JP2013090766A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine enhancing the interest of a player by preventing the variation of stops that may occur when symbols stop.SOLUTION: A main control board 400 makes the number of symbol steps 24 at timing (STEP 401: two phases) when each of rotary drums 5a, 5b, 5c passes the origin and thereafter initially becomes two-phase excitation (STEP 413). Thereby, even when the output excitation phase of each motor 211 in the detection position of the origin varies by the fixing position of the rotary drum, the individual difference of the rotary drum or the like, the output excitation phase of each motor 211 can be made to be the two-phase excitation in the final position X of the number of prescribed symbol steps from a stop instruction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a symbol rotator display device in which a plurality of symbol sequences provided with various symbols are arranged side by side, each symbol sequence is displayed in a spinning manner, and a game result is displayed by a combination of symbols when stopped About.

  Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, a spinning-type gaming machine (slot machine) or the like is known as a gaming machine that plays a game by rotating a plurality of spinning cylinders and then stopping the spinning cylinders. The rotating cylinder accelerates in conjunction with the operation of the start lever provided in the slot machine, then moves to constant speed, and repeats the operation of rapid stop in conjunction with the operation of the stop button provided in the slot machine. As a drive motor suitable for use as such a rotating drum drive, a two-phase stepping motor, a four-phase stepping motor, a five-phase stepping motor, and the like are generally used.

  Here, when a stepping motor is used as a rotating drum drive motor, in order to smoothly stop the rotating drum, after applying a drive signal to the drive motor and applying a brake, a specific excitation phase ( For example, it is desirable to stop and hold by all-phase excitation via two-phase excitation (see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2004-358216 A

  However, it is difficult for a conventional spinning machine to stop after a specific excitation phase (two-phase excitation) at the stop reference position at the stop reference position depending on the stop timing. there were. For this reason, there has been a problem that variations in stopping occur, such as waiting for a specific excitation phase (two-phase excitation), and the player's interest may be reduced.

  In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that prevents variations in stopping that may occur when a symbol is stopped, and that enhances the interest of the player.

The gaming machine of the first invention is
A gaming machine comprising a symbol rotator display device that displays a game result by a combination of symbols at the time of stopping, while arranging a plurality of symbol sequences with various symbols arranged in parallel,
A rotation control means for starting the rotation of each of the symbol rows in accordance with the rotation start command, and stopping the rotation of each of the symbol rows in accordance with the rotation stop command;
State recognition for sequentially recognizing the symbol counter for detecting each symbol row at the rotation reference position and the number of symbol steps assigned to each symbol to define the stop permission position at which the stop symbol can be stopped at the stop reference position Means and
The state recognizing unit adjusts the number of symbol steps so that the number of symbol steps from the stop command until the symbol symbol stops at the stop reference position until the stop symbol is stopped is a predetermined number of steps. It is characterized by that.

The gaming machine of the second invention is the first invention,
The spinning control means includes motors that rotate the symbol rows by rotating a rotor by exciting a plurality of excitation phases in a predetermined excitation pattern,
The state recognition means associates the excitation pattern of the motor with the number of symbol steps, and makes the excitation phase of the motor at a final position where the stop symbol can stop at the stop reference position become a predetermined excitation phase. By adjusting the count of the number of symbol steps, the number of symbol steps is set to the predetermined number of steps.

The gaming machine of the third invention is the game machine according to the second invention,
The state recognizing means further sequentially recognizes the excitation phase of the motor, and finally detects when the stop symbol can be stopped at the stop reference position at the timing when the reference point of the symbol row is detected based on the symbol counter. The count of the number of design steps is adjusted so that the excitation phase of the motor at a position becomes a predetermined excitation phase.

A gaming machine of a fourth invention is the third invention,
The motor is excited with an excitation pattern in which one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation repeat each other,
The state recognition means sequentially recognizes the excitation phase of the motor every other phase,
The motor at the final position where the stop symbol can be stopped at the stop reference position according to the excitation phase of the motor recognized immediately after detection of the reference origin of the symbol row based on the symbol counter The count of the number of symbol steps is initialized so that the excitation phase becomes a predetermined excitation phase.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that prevents a variation in stopping that may occur when a symbol is stopped and that enhances the interest of the player.

The perspective view of the front side which shows the external appearance of the swivel type game machine of this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the control apparatus of the swivel type game machine of this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the main control board of the control apparatus shown in FIG. 2, and an effect control board. The flowchart which shows the processing content of the main process by the main control side of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing content of the main control side timer interruption process of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing content of the game operation start process of FIG. The flowchart which shows the processing content of the process during bonus game operation | movement of FIG. The flowchart which shows the processing content of a rotation state recognition process. Explanatory drawing which shows the processing content of a rotation state recognition process.

  First, an outline of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has a symbol rotator display device in which a plurality of symbol sequences provided with various symbols are arranged side by side, each symbol sequence is displayed in a spinning manner, and a game result is displayed by a combination of symbols when stopped A rotation control means for starting rotation of each symbol row in accordance with a rotation start command and stopping the rotation of each symbol row in accordance with a rotation stop command; A symbol counter for detecting each symbol row; and state recognition means for sequentially recognizing a symbol step number that is assigned a predetermined number to each symbol and defines a stop permission position at which a stop symbol can be stopped at a stop reference position. ,
The state recognizing unit adjusts the number of symbol steps so that the number of symbol steps from the stop command until the symbol symbol stops at the stop reference position until the stop symbol is stopped is a predetermined number of steps. .

  According to this gaming machine, the count of the number of symbol steps is adjusted by the state recognition means so that the number of symbol steps from the stop command to the stop symbol at the stop reference position is the predetermined number of steps. For this reason, it is difficult to stop at the stop reference position through a specific excitation phase (two-phase excitation) at the final position where the stop symbol can be stopped, and wait for a specific excitation phase (two-phase excitation). Even when there is a need, it is possible to stop at a predetermined number of steps by adjusting the count of the number of symbol steps. Thereby, the dispersion | variation in the stop which may arise at the time of the stop of a symbol can be prevented, and the interest of a player can be improved.

Specifically, the spinning control means includes each motor that rotates each symbol row by rotating a rotor by exciting a plurality of excitation phases with a predetermined excitation pattern,
The state recognition means associates the excitation pattern of the motor with the number of symbol steps, and makes the excitation phase of the motor at a final position where the stop symbol can stop at the stop reference position become a predetermined excitation phase. By adjusting the count of the number of symbol steps, the number of symbol steps can be set to the predetermined number of steps.

  Here, the state recognition means further sequentially recognizes the excitation phase of the motor, and the stop symbol is stopped at the stop reference position at a timing when the reference point of the symbol row is detected based on the symbol counter. It is preferable to adjust the number of symbol steps so that the excitation phase of the motor at a possible final position becomes a predetermined excitation phase.

  That is, under the assumption that the motor excitation pattern and the number of symbol steps are associated with each other, the state recognition means recognizes the motor excitation phase at that time when the symbol sequence becomes the origin. Then, the count of the number of design steps is adjusted so that the excitation phase of the motor at the final position where the stop symbol can be stopped at the stop reference position becomes a predetermined excitation phase.

  Thus, it is only necessary to adjust the count of the number of symbol steps at the origin position of the symbol sequence, it is not always necessary to adjust the symbol step count, and it is possible to easily and reliably prevent variations in stoppage that may occur when the symbol is stopped. The interest of the player can be enhanced.

  Specifically, when the motor is excited with an excitation pattern that repeats one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation, the state recognition means sequentially recognizes the excitation phase of the motor every other phase, and At the timing when the reference origin of the symbol row is detected based on the symbol counter, the motor at the final position where the stop symbol can be stopped at the stop reference position in accordance with the motor excitation phase recognized immediately thereafter. By initializing the count of the number of symbol steps so that the excitation phase becomes a predetermined excitation phase, it is possible to easily and reliably prevent variations in stoppage that may occur when the symbol is stopped, thereby enhancing the interest of the player. .

  Next, with reference to the drawings, a configuration of a rotating type gaming machine as an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described in detail.

