JP2009285161A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which reports the validity or invalidity of a stop button. <P>SOLUTION: A Pachislo 1 has an arrangement 7 for stopping which has stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R which can suspend reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The arrangement 7 for stopping has electromagnetic solenoids 7SL, 7SC, and 7SR in which a protrusion 75 can project into or retreat from the fronts of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. If a main CPU 31 refers to the null and void state of a main RAM 33, a sub CPU 81 excites the electromagnetic solenoids 7SL, 7SC, and 7SR and projects the protrusion 75 into the fronts of the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. If the main CPU 31 refers to the valid state of the main RAM 33, the sub CPU 81 demagnetizes the electromagnetic solenoids 7SL, 7SC, and 7SR and retreats the protrusion 75 from the fronts of the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, it is detected that a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols arranged on each surface, a game medal, a coin, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a “medal, etc.”) and a start lever is operated by a player, A start switch that requests the start of rotation of a plurality of reels and a stop button provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels are detected by the player, and the stop of rotation of the corresponding reel is requested. A stop switch that outputs a signal, a stepping motor that is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels, and that transmits each driving force to each reel, and a stepping motor based on the signals output by the start switch and the stop switch A reel control unit that controls the operation of each reel and rotates and stops each reel, and the start lever is operated. Is detected, the lottery is performed based on the random number value, and the reel rotation is stopped based on the result of the lottery (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) and the timing at which the stop button is detected. A game machine called pachislot is known.

  Generally, in a pachislot, a player operates a start lever to start a game. Then, when the start lever is operated, rotation of each reel starts. When each reel that has started rotating reaches a certain rotational speed (for example, 80 revolutions / minute), each stop button effectively accepts an operation. That is, the operation of the stop button before reaching a certain rotation speed is invalidated. When the player operates one of the stop buttons in a state where the operation of each stop button is valid, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is stopped.

  In general, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button stops until a certain period (for example, 190 msec) elapses after the stop button is operated. This ensures that the reel does not stop indefinitely after the stop button is operated, and does not give an unnatural impression to the player who operates the stop button by aiming at the rotating reel at a certain point. Because.

  Also, until the reel corresponding to the stop button that has been stopped is stopped and the symbols displayed in the display window have been finalized, the stop button that has been operated to stop cannot be operated on other reels. After the operation, the stop button corresponding to the other reels is invalid and does not accept the operation effectively for a time (for example, 200 msec) longer than the predetermined period (for example, 190 msec).

  In this manner, the player stops the rotation of all the reels by sequentially operating each stop button. When the rotation of all the reels is stopped, whether or not a winning is achieved is determined according to a combination of symbols displayed on the display window, and a payout is awarded when the winning is achieved. Then, one game is finished.

  In order to win a prize in this type of gaming machine, an internal lottery performed for each game is won (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning”), and an internal winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”). The combination of symbols corresponding to the type) is displayed on the display window. In other words, even if an internal winning is made, if the player cannot operate the stop button at an appropriate timing (so-called “pressing”), a winning cannot be established (so-called “missing” occurs). Thus, in pachislot, it is important to operate the stop button at an appropriate timing.

  In pachislot, it is premised that the eye is pushed, so there is a difference in the medal that can be obtained between the player who can push and the player who can not push. That is, in many cases, a player who is unable to push the player cannot establish an internal winning combination, and fewer medals or the like can be obtained than a player who can push the player.

  For this reason, recently, a so-called assist function-equipped game machine has been proposed so that even a player who cannot push the game can play a game with interest (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1, for example, an operation mode (for example, operation order and operation timing) of a stop button for permitting establishment of winning of a specific internal winning combination is prepared in advance, and a specific internal winning combination is determined. If it is determined, one of the operation modes permitting establishment of a plurality of winnings is selected. When a predetermined start condition is satisfied, an operation mode for permitting the selected winning is notified by an effect image, sound, or the like.

In the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1, when the notification is not performed, the player cannot know the operation mode permitting the establishment of the winning, and therefore cannot establish the winning of the determined internal winning combination. There is a case. On the other hand, when the notification is performed, the player must reliably realize the winning establishment of the determined internal winning combination by operating the stop button according to the notified operation mode allowing the winning establishment. Can do.
JP 2003-24509 A

  However, in the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1, for example, if the corresponding stop button is operated before the rotation of the reel reaches a certain speed, this operation is determined to be invalid. Therefore, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button does not stop.

  That is, the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1 notifies the order of pressing the stop button by using an effect image, sound, or the like, but does not notify whether the operation of the stop button is valid or invalid.

  By directly informing whether a stop button operation is valid or invalid, the player must continue to operate the next stop button without noticing that the stop button operation is invalid. Can be useful. The above can be said to be the subject of the present invention.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides a gaming machine that prevents the operation of the stop button from being unintended by the player and notifies whether the stop button is valid or invalid. For the purpose.

  The present invention provides the following gaming machines.

  (1) A variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbol sequences and stopping these symbol sequences on a predetermined winning determination line, and determining the winning by operating a player with the plurality of symbol sequences being variably displayed. A gaming machine comprising a stop device for stopping on a line and a control means for controlling the operation of the variable display device, wherein the stop device protrudes from the front of the operation unit and can be pressed down. A notification means capable of projecting or retreating on the front surface of the stop button, and the control means processes the execution of the notification means and a storage means for managing the valid and invalid states of the stop button. Sub-control means, and the notification means, a biasing member that biases the force to retract the protrusion from the front of the stop button, an electromagnetic solenoid provided behind the protrusion, It has the sub-control means, referring to invalid state of the storage means, a game machine, characterized in that protrudes the protrusion excites the electromagnetic solenoid in front of the stop button.

