switch 91 (turning it ON), power from an AC power source such as AC100V from an external power source such as a commercial power supply can be supplied from the power supply board 17 to electrical components including various control boards such as the game control board 11 and the performance control board 12. The power supply board 17 includes, for example, a rectifier circuit for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), and a power supply circuit for converting a predetermined DC voltage to a specific DC voltage (for example, DC 12V or DC 5V).

[0098] The game control board 11 is the main control board and has the function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1 (execution of special symbol games (including management of reserves), execution of regular symbol games (including management of reserves), jackpot game state, game state, etc.). The game control board 11 includes a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, an output circuit 111, etc.

[0099] The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the game control board 11 is, for example, a single-chip microcomputer and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103, a random number circuit 104, an I / O (Input / Output port) 105, and a real-time clock 106.

[0100] The CPU 103 controls the progress of the game (processing that realizes the functions of the game control board 11) by executing the program stored in the ROM 101. At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (data such as the variation patterns described later, the performance control commands described later, and various tables referenced when making various decisions described later) are used, and the RAM 102 is used as the main memory. The RAM 102 is a backup RAM in which the contents are saved for a predetermined period even if the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is stopped, in whole or in part. Alternatively, all or part of the program stored in the ROM 101 may be loaded into the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102.

[0101] The random number circuit 104 keeps an updatable count of numerical data representing various random values ​​(game random numbers) used to control the progress of the game. The game random numbers may be updated by the CPU 103 executing a predetermined computer program (updated by software).

[0102] The I / O105 includes, for example, an input port to which various signals (detection signals described later) are input, and an output port for transmitting various signals (signals to control (drive) the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, the normal symbol display device 20, the first hold indicator 25A, the second hold indicator 25B, the normal symbol hold indicator 25C, etc., and solenoid drive signals).

[0103] The switch circuit 110 receives detection signals (such as detection signals indicating that a game ball has passed through or entered and the switch has been turned on) from various switches for detecting game balls (gate switch 21, start switch (first start switch 22A and second start switch 22B), first count switch 23, and second count switch 24) and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The transmission of the detection signals indicates that the passage or entry of a game ball has been detected.

[0104] The switch circuit 110 receives the reset signal, power-off signal, and clear signal from the power supply board 17 and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The reset signal is an operation stop signal used to stop the operation of control circuits such as the game control microcomputer 100, and can be output using any of the following: a power supply monitoring circuit, a watchdog timer built-in IC, or a system reset IC. The power-off signal is turned off when the predetermined power supply voltage used in the pachinko game machine 1 exceeds a predetermined value, and turns on when the period during which the predetermined power supply voltage is below the predetermined value continues for a period longer than the power-off reference time. The clear signal is turned on in response to, for example, a press operation on the clear switch 92 provided on the power supply board 17.

[0105] The output circuit 111 transmits solenoid drive signals from the game control microcomputer 100 (for example, signals to turn on solenoids 81 and 82 and 83) to solenoid 81 for the regular electric mechanism and solenoids 82 and 83 for the large prize door.

[0106] Furthermore, the pachinko game machine 1 in this embodiment is also provided with a payout control board (not shown). The payout control board is connected to a payout device that is driven to dispense a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 3, 5, 10, 15, etc.) to the player based on the receipt of a payout signal, and to a game ball detection sensor provided in the payout passage through which the game balls dispensed by the payout device pass. The drive of the payout device can be stopped according to the nature of the game ball detection signal received from the game ball detection sensor.

[0107] Furthermore, the payout control board is connected to a handle sensor for detecting the amount of operation performed by the player, and a touch ring (touch sensor) for detecting whether the player is gripping the ball-shooting handle 30. Based on the signals input from these sensors, the payout control board controls the launching device that can launch game balls into the game board 2. In addition, signals indicating whether or not the touch ring has been detected, and signals indicating that a game ball has been launched by the launching device are input from the payout control board to the game control microcomputer 100 of the game control board 11.

[0108] The game control board 11 (game control microcomputer 100) supplies performance control commands (commands that specify (notify) the progress of the game, etc.) to the performance control board 12 as part of the control of the game's progress. Performance control commands output from the game control board 11 are relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the performance control board 12. These performance control commands include, for example, commands that specify various decision results in the game control board 11 (for example, the display result of the special feature game (including the type of jackpot), the variation pattern used when executing the special feature game (details will be described later)), the status of the game (for example, the start and end of the variable display, the opening status of the big prize slot, the occurrence of a prize, the number of reserved items, the game state), the occurrence of an error, etc.

[0109] The performance control board 12 is a sub-control board independent of the game control board 11, and has the function of receiving performance control commands and executing performances (various performances corresponding to the progress of the game, including various notifications such as driving the movable body 32, error notification, and power outage recovery notification) based on the received performance control commands.

[0110] The performance control board 12 is equipped with a performance control CPU 120, ROM 121, RAM 122, display control unit 123, random number circuit 124, and I / O 125.

[0111] The CPU 120 for performance control executes a program stored in the ROM 121, and together with the display control unit 123, performs processing to execute the performance (processing to realize the above functions of the performance control board 12, including determining which performance to execute). At this time, various data stored in the ROM 121 (data such as various tables) is used, and the RAM 122 is used as the main memory.

[0112] The CPU 120 for controlling the game's presentation may also instruct the display control unit 123 to execute a game presentation based on detection signals from the controller sensor unit 35A and the push sensor 35B (signals output when an operation by a player is detected, and which appropriately indicate the content of the operation).

[0113] The display control unit 123 is equipped with a VDP (Video Display Processor), CGROM (Character Generator ROM), VRAM (Video RAM), etc., and executes performances based on performance execution instructions from the performance control CPU 120.

[0114] The display control unit 123, based on the execution instructions for the performance control CPU 120, supplies a video signal corresponding to the performance to be executed to the image display device 5, thereby displaying the performance image on the image display device 5. It also performs display processing to output the image data of the display image creation area in the VRAM area specified in the display register as a video signal. In this embodiment, the display image creation area and the drawing area switch with each V-blank. Therefore, drawing is performed in the area allocated as the drawing area in one V-blank, and then in the next V-blank, it switches to the display image creation area, so the image data drawn in the previous V-blank is displayed, while drawing continues in the other area during that time.

[0115] The display control unit 123 further supplies a sound specification signal (a signal that specifies the sound to be output) to the sound control board 13 and a lamp signal (a signal that specifies the on / off mode of the lamp) to the lamp control board 14 in order to output sound in synchronization with the display of the performance image and to turn the game effect lamp 9 on / off. The display control unit 123 also supplies a signal to operate the movable body 32 to the movable body 32 or the drive circuit that drives the movable body 32.

[0116] The audio control board 13 is equipped with various circuits for driving speakers 8L and 8R, and drives speakers 8L and 8R based on the specified sound signal, and outputs the sound specified by the specified sound signal from speakers 8L and 8R.

[0117] The lamp control board 14 is equipped with various circuits for driving the game effect lamp 9, and drives the game effect lamp 9 based on the lamp signal, turning the game effect lamp 9 on / off in the manner specified by the lamp signal. In this way, the display control unit 123 controls the sound output and the turning on / off of the lamp.

[0118] Furthermore, the control of audio output, the on / off status of lamps (supply of sound specification signals and lamp signals, etc.), and the control of the movable body 32 (supply of signals to operate the movable body 32, etc.) may be performed by the performance control CPU 120.

[0119] The random number circuit 124 keeps an updatable count of numerical data representing various random values ​​(random numbers for effects) used to execute various effects. The random numbers for effects may be updated by the effect control CPU 120 executing a predetermined computer program (updated by software).

[0120] The I / O 125 mounted on the performance control board 12 includes an input port for receiving performance control commands transmitted from, for example, the game control board 11, and an output port for transmitting various signals (video signals, sound specification signals, lamp signals).

[0121] Other boards besides the game control board 11, such as the performance control board 12, the sound control board 13, and the lamp control board 14, are also called sub-boards. In a pachinko game machine 1, multiple sub-boards may be provided for different functions, or the sub-boards of machine 1 may be configured to have multiple functions.

[0122] Figure 3(A) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of a performance control command used in this embodiment. A performance control command is, for example, a 2-byte structure, where the first byte indicates MODE (command classification) and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to "0", and the first bit of the EXT data is also set to "0". Note that the command form shown in Figure 3(A) is just an example, and other command forms may be used. In this example, the control command consists of two control signals, but the number of control signals constituting the control command may be one or three or more.