<1. Mechanical configuration>
As shown in FIG. 1, a spinning-reel type gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes, as a gaming machine main body, a gaming machine casing 1 for storing various gaming parts used for gaming, and a front side of the gaming machine casing 1. And a front door 2 attached to be freely opened and closed.

  The front door 2 is provided with a rotating cylinder visual recognition part 3 at substantially the center thereof, and a liquid crystal screen visual recognition part 4 is provided on the upper side thereof.

  The spinning cylinder visual recognition unit 3 includes three spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c (hereinafter referred to as a spinning cylinder if necessary) arranged side by side with the spinning cylinder 210 (corresponding to the symbol rotary display device of the present invention). 5a is referred to as “left cylinder 5a”, the cylinder 5b is referred to as “middle cylinder 5b”, and the cylinder 5c is referred to as “right cylinder 5c”). It is provided so that it can be visually recognized.

  The spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c have a symbol arrangement band (not shown) with a plurality of types of symbols on the outer periphery, and the combination of the above symbols when the spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c are stopped. A spinning device 210 for displaying game results is configured. Regarding the symbol arrangement band, various symbol arrangement bands are already known, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted, but the symbol arrangement band displays symbols for constituting each winning combination, and this embodiment Then, 21 symbols are arranged in the rotation direction. There are no particular restrictions on the symbol, such as “7”, “Bell”, “Orange”, “Cherry”, “JAC”, “BAR”, “Person”, “Animal”, “Fish”, “Vehicle”, etc. Various designs can be adopted.

  The spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c are configured to be rotationally driven by the spinning cylinder drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c (see FIG. 2) each formed of a pulse motor, and the spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c rotate. Thus, the above symbols can be displayed in a variable manner.

  The rotating cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c are mechanically rotated or stopped using an electric drive source such as the rotating cylinder drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c as in this embodiment. The present invention is not limited to the cylinder, and it may be a revolving drum that is displayed on an image display device such as a liquid crystal display device 6 to be described later and rotated or stopped on the image. Further, the number of the rotating drums is not limited to three, and any number such as two or four may be provided.

  A total of five winning lines 3a are provided in the rotating cylinder visual recognition part 3 so as to cross here and obliquely. These winning lines 3a vary in the number of winning lines that are treated as valid in accordance with the number of game medals inserted per unit game (one game). The display pattern of the combination of the stopped symbols when the three spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, 5c are stopped on the activated winning line (hereinafter referred to as "effective winning line") 3a is the winning winning combination. If it matches, the winning is confirmed, and a game value corresponding to the combination of the stop symbols is given to the player.

  The liquid crystal screen visual recognition unit 4 corresponds to a display screen 6a (abbreviated as a liquid crystal screen 6a) of a liquid crystal display device 6 (LCD unit) as an image display device mounted on the back side of the front door 2, for example, a spine visual recognition unit. It is formed in a rectangular shape slightly smaller than 3. The player can visually recognize the liquid crystal screen 6 a from the front side through the liquid crystal screen visual recognition unit 4. On the liquid crystal screen 6a, an effect accompanying the game is displayed as an image. In a broad sense, the liquid crystal display device 6 functions as an effect device that produces an effect, and serves as a main means for informing the winning combination in the AT gaming state.

  In this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 6 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image display device using electronic paper, a plasma display (PDP), or the like may be used. An effect display device by 7, an effect display device by 7 segments, or a combination thereof.

  Decorative lamps with built-in LEDs on both the left and right sides of the swivel visual recognition part 3 and the effects of the game appearing by decorating the light according to the type of light emission color and the light emission mode (flashing / lighting, increase / decrease in light emission intensity, etc.) A portion 13 is provided. The decorative lamp unit 13 functions as an effect device that produces an effect in a broad sense, but also functions as part of means for notifying the winning combination in the AT gaming state.

  In this embodiment, while the AT gaming state is occurring, the production means for notifying the player of the winning combination is a transmission means that can appeal to human perception such as sight, hearing, touch, etc. Can do.

  In the stepped portion below the spinning cylinder visual recognition section 3, a medal slot 7 for inserting a game medal as a game medium to be used for a game and a storage device (a game medal inserted into the gaming machine or a prize acquired) A device that has a function of storing game medals and storing the number of stored medals by an electromagnetic method), that is, within a credit range, pseudo-injection of game medals at once with the maximum number of bets There are provided a MAXBET button 8 that can be stored, a stored medal insertion button 9 that can be added in a pseudo manner up to the maximum number of bets, and a stored medal settlement button 10 that performs settlement of credited game medals.

  On the operation panel unit 14 provided in a horizontally long shape below the stepped portion of the spinning cylinder visual recognition unit 3, a return button 15 for returning a medal clogged in the medal slot 7, the spinning cylinders 5 a, 5 b, The rotating cylinder rotation start lever 11 for simultaneously starting the rotation of 5c, and the three rotating cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c for individually stopping the rotation of the respective rotating cylinders 5a, 5b, 5c (hereinafter referred to as necessary) In response to the above, the rotating cylinder rotation stop button 12a is set to the “left rotating cylinder rotation stop button 12a”, the rotating cylinder rotation stop button 12b is set to the “middle rotating cylinder rotation stop button 12b”, and the rotating cylinder rotation stop button 12c is set to “rotate the clockwise rotation” A stop button 12c "is also provided, and these spinning cylinder rotation stop buttons are collectively referred to as" rotating cylinder rotation stop button 12 ").

  Further, the buttons and levers are provided with light emitting means (LED) for notifying the player whether or not the operation is effective, and the light emission mode (light emission color, lighting, It is configured to notify whether the operation is valid or invalid by blinking, turning off, etc.). In the present embodiment, as the operation means, each of the spinning cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c and the MAXBET button 8 are used. Therefore, LEDs are provided inside these buttons, and in normal games and operation-type games, The player is notified of whether each button operation is valid or invalid by the light emission mode of the LED.

  The MAXBET button 8, the stored medal insertion button 9, the stored medal settlement button 10, the rotating cylinder rotation start lever 11, and the rotating cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c are detected when they are operated. Switches (8a, 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a ′, 12b ′, 12c ′: see FIG. 2) for generating information are provided.

  Further, below the operation panel unit 14, a decoration panel unit 17 is provided with colors and pictures for appealing the appeal of the gaming machine.

  Below the decorative panel portion 17, a horizontally long medal tray 18 that is integrally attached to the front door 2 is provided. In the medal tray 18, game medals paid out from the game medal payout device and returned A game medal payout opening 19 for discharging the game medals to the front side is opened.

  Speakers 16 are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front door 2 and the lower part of the lower part of the front door 2 as sound output units that output the effect sound produced by the game to the outside. The speaker 16 functions as an effect means for producing an effect in a broad sense, but also functions as a part of means for notifying the winning combination in the AT gaming state.

<2. Circuit configuration>
Next, the circuit configuration of the swivel type gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the rotating type gaming machine according to the present embodiment receives a control command from the main control board (main control unit) 400 that controls the overall game operation, a control command from the main control board 400, An effect control unit 410 that performs effect control on light and sound, and a power supply board 440 that generates and supplies power necessary for the gaming machine from an external power source are mainly configured. Specifically, the effect control unit 410 includes an effect control board 420 for controlling the effect means, and a liquid crystal control board 460. The liquid crystal control board 460 includes a liquid crystal display device 6 as an image display device. Is connected.

  The main control board 400 has a medal detection sensor 7a for detecting a game medal from the medal insertion slot 7, a MAXBET switch 8a for detecting the operation of the MAXBET button 8, and a stored medal insertion button via the game relay board 370. A stored medal insertion switch 9a for detecting an operation, a stored medal adjustment switch 10a for detecting an operation of a stored medal adjustment button 10, a rotation rotation start switch 11a for detecting an operation of a rotation rotation start lever 11, and a stop switch board 360 is connected, and signals from these are input. Further, on the stop switch board 360, the inside of each of the rotating cylinder rotation stop switches 12a ′, 12b ′, 12c ′ for detecting the operation of the rotating cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c, and each of the rotating cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c. The LED provided in is mounted.