  The gaming machine according to the invention of (1) includes a variable display device, a stop device, and a control means. The variation display device can variably display a plurality of symbol sequences and can stop the plurality of symbol sequences on a predetermined winning determination line. The stop device stops a plurality of symbol strings being displayed on the winning determination line by an operation of the player. The control means controls the operation of the variable display device.

  In the gaming machine according to the invention of (1), the stop device has a plurality of stop buttons and notification means. The stop button protrudes from the front surface of the operation unit and can be pressed. The notification means has a protrusion that can protrude or retract on the front surface of the stop button. The control means includes storage means and sub-control means. The storage means manages the valid and invalid states of the stop button. The sub control means processes execution of the notification means.

  Further, the notification means has an urging member and an electromagnetic solenoid. The urging member urges a force to retract the protrusion from the front surface of the stop button. The electromagnetic solenoid is provided behind the protrusion. When the control means refers to the invalid state of the storage means, the sub-control means excites the electromagnetic solenoid to cause the protrusion to protrude from the front surface of the stop button.

  Here, the variable display device may be a mechanical reel unit in which a plurality of reels for displaying a plurality of symbols on the circumference are arranged in parallel and each reel is rotated by a motor or the like, and a plurality of symbol rows It may be an image display device that displays the variation. The image display device is preferably a liquid crystal display device. The variable display device includes a form in which a plurality of symbol sequences are displayed in a variable manner, including a mode in which the symbol sequence is rotated by rotating a reel, and a mode in which the symbol sequence displayed on the screen is displayed in parallel translation. it can. The image display device can display variably so as to give an illusion that a plurality of symbols formed in a strip shape are translated.

  For example, a pachislot machine, which is a type of gaming machine, includes a front door attached to a cabinet so as to be opened and closed. And the start lever is arrange | positioned at the operation part of the front door. When the player tilts the start lever, a plurality of symbol rows can be changed simultaneously.

  In addition, the front door is provided with a display window through which a plurality of symbol rows provided behind the symbol display area can be observed. A pseudo predetermined winning determination line is provided in the display window. As the winning determination line, a top line, a center line, and a bottom line may be provided in the horizontal direction, and a cross-up line and a cross-down line are provided in an oblique direction. A winning combination is determined by a combination of predetermined symbols arranged on the winning determination line.

  The control means may include a main board (printed board) as an entity, and may include a sub board (printed board), and the main board and the sub board are arranged inside the cabinet. The control means may include a main control circuit configured on the main board. The main control circuit may include a microcomputer as a main component, and is configured by adding a random number sampling circuit for executing an internal lottery. The The microcomputer includes a main CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program, and can include a main ROM and a main RAM as storage means.

  When the main CPU determines that a valid stop button has been pressed, the main CPU may invalidate the operation of the corresponding stop button, and the valid and invalid states of each stop button indicate a predetermined storage area provided in the main RAM. Managed in

  For example, the operation of each motor that rotationally drives a plurality of reels is controlled by a control signal from a microcomputer. Further, a motor drive circuit for driving and controlling each motor may be provided, and this motor drive circuit is connected to the output unit of the CPU. The motor drive circuit controls the operation of each motor in response to a drive command control signal output from the main CPU. The operation of the motor may include a start (rotation start) operation, may include a constant speed rotation operation, and may include a stop (rotation stop) operation.

  In addition, a start switch and a plurality of stop switches can be included as switches for generating inputs necessary for the microcomputer to generate control commands. The start switch can detect that the start lever has been operated by the player (start operation). Each stop switch can detect that the corresponding stop button has been pressed by the player. In this way, the control means can control the operation of the variable display device.

  The control means may include a sub-control circuit configured on the sub-board, and the sub-control circuit can process the determination of the production contents and the execution of the notification means based on a command transmitted from the main control circuit. The sub control circuit includes a sub CPU, and can include a sub ROM, a sub RAM, and the like as storage means. The sub control circuit may be connected to an electromagnetic solenoid, and the sub CPU can excite or demagnetize the electromagnetic solenoid.

  The electromagnetic solenoid may be an actuator in which the iron core is driven by electromagnetic force, and can finely drive the protrusion. The electromagnetic solenoid may be composed of a main body and a movable iron core, and the movable iron core can move straight by installing a movable iron core in a coil wound around the main body and applying a current to the coil. The electromagnetic solenoid is preferably a pencil-type push solenoid.

  Then, when the control means (main CPU) refers to the invalid state (invalid flag) of the storage means (main RAM), the sub control means (sub CPU) excites the electromagnetic solenoid to project the protrusion to the front surface of the stop button. .

  On the other hand, when the control means (main CPU) refers to the valid state (valid flag) of the storage means (main RAM), the sub control means (sub CPU) may demagnetize the electromagnetic solenoid and is urged by the urging member. Then, the protrusion retracts from the front of the stop button.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the invention of (1) directly reports whether the operation of the stop button is valid or invalid by protruding or retracting the projection on the front surface of the stop button. When the control means confirms the invalid state of the stop button, the protrusion may protrude from the front of the stop button, and when the control means confirms the valid state of the stop button, the protrusion may retreat from the front of the stop button, It is possible to prevent the operation from becoming unintended by the player.

  The gaming machine according to the invention of (1) can provide a gaming machine that prevents the operation of the stop button from being unintended by the player and notifies the validity or invalidity of the stop button.

  (2) The stop device has a stop switch that sends a signal to stop the corresponding symbol sequence to the control means when the stop button is pressed, and the light emitting element and the light receiving element face each other. The stop button is formed of a bottomed cylindrical hollow body, and a part of the edge of the stop button moves back and forth between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. A gaming machine according to 1).

