JP2005058666A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To minimize the amount of data necessary for controlling the drive of a stepping motor in a game machine which enables the execution of the microstep control in controlling the drive of the stepping motor. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 56 determines the variation pattern. For example, when the variation pattern determined is the normal ready for win variation, a CPU 101 for display control controls the drive of the stepping motor based on the data set in a process table corresponding to the variation pattern. At this point, the CPU outputs the control signal to a motor drive circuit 177 to control the high and medium speed rotations of the respective drums under the drive control by the 1-2 phase excitation (B) and the low speed rotation of the right drum under the drive control by the 2W1-2 phase magnetization. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention includes a variable display device capable of variably displaying identification information by rotating a variable display member on which a plurality of types of identification information that can identify each is arranged, and according to the establishment of a variable display start condition The display result of the identification information is derived and displayed after the variable display of the identification information is started, and when the display result of the identification information becomes a specific display result, it can be controlled to a specific game state that is advantageous for the player The present invention relates to pachinko machines and slot machines.

  As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium is won in a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Furthermore, variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information is provided, so that when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes a specific display result, it can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player. There is something configured.

  The specific game state means a state advantageous for a player who is given a predetermined game value. Specifically, the specific gaming state is, for example, a state in which the state of the variable winning ball apparatus is advantageous for a player who is easy to win a ball (a big hit gaming state), or a state in which a right to be advantageous for a player has occurred. A state in which a predetermined game value is given, such as a state where conditions for paying out premium game media are easily established.

  In a pachinko gaming machine, the fact that the display result of the variable display means for displaying a special symbol as identification information is a combination of specific display modes determined in advance is generally called “hit”. When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Further, when a predetermined condition (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the big prize opening) is not established at the time when the big prize opening is closed, the big hit gaming state is ended.

  Further, the symbols other than the symbol which becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the symbol in the middle drum among the left and right middle drums) on the variable display means are stopped and oscillated in a state in which they coincide with a specific display result for a predetermined time. There is a possibility that a big hit will occur before the final result is displayed due to scaling, deformation, or deformation, or when multiple symbols change synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol changes. An effect that is performed in a state in which the state continues (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and the state thereof are referred to as a reach mode, and the reach state is referred to as reach establishment. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. In the reach state, the interest of the game is enhanced by making the variation pattern different from the variation pattern in the normal state. And when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display means does not satisfy the condition for reaching the reach state, it becomes “displaced”, and the variable display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  In some cases, the variable display means includes a variable display member such as a drum or a belt. As a driving means for rotating such a variable display member, a stepping motor is generally used. For the drive control of the stepping motor, normally, two-phase excitation control, 1-2 phase excitation control, or the like is used.

  In conventional pachinko machines, the drive control is controlled by microstep control such as W1-2 phase excitation control and 2W1-2 phase excitation control, rather than the stepping motor drive control by normal excitation control such as the above-described two phase excitation control. Since the variable display member can be rotated more smoothly, the micro step control is used for the drive control of the stepping motor in order to enhance the fun of the game. And when switching the fluctuation speed (high speed fluctuation and low speed fluctuation) of the special symbol, the rotation speed of the stepping motor is controlled by changing the frequency of the excitation pulse for driving the stepping motor (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-19298 (paragraphs 0041, 0042, 0045-0049, 0052, FIGS. 9, 11, and 12)

  However, the number of steps required to rotate a variable display member such as a drum by a predetermined angle in microstep control (for example, W1-2 phase excitation control) is variable in normal excitation control (for example, 1-2 phase excitation control). This is twice the number of steps required to rotate the display member by the same angle. Therefore, the data amount necessary for the microstep control is doubled as compared with the data amount necessary for the 1-2 phase excitation control. Therefore, as the time for using the micro step control becomes longer, the amount of data necessary for the drive control of the stepping motor also increases.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the amount of data necessary for driving control of a stepping motor as much as possible in a gaming machine capable of executing microstep control as driving control of the stepping motor. .

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is identified by rotating variable display members (for example, left, middle, and right rotating drums 222A to 222C) each having a plurality of types of identification information (for example, decorative symbols) that can be identified. A variable display device that can variably display information (for example, a decorative symbol display device 11) is provided, and variable display of identification information is performed in response to the establishment of a variable display start condition (for example, winning in a start winning area provided in a game area) The display result of the identification information is derived and displayed (for example, the drum is stopped and the stop symbol is displayed so as to be visible to the player), and the display result of the identification information is a specific display result (for example, the decorative symbol is displayed on the active line). Game machines that can be controlled to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that is advantageous to the player when the same design is achieved) Stepping motors (for example, stepping motors 200a to 200c) that apply driving torque to the variable display member to rotate the variable display member by a predetermined angle (for example, step angle) in response to an input of an excitation pulse (see FIGS. 9 to 11). Display result determination means for determining whether or not the display result of the identification information is to be a specific display result (for example, a part for executing steps S57 and S58 by the game control means) and the determination result of the display result determination means. Accordingly, the operation mode of the variable display member in the variable display of the identification information (for example, as shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, each drum is set to a predetermined speed in each period divided into a plurality of periods from the start to the end of variation. A variable display pattern (for example, a variation pattern) showing a mode of rotating in a predetermined direction with a plurality of types of variable display patterns (see FIG. 18). ) Variable display pattern determining means (for example, a part for executing steps S71 to S75 by the game control means) and a stepping motor for rotating the variable display member according to the variable display pattern determined by the variable display pattern determining means As the drive control, normal step control (for example, two-phase excitation, for example) that outputs excitation pulses that are sequentially shifted in phase with respect to a plurality of phases (for example, A phase, B phase, A phase A, and B phase) of the stepping motor. 1-2 phase excitation (A), motor drive control by 1-2 phase excitation (B) shown in FIG. 9), and excitation pulses output to adjacent phases in a plurality of phases of the stepping motor. Micro-step control that adjusts and outputs the excitation current value of the excitation pulse so that the direction of the composite magnetic field due to the excitation current value changes stepwise ( For example, drive control selection means (for example, display control means) for selecting one of W1-2 phase excitation, 2W1-2 phase excitation shown in FIG. 10, motor drive control by 4W1-2 phase excitation shown in FIG. In step S881, the variable display member is rotated in accordance with the process data set in the process table selected in step S881 according to the contents of the process data set in step S884, S834, S724, and S725) and the drive control selected by the drive control selection unit. Motor control means for moving (for example, a portion for executing steps S741 and S742 by the display control means), and for a plurality of types of variable display patterns, the display result determining means sets the display result of the identification information as the specific display result. Normal variable display pattern (for example, when the probability determined when not doing is higher than when a specific display result is obtained) , The fluctuation pattern of normal fluctuations determined at the time of deviation) and the probability determined when the display result determining means sets the display result of the identification information as the specific display result is higher than when the specific display result is not used. A specific variable display pattern (for example, a fluctuation pattern of a super reach variation determined at a high rate at the time of a big hit), and the drive control selection means selects normal step control as drive control in the normal variable display pattern. (For example, in the fluctuation pattern of normal fluctuation shown in FIG. 26, normal step control such as 1-2 phase excitation (B) is selected as the drive mode of motor drive control at the time of high-speed and medium-speed rotation of each drum), In the specific variable display pattern, at least after the variable display member starts rotating, the variable display member is accelerated. (Including the case where it is gradually raised or gradually raised), after being rotated at a high speed, it is variable before the display result is derived and displayed (for example, before the final stop symbol is derived and displayed) Microstep control is selected as the drive control in a period in which the display member is rotated in a special mode (for example, an effect mode that raises the player's expectation as to whether the final stop symbol derived and displayed is a big hit) (for example, FIG. 28, the micro-step control such as 2W1-2 phase excitation and 4W1-2 phase excitation is selected as the drive mode of the motor drive control when the right drum rotates at a low speed and an ultra-low speed. It is characterized by.

  When the motor control means performs switching from normal step control to microstep control (for example, switching the drive mode from 1-2 phase excitation (B) to 2W1-2 phase excitation) while the variable display member is rotating, A specific step for outputting an excitation pulse having a maximum excitation current value in microstep control (for example, a step in which the current value of the excitation current of phase A (phase A) or phase B (phase B)) becomes 100% (−100%). ) To start the microstep control.

  The motor control means outputs an excitation pulse having a maximum excitation current value in microstep control, for example, the current value of the excitation current of a specific step (for example, phase A (phase A) or phase B (phase B)) is 100% (−100 %)) To stop the rotation of the variable display member (for example, the display control CPU 101 outputs a control signal for stopping the motor to the motor drive circuit 177). Good.

  When the motor control means changes the rotation speed of the variable display member to a different speed, the excitation pulse output period (period in which the excitation current value of the excitation pulse is a constant value, that is, the pulse signal (CLK) Transition control (for example, control for changing the pulse width of a pulse signal for correcting the rotation speed of the drum; see FIGS. 33 and 34) for adjusting one cycle) and normal step control in accordance with the change in speed (For example, the drive mode is switched from 1-2 phase excitation (B) to 2W1-2 phase excitation, or from 2W1-2 phase excitation to 1-2 phase excitation (B)). When performing, you may comprise so that transfer control may be performed in the period which is performing normal step control.

  The maximum excitation current value of the excitation pulse is preferably set to be lower when the microstep control is executed than when the normal step control is executed (see FIG. 8).

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the plurality of types of variable display patterns, the probability determined when the display result determining means does not set the display result of the identification information as the specific display result is the specific display result. Normal variable display pattern higher than when the display result determining means and the specific variable display pattern with a higher probability of being determined when the display result determining means sets the display result of the identification information as the specific display result The drive control selection means selects normal step control as drive control in the normal variable display pattern, and accelerates the variable display member at least after the variable display member starts rotating in the specific variable display pattern. After rotating at a high speed, prior to deriving and displaying the display result, the micro display unit is operated as a drive control during a period in which the variable display member is rotated in a special manner. In the normal variable display pattern in which the player does not pay particular attention to the derivation display of the identification information display result, the player uses the normal step control with a small amount of data, and the player identifies the identification information. Since the micro step control can be used in the specific variable display pattern that pays attention to the derivation display of the display result, the amount of data necessary for the drive control of the stepping motor can be reduced as much as possible without impairing the fun of the game.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the motor control means switches from the normal step control to the micro step control during the rotation of the variable display member, it is possible to output the excitation pulse having the maximum excitation current value in the micro step control. Since the microstep control is started from the step, it is possible to prevent the step-out due to the change of the excitation pattern at the intermediate step.

  In the third aspect of the invention, the motor control means is configured to execute control for stopping the rotation of the variable display member in the specific step of outputting the excitation pulse having the maximum excitation current value in the micro step control. Further, it is possible to prevent the step-out when the rotation is resumed after the variable display member is stopped.

  In the invention according to claim 4, when the motor control means changes the speed at which the variable display member is rotated to a different speed, the motor control means executes the transition control for adjusting the output period of the excitation pulse, and adjusts to the speed change. Thus, when switching between normal step control and micro step control, the transition control is executed during the period during which the normal step control is executed, so that a sudden change in the excitation pulse can be avoided. At the same time, the amount of data can be reduced.

  In the invention of claim 5, the maximum excitation current value of the excitation pulse is set to be lower when the microstep control is being executed than when the normal step control is being executed. Since the driving torque for rotating the variable display member during the execution of the micro step control is reduced, the amount of overshoot is reduced and the variable display of the identification information can be seen more clearly.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, an overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front of the game board.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) installed to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts attached to them (excluding game boards described later). Is a structure including

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided an extra ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the game balls. A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. A game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

  Near the center of the game area 7, there is provided a decorative symbol display device (variable display device) 11 including a plurality of rotating drums each variably displaying a symbol (decorative symbol) as identification information. The configuration of the decorative symbol display device 11 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  On the upper part of the decorative symbol display device 11, a special symbol display unit 9 by 7 segment LED for variably displaying the special symbol is provided. Further, a special symbol start memory display 18 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of effective winning balls entered into the start winning opening 14, that is, the start memory number, is provided on the upper part of the decorative symbol display device 11. . Each time there is a valid start prize, the special symbol start memory display 18 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time the variable display on the special symbol display 9 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  Below the decorative symbol display device 11, a variable winning ball device 15 is provided as a start winning port 14. The winning ball that has entered the start winning opening 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 14a. A variable winning ball device 15 that opens and closes is provided below the start winning opening 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16.

  An opening / closing plate 20 that is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (big hit state) is provided below the variable winning ball device 15. The opening / closing plate 20 is a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. Of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6, the winning ball entering one (V winning area: special area) is detected by the V winning switch 22, and the winning ball from the opening / closing board 20 is counted. 23. A solenoid for switching the route in the special winning opening is also provided on the back of the game board 6.

  When a game ball wins the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, “○” and “×” lamps (designs can be visually recognized when lit) are turned on alternately to perform variable display. For example, “◯” is lit at the end of variable display. It will be a win. When the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time. On the upper part of the decorative symbol display device 11, a normal symbol start memory display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a passage of a ball to the gate 32, the normal symbol start memory display 41 increments the LED to be turned on by one. Then, every time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39, and winning of game balls to the winning holes 29, 30, 33, 39 is performed by winning hole switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, respectively. Detected. Each winning opening 29, 30, 33, 39 constitutes a winning area provided in the game board 6 as an area for accepting game media and allowing winning. The start winning opening 14 and the big winning opening also constitute a winning area that accepts game media and allows winning. Decorative lamps 25 blinking and displayed during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and an outlet 26 for absorbing a game ball that has not won a prize is provided at the bottom. Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure (such as a big prize opening) in the game area 7. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decorative LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine.

  In this example, a prize ball LED 51 that is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball that is turned on when the supply ball is blown out in the vicinity of the top frame lamp 28a. An LED 52 is provided. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with lamps and LEDs as light emitters in various places.

  The game balls launched from the hit ball launching device enter the game area 7 through the hit ball rail, and then descend the game area 7. If the game ball enters the start winning port 14 and is detected by the start port switch 14a, the decorative symbol display device 11 starts variable display (fluctuation) as long as the variable display of the symbol can be started. The special symbol starts variable display (fluctuation) on the symbol display 9. If the variable display of the symbol cannot be started, the start memory number is increased by one.

  The variable display of the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display device 11 and the variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display device 9 are finally stopped (determined) when a predetermined time elapses. When the special symbol at the time of stoppage, that is, the stop symbol is a jackpot symbol (specific display result), the decorative symbol stop symbol also has a specific display result corresponding to the jackpot symbol. If the stop symbol of the special symbol is a missing symbol that is not a jackpot symbol, the stop symbol of the decorative symbol also has a non-specific display result corresponding to the missing symbol.

  In this embodiment, there are 17 special symbols, “−”, “0” to “9”, “A” to “C”, “E”, “F”, and “H”. Is a symbol other than "-". In addition, on the decorative symbol display device 11, 3 × 3 = 9 decorative symbols are displayed so as to be visible when stopped. When the stop symbol of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the three symbols in the horizontal or diagonal rows in the decorative symbol display device 11 become the same symbol.