  Further, the main control board 400 includes a spinning cylinder drive motors 211 a, 211 b, 211 c for rotating the spinning cylinders 5 a, 5 b, 5 c of the spinning cylinder device 210 through the rotary relay board 330, and a spinning cylinder position detection sensor. 212a, 212b, and 212c are connected to the sensors (sensors provided in each of the spinning cylinders to detect the position of the symbol and the rotation of the spinning cylinder). The main control board 400 controls the rotating drum drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c to perform the rotating operation of the rotating drums 5a, 5b, and 5c and the stopping operation of stopping the rotating drums 5a, 5b, and 5c to the target positions. Realized.

  A hopper unit 500 is connected to the main control board 400 via a payout relay board 350. The hopper unit 500 is provided with a payout control board 450, a medal payout sensor 520, and a hopper motor 510. The payout control board 450 is based on a payout control command related to payout of game medals transmitted from the main control board 400. The hopper motor 510 is driven and controlled to pay out a desired number of game medals. The game medals that have been paid out are detected by a medal payout sensor 520.

  Further, the external control terminal board 310 is connected to the main control board 400. The external concentration terminal board 310 transmits predetermined game information to the hall computer HC that comprehensively manages the gaming machines in the entire hall. Further, a rotating drum setting board 430 is connected to the main control board 400. The reel setting board 430 is a setting key switch for inserting a setting key possessed by a person concerned with the hall, and changes the “setting” that changes the game play rate on condition that the setting key is inserted. A reset switch or the like is provided for canceling an abnormal state in the game operation. The rotating drum setting board 430 detects the operation of each of the switches and outputs the signal.

  An effect control board 420 and a liquid crystal control board 460 connected via the effect I / F board 340 are connected to the main control board 400.

  Next, the effect control board 420 is a control board that mainly receives control commands from the main control board 400 and controls the speaker 16, the decorative lamp unit 13, and the LED board 380. In response to the transmitted control command, the liquid crystal command associated therewith is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 460.

  The liquid crystal control board 460 receives the liquid crystal command from the effect control board 420, drives and controls the liquid crystal display device 6, displays an image according to the effect content, and realizes the effect by the image. The liquid crystal control board 460 includes a liquid crystal control CPU, a liquid crystal control RAM, a liquid crystal control ROM, an image ROM, a video RAM, an image IC, and the like (not shown). The liquid crystal control CPU determines the contents of the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 6 in accordance with the image control program stored in the liquid crystal control ROM based on the liquid crystal command. The liquid crystal control RAM is used as a work area for temporarily storing data (flags and variable values used in the program) when the liquid crystal control CPU executes the image control program. The image IC reads out image data in accordance with the effect determined by the liquid crystal control CPU from the image ROM, forms an image, and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display device 6. The video RAM is used as a work area for temporarily storing data generated when the image IC forms an image.

  In the present embodiment, the effect control board 420 and the liquid crystal control board 460 are provided in the gaming machine as separate boards. However, the effect control board 420 and the liquid crystal control board 460 are integrally configured as an effect section having the functions of these boards. You may mount on a board | substrate.

(2-1. Main control board 400)
Next, the circuit configuration of the main control board 400 and the effect control board 420 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the circuit configuration of the main control board 400 will be described.

  The main control board 400 is a main control (main) control board that controls the overall game operation of the spinning-reel game machine, and each board connected to the main control board 400 with the one-chip microcomputer 401 as a center. I / O port circuit 402 that inputs and outputs signals between them, a counter circuit 403, interface (I / F) circuits 404 to 406 that mediate exchange of signals with an external peripheral board connected to the main control board 400, a motor A drive circuit 407 and a switch input circuit 408 are provided. The game operation control in the spinning-type game machine is such that the above-described circuits cooperate with each other around the one-chip microcomputer 401, and the one-chip microcomputer 401 sends a control signal (including a control command) for controlling the game operation to the peripheral board. To control the overall game operation.

  The one-chip microcomputer 401 includes a main ROM 401a, a main RAM 401b, and a main CPU 401c. In addition, a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) 401d having a function of generating a pulse output with a fixed period and a function of time measurement, and an interrupt signal to the main CPU 401c. Is provided with an interrupt controller circuit 401e.

  The main CPU 401c uses the CTC 401d to perform a timekeeping function and the like, and executes a game operation control program (a program describing how to operate the entire revolving game machine) stored in the main ROM 401a. General processing related to the progress of the game.

  The main RAM 401b is used as a work area for temporarily storing data (flags and variable values used in the program) when the main CPU 401c executes the gaming operation control program. In the main ROM 401a, in addition to the above game operation control program, a plurality of types of stop tables for stop control (not shown) used for stop control of the spinning cylinder, and a lottery table used for determining a winning combination by lottery The main ROM 401a also stores a payout / payout determination table (not shown) for confirming symbols stopped on the effective payline 3a and determining the number of payouts.

  Although not shown, the counter circuit 403 includes a random number generation circuit that generates a random number in a certain range by hardware and a sampling circuit that samples a random value from the random number generation circuit at a predetermined timing. The main CPU 401c sends an instruction to the sampling circuit according to the processing state, thereby acquiring the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit as an internal lottery random value. This random number for internal lottery is mainly used for winning lottery.

  Here, the winning combination lottery is performed by the “winning combination lottery means”. The “winning combination lottery means” is the function of the one-chip microcomputer 401 of the main control board 400, and each of the cylinders 5a, 5b, 5c. Each time a unit game is executed by the rotation, a function unit that draws a plurality of winning combinations including a winning combination. More specifically, a lottery is executed for a lottery area in which a winning area associated with one or a plurality of winning combinations or losers is determined for each gaming state, and lottery result information indicating the lottery result is generated. . The lottery by the winning combination lottery means is performed based on the lottery table.

  As the I / F circuit, an I / F circuit 404 with the effect control board 420, an I / F circuit 405 with the game relay board 370, and an I / F circuit 406 with other boards are arranged. Signals from various switches and sensors arranged in the gaming machine main body are input to the switch input circuit 408 of the I / F circuit 405.

  Further, the motor drive circuit 407 outputs a control signal for controlling the driving of the rotating drum drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c under the control of the one-chip microcomputer 401.

  The rotation control and stop control of each cylinder 5a, 5b, 5c are performed by a one-chip microcomputer 401 and a motor drive circuit 407, and the one-chip microcomputer 401 mainly has a function as a state recognition means of the present invention. The motor drive circuit 407 mainly has a function as a rotating cylinder control means of the present invention.

  Next, rotation control of the rotating drums 5a, 5b, and 5c will be described. The motor drive circuit 407 outputs drive pulse signals to the rotating drum drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c under the control of the one-chip microcomputer 401. The motor drive circuit 407 generates the output phase pattern 504 times (one symbol pattern) for one rotation by the 1-2 phase excitation method as the drive pulse signal necessary for rotating the cylinders 5a, 5b, 5c once. Since the number of steps is 24 symbol steps and there are 21 positions to advance the symbol by one frame), the rotation of the rotating cylinders 5a, 5b and 5c is controlled.

  Further, detection signals from the respective cylinder position detection sensors 212a, 212b, and 212c are input to the one-chip microcomputer 401. Detection signals from the respective cylinder position detection sensors 212a, 212b, and 212c are input to the one-chip microcomputer 401 as a reset signal indicating the origin of each of the cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c. The one-chip microcomputer 401 clears the rotation excitation output counter that counts the number of outputs of the output excitation phase pattern supplied to each rotation drive motor 211a, 211b, 211c when the reset signal is input, The motor driving circuit 407 is controlled while the rotating exciter output counter is sequentially updated, and the rotating operation of each rotating cylinder is realized. The one-chip microcomputer 401 grasps the number of symbol steps from the reference position by monitoring the count value of the rotation excitation output counter for each rotation, and determines the reference position (the stop reference position and the rotation reference position of the present invention). In the present embodiment, it is identified which symbol has moved to the lower position in the frame.