  In the gaming machine according to the invention of (2), the stop device has a stop switch. When the stop switch is pressed, the stop switch sends a signal for stopping the corresponding symbol sequence to the control means. The stop switch is composed of a transmission type photo detector in which the light emitting element and the light receiving element face each other, and the stop button is composed of a bottomed cylindrical hollow body. A part of the edge of the stop button moves back and forth between the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

  Here, the stop device may include a rectangular parallelepiped case attached to the operation unit, and a printed circuit board attached to the back of the case, and a stop switch including a transmission type photodetector in which the light emitting element and the light receiving element face each other. Is mounted on this printed circuit board.

  A part of the edge of the stop button and the stop switch may be spaced apart from each other. When the stop button is pressed, a part of the edge of the stop button advances between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. The outgoing light can be blocked. And the signal which stops a corresponding symbol row | line | column can be sent to a control means.

  On the other hand, when the stop button is released, a part of the edge of the stop button retracts from between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, and the light emitted from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element. Then, the stop switch returns to the initial standby state.

  An LED that indicates that the light emitted from the light-emitting element is blocked (that is, the switch is on) may be mounted on the printed circuit board, and the stop button may be made of a chromatic material that allows light to pass through. It can be confirmed that the stop switch has been turned on by turning on and displaying the LED via the button.

  In the gaming machine according to the invention of (2), the stop switch is composed of a transmission type photodetector in which the light emitting element and the light receiving element face each other, thereby making it possible to improve responsiveness compared to a mechanical switch using a leaf spring or the like. It can be set as the switch excellent in durability.

  (3) The stop device is arranged at a rectangular parallelepiped case having a flange fixed to the front surface of the operation unit at one end and the other end opened, and the other end of the case. A printed circuit board, and the case has a recess for movably holding the stop button, and a central opening opened on a bottom surface of the recess. The main body is held, and the movable iron core of the electromagnetic solenoid moves the protrusion interposed between the stop button and the recess through the central opening. Gaming machine.

  In the gaming machine according to the invention of (3), the stopping device has a rectangular parallelepiped case and a printed board. The case is provided with a flange fixed to the front surface of the operation unit at one end, and the other end is opened. The printed circuit board is disposed at the other end of the case.

  The case has a recess and a central opening. The recess holds the stop button so as to freely advance and retract. The central opening is opened at the bottom surface of the recess. The printed circuit board holds the main body of the electromagnetic solenoid. And the movable iron core of the electromagnetic solenoid moves the protrusion interposed between the stop button and the recess through the center opening.

  Here, the case may have an insulating property, and an insulating case having a desired shape can be obtained by molding a synthetic resin having an electrically insulating property. The flange may be provided with female screw seats on both wings, and the case can be fixed to the front surface of the operation unit using a fastener such as a screw.

  The end edge of the stop button may project a pair of arms that provide claws in opposite directions, a compression coil spring may be provided inside the stop button, and the pair of claws are formed in the trough holes provided on the bottom surface of the recess. By locking, the stop button can be held freely.

  For example, the protrusion can be configured by a shaft portion having a hemispherical tip portion and a flange portion formed at the base end portion of the shaft portion. A compression coil spring, which is an urging member, may be interposed in the shaft portion. One end portion of the compression coil spring contacts the bottom surface of the stop button, and the other end portion of the compression coil spring contacts the flange portion. Thus, if the protrusion is incorporated in the stop button, the protrusion can be held back and forth.

  When the electromagnetic solenoid is excited, the movable iron core protrudes (moves) the protrusion interposed between the stop button and the recess through the center opening. On the other hand, when the electromagnetic solenoid is demagnetized, the movable iron core is retracted, and the protrusion interposed between the stop button and the recess is urged by the urging member to retract.

  The excitation force of the electromagnetic solenoid is preferably relatively weak. In an invalid state, the stop button can be pressed against the excitation force by pressing a protrusion protruding from the front surface of the stop button.

  In the gaming machine according to the invention of (3), the stop device is configured to be compact and easily assembled.

  (4) The protrusion is composed of a central protrusion protruding to the center of the stop button and a plurality of peripheral protrusions protruding radially around the central protrusion. A gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention directly reports whether the operation of the stop button is valid or invalid by protruding or retracting a protrusion on the front surface of the stop button. When the control means confirms the invalid state of the stop button, the protrusion may protrude from the front of the stop button, and when the control means confirms the valid state of the stop button, the protrusion may retreat from the front of the stop button, It is possible to prevent the operation from becoming unintended by the player.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Functional flow of pachislot]
Embodiments according to the gaming machine of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a functional flow of the gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a pachislot) 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional flow of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

  When a medal is inserted by the player and the start lever 6 is operated, one value (hereinafter referred to as a random value) is extracted from random numbers in a predetermined numerical range (for example, 0 to 65535).

  The internal lottery means (including the main CPU 31 in FIG. 5) performs lottery based on the extracted random number value and determines the internal winning combination. By determining the internal winning combination, a combination of symbols that permits display along a winning determination line described later is determined. The types of symbol combinations include those related to “winning” in which merits such as paying out medals, re-games, bonuses, etc. are given to players, and other so-called “loses”. Is provided.

  Subsequently, after the plurality of reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated, when the player presses the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, the reel stop control means (the motor drive circuit 39 and the stepping in FIG. 4). The motors 49L, 49C, and 49R) control to stop the rotation of the corresponding reels based on the internal winning combination and the timing when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are pressed.

  Here, in the pachi-slot 1, basically, control is performed to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel within a specified time (190 msec) from when the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is pressed. In the present embodiment, the number of symbols that move with the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R within the specified time is referred to as “the number of sliding symbols”, and the maximum number is defined as four symbols.