  When the stop symbol of the special symbol becomes a jackpot symbol, it shifts to a jackpot gaming state. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins. When the game ball wins the V winning area while the opening / closing plate 20 is opened and is detected by the V winning switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is allowed a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

  When the special symbol stop symbol is a jackpot symbol (probability variation symbol) with a probability variation, the probability of the next jackpot increases. In other words, the game state is more advantageous for the player, which is a probable change state. In this embodiment, the probability variation pattern is an odd number and “B”, “E”, “H”. Further, when the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probability variation symbol, the same symbol is displayed in a plurality of columns of the horizontal or diagonal columns in the decorative symbol display device 11.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32, the normal symbol display unit 10 enters a state in which the normal symbol is variably displayed. Further, when the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. That is, the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol, or when the stop symbol of the special symbol is a probabilistic symbol. It changes to an advantageous state. Note that increasing the number of times of opening is a concept including changing from a closed state to an open state.

  Next, the configuration of the decorative symbol display device 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the rotating drum mechanism 200 of the decorative symbol display device 11. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary drum mechanism 200. FIG. 4 shows one of the rotary drum units 220A to 220C. Accordingly, in FIG. 4, the rotary drum units 220A to 220C, the printed wiring mounting boards 221A to 221C, and the rotary drums 222A to 222C are respectively shown in FIG. The rotary drum unit 220, the printed wiring board 221 and the rotary drum 222 are used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the rotary drum mechanism 200 of the decorative symbol display device 11 includes rotary drum units 220 </ b> A to 220 </ b> C and a drum storage case 201 for storing them. The drum storage case 201 is formed in a box shape with the front opened. The drum storage case 201 supports them after the rotary drum units 220A to 220C are inserted from the openings. That is, engagement grooves 205 corresponding to the respective rotary drum units 220 </ b> A to 220 </ b> C are formed in the upper and lower portions of the drum storage case 201. On the other hand, an engagement protrusion 223 is formed on the printed wiring board 221A to 221C in each of the rotary drum units 220A to 220C, and the engagement protrusion 223 engages with an engagement groove 205 provided in the drum storage case 201.

  An attachment piece 203 and an engagement piece 204 are provided above and below the opening of the drum storage case 201. The attachment piece 203 and the engagement piece 204 are formed by bending the tip of a metal attachment band 202 applied from the upper part of the drum storage case 201 to the rear and the bottom face. The entire rotating drum mechanism 200 is attached to the game board 6 by attaching the attachment piece 203 and the engagement piece 204 to a frame-like attachment plate (not shown) fixed to the back surface of the game board 6. .

  A connection opening 212 corresponding to each of the rotary drum units 220A to 220C is provided on the bottom surface of the drum storage case 201. Through the connection opening 212, the connection protrusion piece 227 and the pattern control on the printed wiring mounting boards 221A to 221C are provided. A connector 267 provided on the substrate 80 is connected. Furthermore, the rear surface of the drum storage case 201 is formed with a locking opening (not shown) that the mounting portion 225 faces when the rotating drum units 220A to 220C are mounted.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the mounting portion 225 facing the locking opening is screwed into a hole 209 formed in the drum storage case 201 so that the rotary drum units 220A to 220C are connected to the drum storage case. It is fixed to 201. At this time, the heat radiating plate 210 is also screwed together with the mounting portion 225. The heat radiating plate 210 is made of metal, and the heat accumulated in the printed wiring mounting substrates 221A to 221C is released to the outside through the heat radiating plate 210 by making contact with the metal printed wiring mounting substrates 221A to 221C.

  An attachment boss 206 for screwing the symbol control board 80 is provided on the lower back surface of the drum storage case 201. Then, in a state where the symbol control board 80 is attached to the attachment boss 206, a symbol control board box 260 for protecting the symbol control board 80 is attached to the drum storage case 201. For attachment, an engagement hole 208 is formed in front of the bottom surface of the drum storage case 201, and an attachment hole 207 is formed in the lower end of the rear surface.

  The rotary drums 222A to 222C in the rotary drum units 220A to 220C are formed in a drum shape including a cylindrical symbol display surface having a plurality of symbols. Then, the shaft support portion of the reel frame formed in a hexagonal diagonal shape from the symbol display surface toward the center is fixed to the D-shaped cut protrusion 243 of the rotor 240 with screws. Reinforcing projections for increasing the rigidity of the printed wiring mounting boards 221A to 221C themselves from the upper side to the rear side of the printed wiring mounting boards 221A to 221C to which the drum motors (stepping motors) for rotating the rotating drums 222A to 222C are mounted. 224 is formed.

  In addition, a mounting portion 225 having a mounting hole 226 is formed at the lower end of the rear end, and a connecting protrusion 227 having a conductive terminal portion formed by printed wiring is provided at the bottom rear portion. Further, a mounting hole 228 for mounting a lamp cover 253 that houses and supports the drum lamp 251 is provided in the front part of the printed wiring mounting boards 221A to 221C. A shaft mounting hole for fixing a bearing 237 that rotatably supports the shaft portion of the rotor 240 is provided in a substantially central portion of the printed wiring mounting substrates 221A to 221C.

  A cylindrical coil case 235 having a built-in drive coil of a stepping motor is attached to substantially the center of the printed wiring board 221A to 221C. The coil case 235 is screwed to the printed wiring mounting boards 221A to 221C, and the end of the drive coil is soldered to the conductive portion of the printed wiring. A spring washer 241 and a flat washer 242 are sandwiched between the rotor 240 and the bearing 237. Further, a portion that penetrates the bearing 237 and protrudes to the back side of the printed wiring mounting boards 221 </ b> A to 221 </ b> C is fixed by an E ring 247 through a washer 246.

  The rotating drums 222 </ b> A to 222 </ b> C have the motor cover 248 attached from the front in a state where the shaft portion of the rotor 240 is supported by the bearing 237, and the D-cut protrusion 243 protruding forward from the motor cover 248 has a rotating drum. 222A to 222C are fitted and screwed to be mounted on the printed wiring board 221A to 221C.

  The drum lamp 251 is covered by a lamp cover 253, and the lamp cover 253 has a lamp cradle 256 that receives each drum lamp 251. With the lamp cradle 256 supporting the drum lamp 251, the mounting holes 254 formed on the upper and lower sides thereof are fixed to the mounting holes 228 with screws 255, so that the lamp cover 253 is fixed to the printed wiring mounting boards 221 </ b> A to 221 </ b> C. Is done. Note that the drum lamp 251 irradiates light from behind to a symbol that can be visually recognized by the player in order to enhance the decoration effect. In FIG. 3, three lights are shown as the drum lamp 251, but more lights may be used to enhance the gaming effect. For example, in FIG. 4, five lights are illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sub-board box 260 is formed in a box shape having an open upper surface. And many heat dissipation holes 261 are provided over the perimeter of the side wall. An engagement claw 262 that engages with the engagement hole 208 of the drum storage box 201 is provided in front of the symbol control board 80. A mounting hole 263 corresponding to the mounting hole 207 of the drum storage box 201 is provided behind the symbol control board 80. After the engaging claw 262 is inserted into the engaging hole 208, the sub board box 260 is attached to the drum storage box 201 with the screw 264 in a state where the mounting hole 263 is aligned with the mounting hole 207.

  A mounting hole 266 corresponding to the mounting boss 206 of the drum storage box 201 is provided in the symbol control board 80 stored in the sub-board box 260. On the upper surface side, a plurality of connectors 267 that are connected to the connection protrusions 227 of the respective rotary drum units 220A to 220C are mounted. On the lower surface side, a connector 173 connected to the main substrate 31, a display control CPU, a transistor 171 and the like are mounted. Note that other ICs are also mounted on the symbol control board 80.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main board 31. 5 also shows the payout control board 37, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, and the symbol control board 80. The main board 31 includes a basic circuit (game control means) 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, a start port switch 14a, a V winning switch 22, a count switch 23, winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a and a switch circuit 58 for supplying a signal from the clear switch 921 to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball apparatus 15, a solenoid 21 for opening and closing the opening and closing plate 20, and a path for switching in the special winning opening A solenoid circuit 59 that drives the solenoid 21A according to a command from the basic circuit 53 is mounted. The clear switch 921 is mounted on, for example, a power supply board installed in the gaming machine.

  Although not shown in FIG. 5, the count switch short circuit signal is also transmitted to the basic circuit 53 via the switch circuit 58. Further, the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the V winning switch 22, the count switch 23, the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a, and other switches may be referred to as sensors. That is, the name of the game medium detection means (game ball detection means in this example) that can detect a game ball is not limited.

  Further, according to the data given from the basic circuit 53, the jackpot information indicating the occurrence of the jackpot, the effective starting information indicating the number of starting winning balls used for starting the variable display of the symbols on the special symbol display 9, and the probability variation occurred. An information output circuit 64 is provided for outputting an information output signal such as probability variation information indicating this to an external device such as a hall computer via an information terminal board installed on the back of the gaming machine.

  The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means (means for storing variation data) used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations according to the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and RAM 55 are built in the CPU 56. That is, the CPU 56 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 and the I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached or built-in. Since the CPU 56 executes control according to the program stored in the ROM 54, the CPU 56 executes (or performs processing) hereinafter, specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to the program. is there. The same applies to CPUs mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  Further, a part or all of the RAM (may be a CPU built-in RAM) 55 is a backup RAM backed up by a backup power source created on the power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 55 is saved for a predetermined period.

  In this embodiment, display control means (CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) mounted on the symbol control board 80 controls the decorative symbol display device 11 in accordance with a display control command from the game control means. In addition, the display control unit transmits data instructed by the display control command and data indicating the information generated by the display control unit to the lamp control board 35 as a lamp control command. The display control means does not transfer information based on all display control commands to the lamp control board 35, but information necessary for controlling lamps and the like (light emitters) provided in the gaming machine and sound. Only the information based on the display control command including may be transferred to the lamp control board 35. In this embodiment, the form of the lamp control command is the same as the form of the display control command, but these forms may be different.

  Lamp control means (CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) mounted on the lamp control board 35 controls the light emitters provided in the gaming machine according to the lamp control command. That is, the special symbol display 9, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol start memory display 18, the normal symbol start memory display 41, the decoration lamp 25, and the like are controlled, and the top frame provided on the frame side. Display control of the lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball-out lamp 52 is performed. Each lamp may be an LED or other types of light emitters. That is, a lamp or LED is an example of a light emitter, and may hereinafter be collectively referred to as a lamp / LED. Further, a variable display device decoration LED (center decoration LED) is installed in the upper part and the left and right parts of the decorative symbol display device 11, and a large prize opening interior decoration LED is installed in the inside of the big prize opening. Is provided with a large winning opening left decoration LED and a large winning opening right decoration LED. The lamp control means also controls those light emitters. The drum lamps 251A to 251C are controlled by display control means.

  The lamp control means transmits information commanded by the received lamp control command to the sound control board as a sound control command. Sound control means (CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) mounted on the sound control board 70 performs sound output control from the speaker 27 in accordance with the sound control command. The lamp control means does not transfer the information based on all the lamp control commands to the sound control board 70, but only the information based on the lamp control commands including information required for sound control. May be transferred to the sound control board 70.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a circuit configuration in the symbol control board 80, drum motors 200a, 200b, 200c as driving means for rotating the rotating drums 222A-222C as variable display members, drum lamps 251A-251C, and the main board 31. It is a block diagram shown with some. The same stepping motor is used as the drum motors 200a, 200b, and 200c. The stepping motor is a motor that rotates a rotating shaft (rotor 240) stepwise by a predetermined angle in accordance with an input of a pulsed excitation current (excitation pulse) for exciting a drive coil. This rotation angle is called a step angle. The step angle varies depending on the structure of the stepping motor and the excitation method.

  A microcomputer is mounted on the symbol control board 80. The display control CPU 101 in the microcomputer operates according to a program stored in the ROM 102 using the RAM 103 as appropriate. When a strobe signal (INT signal) is input from the output ports 570 and 571 and the output buffer circuits 620 and 621 of the main board 31 via the noise filter 107 and the input buffer circuit 105B, display control is performed via the input buffer circuit 105A. Receive commands. As the input buffer circuits 105A and 105B, for example, a general-purpose IC 74HC244 can be used.

  Then, the display control CPU 101 outputs a control signal (command) for controlling the driving of the drum motors 200a to 200c as driving means for rotating the rotating drums 222A to 222C in accordance with the received display control command. To the motor drive circuit 177 as a drive circuit. Further, the display control CPU 101 provides a control signal for dividing the frequency of the pulse signal (clock pulse: CLK) by n to the prescaler 175 via the output port in accordance with the received display control command.

  The prescaler 175 divides the frequency of the pulse signal generated by the pulse generator 176 by n in accordance with the value n indicated by the control signal from the display control CPU 101 and outputs it to the pulse generator 176. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the pulse generator 176 includes an oscillator that generates a pulse signal having a predetermined frequency, a phase comparator that detects a phase difference between the output signal of the oscillator and the output signal of the prescaler, and a phase comparison And a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) for outputting a pulse signal having a frequency corresponding to the output value of the low pass filter. Therefore, the pulse generator 176 can output to the motor drive circuit 177 a pulse signal having a frequency obtained by multiplying the frequency of the pulse signal generated by the oscillator by n times (n: frequency division ratio in the prescaler 175). The motor drive circuit 177 supplies a drive signal to the drum motors 200 a to 200 c at the signal timing of the pulse signal from the pulse generator 176 in accordance with a control signal (command) from the display control CPU 101.

  Further, the display control CPU 101 gives a control signal for turning on or off the drum lamps 251A to 251C to the light driving circuit 178. The light driving circuit 178 turns on and off the drum lamps 251A to 251C in accordance with the control signal.

  The input buffer circuits 105A and 105B can pass signals only in the direction from the main board 31 toward the symbol control board 80. Therefore, there is no room for signals to be transmitted from the symbol control board 80 side to the main board 31 side. Even if the tampering is added to the circuit in the symbol control board 80, the signal output by the tampering is not transmitted to the main board 31 side. The outputs of the output ports 570 and 571 may be output to the symbol control board 80 as they are. However, by providing the output buffer circuits 620 and 621 capable of transmitting signals only in one direction, the symbol control board 80 is connected from the main board 31. One-way signal transmission can be made more reliable.

  Further, when receiving the display control command, the display control CPU 101 transmits a lamp control command corresponding to the received display control command to the lamp control board 35 via the output port. A lamp control means including a lamp control CPU mounted on the lamp control board 35 is provided with a special symbol display 9, a normal symbol display 10, a special symbol start memory display 18, a normal symbol start in accordance with a lamp control command. The display control of the memory display 41, the decoration lamp 25, etc. is performed, and the display control of the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the prize ball lamp 51 and the ball-out lamp 52 provided on the frame side. I do.

  For example, when a lamp control command receives information that can specify a special symbol stop symbol and a special symbol variable display time (variation time), the lamp control means displays the special symbol by the 7-segment LED for the variation time only. In the device 9, the special symbols are changed by sequentially switching the display every predetermined time (for example, every 0.5 seconds). Then, when the fluctuation time has elapsed and the lamp control command indicating the stop of the special symbol is received, the designated stop symbol is controlled to be stopped and displayed. Also, when receiving information that can specify the stop symbol of the normal symbol and the variable display time (variation time) of the normal symbol, the lamp control means displays the display unit that is lit in the normal symbol display unit 10 only for the variation time. The change of the normal symbol is executed by alternately switching. Then, when the fluctuation time has elapsed and the lamp control command indicating the stop of the normal symbol is received, control is performed so that the display unit designated as the stop symbol is turned on.