  Next, stop control of the rotating drums 5a, 5b, and 5c will be described. The one-chip microcomputer 401 refers to a lottery result by the winning combination lottery means and a stop table (not shown) in which a stop control pattern corresponding to the lottery result is defined, and the spinning rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c are operated. Decide the type of symbol to be stopped on the effective pay line 3a every time it is performed (in this embodiment, the symbol to be stopped on the effective pay line 3a is determined by determining the symbol to be stopped at the reference position) To do. Then, the output phase pattern signal to the drum drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c is controlled so as to stop the determined symbol on the effective winning line 3a within a predetermined drawing frame number range, and the symbol is rotated to a target position. The stopping operation of the cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c is realized.

  Specifically, at the timing when each of the rotating cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c is operated, the symbol information existing at the reference position at this time (the symbol counter that is the stop operation symbol number) is acquired. Based on the stop control table corresponding to the lottery result, the number of symbols to be drawn is determined, and the spinning cylinder is stopped. Although not shown in the stop control table, the stop table that determines the stop position (which symbol is to be stopped at the reference position) based on the stop operation timing and the stop operation order of the rotor Including a stop symbol stop table selection table used for alternatively selecting a stop table, each table is provided for each gaming state and winning combination. In the stop table, the number of sliding frames based on the stop operation number is determined within the range of the maximum number of drawn frames.

  Therefore, if the difference between the symbol that can constitute the winning combination and the symbol counter is within the predetermined number of drawing frames, the symbol that can constitute the winning combination is drawn onto the predetermined effective pay line 3a. Stop control is performed (so-called pull-in control). In addition, since the symbol stopped on the effective winning line 3a is naturally determined by which symbol is stopped at the reference position, which symbol is stopped on the effective winning line 3a of each of the cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c. It is possible to grasp each time the rotator stops.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in accordance with the timing of the stop operation of the spinning cylinder by the player, in order to match the winning combination as much as possible on the effective pay line 3a, Stop control is performed. Therefore, if a symbol is placed in the symbol arrangement band of each of the reels based on the relationship between the characteristics of the pull-in control and the line drawing of the effective winning line, a specific winning combination is possible regardless of the timing of the player's stop operation of the reels. It is possible to make it possible to draw the winning combination 100%, or to prevent the winning combination from stopping on the effective pay line 3a even if the maximum number of drawn frames is drawn according to the timing of the stop operation.

  The relationship between the symbol counter and the number of symbol steps will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

(2-2. Winner)
Next, the winning combination will be described. As the types of winning combinations in this embodiment, for example, a replay role, special replay role, cherry role, special cherry role, bell role, watermelon role, middle bonus (hereinafter referred to as MB) role, push order indefinite bell role, etc. are set. Has been. In addition, there is no restriction | limiting in particular about the combination of the stop symbol corresponding to each winning combination, The structure can be suitably changed with the symbol kind given to a symbol arrangement | sequence band.

  The replay role is a winning role that gives the player a replay that allows the player to start the next game by simulating the same number of game medals inserted in the current game when the winning is confirmed. is there. In other words, it is a winning combination that allows a player to start a next game by giving a predetermined game start condition without inserting a game medal (including pseudo insertion from a credit). Therefore, it can be said that the re-game has a game value in the same manner as the game medal in that the player can play the next game without reducing the game medal.

  The cherry role, the bell role, and the watermelon role are winning combinations that involve paying out a predetermined number of game medals when the winning is confirmed, and are called so-called small roles. In the present embodiment, a prize of 2 game medals, 9 bells, and 15 watermelon medals are obtained.

  Among the bell combinations, the three types of the left pressing bell combination, the middle pressing bell combination, and the right pressing bell combination are so-called AT combinations in which combinations of symbols that stop on the effective winning line 3a are different depending on the pressing order. These AT combinations have a prescribed pushing order, and when the pushing order matches, the “bell symbol” stops on the effective winning line 3a, and a payout of a predetermined number of game medals can be obtained. Specifically, in the case of the left push bell, the left rotating drum 5a is stopped first, in the case of the middle pressing bell, the middle rotating drum 5b is stopped first, and in the case of the right pressing bell, the right rotating drum 5c is set to the first stop. When one is stopped, each “bell symbol” stops on the effective pay line 3a, and nine payouts are obtained. When the spinning cylinder is stopped in a pressing order other than the specified pressing order, a combination of symbols for which no payout can be obtained stops on the effective pay line 3a, and so-called winning combination occurs.

  Unlike the left push bell role, middle push bell role, and right push bell role, the “bell symbol” stops on the effective winning line 3a regardless of the push order and the stop operation timing. It is like that.

  The MB combination is a special winning combination referred to as a so-called bonus combination. When the winning is confirmed, the gaming state after the next time is shifted to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. When the winning of the MB combination is confirmed, the game from the next game is shifted to a special game state called a bonus game. In the bonus game according to the present embodiment, an accessory continuous operation device that continuously operates a special accessory (so-called regular bonus) operates so that a player can acquire a large number of game medals in a short time. It has become. In this bonus game, the bonus game is ended on condition that a predetermined end condition, for example, a predetermined number of game medals are paid out. Each MB combination can win a large number of game medals and is positioned as a winning combination having the highest gaming value among all winning combinations.

  The special replay role is a replay role and MB role, and the special cherry role is a winning combination (so-called duplicate winning role) that is won in duplicate for the cherry role and MB role. In the present embodiment, the “special replay role” is composed of a combination of the same symbols as the cherry role. When this winning combination is won, which winning combination is preferentially drawn into the effective winning line 3a is performed based on a predetermined priority order. In the present embodiment, the priority order is defined so that the pull-in control is performed in the order of “replay combination> small combination> MB combination”. As a result, the stop control is performed based on the priority order in the game in which the winning combination is made.

  In addition, each of the replay role, cherry role, bell role, and watermelon role will be invalid if the combination of symbols corresponding to this in the game won by lottery does not stop on the active winning line 3a, The winning right is set as an impossible carry-over winning combination that cannot be carried over to the next game. On the other hand, even if the combination of symbols corresponding to the MB combination is not stopped on the effective winning line 3a in the game won by lottery, the winning combination is not invalidated. It is set as a carry-over winning combination that can carry over the right to the game after the next time.

(2-3. Production control board 420)
The effect control board 420 of the effect control unit 410 will be described again with reference to FIG. The effect control board 420 is a control board on the sub-control (sub) side that controls the speaker 16, the LED board 380, etc., and the effect I / F board connected to the effect control board 420 with the one-chip microcomputer 421 as the center. A counter circuit 423 having a function similar to that of the I / O port circuit 422 and the counter circuit 403 for inputting / outputting a signal to / from the 340 is provided.

  The one-chip microcomputer 421 includes a sub-ROM 421a, a sub-RAM 421b, and a sub-CPU 421c. In addition, an interrupt signal is sent to the CTC 421d and the sub-CPU 421c having a function of generating periodic interrupts, a pulse output with a constant period, and a function of measuring time. Is provided with an interrupt controller circuit 421e.

  Although not shown, the effect control board 420 includes a sound LSI for controlling the speaker 16, a sound ROM, and a sound wave control circuit including a sound processing circuit. The sound ROM stores sound wave output data for generating various sound effects corresponding to the effect pattern. The sound LSI receives a voice command for controlling the speaker 16 from the sub CPU 421c, reads data from the voice ROM at a predetermined timing, performs a predetermined process, and outputs it to the sound processing circuit. The sound processing circuit D / A converts the data to generate an audio signal, amplifies the audio signal to a predetermined level, and supplies it to the speaker.

  Similar to the main CPU 401c, the sub CPU 421c uses the CTC 421d to exhibit a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt function, and produces an effect control program stored in the sub ROM 421a (mainly effect means for the revolving game machine (if necessary) , A liquid crystal display device 6, a speaker 16, an LED and other devices for producing an effect may be collectively referred to as “effect means”)) Then, various LEDs and the speaker 16 are controlled, and a liquid crystal command is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 460.