  The reel stop control means displays the symbol combination as much as possible along the winning determination line using the specified time when an internal winning combination permitting display of the symbol combination related to winning is determined. Then, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. On the other hand, combinations of symbols that are not permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination are displayed on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R so that they are not displayed along the winning determination line using the specified time. Stop rotation.

  Thus, when the rotation of the plurality of reels 3L, 3C, 3R is all stopped, the winning determination means (including the main CPU 31 in FIG. 4) determines that the combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line is related to winning. It is determined whether it is a thing. When it is determined that the prize is related to a prize, a bonus such as a medal payout is given to the player. A series of flows as described above is performed as one game in the pachislot 1.

  Further, in the pachislot 1, in the above-described series of flows, video display performed by the liquid crystal display device 5, light output performed by the lamp 14, sound output performed by the speakers 9L and 9R, or a combination thereof is used. Various productions are performed.

  When the start lever 6 is operated by the player, an effect random number value (hereinafter referred to as effect random number value) is extracted separately from the random number value used for determining the internal winning combination. When the effect random number is extracted, the effect content determining means (including the sub CPU 81 in FIG. 5) determines, by lottery, what is to be executed this time from among a plurality of types of effect contents associated with the internal winning combination. .

  When the effect content is determined, the effect execution means (the liquid crystal display device 5 described later, the speakers 9L and 9R described later, and the lamp 14 described later), when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, When the rotation of 3C and 3R is stopped, the execution of the performance is advanced in conjunction with each opportunity such as when the determination of the presence / absence of a prize is made. As described above, in the pachislot 1, the player has an opportunity to know or predict the determined internal winning combination (in other words, a combination of symbols to be aimed at) by executing the production contents associated with the internal winning combination. It is provided and the player's interest is improved.

[Pachislot structure]
The functional flow of the pachislot 1 has been described above. Next, the structure of the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
<External structure of pachislot>
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external structure of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

  The pachi-slot 1 includes a cabinet 1a that houses reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a circuit board, and the like, and a front door 2 that is attached to the cabinet 1a so as to be openable and closable. Inside the cabinet 1a, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided side by side. Each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is configured by attaching a belt-like sheet in which a plurality of symbols (for example, 21 pieces) are continuously arranged along the rotation direction to the peripheral surface of a cylindrical frame.

  A liquid crystal display device 5 is provided at the center of the front door 2. The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a display screen 5a including symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, and is provided so as to be positioned on the near side superimposed on the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R when viewed from the front. The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided corresponding to the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, respectively, and have a configuration capable of transmitting through the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind them. I have.

  In other words, the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R serve as display windows, and the player can visually recognize the rotation and stop operation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind the display areas. Become. In the present embodiment, video is displayed using the entire display screen 5a including the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, and an effect is executed.

  A plurality of symbol display areas (hereinafter referred to as display windows) 21L, 21C, 21R are arranged on the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R provided behind them is stopped. Among the types of symbols, one symbol (three in total) is displayed in each of the upper, middle, and lower regions within the frame. In addition, a target for determining whether or not to win a pseudo line that is a combination of any of the three predetermined areas of the upper, middle, and lower stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R. Is defined as a line (winning determination line).

  In the present embodiment, a top line 8b formed by combining the upper stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R, a center line 8c formed by combining the middle stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R, and the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R. The bottom line 8d formed by combining the lower stage, the upper stage of the left display window 21L, the middle stage of the middle display window 21C, and the lower stage of the right display window 21R, the cross-down line 8e, the lower stage of the left display window 21L, and the middle display window 21C Five cross-up lines 8a formed by combining the middle stage and the upper stage of the right display window 21R are provided as winning determination lines.

(Operating device)
The operation unit 60 of the front door 2 is provided with various devices to be operated by the player. The medal slot 10 is provided for receiving a medal dropped from the outside by the player. The medals accepted by the medal slot 10 are inserted into one game with a predetermined number (for example, three) as an upper limit, and the amount exceeding the predetermined number can be deposited inside the pachislot machine 1. (So-called credit function).

  The bet button 11 is provided to determine the number of coins to be inserted into one game from medals deposited inside the pachislot 1. The checkout button 12 is provided to pull out medals deposited inside the pachislot 1 to the outside.

  The start lever 6 is provided to start the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are associated with the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, respectively, and are provided to stop the rotation of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The stop device 7 described later includes stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R.

(Other equipment)
The 7-segment display 13 is made up of 7-segment LEDs. The number of medals inserted in the current game (hereinafter referred to as the number of inserted coins), the number of medals paid out to the player as a privilege (hereinafter referred to as the number of payouts), pachislot 1 Information such as the number of medals deposited in the inside (hereinafter referred to as the number of credits) is digitally displayed to the player.

  The lamp (LED or the like) 14 outputs light in a turn-on / off pattern according to the content of the effect. The speakers 9L and 9R output sound such as sound effects and music according to the contents of the production. The medal payout port 15 guides medals discharged by driving a medal payout device 40 (see FIG. 3) described later to the outside. The medals discharged from the medal payout opening 15 are stored in the medal tray 16.

<Internal structure of pachislot>
FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the front door 2 is opened, and the structure on the back surface side of the front door 2 and the internal structure of the cabinet 1a appear.

  A substrate (hereinafter referred to as a main substrate 71A) on which a main control circuit 71 (see FIG. 4) is formed is provided above the interior of the cabinet 1a. The main control circuit 71 is a circuit that controls the main flow of the game in the pachislot 1 such as determination of an internal winning combination, rotation and stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and determination of the presence or absence of winning. A specific configuration of the main control circuit 71 will be described later.