[0123] In the example shown in Figure 3(A), command 8001H is a first variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display in a special game using the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 4A. Command 8002H is a second variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display in a special game using the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 4B. Command 81XXH is a variation pattern specification command that specifies the variation pattern (variation time (variable display time)) of decorative symbols (also called performance symbols) that are variably displayed in the "left," "center," and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5, corresponding to the variable display of special symbols in a special game. Here, XXH indicates an unspecified hexadecimal number, and it can be any value that is set arbitrarily according to the instructions given by the performance control command. Note that different EXT data is set depending on the variation pattern specified in the variation pattern specification command.

[0124] Command 8CXXH is a variable display result specification command, and is a performance control command that specifies variable display results such as special symbols and decorative symbols. With the variable display result specification command, different EXT data is set depending on the determination result (pre-determined result) of whether the variable display result (also called the variable display result) is a "miss" or a "jackpot", and the determination result (jackpot type determination result) of which of the multiple types of jackpots to be used when the variable display result is a "jackpot".

[0125] In the variable display result specification command, for example, as shown in Figure 3(B), command 8C00H is the first variable display result specification command that indicates a pre-determined result that the variable display result will be "miss". Command 8C01H is the second variable display result specification command that notifies the pre-determined result that the variable display result will be "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "jackpot A", as well as the jackpot type determination result. Command 8C02H is the third variable display result specification command that notifies the pre-determined result that the variable display result will be "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "jackpot B", as well as the jackpot type determination result. Command 8C03H is the fourth variable display result specification command that notifies the pre-determined result that the variable display result will be "jackpot" and the jackpot type will be "jackpot C", as well as the jackpot type determination result.

[0126] Command 8F00H is a symbol confirmation command that specifies the stopping (confirmation) of the variation of decorative symbols in the "left," "center," and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the image display device 5. Command 95XXH is a game state specification command that specifies the current game state of the pachinko game machine 1. Different EXT data is set depending on the current game state of the pachinko game machine 1, for example, when a game state is specified. As a specific example, command 9500H is set as the first game state specification command corresponding to a game state in which neither time-saving control nor probability variation control is performed (low probability low base state, normal state), command 9501H is set as the second game state specification command corresponding to a game state in which time-saving control is performed but probability variation control is not performed (low probability high base state, time-saving state), and command 9502H is set as the third game state specification command corresponding to a game state in which both time-saving control and probability variation control are performed (high probability high base state, probability variation state). Furthermore, the high probability, high base state is sometimes simply referred to as the "probability change state."

[0127] Command A0XXH is a win start command (also called the "fanfare command") that specifies the display of a visual effect indicating the start of a jackpot game. Command A1XXH is a jackpot opening notification command that indicates the period during which the jackpot opening is open during a jackpot game. Command A2XXH is a jackpot opening after notification command that indicates the period during which the jackpot opening has changed from open to closed during a jackpot game. Command A3XXH is a win end command that specifies the display of a visual effect at the end of a jackpot game.

[0128] In the win start specification command and win end specification command, different EXT data may be set depending on the pre-determined result and the jackpot type determination result, for example, by setting the same EXT data as in the variable display result specification command. Alternatively, in the win start specification command and win end specification command, the correspondence between the pre-determined result and the jackpot type determination result and the set EXT data may be made different from the correspondence in the variable display result specification command. In the big prize slot open notification command and big prize slot after opening notification command, for example, different EXT data may be set corresponding to the number of rounds executed in the jackpot state described later (for example, "0" to "10").

[0129] Command B100H is a first start-out entry designation command that notifies that the first start condition for executing a special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A has been met, based on the fact that a game ball that has passed through (entered) the first start-out entry point formed by the prize ball entry device 6A has been detected by the first start-out switch 22A and a start-up entry (first start-up entry) has occurred. Command B200H is a second start-out entry designation command that notifies that the second start condition for executing a special symbol game using the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B has been met, based on the fact that a game ball that has passed through (entered) the second start-out entry point formed by the variable prize ball entry device 6B has been detected by the second start-out switch 22B and a start-up entry (second start-up entry) has occurred. Command B300H is a special prize-winning ball entry command that notifies the system that 15 prize balls will be dispensed based on the detection by the first count switch 23 and the second count switch 24 of the special variable prize-winning ball device 7 when a game ball has passed through (entered) the first or second prize-winning ball, resulting in a prize being won.

[0130] Command C1XXH is a first reserved memory count notification command that notifies the first reserved memory count in order to identify the number of reserved special symbols. Command C2XXH is a second reserved memory count notification command that notifies the second reserved memory count in order to identify the number of reserved special symbols. The first reserved memory count notification command is sent from the game control board 11 to the performance control board 12 when a first start entry designation command is sent, for example, based on the first start condition being met when a game ball passes through (enters) the first start entry point. The second reserved memory count notification command is sent from the game control board 11 to the performance control board 12 when a second start entry designation command is sent, for example, based on the second start condition being met when a game ball passes through (enters) the second start entry point. Furthermore, the first reserved memory count notification command and the second reserved memory count notification command may be sent in response to the start of execution of the special feature game when either the first start condition or the second start condition is met (when the number of reserved memories decreases).

[0131] Commands C4XXH and C6XXH are performance control commands (winning result specification commands) that indicate the content of the winning result judgment. Of these, command C4XXH is a symbol specification command that indicates whether the variable display result will be a "jackpot" and the type of jackpot (probability variation, non-probability variation, or sudden probability variation) as the winning result judgment. Command C6XXH is a variation category command that indicates whether the random value used for determining the variation pattern will be "non-reach", "super reach", or "other (normal reach)" as the winning result judgment.

[0132] Instead of the first and second pending memory count notification commands, a total pending memory count notification command may be sent to notify the total number of pending memories. In other words, a total pending memory count notification command may be used to notify of an increase (or decrease) in the total number of pending memories.

[0133] Command D000H is a V-entry notification command that notifies that a game ball has entered the second large prize slot during a jackpot game, that is, that a game ball has been detected by the second count switch 24. Hereinafter in this embodiment, the detection of a game ball by the second count switch 24 during a jackpot game may be referred to as "V-entry". In this embodiment, "V-entry" refers to the execution of both time-saving control and probability variation control in the high-base state after the jackpot game in which the entry occurred (the state is controlled to be a high-probability, high-base state).

[0134] Command 9F00H is a command to specify the display of a customer waiting demonstration (customer waiting demo) and to execute it.

[0135] Note that the commands shown in Figure 3(A) are just examples, and the system may not have some of these commands, may use different commands instead, or may add commands different from these. For example, a prize ball count notification command may be provided to specify the number of prize balls that will be paid out based on the number of game balls that have entered each prize slot, a gate passage notification command may be provided to notify when a game ball has passed through the passage gate 41, and a notification command may be provided to notify the remaining number of variable display times for which probability change control or time reduction control will be executed.

[0136] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the random numbers counted on the game control board 11. As shown in Figure 4, on the game control board 11, numerical data representing the random numbers MR1 ​​for determining the special symbol display result, MR2 for determining the type of jackpot, MR3 for determining the type of variation pattern, MR4 for determining the variation pattern, MR5 for determining the normal symbol display result, and MR6 for determining the initial value of random number MR5 are controlled to be countable. In addition, other random numbers may be used to enhance the game effect. Random numbers used to control the progress of the game are also called game random numbers.

[0137] The random number circuit 104 only needs to count numerical data that represents some or all of these random values ​​MR1 ​​to MR6. The CPU 103 may use a random counter different from the random number circuit 104, such as a random counter provided in a game control counter setting unit (not shown), and update various numerical data by software to count numerical data that represents some of the random values ​​MR1 ​​to MR6.

[0138] The random value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result is a random value used to determine whether or not to control the game state to a jackpot when the variable display result, such as a special symbol, is a "jackpot," and can take values ​​in the range of "0" to "65536." The random value MR2 for determining the jackpot type is a random value used to determine the jackpot type to be "jackpot A," "jackpot B," or "jackpot C" when the variable display result is a "jackpot," and can take values ​​in the range of "0" to "99."

[0139] The random value MR3 used for determining the type of variation pattern is a random value used to determine whether the variation pattern type in the variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols is "non-reach," "normal reach," or "super reach," and takes values ​​in the range of "0" to "4095."

[0140] The random value MR4 used for determining the variation pattern is a random value used to determine the variation pattern in the variable display of special symbols and decorative symbols to one of several pre-defined types, and can take values ​​in the range of "0" to "255".