  The sub RAM 421b is used as a work area for temporarily storing data when the sub CPU 421c executes the effect control program. The sub ROM 421a stores an effect pattern table (not shown) that defines the effect contents associated with the game, in addition to the effect control program. The one-chip microcomputer 421 selects the desired effect pattern from the effect pattern table based on the control command from the main control board 400, and performs LED control necessary to display the selected effect pattern. Light emission commands, voice commands for controlling the speaker 16, liquid crystal commands, and the like are output.

  Although not shown, the counter circuit 423 includes a random number generation circuit and a sampling circuit, like the counter circuit 403. The sub CPU 421c sends an instruction to the sampling circuit according to the effect processing state, thereby acquiring the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit as the effect random number value. This effect random number is mainly used to determine a target effect pattern from the effect pattern table.

  Here, a hardware configuration in an interface between the main CPU 401c of the main control board 400 and the sub CPU 421c of the effect control board 420 will be described.

  The main CPU 401c of the main control board 400 outputs various control commands (details will be described later) as control information that can specify the processing state. The output control command is output via an output buffer circuit 404a included in the I / F circuit 404 with the effect control board 420.

  The output buffer circuit 404a of the main control board 400 functions to allow a signal on the main CPU 401c side to be output to the outside, while prohibiting a signal from being input to the inside on the main CPU 401c side. ing. Accordingly, the main CPU 401c side functions only as an output side in one-way communication. This is to prevent an illegal signal from an external goto action from being input to the main CPU 401c via the effect control board 420.

  The control command transmitted from the main control board 400 is sent to the sub CPU 421c of the effect control board 420 via the I / O port circuit 422 and I / F circuit (not shown) through the input buffer circuit 340a of the effect I / F board 340. Is input. The strobe signal from the main control board 400 is input as an interrupt signal of the sub CPU 421c through the effect I / F board 340 and the I / O port circuit 422.

  An input buffer circuit of an I / F circuit (not shown) functions to allow a signal on the main CPU 401c side to be input while prohibiting a signal from being output to the inside on the main CPU 401c side. ing. Therefore, the sub CPU 421c side functions only as an input side in one-way communication.

(2-4. Control commands)
Here, various control commands that the main control board 400 transmits to the effect control board 420 when each game operation is executed will be described. The control commands transmitted by the main control board 400 include the following. Note that these command names are named in consideration of the generation time or transmission time, and do not prompt the execution of the contents of the name.

  First, a “medal insertion command” generated every time a game medal is inserted, a “game start command (information relating to winning combination (lottery result information) and information relating to gaming state) generated when the rotation rotation start lever 11 is operated. Including) ”, there is a“ rotating cylinder start (rotating cylinder rotation start) command ”which is generated when the rotating cylinder rotation is started after the rotating cylinder rotation start lever 11 is operated.

  Here, the game start command includes information on the winning combination and gaming state, for example, the game starting command is composed of a 16-bit code, of which 6 bits are assigned to information indicating the winning combination (winning information), etc. 4 bits are assigned to information (game state information) indicating the game state at that time. “Game state information” included in the game start command includes “normal game”, “bonus game”, “bonus game end”, “winning information”, and the like. In addition, there is a “wait time command at the end of MB” that occurs at the start of bonus game operation.

  Furthermore, control commands sent from the main control board 400 to the effect control board 420 include when the rotation rotation stop button 12a is operated (when the left rotation operation is performed) and when the rotation rotation stop button 12b is operated (when the middle stop operation is performed). ), “Stop button left”, “stop button middle”, and “stop button right” commands (including stop operation order information) that are generated when the rotation rotation stop button 12c is operated (right stop operation), “Left Crew Stop”, “Circular Crew Stop”, “Right Cylinder Stop” commands that occur when the left swirl stop, middle swivel stop, or right swivel stop after pull-in control are performed. (Including “stop position information”). These “Stop button left”, “Stop button middle”, and “Stop button right” commands also have a 16-bit code, of which 3 bits are assigned to stop operation order information such as forward press, reverse press, and scissor press. The other 4 bits are assigned to the game state information indicating the game state at that time.

  Note that it is possible to know from the above stop operation order information which one of the three spinner rotation stop buttons has been operated first, and produce it as a “first stop command”. It is transmitted to the control board 420 and used to execute the effect at the time when the spinning cylinder is stopped when the effect control board 420 is first stopped. Similarly, it is possible to know from the stop operation order information which is the second and third operation of the rotating cylinder rotation stop button, and effect control is performed as “second stop command” and “third stop command”. It is transmitted to the substrate 420 and used.

  Further, the control command sent from the main control board 400 to the effect control board 420 includes a “all-turn cylinder stop command (winning information command)” that is generated when the third rotation-rotation stop button is released. This all-rounding stop command is also composed of a 16-bit code, of which 4 bits are assigned to information (winning combination information) indicating the type of winning combination arranged on the effective winning line 3a, and the other 3 bits are winning lines. The information indicating 3a (winning line information) is allocated, and the other 4 bits are allocated to information indicating the gaming state at that time (gaming state information).

  This all-rotor stop command is generated at the time of stopping the turn after the third pull-in control when the finger is released from the stop button during the pull-in control. Here, the “winning line information” included in the all-cylinder stop command is information related to the winning line 3a in which the winning combination is arranged in the rotating cylinder, and “winning combination information” is information related to the actually arranged symbols. is there. In the “winning combination” information included in the game start command, the symbols that are actually aligned have not yet been determined, whereas the “winning combination” information included in this all-stop torso stop command is actually not missed. They are different in that they are information indicating the symbols arranged in the same manner. On the effect control board 420, based on the winning line information and the winning combination information, the contents of the effect to appear after the all-time cylinder is stopped and whether or not the winning is determined are determined.

<3. Control of main control unit>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 4-9, the processing content regarding the game operation control of the swivel type gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

(3-1. Main process on the main control side: FIG. 4)
First, the main process on the main control side executed by the main control board 400 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing on the main control side executed by the main control board 400 (main CPU 401c) in accordance with the game operation control program.

  First, when power is turned on from the outside to the main body of the gaming machine, a power-on signal indicating that the power is turned on is sent from the power board 440 to the main control board 400 and is sent to each board via the main control board 400. And a power-on signal is transmitted. Then, the main control board 400 performs necessary initial settings before the game operation is started (FIG. 4 / STEP 101).

  In this initial setting, the state of connection of various boards and game components (switches and sensors) is confirmed, internal registers including the CTC 401d and I / O are initialized, the work area of the main RAM 401b is allowed to be written, etc. Necessary initial settings before the start of operation are executed (if the game state before power-off can be restored, game return processing is executed).

  Next, when the initial setting process (STEP 101) ends normally, the processes of STEP 102 to STEP 117 described below are executed according to the processing state.

  First, the main control board 400 executes a RAM initialization process for clearing a predetermined work area and securing a work area necessary for starting the next game (FIG. 4 / STEP 102).

  Next, the main control board 400 performs a game state flag generation process (FIG. 4 / STEP 103). This game state flag generation process is a process for managing and controlling the transition of the game state. That is, as a flag corresponding to the gaming state, a gaming state status, an operating flag, a bonus flag, a general gaming flag, an RB2 operating flag, and the like are set.

  Next, a medal insertion process is executed (FIG. 4 / STEP 104). In this medal insertion process, game medals inserted into the gaming machine main body from the medal insertion slot 7 (including pseudo insertion from credit) are detected, the number of inserted game medals is counted, credited, etc. Processing related to the settlement of game medals is performed. In this medal insertion process, every time the number of inserted coins is incremented by 1, a “medal insertion command” is transmitted.

  Then, in this medal insertion process, when the game start condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not the spinning cylinder rotation start lever 11 has been operated by the player (FIG. 4 / STEP 105). Specifically, it is also monitored whether or not the rotation rotation start signal is received from the rotation rotation start switch 11a, and the process does not proceed to STEP 106 unless the rotation rotation start signal is received.

  Therefore, in the game in the spinning machine of this embodiment, the game start condition is set by the player inserting a game medal, and the spinning cylinder rotation start lever 11 is operated to start rotating the spinning cylinder. By operating the rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c to stop the spinning cylinder, until a game result is obtained by a combination of symbols determined by the stop position of each spinning cylinder (the game result here is the effective winning line 3a) This is a game that is repeated as a single game (unit game: one game) of a series of steps in which a winning combination is aligned and a game value corresponding to this is given.