  Three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided in the center inside the cabinet 1a. Stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R (see FIG. 4) are connected to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R through gears having a predetermined reduction ratio.

  On the left side of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a substrate (hereinafter referred to as sub-substrate 72A) on which a sub-control circuit 72 (see FIG. 4) is formed is provided. The sub-control circuit 72 is a circuit that controls the execution of effects by displaying images. The specific configuration of the sub control circuit 72 will be described later.

  Below the inside of the cabinet 1a, a medal payout device (hereinafter referred to as a hopper) 40 having a structure capable of storing a large amount of medals and discharging them one by one is provided. On the left side of the hopper 40, a power supply device 43 for supplying necessary power to each device included in the pachislot 1 is provided.

  A selector 42 is provided at the center of the back side of the front door 2 and below the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R. The selector 42 is a device for selecting whether or not a medal is appropriate in material, shape, and the like, and guides an appropriate medal received in the medal insertion slot 10 to the hopper 40. A medal sensor 42S (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, is provided on the path through which the medal passes in the selector 42, and detects that an appropriate medal has passed.

[Circuit configuration of pachislot]
This completes the description of the structure of the pachislot 1. Next, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a configuration of a circuit included in the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment includes a main control circuit 71, a sub-control circuit 72, and peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected thereto.

<Main control circuit>
FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the main control circuit 71 of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 installed on a circuit board as a main component. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU (hereinafter referred to as main CPU) 31, a ROM (hereinafter referred to as main ROM) 32, and a RAM (hereinafter referred to as main RAM) 33.

  The main ROM 32 has various controls for a control program executed by the main CPU 31 (for example, the main flowchart of FIG. 10), a data table such as an internal lottery table (for example, the symbol arrangement table of FIG. 9), and the sub control circuit 72. Data for transmitting a command (command) is stored. The main RAM 33 is provided with a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination determined by execution of the control program.

(Random number generator etc.)
The main CPU 31 is connected to a clock pulse generation circuit 34, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36, and a sampling circuit 37. The clock pulse generation circuit 34 and the frequency divider 35 generate clock pulses. The main CPU 31 executes a control program based on the generated clock pulse. The random number generator 36 generates a random number within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 37 extracts one value from the generated random numbers.

(Switch etc.)
A switch or the like is connected to the input port of the microcomputer 30. The main CPU 31 receives input from a switch or the like and controls the operation of peripheral devices such as stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R. The stop switch 7S detects that each of the three stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R has been pressed (stop operation) by the player. The start switch 6S detects that the start lever 6 has been operated by the player (start operation).

  The medal sensor 42S detects that the medal received at the medal slot 10 has passed through the selector 42. The bet switch 11S detects that the bet button 11 has been pressed by the player. Further, the settlement switch 12S detects that the settlement button 12 has been pressed by the player.

(Peripheral devices and circuits)
Peripheral devices whose operations are controlled by the microcomputer 30 include stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, a 7-segment display 13 and a hopper 40. A circuit for controlling the operation of each peripheral device is connected to the output port of the microcomputer 30.

  The motor drive circuit 39 controls driving of stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The reel position detection circuit 50 detects a reel index indicating that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have made one rotation by an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion in accordance with each reel 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R have a configuration in which the momentum is proportional to the number of output pulses and the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle. The driving force of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is transmitted to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R via a gear having a predetermined reduction ratio. Each time one pulse is output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate at a constant angle.

  The main CPU 31 counts the number of times the pulses are output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R after detecting the reel index, thereby rotating the rotation angles of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (mainly the reels 3L, 3C, The number of symbols 3R has rotated) is managed, and the positions of the symbols arranged on the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are managed.

  The display unit drive circuit 48 controls the operation of the 7-segment display 13. The hopper drive circuit 41 controls the operation of the hopper 40. The payout completion signal circuit 51 manages the detection of medals performed by the medal detection unit 40S provided in the hopper 40, and checks whether or not the medals discharged from the hopper 40 have reached the payout number.

<Sub control circuit>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub-control circuit 72 of the pachislot 1 in the present embodiment.

  The sub control circuit 72 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 71 and performs processing such as determination and execution of effect contents based on a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub-control circuit 72 basically includes a CPU (hereinafter referred to as sub-CPU) 81, a ROM (hereinafter referred to as sub-ROM) 82, a RAM (hereinafter referred to as sub-RAM) 83, a rendering processor 84, a drawing RAM 85, and a driver 87. , A DSP (digital signal processor) 88, an audio RAM 89, an A / D converter 90, and an amplifier 91.

  The sub CPU 81 controls the output of video, sound, and light according to the control program stored in the sub ROM 82 in accordance with the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub-RAM 83 is provided with a storage area for registering the determined contents and effects data, and a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub ROM 82 basically includes a program storage area and a data storage area.

  A control program executed by the sub CPU 81 is stored in the program storage area. For example, in the control program, a main board communication task for controlling communication with the main control circuit 71 and an effect registration task for extracting effect random numbers and determining and registering effect contents (effect data) , A drawing control task for controlling the display of the video by the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the determined production content, a lamp control task for controlling the light output by the lamp 14, and a voice control task for controlling the sound output by the speakers 9L and 9R Etc. are included.

  The data storage area stores a storage area for storing various data tables, a storage area for storing effect data constituting each effect content, a storage area for storing animation data related to creation of video, and a sound data related to BGM and sound effects. A storage area, a storage area for storing lamp data related to the light on / off pattern, and the like are included.