[0141] The random value MR5 used for determining the result of the regular symbol display is a random value used to determine whether the variable display result in the regular symbol game using the regular symbol display unit 20 is a "regular symbol win" or a "regular symbol loss," and takes values ​​in the range of "3" to "13".

[0142] The random value MR6, used for determining the initial value of the random value MR5, is a random value used to determine the initial value of the random value MR5, and can take values ​​in the range of "3" to "13".

[0143] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the display result determination table stored in ROM 101. In this embodiment, a common display result determination table is used for both the first and second special figures, but the present invention is not limited to this, and separate display result determination tables may be used for the first and second special figures.

[0144] The display result determination table is a table referenced in special symbol games using the first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A and special symbol games using the second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B to determine, based on the random value MR1 for special symbol display result determination, whether or not to control the game state as a "jackpot" with the variable display result before the confirmed special symbol that will be a variable display result is derived and displayed.

[0145] In the display result determination table, a numerical value (determination value) is compared with the random value MR1 used for determining the special symbol display result, depending on whether the game state of the pachinko game machine 1 is the normal state, the time-saving state (low probability state), or the probability variation state (high probability state), and this value is assigned to the special symbol display result of "jackpot" or "miss".

[0146] In the display result determination table, the table data showing the determination value compared with the random value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result is determination data assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control the special symbol display result to a jackpot game state as a "jackpot". In the display result determination table, when the game state is a probability variation state (high probability state), more determination values ​​are assigned to the special symbol display result of "jackpot" than when it is a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state). As a result, the probability of the pachinko game machine 1 deciding to control the special symbol display result to a jackpot game state as a "jackpot" is higher (approximately 1 / 30 in this embodiment) compared to the probability of the pachinko game machine 1 deciding to control the special symbol display result to a jackpot game state as a "jackpot" when it is in a time-saving state (low probability state) (approximately 1 / 300 in this embodiment). In other words, in the display result determination table, the determination data is assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control the game to a jackpot state, such that when the game state of the pachinko game machine 1 is a probability variation state (high probability state), the probability of determining whether or not to control it to a jackpot game state is higher compared to when it is in a normal state or a time-saving state.

[0147] Figure 6(A) shows an example of the configuration of the jackpot type determination table stored in ROM 101. In this embodiment, the jackpot type determination table is a table that is referenced to determine the jackpot type from among several types based on the random value MR2 for jackpot type determination when it is decided to control the game state to a jackpot as a "jackpot" based on the special symbol display result. In the jackpot type determination table, a numerical value (determination value) that is compared with the random value MR2 for jackpot type determination is assigned to one of several types of jackpots, such as "jackpot A", "jackpot B", and "jackpot C", depending on whether the special symbol that was displayed variably (variable display) in the special symbol game is the first special symbol (special symbol game using the first special symbol display device 4A) or the second special symbol (special symbol game using the second special symbol display device 4B).

[0148] Here, the types of jackpots in this embodiment will be explained using Figure 6(B). In this embodiment, the types of jackpots provided are Jackpot A, Jackpot B, and Jackpot C, in which time-saving control is performed for up to 100 variable displays after the end of the jackpot game state. Furthermore, Jackpots A, Jackpot B, and Jackpot C are also jackpots in which, when a game ball enters the second large prize slot (so-called V-entry) in the 6th round of the jackpot game state, probability-changing control is performed for up to 100 variable displays after the end of the jackpot game.

[0149] The jackpot game state for "Jackpot A" is a jackpot game state in which the first major prize slot is changed to a favorable open state for the player in rounds 1 to 6, and this is repeated 6 times (6 rounds and no V-entry possible jackpot). The jackpot game state for "Jackpot B" is a jackpot game state in which the first major prize slot is changed to a favorable open state for the player in rounds 1 to 5, while the second major prize slot is changed to a favorable open state for the player in round 6 (6 rounds and V-entry possible jackpot). The jackpot game state for "Jackpot C" is a jackpot game state in which the first major prize slot is changed to a favorable open state for the player in rounds 1 to 5 and rounds 7 to 10, while the second major prize slot is changed to a favorable open state for the player in round 6 (10 rounds and V-entry possible jackpot).

[0150] In this embodiment, since time-saving control is performed at least after the end of the jackpot game state, if a jackpot occurs while this time-saving control is being performed, time-saving control (and probability variation control) is performed again after the end of the jackpot game state, resulting in a so-called continuous win state in which the jackpot game state occurs continuously without going through the normal state.

[0151] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which there are three types of jackpots, A to C. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there may be two or fewer types of jackpots, or four or more types.

[0152] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(A), in the jackpot type determination table, the assignment of determination values ​​to the jackpot types "jackpot A," "jackpot B," and "jackpot C" differs depending on whether the variable-display special symbol is the first special symbol or the second special symbol. That is, when the variable-display special symbol is the first special symbol, a predetermined range of determination values ​​(values ​​in the range of "0" to "49") are assigned to the jackpot types "jackpot A" and "jackpot B," which have fewer rounds. On the other hand, when the variable-display special symbol is the second special symbol, no determination values ​​are assigned to the jackpot types "jackpot A" and "jackpot B." With this setting, the proportion of times the jackpot type is determined to be "Jackpot A" or "Jackpot B," which have fewer rounds, can be made different when determining the jackpot type from one of several types in a special symbol game using the first special symbol display device 4A, and when determining the jackpot type from one of several types in a special symbol game using the second special symbol display device 4B. In particular, in special symbol games using the second special symbol, the jackpot type is not determined to be "Jackpot A" or "Jackpot B," which results in a jackpot state with fewer rounds. For example, in a game state where game balls are more likely to enter the second starting prize entry point formed by the variable prize ball entry device 6B due to high opening control associated with time-saving control, it is possible to avoid frequent occurrences of jackpot states with fewer prize balls, thereby preventing a decrease in the enjoyment of the game.

[0153] (Board configuration 2) As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the game control board 11 is connected to multiple input components that detect input status according to the progress of the game, such as various switches and sensors. Examples of input components include detection switches that detect operations by the player, detection switches that detect the passage of game media such as game balls or tokens, sensors that determine the position of movable parts used in the game, such as reels, detection switches used for various settings such as the player's advantage, and detection switches that detect things like door opening or abnormalities.

[0154] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the game control board 11 is equipped with an input circuit (input circuit 111 shown in Figure 2) that detects input signals from these input components. Input data that identifies the detection status of input signals from the input components by the input circuit is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100 and used for controlling the game by the game control microcomputer 100.

[0155] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the game control board 11 is connected to multiple output components that perform output control according to the progress of the game, such as displays, LEDs, motors, and solenoids. Examples of output components include displays that show results according to the lottery (such as the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B shown in Figure 2), displays that show the progress of the game and the status of the game machine, displays that instruct the player on how to operate the machine, LEDs that show the game status, LEDs that notify of the occurrence of an abnormality, and solenoids that operate movable parts used in the game.

[0156] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the game control board 11 is provided with an output circuit that outputs an output signal to the corresponding output component based on output data transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100. The game control microcomputer 100 controls the output component in accordance with the progress of the game by transmitting output data to the output circuit.

[0157] Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 100, the input circuit (switch circuit 110 shown in Figure 2), and the output circuit (output circuit 111 shown in Figure 2) are connected via a data bus. The transmission of input data from the input circuit to the game control microcomputer 100 and the transmission of output data from the game control microcomputer 100 to the output circuit are carried out via a shared data bus.

[0158] Furthermore, not all input circuits are connected via a shared data bus; some input circuits are connected directly to the game control microcomputer 100 without using the data bus, and input data is transmitted from the input circuits to the game control microcomputer 100 without using the shared data bus.

[0159] Furthermore, while all output circuits are connected via a shared data bus, some output circuits may be directly connected to the game control microcomputer 100 without using the data bus, and output data may be transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 to the output circuits without using the shared data bus.

[0160] Furthermore, the data bus is connected to an external output terminal, and the output data from the game control microcomputer 100 is output to external devices as an external output signal. The external devices can then use the output data output as an external output signal to test the performance of the game machine.

[0161] The game control board 11 has an arrangement in which electronic components are mounted on one side and not mounted on the other side, with the terminals of the electronic components soldered to it. Hereinafter, the side on which electronic components are mounted will be referred to as the mounting side, and the side on which electronic components are not mounted and the terminals of the electronic components are soldered will be referred to as the soldering side.

