JP2013017712A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine having a reel unit in which the delicate movement of a reel stopped in an intermediate position (inter-two phase position) of a motor step number by one/two phase excitation etc., from a stopped position is suppressed, and the heat generation of the stepping motor is suppressed.SOLUTION: When a stepping motor is stopped and when the stopped position is inter-two phase position, the reel control means 230 determines whether or not the time for rotating the stepping motor again is in excess of the predetermined excitation duration of the stepping motor. Then, the reel control means is configured in such a way that on the basis of the determination result, the reel control means selects whether the stepping motor keeps to be stopped in the inter-two phase position by keeping excitation to the stepping motor or the excitation is released by moving the stepping motor from the inter-two phase position to a position rotated for a half phase portion in the rotating direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine equipped with a reel unit that performs random lottery when a game ball wins a winning device, and displays symbols in a variable manner according to the lottery result.

  Conventionally, the ball game machine having such a configuration is well known as a pachinko machine or the like. In the pachinko machine, a player purchases a game ball, puts it on a ball tray, and then operates a launch handle to play a game. Specifically, when a game ball is thrown into the ball tray, the game balls are sent one by one from the alignment passage connected to the ball tray into the launch device, and the game is played by the launch device according to the player's launch handle operation. Each ball is configured to be launched into the game area one by one. The game ball thus launched and launched into the game area is guided by a game nail or the like to fall while changing the fall route, and during this movement, the game ball is played on the winning device provided in the game area. When a ball enters, that is, wins, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the ball tray as prize balls in accordance with the winning.

  In such a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, when a game ball wins a winning device, a random number lottery is performed, and a reel unit is used as a symbol display device that displays a symbol in accordance with the lottery result. It has been sold and has been popular with players. Recent reel units employ a stepping motor as a drive source, and display control is performed by counting the number of steps from a reference position and identifying the position of a decorative pattern drawn on the reel (for example, (See Patent Document 1). For this reason, the relationship between the number of steps of the stepping motor and the number of decorative symbols is very close.

Japanese Patent No. 4537484

  By the way, although the number of steps of the stepping motor for driving the reel can be customized, since it becomes a dedicated part when customized, the manufacturing cost increases. On the other hand, since the stepping motor provided as a general purpose has a predetermined number of steps, depending on the number of decorative symbols, when stopping at an appropriate position, the middle of the number of steps, that is, the position between each phase of the stepping motor May be an appropriate stop position for the decorative symbol. In this case, the decorative symbol can be stopped at the intermediate position of the number of steps by 1-2 phase excitation or the like. However, when the decorative pattern is stopped at the intermediate position of the number of steps by 1-2 phase excitation, etc., if the 1-2 phase excitation is released, the rotor of the stepping motor will move to the position of either the front or back phase by magnetic force. The reels may move slightly because they are attracted to. In order to prevent the reel from moving delicately from such a stop position, it is conceivable to continue the 1-2 phase excitation. However, if the excitation is continued, the stepping motor generates heat. Therefore, there is a problem that the reel unit is enlarged.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and suppresses that the reel stopped at the intermediate position of the number of motor steps by 1-2 phase excitation or the like moves slightly from the stop position, and An object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine including a reel unit capable of suppressing heat generation of a stepping motor.

  In order to achieve such an object, a ball game machine according to the present invention has a game board having a predetermined game area on the front side and a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surface. , A reel unit capable of displaying the variation of the symbol by rotating the reel by a stepping motor, a sub-control device for controlling the reel unit, and basic information for the sub-control device to control the reel unit. And a main controller for determining. Whether the main control device executes a special game that makes it easy to win a variable winning opening provided in the gaming area on the condition that a game ball has won a starting winning opening provided in the gaming area A lottery means for executing a lottery determination, a special game executing means for executing the special game on the condition that the lottery result by the lottery means wins, and informing the lottery result based on the lottery result A symbol variation time determination means for determining a symbol variation time to be performed, and a control command capable of specifying the symbol variation time determined by the lottery result and the symbol variation time determination means as the basic information. And command transmission means for transmitting to. Further, the sub-control device includes a symbol variation stop content determination unit that determines a variation mode and a stop mode of the symbol to be displayed on the reel unit based on the control command transmitted from the command transmission unit, and the symbol variation Reel control means for controlling the stepping motor of the reel unit so as to be in the symbol variation mode and stop mode determined by the stop content determination unit. In addition, when the stepping motor is stopped, the reel control means rotates the stepping motor again when the stop position is a position between two phases, which is a position between the phases of the stepping motor. It is determined whether or not the re-rotation start time until the re-rotation exceeds a predetermined excitation continuation possible time during which the stepping motor can continue to be excited, and the re-rotation start time is the excitation continuation possible time If it is within the range, the stepping motor continues to be excited to hold the stop at the position between the two phases, and when the re-rotation start time exceeds the excitation continuation time, Control to release the excitation by moving from the interphase position to the position rotated by half phase in the rotation direction

  According to such a configuration, when the stepping motor is stopped and the stop position is the position between the two phases, the re-rotation start time of the stepping motor is within the excitation continuation possible time, that is, the re-rotation start. When the time is short, control is performed to keep applying excitation and hold the stop at the position between the two phases, and when the re-rotation start time exceeds the excitation continuation possible time, that is, when the re-rotation start time is long, Correction control is performed in which excitation is released by moving from a position between two phases to a position rotated by a half phase. Therefore, the reel control stopped at the position between the two phases can be controlled with good appearance by minimizing the deviation of the reel from the stop position by a half step, and the stepping motor can be prevented from generating heat due to excitation. . For this reason, it is not necessary to provide heat generation countermeasures such as a heat radiating fan, and an increase in the size of the reel unit can be prevented.

  In order to achieve the above object, a ball game machine according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a game board having a predetermined game area on the front side and a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surface. A reel unit capable of displaying the symbol variation by rotating the reel by a stepping motor, a sub-control device for controlling the reel unit, and the sub-control device for controlling the reel unit. And a main controller that determines basic information. Whether the main control device executes a special game that makes it easy to win a variable winning opening provided in the gaming area on the condition that a game ball has won a starting winning opening provided in the gaming area A lottery means for executing a lottery determination, a special game executing means for executing the special game on the condition that the lottery result by the lottery means wins, and informing the lottery result based on the lottery result A symbol variation time determination means for determining a symbol variation time to be performed, and a control command capable of specifying the symbol variation time determined by the lottery result and the symbol variation time determination means as the basic information. And command transmission means for transmitting to. Further, the sub-control device includes a symbol variation stop content determination unit that determines a variation mode and a stop mode of the symbol to be displayed on the reel unit based on the control command transmitted from the command transmission unit, and the symbol variation Reel control means for controlling the stepping motor of the reel unit so as to be in the symbol variation mode and stop mode determined by the stop content determination unit. In addition, the reel control means has a position for stopping at least one of the symbols included in the symbol stop mode of each reel determined by the symbol variation stop content determining means as a position of each stepping motor. The re-rotation start time from when the stepping motor is stopped to when it is rotated again is energized to the stepping motor that is determined in advance under normal control. It is determined whether or not there is a possibility that the excitation continuation time that can be continued is exceeded, and if the re-rotation start time is not likely to exceed the excitation continuation time, the stepping motor is determined. Is stopped at the position between the two phases, and the stepping motor is energized to maintain the stop at the position between the two phases. When there is a possibility that the re-rotation start time may exceed the excitation continuation possible time, control is performed to release the excitation by stopping at the position rotated by a half phase in the rotation direction from the position between the two phases. Is done.

  According to such a configuration, among the symbols included in the symbol stop mode of each reel, the position where at least one symbol is stopped includes the stop at the position between the two phases of the stepping motor, and the stepping motor It is determined whether or not the re-rotation start time may exceed the excitation continuation possible time before the fluctuation stop, and if the re-rotation start time does not exceed the excitation continuation possible time, the stepping motor is If control is performed to stop at the interphase position, continue to apply excitation to the stepping motor and maintain the stop at the position between the two phases, and the re-rotation start time may exceed the excitation continuation time, the stepping motor Is stopped at a position rotated by a half phase from the position between the two phases and the excitation is released. Therefore, the reel control stopped at the position between the two phases can be controlled with good appearance by minimizing the deviation of the reel from the stop position by a half step, and the stepping motor can be prevented from generating heat due to excitation. . For this reason, it is not necessary to provide heat generation countermeasures such as a heat radiating fan, and an increase in the size of the reel unit can be prevented.

  In addition, in the ball game machine having the above configuration, when the symbol variation display is being performed by the reel unit and the game ball cannot be immediately displayed when the game ball is won at the start winning opening, the predetermined number is set. A symbol holding means for holding a symbol variation at an upper limit is provided, and the reel control unit can continue the excitation start time of the stepping motor when the symbol variation is held in the symbol holding device. If it is determined that the time is within the time and the symbol hold means has not performed the symbol variation hold, the re-rotation start time is preferably determined to exceed the excitation continuation possible time.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the re-rotation start time of the stepping motor exceeds the excitation continuation possible time based on whether or not the symbol variation holding is performed in the symbol holding means. With simpler control, the reel that is stopped at the position between the two phases can be controlled with good appearance by minimizing the deviation of the reel from the stop position by a half step, and the stepping motor generates heat by excitation. That can be suppressed.

  According to the ball game machine according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the reel stopped at the intermediate position of the number of motor steps (position between the two phases) by 1-2 phase excitation or the like from moving slightly from the stop position, and It is possible to prevent the stepping motor from generating heat.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine shown as an example of the ball game machine concerning the present invention. It is a front view of the game board with which the said pachinko machine was equipped. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a perspective view of the reel unit with which the said pachinko machine was equipped. It is a rear view of the reel unit. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the reel module which comprises the said reel unit. It is a figure which shows the decorative design drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the said reel member. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement in the case of 2 phase excitation of a stepping motor, and 1-2 phase excitation. It is the block diagram which showed the control function of the said pachinko machine. It is a follow chart shown about the control flow of the said reel unit. It is a flowchart which shows other embodiment about the control flow of the said reel unit. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the arrangement | positioning relationship and operation | movement of the said reel unit and a movable accessory unit. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the one aspect | mode of the lighting control in the said reel unit.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a schematic configuration of a pachinko machine PM that is an example of a ball game machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine PM has a rectangular frame size adapted to the front of the opening of the outer frame 1 that forms a vertically fixed holding frame that is configured to have an outer rectangular frame size. The front frame 2 is formed by an upper and lower hinge mechanism 3a, 3b disposed on the left front edge of each other so that it can be opened and closed laterally and attached and detached, and is called a double lock provided on the front right edge. The locking device 4 is always used to keep the closed state engaged with the outer frame 1.