  Next, the main control board 400 extracts an internal lottery random value based on the counter value of the counter circuit 403, and performs an internal lottery process (lottery related to a winning combination) based on the extracted internal lottery random value (see FIG. 4 / STEP 106).

  The internal lottery random number is extracted at the timing when the main control board 400 receives the rotation start signal from the rotation rotation start switch 11a when the rotation rotation start lever 11 is operated. The lottery random number is generated by the counter circuit 403 of the main control board 400. In the rotary gaming machine according to the present embodiment, two 8-bit binary counters are used to generate a 16-bit hardware random number (0000H to FFFFH). (Repeat of (hexadecimal number)) is generated. The generation of the random number is not limited to a hardware random number, and a software random number generated by causing a CPU to execute a predetermined program may be used.

  In the internal lottery process, whether or not a winning combination is determined is determined based on the internal lottery random value and the lottery table, and the lottery result information (information indicating which winning combination is won, for example, an internal winning flag) Is applicable). In this internal lottery process, lottery result information is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 401b. The lottery result information is cleared for each game. However, only the winning information for the MB role is carried over to the next and subsequent games until these winnings are confirmed.

  Next, the main control board 400 performs the stop rotation start setting process after performing the stop initial setting process in STEP 107 (FIG. 4 / STEP 108). In this rotation rotation start setting process, the rotation rotation start setting for starting the rotation of each rotation cylinder 5a, 5b, 5c, specifically, from the start of the bonus game until a specific rotation production occurs. The number of games required (number of specific effect games), the waiting time at the start of MB, and the like are set. Then, a “rotor rotation start command” is transmitted.

  Next, when the rotating cylinder rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c are operated, the main control board 400 executes a rotating cylinder stop process for stopping the rotating cylinder corresponding to each of the rotating cylinder rotation stop buttons (FIG. 4 / STEP109). ). In this spinning stop processing, a stop control table (hereinafter simply referred to as “stop table”) is referred to based on the lottery result information, the operation timing and operation sequence of the spinning rotation stop buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c, Stop control data (such as the number of drawn frames) for stopping the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is generated. Based on the generated data, stop control of the rotating drum is performed. In this spinning cylinder stop process, a “stop information reception command” related to the rotary cylinder position when the rotary cylinder rotation stop button 12 is operated and a “stop result information command” related to the rotary cylinder stop position are transmitted.

  Next, the main control board 400 executes a winning determination process (FIG. 4 / STEP 110). In this winning determination process, a process of creating a symbol flag based on the winning line buffer, a stop symbol determining process for determining whether or not the winning winning combination has been established on the active winning line 3a, A payout setting process for setting the number of game medals to be paid out is performed. In this winning determination process, a “winning information command (all-round trunk stop command)” having information related to these winnings is transmitted. The “winning information command” includes winning combination information, winning line information, and game state information.

  Next, the main control board 400 adds game credits based on the number of payouts set in the winning determination process (STEP 110), or pays out game medals by controlling the hopper unit 500 to be paid out. Is executed (FIG. 4 / STEP 111). In this game medal payout process, a “payout command” is transmitted.

  Next, the main control board 400 determines whether the winning combination, that is, the display combination established on the effective winning line 3a is a replay symbol or a bonus symbol, and further determines whether or not a bonus game is being played. (FIG. 4 / STEP 112 to STEP 114).

  First, the main control board 400 determines whether or not the display combination is a replay symbol (FIG. 4 / STEP 112). When the display combination is a replay symbol (FIG. 4 / STEP 112: YES), the process proceeds to a re-game operation start process of STEP 115, and a process of starting the re-game operation is executed (FIG. 4 / STEP 115). Then, after executing the re-game operation start process in STEP 115, the process returns to the RAM initialization process (FIG. 4 / STEP 102).

  On the other hand, when the display combination is not a replay symbol (FIG. 4 / STEP 112: NO), the main control board 400 then sets the game state information (game state flag) to “Bonus game in progress” in STEP 301 of FIG. Is determined (FIG. 4 / STEP 113). When the bonus game is in progress (FIG. 4 / STEP 113: YES), the main control board 400 executes a process for continuing or ending the bonus game (bonus game operating process: STEP 116), and then initializes the RAM. Returning to the processing (FIG. 4 / STEP 102). Details of the bonus game operating process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, when the bonus game is not being performed (FIG. 4 / STEP 113: NO), the main control board 400 has a bonus symbol (here, a middle bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as “MB” symbol if necessary)). It is determined whether or not (FIG. 4 / STEP 114). When the display combination is a bonus (MB) symbol (FIG. 4 / STEP 114: YES), the operation of the bonus (MB) game is started (bonus game operation start process: FIG. 4 / STEP 117), and then the RAM initialization process. Return to (FIG. 4 / STEP 102). On the other hand, if the display combination is not a bonus symbol (FIG. 4 / STEP 114: NO), the process returns to the RAM initialization process (FIG. 4 / STEP 102) without doing anything.

(3-2. Timer interrupt processing on the main control side: Fig. 5)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing on the main control side that is activated by interruption at regular intervals from the CTC 401d.

  In the time constant register of the CTC 401d provided in the one-chip microcomputer 401, a value corresponding to 1.5 ms is set in the rotary type gaming machine according to the present embodiment. In the main process on the main control side (see FIG. 4) described above, a timer interrupt is generated every 1.5 ms. The timer interrupt process is executed based on a maskable interrupt signal from the CTC 401d.

  First, when a timer interrupt occurs, the main control board 400 executes a saving process for saving the register to a predetermined stack area (FIG. 5 / STEP 201).

  Next, the main control board 400 executes port input processing (FIG. 5 / STEP 202). This port input processing is to check the signals input from various switches and various sensors arranged in all of the spinning machine, create the data to manage the input signals, and create the input data Is stored and updated for each interrupt.

  Next, the main control board 400 executes a rotation rotation control process for performing rotation control and stop control of each of the rotation cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c (FIG. 5 / STEP 203). This spinning cylinder rotation control process is a process for executing the processes related to the rotation control and stop control of each of the spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c already described, in order to grasp the current position of each of the spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c. By a rotation excitation excitation counter (number of drive pulses) that counts the detection signal timings of the rotation position detection sensors 212a, 212b, and 212c and the number of outputs of the output phase pattern supplied to the rotation drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c. The current position is grasped.

  Further, in this spinning cylinder rotation control process, it is also detected whether or not each spinning cylinder has reached a constant rotational speed after the start of rotation of each spinning cylinder. Also, in this process, when the spinning process is stopped in the main process, the stop position is confirmed based on the stop control pattern, and the excitation pattern signal for stopping the spinning process is output. Stop at the position you want.

  In this spinning cylinder rotation control process, the number of symbol steps from the stop command until the stop symbol is stopped at the stop reference position by the rotation state of each of the spinning cylinders 5a, 5b, 5c becomes a predetermined number of steps. The rotational state recognition process for executing the process of adjusting the count of the number of symbol steps will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Next, a periodic update process is executed (FIG. 5 / STEP 204). This periodic update process is a process of updating a timer necessary for various game operations for each interrupt, and periodically clearing a watchdog timer built in the one-chip microcomputer 401. When this periodic update process is not executed, for example, when an abnormality occurs in gaming operation control and the program enters a runaway state, when the watchdog timer expires, the main CPU 401c is automatically reset and the runaway state starts. Return.

  Next, command output processing is executed (FIG. 5 / STEP 205). This command output process is a process of transmitting the various control commands to the effect control board 420 in accordance with the processing state accompanying the progress of the game. The effect control board 420 receives the control command and executes a predetermined effect process. The main control board 400 outputs the control command for one byte to the effect control board 420. Since one control command is 2 bytes long, one control command is transmitted by two successive timer interrupts.