  The sub-control circuit 72 is connected with a liquid crystal display device 5, speakers 9L and 9R, and a lamp 14 as peripheral devices whose operations are controlled. The sub-control circuit 72 is connected to a plurality of electromagnetic solenoids (hereinafter referred to as solenoids) 7SL, 7SC, 7SR, which will be described later, as peripheral devices whose operations are controlled.

  When the main CPU 31 refers to the invalid state (invalid flag) of the main RAM 33 as the storage means, the sub CPU 81 excites the solenoids 7SL, 7SC, 7SR. On the other hand, when the main CPU 31 refers to the valid state (valid flag) of the main RAM 33, the sub CPU 81 demagnetizes each solenoid 7SL, 7SC, 7SR.

  The sub CPU 81, the rendering processor 84, the drawing RAM 85 (including the frame buffer 86), and the driver 87 create a video according to the animation data designated by the contents of the presentation, and display the created video on the liquid crystal display device 5.

  The sub CPU 81, DSP 88, audio RAM 89, A / D converter 90, and amplifier 91 output sounds such as BGM from the speakers 9L and 9R according to the sound data specified by the contents of the effects. Further, the sub CPU 81 turns on and off the lamp 14 according to the lamp data designated by the contents of the effect.

  Further, the sub CPU 81 excites or demagnetizes the solenoids 7SL, 7SC, 7SR in accordance with the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71.

  This completes the description of the circuit configuration of the pachislot machine 1. Next, with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, the configuration of the stopping device provided in the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

[Configuration of stopping device]
FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view showing the configuration of the stop device 7 of the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the stop device 7 of the pachi-slot 1 according to the present embodiment, and is a state diagram in which the protrusion is retracted from the front surface of the stop button. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the stop device 7 of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment, and is a state diagram in which the protrusion protrudes from the front surface of the stop button.

  The pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment includes a stop device (stop button unit) 7 that stops a plurality of rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R on a winning determination line. The stop device 7 has three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. Each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R protrudes from the front surface of the operation unit 60 (see FIG. 2) and can be pressed. Further, a protrusion 75 can protrude or retract on the front surface of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R.

  The stopping device 7 has a compression coil spring 76 and solenoids 7SL, 7SC, 7SR which are three urging members. The compression coil spring 76 urges a force to retract the protrusion 75 from the front surface of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R.

  Each solenoid 7SL, 7SC, 7SR is provided behind the protrusion 75. When the main CPU 31 refers to the invalid state of the main RAM 33 (see FIG. 4), the sub CPU 81 excites the solenoids 7SL, 7SC, 7SR to project the protrusions 75 to the front of the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R (see FIG. 4). (See FIG. 5).

  The stopping device 7 has a rectangular parallelepiped case 70 and a printed circuit board 73. The case 70 is provided with a flange 70a fixed to the front surface of the operation unit 60 (see FIG. 2) at one end, and the other end is opened. The printed circuit board 73 is disposed at the other end of the case 70.

  The case 70 has three recesses 70b and a central opening 70c (see FIG. 7). The recess 70b holds the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R so as to freely advance and retract. The central opening 70c is opened at the bottom surface of the recess 70b. The printed circuit board 73 holds the main bodies 74a of the solenoids 7SL, 7SC, 7SR. And the movable iron core 74b of solenoid 7SL, 7SC, 7SR can move the protrusion 75 interposed between each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R and the recessed part 70b via the center opening 70c.

  The case 70 has an insulating property, and a box-like insulating case is obtained by molding a synthetic resin having an electrically insulating property. The flange 70a is provided with female screw seats 701 on both wings, and the case 70 can be fixed to the front surface of the operation unit 60 using a fastener such as a screw (see FIG. 2).

  The end edges of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R project a pair of arms 7a and 7a provided with claws 7f and 7f in opposite directions. Each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is provided with a compression coil spring 76, and a pair of claws 7f and 7f are engaged with a hole provided in the bottom surface of the recess 70b. 7L, 7C, 7R can be held forward and backward.

  The protrusion 75 includes a shaft portion 75a having a hemispherical tip, and a flange portion 75b formed at the base end portion of the shaft portion 75a. A compression coil spring 77, which is an urging member, is interposed in the shaft portion 75a. One end portion of the compression coil spring 77 is in contact with the bottom surface of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R, and the protrusion 75 is formed in each stop button 7L, so that the other end portion of the compression coil spring 77 is in contact with the flange portion 75b. It is incorporated in 7C and 7R.

  In the embodiment, the protrusion 75 includes a shaft portion 75a that is a center protrusion protruding from the center of each stop button 7L, 7C, and 7R, and a plurality of peripheral protrusions 75c that protrude radially around the shaft portion 75a. Yes. The protrusion 75 may be provided with only the shaft portion 75a without providing the plurality of peripheral protrusions 75c.

  On the printed circuit board 73, three transmissive photodetectors 73L, 73C, and 73R are mounted so that the light emitting element and the light receiving element face each other. On the other hand, each of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R is a bottomed cylindrical hollow body. Then, the edge of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is provided with an arm 7b capable of moving back and forth between the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

  In addition, the printed circuit board 73 is provided with an LED 7d that displays the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R from behind when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are pressed.

[Operation of stopping device]
Next, the operation of the stopping device 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. The stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, the solenoids 7SL, 7SC, 7SR, and the transmission type photodetectors 73L, 73C, 73R are all the same, and therefore represent a configuration in which the left stop button 7L is cascaded. The operation of the stopping device 7 will be described below.

  FIG. 7 shows a state in which the solenoid 7SL is demagnetized, and the tip of the protrusion 75 is retracted from the front surface of the stop button 7L. From the state of FIG. 7, the stop button 7 </ b> L can be pushed against the compression coil spring 76. When the stop button 7L is pressed, the edge of the stop button 7L comes into contact with the bottom surface of the recess 70b, and it becomes difficult to press the stop button 7L any further. That is, the stop button 7L stops.

