JPH0417873A - Controller for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable images of patterns including various color changes to be indicated by providing a means for stopping the operation of a microcomputer according to a signal from a DMA controlling means, a ROM for recording a program for computer process and indication data for a pattern indicator, a pattern indicator controlling means included in the DMA controlling means and a measuring means for reading a sensor signal during the DMA control. CONSTITUTION:A clock and timing signal preparing circuit 12 is started and a signal process circuit 13 processes the timing signal to prepare horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals of the pattern indicator and related signals for the DMA control. That is, the process signal preparing circuit 13 prepares and outputs serially various control signals such as sensor reading signals as signals having a timing width necessary for performing respective functions. The pattern indicator 6 is operated by outputting necessary signals with an appropriate timing width adapted to functional performance changed with predetermined speed for observation and reading the pattern data directly from a ROM 15 to synchronize them with signals outputted from the process signal 13 and make serial signals of them with predetermined operations.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a control device for a game machine including a display device, such as a pachinko machine, a professional nodo machine, etc. The present invention relates to a high-precision control device included in game machines such as pachinko and professional nodo machines.

[Prior Art] A pachinko game machine, which is an example of a game machine equipped with a display device, has functions as shown in FIG.

Figure 1 shows the typical functions of pachinko machines found on the market.

In FIG. 1, ] is the panel surface on which the ball is rolled when the ball is launched by the spring force of the ball-hitting machine side 3 by operating the ball-hitting handle 2, 7 is the normal winning slot, and 4 is the first slot starting slot. It is. When the ball enters the first type starting hole 4, 3 lined up horizontally
The symbol display device 6, in which the symbols in the rows scroll vertically and change, starts to fluctuate, and when the same predetermined symbols stop in three rows, it becomes a jackpot and the big prize opening 5 opens.
When a predetermined time has elapsed or a ball hits a predetermined counting grand prize opening 5, the opening of the grand prize opening 5 is stopped.

Further, reference numeral 14 represents a plurality of display lamps provided on the panel surface 1, which are turned on or blinked when a predetermined condition is met during the game. t, 15 is a sound generating device, which generates a predetermined sound when a predetermined condition is met during the game.

An example of a control device for carrying out the above operations is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, 31 is a microcomputer of the main body of the control device, and 32 is a path line for signal and transmission, including address and data lines. 33 is a clock and timing signal generating circuit for synchronizing the operations of the microcomputer and other circuits. 934 is a storage device including ROM and RAM. 36 is the first type starting port 4 shown in FIG.
Alternatively, sensors for detecting a batted ball entering the big winning hole 5 are collectively described, and 35 is an electronic circuit for processing each signal detected by the sensor 36 and connecting it to the pass line 32. I am writing this down as a gift.

Numeral 38 collectively describes the operating functions including the symbol display device, and opens the display lamp 14, symbol display device 6, sound generator 15, and grand prize opening 5 shown in FIG. It summarizes the operating functions of Nrenoite, etc. Reference numeral 37 designates electronic circuits for receiving signals from the pass line 32, processing the signals, and driving the operating functions 38, respectively.

In the above-described circuit configuration, the microcomputer 31 uses the synchronization signal from the clock and timing signal generation circuit 33 to read the program recorded in the storage device 34,
A signal processing operation is performed based on the input signal from the sensor 36, and the display lamp 14, the symbol display device 6, and the sound generator 15
- And executes control such as opening of the big prize opening 5.

Among the above-mentioned operations, variations in the symbols displayed on the symbol display device are executed by symbol display data recorded in the storage device 34 and signal processing by the microcomputer 31.

Control devices for game machines such as slot machines that are equipped with display devices other than the above-mentioned pachinko game machines also have detailed operating specifications such as sensor conditions, or are similar to the above in relation to the display device. It has a control function.

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] In a control device for a game machine equipped with a display device, is it desirable to be able to display complex patterns and beautiful colors changing rapidly in the pattern display for the game machine? Execution of control functions that involve displaying such complex patterns by a microcomputer is limited by processing time and limitations in the specifications of applicable models. It was necessary to limit the content to simple display content.