  Next, a medal information output process is executed (FIG. 5 / STEP 206). This medal information output process is a process of outputting a medal insertion signal indicating that a game medal has been inserted, a medal payout signal indicating that a game medal has been paid out, and the like. Each signal is transmitted to the hall computer HC via the external concentration terminal board 310. The hall computer HC manages the number of game medals inserted into each gaming machine installed on the game island and the number of game medals paid out based on the medal insertion signal and the medal payout signal.

  Next, the main control board 400 executes a display output process for outputting a light emission control signal for controlling the light emission of the LEDs arranged in the gaming machine body (FIG. 5 / STEP 207). Then, an abnormality monitoring process (FIG. 5 / STEP 208) is performed.

  After executing the processing of STEP 201 to STEP 208, the contents of the saved register are restored (FIG. 5 / STEP 209), the main CPU 401c is set to the interrupt enabled state (FIG. 5 / STEP 210), and the timer interrupt processing is terminated.

(3-3. Bonus game operation start processing: FIG. 6)
Next, the details of the bonus game operation start process of FIG. 4 / STEP 117 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the bonus game operation start process, first, as various settings at the time of bonus game operation, the number of bonus games acquired and the bonus flag are set to zero, and the game state flag is set to “bonus game in progress” (FIG. 6 / STEP 301). ).

  Next, as a wait time (ending time) when the bonus (MB: middle bonus) game is ended, either 6 seconds or 20 seconds is determined by lottery (FIG. 6 / STEP 302). Information is stored in a predetermined RAM area (FIG. 6 / STEP 303). Then, the “wait time command at the end of MB” is set, and the command is transmitted to the effect control unit 410 (FIG. 6 / STEP 304).

  The above 6 seconds is the ending time when the state transition to the normal gaming state is confirmed after the bonus game is finished, and the 20 seconds is the ending when the state transition to the AT gaming state is confirmed. It's time. Since the ending time is of these two types, when the bonus game ending time exceeds 6 seconds, the state transition to the AT gaming state is determined. The player can predict whether or not to enter the AT gaming state by using the length of the ending time as an index for determination, that is, by knowing whether or not the ending time is longer than 6 seconds. It becomes possible.

  Next, an “MB start wait start command” is set (FIG. 6 / STEP 305), a predetermined start wait time (opening time) is set (FIG. 6 / STEP 306), and the opening time ends. Wait (FIG. 6 / STEP307). When the opening time is over, an “MB start weight end command” is set (FIG. 6 / STEP 308), and the bonus game operation start processing is ended.

(3-4. Processing during bonus game operation: FIG. 7)
Next, the details of the bonus game operating process of FIG. 4 / STEP 116 will be described.

  In this bonus game operating process, the number of game medals acquired during the bonus game is compared with the maximum number acquired in advance and allowed (FIG. 7 / STEP 311). While the number of bonus games acquired has not reached the maximum number of games acquired (FIG. 7 / STEP 312: NO), after various setting processes for continuing the bonus game are performed (FIG. 7 / STEP 313), the bonus game operating process is performed. Exit.

  On the other hand, if the number of bonus games acquired exceeds the maximum number of games acquired (FIG. 7 / STEP 312: YES), in order to process the waiting time for effects during the bonus game operation, it has already been drawn and stored in STEP 302 to S303. The lottery result information (6 seconds or 20 seconds) is read for the “wait time at the end of MB (ending time)” (FIG. 7 / STEP 314). Then, the “MB end weight start command” is set and transmitted to the effect control unit 410 (FIG. 7 / STEP 315).

  Also, the read “MB end time (ending time)” (6 seconds or 20 seconds) is set (FIG. 7 / STEP 316), and the end of the ending time is waited (FIG. 7 / STEP 317). When the ending time is over, various settings are made at the end of the bonus game (FIG. 7 / STEP 318).

  Then, an “MB end weight end command” is set (FIG. 7 / STEP 319), and the same command is transmitted to the effect control unit 410. Further, automatic settlement processing and stop processing are performed (FIG. 7 / STEP 320 to FIG. 7 / STEP 321), and the bonus game operation start processing is ended.

(3-5. Rotation state recognition processing: FIG. 8)
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, in the rotation control process of FIG. 5 / STEP 203 described later, the main control board 400 (one-chip microcomputer 401) rotates the respective rotation cylinders 5a, 5b, 5c. Rotation state recognition processing for adjusting the count of the number of symbol steps so that the number of symbol steps from the stop command to stopping the symbol at the stop reference position is equal to the predetermined number of steps will be described.

  Note that the main control board 400 (one-chip microcomputer 401) executes the following processing for each of the cylinder drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c, but for convenience of explanation, each of the cylinder drive motors 211a, 211b, and 211c is summarized. The rotation drive motor 211 will be described.

  First, the main control board 400 (one-chip microcomputer 401) acquires the count value of the rotation excitation output counter of each rotation drive motor 211, and the current output excitation phase of the rotation drive motor 211 is determined from the count value. Whether one-phase excitation or two-phase excitation is determined is determined (FIG. 8 / STEP 401).

  In the case of the two-phase excitation (FIG. 8 / STEP 401: two phases), the reel error timer is incremented (+1) (FIG. 8 / STEP 402), and the reel error timer becomes a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not (time is up or not) (FIG. 8 / STEP403). In the present embodiment, only the two-phase excitation is detected and determined in STEP 401 among the one-phase excitation and the two-phase excitation. However, only the one-phase excitation may be detected and determined.

  When the reel error timer has reached a predetermined value, that is, when the time is up (FIG. 8 / STEP403: YES), the start-up process of the rotating drum drive motor 211 is performed again.

  On the other hand, when the reel error timer does not reach the predetermined value, that is, when the time is not up (FIG. 8 / STEP403: NO), the current origin switch state is read (FIG. 8 / STEP404), The switch state is stored in a memory or the like (not shown) (FIG. 8 / STEP405). Here, the origin switch state is the presence or absence of the output of the reset signal which shows the origin of each drum 5a, 5b, 5c as mentioned above.

  Next, the previous origin switch state is compared with the current origin switch state (FIG. 8 / STEP 406), and it is determined whether or not the state is changed from the OFF state to the ON state (FIG. 8 / STEP 407). Since this determination process is performed when the output excitation phase of the rotating drum drive motor 211 is two-phase excitation (FIG. 8 / STEP 401: two-phase), as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, After each of the drums 5a, 5b, 5c passes through the origin, the timing for the two-phase excitation is first determined.

  Then, when the state is changed from the OFF state to the ON state (FIG. 8 / STEP407: YES), the rotation position initialization process of STEP411 to STEP413 is executed.

  In the rotation position initialization process, first, the error timer is cleared (FIG. 8 / STEP 411), and the rotation sensor ON flag is set to 1 (FIG. 8 / STEP 412). It should be noted that by setting the turning sensor ON flag to 1, stop control becomes effective in the turning rotation control process. Further, the symbol counter is reset to 0 and the number of symbol steps is set to 24 (FIG. 8 / STEP 413).

  Next, the count value of the rotation excitation output counter of the rotation drive motor 211 is incremented (+1), excitation data corresponding to the counter is acquired, and output to the rotation drive motor 211 (FIG. 8 / STEP 430). , Return to STEP401.

  On the other hand, for the rotating drum drive motor 211, in the case of one-phase excitation (FIG. 8 / STEP 401: one phase), and when the previous origin switch state and the current origin switch state are not changed from the OFF state to the ON state (FIG. 8 / STEP407: NO), the rotating position update process of STEP421 to STEP426 is executed.

  In the rotation position update process, first, the number of symbol steps is decremented (−1) (FIG. 8 / STEP 421).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number of decremented symbol steps is 0 (FIG. 8 / STEP 422).

  If the number of symbol steps is 0 (FIG. 8 / STEP 422: = 0), the symbol step number is reset to 24 (FIG. 8 / STEP 423), and the symbol counter is incremented (+1) (FIG. 8). 8 / STEP424).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the incremented symbol counter is 20 (FIG. 8 / STEP425).