  The lamp control command is a command corresponding to the content of the display control command received from the game control means of the main board 31 by the display control CPU 101. Therefore, the information indicated by the lamp control command is substantially information generated by the game control means.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the motor drive circuit 177. A motor driving circuit 177 shown in FIG. 7 is a chopper type microstep pseudo sine wave driving stepping motor driver. The motor drive circuit 177 is a driver for driving one stepping motor (for example, 200a), and is not shown in FIG. 7, but is the same for driving other stepping motors (for example, 200b, 200c). A motor drive circuit 177 having the configuration is also provided.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the motor drive circuit 177 is provided with a CLK terminal, a D MODE terminal, a STANDBY terminal, an ENABLE terminal, a CW / CCW terminal, a RESET terminal, a TORQUE terminal, and an MDT terminal. Among these terminals, terminals other than the CLK terminal are connected to the display control CPU 101 via signal lines. The CLK terminal is connected to the pulse generator 176 via a signal line.

  The CLK terminal is a terminal for inputting a pulse signal for determining the motor rotation speed of the stepping motor 200. The D MODE terminals (D MODE 1 to 3) input signals for setting the drive mode of the stepping motor 200 (2-phase excitation, 1-2 phase excitation, W1-2 phase excitation, 2W1-2 phase excitation, etc.). Terminal. The STANDBY terminal is a terminal for inputting a signal for setting the motor drive circuit 177 to the STANDBY mode (low power consumption mode). The ENABLE terminal is a terminal for inputting a signal for forcibly stopping the output when the stepping motor 200 is operated. The CW / CCW terminal is a terminal for inputting a signal for setting the motor rotation direction (forward direction, reverse direction). The RESET terminal is a terminal for inputting a signal for forcibly initializing the electrical angle. The TORQUE terminals (TORQUE1, 2) are terminals for inputting a signal for setting the motor torque (that is, the peak value of the current supplied to the drive coil). The MDT terminals (MDT1, 2) are terminals for inputting a signal for setting a mode of a current decay rate (also referred to as a decay ratio or DECay) during constant current control.

  Although not shown in FIG. 7, the motor drive circuit 177 is also provided with a terminal for inputting other signals necessary for driving control of the stepping motor by the motor drive circuit 177. For example, a DATA MODE terminal for switching between external PWM control and constant current control is also provided. In addition, a terminal for outputting a signal (for example, an MO signal for notifying when the electrical angle is 0 degrees) from the motor drive circuit 177 to the display control CPU 101 is also provided. In addition, a terminal for connecting to a power supply for supplying power and inputting a predetermined power supply voltage is also provided. Furthermore, terminals for outputting an excitation current to each phase (A phase, B phase, A phase A, and phase B) of the stepping motor are also provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the motor drive circuit 177 includes a microstep decoder 301, a current setting circuit 302, current feedback circuits 305 and 306, a chopping reference signal generation circuit 307, an output control circuit 310, and output circuits 311 and 312. I have.

  The microstep decoder 301 drives the stepping motor 200 at the signal timing of the pulse signal input from the CLK terminal according to the setting according to the control signal input from the D MODE terminal, CW / CCW terminal, MDT terminal, and TORQUE terminal. This is a circuit for setting a driving mode to be set and a constant current value to be passed through the driving coil of the stepping motor 200. The microstep decoder 301 outputs 2-bit TORQUE data to the current setting circuit 302 in order to vary the torque in four stages according to the setting designated by the control signal input from the TORQUE terminal. The microstep decoder outputs a value within the range of 0 to 15 counted up at the rising edge of the pulse signal input from the CLK terminal to the current setting circuit 302 as 4-bit step current data.

  Specifically, when the drive mode set according to the control signal input from the D MODE terminal is 1-2 phase excitation (B) (see FIG. 9), the current value output to the drive coil of the stepping motor 200 Is changed in three stages, 0, 8, and 15 of 0 to 15 (for example, 0, 8, and 15 correspond to 0, 71, and 100% of the maximum current value, respectively). ) Is output to the current setting circuit 302. Further, when the drive mode is 4W1-2 phase excitation (see FIG. 11), in order to change the current value output to the drive coil of the stepping motor 200 in 16 steps, a value of 0 to 15 (for example, 0 to 15). , Which correspond to 0, 10, 20, 29,..., 100% of the maximum current value, respectively, is output to the current setting circuit 302.

  Further, the microstep decoder 310 outputs 2-bit DECay data to the output control circuit 310 in order to change the DECay mode in four stages according to the setting designated by the control signal input from the MDT terminal. Further, the microstep decoder 301 outputs an MO signal indicating that when the electrical angle becomes 0 degree to the display control CPU 101 via the output terminal (MO terminal).

  The current setting circuit 302 is a circuit that sets a reference voltage for an output current value output to the drive coil of the stepping motor 200 in accordance with data output from the microstep decoder 301. As shown in FIG. 7, the current setting circuit 302 includes a torque control circuit 303 and a staircase current value selection circuit 304.

  The torque control circuit 303 switches the torque of the stepping motor 200 in four stages based on the 2-bit TORQUE data from the microstep decoder 301. Since the torque changes according to the value of the current flowing through the drive coil of the stepping motor 200, the torque can be varied by switching the peak value (maximum value) of the current flowing through the drive coil. In this embodiment, the motor drive circuit 177 can vary the current peak value in four stages of 100%, 85%, 70%, and 50%. In this manner, the torque control circuit 303 switches the voltage value of the reference voltage supplied from the outside in four stages according to the TORQUE data, and then supplies the voltage value of the switched reference voltage to the staircase current value selection circuit 304. To do.

  The staircase current value selection circuit 304 current-feeds a reference voltage of a step-like (stair-like) output current value (staircase current value) corresponding to a value of 0 to 15 of the 4-bit staircase current data from the microstep decoder 301. Output to circuits 305 and 306. Specifically, when the drive mode is 1-2 phase excitation (B), the reference voltage is gradually switched to 0, 71, 100% of the maximum value according to the values of 0, 8, 15 of the staircase current data. Output to the current feedback circuit (A phase) 305, and the reference voltage is gradually switched to 100, 71, 0% of the maximum value according to the values of 0, 8, 15 to the current feedback circuit (B phase) 306. Output. When the drive mode is 4W1-2 phase excitation, the reference voltage is switched stepwise to the maximum value of 0, 10, 20,..., 100% according to the values of 0 to 15 of the staircase current data. Output to the feedback circuit (A phase) 305, and change the reference voltage step by step to the maximum value of 100, 99, 98,. To 306. Note that the maximum value of the reference voltage is already set in four stages by the torque control circuit 303. Further, when the stepping motor 200 rotates in the forward direction (forward direction), when the stepping motor 200 rotates in the reverse direction so that the phase of the A phase advances 90 degrees from the phase of the B phase, The voltage values for the A phase and the B phase are switched so that the phase is 90 degrees behind the phase of the B phase.

  The current feedback circuits 305 and 306 compare the set current value corresponding to the reference voltage value from the staircase current value selection circuit 304 and the output current value output to the output control circuit 310 with a comparator (not shown), and This circuit changes the output current value so that the difference is eliminated.

  The chopping reference signal generation circuit 307 is a circuit that generates a pulse signal (chopping reference signal) that serves as a reference for the chopping frequency when the output control circuit 310 performs chopping of the drive current. As shown in FIG. 7, the chopping reference signal generation circuit 307 includes a chopping reference waveform generation circuit 308 and a waveform shaping circuit 309. The chopping reference waveform generation circuit 308 generates a sawtooth wave having a predetermined frequency. The waveform shaping circuit 309 shapes the sawtooth wave generated by the chopping reference waveform generation circuit 308 into a pulse wave (pulse signal), and outputs the shaped pulse wave to the output control circuit 310 as a chopping reference signal.

  The output control circuit 310 chops the set current value signal that changes in steps output from the current feedback circuits 305 and 306 based on the pulse signal of a predetermined frequency output from the chopping reference signal generation circuit 307. This circuit controls the constant current chopper drive. As shown in FIG. 7, the output control circuit 310 has a built-in MIXED DECAY TIMMING circuit that switches the current attenuation ratio at the time of chopping to four stages according to the characteristics of the load.

  In the MIXED DECAY TIMMING circuit of the output control circuit 310, a counter (not shown) counts the pulse signals from the chopping reference signal generation circuit 307. When a predetermined number of pulses are counted, the selection circuit (not shown) switches to CHARGE MODE and starts charging current (increases the current value). When the current value reaches the set current value (constant current value that changes in a stepped manner from the current feedback circuits 305 and 306), the CHARGE MODE shifts to the SLOW DECAY MODE where the current decay is slow. In SLOW DECAY MODE, the current value decreases slowly. The selection circuit switches from SLOW DECAY MODE to FAST DECAY MODE where current decay is fast at a predetermined switching timing. In FAST DECAY MODE, the current value decreases rapidly. When the predetermined number of pulses is counted again, the selection circuit switches from FAST DECAY MODE to CHARGE MODE and starts charging the current.

  Thus, by changing from CHARGE MODE to SLOW DECAY MODE, from SLOW DECAY MODE to FAST DECAY MODE, and from FAST DECAY MODE to CHARGE MODE, the constant current that changes in a step-like manner from current feedback circuits 305 and 306 is obtained. The chopping operation is performed. Note that the time from the transition to CHARGE MODE to the transition to the next CHARGE MODE is the chopping cycle.

  Here, in the chopping cycle, FAST DECAY MODE in which current decay is fast and SLOW DECAY MODE in which current decay is slow are mixed, and such a DECAY mode is called MIXED DECAY MODE. The timing for switching between FAST DECAY MODE and SLOW DECAY MODE is called MIXED DECAY TIMING.

  MIXED DECAY TIMMING is set to be switchable in four stages according to 2-bit DECay data output from the microstep decoder 301. As the four-stage switching timing, for example, the chopping cycle is divided into eight, and the time points are 1/8, 3/8, 6/8, and 8/8 from the end of the chopping cycle. That is, the time when FAST DECAY MODE is 12.5%, 37.5%, 75%, and 100% of the chopping cycle. Thus, by switching MIXED DECAY TIMMING, the current damping force (DECAY capability) at the time of chopping changes. As the time ratio (%) of FAST DECAY MODE increases, the current damping force increases, but the current peak value (current ripple) increases, so it is necessary to set an appropriate value according to the load. For example, the standard value is 37.5%.

  In the output control circuit 310, a signal obtained by chopping a constant current that changes in a step-like manner is output to the output circuits 311 and 312 by the operation as described above. The output circuit (A phase) 311 is a circuit that outputs drive current to the A phase (A phase A) drive coil of the stepping motor 200, and the output circuit (B phase) 312 is the B phase (B This is a circuit for outputting a drive current to the drive coil of the (minor phase). Each of the output circuits 311 and 312 supplies a drive current to the drive coil while switching the direction of the current flowing through the drive coil of the stepping motor 200 according to the level of the signal output from the output control circuit 310.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an excitation mode of a stepping motor used for game effects. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, when rotating the rotating drums 222A to 222C as variable display members at a high speed, the 1-2 phase excitation (drive mode) is used as the excitation mode (drive mode) of the stepping motors 200a to 200c. B), the pulse width of the pulse signal (clock signal: CLK) that determines the rotation speed of the motor is 3 ms, and the torque (that is, the peak value of the excitation current) is 100%. Further, when rotating the rotating drums 222A to 222C at medium speed, 1-2 phase excitation (B) is used as the excitation mode of the stepping motors 200a to 200c, the pulse width of the pulse signal is set to 15 ms, and the torque is set to 50%. And

  When rotating the rotating drums 222A to 222C at a low speed, 2W1-2 phase excitation is used as the excitation mode of the stepping motors 200a to 200c, the pulse width of the pulse signal is 8 ms, and the torque is 50%. When rotating the rotating drums 222A to 222C at an extremely low speed, 4W1-2 phase excitation is used as the excitation mode of the stepping motors 200a to 200c, the pulse width of the pulse signal is set to 20 ms, and the torque is set to 50%. When rotating the rotating drums 222A to 222C at an extremely low speed, 4W1-2 phase excitation is used as the excitation mode of the stepping motors 200a to 200c, the pulse width of the pulse signal is set to 60 ms, and the torque is set to 50%.

  The time in parentheses in the item “CLK pulse width” is equivalent to 1-2 phase excitation (B). That is, four steps of 2W1-2 phase excitation correspond to one step in 1-2 phase excitation (B), and eight steps of 4W1-2 phase excitation correspond to one step in 1-2 phase excitation (B) ( 9 to 11). Therefore, the time required to rotate the same angle as the step angle in 1-2 phase excitation (B) (angle rotated in 1 step) is 4 times in 2W1-2 phase excitation and 8 times in 4W1-2 phase excitation. Therefore, the time in parentheses is four times or eight times the CLK pulse width in 2W1-2 phase excitation or 4W1-2 phase excitation. In 2W1-2 phase excitation and 4W1-2 phase excitation, the time corresponding to 1-2 phase excitation (B) is shown in order to make it relatively easy to recognize the time required to rotate the same angle. It is.

  Although not used for game effects in this embodiment, the stepping motor driving method is not limited to the 1-2 phase excitation (B), 2W1-2 phase excitation, and 4W1-2 phase excitation shown in FIG. There are also 1-phase excitation, 2-phase excitation, 1-2-phase excitation (A), W1-2-phase excitation, and the like.

  FIG. 9 is a waveform diagram showing the excitation current flowing in the drive coil of the stepping motor in 1-2 phase excitation (B). In the waveform diagram shown in FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents the current value of the excitation current (drive current), and the horizontal axis represents the number of steps for each pulse signal (clock pulse: CLK). As shown in FIG. 9, the A-phase and B-phase excitation currents change their current values stepwise in synchronization with the rise of the pulse signal input to the motor drive circuit 177. In the 1-2 phase excitation (B), the current values that the A phase and B phase excitation currents can take are, for example, 100%, 71%, 0%, −71%, and −100 of the peak value (maximum value). %. When the current values of the A-phase and B-phase excitation currents are −71% and −100%, it means that the A phase B and the B phase are excited. In FIG. 9, the phase of the A-phase excitation current is 90 degrees ahead of that of the B-phase excitation current. This is when the motor is rotating in the forward direction, and when the motor is rotating in the reverse direction, the phase of the B-phase excitation current is advanced by 90 degrees relative to the phase A excitation current. When the electrical angle is 0 degree (when the A-phase excitation current is 0% and the B-phase excitation current is 100%), the signal level of the MO signal becomes Low level.

  For example, in 1-2 phase excitation (B), if the step angle is 3 degrees, the rotor (rotor) rotates once in 120 steps. If the frequency of the pulse signal is 166 Hz, the period of the pulse signal is 6 ms (that is, the pulse width of the pulse signal is 3 ms), so the time required for one rotation of the rotor is 6 ms × 120 (= 0.72 s). If the frequency of the pulse signal is 33.3 Hz, the period of the pulse signal is 30 ms (that is, the pulse width of the pulse signal is 15 ms), so the time required for one rotation of the rotor is 30 ms × 120. (= 3.6 s).

  Since the torque of the motor is proportional to the current value flowing through the drive coil, for example, if each current value that changes stepwise is halved, the torque is also halved (= 50%).

  FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram showing the excitation current flowing in the drive coil of the stepping motor in 2W1-2 phase excitation. Also in the waveform diagram shown in FIG. 10, the vertical axis represents the current value of the excitation current, and the horizontal axis represents the number of steps for each pulse signal. In 2W1-2 phase excitation, the waveform is obtained by dividing one step of 1-2 phase excitation (B) into four. That is, four steps in 2W1-2 phase excitation correspond to one step in 1-2 phase excitation (B). Thus, in the 2W1-2 phase excitation, the current of the drive coil that is currently excited is gradually decreased, and at the same time, the current of the drive coil that is excited next is gradually increased. Such a driving method is called a microstep method. According to the micro-step method, the step angle unique to the motor can be further subdivided and the motor can be smoothly rotated.

  In 2W1-2 phase excitation, the current values that the A phase and B phase excitation currents can take are, for example, 100%, 98%, 92%, 83%, 71%, 56%, 38%, 20% of the peak value 0%, -20%, -38%, -56%, -71%, -83%, -92%, -98% and -100%. With this value, the excitation current waveform becomes a pseudo sine wave, and the motor can be smoothly rotated. When the current values of the A-phase and B-phase excitation currents are negative, it means that the A phase B and the B phase are excited. When the motor is rotating in the forward direction, the phase A excitation current is 90 degrees ahead of the phase B excitation current. When the motor is rotating in the reverse direction, the phase B excitation current is Is 90 degrees ahead of the A-phase excitation current.

  For example, if the step angle of 1-2 phase excitation (B) is 3 degrees, the step angle of 2W1-2 phase excitation is 3/4 (= 0.75) degrees. Therefore, the rotor (rotor) makes one rotation in 120 × 4 (= 480) steps. If the frequency of the pulse signal is 62.5 Hz, the period of the pulse signal is 16 ms (that is, the pulse width of the pulse signal is 8 ms), so the time required for one rotation of the rotor is 16 ms × 480. (= 7.68 s).

  FIG. 11 is a waveform diagram showing the excitation current flowing in the drive coil of the stepping motor in 4W1-2 phase excitation. Also in the waveform diagram shown in FIG. 11, the vertical axis represents the current value of the excitation current, and the horizontal axis represents the number of steps for each pulse signal. In 4W1-2 phase excitation, the waveform is obtained by dividing one step of 1-2 phase excitation (B) into eight. That is, 8 steps in 4W1-2 phase excitation correspond to 1 step in 1-2 phase excitation (B). As described above, in the 4W1-2 phase excitation, the step of 2W1-2 phase excitation is further finely divided, so that smoother rotation is possible. The driving method using 4W1-2 phase excitation is also called a microstep method.

  As shown in FIG. 11, even in the 4W1-2 phase excitation, the waveforms of the A-phase and B-phase excitation currents are pseudo sine waves. In addition, when the current values of the A-phase and B-phase excitation currents are negative, it means that the A phase B and the B phase are excited. When the motor is rotating in the forward direction, the phase A excitation current is 90 degrees ahead of the phase B excitation current. When the motor is rotating in the reverse direction, the phase B excitation current is Is 90 degrees ahead of the A-phase excitation current.

  For example, if the step angle of 1-2 phase excitation (B) is 3 degrees, the step angle of 4W1-2 phase excitation is 3/8 (= 0.375) degrees. Therefore, the rotor (rotor) makes one rotation in 120 × 8 (= 960) steps. If the frequency of the pulse signal is 25 Hz, the period of the pulse signal is 40 ms (that is, the pulse width of the pulse signal is 20 ms). Therefore, the time required for one rotation of the rotor is 40 ms × 960 (= 38.4 s).

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by game control means (basic circuit: CPU 56 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) on the main board 31. When power is turned on to the gaming machine and the input level of the reset terminal becomes high level, the CPU 56 starts main processing after step S1. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). Then, the built-in device register is initialized (step S4). Further, after initialization (step S5) of CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits), the RAM is set in an accessible state (step S6). The interrupt mode 2 is an address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the game control microcomputer 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device. Is a mode indicating an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch 921 input via the input port only once (step S7). When the on-state is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes normal initialization processing (steps S11 to S14).

  If the clear switch 921 is not in the on state, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped Confirm (step S8). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process. In this example, if “55H” is set in the backup flag area, it means that there is a backup (ON state), and if a value other than “55H” is set, it means that there is no backup (OFF state).

  After confirming that there is a backup, the CPU 56 performs a data check of the backup RAM area (parity check in this example) (step S9). In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power outage or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the display control means to the state when the power supply is stopped (step S10). ). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) stored in the backup RAM area is set in the PC, and the address is restored.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether or not the data in the backup RAM area is stored by using both the backup flag and the check data, but only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the state recovery process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S11). In addition, a predetermined work area (for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a payout command storage pointer, a winning ball flag, a ball out flag, a payout stop flag, etc. A work area setting process for setting an initial value to a flag for selectively performing processing according to the state is performed (step S12). Furthermore, the payout control board 37 and the design output control board receive initialization commands for initializing the sub boards (in this embodiment, the lamp control board 35, the payout control board 37, the sound control board 70, and the design control board 80). The process of transmitting to 80 is executed (step S13). As the initialization command, there are a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the special symbol display 9 and the decorative symbol display device 11, a command for instructing turning off the winning ball lamp 51 and the ball-out lamp 52, and the like.

  Then, a CTC register set in the CPU 56 is set so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 2 ms (step S14). That is, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S11 to S14) is completed, the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) are repeatedly executed in the main process. When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. (Step S19). The display random number is a random number or the like for determining a symbol displayed on the special symbol display 9. The display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. It is. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining the initial value of the count value, such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit (a big hit determination random number generation counter). In a game control process described later, when the count value of the jackpot determination random number generation counter makes one round, an initial value is set in the counter.

  Note that when the display random number update process is executed, the interrupt is prohibited. The display random number update process is also executed in the timer interrupt process described later, and thus conflicts with the process in the timer interrupt process. This is to avoid that. That is, if a timer interrupt is generated during the process of step S17 and the counter value for generating the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt process, the continuity of the count value is impaired. There is a case. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is prohibited during the process of step S17.

  When the timer interruption occurs, the CPU 56 executes the game control process of steps S20 to S33 shown in FIG. In the game control process, the CPU 56 first executes a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal has been output (whether the power-off signal has been turned on) (step S20). The power-off signal is output when, for example, a voltage drop monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a drop in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switch 24a are input via the switch circuit 58, and the state determination thereof is performed (switch processing: step S21).

  Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control is performed (step S22). The CPU 56 further performs processing for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and processing for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (steps S23 and S24).

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Decide whether or not to generate a big hit (for big hit judgment)
(2) Random 3: Decide a special symbol stop symbol that will generate a jackpot (for determining the jackpot symbol)
(3) Random 4: Determine the variation pattern of the decorative pattern (for variation pattern determination)
(4) Random 5: Determines whether or not to reach when no big hit is generated (for reach determination)
(5) Random 6: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(6) Random 7: Determine initial value of random 1 (for determining random 1 initial value)
(7) Random 8: Determine initial value of random 6 (for determining random 6 initial value)
(8) Random 9: Decide whether or not to execute the continuous notice effect (for notice determination)

  In step S22 in the game control process shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 56 generates (1) big hit determination random number, (2) big hit symbol determination random number, and (5) normal symbol determination random number. Counter is incremented (added by 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In order to enhance the game effect, random numbers other than the random numbers (1) to (8) are also used.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S25). In the special symbol process control, corresponding processing is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S26). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of setting a display control command related to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and sending the display control command (special symbol command control process: step S27). In addition, a display control command related to the normal symbol is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 55, and a process of sending the display control command is performed (normal symbol command control process: step S28).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S29).

  In addition, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of the prize opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a (step S30). Specifically, a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls is output to the payout control board 37 in response to detection of winning based on any one of the winning opening switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a being turned on. The payout control CPU mounted on the payout control board 37 drives the ball payout device 97 according to a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls.

  And CPU56 performs the memory | storage process which checks the increase / decrease in the number-of-start winning memory | storage number (step S31). In addition, a test terminal process, which is a process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine, is executed (step S32). Further, when a predetermined condition is established, a drive command is issued to the solenoid circuit 59 (step S33). The solenoid circuit 59 drives the solenoids 16, 21, and 21A in response to a drive command in order to open or close the variable winning ball device 15 or the opening / closing plate 20, or to switch the game ball passage in the special winning opening. To do. Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S34).

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process shown in FIG. 15 is a specific process of step S25 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process, the CPU 56 performs a variable shortening timer subtraction process (step S310) to detect that a game ball has won the start winning opening 14 provided in the game board 6. If the switch 14a is turned on, that is, if a start winning that causes the game ball to win the start winning opening 14 is generated (step S311), the start opening switch passing process (step S312) is performed, and then according to the internal state. Any one of steps S300 to S308 is performed. The variation shortening timer is a timer for setting the variation time when the variation time of the special symbol is shortened.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Waits until the variable symbol variable display can be started. When the special symbol variable display can be started, the start winning memory number is confirmed. If the start winning memorization number is not 0, it is determined whether or not to win the game as a result of variable display of special symbols. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S301.

  Special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301): A stop symbol after variable display of the special symbol is determined. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S302.

  Decoration design variation pattern setting process (step S302): The variation pattern of the variable display of the decoration design is determined according to the value of 4 at random. Also, a variable time timer is started. At this time, information for commanding the variation time and a special symbol stop symbol are transmitted to the symbol control board 80. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S303. By determining the variation pattern of the decorative symbol, the variation time of the decorative symbol and the special symbol is also determined.

  Symbol variation processing (step S303): When a predetermined time (the time indicated by the variation time timer in step S302) elapses, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S304.

  Symbol stop process (step S304): Control is performed so that the special symbol variably displayed on the special symbol display 9 and the decorative symbol variably displayed on the ornament symbol display device 11 are stopped. Specifically, the display control command indicating the special symbol stop is set to be transmitted. If the stop symbol is a big hit symbol, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S305. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S300.

  Big winning opening opening process (step S305): Control for opening the big winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening. Also, the process timer sets the execution time of the big prize opening opening process and sets the big hit flag. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S306.

  Processing for opening a special prize opening (step S306): Control for sending a display control command for a round display of the special prize opening to the symbol control board 80, processing for confirming the establishment of the closing condition for the special prize opening, and the like. When the closing condition for the last big prize opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S307.

  Specific area valid time process (step S307): The presence / absence of passing through the V winning switch 22 is monitored, and a process of confirming that the big hit gaming state continuation condition is satisfied is performed. If the condition for continuing the big hit gaming state is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated to shift to step S305. In addition, when the big hit gaming state continuation condition is not satisfied within a predetermined effective time, or when all rounds are finished, the internal state is updated to shift to step S308.

  Big hit end processing (step S308): Control for causing the display control means to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process (step S312). In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the start winning memorized number has reached 4 which is the maximum value (step S111). If the starting winning memory number has not reached 4, the starting winning memory number is increased by 1 (step S112), each random number value such as a big hit determination random number is extracted, and stored corresponding to the starting winning memory value Store in the area (special symbol determination buffer) (step S113). Note that extracting a random number means reading a count value from a counter for generating a random number and setting the read count value as a random value. In step S113, random numbers 1 to 5 are extracted from the random numbers shown in FIG. Then, a variation time reduction determination time for determining whether or not to reduce the variation time is set (step S114).

  In this embodiment, the big hit symbol is a symbol other than “−”. Note that the display of the display symbols may change discontinuously during the change of the special symbols. If the stop symbol is an odd number or “B”, “E”, “H” in the case of a big hit, the game shifts to a high probability state after the big hit game ends. Further, when a big hit occurs in the high probability state or when a special symbol is changed a predetermined number of times, the high probability state ends and returns to the low probability state.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of symbols (decorative symbols) attached to the surfaces of the rotating drums 222A to 222C together with symbol numbers. Each of the rotating drums 222A to 222C is actually annular, and the upper end and the lower end shown in FIG. 17 are connected. As shown in FIG. 17, each of the three rows of drums is provided with 10 frames of decorative symbols (“7”, “J”, “Q”, “K”, “•”). A plurality of types of decorative symbols attached to the drum correspond to identification information for identifying each of them. The decorative symbols that can be visually recognized by the player are decorative symbols attached to three of the ten frames. That is, the decorative symbols for three consecutive frames are visually recognized by the player through the opening of the drum storage case 201.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the variation time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol and the variation pattern of the decorative symbol used in this embodiment. The variation time of the special symbol and the variation time of the decorative symbol are the same. Also, the special symbol and the decorative symbol start to change at the same time. In the example shown in FIG. 18, there are three types of variation times. There are seven types of decorative pattern variation patterns. However, there may be more types of variation times and variation patterns than the example shown in FIG. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the shortening variation pattern is omitted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 18, there are a normal variation and a normal reach variation that are selected only when it is determined to be off in the decorative symbol variation pattern setting process in the special symbol process, and the normal reach variation is accompanied by a reach effect. In addition, the long reach fluctuation and the super reach fluctuation can be selected in the decorative symbol fluctuation pattern setting process, both when it is decided to be out of place and when it is decided to be a big hit. Accompanied by reach production. Further, when it is determined that the probability variation is a big hit, the super reach variation is selected.

  The display control command shown in FIG. 18 is a command that is transmitted from the game control unit to the display control unit when a corresponding decorative design variation pattern is selected, and is a command for designating a variation pattern.

  In the decorative symbol variation pattern setting process, when reaching a big hit, the super reach variation is selected with a higher probability than the long reach variation. That is, the super-reach fluctuation increases the reliability of the big hit occurrence than the long-reach fluctuation.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 is in a state where the variation of the special symbol can be started (for example, when the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300) (step S51), the start winning memory is stored. The value of the number (holding storage number) is confirmed (step S52). Specifically, the count value of the start winning counter is confirmed. The case where the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300 is a case where the symbol is not changed in the special symbol display 9 and the game is not a big hit game.

  If the start winning memory number is not 0, a notice setting process is executed (step S53). The notice setting process is a process for determining whether or not to execute a notice effect. The notice effect is an effect for notifying the player that the game will be a big hit or reach, or that the possibility is high. In the advance notice setting process, the CPU 56 reads the jackpot determination random number value and the reach determination random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the start winning memory number, whether or not each start winning memory is a big hit, and the reach. It is determined whether or not. When it is determined that a big hit or a reach is reached, the CPU 56 extracts a random number for notice determination and determines whether or not to perform a continuous notice (notice effect executed over a plurality of variable displays) based on the random value. To decide. When it is determined that the continuous notice is to be performed, the CPU 56 executes processing for transmitting a notice execution command for causing the symbol control board 80 (display control means) to execute the continuous notice.