  On the front side of the front frame 2, a rectangular glass door 5 and a ball tray unit 6 that match the upper front area of the front frame 2 are installed horizontally by using hinge mechanisms 7 a, 7 b, 7 c provided on the left side of the front side. It is assembled so that it can be opened and closed and detachable, and is always kept closed using the locking device 4 so as to cover the front surface of the front frame 2. Speakers 8 and 8 that generate sound effects and the like according to the progress of the game are provided on the front upper left and right of the front frame 2. An operation handle 60 for performing a game ball launching operation is provided at the lower right side of the front of the ball tray unit 6. A rectangular frame-shaped storage frame (not shown) for detachably storing the game board 10 is provided on the upper portion of the front frame 2 located behind the glass door 5, and a predetermined gauge setting is provided in the storage frame. The configured game board 10 is detachably set and held, and the game area PA in front of the game board 10 is exposed through the glass door 5 that is always held closed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 10 is configured with a decorative board 11 formed by attaching a cell on which a predetermined pattern is printed to a rectangular laminated plywood subjected to router processing or the like. On the front surface of the decorative plate 11, a substantially circular game area PA in which the flying rail 12a and the inner rail 12b are fixed in an arc shape and the game ball can roll is defined. A launching passage 12 that guides the game ball to the game area PA is formed by the flying rail 12a and the inner rail 12b, and the launch passage 12 is located near the exit opening of the game ball in the launch passage 12 (the tip of the inner rail 12b). A ball return prevention device 12c that prevents the game ball released from the exit opening through the exit 12 into the game area PA from returning to the launch passage 12 is provided.

  The game area PA of the game board 10 includes a number of game nails (not shown), a windmill and various winning devices 13, 14, 15, a normal symbol operating gate 16, a center decoration unit 17, and the progress of the game. A game component such as a reel unit 40 (design variation display device) for variably displaying a predetermined design so that the player can visually recognize it is attached. Further, at the lower end of the game area PA, there is provided an out port 19 through which game balls that have fallen without winning in each winning device are discharged to the back side of the game board 10.

  Although illustration is omitted, at the lower part of the front surface of the front frame 2, there is provided a game auxiliary board that is positioned behind the ball tray unit 6 and can be aligned with the game board 10 in the vertical direction. , A launching device 65 (see FIG. 9) for launching a game ball toward the game board 10, a prize ball communication passage and an overflow ball passage formed in communication with the front and rear of the front frame 2, and a game ball collecting mechanism are provided. It has been.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a back set board 30 formed in a rectangular frame shape somewhat smaller than the inner size of the outer frame 1 is detachably attached to the back side of the front frame 2. The back set board 30 is formed in a frame shape having a large window opening 30a that opens in communication with the front and rear in an upper region located behind the game board 10, and a game ball is placed above the window opening 30a. A sphere storage tank 31 for storage and a tank rail 32 that is connected to the sphere storage tank 31 and slightly tilted downward are provided. The tank rail 32 guides the lane storage tank 31 in a line in front and back to the right side of the window opening 30a. A prize ball payout device 33 for paying out the game balls based on the winning state on the game board 10, and a prize ball payout passage for guiding the game balls paid out from the prize ball payout device 33 to the upper ball tray 6 a of the ball tray unit 6. A prize ball mechanism such as 34 is provided.

  Further, in each part of the back side of the back set board 30, a main control device 100 (main control board) for mainly controlling functions relating to the game in the game, and a sub-control for mainly controlling the reel unit 40 and the center decoration unit 17 are provided. A device 200 (sub control board), a frame control device 300 (payout control board) that mainly controls the prize ball payout device 33 and the launch device 65, and a power generation device 400 that generates and supplies power for various devices are attached. These are connected by a connector cable (not shown) so that the pachinko machine PM can be operated.

  In such a pachinko machine PM, the configuration of each part related to the payout process of the game ball when the game ball launched into the game area PA falls into each winning device will be described in more detail. There are various types of winning devices provided on the game board 10 including appearance design and operations at the time of winning, and any type of winning device may be used according to the gauge setting. However, for example, the game board 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 shows an example in which three types of winning devices, that is, a general winning device 13, a start winning device 14, and a big winning device 15 are provided.

  The general winning device 13 is a fixed winning tool having a general winning port 13a into which a game ball can be dropped. The prize is detected by passing through a general prize opening sensor 13s (see FIG. 9) provided on the back side. The general winning opening sensor 13s is not particularly limited as long as it is a passing sensor that can detect the passing of a game ball. The operation type may be used (the same applies to the sensors 14s, 15s, and 16s described below).

  The start winning device 14 has a start winning opening 14a into which a game ball can drop, and is a winning tool that determines the conditions for starting the variation of the symbols. A game ball (safe ball) that has dropped into the start winning opening 14a is a winning ball. The winning ball is detected by passing through the safe ball passage, being discharged to the back side of the decorative board 11, and passing through a start winning port sensor 14s (see FIG. 9) provided on the back side.

  The big prize device 15 has a big prize opening 15a into which a game ball can fall, and is a so-called attacker-type movable prize winning device, and an open / close door that covers the horizontal rectangular big prize opening 15a is attached to be openable and closable. Yes. The open / close door is normally closed, and when a special game state is established under a predetermined winning condition during the game, the large winning opening solenoid 15c is driven and the upper part of the open / close door is tilted forward approximately 90 degrees to be large. The winning opening 15a is opened. The game ball (safe ball) that has dropped into the big prize opening 15a is discharged to the back side of the decorative board 11 through the safe ball passage, and a big prize port sensor 15s (see FIG. 9) provided on the back side is used. Winning is detected by passing. The game balls detected by the sensors 13s, 14s, and 15s flow down the game-completed ball discharge passage and are discharged to the game island collection device of the game facility.

  In the pachinko machine PM configured as described above, the outer frame 1 is fixedly installed on the game island (installation frame base) of the game facility, and the front frame 2, the glass door 5, the ball tray unit 6 and the like are closed and locked. The game is started by storing the game ball in the upper ball tray 6a of the ball tray unit 6 and rotating the launch handle 60. When the firing handle 60 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 6a are guided one by one by the ball feed mechanism (rectifier) disposed on the back side of the ball tray unit 6 (shooting position). ) And is launched into the game area PA by the hammer of the launching device 65 to develop a pachinko game.

  Next, the configuration of the reel unit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the reel unit 40 includes a first reel module 41A, a second reel module 41B, a third reel module 41C, and a reel module housing portion 49 for housing these three reel modules. Configured. The first reel module 41A, the second reel module 41B, and the third reel module 41C have the same configuration including common members except for the symbols drawn on the reels. The description is given by way of example, and redundant description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the reel module 41 includes a reference piece member 41a, a reel member 41b, and a motor unit 41c. The reference piece member 41a is configured such that the center is formed in a substantially circular shape, and a protruding side is formed in a cross shape from the center. Here, one side of the protruding side is formed longer than the other three sides, and a light shielding unit 42 capable of blocking light received by a light receiving unit of a photosensor 55 (reference position sensor) described later is provided on this side. Is formed.

  The reel member 41b is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a symbol display surface portion 45 is provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof. A substantially circular central portion 46 and four pieces extending radially from the central portion 46 are formed inside the cylindrical shape. The rim portion is provided. The central portion 46 has mounting holes 43b so as to be aligned with the mounting protrusions 43a formed on the three protruding sides of the reference piece member 41a (the protruding sides other than the protruding side on which the light shielding portion 42 is formed). The reference piece member 41a is attached to the reel member 41b by being fitted into the attachment holes 43b of the reel member 41b. At this time, the motor rotation shaft fitting hole 44a formed at the center of the reference piece member 41a and the motor rotation shaft fitting hole 44b formed at the center of the center portion 46 of the reel member 41b are aligned and communicated. It has become. The rim portion of the reel member 41b is formed with a passage hole 42b through which the light shielding portion 42a of the reference piece member 41b passes when the reference piece member 41a is attached to the reel member 41b.

  The motor unit 41 c includes a motor base 47, a stepping motor 50, and a backlight unit 48. The backlight unit 48 is configured to irradiate the symbol display surface 45 of the reel member 41b from the inside when the reel member 41b is attached to the motor unit 41c. The rotation shaft 51 of the stepping motor 50 is fitted into the motor rotation shaft fitting holes 44b and 44a of the reel member 41b and the reference piece member 41a, and the stepping motor 50 is rotationally driven in this state, whereby the reel member 41b and The reference piece member 41a rotates. Further, the motor unit 41c is provided with a photosensor 55. The photosensor 55 is configured such that the light shielding portion 42a of the reference piece member 41a is the light receiving portion of the photosensor 55 as the reel member 41b and the reference piece member 41a rotate. It is provided at a position that passes through a position that blocks light incident on.

  As shown in FIG. 7, different decorative symbols are drawn on the symbol display surface portions 45 of the reel members 41 b of the first to third reel modules 41 </ b> A to 41 </ b> C for each symbol display surface portion of each reel member. As described above, each of the reel modules 41A, 41B, and 41C has the backlight unit 48. The backlight unit 48 uses the LED as a light source to irradiate the symbol display surface portion 45 from the inside, and the symbol display surface portion 45 outside. When viewed from the side, the decorative design is brightly illuminated from the inside by the backlight unit 48 so that it can be viewed from the front of the pachinko machine PM. The “decorative pattern” drawn on each reel member corresponds to the “design” described in the claims.

  In the reel unit 40 configured as described above, each reel member 41b is driven by rotating each stepping motor 50 of the first to third reel modules 41A to 41C by an excitation signal from a reel control means 230 described later. By rotating, the decorative symbols drawn on the symbol display surface 45 of each reel member 41b are variably displayed.

Here, the operation of the stepping motor will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an operation diagram of the stepping motor in which the drive windings are arranged every 90 ° in the order of the A phase, the B phase, the A ^- phase, and the B ^- phase. Numerals 3, 4 indicate how the rotor rotates, and on the left side are excitation signals of the windings of each phase in four steps. There are various methods for driving the stepping motor. FIG. 8A shows the case of two-phase excitation, and FIG. 8B shows the case of 1-2 phase excitation. In the case of the two-phase excitation shown in FIG. 8A, an excitation signal that is an excitation current flows in each phase in each step, so that the rotor that was between the A phase and the B ^- phase in the first step Rotate in increments of 90 ° as each advances. On the other hand, in the case of 1-2 phase excitation shown in FIG. 8B, an excitation signal that is an excitation current flows in each phase in each step, so that the rotation that was between the A phase and the B ⁻ phase in the first step. The child rotates in increments of 45 ° as the step proceeds one by one. As described above, when the two-phase excitation and the 1-2 phase excitation are compared, the rotation can be controlled more finely in the case of the 1-2 phase excitation.

  The stepping motor 50 used in the reel unit 40 is not limited to the stepping motor in which the windings of each phase shown in FIG. 8 are arranged at 90 ° intervals, but the windings of each phase are arranged at a smaller angle and a larger number. However, in general-purpose stepping motors, the number and arrangement (number of steps) of windings in each phase are determined in advance, and a general-purpose stepping motor is used from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost (this embodiment Then, it is desirable to adopt one round in 400 steps). For this reason, in the stepping motor 50, the rotation of the stepping motor can be controlled more finely in order to stop the predetermined decorative symbols of the reel members 41b at appropriate positions according to the number of decorative symbols drawn on the reel member 41b. Rotation control is performed with possible 1-2 phase excitation. Alternatively, rotation control is performed by appropriately switching between 1-phase excitation and 2-phase excitation. Details of the reel control (motor control) will be described later.