  If the symbol counter is 20 (FIG. 8 / STEP425: YES), the symbol counter is reset to 0 (FIG. 8 / STEP426), and the count of the rotation excitation output counter of the rotation drive motor 211 is counted. The value is incremented (+1), excitation data corresponding to the counter is acquired, output to the rotating drum drive motor 211a (FIG. 8 / STEP 430), and the process returns to STEP 401.

  On the other hand, when the number of symbol steps decremented at STEP 421 is not 0 (FIG. 8 / STEP 422: ≠ 0), and when the symbol counter incremented at STEP 424 is not 21 (FIG. 8 / STEP 425: NO). Then, the above-described processing of STEP 430 is performed as it is, and the processing returns to STEP 401.

  The above is the details of the rotation state recognition process.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the processing content by a rotation state recognition process is demonstrated.

  FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the origin switch state, the output excitation phase of the motor 211, and the number of symbol steps.

  As described above, the origin switch state is the presence / absence of the output of a reset signal indicating the origin of each cylinder 5a, 5b, 5c, and the ON output is for a certain period of time (until ON → OFF after rising from OFF → ON). ) Continuing, it is OFF when there is no output.

  The output excitation phase of the motor 211 has an excitation pattern in which one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation are repeated.

  The number of symbol steps is assigned to each symbol by 24 steps, and each symbol position can be recognized by subtracting the number of steps in synchronization with the switching of the output excitation phase of the motor 211.

  In FIG. 9, the final position X at which the stop symbol can be stopped at the reference position is set to a symbol step number of 8, and a stop command is issued when the symbol step number is “15”. The case where the number of steps is the stop position will be described below.

  First, as shown in FIG. 9A, after each of the cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c passes through the origin, when the excitation phase of the first motor 211 is two-phase excitation, the number of design steps is “15”. Sometimes a stop command is issued, and at the final position X obtained by subtracting the number of 7 symbol steps from there, the output excitation phase of the motor 211 is two-phase excitation.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, after each of the cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c passes through the origin, even when the excitation phase of the first motor 211 is one-phase excitation, the number of symbol steps is “15”. At the final position X obtained by subtracting 7 symbol steps from the stop command, the output excitation phase of the motor 211 can be set to two-phase excitation.

  That is, when the number of symbol steps is set to “24” immediately after each of the drums 5a, 5b, and 5c passes through the origin, if the output excitation phase of the motor 211 immediately after that is one-phase excitation, FIG. As shown in (c), the output excitation phase of the motor 211 at the position obtained by subtracting the number of 7 symbol steps can be one-phase excitation. In this case, since a smooth stop cannot be expected by stopping with one-phase excitation, the process further proceeds to one symbol step ahead, and the position obtained by subtracting the number of eight symbol steps is the stop position.

  Here, according to the rotational state recognition processing, after each of the cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c passes through the origin, the number of symbol steps is set to 24 at the timing of the first two-phase excitation (FIG. 8 / STEP 401: two phases). (FIG. 8 / STEP413). Therefore, even if the excitation phase of the motor 211 differs in the excitation phase at the detection position of the origin due to the fixed position of the rotating cylinder or individual differences of the rotating cylinder, the motor at the final position X of 7 symbol steps from the stop command. The output excitation phase 211 can be two-phase excitation.

  Such a rotation state recognition process is suitable for a so-called two-type BB model in which a symbol needs to be stopped within a short time (for example, 75 ms) from the stop operation timing.

  As described above in detail, according to the rotating type gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the variation of the stop that may occur when the symbol is stopped and to enhance the interest of the player.

  In this embodiment, the case where the output excitation pattern of the motor 211 is two excitations has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other output excitation patterns such as four-phase excitation may be used. In that case, each cylinder 5a, 5b, 5c takes the origin in consideration of the minimum number of design steps required from the stop command so that the stop design becomes the desired specific excitation phase at the final position X where the stop design can be stopped at the reference position. After passing, the number of symbol steps may be set in accordance with the first specific excitation phase.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the count of the number of symbol steps is adjusted at the timing when each of the drums 5a, 5b, and 5c passes through the origin is not limited to this. For example, the reference position or the like is not limited thereto. Thus, the count of the number of symbol steps may be adjusted sequentially.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the spinning machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of symbol rows provided with various symbols are arranged side by side, and each symbol row is rotated. Any game machine such as a ball and ball game machine can be used as long as it has a symbol rotating display device that displays a game result by a combination of symbols when stopped.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the stop reference position and the rotation reference position are set as the same reference position as the lower position in the frame, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the stop reference position and the rotation reference position are different from each other. It is good.

1 gaming machine housing,
2 Front door,
3 Display window (rotor viewing part),
3a winning line,
4 Display window (LCD screen viewing area),
5a, 5b, 5c
6 Liquid crystal display device (production device),
6a Display screen (LCD screen),
7 medal slot,
8 MAXBET button,
9 Reservation medal insertion button,
10 Reservation medal settlement button,
11 rotation start lever,
12a, 12b, 12c Revolving rotation stop button,
13 Decorative lamp section,
14 Operation panel section
15 Return button,
16 speakers,
17 Decorative panel section,
18 Medal tray
19 Game medal payout exit,
210 Cylinder device (pattern crotch display device),
310 External concentration terminal board,
330 lap trunk relay board,
340 Production I / F board,
350 payout relay board,
360 stop switch board,
370 game relay board,
380 LED board,
400 Main control board,
401 1-chip microcomputer,
401a main ROM,
401b main RAM,
401c main CPU,
401d CTC,
401e interrupt controller circuit;
402 I / O port circuit,
403 counter circuit,
404 I / F circuit,
404a output buffer circuit;
405 I / F circuit,
406 I / F circuit,
407 motor drive circuit,
408 switch input circuit,
410 production control unit,
420 production control board,
421 1-chip microcomputer,
421a sub-ROM,
421b sub-RAM,
421c sub CPU,
421d CTC,
421e interrupt controller circuit,
422 I / O port circuit,
423 counter circuit,
430 Cylinder setting board,
440 power supply board,
450 payout control board,
460 LCD control board,
500 hopper units,
510 hopper motor,
520 Medal payout sensor.

Claims (4)

A gaming machine comprising a symbol rotator display device that displays a game result by a combination of symbols at the time of stopping, while arranging a plurality of symbol sequences with various symbols arranged in parallel,
A rotation control means for starting the rotation of each of the symbol rows in accordance with the rotation start command, and stopping the rotation of each of the symbol rows in accordance with the rotation stop command;
State recognition for sequentially recognizing the symbol counter for detecting each symbol row at the rotation reference position and the number of symbol steps assigned to each symbol to define the stop permission position at which the stop symbol can be stopped at the stop reference position Means and
The state recognizing unit adjusts the number of symbol steps so that the number of symbol steps from the stop command until the symbol symbol stops at the stop reference position until the stop symbol is stopped is a predetermined number of steps. A gaming machine characterized by that. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The spinning control means includes motors that rotate the symbol rows by rotating a rotor by exciting a plurality of excitation phases in a predetermined excitation pattern,
The state recognition means associates the excitation pattern of the motor with the number of symbol steps, and makes the excitation phase of the motor at a final position where the stop symbol can stop at the stop reference position become a predetermined excitation phase. A gaming machine, wherein the number of symbol steps is set to the predetermined number of steps by adjusting the count of the symbol steps. In the gaming machine according to claim 2,
The state recognizing means further sequentially recognizes the excitation phase of the motor, and finally detects when the stop symbol can be stopped at the stop reference position at the timing when the reference point of the symbol row is detected based on the symbol counter. A gaming machine, wherein the number of symbol steps is adjusted so that an excitation phase of the motor at a position becomes a predetermined excitation phase. The gaming machine according to claim 3,
The motor is excited with an excitation pattern in which one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation repeat each other,
The state recognition means sequentially recognizes the excitation phase of the motor every other phase,
The motor at the final position where the stop symbol can be stopped at the stop reference position according to the excitation phase of the motor recognized immediately after detection of the reference origin of the symbol row based on the symbol counter A gaming machine, wherein the counting of the number of symbol steps is initialized so that the excitation phase becomes a predetermined excitation phase.