  Next, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the starting winning memory number = 1 is read out and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S54), and the starting winning memory number is decreased by 1 (start winning prize) The storage counter is decremented by 1), and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S55). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the start winning memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the storage area corresponding to the starting winning memory number = n−1. Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective start winning memory numbers are extracted always matches the order of the starting winning memory numbers = 1, 2, 3, and 4. It has become. In other words, in this example, every time the variable display start condition is satisfied, the CPU 56 executes a process of shifting the contents of each storage area. It can be easily specified which start winning memory the result corresponds to.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads the jackpot determination random number from the random number storage buffer (step S56) and performs a jackpot determination (step S57). In the jackpot determination, it is determined whether or not the jackpot determination value set in the jackpot determination table matches the jackpot determination random number value, and if both values match, it is determined to win. By setting the jackpot judgment table so that the number of jackpot judgment values used at high probability (when probability changes) is larger than the number of jackpot judgment values used at low probability (when non-probability changes), The probability (probability) that the jackpot is higher at the probability time than at the low probability time. When it is determined to be a big hit (step S58), the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag (step S59). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S60).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a special symbol stop symbol setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop symbol setting process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit flag is set (step S61). When the big hit flag is set, the stop symbol (in this case, the big hit symbol) is determined according to the value of the big hit symbol random number (random 3) (random 3 read in step S53) (step S62). In this embodiment, each symbol of the symbol number set in the jackpot symbol table corresponding to the value of random 3 is determined as a jackpot symbol. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation pattern setting process (step S63).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol variation pattern setting process (step S302) in the special symbol process. In the decorative symbol variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 checks the state of the big hit flag (step S71). If the big hit flag is set, the big hit hour variation pattern type table is selected (step S72), and the big hit flag is set. If not, the deviation variation type table is selected (step S73).

  Here, the big hit time fluctuation pattern type table is a table used to determine the type of fluctuation pattern (any one of the fluctuation pattern numbers 4, 6, and 7 shown in FIG. 18) when it is determined that the big hit. It is. The deviation variation pattern type table is a table used to determine a variation pattern type (any one of the variation pattern numbers 1, 2, 3, and 5 shown in FIG. 18) when it is determined to be a deviation. is there. In these variation pattern type tables, comparison values to be compared with variation pattern determination random numbers are set in a state of being distributed corresponding to each variation pattern.

  Next, the CPU 56 extracts the variation pattern determination random number (random 4) from the variation pattern determination random number counter (step S74), and determines the variation pattern using the variation pattern type table selected in step S72 or step S73. (Step S75). Specifically, a predetermined variation pattern among a plurality of types of variation patterns is set in advance in the big hit hour variation pattern type table or the off-time variation pattern type table selected as the use table. In step S75, among the variation patterns set in advance in the big hit variation pattern type table or the loss variation pattern type table, a comparison value that matches the variation pattern determination random number extracted in step S74 is assigned. It is determined that the fluctuation pattern is a fluctuation pattern from which fluctuation is started.

  When the variation pattern is determined, the CPU 56 sets the variation time data of the determined variation pattern in the special symbol process timer (step S76). Then, the CPU 56 sets the address of the determined command transmission table for specifying the variation pattern in the pointer (step S77), and executes a command setting process which is a subroutine (step S78).

  A display control command is transmitted to the symbol control board 80 by executing the command set process. In this embodiment, each display control command that can be transmitted to the display control means is stored in a ROM command transmission table. In the command set process, the CPU 56 sets the display control command data stored at the ROM address indicated by the pointer to the output port for outputting the display control command data, and indicates that the command is transmitted. A display control INT signal is output.

  After that, control for transmitting a display control command indicating the stop symbol (special symbol jackpot symbol) determined in the special symbol stop symbol setting process to the symbol control board 80 is performed. In addition, if not a big hit, control is also performed to transmit a display control command indicating a loss symbol (a special symbol loss symbol) to the symbol control board 80.

  Then, when the variation time has elapsed, the CPU 56 performs control for transmitting a display control command indicating the stop (determination) of the special symbol to the symbol control board 80.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the storage process (step 31) in the 2 ms timer interrupt process. In the storage process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the count value of the start winning storage counter is the same as the count value of the previous start winning storage counter (step S161). If they are not the same, that is, if there is a change in the number of starting winning memories, the address of the command sending table for starting winning memory designation corresponding to the number of starting winning memories is set in the pointer (step S162), and a command set as a subroutine is set. Processing is executed (step S163). Then, the count value of the starting winning memory counter is set in the previous starting winning memory counter (step S164).

  When the start winning memory number is changed by the above processing, a display control command for designating the start winning memory number is transmitted to the display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80 (steps S161 to S163). Note that the information indicated by the display control command for designating the start winning memory number is also transmitted to the lamp control board 35 via the display control means. The lamp control means mounted on the lamp control board 35 controls the display state of the special symbol start winning indicator 18 based on the information indicated by the display control command for designating the start winning memory number.

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the game control means to the display control means will be described. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing signal lines for display control commands transmitted from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80. As shown in FIG. 23, in this embodiment, the display control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the symbol control board 80 through eight signal lines of display control signals D0 to D7. Further, a display control INT signal signal line for transmitting a strobe signal (display control INT signal) is also provided between the main board 31 and the symbol control board 80. FIG. 23 shows an example of the display control command, but the control command to another electrical component control board (sub-board: the payout control means in this embodiment) also includes eight signal lines. It is transmitted by one INT signal line.

  In this embodiment, the display control command has a 2-byte configuration, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 24, 8-bit display control command data of the display control command is output in synchronization with the display control INT signal. The display control means mounted on the symbol control board 80 detects that the display control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data fetch process by an interrupt process. Accordingly, when viewed from the display control means, the display control INT signal corresponds to a capture signal that triggers capture of display control command data.

  The display control command is sent only once so that the display control means can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the level of the display control INT signal changes, and that it is sent only once so as to be recognizable means, for example, that each of the first and second bytes of the display control command data. Accordingly, the display control INT signal is output in a pulse shape (rectangular wave shape) only once. The display control INT signal may have a polarity opposite to that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a display control command sent to the symbol control board 80. In the example shown in FIG. 25, commands 8000 (H) to 8006 (H) are display control commands (decorative symbol variation pattern commands) for designating the variation pattern of the ornament symbols of variation pattern numbers 1 to 7 shown in FIG. It is. Since the variation time of the variation pattern corresponding to each decorative symbol variation pattern command is determined, the decorative symbol variation pattern command is also a display control command for designating the variation time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol. The decorative symbol variation pattern command also serves as a special symbol and decorative symbol variation start instruction.

  Command 8200 (H) is a notice execution designation command.

  The command 88XX (H) (X = any value of 4 bits) is a display control command related to a normal symbol variation pattern. The command 89XX (H) is a display control command for designating a normal symbol stop symbol. Command 8A00 (H) is a display control command for instructing stop of variable display of normal symbols.

  Command 91XX (H) is a display control command for designating a special symbol stop symbol. A symbol number is set in “XX”. Command A000 (H) is a display control command for instructing stop of variable symbol special display. The command BXXX (H) is a display control command that is sent from the start of the big hit game to the end of the big hit game. Commands C000 (H) to EXXXX (H) are display control commands relating to the display state of the special symbol display 9 that is not related to the variation of the special symbol and the big hit game.

  Command D000 (H) is a display control command for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The command E0XX (H) is a display control command for designating the number of start winning memories related to special symbols. In this embodiment, since the upper limit value of the start winning memory is 4, “XX” is any one of 0-4.

  The command E400 (H) is a command transmitted when the high probability state is changed to the low probability state, and the command E401 (H) is transmitted when the low probability state is changed to the high probability state. It is a command.

  When the display control means of the symbol control board 80 receives the display control command described above from the game control means of the main board 31, the display state of the decorative symbol display device 11 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. The received display control command is transmitted to the lamp control board 35 as it is or after changing the data format. Note that control commands other than the example shown in FIG. 25 are also transmitted from the game control means to the display control means. For example, a display command of the prize ball lamp 51 or the ball break lamp 52, a control command indicating the number of lighting of the normal symbol start memory display 41, a more detailed display control command related to the big hit game is also displayed from the game control means. Sent to.

  26 to 28 are timing charts showing examples of decorative symbol variation. 26 to 28, the rotating drum 222A is referred to as a left drum, the rotating drum 222B is referred to as a middle drum, and the rotating drum 222C is referred to as a right drum.

  FIG. 26 is a timing chart showing a normal variation of variation pattern number 1 shown in FIG. When the display control means receives a display control command of “8000 (H)” from the game control means, the display control means controls the rotation of the three drums in the variation mode (variation pattern) shown in FIG.

  In the normal fluctuation, when the fluctuation is started, the three drums simultaneously start to rotate in the forward direction (forward direction) and increase the rotation speed in a predetermined period after the rotation starts. The three drums rotate at a high speed for a predetermined period. During high-speed rotation, motor drive control is performed with a 3 ms pulse by 1-2 phase excitation (B) as shown in FIG. Then, when a predetermined period has elapsed, the three drums start decelerating and gradually reduce the rotation speed. The rotation speed of the drum is reduced by changing the pulse width (ie, frequency) of the pulse signal. The pulse width of the pulse signal is changed so as to gradually increase from 3 ms within a predetermined deceleration period. Then, after a predetermined deceleration period has elapsed, the three rotating drums rotate at a medium speed for a predetermined period. During medium speed rotation, motor drive control is performed with a 15 ms pulse by 1-2 phase excitation (B) as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the left drum stops first, the middle drum stops, and finally the right drum stops. Note that the three drums stop after the rotation speed is lowered in a predetermined period before the stop.

  When three drums are stopped (at the time of final stop: at the time of determination), three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines (FIG. 26) are among the 3 rows × 3 columns = 9 symbols visually recognized by the player. The same symbol does not appear in the lines (1) to (5) shown in FIG. Note that the lines (1) to (5) shown in FIG. 26 are effective lines in which decorative symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol when a big hit is made.

  In each drum, each of the three frames (three rows) visually recognized by the player is referred to as an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage in order from the top. In the example shown in FIG. 26, the symbol “7” stops in the middle stage of the left drum, the symbol “7” stops in the upper and lower stages of the middle drum, and the symbol “K” in the middle stage and the symbol “Q” of the lower drum. Is stopped. Further, the positive direction (forward direction) rotation means that a symbol attached to the drum rotates from top to bottom. In addition, when the drum is stopped and the stop symbol is displayed so as to be visible to the player, the display result of the identification information is derived and displayed.

  In addition, how to stop the three drums, that is, how to make 3 rows × 3 columns = 9 symbols at the time of final stop, is uniquely determined by the display control means (without instruction from the game control means) It is determined.

  In this embodiment, one type of variation mode is used as the normal variation. However, when the display control means receives a display control command of “8000 (H)”, a plurality of types of variations determined as the normal variation are used. One of the variation modes may be selected, and the rotation of the three drums may be controlled so as to realize the selected variation mode.

  FIG. 27 is a timing chart showing the normal reach fluctuation of the fluctuation pattern number 2 shown in FIG. When the display control means receives a display control command of “8001 (H)” from the game control means, the display control means controls the rotation of the three drums in the variation mode (variation pattern) shown in FIG.

  In the normal reach variation, as in the case of the normal variation described above, when the variation is started, the three drums simultaneously start to rotate in the positive direction and rotate at a high speed for a predetermined period. Then, when a predetermined period has elapsed, the three drums start decelerating and gradually reduce the rotation speed. Then, after a predetermined deceleration period has elapsed, the three rotating drums rotate at a medium speed for a predetermined period. Thereafter, the left drum stops first, and then the middle drum stops. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 27, the left drum and the middle drum are stopped at the same design (design “7”) in the middle horizontal line (effective line (2)), thereby reaching the reach state. Develop. In addition, the arrow in a figure has shown the state which the right drum is fluctuating (rotating).

  When the middle drum stops, the right drum starts to decelerate and gradually decreases its rotational speed. The rotation speed of the right drum is reduced by changing the pulse width (that is, the frequency) of the pulse signal while keeping the drive mode at the 1-2 phase excitation (B). The pulse width of the pulse signal is changed so as to gradually increase from 15 ms within a predetermined deceleration period. Then, when a predetermined deceleration period has elapsed, the rotation speed of the right drum is changed to a low speed. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the motor drive control is switched to 8 ms pulses by 2W1-2 phase excitation. Thereafter, the right drum rotates at a low speed for a predetermined period and then stops.

  Note that when the normal reach variation is performed, the symbols to be stopped are always out of order, so that the symbols other than “7” are stopped in the middle of the right drum.

  In this embodiment, one type of variation mode is used as the normal reach variation. However, when the display control means receives a display control command of “8001 (H)”, a plurality of types of variation determined as the normal reach variation are used. One of the variation modes may be selected, and the rotation of the three drums may be controlled so as to realize the selected variation mode.

  FIG. 28 is a timing chart showing the super reach fluctuation of the fluctuation pattern numbers 5 to 7 shown in FIG. When the display control means receives any one of the display control commands “8004 (H)” to “8006 (H)” from the game control means, the display mode change means (variation pattern) shown in FIG. Control the rotation.

  Also in the super reach variation, as in the case of the normal variation and the normal reach variation described above, when the variation starts, the three drums simultaneously start to rotate in the positive direction and rotate at a high speed for a predetermined period. Then, when a predetermined period has elapsed, the three drums start decelerating and gradually reduce the rotation speed. Then, after a predetermined deceleration period has elapsed, the three rotating drums rotate at a medium speed for a predetermined period. After that, the left drum stops first, and the middle drum stops. At this time, the symbols of the left drum and the middle drum are stopped at the same design in any effective line, so that the reach state is developed. When the middle drum stops, the right drum starts to decelerate and gradually decreases its rotational speed. When a predetermined deceleration period elapses, the rotation speed of the right drum is changed to a low speed, and then the right drum rotates at a low speed for a predetermined period. The variation pattern so far is the same as the normal reach variation described above.

  When the right drum rotates at a low speed for a predetermined period, the left drum and the middle drum simultaneously start rotating in the reverse direction (reverse rotation), and stop at the same time as the predetermined period elapses after starting rotation. At this time, the symbols of the left drum and the middle drum are stopped at the same design in any effective line, so that a super reach state is developed. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the symbols of the left drum and the middle drum are the same in the two effective lines of the middle horizontal line (effective line (2)) and the slanting line to the right (effective line (5)). The symbols “7”) are all stopped. Such reach is called double reach. Superreach is a reach that gives players the expectation of a big hit, and does not mean that a reach is established with two or more lines.

  On the other hand, at the same timing when the left drum and middle drum start reverse rotation, the drive mode of the right drum is switched from 2W1-2 phase excitation to 1-2 phase excitation (B), and the pulse width of the pulse signal is set to 8 ms. Is switched to a predetermined length (for example, 32 ms corresponding to 1-2 phase excitation (B)), and the pulse width of the pulse signal is gradually shortened (approached to 3 ms), whereby the rotation speed of the right drum is increased. Accelerate. After a predetermined acceleration period has elapsed, the right drum rotates at a high speed. When a predetermined period of time elapses with high-speed rotation, the right drum starts decelerating and gradually decreases the rotation speed. The rotation speed of the right drum is reduced by changing the pulse width (that is, the frequency) of the pulse signal while keeping the drive mode at the 1-2 phase excitation (B). The pulse width of the pulse signal is changed so as to gradually increase from 3 ms within a predetermined deceleration period. When the predetermined deceleration period has elapsed, the rotation speed of the right drum is changed to an ultra-low speed. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the motor drive control is switched to a 20 ms pulse by 4W1-2 phase excitation. Thereafter, the right drum rotates at a very low speed for a predetermined period and then stops.

  When the super reach variation is performed, the display result of the symbol is off as shown in FIG. 19, and is either a non-probable large hit or a probable big hit. Further, the reverse rotation (reverse rotation) means that a symbol attached to the drum rotates from the bottom to the top.