  Next, the control function of the pachinko machine PM will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, this pachinko machine PM is composed of a main control device 100 (main control board) that mainly controls functions relating to a ball in a game, a reel unit 40 (design variation display device), and a center decoration. A sub-control device 200 (sub-control board) that controls the unit 17, a frame control device 300 (pay-out control board) that mainly controls the prize ball payout device 33 and the launch device 65, and generates power for various devices A power supply generation device 400 (power supply board) to be supplied, and a start winning port sensor 14s, a general winning port sensor 13s, a big winning port sensor 15s and a normal symbol operation gate 16 provided on the game board 10 A signal from the sensor 16s is input to the main control device 100, and a signal from the main control device 100 is input to the big prize opening solenoid 15c, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 106, and the like. It is connected so as to be output to an external information terminal board 107.

  In addition, a prize ball payout device 33, a launching device 65 (launching unit) and a CR unit C provided on the back set board 30 are connected to the frame control device 300. Further, the reel unit 40, the speaker 8, the center decoration unit 17, and other electrical decoration devices 740 are connected to the sub-control device 200. The main control device 100 and the sub control device 200 are connected so as to be able to transmit signals in only one direction from the main control device 100, and the main control device 100 and the frame control device 300 can communicate in both directions. It is connected like that. Further, the power from the power generation device 400 is connected to the main control device 100 and the frame control device 300 so as to be supplied, and the main control device 100 or the frame control device 300 is relayed to the sub control device 200 and the launching device 65. Power is supplied. Note that the power generation device 400, the frame control device 300, the prize ball payout device 33, the launching device 65, and the CR unit C have the same configuration as the conventional one, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The main controller 100 monitors input signals from the start winning port sensor 14s, the general winning port sensor 13s, the big winning port sensor 15s and the gate sensor 16s, and whether or not the hit ball has won each winning port. A winning determination unit 110 for determining whether or not the ball has passed, and a special symbol variation for performing control related to the variation of the special symbol based on the determination that the hitting ball sensor 14s has won a winning ball by the winning determination unit 110. It is determined that the hit ball has passed through the gate sensor 16s by the control means 120, the special game execution means 130 for executing a special game advantageous to the player based on the special symbol being stopped in a predetermined manner, and the winning determination means 110. The normal symbol fluctuation control means 140 for controlling the fluctuation of the normal symbol based on the fact that the normal symbol is stopped in a predetermined manner. The normal electric accessory actuating control means 150 that activates the ordinary electric accessory (electric tulip) and creates a slightly advantageous state for the player, and the control contents of the main controller 100 are transmitted to the sub controller 200 as commands. Command transmission means 160, prize ball command transmission / reception means 170 for transmitting control contents such as prize ball number information and firing permission information as commands to the frame control device 300 and receiving control information from the frame control device 300, game information And a game information output means 180 for outputting the jackpot information and the winning information of the start winning opening to the external information terminal board 107. The prize ball command transmission / reception means 170 and game information output means 180 have the same configuration as that of the prior art, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The special symbol variation control means 120 performs control related to the determination of the variation time (variation mode) of the special symbol according to the determined special symbol, and the special symbol determination unit 121 that performs control related to the special symbol stop mode determination. Special symbol variation time (mode) determination means 122 and special symbol variation time monitoring means 123 that performs time management from the start of variation of the special symbol to the end of variation. In this embodiment, the special symbol variation control means 120 functions as a “lottery means” described in the claims.

  First, the special symbol determining means 121 will be described in detail. The special symbol determining means 121 includes a winning random number generating means 121a for generating a winning random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, and a gaming state for confirming a gaming state at the start of the variation of the special symbol. A determination means 121b, a winning random number acquisition means 121c for acquiring a winning random number based on the hitting of the hit ball in the start winning opening 14a, and a winning random value (winning value) for determining a special symbol according to the gaming state as a big hit mode ) Stored therein, and a winning symbol determining means 121e for determining which jackpot symbol of a plurality of jackpot symbols when the special symbol is determined to be a jackpot symbol ,have.

  The winning random number generation means 121a is constituted by a random number generation circuit built in the CPU which is the center of the main controller 100, and values from 0 to 65535 are substantially synchronized with a reference clock of the CPU or an external clock. It is configured to change randomly (for example, 500 → 60504 → 32527 → 2 →...). Note that a hardware counter combined with a software counter, a logic counter, or the like that increments using software interrupt processing or processing wait may be used.

  The gaming state determination means 121b is a normal gaming state in which the probability that a special symbol will be a big win mode as a gaming state at the start of symbol variation is a normal gaming state in which a special probability (for example, 1/399) is drawn, or a special symbol is a big hit mode. It is determined whether the game state is a probability variation gaming state in which a probability of becoming a lottery (for example, 1/40) is drawn. Here, in the present embodiment, in the probability variation gaming state, the special symbol is shifted based on the end of the special game generated by stopping in the specific jackpot mode, and continues until the special symbol becomes the jackpot mode again. It is configured. Note that the probability variation gaming state may be terminated based on a special symbol variation that has been performed a predetermined number of times, and whether or not to continue the probability variation gaming state is determined appropriately for each special symbol variation game. It may be determined by (for example, a lottery based on falling (normal return) lottery random numbers or winning random numbers). Incidentally, the fall (normal return) lottery based on the random number for fall (normal return) lottery is performed before the selection of the hit determination table 121d related to the symbol variation, and the determination table related to the symbol variation is selected based on the result. It is desirable that the above-described configuration be configured, and thereby, the falling lottery can be reliably performed from the first symbol variation. Further, the probability variation gaming state may be shifted according to the determination result by another lottery or the like without being shifted due to the special symbol jackpot mode, or set so that the special game is continuously executed a predetermined number of times. These may be combined as appropriate.

  The winning random number obtaining unit 121c directly inputs an input signal from the start winning port sensor 14s via a filter circuit to a random number generation circuit (not shown) built in the CPU, so that the start winning port sensor 14s. The winning prize is obtained by latching (holding) one of the values (winning random number) from 0 to 65535 generated by the winning random number generation means 121a at the timing when the game ball is detected and storing it in a dedicated register. A winning random number value is temporarily acquired at the timing of winning a hit to the mouth 14a.

  The winning random number acquisition means 121c determines that the software winning determination means 110 has won the start winning opening 14a, and the special symbol fluctuation control means indicates that the special symbol random number can be acquired. The winning random number value temporarily acquired when 120 is judged is taken in. Here, in the present embodiment, if the symbol variation cannot be performed immediately when the hit ball is won at the start winning opening 14a, for example, during the variation of the special symbol, the symbol with the predetermined number (4) as an upper limit is suspended. It is determined that it is impossible to obtain a special symbol random number when a predetermined upper limit number of symbol variation hold has already been performed by the symbol variation holding unit. If the number has not been reached, it is determined that a special symbol random number can be acquired.

  In addition, the value (winning random number value) generated by the winning random number generation means 121a is acquired based on the determination result of the winning determination means 110 without directly inputting the input signal from the start winning opening sensor 14s to the random number generation circuit. May be. This is also applicable when the above-described software counter or hardware counter is employed.

  The winning determination table 121d stores a winning value corresponding to the gaming state in the ROM. In the normal gaming state, “1 to 163” is set as the winning value, and in the probability varying gaming state, “1 to 1630”. Is set. As a result, in the normal gaming state, the special symbol becomes a big hit with a probability of “163/65536”, that is, “1/399”, and in the probability varying gaming state, it has a probability of “1630/65536”, that is, “1/40”. Special design is a big hit. In addition, it is desirable that the winning value in the probability variation gaming state is configured to include all the winning values in the normal gaming state as in the present embodiment, so that the random value acquired in the normal gaming state is the winning value. Therefore, even if the game is shifted to the probability variation gaming state, it is always a big hit, and it is possible to accurately realize the execution of the production that grasps the winning value in advance. In addition, the winning value may be set in a range as in the present embodiment to facilitate the determination program, or it may be set individually and a shooting target that occurs when a simple +1 or -1 method counter is employed. It may be prevented.

  The winning symbol determining means 121e determines which winning symbol is to be stopped when it is determined that the special symbol becomes a big hit mode based on the winning symbol determining random number updated asynchronously with the winning random number generating means 121a. Based on the fact that the winning determination means 110 determines that the winning winning opening 14a has been won, a value generated by a winning symbol determination random number (winning symbol random number value) is acquired, and the special symbol becomes a jackpot mode. Is determined, the winning symbol to be stopped and displayed is determined by the acquired winning symbol random number value and the winning symbol determination table stored in the ROM. The winning symbol determination random number employs a software counter that increments by one for each software interrupt process, and the random number range is set to 1 to 3000. In addition, the winning symbol determination table has numbers “0”, “1”... “9” as the winning symbols, such as “1 to 300”, “301 to 600”, “2701 to 3000”, respectively. It is distributed. Of course, the display probabilities may be set so as to be biased evenly.

  As described above, the special symbol determination means 121 acquires the winning random number, and stops the symbol that becomes the big hit mode as the special symbol or stops the symbol that becomes the losing mode by comparing the acquired winning random number with the winning determination table 121d. In the case of a big hit mode, the hit symbol determining means 121e determines which jackpot type to use. In the present embodiment, when it is determined to stop the symbol that is in the detachment mode, “-” is determined as the stop symbol as the detachment symbol. Of course, it is also possible to have a plurality of off-line symbols and determine by lottery.

  Next, the special symbol variation time (mode) determining means 122 will be described in detail. The special symbol variation time (mode) determination means 122 includes a variation pattern determination random number generation means 122a for generating a variation pattern determination random number for determining a variation time from the start to stop of the symbol, and a ball hitting the start winning opening 14a. The variation pattern determination random number acquisition means 122b for acquiring the variation pattern determination random number based on the winning of the game, the variation pattern (variation time) determined according to the gaming state and the number of holding, and the acquired variation pattern random value And a corresponding variation pattern determination table 122c.

  The variation pattern determination random number generation means 122a is configured by a software counter that increments by 1 using software interrupt processing, and is configured to be able to extract a value in the range of 0 to 49999. It is desirable that the variation pattern determination random number generation means 122a has different value change timings so as not to synchronize with the winning random number generation means 121a or the winning symbol determination random number, and the two random number generation means are constituted by software counters. In some cases, it is also desirable to make the ranges relatively prime so that both random values are hardly acquired synchronously even if they change at a common timing.

  The variation pattern determination random number acquisition unit 122b acquires the value (variation pattern random number value) generated by the variation pattern determination random number generation unit 122a based on the determination that the winning determination unit 110 has won the start winning port 14a. .