[0162] Figure 8 shows the mounting surface of the game control board 11 in this embodiment, and Figure 9 shows the solder surface of the game control board 11 in this embodiment.

[0163] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the game control board 11 is rectangular in shape, consisting of a pair of short sides extending vertically and a pair of long sides extending horizontally, and is made of an insulating printed circuit board. The game control board 11 has multiple through-holes that penetrate the mounting surface and the solder surface, and multiple wiring patterns made of conductive material are formed on the mounting surface and solder surface of the game control board 11 to appropriately connect the through-holes. Furthermore, in the areas of the mounting surface and solder surface of the game control board 11 where no wiring patterns are formed, insulating regions made of insulating material and ground regions made of conductive material that constitute the ground are formed. The ground region is a solid ground formed over almost the entire area of ​​the mounting surface and solder surface of the game control board 11 other than the areas where wiring patterns and insulating regions are formed.

[0164] As shown in Figure 8, the mounting surface has a higher proportion of vertically extending wiring patterns than horizontally extending wiring patterns, while as shown in Figure 9, the solder surface has a higher proportion of horizontally extending wiring patterns than vertically extending wiring patterns. As a result, vertically extending wiring patterns are concentrated on the mounting surface, and horizontally extending wiring patterns are concentrated on the solder surface, minimizing the need for design work such as rerouting wiring patterns when vertically extending and horizontally extending wiring patterns intersect.

[0165] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, many wiring patterns placed on the solder side extend in the same horizontal direction as the longer side, resulting in longer wiring patterns than those placed on the mounting side. However, as mentioned above, electronic components are mounted only on the mounting side and not on the solder side, thus preventing the relatively long wiring patterns on the solder side from being obstructed by electronic components.

[0166] Furthermore, when branching a wiring pattern formed on the solder side, one of the branched wiring patterns is formed on the solder side, and the other is formed on the mounting side through a through-hole. This ensures that the branching occurs without having to reroute one of the branched wiring patterns or having the two branched wiring patterns cross on the same side.

[0167] Figure 10 shows the mounting surface of the game control board 11 in this embodiment, with the input circuit and output circuit mounted on it.

[0168] As shown in Figure 10, the mounting surface of the game control board 11 is mounted with electronic components such as the aforementioned game control microcomputer 100, input circuits, and output circuits. These electronic components include those having one or more rows of terminals, each consisting of multiple terminals arranged in one direction. Most of these electronic components with terminal rows are arranged along the long side of the game control board 11, that is, in the horizontal direction. As mentioned above, the mounting surface has a large proportion of wiring patterns that extend in the vertical direction, and by arranging electronic components with terminal rows along the long side of the game control board 11, that is, in the horizontal direction, it is possible to connect them to the horizontally arranged terminal rows without changing the direction of the vertically extending wiring patterns.

[0169] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the input and output circuits among the electronic components equipped with terminal rows are formed in a rectangular shape, with a concave notch on one of the shorter sides, and the model number is printed on the surface, allowing the orientation of the component to be identified by the direction of the notch and the direction of the printed model number. As shown in Figure 10, the input circuit is arranged so that the notch is on the left side and the direction of the printed model number is from left to right, while the output circuit is arranged so that the notch is on the right side and the direction of the printed model number is from right to left. Thus, it is possible to identify whether these electronic components are input or output circuits based on the position of the notch and the direction of the printed model number.

[0170] Figure 11 shows the configuration of the data bus formed on the solder side of the game control board 11 in this embodiment, and Figure 12 shows the wiring pattern branched from the data bus on the mounting side of the game control board 11 in this embodiment.

[0171] As described above, the game control board 11 has a data bus that is used for transmitting input data from the input circuit to the game control microcomputer 100 and for transmitting output data from the game control microcomputer 100 to the output circuit. The data bus formed on the game control board 11 in this embodiment consists of eight horizontally extending wiring patterns formed on the solder side, and as shown in Figure 11, it consists of eight wiring patterns formed to extend horizontally from the through-holes to which the terminals of the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the left side of the game control board 11 are connected toward the right. The data bus and electronic components such as the input circuit and output circuit are connected by wiring patterns that branch out to the mounting side through through-holes and extend vertically in the up and down direction, as shown in Figure 12.

[0172] When connecting the game control microcomputer 100 to electronic components such as input and output circuits that are located laterally apart via a data bus, the terminals of the game control microcomputer 100 are first connected to the data bus on the solder side that extends laterally. At the location where the electronic components are mounted, the wiring branches off through through-holes to a wiring pattern on the mounting side that extends vertically toward the electronic components, and connects to the electronic components. Therefore, there is no need to bypass the wiring pattern branched off from the data bus, and the game control microcomputer 100 and electronic components located laterally apart can be connected efficiently. Furthermore, since the wiring pattern constituting the data bus is formed on the solder side where electronic components are not mounted, it is less susceptible to noise from electronic components on the data bus. In addition, since the data bus and electronic components are connected by a wiring pattern that branches off to the mounting side through through-holes, the wiring pattern on the mounting side is shortened, and it is less susceptible to noise from electronic components in that area.

[0173] As shown in Figure 11, the horizontally extending wiring patterns that constitute the data bus are not formed in a straight line, but are divided into multiple horizontally extending wiring patterns. The length of each divided wiring pattern (L1 to L8) is shorter than the antenna length (λ(bus clock) / 2) at which resonance is maximized according to the bus clock (the frequency used when transmitting data on the data bus) used when transmitting data on the data bus. This prevents the wiring patterns constituting the data bus from becoming the antenna length corresponding to the bus clock and emitting unintended radio waves due to resonance. Furthermore, even if the length is half the antenna length corresponding to the bus clock, strong resonance may occur due to reflection from the surface of the substrate. Therefore, the length of each divided wiring pattern (L1 to L8) is formed to be less than half the antenna length at which resonance is maximized according to the bus clock, thus preventing strong resonance from occurring due to reflection from the surface of the substrate and emitting radio waves.

[0174] Furthermore, although the bus clock varies depending on the implemented game control microcomputer 100 and oscillator, the length of each divided wiring pattern (L1 to L8) is formed to be shorter than the antenna length at which resonance is maximized according to the bus clock with the highest expected frequency, and also not half the length at which resonance is maximized according to the bus clock with the highest expected frequency. Therefore, even when data is transmitted with a bus clock below the expected maximum frequency, the generation of unintended radio waves is prevented.

[0175] As shown in Figure 11, the multiple divided horizontal wiring patterns that make up the data bus are connected by wiring patterns that extend in a diagonal right or diagonal left direction, that is, in a direction different from the direction of the divided horizontal wiring patterns. Furthermore, the divided horizontal wiring patterns and the diagonal right or diagonal left wiring patterns are connected by an obtuse angle bend. This prevents unintended radio waves from being emitted from the bent portions of the wiring patterns.

[0176] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the wiring branches off to the wiring patterns on the mounting side (wiring patterns connected to A to F in Figure 12) through through-holes (A to F shown in Figure 11) provided on diagonal wiring patterns that connect multiple divided horizontal wiring patterns. Thus, the wiring patterns that constitute the data bus are branched off using the diagonal wiring patterns that connect multiple divided horizontal wiring patterns.

[0177] In the game control board 11 in this embodiment, the length of the lateral wiring pattern is divided into multiple wiring patterns in order to make the length of the lateral wiring pattern shorter than the antenna length at which resonance is maximized, and the divided lateral wiring patterns are connected to each other by diagonal wiring patterns formed on the same solder surface. However, it is also possible to connect the divided lateral wiring patterns to each other by wiring patterns formed on the mounting surface, that is, to form the lateral wiring pattern alternately on the solder surface and the mounting surface so that the length of the lateral wiring pattern is shorter than the antenna length at which resonance is maximized. In such a configuration, it is preferable to branch the lateral wiring pattern at the point where it switches from the solder surface or the mounting surface to the other surface. With such a configuration, it is possible to branch the wiring patterns that constitute the data bus without bypassing the branched wiring pattern or crossing them on the same surface.

[0178] Figure 13 shows the configuration of the ground area formed on the mounting surface of the game control board 11 in this embodiment, and Figure 14 shows the configuration of the ground area formed on the solder surface of the game control board 11 in this embodiment.