  It should be noted that the fluctuation pattern of the normal fluctuation of fluctuation pattern number 1 shown in FIG. 26 described above is determined only when it is off as shown in FIG. 18, but it is determined when it is a big hit. It may be. However, the probability that the fluctuation pattern of the normal fluctuation is determined at the time of the deviation is set higher than that at the time of the big hit. Specifically, the number of comparison values corresponding to the fluctuation pattern of normal fluctuation in the fluctuation pattern type table at the time of loss is relatively larger than the number of comparison values corresponding to the fluctuation pattern of normal fluctuation in the big hit fluctuation pattern type table. Do more. Such a variation pattern of normal variation corresponds to the normal variable display pattern in the present invention. In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, the fluctuation pattern of the super reach fluctuations of fluctuation pattern numbers 5 to 7 shown in FIG. 28 is determined in both cases of detachment and big hit (non-probable big hit, probable big hit). However, the probability of determining the fluctuation pattern of the super reach fluctuation at the big hit is set to be higher than that at the time of losing. Specifically, the number of comparison values corresponding to the fluctuation pattern of super reach fluctuation in the big hit hour fluctuation pattern type table is relative to the number of comparison values corresponding to the fluctuation pattern of super reach fluctuation in the loss fluctuation pattern type table. To increase. Such a variation pattern of the super reach variation corresponds to the specific variable display pattern in the present invention.

  Next, the operation of the display control means will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the display control CPU 101 mounted on the symbol control board 80. In the main processing, first, initialization processing for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, processing for setting the drum to the initial position, initial setting of the 2 ms timer for determining the start interval of display control, and the like. Is performed (step S701). Thereafter, the display control CPU 101 shifts to a loop process for confirming the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the display control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the display control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following display control process.

  In this embodiment, the timer interrupt takes every 2 ms. That is, the display control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the specific display control process is executed in the main process. However, the display control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.

  In the display control process, the display control CPU 101 first analyzes the received display control command (command analysis execution process: step S704). Next, a lamp control command output process for transmitting a lamp control command to the lamp control board 35 is performed (step S705). Further, the display control CPU 101 performs display control process processing (step S706). In the display control process process, a process corresponding to the current control state is selected and executed from among the processes corresponding to the control state. Further, a motor control process for controlling the three drum motors 200a, 200b, 200c for rotating the three drums is performed (step S707). Then, a process of updating (+1) the random number counter is executed (step S708). Thereafter, the process returns to the process of checking the timer interrupt flag in step S702.

  In this embodiment, as a random number counter, a counter for generating a stop symbol determining random number for determining a decorative symbol stop symbol, a normal notice (a notice not based on the start winning memory, that is, a variable of multiple times) There are a notice random number counter 1 used for determining whether or not to perform a notice different from the continuous notice for making a notice over the display, and a notice random number counter 2 used for determining the mode of the continuous notice.

  An INT signal for display control from the main board 31 is input to an interrupt terminal of the CPU 101 for display control. For example, when the INT signal from the main board 31 is turned on, the display control CPU 101 is interrupted. Then, the display control CPU 101 executes display control command reception processing in the interrupt processing. In the display control command reception process, the display control CPU 101 stores the received display control command data in the reception command buffer.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the display control process (step S706) in the main process shown in FIG. In the display control process, any one of steps S800 to S804 is performed according to the value of the display control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not a display control command (fluctuation pattern command) capable of specifying the fluctuation time is received by the command reception interrupt process. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a flag (variation pattern command reception flag) indicating that a variation pattern command has been received is set. The variation pattern command reception flag is set when it is confirmed by the command analysis processing that a display control command for designating a decorative symbol variation pattern has been received. The variation pattern command is a display control command of 8000 (H) to 8006 (H).

  Preliminary notice selection process (step S801): When it is designated to perform the continuous notice effect, the mode of the continuous notice effect is determined. In addition, it is determined whether or not to give a normal notice.

  Symbol variation start processing (step S802): Control is performed so that drum variation is started.

  Symbol variation processing (step S803): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern, and monitors the end of the variation time.

  Symbol stop waiting setting process (step S804): If a display control command (special symbol stop display control command) instructing symbol stop is received at the end of the variation time, control for stopping the symbol variation is performed.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the display control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S871). If it is set, the flag is reset (step S872). Then, the count value of the counter for generating the stop symbol determining random number is set as the stop symbol determining random number, and the decorative symbol stop symbol is determined based on the stop symbol determining random number (step S873).

  The stop symbols to be determined include a stop symbol at the time of a temporary stop and a final stop symbol. In the ROM 102, 3 × 3 = 9 corresponding to each of the variation pattern command transmitted at the time of the deviation, the variation pattern command transmitted at the time of the non-probable variation big hit, and the variation pattern command transmitted at the time of the probability variation big hit. A table in which data indicating how to make the decorative symbols stop is set. The display control CPU 101 determines the stop symbol of the decorative symbol from the value of the random symbol for determining the stop symbol and the setting data of the table.

  Then, the drum initialization request flag is set (step S874), and the value of the display control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the notice selection process (step S801) (step S875).

  In the advance notice selection process, the display control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the advance notice command has been received by the command reception interrupt process. When the advance notice command is received, the display value of the notice counter 2 is notified. Extracted as random number 2. The ROM 102 stores a table in which a plurality of numerical values and data indicating a continuous notice mode corresponding to the numerical values are set. The display control CPU 101 determines the continuous notice mode corresponding to the numerical value in the table that matches the value of the notice random number 2 as the continuous notice mode to be used. On the other hand, when the notice execution command is not received, the count value of the notice counter 1 is extracted as the notice random number 2. The ROM 102 stores a normal notice determination table in which a plurality of numerical values and data corresponding to the numerical values and indicating whether or not to perform a normal notice are set. The display control CPU 101 determines to perform the normal notice if the numerical value in the table corresponding to the value of the notice random number 1 corresponds to data indicating that the normal notice is to be given. Then, the display control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the symbol variation start process (step S802).

  FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. As shown in FIG. 32, the process table includes a plurality of process data 1 to n. The process table is stored in the ROM 102. Each process data 1 to n sets data indicating the contents of drive control of drum motors (stepping motors) 200a, 200b, and 200c that drive the rotating drums 222A to 222C, and a time during which display control based on the data is performed. A process timer is set. As shown in FIG. 32, the time obtained by adding the process timers included in the process data 1 to n is the variation time of one variation pattern.

  Data indicating the content of motor drive control in the process data (hereinafter referred to as motor control execution data) includes data indicating the drive mode (excitation mode) of the drum motors 200a, 200b, and 200c, and torque (peak value of excitation current). ), Data indicating the rotation direction (forward direction or reverse direction), data indicating the speed (pulse frequency, that is, pulse width), and data indicating the number of steps to be rotated at the speed are set ( (See FIGS. 33 and 34).

  The process table is provided corresponding to each of the three rotating drums 222A to 222C. For example, in the process table corresponding to the left drum 222A, when high-speed rotation in the forward direction is performed, a process timer indicating the time for high-speed rotation and 1-2 phase excitation (B) which is a drive mode at high-speed rotation , Data indicating that the rotation direction is the positive direction (forward direction), data indicating that the torque is 100%, data indicating the speed during high-speed rotation, and a step of rotating at that speed Data indicating a number is set. In addition, when the operation is temporarily stopped, a process timer indicating the stop period time, data indicating speed 0, and dummy step number data are set. In this case, data indicating the drive mode, the rotation direction, and the torque may not be set. Furthermore, when performing reverse direction medium speed rotation, the process timer indicating the time for rotating at medium speed, the data indicating the 1-2 phase excitation (B) which is the drive mode at the medium speed rotation, and the rotation direction are Data indicating the reverse direction, data indicating that the torque is 50%, data indicating the speed at the medium speed rotation, and data indicating the number of steps to rotate at the speed are set.

  Further, the process table is prepared according to the display pattern at the time of stop in each variation pattern. For example, even if the variation pattern of the same super reach variation is different, if the display pattern at the time of stop is different, the number of rotations (number of steps) in the variation period is slightly different. However, even if the display pattern at the time of stop is different, it is necessary to make the variation time the same 29.0 seconds (in the case of super reach). Therefore, for example, the rotation speed is slightly different in the period at the start of rotation and the period at the end of rotation. That is, in the process table, the rotation speed and the number of steps corresponding to such a period are varied.

  The display control CPU 101 refers to the process table as described above, and drives the drum motors 200a, 200b, and 200c for the time set in the process timer according to the content set in the motor control execution data. Thus, control is performed to rotate the rotating drums 222A to 222C.

  Note that it is preferable to prepare different process tables for the same variation pattern (further, the same stop pattern) depending on whether or not to give a notice and depending on the type of notice. The process table is used in symbol variation start processing, symbol variation in-process, and motor control processing. If a large number of process tables are prepared in this way, symbol variation start processing and symbol variation in progress. Processing and motor control processing can be easily executed.

  33 and 34 are explanatory diagrams showing specific contents of process data (motor control execution data) constituting the process table. The motor control execution data shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 is obtained by starting to rotate the drum in the positive direction and then gradually increasing the rotation speed (slow up), rotating at a high speed with a 3 ms pulse, and then at a high speed with a 4 ms pulse. , Then rotate at a high speed with a 5 ms pulse, then rotate at a medium speed with a 15 ms pulse, then switch to a low speed rotation with an 8 ms pulse, rotate at a low speed for a predetermined period, and then stop the drum It is data for executing drive control. The motor control execution data can be used as data for executing drive control of the right drum 222C in the normal reach fluctuation shown in FIG. 27, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the motor control execution data indicates data indicating that the drive mode when starting the rotation of the drum is 1-2 phase excitation (B), and that the torque is 100%. Data and data indicating that the rotation direction is the positive direction are set. Therefore, at the beginning of rotation, drive control in the high speed mode of forward rotation shown in FIG. 8 is executed. Further, in the figure, “X, Y” (both X and Y are integers), “X” indicates the speed (pulse width), and “Y” indicates the number of steps to be rotated at that speed. Specifically, “6, 1” means that the pulse is input once at an interval of 6 ms (that is, the pulse width is 6 ms). Similarly, “9, 1” means that the interval is 9 ms. This means that pulse input is performed once.

  At the beginning of rotation, the speed and the number of steps are “6, 1”, “9, 1”, “8, 1”, “5, 1”, but this is suddenly rotated at a high speed (3 ms). Instead, the control is performed so as to gradually increase the rotation speed of the drum. “: 8 STEP” in the figure indicates the total number of steps after the start of rotation. In addition, “(MO output)” in the figure indicates that the electrical angle is 0 degrees and the MO signal is output in this step.

  After increasing the rotational speed of the drum, pulse input of high speed 3 ms (high speed rotation with 3 ms pulse) is continuously performed. Specifically, since “3,200” and “3,72” are set, pulse input is performed 200 times at intervals of 3 ms, and pulse input is performed 72 times at intervals of 3 ms. That is, 272 pulse inputs are performed at intervals of 3 ms. The high speed 3 ms is set to 40 steps or more at a minimum.

  Thereafter, correction is performed to reduce the drum rotation speed to a pulse width of 4 ms. Specifically, since “5, 1”, “3, 1”,..., “4, 1” are set, a pulse input in which the pulse width is changed for each step according to such setting contents. I do.

  After decelerating the rotation speed of the drum, pulse input of high speed 4 ms (high speed rotation with 4 ms pulse) is continuously performed. Specifically, since “4,200” and “4,80” are set, pulse input is performed 200 times at 4 ms intervals, and pulse input is performed 80 times at 4 ms intervals. That is, pulse input is performed 280 times at intervals of 4 ms. The high speed 4 ms is also set to 40 steps or more.

  Thereafter, correction is performed to reduce the drum rotation speed to a pulse width of 5 ms. Specifically, since “6, 1”, “4, 1”,..., “5, 1” are set, a pulse input in which the pulse width is changed for each step according to such setting contents. I do.

  After decelerating the rotation speed of the drum, pulse input of high speed 5 ms (high speed rotation with 5 ms pulse) is continuously performed. Specifically, since “5,200” and “5,80” are set, pulse input is performed 200 times at 5 ms intervals, and pulse input is performed 80 times at 5 ms intervals. That is, pulse input is performed 280 times at intervals of 5 ms. The high speed 5 ms is also set to 40 steps or more.

  Then, correction for decelerating the drum rotation speed to a medium speed (pulse width 15 ms) is performed. Specifically, since “10, 1”, “5, 1”,..., “15, 1” are set, a pulse input in which the pulse width is changed for each step according to such setting contents. I do.

  Next, in order to switch from the high speed mode to the medium speed mode, the driving torque is switched from 100% to 50%. This is because the torque is 50% in the medium speed mode as shown in FIG. Thereafter, pulse input is performed once at an interval of 15 ms, and then pulse input is continuously performed at a medium speed of 15 ms (medium speed rotation at 15 ms). Specifically, since “15, 200” and “15, 80” are set, pulse input is performed 200 times at 15 ms intervals, and pulse input is performed 80 times at 15 ms intervals. The medium speed of 15 ms is also set to 40 steps or more.

  Thereafter, correction is performed to reduce the drum rotation speed to a low speed (pulse width 8 ms in 2W1-2 phase excitation, that is, pulse width 32 ms in 1-2 phase excitation (B)). Specifically, since “15, 1”, “15, 1”... “22, 1” are set, the pulse input with the pulse width changed for each step according to such setting contents. I do.

  Next, in order to switch from the medium speed mode to the low speed mode, the drive torque is set to 50%, and the drive mode is switched from 1-2 phase excitation (B) to 2W1-2 phase excitation. As shown in FIG. 8, in the low speed mode, the torque is 50%, and the drive mode is 2W1-2 phase excitation. Thereafter, pulse input is performed once at an interval of 8 ms, and then pulse input at a low speed of 8 ms (corresponding to 32 ms in 1-2 phase excitation (B)) is continuously performed. Specifically, since “8, 200” and “8, 152” are set, pulse input is performed 200 times at 8 ms intervals, and pulse input is performed 152 times at 8 ms intervals. The low speed 8 ms is also set to 40 steps or more.

  Then, in order to stop the rotation of the drum, correction for reducing the rotation speed of the drum is performed. Specifically, since “8, 24”, “8, 1”, “13, 1”, “8, 1” are set, the pulse width is set for each step in accordance with such setting contents. Change the pulse input. Finally, data indicating the end of process data is set.

  In the motor control execution data as described above, the period during which the drum is rotated at a low speed of 8 ms corresponds to the period during which the right drum is rotated at a low speed in FIG. Here, when the right drum is rotated at a low speed, the reach state is established, and whether or not the big hit is determined by the stop pattern of the right drum, the player can Pay attention to the drums. In this embodiment, 2W1-2 phase excitation is used as the motor drive mode at the time of low-speed rotation that the player is paying attention to in this way. In the 2W1-2 phase excitation, since the number of steps is finely divided as compared with the 1-2 phase excitation (B), the drum can be rotated smoothly. Then, by smoothening the rotation of the drum that the player is paying attention to, the rotation of the drum can be seen clearly, so that the interest of the specific effect (reach effect) can be enhanced. In this way, at the time of a specific effect (reach effect) in which the player pays attention to the derivation display of the identification information display result, the micro step control (drive control by 2W1-2 phase excitation) is used to enhance the interest of the specific effect. ing.