  In the variation pattern determination table 122c, the correspondence between the variation pattern and the variation pattern random number value is stored in the ROM in accordance with the game state and the special symbol mode (whether or not the jackpot mode is set). Specifically, as shown in Table 1 below, the number of game states that are held by the symbol variation holding means, whether the probability variation gaming state or the normal gaming state, whether the special symbol will be a big hit mode or a losing mode , Stored in correspondence with. In addition, you may comprise so that the part which has a common range (For example, when the hold | maintenance is 0 and 1 in the deviating mode at the time of a normal game state, and a 1) may use a common table. Furthermore, as shown in Table 2 below, the production patterns selected at a common rate regardless of the number of holdings may be set as a common table, and only portions selected at different rates may be set according to the state. By doing so, an increase in data capacity due to the construction of the fluctuation pattern table can be suppressed. As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the variation pattern number corresponds to the variation time. For example, the variation pattern 1 has a variation time of 12 seconds, the variation pattern 2 has a variation time of 15 seconds, and so on. In the pattern n, the variation time is set to 120 seconds. Also, for convenience when sending a command, which will be described later, different variation pattern numbers are provided for the special symbol in the big hit mode and in the off mode, although the same fluctuation time is provided, and the big hit mode is changed from the variable pattern number. It is configured to be able to determine whether or not.

  As described above, the special symbol variation time (mode) determining means 122 acquires the variation pattern determination random number, and determines the variation time (variation mode) of the special symbol by comparing the acquired variation pattern random number with the variation pattern table. . In the present embodiment, the variation pattern determination random number is acquired based on the winning timing at the start winning opening 14a, and the variation pattern determination itself (comparison processing with the variation pattern table) is performed immediately before the start of variation of the special symbol. To be done. This is set in consideration that the gaming state at the time of winning the start winning opening 14a is not necessarily the same as the gaming state at the start of variation. In addition, since the acquisition timing of the variation pattern determination random number is set as the winning timing for the start winning opening 14a, uniformization of the acquisition timing when continuously fluctuating is prevented.

  The special symbol variation time monitoring unit 123 monitors the variation time of the special symbol according to the variation pattern determined by the special symbol variation time (mode) determination unit 122 using a timer function by software. The special symbol variation time monitoring means 123 sets the variation time of the variation pattern in the timer at the start of variation of the special symbol. Then, when the timer reaches zero, it is determined that the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the variation pattern has ended.

  The special symbol variation control means 120 terminates the special symbol variation when the special symbol variation time monitoring unit 123 determines that the special symbol variation end timing is reached, and the special symbol variation control unit 120 terminates the special symbol variation determination unit 121. The symbol is displayed on the special symbol display device. In addition, during the change of the special symbol, “−” and “7” which are out-of-display modes in a minute time (about 500 ms) shorter than the time (1000 ms) during which the stop display is made when the stop is confirmed so that the fact can be visually recognized. "Is repeatedly displayed. When the display during fluctuation is in the big hit mode, the switching is performed in the middle so that “−” is displayed about 500 ms before the fluctuation end time of the fluctuation pattern, and “7” is displayed when the mode is out of range. You may provide the display pattern adjustment means to adjust time. In the present embodiment, when the special symbol variation time monitoring unit 123 determines that the special symbol variation end timing has been reached, the fact is transmitted to the command transmission unit 160, and the sub-control device 200 indicates the fact. By receiving the command (definite stop command), the decorative symbol is controlled to be deterministically stopped. That is, in the present embodiment, the special symbol variation time (mode) determining means 122 also functions as a means for synchronously determining the symbol variation time of the decorative symbol.

  The special game executing means 130 is for executing a special game based on the special symbol having become a big hit by the special symbol variation control means 120 described above. In the present embodiment, as a special game, a unit game is executed a plurality of times to drive and control the big prize opening solenoid 15c to release the big prize opening 15a until a predetermined time or a predetermined number of prizes are won. Here, the predetermined number of winnings is determined by the winning determination means 110 based on the signal from the big winning opening sensor 15s, and is counted and managed by the special game executing means 130. In this embodiment, the number of executions of the unit game is set in accordance with the special symbol jackpot mode. If the special symbol jackpot mode is an odd number of “1.3.7.9. In the case of an even number of “0.2.4.6.6.8”, it is set to 8 times. The number of times of execution may be set regardless of the symbol, or the number of times of execution may be set according to different conditions (for example, lottery means for lottering the number of unit game executions) different from the special symbol jackpot mode.

  The normal symbol variation control means 140 is a normal symbol determination unit 141 that determines the stop mode of the normal symbol, and a normal symbol change time for performing control related to the determination of the change time of the normal symbol in accordance with the determined stop mode of the normal symbol And monitoring means 142.

  The normal symbol determining means 141 includes a normal symbol winning random number generating means 141b for generating a normal symbol winning random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is used as a winning pattern, and a game state at the time of starting the variation of the normal symbol. A gaming state determining means 141a to be confirmed, a normal symbol winning random number acquiring means 141c for acquiring a normal symbol winning random number based on the passing of the hit ball to the gate sensor 16s, and a value of the winning random number for determining the normal symbol as a winning mode ( A winning determination table 141d in which a (winning value) is stored.

  The normal symbol determining means 141 has a technical idea substantially the same as the contents described in the special symbol determining means 121 and is a configuration for determining a normal symbol instead of determining a special symbol. In the present embodiment, the symbol that is displayed when the normal symbol is determined to be the hit mode is “7”, and the symbol that is displayed when the normal symbol is determined to be the off mode is “−”. Therefore, there is no means for the process for determining the type of symbol for the normal symbol. Needless to say, these functions can be configured in the same manner as the special symbol process without omitting these functions.

  The normal symbol variation time determining means determines whether to perform the variation of the normal symbol by the first variation time or the variation of the normal symbol by the second variation time shorter than the first variation time according to the gaming state. Is. The normal symbol variation time determination process by the normal symbol variation time determination means has a simpler configuration than the special symbol variation control means 120. Specifically, the normal symbol variation control means 140 determines the normal symbol variation time depending on the normal gaming state, the special gaming state, or the probability variation gaming state. The variation time is not changed depending on whether the normal symbol is a hit mode or a deviating mode. It should be noted that, similarly to the special symbol variation time (mode) determination means 122, the variation time may be finely selected by random number lottery.

  The normal symbol variation time monitoring unit 142 monitors the variation time of the normal symbol determined by the normal symbol determination unit 141 using a timer function by software. The normal symbol fluctuation time monitoring unit 142 sets the fluctuation time of the fluctuation in the timer at the start of the fluctuation of the normal symbol. Then, when the timer reaches zero, it is determined that the variation time of the normal symbol corresponding to the variation pattern has ended.

  The normal symbol fluctuation control means 140 terminates the normal symbol fluctuation when the normal symbol fluctuation time monitoring means 142 determines that the normal symbol fluctuation end timing is reached, and the normal symbol change means 141 determines the normal symbol fluctuation means 140 The symbol is displayed on the normal symbol display device. Similarly to the special symbol, the normal symbol is repeatedly displayed with “−” and “7” which are out-of-display modes in a very short time (about 500 ms) so that the fact can be visually recognized. When displaying during fluctuation, adjust the switching time in the middle so that “-” is displayed about 500 ms before the end time of fluctuation when the hit state is displayed, and “7” is displayed when it is out of range. Ordinary symbol display pattern adjusting means may be provided.

  The normal electric accessory operation control means 150 executes an opening operation of the normal electric accessory (electric tulip) based on the normal symbol being changed by the normal symbol variation control means 140 described above. In the present embodiment, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 106 is driven and controlled so that the ordinary electric accessory (electric tulip) is released for a predetermined time or a predetermined number. Here, the predetermined number of winnings is determined by the winning determination means 110 based on the signal from the start winning opening sensor 14s, and is counted and managed by the ordinary electric accessory actuating control means 150.

  In this embodiment, the release time is changed according to the gaming state. When the game state at the time of the normal symbol fluctuation stop is the probability variation gaming state, the opening time is 5 seconds, and the normal gaming state In this case, the opening time is set to 0.5 seconds. In addition, when the so-called open extended game state is adopted and the special game is set to be given an open extended game until the special symbol is changed a predetermined number of times when the game does not shift to the probability variation game state after the end of the special game, the release is performed. During the extended game, the same opening time as the probability-variable game state, which is 5 seconds, may be set.

  As described above, the winning determination unit 110, the special symbol variation control unit 120, the special game execution unit 130, the normal symbol variation control unit 140, and the ordinary electric actor operation control unit 150 respond to the winning of the hit ball in the game area. In order to control the progress of the game, information related to control in the main control device 100 is transmitted to the sub-control device 200 via the command transmission means 160 in order to perform effects related to these controls. Yes. The command transmission unit 160 includes a variation pattern command transmission unit 161 and a gaming state command transmission unit 162. The control commands transmitted from these command transmission means are reflected as basic information in the drive control of the reel unit 40 by the sub-control device 200.

  Fluctuation pattern command transmission means 161 is a game state at the start of the change of the special symbol, the stop state of the special symbol (whether it is a big hit mode, if it is a big hit mode, whether it is a special jackpot mode to shift to the probability variable game state after the special game It is a normal jackpot mode for shifting to the normal gaming state), and information that changes the special symbol variation pattern information into a command system is generated and transmitted to the sub-control device 200.

  Specifically, parallel communication using an 8-bit data signal line and a 1-bit strobe signal line is adopted, and these pieces of information are transmitted by a 2-byte command. The command form has a configuration in which the first byte is mode information indicating the command outline, and the second byte is event information indicating the command details. The variation pattern transmitted by the variation pattern command transmission unit 161 according to the type of mode information. It is set so that it can be seen whether it is information relating to a game state command transmitted by the game state command transmission means 162.

  The gaming state command transmission means 162 is a command similar to the variation pattern command transmission means 161 for information on the number of holds held in the symbol variation holding means as a gaming state, information on whether the game is a big hit, progress information of special games, etc. Systematically generated and transmitted to the sub-control device 200.

  Next, the sub-control device 200 that controls the reel unit 40 (design variation display device), the illumination unit, and the like in accordance with a command transmitted from the main control device 100 will be described. The sub-control device 200 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 100, a command receiving unit 210, and analyzes a command content received by the command receiving unit 210 to determine what control is executed. If the command received by the means 220 and the command analysis means 220 is a special symbol fluctuation command, the fluctuation time of the special symbol and the stop symbol (whether the special jackpot mode, the normal jackpot mode, or the off mode) are determined from the variable command. Then, based on this content, the decorative symbol variation stop content determining means 221 for determining the variation mode and stop mode of the decorative symbol displayed on the reel unit 40, and the variation / stop determined by the decorative symbol variation stop content determining unit 221 are performed. Reel control means 230 for driving the motor of the reel unit 40 as is done. The movable accessory control means 240 for driving and controlling the movable accessory unit 720 (claw unit) provided in the center ornament unit 17 in accordance with the reel variation determined by the decorative symbol variation stop content determining means 221; It has lamp control means 260 for performing light emission control of LEDs (light emission sources) of the unit 17 and other lighting devices 740, and voice control means 250 for generating sound according to game progress through the speaker 8. Note that the voice control unit 250 has the same configuration as the conventional one, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The command receiving means 210 is configured such that, among the command signal lines, a strobe signal is input to the interrupt terminal of the sub-control CPU, and when the strobe signal is input, the command receiving means 210 performs command processing by interrupt processing performed in response to this signal. It is configured to read the contents of the signal line.