  When the stop button 7L is pressed and stopped, the tip of the protrusion 75 may protrude slightly from the front surface of the stop button 7L, and it is difficult to feel the presence of the protrusion 75 tactilely.

  In FIG. 7, when the stop button 7L is pressed, the arm 7b advances between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the transmissive photodetector 73L, and the light emitted from the light emitting element can be blocked. A signal for stopping the corresponding reel 3L can be sent to the main CPU 31. That is, the arm 7b and the transmission type photodetector 73L function as the stop switch 7S (see FIG. 4).

  In FIG. 7, when the stop button 7L is released from the state in which the stop button 7L is pressed, the compression coil spring 76 urges the stop button 7L to return to the initial state. In FIG. 7, a pair of hooks 7f and 7f are engaged with a hole provided in the bottom surface of the recess 70b to prevent the stop button 7L from falling off.

  In FIG. 7, when the stop button 7L is released after the stop button 7L is pressed, the arm 7b moves backward from between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the transmission type photodetector 73L, and the light emitted from the light emitting element is received. Light is received by the element. That is, the stop switch 7S is turned off.

  FIG. 8 shows a state in which the solenoid 7SL is excited, and the tip of the protrusion 75 protrudes from the front surface of the stop button 7L. More specifically, the shaft portion 75a and the plurality of peripheral protrusions 75c protrude from the front surface of the stop button 7L.

  When the solenoid 7SL is excited from the state of FIG. 7, the movable iron core 74b is advanced from the main body 74a, and the tip end portion of the protrusion 75 can protrude from the front surface of the stop button 7L.

  When the solenoid 7SL is demagnetized from the state of FIG. 8, it is biased by the spring 74c, and the movable iron core 74b moves backward to return to the initial demagnetized state. The protrusion 75 is urged by the compression coil spring 77 and retracts from the front surface of the stop button 7L. That is, the protrusion 75 returns to the state shown in FIG.

  In the embodiment, the stop button 7L can be pressed even when the tip of the protrusion 75 protrudes from the front surface of the stop button 7L. In this case, it is preferable to make the excitation force of the solenoid 7SL relatively weak, and the stop button 7L can be pressed against the excitation force by pressing the projection 75 protruding from the front surface of the stop button 7L.

[Design arrangement table, etc.]
This is the end of the description of the configuration and operation of the stopping device provided in the pachi-slot 1. Next, the symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol arrangement table defines the position of each symbol in the rotation direction of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and data (hereinafter, symbol code) specifying the type of symbol arranged at each position.

  In the symbol arrangement table, when the reel index is detected, the symbol position in the middle stage in the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R is set to “0”, and the symbols are arranged in the order of advance in the rotation direction of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. “0” to “20” are assigned to the positions of symbols, respectively. Therefore, by managing how many symbols have been rotated since the reel index was detected, by referring to the symbol arrangement table, the positions of symbols existing mainly in the middle stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R and It is possible to always manage the type of the symbol.

  In the present embodiment, when the symbol combination displayed by the reels 3L, 3C, 3R along the winning determination line matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table, it is determined to be a prize, Benefits such as paying out medals, re-game operations, and bonus game operations are given to the player.

  The symbol combination table defines a symbol combination, a display combination, and a payout number that are predetermined according to the type of privilege. The display combination is data for identifying a combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line.

[Main flowchart by control of main CPU of main control circuit]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the main flowchart by control of the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described.

  When power is turned on to the pachi-slot 1, first, the main CPU 31 performs an initialization process (S1). Next, the main CPU 31 clears the designated storage area in the main RAM 33 (S2). For example, data stored in a storage area that needs to be deleted for each game, such as an internal winning combination storage area or a display combination storage area, is cleared.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs medal acceptance / start check processing (S3). In this process, input checks of the medal sensor 42S and the start switch 6S are performed (see FIG. 4).

  Next, the main CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores it in a random value storage area provided in the main RAM 33 (S4). Next, the main CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process (S5). In this process, the internal winning combination is determined by lottery based on a random value. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S6). The start command includes a parameter for specifying an internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (S7). In this process, when the start of rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is requested, the driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is controlled by an interrupt process executed at a constant cycle (1.1173 msec). Then, the rotation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is started.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 11 (S8). In this process, the input of the stop switch 7S is checked, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped based on the timing when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are pressed and the internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 31 searches for a combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line, and determines a payout number or the like based on the result (S9). As a result of the search, if the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table, the corresponding display combination and the number of payouts are determined. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a display command to the sub control circuit 72 (S10). The display command includes parameters that specify the display combination, the number of payouts, and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a medal payout process (S11). In this process, the hopper 40 is driven and the number of credits is updated based on the determined payout number. Next, the main CPU 31 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (S12). In this process, the numerical value determined as the payout number is subtracted from the bonus end number counter.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus operating flag is on (S13). In this process, when the main CPU 31 determines that the bonus operating flag is on, it performs a bonus end check process (S14). In this process, it is checked whether or not to end the operation of the bonus with reference to various counters for managing the end timing of the bonus.

  The main CPU 31 performs a bonus operation check process after S14 or when it is determined in S13 that the bonus operating flag is not on (S15). In this process, it is checked whether or not the bonus operation is started. When this process ends, the process proceeds to S2.

  As described above, the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 executes the program of the main flowchart.

[Reel stop control process]
Next, the reel stop control process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed (S101). When the main CPU 31 determines that a valid stop button has not been pressed, it waits until it is pressed.