[0179] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, a ground region is formed over almost the entire area of ​​the game control board 11, excluding the areas where wiring patterns and insulating regions are formed on the mounting surface and solder surface. The ground region formed on the game control board 11 consists of a first ground region and a second ground region, electrically separated by an insulating region. On both the mounting surface and the solder surface, the first ground region is formed in the left-hand area of ​​the game control board 11, and the second ground region is formed in the right-hand area of ​​the game control board 11.

[0180] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, electronic components (low-voltage components) to which wiring patterns transmitting low-voltage signals (Vcc (+5V) in this embodiment) such as the game control microcomputer 100, input circuits, and output circuits are connected are mounted in the left-hand region where the first ground region is formed, and the ground terminals of the low-voltage components are connected to the first ground region. On the other hand, electronic components (high-voltage components) to which wiring patterns transmitting high-voltage signals (VLD (+24V) in this embodiment) such as drive circuits for operating motors and solenoids are connected are mounted in the right-hand region where the second ground region is formed, and the ground terminals of the high-voltage components are connected to the second ground region. This prevents unintended current from flowing back from high-voltage components to low-voltage components via the ground region. In addition, since the first ground region and the second ground region are formed on opposite sides of the game control board 11, interference between them is prevented even if a temporary potential difference occurs.

[0181] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, a capacitor is provided between the first ground region and the second ground region. This capacitor prevents current from flowing from one ground region to the other even if a temporary potential difference occurs between the first and second ground regions.

[0182] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, an insulating region is formed on the mounting surface and the soldering surface between the first ground region and the second ground region, where no wiring pattern is formed, thereby electrically separating the first ground region and the second ground region. Moreover, the first and second ground regions on the mounting surface and the first and second ground regions on the soldering surface are formed to overlap, and the insulating region separating the first and second ground regions on the mounting surface and the insulating region separating the first and second ground regions on the soldering surface are also formed to overlap. As a result, even if a temporary potential difference occurs between one surface of the mounting surface and the soldering surface and the other, interference between them is prevented.

[0183] Figure 16 shows the configuration of the connector mounted on the mounting surface of the game control board 11 in this embodiment, Figure 17 shows the wiring pattern around the connector formed on the solder surface of the game control board 11 in this embodiment, and Figure 18 shows the game control board 11 in this embodiment housed in a board case.

[0184] As shown in Figure 16, the game control board 11 has multiple connectors CN1 to CN7 mounted near the bottom edge of the mounting surface for connecting wiring from outside the game control board 11. The wiring from the game control board 11 includes wiring that inputs or outputs signals related to the advantage of the game, such as signals that trigger a lottery, signals that transition to a state where setting values ​​that define the advantage for the player, such as the lottery probability, can be changed, signals that change the setting values, signals that display information advantageous to the player on an external display, wiring that inputs detection signals for error clearing operations, and wiring that serves as a backup power supply line.

[0185] As shown in Figure 16, the terminals on connectors CN1 to CN7 are not directly connected to the wiring pattern formed on the mounting side, i.e., the side on which connectors CN1 to CN7 are mounted. Instead, as shown in Figure 17, they are connected to the wiring pattern formed on the solder side, i.e., the side opposite to the side on which connectors CN1 to CN7 are mounted. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 16, no wiring pattern is formed around the mounting portion of connectors CN1 to CN7 on the mounting side, and information related to the connector, such as the connector number, is printed around that area. Note that the information printed around the mounting portion of connectors CN1 to CN7 is not limited to the connector number; it may also include the number of terminals, the orientation of the connector, and information about the connection destination.

[0186] As shown in Figure 17, the wiring patterns connected to the terminals provided on connectors CN1 to CN7 on the solder side are on the opposite side from the side connected to the terminals. At the ends, the wires are connected to the wiring patterns on the mounting surface through through-holes. In particular, the through-holes a to h shown in Figures 16 and 17 are through-holes to which the terminals of electronic components are connected, and are provided at the points where the wiring patterns connected to the terminals of connectors CN1 to CN7 are first connected to the electronic components. Therefore, it is possible to connect from the solder side to the wiring patterns on the mounting surface using the through-holes for connecting to the electronic components.

[0187] As shown in Figures 18(A) and 18(B), the game control board 11 is installed in the game machine while housed in a board case. The board case can be sealed using one-way screws, sealing stickers, or welding, and once sealed, it is difficult to open without leaving a trace. Therefore, by installing the game control board 11 in the board case in the game machine, the structure prevents unauthorized access to the game control board 11.

[0188] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 18(A) and (B), the circuit board case is provided with a covering portion that covers the area around connectors CN1 to CN7 when the game control board 11 is housed inside. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 16, no wiring pattern is formed on the mounting surface of the game control board 11 in the area covered by the covering portion of the circuit board case, and the wiring pattern is formed avoiding this area. The covering portion is provided with through-holes that are approximately the same shape as connectors CN1 to CN7, and connectors CN1 to CN7 are exposed to the outside through these through-holes, allowing external wiring to be connected.

[0189] Even when the game control board 11 is housed in the circuit board case in this manner, a small gap will be created around connectors CN1 to CN7 in order to connect them to external wiring. However, the terminals provided on connectors CN1 to CN7 are not directly connected to the wiring patterns formed on the mounting side, i.e., the side on which connectors CN1 to CN7 are mounted, but are connected to the wiring patterns formed on the solder side, i.e., the side opposite to the side on which connectors CN1 to CN7 are mounted. This prevents fraudulent acts such as short-circuiting or disconnecting the wiring patterns connected to the terminals of connectors CN1 to CN7 from around the part of the circuit board case where connectors CN1 to CN7 are exposed.

[0190] Furthermore, the area surrounding the mounting portion of connectors CN1 to CN7 on the mounting surface is covered by the covering portion of the board case, and no wiring patterns, including the wiring patterns connected to the terminals provided on connectors CN1 to CN7, are formed in the area covered by the covering portion. The wiring patterns connected to the terminals provided on connectors CN1 to CN7 are connected to the wiring patterns on the mounting surface in areas other than the covering portion, thereby reliably preventing unauthorized acts such as short-circuiting or disconnecting the wiring patterns connected to the terminals of connectors CN1 to CN7 from the area surrounding the portion of connectors CN1 to CN7 exposed from the board case.

[0191] Figure 19 is a circuit diagram relating to the supply of backup power to the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the game control board 11 in this embodiment.

[0192] As shown in Figure 19, Vcc (+5V) is generated on the power supply board and connected to the Vcc power input terminal of the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the game control board 11. In addition, Vcc (+5V) is branched off from the line supplied to the game control microcomputer 100 on the power supply board and connected to the charging capacitor via a reverse current prevention diode. The line branched between the reverse current prevention diode and the charging capacitor is connected to the backup power input terminal VBB of the game control microcomputer 100.

[0193] While power is supplied, Vcc (+5V) is supplied as the power source for driving the game control microcomputer 100 and also charges the charging capacitor. On the other hand, if the power supply is stopped, the supply of Vcc (+5V) stops, and the backup power supply VBB charged in the charging capacitor is supplied to the game control microcomputer 100. By receiving the backup power supply VBB, the game control microcomputer 100 retains the data stored in the RAM of the game control microcomputer 100. In this embodiment, the backup power supply is supplied from a power supply board outside the game control board 11, but it may also be supplied from a circuit provided inside the game control board 11.

[0194] Figure 20 shows the wiring pattern for power supply formed on the solder side of the game control board 11 in this embodiment, and Figure 21 shows the relationship between the wiring pattern formed on the mounting side and the wiring pattern for power supply formed on the solder side of the game control board 11 in this embodiment.

[0195] As shown in Figure 20, the solder side of the game control board 11 has wiring patterns that constitute the power supply line, including wiring patterns Vcc1-3 that normally supply power and wiring pattern VBB that supplies backup power. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, wiring patterns Vcc1-3 are composed of wiring patterns formed on the solder side and wiring patterns formed on the mounting side, and are connected to electronic components mounted on the game control board 11. On the other hand, wiring pattern VBB is composed only of wiring patterns formed on the solder side, as shown in Figure 20. That is, wiring pattern VBB is not connected to wiring patterns formed on the mounting side, but is connected to the backup power input terminal VBB of the game control microcomputer 100 only through wiring patterns formed on the solder side. In other words, wiring pattern VBB, which is supplied with backup power VBB from the power supply board, is formed only on the solder side. Therefore, the wiring pattern VBB to which the backup power supply VBB is supplied does not need to bypass electronic components mounted on the mounting surface, and the distance of the wiring pattern to the game control microcomputer 100 can be shortened. As a result, it is less susceptible to external noise, and data stored in RAM is prevented from being corrupted by noise.