  Note that if the strobe signal is input to the NMI (highest priority interrupt) terminal of the sub control CPU, the command information can be reliably received. If the input port can be confirmed in a short interrupt cycle, the strobe signal may be input to the input port of the sub control CPU, and the content of the command signal line may be confirmed based on the content of the input port.

  The command analysis means 220 compares the command code stored in advance in the ROM of the sub-control device 200 with the command correspondence table indicating the contents of the code to determine what kind of contents the command input by the command reception means 210 has. It is a thing to analyze. If the received command does not correspond to the command correspondence table, it is processed as a command error. As a command error processing method, in this embodiment, if a command repair process that corrects and processes a command code received from a previously received command content is possible, a command repair process is performed and a command after the repair is performed. Processing is performed by looking at what is received. Here, in the restoration process, it is considered that the special symbol is likely to become a big hit mode. Repairs that do not give a sense of expectation are being made.

  The decorative symbol variation stop content determination means 221 adds a unique arrangement by a lottery or the like of the sub-control device 200 itself in accordance with the variation time of the special symbol analyzed by the command analysis unit 220 and the special symbol stop mode. The fluctuation mode and the stop mode are determined. The method for determining the decorative design is as follows.

  When the stop mode of the special symbol is a stop mode that indicates a disconnection, the stop mode of the decorative symbol is also set to be a stop mode that indicates a disconnection. Further, when the special symbol is a normal jackpot mode, the decorative symbol stop mode is also set to be a stop mode indicating a normal jackpot. On the other hand, if the special symbol is a special jackpot mode, the decorative symbol stop mode is set to be a special jackpot mode or a normal jackpot stop mode. Alternatively, it is informed that the special symbol has been stopped in a special jackpot mode during the probability varying game state after the end of the special game, that is, the game after the special game is in the probability varying game state.

  Note that the number of symbols out of special symbols, the number of normal jackpot symbols, the number of special jackpot symbols and the number of symbols corresponding to the decorative symbols do not match, and accordingly, the meanings are appropriately matched so as to match.

  Next, determination of the decoration pattern variation mode will be described. The variation pattern of the decorative symbol is expected to be performed by the variation time indicated by the transmitted variation pattern command, the lottery performed by the sub-control device 200, the contents of the performance performed before the variation, and the previous variation. It is determined according to the production. In the present embodiment, there are 100 types of variation pattern commands (variation times) (of which there are 80 overlaps between the case where the final symbol stop result is a win and the case where the final symbol is lost, so that there are substantially 50 types. Exist). The lottery in the sub-control device 200 is performed based on a random value generated by a random number generation device in the sub-control device acquired at an appropriate timing before the variation control (hereinafter referred to as an effect detail determination random number value). Then, the details of the change by the effect detail table exemplified in the following Table 3 in which the obtained effect detail determination random number value and the change pattern command are associated with each other, and the movable accessory unit provided in the center decoration unit 17 The movable contents of the (claw unit) 720 and the contents of lighting / flashing / coloring control of the backlight are determined collectively. For example, when the variation pattern 1 which is a normal deviation variation is selected and the production detail determination random number value is 35000, A is executed as the production at the time of starting the reel, and the backlight production or the like is not executed. On the other hand, if the production detail determination random number is 65200, B is executed as an effect at the time of reel start, and further, a backlight effect and a nail effect at the time of reel start are executed. The fluctuation start sound is not output.

  In addition, when the variation pattern 100 which is a jackpot variation is selected and the production detail determination random number value is 35000, the reel start production B, the reel start backlight production, the reel start nail production, the nail / backlight Synchronous production and output of special fluctuation start sound are executed. On the other hand, if the production detail determination random number value is 55200, A is executed as an effect at the time of reel start, and a backlight effect at the time of reel start and a nail effect at the time of reel start are executed. Production and special fluctuation start sound are not output.

  Although Table 3 is only a part of examples, in this way, when special symbols are hit, it is set so that many effects can be easily output, and when special symbols are not hit, symbol variation time is short ( Normal deviation fluctuation) is set so that the output frequency of the production is low, and the expectation of the special game is associated with the luxury of the production. Of these effects, the operations of the nail effect and the backlight synchronized effect will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a plurality of effects are packaged and determined in series as a table structure (the entire effect is determined by a random number of 1). May be packaged. Further, although not explicitly shown in Table 3, the variation mode of the entire reel (for example, whether or not to pause during the variation) may be changed by the production detail determination random number on the assumption of the same variation time. .

  The reel control means 230 determines each reel based on the reference position detected by the photosensor 55 (reference position sensor) provided in each of the first to third reel modules 41A to 41C and the number of steps of the stepping motor 50 for driving the reel. While identifying the rotational positions of the modules 41A, 41B, and 41C, the reel (stepping motor 50) is accelerated and decelerated according to the reel variation determined by the decorative symbol variation stop content determining means 221, and each variation pattern is scheduled. The motor control is performed to stop the reel at the position that is the decorative symbol stop mode determined by the decorative symbol variation stop content determination means 221 at the same time or slightly earlier than the stop time. As described above, the special symbol variation time monitoring unit 123 determines that the special symbol variation end timing has come, and a command (stop command) indicating that is transmitted from the command transmission unit 160, and this command (confirmed stop). Command) is received by the sub-control device 200, and the decorative symbol fixed stop control is performed. Note that by performing stop control with this fixed stop command, it is possible to reliably execute the synchronous control of the special symbol and the decorative symbol. However, control based simply on the variation pattern command transmitted at the time of symbol variation is performed. May be.

  Here, reel control (motor control) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, based on the control command transmitted from the command transmission means 160 of the main control device 100, the variation pattern (reel control pattern) and the stop pattern (stop pattern) of the decorative symbol displayed on the reel unit 40 are determined (step S1, S2). The sub-control device 200 receives a control command in which the special symbol stop mode (lottery result), the special symbol variation pattern information, the special game progress information, and the like transmitted from the command transmission unit 160 are commanded by the command reception unit 210. Then, the command analysis means 220 analyzes the content of the control command using the command correspondence table. Then, the decoration symbol variation stop content determination unit 221 performs the decoration as described above based on the variation time of the special symbol analyzed by the command analysis unit 220, the stop state of the special symbol, and the lottery result performed by the sub-control device 200. The variation mode and stop mode of the symbol are determined.

  When the variation mode and stop mode of the decorative design displayed on the reel unit 40 are determined, the drive control of the reel (stepping motor 50) is performed according to the variation mode (step S3), and the determined decorative design stop mode is set. The reel is stopped at the position (step S4). The reel control unit 230 accelerates and decelerates each reel (each stepping motor 50) in accordance with the decorative symbol variation mode determined by the decorative symbol variation stop content determination unit 221. Reel control (motor control) is performed in which each reel is stopped at a position that is the decorative symbol stop mode determined by the decorative symbol variation stop content determination means 221 in synchronization or slightly earlier.

  As described above, a general-purpose stepping motor is preferably used as the stepping motor 50 from the viewpoint of control cost. In the general-purpose stepping motor, the number of steps is predetermined. For example, if a stepping motor of one turn is adopted in 400 steps and 12 decorative symbols are drawn on each reel, the number of steps allocated to one symbol is 8 symbols for 33 steps and 34 steps for symbols. The symbol becomes 4 symbols. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the bottom decorative symbol “◇, ▲, ☆” is a 33-step symbol, and the second decorative symbol “6, 6, 1” from the bottom is a 34-step symbol. Then, for the second decorative symbol “6, 6, 1” from the bottom, if the stepping motor is rotated 50 steps (33 steps for 1 symbol and 17 steps for half symbol), it will stop at the proper position. On the other hand, the decorative symbol “◇, ▲, ☆” at the bottom cannot be stopped at an appropriate position (the center position of the symbol) unless the stepping motor is rotated by 16.5 steps.

  In this way, depending on the decorative pattern drawn on the reel, the stepping motor is controlled by 1-2 phase excitation or the like to stop the motor rotor between the phases (hereinafter, between the two phases). (Referred to as position). However, if the 1-2 phase excitation is released after the rotor of the stepping motor 50 is stopped at the position between the two phases, the reel is slightly moved because the rotor is attracted to the position of either the front or back by the magnetic force. May end up. In order to prevent the reel (rotor of the stepping motor 50) stopped at the position between the two phases from moving slightly thereafter, it is conceivable to continue the 1-2 phase excitation. If it continues, since the stepping motor 50 will generate | occur | produce heat, it will be necessary to provide heat generation measures, such as a heat radiating fan.

  Therefore, when the stepping motors 50 are stopped, the reel control unit 230 determines whether or not the stop positions are the positions between the two phases (step S5). When there is a stepping motor 50 that is stopped at the position between the two phases among the stepping motors 50, a time until the stepping motor 50 is rotated again (re-rotation start time) is predetermined in the stepping motor 50. It is determined whether or not the current excitation continuation possible time (time during which excitation can be continued in consideration of normal motor operation) is exceeded (step S6). Here, when the re-rotation start time of the stepping motor 50 stopped at the position between the two phases exceeds the excitation continuation possible time, the rotor of the stepping motor 50 is rotated by half a phase in the rotation direction from the position between the two phases. Control is performed to move to a position (a position facing one phase at a position between two phases) and release the excitation after stopping (step S7). At this time, the time for moving from the position between the two phases to the position rotated by the half phase is a variation time that is predetermined in the variation pattern (variation pattern) of the decorative symbol determined by the decorative symbol variation stop content determining means 221. And is controlled so as to stop at a position rotated by a half phase within the fluctuation time.

  On the other hand, in step S5, when all the stepping motors 50 are not stopped at the position between the two phases, that is, when the rotors of all the stepping motors 50 are stopped at positions facing each phase, the excitation is released. Take control. In this case, the reel (motor rotor) does not move from the stop position even when excitation is released. In step S6, when the re-rotation start time of the stepping motor 50 stopped at the position between the two phases is within the excitation continuation possible time, the excitation is continuously applied and the stop at the position between the two phases is maintained. In this case, since the stop time of the stepping motor 50 is short, the influence of heat generation is small even if excitation is continued.