  When determining that a valid stop button has been pressed, the main CPU 31 invalidates the operation of the corresponding stop button (S102). The valid and invalid states of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are managed in a predetermined storage area provided in the main RAM 33.

  Next, the main CPU 31 sets 5 as the number of checks (S103). In the present embodiment, since the maximum number of sliding symbols is “4”, when the stop button is pressed, including the symbol position in the middle of the corresponding display window, Up to the position is subject to check. That is, one of the five numerical values “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” is determined as the number of sliding frames.

  Next, based on the internal winning combination, the main CPU 31 includes each position within the range of the number of checks including the position of the symbol in the middle of the corresponding display window (hereinafter referred to as the stop start position) when the stop button is pressed. Among the symbol positions, the symbol position with the highest priority is searched (S104). In this process, the position of the symbol that can display the combination of symbols permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination along the winning determination line is determined as the position of the symbol with the highest priority.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines the number of sliding symbols based on the search result (S105). The number of symbols from the stop start position to the symbol position with the highest priority is determined as the number of sliding symbols. Next, the main CPU 31 shifts to waiting for a scheduled stop position (S106). When a transition is made to waiting for the planned stop position, the driving of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is controlled, and the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped after the position of the symbol with the highest priority reaches the middle stage of the corresponding display window. .

  Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a reel stop command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S107). The reel stop command includes a parameter for specifying the type of the stopped reel.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a stop button whose operation is valid (S108). That is, it is determined whether there is a reel that is still rotating. When the main CPU 31 determines that there is a stop button with an effective operation, the process proceeds to S101, and when it determines that there is no stop button with an effective operation, the main CPU 31 ends the reel stop control process.

[Operation of stop device]
In the pachi-slot 1 according to the embodiment configured and controlled as described above, when the main CPU 31 refers to the invalid state (invalid flag) of the main RAM 33, the sub CPU 81 excites the corresponding solenoids 7SL, 7SC, 7SR to project. 75 is projected to the front of the corresponding stop button 7L, 7C, 7R.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 31 refers to the valid state (valid flag) of the main RAM 33, the sub CPU 81 demagnetizes the corresponding solenoids 7SL, 7SC, 7SR. The projection 75 is urged by the compression coil spring 76 and retracts from the front surface of the corresponding stop button 7L, 7C, 7R.

  The pachi-slot 1 according to the embodiment directly reports whether the operation of the stop button is valid or invalid by a protrusion protruding or retracting from the front surface of the stop button. When the main CPU confirms that the stop button is disabled, the protrusion may protrude from the front of the stop button. When the main CPU confirms the stop button, the protrusion may be retracted from the front of the stop button. It is possible to prevent the operation from becoming unintended by the player.

  As described above, the pachi-slot 1 according to the embodiment can prevent the operation of the stop button from being unintended by the player and can provide a gaming machine that notifies whether the stop button is valid or invalid.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the function flow of the game machine in one embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external structure of the game machine in the said embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the game machine in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the main control circuit of the game machine in the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the sub control circuit of the game machine in the said embodiment. It is a perspective exploded view which shows the structure of the stop apparatus of the game machine in the said embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the stop device of the gaming machine in the embodiment, and is a state diagram in which the protrusion is retracted from the front surface of the stop button. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the stop device of the gaming machine in the embodiment, and is a state diagram in which the protrusion protrudes from the front surface of the stop button. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | positioning table of the game machine in the said embodiment. It is a main flowchart by control of main CPU of the main control circuit in the said embodiment. It is a flowchart of the reel stop control process by control of main CPU of the main control circuit in the said embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 pachislot machine
3L, 3C, 3R reel (variable display device)
7 Stop device 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 7SL, 7SC, 7SR Electromagnetic solenoid (notification means)
31 Main CPU (control means)
33 Main RAM (storage means)
60 Operation section 71 Main control circuit (control means)
72 Sub control circuit (sub control means)
75 Projection 77 Compression coil spring (biasing member)
81 Sub CPU (sub control means)

Claims (4)

A variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbol sequences and capable of stopping these symbol sequences on a predetermined winning determination line;
A stop device for stopping the plurality of symbol strings in a variable display on the winning determination line by an operation of a player;
A gaming machine comprising control means for controlling the operation of the variable display device,
The stop device has a plurality of stop buttons that protrude from the front of the operation unit and can be pressed, and a notification unit that can project or retract a protrusion on the front of the stop button,
The control means includes storage means for managing the valid and invalid states of the stop button, and sub-control means for processing execution of the notification means,
The informing means includes a biasing member that biases a force for retracting the protrusion from the front surface of the stop button, and an electromagnetic solenoid provided behind the protrusion,
When the control means refers to the invalid state of the storage means, the sub-control means excites the electromagnetic solenoid to cause the protrusion to protrude to the front surface of the stop button. The stop device has a stop switch that sends a signal to stop the corresponding symbol sequence to the control means when the stop button is pressed.
The stop switch is composed of a transmission type photodetector in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element face each other.
The stop button is a bottomed cylindrical hollow body,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a part of an edge of the stop button advances and retreats between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. The stop device has a rectangular parallelepiped case provided with a flange fixed to the front surface of the operation unit at one end and the other end opened, and a printed circuit board disposed at the other end of the case And having
The case has a recess that holds the stop button so as to freely advance and retreat, and a central opening that is opened in the bottom surface of the recess,
The printed circuit board holds the main body of the electromagnetic solenoid, and the movable iron core of the electromagnetic solenoid moves the protrusion interposed between the stop button and the recess through the central opening. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein   The said protrusion is comprised by the center protrusion which protrudes in the center of the said stop button, and the some peripheral protrusion which protrudes radially around this center protrusion. Game machines.

Images