However, since the batted ball passes through each sensor at random and high speed, the timing conditions required for the microcomputer needed to monitor the sensors were strict.

As a countermeasure to this problem, the measures shown in Fig. 4 can be considered.

That is, in FIG. 4, 31 to 38 are almost the same as the circuits shown in FIG. and 9 including those for data.
33 is a circuit 70 for synchronizing the operations of the microcomputer and other circuits and a timing signal generating circuit.

34 is a storage device, including ROM and RAM. 36 collectively describes sensors for detecting a batted ball entering the first type starting opening 4 or the big prize opening 5 shown in FIG. 1, and 35 indicates each signal detected by the sensor 36. Electronic circuits for processing and connecting to the bus line 32 are collectively described.

40 collectively describes the operating functions excluding the symbol display device, including the display lamp 14 shown in FIG.
Operating functions such as a sound generator 15 and a solenoid for opening the big prize opening 5 are shown, and the three operating functions 40 are each driven by receiving a signal from the bus line 32 and processing the signal. It summarizes the electronic circuits for this purpose.

”Electronic times like two in a row! @39 and display device 40 have
The symbol display device 6 in the configuration shown in FIG. 3 and the electronic circuit for controlling and driving the symbol display device are not included, and are executed by the control function described later.

That is, in the figure, 41 is a control circuit that controls the symbol display device, 42 is a RAM that transmits data for symbol display from the microcomputer 31 and stores it during display, and 43 is a ROM that records button data of displayed symbols. 44 is an electronic circuit for driving the symbol display device, and 45 is the symbol display device.

According to this circuit configuration, since the pattern display function that requires processing time is removed from the processing function of the microcomputer 31, it is possible to display complex patterns, and the time for sensor monitoring by the microcomputer is also increased. For example, the control device for a pachinko game machine has specifications-F.
Due to this limitation, there was a problem in that it was not possible to separately provide a ROM for the program and a ROM for storing symbol display data.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, a control device for a game machine based on the present invention includes a sensor and a sensor signal conversion means,
Includes an operation function including a symbol display device, a signal conversion control means for the operation function including a symbol display device, a microcomputer, a clock signal generation means, a storage means including a ROM and a RAM, and a signal transmission bus line. A control device for a pachinko game machine includes a DMA control means that operates at a predetermined timing, and a means for stopping the operation of the microcomputer in response to a signal from the DMA control means. Further, the ROM includes a computer processing program and display data for a symbol display device, and the DMA control means includes a symbol display device control means, and during the DMA control, the sensor It is equipped with a measuring means for reading the signal.

1 Effect] According to the above configuration, the circuit is configured to stop the operation of the microcomputer and perform processing by DMA while the display function is in operation, so management by the microcomputer is not used while the symbol display function is in operation. Predetermined image data can be retrieved from the ROM that records the microcomputer's processing program and the display data for the symbol display device, and can be directly transmitted to the symbol display device, making it possible to increase the rate of change of complex symbols. Since it has been simplified, it has become possible to display detailed and beautiful images of designs that include various color changes.

Furthermore, since the sensor reading time is fixed, the time requirement for the microcomputer is relaxed, and it is now possible to reliably grasp the passage of a batted ball.

[Example] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

214 is a schematic flow diagram of a circuit from which necessary functions are extracted, mainly based on the present invention, for a pachinko game machine which is an example of a game machine equipped with the display function shown in FIG. Detailed devices and element circuits such as power supply circuits, signal transmission detailed transmission lines, and gate circuits are omitted.

In No. 21'A, ]] is the microcomputer of the display sub-display control device, 12 is a 70-socket and timing signal generation circuit for synchronizing the operation of the microcomputer and other circuits, and 13 is a pattern display. This is a processing chair number creation circuit for creating horizontal and vertical synchronization signals including a scroll signal creation function of the device, and for creating a DMA function drive fJ number.

21 is a temporary storage device R that switches between the signal from the processed signal generation circuit 13 and the signal from the microcomputer 11;
This is the shifter time d for specifying the address of AM14.

Reference numeral 27 collectively indicates the sensors that detect the batted ball described above in FIG. The signal processing circuits are listed together.