  In step S6, whether or not the re-rotation start time of the stepping motor 50 stopped at the position between the two phases exceeds the excitation continuation possible time based on whether or not the symbol variation holding means is performed in the symbol variation holding unit. May be determined. This is because, when the symbol variation hold is performed by the symbol variation holding means, the reel rotation control by the next variation command is started immediately after the stepping motor 50 (reel) is stopped. It can be determined that the rotation start time is within the excitation continuation possible time, and conversely, if the symbol fluctuation hold is not performed, it can be determined that the re-rotation start time exceeds the excitation continuation possible time It is. Therefore, when the symbol variation reservation is performed in the symbol variation retention means, the position of the rotor of the stepping motor 50 rotated half a phase from the position between the two phases in the rotational direction (opposite one phase at the position between the two phases). Control to release the excitation after stopping, and control to keep the stop at the position between the two phases by continuing excitation when the symbol variation holding means is holding the symbol variation hold. You may make it perform.

  According to such reel control (motor control), when the stepping motor 50 is stopped, when the stop position is the position between two phases, the time until the stepping motor 50 is rotated again (re-rotation start time) ) Is within the time for which the stepping motor 50 can continue to be excited (the time during which normal motor operation can be taken into consideration), the excitation is continued and the stop at the position between the two phases is held. Control is performed. On the other hand, if the re-rotation start time of the stepping motor 50 exceeds the excitation continuation possible time, the rotor of the stepping motor 50 is moved from the position between the two phases to the position rotated by the half phase in the rotation direction, and excited after the stop. Control to cancel is performed. Thus, when the re-rotation start time is short, control is performed to keep applying excitation and hold the stop at the position between the two phases, and when the re-rotation start time is long, the control is performed for the half phase from the position between the two phases. Since control is performed to stop excitation at the rotated position and release the excitation, the reel that is stopped at the position between the two phases can be controlled with good appearance by minimizing the deviation from the stop position by a half step. In addition, the stepping motor 50 can be prevented from generating heat due to excitation. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide heat generation countermeasures such as a heat radiating fan, and an increase in the size of the reel unit can be prevented.

  Next, another embodiment of reel control (motor control) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, similarly to the above-described reel control, the decorative pattern variation mode (reel control pattern) and the stop mode (stop pattern) displayed on the reel unit 40 based on the control command transmitted from the command transmission unit 160 of the main controller 100. ) Is determined (steps S10 and S20). The sub-control device 200 receives a control command in which the special symbol stop mode (lottery result), the special symbol variation pattern information, the special game progress information, and the like transmitted from the command transmission unit 160 are commanded by the command reception unit 210. Then, the command analysis means 220 analyzes the content of the control command using the command correspondence table. Then, the decoration symbol variation stop content determination unit 221 performs the decoration as described above based on the variation time of the special symbol analyzed by the command analysis unit 220, the stop state of the special symbol, and the lottery result performed by the sub-control device 200. The variation mode and stop mode of the symbol are determined.

  When the variation mode and stop mode of the decorative symbols displayed on the reel unit 40 are determined, it is determined whether or not there is a stop position of each stepping motor 50 in the stop mode that is a position between two phases (step S30). ). When there is a step that is scheduled to be stopped at the position between the two phases among the stepping motors 50, a time until the stepping motor 50 is rotated again (re-rotation start time) is determined in advance in the stepping motor 50. It is determined whether or not the current excitation continuation possible time (time during which excitation can be continued in consideration of normal motor operation) is exceeded (step S40). Here, when it is determined that the re-rotation start time of the stepping motor 50 scheduled to be stopped at the position between the two phases exceeds the excitation continuation possible time, the stop position of the stepping motor 50 is halfway from the position between the two phases in the rotation direction. The correction variation mode (correction reel control pattern) set at the position rotated by the phase (position facing one phase at the position between the two phases) is set (step S50). At this time, the time to move from the position between the two phases to the position rotated by the half phase is subtracted from the variation time set in advance in the variation pattern of the decorative symbol determined by the decorative symbol variation stop content determining means 221. The variation time of the correction variation mode determined in step S50 is set to be equal to the variation time of the variation mode determined by the decorative symbol variation stop content determination means 221.

  In step S40, whether or not the re-rotation start time of the stepping motor 50 scheduled to be stopped at the position between the two phases exceeds the excitation continuation possible time based on whether or not the symbol variation holding means is performed in the symbol variation holding means. It may be determined whether or not. This is because, when the symbol variation hold is performed by the symbol variation holding means, the reel rotation control by the next variation command is started immediately after the stepping motor 50 (reel) is stopped. It can be determined that the rotation start time is within the excitation continuation possible time, and conversely, if the symbol fluctuation hold is not performed, it can be determined that the re-rotation start time exceeds the excitation continuation possible time It is.

  When the correction variation mode is set in step S50, drive control of the reel (stepping motor 50) is performed according to the correction variation mode (step S70), and the reel is placed at the position where the decorative symbol stop mode determined in step S10 is set. Stop (step S80). The reel control unit 230 accelerates and decelerates each reel (each stepping motor 50) according to the decorative pattern correction variation set in step S50, and synchronizes with the stop time scheduled in the correction variation mode or slightly. Reel control (motor control) is performed in which each reel is stopped at a position that becomes the decorative symbol stop mode determined by the decorative symbol variation stop content determination means 221 and the excitation is released after the stop. At this time, the rotors of all the stepping motors 50 are stopped at positions facing each phase.

  On the other hand, if the rotors of all the stepping motors 50 are to be stopped at the positions facing each phase in step S30, and the stepping motors 50 that are to be stopped at the position between the two phases in step S40 are restarted. When it is determined that the rotation start time is within the excitation continuation possible time, the variation mode (reel control pattern) determined in step S20 is set as the decorative symbol variation mode as it is (step S60). Then, drive control of the reel (stepping motor 50) is performed according to the variation mode (step S70), and the reel is stopped at the position that is the decorative pattern stop mode determined in step S10 (step S80). The reel controller 230 accelerates and decelerates each reel (each stepping motor 50) in accordance with the decorative pattern variation mode set in step S60 (step S20), and synchronizes with the stop time scheduled in the variation mode. Each reel is stopped at a position where the decorative symbol stop mode determined by the decorative symbol variation stop content determination means 221 is slightly earlier, and the stepping motor 50 stopped at a position facing each phase releases the excitation after the stop. At the same time, the stepping motor 50 stopped at the position between the two phases performs control to keep applying the excitation and hold the stop at the position between the two phases. Here, with respect to the stepping motor 50 stopped at the position facing each phase, the reel (motor rotor) does not move from the stop position even when the excitation is released, and stopped at the position between the two phases. Regarding the stepping motor 50, since the stop time is short, even if excitation is continued, the influence of heat generation is small.

  According to such reel control (motor control), when the stepping motor 50 is stopped at the position between the two phases, the time from when the stepping motor 50 is stopped until it is rotated again (re-rotation start time) is the stepping motor 50. If it is determined that it is within the excitation continuation time (the time during which excitation can be continued in consideration of normal motor operation), the stepping motor 50 is stopped at the position between the two phases, and excitation is performed. Control is performed to keep the stop at the position between the two phases continuously. On the other hand, when it is determined that the re-rotation start time of the stepping motor 50 exceeds the excitation continuation possible time, the rotor of the stepping motor 50 is stopped at a position rotated from the position between the two phases by a half phase in the rotational direction. Then, the control for releasing the excitation after the stop is performed. Thus, when the re-rotation start time is short, control is performed to keep applying excitation and hold the stop at the position between the two phases, and when the re-rotation start time is long, the control is performed for the half phase from the position between the two phases. Since the control is performed to stop at the rotated position and release the excitation after the stop, the reel control that is stopped at the position between the two phases minimizes the deviation from the stop position by a half step, and the reel control has a good appearance. The stepping motor 50 can be prevented from generating heat due to excitation. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide heat generation countermeasures such as a heat radiating fan, and an increase in the size of the reel unit can be prevented.

  In the reel control, depending on the variation pattern determined by the decoration symbol variation stop content determination means 221, the first and third reel modules 41A and 41C are stopped with the same decoration symbol, and the second reel module 41B is stopped. Is in a reach state where fluctuation is occurring, the control of rotating the stepping motors 50 of the first and third reel modules 41A and 41C by one step and then rotating them one step in the reverse direction (returning one step) is repeated. There is a case of swing control. In this case, the rotor of the stepping motor 50 is repeatedly moved to the position facing each phase and the position between the two phases and temporarily stopped at the position between the two phases. Therefore, in this case, control is performed to keep applying excitation and hold the stop at the position between the two phases.

  In the present embodiment, there is a case where control for temporarily stopping the decorative symbol is performed in order to give a sense of expectation in the production during the decorative symbol variation. In the decorative symbol stop control, appropriate stop position control is performed.

  When the power is turned on, the sub-control device 200 independently performs initialization rotation control in order to determine whether the reel control unit 230 can correctly determine the reference position. This is because whether the reference position can be detected again when the stepping motor 50 is driven by the number of steps required for one revolution of the reel member 41b after the reference position is detected only after the reel module 41 (reel member 41b) is rotated. It is done by judging. In the present embodiment, when it is not normal (when the reference position cannot be detected again), it is determined that an error has occurred after performing the retry operation several times, and that is notified, and the reel unit 40 This prevents the game from being used in a state where it cannot operate normally. Incidentally, the reference position detection is always performed even when the reel is driven in a normal variation, and an abnormality notification is performed when an abnormality occurs.

  The movable accessory control means 240 is a driving timing (claw effect execution timing, nail backlight synchronization effect timing) of the movable accessory unit (claw unit) 720 determined by the above-described decorative symbol variation stop content determination means 221 and a special game. The position of the movable accessory unit 720 is determined by the reference position sensor built in the motor and the number of steps of the motor. Drive control while identifying

  The lamp control means 260 controls lighting of various electric decorations arranged on the game board 10 and the front frame 2, and the backlight portions 48 of the first to third reel modules 41 </ b> A to 41 </ b> C of the reel unit 40. Back light control means 270 for performing the light emission control. The lamp control unit 260 includes the backlight control unit 270 and performs control for other devices. Hereinafter, the lighting control of the backlight unit 48 of the reel unit 40 by the backlight control unit 270 will be described. The lighting control of the LED 726 incorporated in the movable accessory unit 720 of the center decoration unit 17 and the lighting effect unit 730 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement relationship and operation of the pair of left and right movable accessory units 720 and the backlight unit 48 of the reel unit 40. As shown in FIG. 12A, the reel unit 40 includes a first backlight unit 48A incorporated in the first reel module 41A, a second backlight unit 48B incorporated in the second reel module 41B, And a third backlight unit 48C incorporated in the three-reel module 41C. Although not shown in FIG. 12, each of the first to third backlight portions 48A to 48C is divided into three box-like compartments, an upper compartment, a middle compartment, and a lower compartment, and at the bottom of each compartment, An LED substrate on which four backlight LEDs are mounted is disposed.