  On the other hand, in the motor control execution data, the right drum is rotated at high speed in FIG. 27 during the period in which the drum is rotated at a high speed (3 ms, 4 ms, 5 ms) and the period in which the drum is rotated at a medium speed of 15 ms. Corresponds to the period and the period of rotating the right drum at medium speed. In such a period, the display result such as the big hit is not derived and displayed, so it is considered that the player does not pay attention to the rotation of the right drum at high speed and medium speed. Also, since the rotation speed is faster than when rotating at a low speed, it is difficult to recognize whether the player is rotating smoothly. Therefore, in this embodiment, 1-2 phase excitation (B) is used as a motor drive mode at high speed rotation and medium speed rotation. In the drive control by 1-2 phase excitation (B), the drum rotation is not as smooth as the drive control by 2W1-2 phase excitation, but the drum is not attracting attention by the player and has a relatively high rotation speed. It is sufficient to be used for driving the rotation of the motor. Also, in the 1-2 phase excitation (B), the number of steps required to rotate the fixed angle is smaller than that in the 2W1-2 phase excitation, and therefore the data indicating the number of steps paired with the data indicating the rotation speed. The amount of data is small.

  For example, if 2W1-2 phase excitation is used instead of 1-2 phase excitation (B) as the drive mode at high speed rotation and medium speed rotation, the data indicating the number of steps is the 1-2 phase excitation (B) data. Four times more than necessary. Specifically, in FIG. 33, the number of steps when “high-speed 3 ms continuous” is performed is 272 in the 1-2 phase excitation (B), but becomes 1088 that is four times in the 2W1-2 phase excitation. . Therefore, if a large number of process tables are provided in accordance with the type of variation pattern, the three drums, the type of stop symbol, etc., the amount of data indicating the number of steps as a whole increases significantly. However, if the 1-2 phase excitation (B) is used during high speed rotation and medium speed rotation, such an increase in data amount can be avoided.

  In addition, in the motor control execution data shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the drive control at a high speed of 3 ms to the drive control at a high speed of 4 ms, the drive control at a high speed of 4 ms to the drive control at a high speed of 5 ms, and at a high speed of 5 ms. Switching timing from drive control to drive control at a medium speed of 15 ms, and further from drive control at a medium speed of 15 ms to drive control at a low speed of 8 ms is at the time of MO output, that is, when the electrical angle is 0 degree. Therefore, since the excitation pattern is not changed in the middle step of the excitation current between 0% and 100%, it is possible to reliably prevent the step-out due to the change of the excitation pattern.

  In the motor control execution data shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the timing for stopping the motor is also set at the time of MO output, that is, when the electrical angle is 0 degree. If the motor is stopped in the middle step, there is a risk of stepping out when the motor is rotated again. However, if the motor is stopped during MO output, it will step out when rotation is resumed. Can be prevented.

  In addition, in the motor control execution data shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, when switching from the medium speed mode to the low speed mode, control (transition control) for changing the pulse width in the drive control in the medium speed mode is performed to change the rotation speed. After correction, the medium speed mode is shifted to the low speed mode. In this way, by performing transition control in a relatively high rotational speed mode (medium speed mode rather than low speed mode), it is possible to reduce the amount of data and avoid a sudden change in pulse width. Can do.

  That is, contrary to the above case, after switching from the medium speed mode to the low speed mode, it is also possible to perform transition control in which the pulse width is changed in drive control in the low speed mode. However, rather than increasing the number of pulses (number of steps) suddenly and then gradually decreasing it, the number of steps is indicated by switching the drive mode after correcting the rotational speed to a low speed in advance. It is possible to reduce the amount of data and to avoid a sudden change in pulse width. Therefore, in this embodiment, the transition control is performed in a mode with a relatively high rotational speed.

  33 and 34 do not show motor control execution data corresponding to the drive control of the left drum 222A and the middle drum 222B in the normal reach fluctuation shown in FIG. 27, such data is naturally set in the process table. Has been. Further, the motor control execution data corresponding to the drive control of each of the drums 222A to 222C in the normal fluctuation shown in FIG. 26 and the super reach fluctuation shown in FIG. 28 is naturally set in the process table.

  Further, in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, data indicating the content of drive control from the start to the stop of the drum rotation is set as one motor control execution data. It is also possible to divide and set execution data.

  Also, when switching from the high speed mode (drive control by 1-2 phase excitation (B)) to the super low speed mode (drive control by 4W1-2 phase excitation) in the super reach fluctuation shown in FIG. Transition control for correcting the speed is executed.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation start process (step S802) in the display control process. In the symbol variation start process, the display control CPU 101 first selects a process table corresponding to the variation pattern of variable display of decorative symbols, the display symbol at the time of stoppage, and the type of notice effect (step S881). Further, energization to the drum motors 200A, 200B, and 200C is started (step S882). Then, the process timer initially set in the selected process table is started (step S883). Further, it instructs the motor control processing to control the motor according to the contents of the process data 1 (step S884). Specifically, an internal flag indicating that is set. Next, a variation time timer (a timer according to the variation time of the decorative symbol) is started (step S885), and the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the symbol variation processing (step S886).

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the process during symbol change (step S803) in the display control process. In the symbol variation process, the display control CPU 101 switches the process data when the process timer times out (step S831) (step S832). That is, in the process table, the process timer of the process data set next is started (step S833), and the motor control processing is instructed to perform motor control according to the contents of the new process data (step S834).

  If the variable time timer has timed out (step S835), a monitoring timer for monitoring the reception of the special symbol stop display control command is started (step S836), and the value of the display control process flag is set to the symbol stop waiting process. (Step S837).

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the symbol stop waiting process (step S804) in the display control process. In the symbol stop waiting process, the display control CPU 101 checks whether or not a display control command (special symbol stop display control command) for instructing all symbol stops has been received (step S841). If a display control command for instructing all symbols to be stopped is received, control is performed to stop the rotating drums 222A to 222C (step S842). Then, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S843).

  If a display control command designating all symbol stops has not been received, it is confirmed whether or not the monitoring timer has timed out (step S844). If a time-out occurs, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, and an error notification control is performed (step S845). Then, control goes to a step S843. The error notification control is, for example, a process of transmitting a lamp control command indicating that the lamp / LED is blinked in an error notification mode to the lamp control board 35.

  Next, drum rotation control will be described. FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a portion related to driving of the drum motor in the symbol control board 80.

  The drum motors 200a to 200c are provided with drum sensors (position detecting means for detecting the reference position of the variable display member or rotating position specifying means) 139A, 139B, 139C for position detection. The detection signals of the drum sensors 139A, 139B, and 139C are input to the display control CPU 101 via the amplifier circuit 179 and the input port 521.

  Non-reflective portions are provided at predetermined positions of the three rotary drums 222A to 222C. Drum sensors 139A, 139B, and 139C using, for example, a reflective photosensor are provided at positions where the non-reflective portion can be detected. When the drum sensors 139A, 139B, and 139C each detect a non-reflective portion, the drum sensors 139A, 139B, and 139C output a detection signal (output signal) indicating that. The display control CPU 101 can recognize that the position of the drum has reached a predetermined position based on the detection signal, and can recognize the position of the drum at an arbitrary timing during rotation with reference to the position. As a result, a display symbol (decorative symbol at a position where the player can visually recognize) can be recognized. The drum sensors 139A, 139B, and 139C are supplied with + 12V voltage from the power supply board.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the initialization process (step S701) shown in FIG. In the initialization process, the display control CPU 101 first initializes a register (step S711) and initializes the RAM 103 (step S712). Next, energization of the drum motors 200a, 200b, and 200c is started (step S713), and the drum sensors 139A, 139B, and 139C are awaited to be turned on (step S714). If the drum sensors 139A, 139B, and 139C are not turned on within a predetermined time, predetermined error processing is performed (steps S791 and S792). Further, the process of step S714 and the subsequent processes of steps S715 to S719 are executed independently for each of the three drum motors 200a, 200b, and 200c, but are shown here as one process.

  When the drum sensors 139A, 139B, 139C are turned on, the current display symbol counter formed in the RAM 103 is initialized (step S715). Each decorative symbol attached to each drum is assigned a symbol number in the order of arrangement. Initialization refers to the symbol number of the decorative symbol (more specifically, the decorative symbol displayed in the middle row) at the position where the player can visually recognize when the drum sensors 139A, 139B, and 139C are turned on. Is to set the counter. Note that the decorative symbol at a position that can be visually recognized by the player when the drum sensor is turned on is referred to as a reference symbol, and the symbol number thereof is referred to as a reference symbol number.

  Next, the number of steps to be given to the drum motors 200a, 200b, and 200c for rotating the drum from the state where the reference symbol is displayed to the position where the initial display symbol is visible to the player is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 103. (Step S716). Then, the motor drive processing subroutine is called until the drum motors 200a, 200b, and 200c rotate by the set number of steps (steps S717 and S718). After rotating for the set number of steps, the energization of the drum motors 200a, 200b, and 200c is terminated (step S719).

  In this embodiment, the display control means independently performs control for displaying the initial display symbols on the decorative symbol display device 11 when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Control for displaying the initial display symbol on the decorative symbol display device 11 may be performed in response to receiving the display control command indicating the initial symbol.

  FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a motor control process in the main process shown in FIG. In the motor control process, the display control CPU 101 first checks whether initialization is in progress (step S721). Here, “initializing” means that processing for changing the display symbol to the initial display symbol at the start of variation is being executed at the start of variation of the decorative symbol. If initialization is in progress, the process proceeds to step S731. The drum position where the player can visually recognize the initial display symbol at the start of variation is called the origin position.

  If initialization is not in progress, it is checked whether the drum initialization request flag is set (step S722). The drum initialization request flag is set when a variation pattern command is received in the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S874). If the drum initialization request flag is set, the process proceeds to step S729.

  If the drum initialization request flag is not set, it is confirmed whether or not the decorative symbol is changing (step S723). If the decorative pattern is changing, it is confirmed whether there is an instruction to control the motor according to the contents of the process data. An instruction to perform motor control according to the contents of the process data is set in steps S834 and S884 in the display control process. If there is an instruction to control the motor according to the contents of the process data, the contents set in the new process data are set in a predetermined area of the RAM 103 (step S725), and the process proceeds to step S726. If there is no instruction to control the motor according to the contents of the process data, the process immediately proceeds to step S726. In step S726, a motor drive processing subroutine is called.

  In step S729, an initialization flag indicating that initialization is in progress is set (step S729), and the number of steps corresponding to the difference between the value of the current display symbol counter and the initial display symbol at the start of change is set to a predetermined value in the RAM 103. (Step S730).

  In step S731, a motor drive processing subroutine is called. After rotating for the set number of steps (step S732), the initialization flag is reset (step S733).

  By the processing of steps S729 to S733, the drum stops at the position where the player can visually recognize the initial display symbol at the start of variation, that is, at the origin position, at the start of variation of the decorative symbol.

  In steps S729 to S733, the detection signal of the drum sensor is not used, and the value of the current display symbol counter at the end of the previous fluctuation is used. However, the drum is stopped at the origin position using the detection signal of the drum sensor. You may do it. In that case, the same processes as those of steps S714 and S715 executed in the initialization process are executed before the process of step S730.

  In this embodiment, as described above, as a driving method of the drum motors 200a, 200b, and 200c, the 1-2 phase excitation (B) method is used during high-speed rotation and medium-speed rotation, and 2W1-2 during low-speed rotation. A phase excitation method is used, and a 4W1-2 phase excitation method is used during ultra-low speed rotation. Then, reference excitation patterns (see FIGS. 9 to 11) corresponding to these driving methods are repeatedly output to the drum motors 200a, 200b, and 200c.

  In the RAM 103 of the display control means, for example, a current display symbol counter in which the symbol number of the current display symbol (the symbol displayed in the middle row) of the left middle right drum is set. In the motor drive processing subroutine, when the excitation pattern having the number of steps corresponding to one symbol (1/10 rotation because 10 symbols are attached to the drum) is output, the value of the currently displayed symbol counter is incremented by one. . Further, when the detection signals of the drum sensors 139A, 139B, and 139C are turned on, the reference symbol number is set in the current display symbol counter. That is, it is initialized. Each time an excitation pattern having the number of steps for one symbol is output, the value of the currently displayed symbol counter is updated by one symbol.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a motor drive processing subroutine. In the motor drive processing subroutine, the display control CPU 101 sets the drive mode, torque, rotation direction, and DECay mode (attenuation mode) according to the contents set in the process data set in the predetermined area of the RAM 103 in step S725. A control signal (command) is output to the motor drive circuit 177 (step S741). Further, the display control CPU 101 outputs a control signal for dividing the frequency of the pulse signal by n to the prescaler 175 in accordance with the contents set in the process data (step S742). The pulse generator 176 outputs a pulse signal having a frequency obtained by multiplying the frequency of the pulse signal generated by the oscillator (not shown) by n to the motor drive circuit 177.

  In the motor drive circuit 177, the drive mode, torque, rotation direction, and DECay mode are set according to the control signal output from the display control CPU 101, and the excitation pattern (see FIGS. 9 to 11) corresponding to the setting is pulsed. The signal is output to the drive coils of the stepping motors 200a to 200c at the signal timing of the pulse signal output from the generator 176. For example, the motor drive circuit 177 sets the drive mode to 1-2 phase excitation (B), the torque to 100%, the rotation direction to the positive direction, and the DECay mode to 37.5% according to the control signal. Note that 37.5% of the DECAY mode is a standard value and is a normally selected DECay mode. Then, the motor drive circuit 177 drives the 1-2-phase excitation (B) excitation current used at the time of high-speed rotation in accordance with such setting contents while switching the current value in synchronization with the rising edge of the pulse signal of a predetermined frequency. Output to the coil.

  Here, when the drive mode is switched, the drive mode switching timing (switching point) is optimal at the time of MO output (electrical angle 0 degree). For example, as shown in FIG. 44, the drive mode is switched from 1-2 phase excitation (B) to 2W1-2 phase excitation when the current value of the A phase excitation current is 0% and the current of the B phase excitation current. The timing when the value becomes 100% is set. When switching is performed in this way, a control signal instructing switching of the drive mode is given from the display control CPU 101 to the motor drive circuit 177 before the switch timing comes. Not at the time of MO output, the timing when the current value of the B-phase excitation current becomes 0% and the current value of the A-phase excitation current becomes 100%, the current value of the A-phase excitation current becomes 0% The drive mode may be switched at the timing when the current value of the exciting current becomes −100% and at the timing when the current value of the B phase exciting current becomes 0% and the current value of the A phase exciting current becomes −100%. Good. Even at such switching timing, the switching of the exciting current value between 0 and 100% (or 0 to -100%) is not performed in the middle step, and therefore, the possibility of step-out is low. It is.

  Further, the stop timing (stop point) for stopping the stepping motors 200a to 200c is also optimal when the MO is output. However, as with the switching timing, not at the time of MO output, the timing when the current value of the B-phase excitation current is 0% and the current value of the A-phase excitation current becomes 100%, and the current value of the A-phase excitation current is When the current value of the B-phase excitation current becomes -100% at 0%, and when the current value of the B-phase excitation current becomes 0% and the current value of the A-phase excitation current becomes -100% You may make it stop. Even at such a stop timing, the current value of the excitation current is not stopped in the middle step between 0 to 100% (or 0 to -100%). This is because there is a low possibility that step-out will occur.

  Note that before the drive mode is switched, transition control is performed to change the pulse width of the excitation pulse output to the drive coil (that is, the frequency of the pulse signal). This transition control is performed by adjusting the frequency of the pulse signal that determines the speed of the motor that is output to the motor drive circuit 177 when the display control CPU 101 outputs a control signal to the prescaler 175.