[0196] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, a ground plane is formed on the solder side of the mounting surface where the wiring pattern VBB is formed. Therefore, noise is blocked by the ground plane formed on the mounting surface, making the wiring pattern VBB on the solder side less susceptible to noise. Also, as shown in Figure 21, among the wiring patterns formed on the solder side, the wiring pattern VBB that supplies backup power is formed in a location where it intersects with the wiring patterns formed on the mounting surface, especially the wiring patterns used for signal transmission, in the corresponding area on the mounting surface, more so than the wiring patterns Vcc1 to Vcc3 that normally supply power. Therefore, the influence of noise from the wiring patterns used for signal transmission formed on the mounting surface on the wiring pattern VBB that supplies backup power is minimized.

[0197] In this embodiment, among the wiring patterns formed on the solder side, the wiring pattern VBB that supplies backup power is formed in a position where it intersects with the wiring patterns used for signal transmission formed on the mounting side in the corresponding area of ​​the mounting side, compared to the wiring patterns Vcc1 to Vcc3 that supply normal power. Furthermore, among the wiring patterns formed on the solder side, the wiring pattern that transmits signals related to the player's benefit, such as signals that trigger the lottery, is formed in a position where it intersects with the wiring patterns used for signal transmission formed on the mounting side in the corresponding area of ​​the mounting side, compared to the wiring pattern that transmits signals that do not directly relate to the player's history, such as signals that control output components. This configuration minimizes the impact of noise from the wiring patterns used for signal transmission formed on the mounting side on the wiring patterns that transmit signals related to the player's benefit.

[0198] Furthermore, among the wiring patterns formed on the solder side, the wiring patterns that transmit relatively important signals, such as the wiring pattern that transmits the reset signal to the game control microcomputer 100 and the wiring pattern that provides the operating clock to the game control microcomputer 100, are formed in positions where there are fewer intersections with the wiring patterns used for signal transmission formed on the mounting side in the corresponding area on the mounting side compared to the wiring patterns that transmit other signals. This configuration minimizes the impact of noise from the wiring patterns used for signal transmission formed on the mounting side on the wiring patterns that transmit relatively important signals.

[0199] Next, the intersection of the wiring pattern on the mounting surface and the wiring pattern on the solder surface in this embodiment will be explained using the upper left of the game control board 11 in Figures 8 and 9 as an example.

[0200] First, as shown in Figures 23 to 25, the game control board 11 in this embodiment has a non-conductive substrate 11a formed by impregnating glass cloth with resin and performing a heat processing treatment, and conductive layers 11b made of a highly conductive metal such as copper are laminated on both sides of this substrate. The aforementioned wiring patterns and ground regions are formed by these conductive layers 1b. Furthermore, a non-conductive coverlay layer 11c is laminated on a part of the conductive layer 11b, and these coverlay layers 11c electrically, mechanically, chemically, and thermally protect the wiring patterns on the mounting surface and solder surface of the game control board 11.

[0201] Furthermore, since the boundaries of each wiring pattern and ground area are formed in gaps 11d where the conductor layer 11b is not laminated, adjacent wiring patterns and ground areas are insulated from each other.

[0202] Figure 22 is an enlarged view of the upper left part of the game control board 11 in Figures 8 and 9. On the mounting surface, signal transmission lines for signal transmission are mainly formed as part of the wiring pattern, and on the soldering surface, power supply lines V for supplying power from an external source via the power supply board 17 to the electronic components mounted on the game control board 11 are mainly formed as part of the wiring pattern.

[0203] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22, a portion of the power supply line V is also formed on the mounting surface through through holes formed in the game control board 11, and a portion of the signal transmission line is also formed on the solder surface through through holes S1, S2, and S3 formed in the game control board 11.

[0204] In this embodiment, the signal transmission lines are primarily used to transmit signals output from the game control microcomputer 100 and signals input to the game control microcomputer 100.

[0205] The signals transmitted by the signal transmission lines include, for example, signals based on the detection of game balls from the gate switch 21, first start switch 22A, second start switch 22B, first count switch 23, and second count switch 24 via the switch circuit 110; signals for switching the ON / OFF states of solenoids 81, 82, and 83 via the output circuit 111; and signals for performing variable display of special symbols and ordinary symbols in the first special symbol display device 4A, second special symbol display device 4B, and ordinary symbol display device 20, among other signals used to advance the game of the pachinko game machine 1.

[0206] The voltage required to transmit these signals is lower than the power supply voltage required to drive other electronic components mounted on the game control board 11 (the voltage applied to the power supply line V). Therefore, the voltage applied to the signal transmission line is lower than the voltage applied to the power supply line V (comparison of voltages applied to each wiring: power supply line V > signal transmission line).

[0207] In this embodiment, the signals transmitted by the signal transmission line are exemplified as signals used to advance the game of the pachinko game machine 1, as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the signals transmitted by the signal transmission line may include signals (commands) used to execute performances, such as the start of a variable display, a variation pattern, the result of the variable display, the stop of the variable display, the game state, the start timing of a jackpot game, the end timing of a jackpot game, the fact that a game ball has entered a specific winning slot (that a game ball has been detected by a specific switch), and the number of reserved items, transmitted to the performance control board 12 (performance control CPU 120) via the relay board 15.

[0208] As described above, a higher voltage is applied to the power supply line V than to the signal transmission line. Therefore, in conventional game control boards, noise generated in the power supply line V and electronic components may interfere with the signal transmission line, potentially affecting the control of the pachinko game machine 1. For this reason, although the details will be described later, the invention described in this embodiment reduces the risk that noise interference to the signal transmission line may affect the control of the pachinko game machine 1.

[0209] As mentioned above, the power supply line V is a wiring that supplies power to electronic components necessary for running the game, such as the game control microcomputer 100, and therefore plays an extremely important role along with the signal transmission line. However, similar to the signal transmission line, noise generated in the signal transmission line or electronic components may interfere with the power supply line, potentially affecting the stable power supply to the electronic components. For this reason, although the details will be described later, the invention described in this embodiment is designed to reduce the risk that noise interference to the power supply line V may affect the stable power supply to the electronic components in the pachinko game machine 1 (such as the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the game control board 11).

[0210] As shown in Figure 26, the power supply line V is, for example, a wire that connects a rated voltage of 5V to electronic components (low-voltage components) and ground, and is electrically connected to a surge absorber that prevents the application of transient abnormal voltages that occur instantaneously.

[0211] Mounting electrodes, including through-holes, are formed along the longitudinal direction and at the ends of these signal transmission lines and power supply lines V, and electronic components are connected so as to straddle the space between the two mounting electrodes on the mounting surface.

[0212] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 22 to 25, on the mounting surface side in the upper left part of the game control board 11, two-terminal diodes D1, resistors R1, and capacitors C1 are respectively arranged. These diodes D1, resistors R1, and capacitors C1 are arranged in alignment in a state where the longitudinal direction sides face the same direction on the game control board 11 (in the example shown in FIG. 22, the longitudinal directions of the diodes D1, resistors R1, and capacitors C1 face the upper side of the paper).

[0213] One terminal on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the diode D1 is soldered from the solder side while being inserted into the through hole S1 on one side of the signal transmission line (the lower side of the paper in the example shown in FIG. 22), and the other terminal on the other end side in the longitudinal direction is soldered from the solder side while being inserted into the through hole S2 on the other side of the signal transmission line (the upper side of the paper in the example shown in FIG. 22).

[0214] One terminal on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the resistor R1 is soldered from the solder side while being inserted into the through hole S3 on one side of the signal transmission line (the lower side of the paper in the example shown in FIG. 22), and the other terminal on the other end side in the longitudinal direction is soldered from the solder side while being inserted into the through hole S4 on the other side of the signal transmission line (the upper side of the paper in the example shown in FIG. 22).

[0215] Capacitor C1 is soldered from the solder side with one longitudinal terminal inserted through a through-hole S5 on one side of the signal transmission line (the lower side of the paper in the example shown in Figure 22), and the other longitudinal terminal is soldered from the solder side with the other longitudinal terminal inserted through a through-hole S6 on the other side of the signal transmission line (the upper side of the paper in the example shown in Figure 22). In other words, as shown in Figure 22, the signal transmission line connected to through-hole S1 and the signal transmission line connected to through-hole S2 are electrically connected by diode D1 located on the mounting side, the signal transmission line connected to through-hole S3 is electrically connected to through-hole S4 (ground shown in Figure 27) by resistor R1 located on the mounting side, and the signal transmission line connected to through-hole S5 and the signal transmission line connected to through-hole S6 are electrically connected by capacitor C1 located on the mounting side.