A pair of left and right movable accessory units (claw units) 720 are disposed in front upper portions of the first backlight unit 48A and the third backlight unit 48C in the reel unit 40. The movable accessory unit 720 operates so as to descend to a position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 12A when a predetermined game condition is satisfied. As shown in FIG. 12A, each of the first to third backlight portions 48A to 48C is configured by a backlight LED located on the back side of each reel member 41b, and the following lighting control is performed. Is going.
[1] Brightness change control during white light emission control during symbol change and game standby [2] Reliability effect by light emission color control after reel change start (backlight effect at reel start)
[3] Luminous effect control performed synchronously with movable accessory and operation / light emission [4] Lighting control for right-handed notification during special game [5] Light emission effect control during special reach Note that the light emission of [5] The effect control is to execute the controls [2] and [3] in accordance with the reel fluctuation during the reach, and the detailed description is omitted.

  As a luminance change control during white light emission control during symbol variation and game standby, the driving current of the backlight LED during symbol variation is 25 mA on average (7 mA for the red element, 10 mA for the green element, and 8 mA for the blue element). However, during the game standby, except for the demonstration production, the drive current of the backlight LED is set to about 12 mA on average, and the drive current is controlled by intermittently driving the backlight LED. As a method for reducing the drive current, a method of providing two supply voltages, a method of turning off half of the plurality of backlight LEDs, or a combination thereof can be used.

  Incidentally, it is determined whether or not the game is on standby based on a demonstration effect request command from the main control device 100, a new symbol variation command for a predetermined time after the symbol variation is ended by a timer provided in the sub-control device 200. A method of determining a game standby when a command such as is not received can be considered. Further, when the luminance adjustment is performed by changing the duty as in the present embodiment, the duty ratio may be gradually changed to a game standby one instead of suddenly changing the luminance.

  The reliability effect (backlight effect at the time of reel start) by the emission color control after the start of reel fluctuation can be a big hit in the game by changing the emission color of the backlight LED for a predetermined time at an appropriate timing after the start of reel fluctuation. This suggests the performance, and performs the above-described backlight effect at the start of the reel. In this reel start backlighting effect, when the change is in a disengagement mode without performing a reach effect on the decorative design, white light emission as usual or blue light emission is selected and executed with a slight probability. In addition, when the reach effect is performed on the decorative pattern in the variation, white light emission, blue light emission, and yellow light emission are selected and executed almost equally. Furthermore, when the decoration pattern becomes a hit pattern due to the change, or when performing an extremely reliable performance, white light, blue light, and yellow light are selected and executed with a small probability centering on green light emission and red light emission. It is. In other words, the color of the backlight unit 48 indicates that the expected value of jackpot in the variation is high in the order of white → blue → yellow → green → red. Although not described in the above table, in this embodiment, when the reach occurs, the backlight effect may be executed again, and the color indicating the reliability is promoted in the second backlight effect. There is an effect (in this example, only the transition to the same color or a higher color is made). Thereby, even if the color of the effect at the start of the change has a low degree of expectation, it is possible to prevent the hit expectation of the change from being impaired.

  The light emission effect control performed synchronously with the operation / light emission of the movable accessory unit 720 is built in the movable accessory unit 720 and the driving operation of the movable accessory unit 720 disposed above the reel unit 40 as described above. The LED 726 (illuminating means) and the emission color change of each backlight unit 48 of the reel unit 40 are synchronously executed to control the operation of the movable accessory unit 720, and the nail / backlight is controlled. This is executed when a synchronized effect is selected. As shown in FIG. 12B, the specific operation control is such that the claw, which is a movable accessory, shifts from the reference position to a position where it covers the reel unit 40, but the claw covers the reel unit 40. When the position is reached, the backlight is changed so as to flow downward from above according to the operation speed of the nail or according to its acceleration mode.

  FIGS. 12B and 12C are diagrams for explaining one aspect of the effect of the backlight unit 48 of the reel unit 40 in cooperation with the operation of the movable accessory unit 720. FIG. FIGS. 12B and 12C are diagrams schematically showing the first backlight portion 48A and the left movable accessory unit 720 of the first reel module 41A. In FIG. 12B, the movable accessory unit 720 passes through the intermediate position shown second from the left from the reference position (uppermost position) shown on the leftmost side, and the lowest position shown third from the left. Is reached, the two backlight LEDs arranged on the upper section of the first backlight unit 48A are turned on. Next, as shown in the fourth diagram from the left in FIG. 12B, the two backlight LEDs in the lower upper section are turned on while the backlight LEDs in the upper upper section are kept on. Subsequently, as illustrated in the fifth and sixth from the left in FIG. 12B and the second from the left and the left in FIG. 12C, the backlight LEDs in the upper section are kept on. Turn on the two backlight LEDs at the top of the middle compartment, turn on the two backlight LEDs at the bottom of the middle compartment, turn on the two backlight LEDs at the top of the lower compartment, and turn on the two backlight LEDs at the bottom of the lower compartment Do.

  As shown in FIG. 12 (c), after all the backlight LEDs of the first backlight unit 48A are turned on, in FIG. 12 (c), as shown in the third and fourth from the left, Turn off the four backlight LEDs, then turn off the four backlight LEDs in the middle section as shown in the fifth from the left, and then turn up the sixth backlight LED from the left (the rightmost) Control is made to turn off the four backlight LEDs in the lower compartment.

  Thus, by controlling lighting of the backlight LED in the reel unit 40 so as to be interlocked with the operation of the movable accessory unit 720, the backlight is lowered from above according to the operation speed of the movable accessory unit 720 or its acceleration mode. It can be changed so as to flow, and an effective performance can be executed.

  In addition, the emission color at this time is a color combined with the color of the LED 726 built in the nail. The reference emission color is a combination of the emission color (white) of the backlight unit 48 and the emission color of the LED 726 built into the nail when the nail is covered with the reel unit 40, and is applied to the lens surface of the nail. It is desirable to select according to the color visually recognized.

  Furthermore, as a synchronized effect, when the claw (movable accessory unit 720) stops at the lowest position illustrated third from the left in FIG. Therefore, paying attention to the impression that the light emitted from the claw unit leaks to the reel unit 40 and shines, it is adopted for the performance of the big hit.

  In a pachinko machine that requires a right strike during a special game, lighting control of each backlight unit 48 in the reel unit 40 that suggests that the player collects the hit ball to the right may be performed. As shown in FIG. 13, the lighting control for right-handed notification during the special game includes six backlight LEDs on the left side of the first backlight unit 48A and six backlight LEDs on the right side of the first backlight unit 48A. The six backlight LEDs on the left side of the second backlight unit 48B, the six backlight LEDs on the right side of the second backlight unit 48B, the six backlight LEDs on the left side of the third backlight unit 48C, and the third backlight The six backlight LEDs on the right side of the section 48C are sequentially turned on and off, and the lighting control is performed so as to change sequentially from left to right. More specifically, after all the first to third backlight portions 48A to 48C are turned off, the first backlight portion 48A is turned on in red, and after 500 ms, the second backlight portion 48B is turned on in red, and further 500 ms. Later, the third backlight unit 48C is lit in red. Then, after everything turns red, the light is turned off 500 ms later, and the same operation is repeated a predetermined number of times after 3000 ms as a weight. By making it emit light in this manner, it is possible to execute an effect that suggests right-handedness using the first to third backlight portions 48A to 48C.

  As described above, in this embodiment, various effects are realized by controlling the operation of each backlight unit 48 of the reel unit 40, the operation of the movable accessory unit 720, and the LED 726 of the movable accessory unit 720. It is configured to be able to.

  Next, a game related to the variation of decorative symbols in the reel unit 40 will be described. In the decorative symbol variation game, when a game ball enters the start winning opening 14a, the three reel members 41b are rotationally driven by the stepping motor 50, and thereafter, the three reel members 41b are stopped and a plurality of decorative symbols are stopped. Is selectively presented to the player. In the present embodiment, three decorative symbols are presented on each reel, and a total of nine decorative symbols are presented in the decorative symbol presentation region R (see FIG. 2).

  In the decorative symbol stop control, the decorative symbol variation stop content determination unit 221 determines the decorative symbol stop mode based on a predetermined lottery result by the special symbol variation control unit 120 (special symbol determination unit 121). This is performed by the reel control means 230 based on the above. That is, when the predetermined lottery result is a win, the line is displayed on at least one of the five lines (see FIG. 2) of the decorative symbol presentation area R, for example, “7, 7, 7”. Etc., a predetermined combination of decorative symbols is presented. In that case, the pachinko machine PM is in a special gaming state, and a profit is given to the player. On the other hand, when the predetermined lottery result is out of place, a predetermined combination of decorative symbols is not presented on any of the five lines. In that case, no profit is given to the player.

  Next, an example of reel fluctuation that stops in a big hit mode accompanied by the operation of the movable accessory unit 720 will be briefly described. Here, the special symbol variation control means 120 in the main control device 100 determines that the special symbol is won, the effect pattern is determined from the variation pattern determination table 122c at the time of winning, and the effect determined by the sub-control device 200 For the processing of the sub-control device 200 after the command indicating the pattern is transmitted, the effect pattern determined by the main control device 100 is a special symbol variation of 42 seconds, and “7. A case where a decorative pattern having a combination of “7 · 7” is presented will be described as an example.

At this time, when the command receiving unit 210 of the sub-control device 200 receives the variation pattern command, the command analyzing unit 220 analyzes the content of the variation pattern command by the command analyzing unit 220 and the decoration symbol variation stop content determining unit 221 From the analysis result and the lottery result of the sub-control device 200, the following points are determined as the rendering operation (control) performed by this variation.
Execution of variation effect (reel control) of decorative pattern for 42 seconds.
As a final stop mode of the decorative symbol, the reel control that stops the jackpot symbol at the middle stage of each reel member 41b of the first to third reel modules 41A to 41B, with the symbol “7” stopped (“7” aligned in the center line). .
Executing an effect (reel control) in which all reels fluctuate upward by one symbol and start moving downward as a reel start effect at the start of symbol variation.
After 10 seconds, after stopping at “3” symbol as the middle symbol of the first and third reel modules 41A, 41C, each reel module 41A, 41C is dropped after the movable accessory unit 720 is dropped and each backlight unit 48 is synchronized. The effect (reel control) is executed to stop the “7” symbol at the middle stage of each reel module 41A, 41C 15 seconds after restarting.
An effect (reel control) is executed to stop the “7” symbol of the second reel module 41B in the lower stage after 18 seconds.
Execution of effect (reel control) to change the second reel module 41B by 10 symbols one frame at a time according to the 1500 ms vertical movement of the movable accessory unit 720 (reel control) 33 seconds after the start of the change to the upper stage of the second reel module 41B Stop “7”).
The second reel module 41B reciprocates the “7” symbol in the upper and middle stages for 5 seconds according to the music, temporarily stops between the upper and middle stages, and stops “7” in the middle stage after 3 seconds (reel control) ) Execution.
Execution of effect (reel control) in which 12 reels of 12 symbols are frame-fed in accordance with the 500 ms vertical movement of the movable accessory unit 720 (“7” is lined up in the center line 42 seconds after the start of fluctuation).
Execution of a jackpot effect in which each backlight unit 48 is displayed in seven colors with gradation.
Then, in accordance with the determined contents, reel control, backlight control, and movable accessory control are performed according to the variation / operation determined using the timer of the sub-control device 200.