  When stopping the motor, the display control CPU 101 outputs a control signal (for example, a control signal for setting the drive mode to the fixed mode) for instructing the motor stop before the motor stop timing. Output to.

  Next, when the CPU 101 for display control causes the motor drive circuit 177 to output an excitation pattern having the number of steps corresponding to one symbol to the drive coil, the value of the current display symbol counter is incremented by one (steps S743 and S744). When the value of the current display symbol counter exceeds the symbol number of the last symbol in the array, the symbol number of the first symbol in the array is set in the current display symbol counter.

  In addition, although the process of step S741-S746 is performed independently about each of three drums, it shows as one process here. It is determined whether or not the detection signals of the drum sensors 139A, 139B, and 139C of the drum are turned on (step S745). When the detection signals of the drum sensors 139A, 139B, and 139C are turned on, the reference symbol number is set in the current display symbol counter. (Step S746).

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a lamp control command output process in the main process shown in FIG. In the lamp control command output processing, when the display control CPU 101 confirms that the display control command has been received from the game control means (step S751), the display control command data (2 bytes of data in this example) is used as the lamp control command. To the lamp control board 35 (step S752). If the notice execution flag (continuous notice execution flag or normal notice execution flag) is set (step S753), it is transmitted to the lamp control board 35 as a lamp control command indicating a notice mode (step S754). The continuous notice execution flag or the normal notice execution flag is set in the notice selection process of the display control process.

  Through the processing as described above, information indicating the game state from the game control means is also transmitted to the lamp control means. In addition, information related to game control uniquely determined by the display control means is also transmitted to the lamp control means. Therefore, the lamp control means can execute the lamp / LED control synchronized with the decorative pattern variation control by the display control means.

  When receiving the lamp control command, the lamp control means transmits information indicated by the command to the sound control board 70 as a sound control command. Therefore, the sound control means can execute the decoration output fluctuation control by the display control means and the sound output control synchronized with the lamp / LED control by the lamp control means.

  Further, the display control means transmits not only the lamp control command indicating the notice mode but also other information relating to the game control that is uniquely determined, the information is also transmitted to the lamp control means as the lamp control command.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when the drum is rotated at a high speed and a medium speed in a normal fluctuation, a normal reach fluctuation, a super reach fluctuation, or the like (in order to derive and display the identification information display result in the normal fluctuation) 1 to 2) is used as the excitation mode, and the drum is operated at a low speed and a super speed in order to derive and display the identification information display result in the normal reach fluctuation or the super reach fluctuation. When rotating at a low speed, it is configured to use 2W1-2 phase excitation or 4W1-2 phase excitation, which is a microstep excitation method, as the excitation mode, so when the player is paying attention to the rotation of the drum, By implementing smooth drum rotation control using the micro-step excitation method, When the person is not paying attention to the rotation of the drum, the amount of data indicating the number of steps necessary for the drive control of the stepping motor 200 is reduced by controlling the rotation of the drum using 1-2 phase excitation. be able to.

  When switching from 1-2 phase excitation (B) to microstep excitation (2W1-2 phase excitation, etc.) while rotating the drum, the excitation current is applied to the A phase or B phase drive coil. Since drive control by microstep excitation is started from a specific step in which the maximum value is output, it is possible to prevent a step-out due to a change in the excitation pattern in the middle step.

  In addition, since the control for stopping the rotation of the drum is executed in the specific step in which the maximum value of the excitation current is output to the A-phase or B-phase drive coil, the rotation is resumed after the drum is stopped. Can be prevented from stepping out.

  In addition, when switching the rotation speed of the drum from 1-2 phase excitation (B) to 2W1-2 phase excitation or the like, or when accelerating the rotation speed of the drum, 1 from the 2W 1-2 phase excitation or the like. When switching to -2 phase excitation (B), the transition control is executed to change the pulse width that determines the motor speed while the drive control by 1-2 phase excitation (B) is being executed. As a result, the amount of data indicating the number of steps can be reduced, and a sudden change in pulse width can be avoided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the maximum value of the excitation current output to the drive coil is 2W1 at the time of low speed rotation, etc., compared to when the drive control by 1-2 phase excitation (B) at the time of high speed rotation is executed. Since it is set to be lower when drive control such as -2 phase excitation is executed, the motor drive torque proportional to the excitation current value becomes smaller during low speed rotation, etc. The amount of overshooting that causes the drum to rotate too much is reduced, the drum rotates smoothly, and the variable display of the symbol looks more beautiful.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, drive control by 1-2 phase excitation (B) is executed during high speed rotation and medium speed rotation, and 2W1-2 phase excitation is performed during low speed rotation. Although the drive control by 4W1-2 phase excitation is executed at the time of ultra-low speed rotation and ultra-low speed rotation, it is not limited to such excitation mode selection. For example, drive control by two-phase excitation or 1-2-phase excitation (A) may be executed during high-speed rotation. Further, when it is desired to rotate the drum more smoothly during low-speed rotation, drive control by 4W1-2 phase excitation may be executed.

  In the above embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the rotation is as follows: 1-2 phase excitation (B) for high speed rotation and medium speed rotation, and 2W1-2 phase excitation for low speed rotation. Although the excitation mode is determined for each speed, stepping motor drive control may be performed in different excitation modes even at the same rotational speed. For example, even in the case of the same medium speed rotation, one of the excitation modes of 1-2 phase excitation (B), 2W1-2 phase excitation, etc. is selected according to the effect mode in the variation pattern, and the selected excitation mode The stepping motor drive control may be performed in the above manner. According to such a configuration, even when the drum is rotated at the same rotational speed, the drive control can be executed in an excitation mode in which the rotation of the drum is smoother when the effect that the player pays attention to is executed. Thus, it is possible to further improve the interest of the game and increase the variation of the production mode.

  Also, the variation patterns shown in FIGS. 26 to 28 are examples, and the present invention can be applied to other variation patterns.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the variable display member is exemplified by a drum with a symbol on the surface and rotating. However, the variable display member may be configured to realize variable display by moving the belt.

  In the above embodiment, the decorative symbols are “7”, “J”, “Q”, “K”, “•” symbols, but symbols other than these symbols may be used. Moreover, although the effective line was made into 5 lines, it may be 5 lines or more, or 5 lines or less. Although the probability variation big hit is made when the same symbol is aligned on two or more lines, the probability variation big hit may be made when a specific symbol is aligned on the effective line.

  Further, the drum may be rotated vertically (rotation direction in which the symbol moves up and down when rotated) or horizontally (rotation direction in which the symbol moves left and right when rotated).

  In the above embodiment, when performing an effect with a drum that the player is not paying attention to, the drive control of the motor is performed using 1-2 phase excitation (B) as the excitation mode (excitation method), When performing an effect with a drum that the player is paying attention to, use a specific excitation mode, such as executing motor drive control using 2W1-2 phase excitation or 4W1-2 phase excitation as the excitation mode. It was. However, the “normal step control” in the present invention may be drive control in an excitation mode that “outputs excitation pulses sequentially shifted in phase with respect to a plurality of phases of the stepping motor”. Motor drive control by one-phase excitation, two-phase excitation, and 1-2-phase excitation (A) other than two-phase excitation (B) is also included. In addition, “microstep control” in the present invention means that “the direction of the composite magnetic field according to the excitation current value of the excitation pulse changes stepwise with respect to the excitation pulse output to the adjacent phases of the plurality of phases of the stepping motor. The drive control in the excitation mode is sufficient if the excitation current value of the excitation pulse is adjusted and outputted. W1-2 phase excitation other than 2W1-2 phase excitation and 4W1-2 phase excitation in this embodiment or 8W1- Motor drive control by two-phase excitation or the like is also included.

  Here, in “microstep control”, “excitation pulse output to adjacent phases among a plurality of phases of a stepping motor” means, for example, as shown in FIGS. Lowering the value and increasing the current value of the A phase to be excited next, then decreasing the current value of the currently excited A phase and increasing the current value of the B phase to be excited next, Further, it means an excitation pulse that is output to adjacent phases, such as decreasing the current value of phase B phase that is currently excited and increasing the current value of phase A phase that is excited next. . “The direction of the combined magnetic field depending on the excitation current value of the excitation pulse changes stepwise” means that the current value of the excitation pulse output to the adjacent phase is 0-100 as shown in FIGS. % (0 to -100%) gradually decreases and rises in a stepwise manner, so that the direction of the resultant magnetic field vector due to the excitation current in the adjacent phase gradually changes. Means that. As described above, the direction of the vector of the combined magnetic field gradually changes stepwise, so that the rotor (rotor) rotates in accordance with the direction of the vector. The current value of the excitation pulse that changes stepwise is preferably a value that makes the excitation pulse a pseudo sine wave, but it may not be such a value.

  In addition, the “operation mode of the variable display member” in the present invention refers to each drum (left middle right drum in each period divided into a plurality of periods from the start to the end of fluctuation as shown in FIGS. ) In a predetermined direction (forward direction, reverse direction) at a predetermined speed (high speed, medium speed, low speed, etc.).

  Further, the “special mode” in the present invention refers to an effect mode that raises the player's expectation as to whether or not the final stop symbol that is derived and displayed (the symbol on the right drum among the left and right middle drums) is a big hit. . For example, there is a production mode in which the right drum rotates at a low speed or an ultra-low speed to raise the expectation of a big hit. In addition, as long as it is an aspect that can raise the expectation of the big hit, for example, an effect aspect that rotates by frame advance may be used. The period during which the “special mode” is executed is not limited to the period immediately before the display result is derived and displayed.

  In the “acceleration” in the present invention, not only when the rotational speed of the drum is gradually increased, but also gradually (for example, from low speed to medium speed, from medium speed to high speed). Cases are also included. Note that the term “deceleration” in the above embodiment is used not only when the drum rotation speed is gradually lowered, but also when the drum speed is lowered gradually.

  In the above embodiment, a four-phase stepping motor is used as the stepping motor. However, a six-phase stepping motor or the like can also be used.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment can give a predetermined game value to a player when the special symbol stop symbol variably displayed on the special symbol display 9 based on the start winning prize becomes a predetermined symbol. The second type pachinko gaming machine that becomes a predetermined game value can be given to a player when there is a winning in a predetermined area of the electric game that is released based on the start winning Or a third type pachinko gaming machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continued when there is a prize for a predetermined electric accessory that is released when a stop symbol of the symbol variably displayed based on the start winning is a combination of the predetermined symbols Even so, the present invention can be applied. Further, the present invention is not limited to pachinko gaming machines in which the game medium is a game ball, and the present invention can also be applied to slot machines and the like.

  The present invention is applicable to games such as pachinko machines, and in particular, in a gaming machine capable of executing microstep control as stepping motor drive control, in order to reduce the amount of data necessary for stepping motor drive control as much as possible. Useful for.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a front view which shows the front surface of the game board in the state which removed the glass door frame. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the rotating drum mechanism of a decoration symbol display apparatus. It is sectional drawing of the rotating drum mechanism of a decoration symbol display apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example in a symbol control board. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of a motor drive circuit 177. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the excitation mode of the stepping motor used for a game effect. It is a wave form diagram which shows the exciting current which flows into the drive coil of a stepping motor in 1-2 phase excitation (B). It is a wave form diagram which shows the exciting current which flows into the drive coil of a stepping motor in 2W1-2 phase excitation. It is a wave form diagram which shows the exciting current which flows into the drive coil of a stepping motor in 4W1-2 phase excitation. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a decoration design. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation time of a special symbol and a decoration symbol, and the variation pattern of a decoration symbol. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop symbol setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a memory | storage process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the signal line of a display control command. It is a timing diagram showing the relationship between an 8-bit control signal and an INT signal constituting a control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of a display control command. It is a timing diagram which shows a normal fluctuation | variation. It is a timing diagram which shows a normal reach fluctuation | variation. It is a timing diagram which shows a super reach fluctuation. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU for display control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a display control process process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of 1 structure of a process table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific content of the process data which comprises a process table. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific content of the process data which comprises a process table. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows the process during symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol stop waiting process. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the part regarding the drive of the drum motor in a symbol control board. It is a flowchart which shows the initialization process. It is a flowchart which shows a motor control process. It is a flowchart which shows a motor control process. It is a flowchart which shows a motor control process. It is a flowchart which shows a motor drive process. It is a wave form diagram which shows the switching timing of excitation mode. It is a flowchart which shows a lamp control command output process.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine 9 Special symbol display 11 Decoration symbol display device (variable display device)
31 Main board (game control board)
56 CPU
80 design control board 101 CPU for display control
102 ROM
103 RAM
175 Prescaler 176 Pulse generator 177 Motor drive circuit 200 Rotating drum mechanism 200a, 200b, 200c Drum motor (stepping motor)
222A, 222B, 222C Rotating drum

Claims (5)

A variable display device is provided that can variably display identification information by rotating a variable display member on which a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified are arranged, and the identification information can be changed according to the establishment of a variable display start condition. This is a gaming machine in which the display result of the identification information is derived and displayed after the display is started, and can be controlled to a specific game state which is a game state advantageous to the player when the display result of the identification information becomes a specific display result. And
A stepping motor that provides the variable display member with a driving torque for rotating the variable display member by a predetermined angle in accordance with an input of an excitation pulse that is a pulsed excitation current;
Display result determining means for determining whether or not the display result of identification information is the specific display result;
Variable display pattern determining means for determining a variable display pattern indicating an operation mode of the variable display member in variable display of identification information from a plurality of types of variable display patterns according to a determination result of the display result determining means;
As the drive control of the stepping motor when the variable display member is rotated in accordance with the variable display pattern determined by the variable display pattern determining means, an excitation pulse whose phase is sequentially shifted with respect to a plurality of phases of the stepping motor. For the normal step control to be output and the excitation pulse output to the adjacent phases of the plurality of phases of the stepping motor, the excitation pulse is changed so that the direction of the combined magnetic field according to the excitation current value of the excitation pulse changes stepwise. Drive control selection means for selecting one of microstep control for adjusting and outputting the excitation current value;
Motor control means for rotating the variable display member according to the drive control selected by the drive control selection means,
The plurality of types of variable display patterns are normal variable display patterns that have a higher probability of being determined when the display result determination means does not use the display result of identification information as the specific display result as the specific display result. And a specific variable display pattern having a higher probability of being determined when the display result determination means sets the display result of identification information as the specific display result than when the specific display result is not included,
The drive control selection means selects the normal step control as drive control in the normal variable display pattern, and accelerates the variable display member at least after the variable display member starts rotating in the specific variable display pattern. The microstep control is selected as drive control during a period in which the variable display member is rotated in a special manner before the display result is derived and displayed after being rotated at high speed. Machine. When the motor control means switches from normal step control to micro step control during rotation of the variable display member, the micro step control starts from a specific step that outputs an excitation pulse of the maximum excitation current value in the micro step control. The gaming machine according to claim 1. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the motor control means executes control to stop the rotation of the variable display member in the specific step of outputting the excitation pulse having the maximum excitation current value in the micro step control. The motor control means executes transition control for adjusting the output period of the excitation pulse when changing the speed of rotating the variable display member to a different speed,
The transition control is executed during a period in which the normal step control is executed when switching between the normal step control and the micro step control in accordance with the change in the speed. The gaming machine described in 1. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the maximum excitation current value of the excitation pulse is lower when the microstep control is executed than when the normal step control is executed. .

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