22 is a selector circuit for selecting and switching input data to the -time storage device RAM 14, and switches between a signal from the microcomputer 11 and a signal from the sensor signal processing circuit 17.

Further, 23 is a selector circuit for switching the output data from the -time storage device RAM 14, and is used to send signals to the microcomputer 11 and for the symbol display device 6, which was described above in FIG. 1 and whose details will be described later. ROM 1 that records pattern patterns and color command data (hereinafter referred to as design data)
address data for reading out predetermined symbol data from 5, and command signals to the display lamp 8, drive mechanism 29 for opening the grand prize opening, etc., and the sound generator 9, which will be described in detail in FIG. 1 and later. It's switching.

The output data from the temporary storage device RAM 14 that is output from the selector circuit 23 mentioned above is connected to the processed signal creation port i@
By adding predetermined signals such as horizontal and vertical synchronization signals outputted from 1B using an adder 20, predetermined symbol data is stored in the ROM.
An address for reading from 15 is created.

24 is a microcomputer 1 for reading out a processing program for the microcomputer 11 from the ROM 15;
25 is a selector circuit for specifying the address of the storage device ROM 15 by switching between the address signal from 1 and the address data from the adder 20 for reading the symbol data to be transmitted to the symbol display device 6; Equipment RO
Data read from the specified address of M15.

This is a selector circuit that switches the signal to the microcomputer 11 and the symbol data of the symbol display device 6/\.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a signal processing circuit for the symbol display device, which synchronizes the symbol data read out from the storage device ROM 15 with the horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals outputted from the aforementioned processed signal generation circuit 13 and performs a predetermined operation. is applied to make a serial signal, which is transmitted to the symbol display device 6 to be transmitted to the symbol display device 6.
to operate.

Display lamp 8 collectively indicates various display lamps provided in the pachinko game machine. Therefore, the lighting signal for each display lamp 8 read from the time storage device RAM 14 is provided for each display lamp, and is used to maintain the lighting of the lamp until the next light-off signal is supplied. The signal is supplied to a lamp lighting circuit 18 including a latch function, and lights a predetermined lamp.

In addition, as a sound generation function, the microcomputer 1
According to the address data outputted from the temporary storage device RAM 14 according to the generated sound selection signal outputted from 1,
When generating a predetermined sound, predetermined sound data recorded in the ROM 15 is read out and supplied to the sound generator driving circuit 19, which converts it into an audio signal and drives the sound generator 9. Alternatively, a predetermined sound generation function provided in the sound generator driving circuit 19 is activated and outputted according to the generated sound selection signal outputted from the microcomputer 11 to drive the sound generator 9 .

Further, the drive mechanism 29 is provided in the pachinko game machine.
The driving functions of various mechanical mechanisms such as the solenoid for opening the big prize opening described above in No. 1121 are comprehensively described. Therefore,
The drive signal for each drive mechanism 29 output from the microcomputer 11 or read from the time storage device RAM 14 is connected to the next drive stop signal provided to each drive mechanism. The signal is supplied to a drive mechanism drive circuit 28 including a latch function for maintaining the drive mechanism during this period, and drives a predetermined drive 811.

In the above-mentioned circuit, when the power is turned on and this circuit is activated, the Kurozoku and timing signal generation circuit 12 are activated, and furthermore, the signal processing circuit 13 processes the timing signal to generate horizontal and vertical synchronization signals for the symbol display device. and DM
Create related signals for A control.

That is, the processing signal generation circuit 13 executes various control signals such as a sensor reading signal, a lamp on/off signal, a drive am drive stop signal, a sound generation stop signal, a horizontal and vertical synchronization signal for a pattern display device, and a computer operation signal, respectively. It is serially created and output as a signal with a time width at the required time interval.

That is, for example, for sensor reading, output is performed at intervals of 2 milliseconds and the results are written to RAM.

In order to operate the symbol display device, the selector is operated by outputting the necessary signals at appropriate time intervals so that a predetermined symbol that changes at a predetermined speed can be observed in accordance with the functional performance of the symbol display device! @24.25 is controlled, the symbol data is directly read from the ROM 15 via the selector circuit 25, synchronized with the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals output from the processed signal generation circuit 13, and predetermined operations are performed. The signal is then transmitted to the symbol display device 6 to operate the symbol display device 6.