[0216] As shown in Figures 23 to 25, the inner surfaces of the through-holes S1 to S6 are covered with a conductive metal film 11e. In other words, the terminals of the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 are fixed by the solder that has entered the through-holes S1 to S6 when soldered from the solder side, and are electrically connected to the signal transmission lines via this solder and the metal film 11e.

[0217] These through-holes S1 to S6 all have the same diameter (L1) and are circular holes in plan view. At the mounting surface end and the solder surface end, the metal film 11e formed on the inner circumferential surface is electrically connected to the ground region and wiring formed on the mounting surface and solder surface, respectively. At the same time, the aforementioned gap 11d is formed around the parts excluding these connections to the ground region and wiring, insulating them from adjacent ground regions and wiring.

[0218] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 23 to 25, the tips of the terminals of diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 protrude towards the solder side when these diodes D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 are fixed in place, and are bent toward the longitudinal center of these diodes D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1.

[0219] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, among the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 located on the mounting side and electrically connected to the signal transmission line, the diode D1 is an electronic component used for current rectification, the resistor R1 is an electronic component used as a pull-down resistor between the two devices, and the capacitor C1 is an electronic component used for instantaneous energy storage.

[0220] Furthermore, the rated currents flowing through diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 are smaller than the rated currents flowing through the power supply line V, which is mainly used for power supply on the solder side. Similarly, the rated voltages applied to diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 are smaller than the rated voltages applied to the power supply line V, which is mainly used for power supply on the solder side.

[0221] In the case of diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1, the rated current flowing through diode D1 and capacitor C1 is the same, and the rated current flowing through resistor R1 is smaller than the rated current flowing through diode D1 and capacitor C1 (relationship of rated currents: power supply line V > diode D1 = capacitor C1 > resistor R1). Furthermore, the rated voltage applied to diode D1 and capacitor C1 is the same, and the rated voltage applied to resistor R1 is smaller than the rated voltage applied to diode D1 and capacitor C1 (relationship of rated voltages: power supply line V > diode D1 = capacitor C1 > resistor R1).

[0222] As shown in Figure 22, on the mounting surface of the game control board 11, the areas facing diode D1 (the area between through-holes S1 and S2), the area facing resistor R1 (the area between through-holes S3 and S4), and the area facing capacitor C1 (the area between through-holes S5 and S6) constitute non-conductor areas U1, U2, and U3, where no conductors constituting any wiring patterns are formed. Of these non-conductor areas U1, U2, and U3, the letters "D1" are printed near through-hole S2 in non-conductor area U1 to indicate that the position facing non-conductor area U1 is the mounting position for diode D1; the letters "R1" are printed near through-hole S4 in non-conductor area U2 to indicate that the position facing non-conductor area U2 is the mounting position for resistor R1; and the letters "C1" are printed near through-hole S6 in non-conductor area U3 to indicate that the position facing non-conductor area U3 is the mounting position for capacitor C1.

[0223] More precisely, as shown in Figure 22, the letters "D1" are printed near the through-hole S2 in the non-conductor region U1 to indicate the mounting location of diode D1, the letters "R1" are printed near the through-hole S4 in the non-conductor region U2 to indicate the mounting location of resistor R1, and the letters "C1" are printed near the through-hole S6 in the non-conductor region U3 to indicate the mounting location of capacitor C1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the letters indicating the mounting locations of diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 may be printed not only within each non-conductor region U1 to U3, but also at locations that overlap with the power supply line V on the solder side, as long as the mounting locations of these electronic components can be identified.

[0224] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mounting positions of diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 are indicated by letters such as "C1," "R1," and "C1," but the present invention is not limited to this, and the mounting positions of these diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 may be indicated by symbols or marks that schematically represent each electronic component, or other symbols other than letters.

[0225] Next, the power supply lines V will be described. As shown in Figures 22 to 25, power supply lines V are formed on the solder side of the game control board 11. The width dimension H1 of the power supply lines V is formed to be longer than the width dimension H2 of the signal transmission lines excluding the through-holes, so that more current flows through the power supply lines V than through the signal transmission lines (relationship of current amount: power supply lines V > signal transmission lines). Some of these power supply lines V extend across the non-conductive areas U1, U2, and U3 on the mounting surface on the solder side.

[0226] In other words, a portion of the power supply line V in this embodiment extends to the solder side so as to pass through the through-holes S1 and S2 to which the terminals of diode D1 are connected, the through-holes S3 and S4 to which the terminals of resistor R1 are connected, and the through-holes S5 and S6 to which the terminals of capacitor C1 are connected, with respect to the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 which are aligned on the mounting side.

[0227] Furthermore, on the solder side of the game control board 11, the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 on the mounting side are opposite each other, and the distance between these diodes D1, resistors R1, and capacitor C1 and the power supply line V is longer than the thickness of the game control board 11. In addition, since the power supply line V extends across the non-conductor regions U1, U2, and U3, the distance between it and the signal transmission lines (excluding the diodes D1, resistors R1, and capacitor C1) is also longer than the thickness of the game control board 11. As a result, in this embodiment, the risk of noise generated in the signal transmission lines, diodes D1, resistors R1, and capacitor C1 interfering with the power supply line V and affecting the stable power supply to the game control microcomputer 100, etc. is reduced, and the risk of noise generated in the power supply line V interfering with the signal transmission lines, diodes D1, resistors R1, and capacitor C1 and affecting the control of the pachinko game machine 1 is also reduced.

[0228] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, the power supply line V extends across the non-conductive regions U1, U2, and U3 on the solder side of the mounting surface. That is, the power supply line V and the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 face each other across the game control board 11. Compared to the case where the diode D1, resistor R1, capacitor C1 and the power supply line V face each other on the same side of the game control board 11, the risk of heat dissipation from the power supply line V affecting the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 is reduced, while the risk of heat dissipation from the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 affecting the power supply line V is also reduced.

[0229] Furthermore, the tips of the terminals of diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 are bent inward along the longitudinal direction of each non-conductor region U1, U2, and U3 (towards the power supply line V that extends across each non-conductor region U1, U2, and U3 on the solder surface) to prevent improper contact with the power supply line V and signal transmission line formed on the solder surface.

[0230] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, the power supply line V formed on the solder side and the signal transmission lines formed on the mounting side, excluding the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1, do not intersect. However, the signal transmission lines formed on the solder side and the signal transmission lines formed on the mounting side (in the example shown in Figure 22, the combination of the signal transmission line connected to through-hole S2 and the signal transmission line connected to through-hole S6, and the combination of the signal transmission line connected to through-hole S3 and the signal transmission line connected to through-hole S5) do intersect. This is because the signal transmission lines formed on the solder side and the signal transmission lines formed on the mounting side are wiring with a common purpose.

[0231] In this embodiment, as described above, the power supply line V formed on the solder side and the signal transmission line formed on the mounting side do not intersect, while the signal transmission line formed on the solder side and the signal transmission line formed on the mounting side intersect. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a portion where the power supply line V formed on the solder side and the power supply line V formed on the mounting side intersect may also be provided.

[0232] Furthermore, mounting holes SA are formed at the four corners of the game control board 11 (the edges of the game control board 11 shown in Figure 22), penetrating the game control board 11 in the same direction as the through-holes S1 to S6. The mounting holes SA are for attaching the game control board 11 to the board case (see Figure 18) by screwing in bolts (not shown). The mounting holes SA are through-holes These are round holes with an inner diameter longer than that of holes 1 to S6. As mentioned above, the inner circumferential surfaces of through holes S1 to S6 are covered with a metal film 11e, but the mounting hole SA is a hole into which a bolt is screwed, and therefore, unlike through holes S1 to S6, its inner circumferential surface is not covered with a metal film.

[0233] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and any changes or additions that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included.

[0234] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the present invention is applied to the game control board 11 of a pachinko game machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be applied to other boards in the pachinko game machine 1, such as the performance control board 12, or to boards constituting game machines other than pachinko game machines, such as slot machines.

[0235] In the above embodiment, an example is given in which the power supply line V, which is a special wiring pattern of the present invention, is electrically connected to a surge absorber that is an overvoltage prevention circuit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As a modification example 1, the power supply line V, which is a special wiring pattern of the present invention, may be electrically connected to an overcurrent prevention circuit in addition to or instead of the overvoltage prevention circuit. By doing so, it is possible to prevent problems caused by an overcurrent flowing through the power supply line V.