  As a result, the player gets a sense of expectation with the color of each backlight unit 48 at the time of reel fluctuation, and it is further likely that the player will have a big hit due to the reel fluctuation immediately before reaching reach and the effect of the movable accessory unit 720. Recognizing and determining the decisive time of whether or not the decorative symbols are aligned, the movement of the movable accessory unit 720 and the first to third reel modules 41A to 41C increases the expectation, and pays close attention to the reel unit 14. It will be. As a result, the player's gambling feelings are appropriate and the gaming interest can be enhanced.

  As described above, the pachinko machine PM according to the present embodiment includes the game board 10 provided with the predetermined game area PA on the front surface side, and the first to first reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface. A reel unit 40 having a reel member 41b in the third reel module and capable of displaying a variation of symbols drawn on the reel by rotating the reel by the tapping motor 50 in the first to third reel modules; A sub-control device 200 (sub-control board) that controls the unit 40 and a main control device 100 (main control board) that determines basic information for the sub-control device 200 to control the reel unit 40 are configured. . Then, the main controller 100 makes it easy to win the big prize opening 15a as a variable prize opening provided in the game area PA on the condition that the game ball has won the start prize opening 14a provided in the game area PA. A special symbol determining means 121 functioning as a lottery means for executing a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a special game, and a special game for executing a special game on the condition that the lottery result by the special symbol determining means 121 is a hit Execution means 130 and a special symbol variation time that functions as symbol variation time determination means for determining the symbol variation time performed for notifying the lottery result based on the lottery result and for determining the variation time of the special symbol and the decorative symbol ( Aspect) Determined by the determination means 122 and the lottery result by the special symbol determination means 121 and the special symbol variation time (aspect) determination means 122 as basic information A variation pattern command transmission unit 161 that functions as a command transmission unit that transmits a variation pattern command, which is a control command that can specify the pattern variation time, to the sub-control device 200. The sub-control device 200 includes a variation pattern command transmission unit. 161, decorative symbol variation stop content determining means 221 functioning as symbol variation stop content determining means for determining the variation mode and stop mode of symbols to be displayed on the reel unit 40 based on the control command transmitted from 161, and decorative symbol variation stop content The reel control means 230 is configured to control the stepping motor 50 of the reel unit 40 so that the symbol variation mode and the stop mode determined by the determination unit 221 are obtained. In addition, when the reel control means 230 stops the stepping motor 50, the stop position is a position between two phases (a two-phase excitation position) that is a position between the phases of the stepping motor 50. A re-rotation start time (for example, a waiting time until the next change) until the stepping motor 50 is rotated again is a predetermined excitation continuation time during which the stepping motor 50 can continue to be excited (for example, on motor specifications). If the re-rotation start time is within the excitation continuation possible time, the stepping motor 50 is continuously energized between the two phases. When the control to hold the stop at the position is performed and the re-rotation start time exceeds the excitation continuation time, the half-phase rotation is performed in the rotation direction from the position between the two phases. And performs control to cancel the excitation is moved to the location. In addition, the presence or absence of a holding ball can also be used as a condition for determining whether or not the excitation continuation possible time during which the predetermined excitation can be continued in the stepping motor 50 is exceeded.

  In the pachinko machine PM according to the modified example of the present embodiment, the reel control unit 230 includes at least one of the symbols included in the symbol stop mode of each reel determined by the decorative symbol variation stop content determination unit 221. Re-rotation start time when the position where the symbol is stopped includes a position between two phases (a two-phase excitation position) that is a position between each phase of the stepping motor 50 and when the stepping motor 50 is stopped and then rotated again The excitation continuation possible time (for example, the continuous energization time in the motor specification or the design standard) that allows the stepping motor 50 to be energized in advance under normal control (for example, the standby time until the next change) It is possible to determine whether or not there is a possibility of exceeding the energization time), and the re-rotation start time may exceed the excitation continuation possible time. If not, the stepping motor 50 is stopped at the position between the two phases, the excitation to the stepping motor 50 is continuously applied and the stop at the position between the two phases is maintained, and the re-rotation start time is set to the excitation continuation possible time. When there is a possibility of exceeding, control is performed to stop excitation at a position rotated by a half phase in the rotational direction from the position between the two phases and release the excitation. Note that the presence or absence of a reserved ball can also be used as a condition for determining whether or not there is a possibility of exceeding the excitation continuation possible time during which the predetermined excitation in the stepping motor 50 can be continued.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately improved as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. The following modifications can be considered. It is also possible to employ a combination of this embodiment and a modification. For example, in the above embodiment, the time from when the stepping motor 50 is stopped by the reel control unit 230 until it is rotated again (re-rotation start time) is the excitation continuation possible time (predetermined in the stepping motor 50 ( It is determined whether or not the time during which excitation can continue to be applied in consideration of normal motor operation is exceeded, and excitation is continuously applied to hold the stop at the position between the two phases, or from the position between the two phases. Control is made by switching between stopping at the position rotated by half a phase and releasing the excitation after stopping. However, determining whether or not the re-rotation start time exceeds the excitation continuation possible time of the stepping motor 50 is an example, and it is determined whether or not the re-rotation start time exceeds a predetermined time that can be appropriately changed. It is also possible to switch and control whether to continue the excitation and keep the stop at the position between the two phases, or to stop at the position rotated by the half phase from the position between the two phases and release the excitation after the stop. Good.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, you may make it control by switching excitation based on the relationship with the stop symbol of another reel. For shifting the stop position from the two-phase position to the half-phase rotated position by the excitation change as described above, it is basically sufficient to eliminate the appearance problem by shifting the stop position of the reels in the three rows. When all the determined stop symbols stop at a position where a step shift occurs, stop control may be performed by stopping control so as to stop at a position shifted by a half step from the beginning.

  In the above embodiment, as a method of determining a stop symbol under a predetermined condition (when there is a possibility that the excitation time after stop may exceed a predetermined time without holding), the stop positions of the three rows of reels are determined. You may make it determine a stop symbol so that it may become the symbol (combination of the pattern which causes a step shift | offset | difference in all three rows) or the combination of the symbol which does not cause a step shift | offset | difference in all three columns.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when shifting the stop position to the position rotated by the half phase from the two-phase position due to the excitation change, it is difficult to visually recognize the correction of the stop position in synchronization with the light emission (flashing) of the backlight. You may make it do. For example, the stop position may be shifted in accordance with the turn-off timing, or the stop position may be shifted in synchronization with the timing of color change so as to flow from top to bottom.

PM Pachinko machine (ball game machine)
PA game area 10 game board 40 reel unit 100 main controller 120 special symbol variation control means (lottery means)
130 Special Game Execution Unit 160 Command Transmission Unit 200 Sub Control Unit 221 Decoration Symbol Variation Stop Content Determination Unit (Design Variation Stop Content Determination Unit)
230 Reel control means

Claims (3)

A game board with a predetermined game area on the front side;
A reel unit having a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer peripheral surface and capable of displaying the variation of the symbols by rotating the reel by a stepping motor;
A sub-control device for controlling the reel unit;
A main control device for determining basic information for the sub-control device to control the reel unit;
The main controller is
A lottery that executes a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a special game that makes it easy to win a variable prize slot provided in the game area, on condition that a game ball has won in a start prize slot provided in the game area Means,
Special game execution means for executing the special game on the condition that the lottery result by the lottery means is won;
Based on the lottery result, symbol variation time determining means for determining the symbol variation time performed to notify the lottery result;
Command transmission means for transmitting to the sub-control device a control command capable of specifying the symbol variation time determined by the lottery result and the symbol variation time determination means as the basic information;
The sub-control device
Design variation stop content determination means for determining a variation mode and a stop mode of the symbol to be displayed on the reel unit based on the control command transmitted from the command transmission unit;
Reel control means for controlling the stepping motor of the reel unit so as to be in the pattern variation mode and stop mode determined by the symbol variation stop content determination unit,
When the stepping motor is stopped and the stop position is a position between two phases, which is a position between the phases of the stepping motor, the reel control unit restarts the stepping motor until it is rotated again. When it is determined whether or not the rotation start time exceeds a predetermined excitation continuation time during which the stepping motor can continue to be excited, and the re-rotation start time is within the excitation continuation time The stepping motor continues to be excited to maintain the stop at the position between the two phases, and when the re-rotation start time exceeds the excitation continuation possible time, the stepping motor rotates from the position between the two phases. A bullet ball game machine which performs control to move to a position rotated by a half phase in a direction to release excitation. A game board with a predetermined game area on the front side;
A reel unit having a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer peripheral surface and capable of displaying the variation of the symbols by rotating the reel by a stepping motor;
A sub-control device for controlling the reel unit;
A main control device for determining basic information for the sub-control device to control the reel unit;
The main controller is
A lottery that executes a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a special game that makes it easy to win a variable prize slot provided in the game area, on condition that a game ball has won in a start prize slot provided in the game area Means,
Special game execution means for executing the special game on the condition that the lottery result by the lottery means is won;
Based on the lottery result, symbol variation time determining means for determining the symbol variation time performed to notify the lottery result;
Command transmission means for transmitting to the sub-control device a control command capable of specifying the symbol variation time determined by the lottery result and the symbol variation time determination means as the basic information;
The sub-control device
Design variation stop content determination means for determining a variation mode and a stop mode of the symbol to be displayed on the reel unit based on the control command transmitted from the command transmission unit;
Reel control means for controlling the stepping motor of the reel unit so as to be in the pattern variation mode and stop mode determined by the symbol variation stop content determination unit,
The reel control means includes a position where at least one of the symbols included in the symbol stop mode of each reel determined by the symbol variation stop content determining means is a position between each phase of the stepping motor. The re-rotation start time from when the stepping motor is stopped to when it is rotated again can be energized in the stepping motor that is set in advance under normal control. It is determined whether or not there is a possibility of exceeding a possible excitation continuation time, and if the re-rotation start time is not likely to exceed the excitation continuation time, the stepping motor is moved between the two phases. The control is performed so that the stop at the position is stopped, the excitation to the stepping motor is continuously applied, and the stop at the position between the two phases is maintained. When there is a possibility that the start time may exceed the excitation continuation possible time, control is performed to stop excitation at a position rotated by a half phase from the position between the two phases in the rotation direction and release the excitation. Ball game machine. Symbol holding means for holding the symbol variation up to a predetermined number when the symbol unit is displaying the symbol variation and the symbol variation display cannot be performed immediately when a game ball is won at the start winning opening. Prepared,
The reel control means determines that the re-rotation start time of the stepping motor is within the excitation continuation possible time when the symbol change hold is performed in the symbol hold means, and the symbol hold means 3. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein when the symbol variation suspension is not performed, it is determined that the re-rotation start time exceeds the excitation continuation possible time. 4.