Further, by outputting the computer operation signal, the operation of the computer is stopped during the time when the above-mentioned symbol display function outside the computer operation signal output device is activated.9 Therefore, each of the selector circuits 21, 22, 23, 24.
25 is the computer operating signal output part, and the other part is the RAM
14, each storage device of ROM 15, each sensor 27, each drive mechanism 29, each indicator lamp 8, sound generator 9, and
Since the symbol display devices 6 are directly connected to each other without going through a computer, each of the circuit functions described above is performed using the data recorded in the RAM 14 while the computer is in operation.
Processed signal generation circuit 13 using the data recorded in 5.
It operates according to the signals from.

The signal output from the processed signal generation circuit 13 in the above explanation may be driven by the signal from the clock and timing signal generation circuit 12, depending on the configuration of the pachinko game machine, and may be driven by a signal from the clock and timing signal generation circuit 12. Alternatively, the change may be controlled by the processing result in the computer and the signal output from a predetermined circuit installed in the IL control device of the pachinko game machine. It is also possible to do so.

In addition, in the above description, each sensor 27, each drive mechanism 29,
Although each indicator lamp 8 and sound generating device 9 have been described as being operated by DMA, under conditions that do not affect the response speed, each element function described above may not be activated during the DMA function. By applying predetermined measures such as processing to prevent interference, DMA1
1! The DMA function may be executed while the microcomputer is in operation instead of during operation, and the functions to be executed while the DMA function is in operation and the functions to be executed while the microcomputer is in operation are as follows.
It can be set arbitrarily depending on the configuration of the pachinko game machine and the configuration of the control device.

Further, the DMA function may be performed by means other than the switching function by the selector circuit as described above.

In the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the pachinko game machine has been described, but other tin machines such as slot machines, etc., equipped with a display device can also be used by adjusting the detailed operation specifications to the specifications of the game machine. , the invention can be implemented.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, when the display function of a game machine such as a pachinko machine or an Aro-noto machine is in operation, the operation of the microcomputer is stopped and the DMA is activated. Since the circuit configuration is designed to perform processing using the microcomputer, during operation of the symbol display function, the predetermined image data is directly retrieved from the ROM that records the microcomputer's processing program and the display data for the symbol display device, without using the microcomputer for management. Since it can be taken out and transmitted to the pattern display device, the changing speed of complex patterns can be increased, and
Since the processing allocram was also simplified, it was possible to display detailed and beautiful images of designs that included various color changes, and since the sensor reading time was fixed, the time demands on the microcomputer were made more relaxed. Moreover, it is possible to obtain the unique effect of being able to reliably grasp the passage of the batted ball.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is an example diagram of a pachinko game machine, Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an example of an implementation circuit based on the present invention, and Figure 3 is an outline of a circuit showing an example of a conventional control device for a pachinko game machine. Block Diagram FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a circuit showing one example of countermeasures against problems in a conventional control device. 1...- Panel surface, 6... Pattern display device, 11... Microcomputer, 12...
・−・−・Clock and timing signal generation circuit, 1
3-... Processed signal creation circuit, 14...
...RAM, 15...ROM, 16... Signal processing circuit for pattern display device, 21
．． 22.23.24.25...Selector circuit,
27...Sensor.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A sensor and a sensor signal conversion means, an operation function including a symbol display device, a signal conversion control means for the operation function including a symbol display device, a microcomputer, a clock signal generation means, a ROM and A control device for a pachinko game machine including a storage means including a RAM and a bus line for signal transmission includes a DMA control means that operates at a predetermined timing, and a signal from the DMA control means that controls the operation of the microcomputer. 1. A control device for a game machine, comprising: means for stopping the game machine. 2. The ROM includes and records a processing program for the microcomputer and display data for the symbol display device;
2. A control device for a game machine according to claim 1, wherein said DMA control means includes symbol display device control means. 3. The control device for a game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a measuring means for reading the sensor signal during the DMA control.