[0236] In the above embodiment and modification example 1, an example is given in which an overvoltage prevention circuit or an overcurrent prevention circuit is electrically connected to the power supply line V. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an overvoltage prevention circuit or an overcurrent prevention circuit may be electrically connected to the wiring of the power supply line V such as a signal transmission line.

[0237] In the above embodiment, the specific wiring pattern in the present invention is a signal transmission line, and the special wiring pattern is the power supply line V. That is, the specific wiring pattern is a wiring pattern for transmitting signals to electronic components such as solenoids, and the special wiring pattern is a wiring pattern for supplying power to each electronic component. However, as a modification example 2, as shown in FIG. 29, the specific wiring pattern may be a wiring pattern for transmitting signals to electronic components other than the solenoid for controlling the opening of the second start winning port or the big winning port, and the special wiring pattern may be a wiring pattern for transmitting signals to the solenoid for controlling the opening of the second start winning port or the big winning port. Alternatively, the specific wiring pattern may be a wiring pattern for transmitting a light emission output signal to an LED or the like constituting a special symbol, and the special wiring pattern may be a wiring pattern for transmitting a signal (winning signal) from each winning port. Conversely to the above embodiment, the specific wiring pattern may be a wiring pattern for supplying power to each electronic component, and the special wiring pattern may be a wiring pattern for transmitting signals to electronic components such as solenoids. When the specific wiring pattern is a wiring pattern for supplying power to each electronic component and the special wiring pattern is a wiring pattern for transmitting signals to electronic components such as solenoids, an overvoltage prevention circuit or an overcurrent prevention circuit may be electrically connected to the specific wiring pattern.

[0238] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, an example was given in which the letters "D1" indicating diode D1 electrically connected to through-holes S1 and S2 are printed in the non-conductor region U1, the letters "R1" indicating resistor R1 electrically connected to through-holes S3 and S4 are printed in the non-conductor region U2, and the letters "C1" indicating capacitor C1 electrically connected to through-holes S5 and S6 are printed in the non-conductor region U3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as a third modification, the orientation of the two terminals of resistor R1 and capacitor C1 (which terminal is connected to through-holes S4 and S6) Since these are electronic components that do not affect the function of resistor R1 and capacitor C1, the label "R1" indicating resistor R1 is printed in the non-conductor region U2, and the label "C1" indicating capacitor C1 is printed in the non-conductor region U3. On the other hand, since diode D1 is an electronic component whose function is affected by the orientation of its two terminals (which terminal is connected to the through-hole S2) (the direction in which current flows differs), the non-conductor region U1 may be replaced with, or in addition to, the label "D1" indicating diode D1, by writing a letter or symbol indicating the connection direction of diode D1.

[0239] Furthermore, in this embodiment, capacitor C1 was described as an electronic component where the orientation between its two terminals (which terminal is connected to the through-holes S4 and S6) does not affect the function of capacitor C1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If capacitor C1 is an electrolytic capacitor or the like, the orientation between its two terminals will affect the function of capacitor C1. Therefore, instead of the letters "C1" indicating capacitor C1, or in addition to them, letters or symbols indicating the connection direction of capacitor C1 may be written in the non-conductor region U3.

[0240] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration was illustrated in which a diode D1, a resistor R1, and a capacitor C1 are electrically connected to signal transmission lines as wiring on the surface (mounting surface) of the game control board 11, and a power supply line V is formed as wiring on the back surface. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and as a modified example 4, the wiring on the surface (mounting surface) of the game control board 11 may be such that a non-specific wiring pattern of the present invention is provided at a different position from the signal transmission lines in the above embodiment, and the wiring on the back surface may be such that a non-specific wiring pattern of the present invention is provided at a different position from the power supply line V in the above embodiment.

[0241] Furthermore, these non-specific wiring patterns and non-special wiring patterns may be wiring with different uses, as shown in the combination of specific and special wiring patterns in Figure 29, or they may be wiring with common uses. In particular, when the non-specific wiring patterns and non-special wiring patterns have common uses, at least a portion of the non-specific wiring patterns and non-special wiring patterns may intersect or overlap in a plan view as shown in Figure 22.

[0242] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration in which a diode D1, a resistor R1, and a capacitor C1 are mounted as electronic components on the mounting surface of the game control board 11 was illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and as Modification 5, the electronic components mounted on the mounting surface of the game control board 11 may include transistors, regulators, and other components besides the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 described above.

[0243] Furthermore, if some electronic components mounted on the game control board 11, such as certain transistors, require bolts or screws to be used to determine their mounting position (positioning), then, as modification 5, positioning holes may be formed in the game control board 11 for positioning these electronic components.

[0244] Furthermore, when positioning holes are formed in the game control board 11, the manufacturing cost of the game control board 11 may be reduced by not covering the inner surface of the positioning holes with a metal film, such as the inner surface of the through-holes S1 to S6. Alternatively, the positioning holes may be made into circular holes with a different diameter from the through-holes S1 to S6, making it easier for workers to distinguish between the positioning holes and the through-holes S1 to S6 during the mounting of electronic components.

[0245] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the width dimension of the power supply line V was made longer than the width dimension of the signal transmission line so that more current flows through the power supply line V than through the signal transmission line. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in addition to the width dimension, or instead, the thickness dimension of the power supply line V may be made longer than the thickness dimension of the signal transmission line so that more current flows through the power supply line V than through the signal transmission line.

[0246] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, a configuration in which one power supply line V is extended on the solder side so that its terminals on the mounting side face the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 connected to each through-hole, is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and multiple wirings including the power supply line V may be extended on the solder side so that their terminals on the mounting side face the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 connected to each through-hole. Moreover, in the case where multiple wirings including the power supply line V are extended on the solder side so that their terminals on the mounting side face the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1 connected to each through-hole, as described above, the wiring facing the diode D1 together with the power supply line V, the wiring facing the resistor R1 together with the power supply line V, and the wiring facing the capacitor C1 together with the power supply line V may each be different.

[0247] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, a configuration was illustrated in which the power supply line V is extended on the solder side so as to span multiple non-conductive regions U1, U2, and U3 formed on the mounting surface. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and power supply lines or signal transmission lines may be extended in each of the non-conductive regions U1, U2, and U3, intersecting the power supply line V on the solder side.

[0248] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the first mounting electrodes to which the first terminals of the diode D1, resistor R1, and capacitor C1, which correspond to the electronic components of the present invention, are connected are through-holes S1, S3, and S5, and the second mounting electrodes to which the second terminals are connected are through-holes S2, S4, and S6. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first mounting electrodes to which the first terminals of the electronic components are connected and the second mounting electrodes to which the second terminals are connected are not limited to hole-shaped through-holes S1 to S6 as described above, but may also be clip-shaped or the like that which clamps the first and second terminals of the electronic components. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0249] 1. Pachinko game machine 100 Microcomputers for game control 11. Game control board C1 Capacitor D1 diode R1 resistor

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine that allows for gameplay, The device comprises a flat electronic circuit board having a first surface and a second surface which is the back surface of the first surface, and capable of mounting multiple types of electronic components. The first surface is a wiring pattern formed by a conductor, and includes a first conductor wiring pattern that includes a specific wiring pattern comprising a first mounting electrode to which a first terminal of a mounted electronic component is electrically connected, and a second mounting electrode to which a second terminal of the electronic component is electrically connected. The first mounting electrode is provided with a first through-hole that penetrates the electronic circuit board, The second mounting electrode is provided with a second through-hole that penetrates the electronic circuit board, The region between the first through-hole and the second through-hole on the first surface is a non-conductor region where no conductor of the first conductor wiring pattern is formed, and a predetermined marking that can identify the type of electronic component mounted at that position is marked in the region between the first through-hole and the second through-hole on the first surface. The second surface has a second conductor wiring pattern, which includes a special wiring pattern formed by conductors between the first through-hole and the second through-hole on the second surface, so as to intersect with the electronic component mounted on the first surface that spans the first through-hole and the second through-hole. The aforementioned special wiring pattern is electrically connected to the overcurrent protection circuit. The electronic circuit board has mounting holes that are different from the first and second through holes and are used for attaching the electronic circuit board to a gaming machine. The inner surfaces of the first through hole and the second through hole are coated with a conductive film. The inner surface of the aforementioned mounting hole is not coated with a conductive film. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images