JP2014012046A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of accurately and easily determining an initial position of a movable member.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a control unit 24 for determining, as an initial position, a position of a movable member 118, when a light-receiving unit 410A receives light through a unit light detection unit 408A located at one side end or the other side end of the light detection unit 406A, and then the light-receiving unit 410A receives light through the unit light detection unit 408A located at a distance at which the step numbers of a stepping motor D from the one side end of the light detection unit 406A is equal to the step numbers of the stepping motor D from the other side end thereof.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine.

  In a conventional typical slot machine, three reels are incorporated inside the machine. A plurality of symbols (designs or designs) are represented on the outer peripheral surface of each reel, and each reel is positioned so that each outer peripheral surface faces the symbol display window of the front panel. When each reel is driven, it is possible to visually recognize a state in which the symbol of each reel moves from the symbol display window, and the player operates the stop switch to stop the rotation of each reel.

  Here, when the rotation of the reels is stopped, it is necessary to control the rotation of the reels so that a predetermined symbol (stop symbol) determined by a random number value acquired in the lottery process can be visually recognized from the symbol display window.

  In the prior art, as an example, the following reel rotation control is performed so that the stop symbol determined by the random number value when the reel rotation stops can be visually recognized from the symbol display window. That is, the basic drive pulse from the motor control circuit is counted by a counter provided for each channel. Since the number of basic drive pulses per reel rotation and the number of symbols arranged on the reel are constant, it is determined from the count value of the counter which symbol on the winning line among the symbols of each reel. Can be associated with each other. Each time the reel rotates once, a reset signal is obtained from the photosensor, and the count value of the counter is reset (see Patent Document 1).

Reality 5-32145

  By the way, in order to execute the above-described accurate rotation control of the reel, it is necessary to specify (recognize) the initial position before the reel is rotated. If the initial position of the reel cannot be specified, the stop symbol determined by the random number value cannot be stopped at the predetermined stop position.

  Note that the necessity of accurately specifying the initial position of the reel applies similarly to the specification of the initial position of the movable member in general including the effect members other than the reel.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can accurately and easily determine an initial position of a movable member.

  The present invention includes a movable member that performs a predetermined operation, a drive source that drives the movable member, a control unit that controls the drive source, and an initial position determination unit that determines an initial position of the movable member. In the gaming machine, the drive source is a stepping motor, and the initial position determination means includes a light emitting unit and a plurality of unit light detection units provided in the movable member and corresponding to one step of the stepping motor. An odd number of light detection units formed continuously and a light receiving unit capable of receiving light from the light emitting unit via the unit light detection unit, the control unit is one of the light detection units Steps of the stepping motor from the one side end of the light detection unit after the light through the unit light detection unit located at the side end or the other side end is received by the light receiving unit The step from the other end. The position of the movable member is determined as the initial position when the light and the number of steps Ngumota is through the unit optical detection unit at a distance the same is received by the light receiving unit, characterized in that.

  In this case, the movable member may be a rotating member, and the light detection unit may be formed along an outer peripheral surface along a rotation direction of the rotating member.

  According to the present invention, the initial position of the movable member can be determined accurately and easily.

It is a figure which shows the front side of the game board of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a circuit diagram which shows the drive part of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side main process of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the first half of the special symbol management process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the second half of the special symbol management process by the side of the main control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the production control side main process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the command reception interruption process by the presentation control side which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the production control side timer interruption process which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the command analysis process by the side of the production control which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the notice effect process during the command analysis process of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the relationship between the presentation control part which comprises the control apparatus of the game machine which concerns on this invention, and each movable member. 4 is a timing chart showing a driving situation by a driving source of each movable member of the gaming machine according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the initial state of each movable member before the production | presentation by the production pattern A starts. It is an explanatory view showing the state of each movable member after the time T1 of the production pattern A has elapsed. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation effect of each movable member until time T2 passes after progress of the time T1 of the production pattern A. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation effect of each movable member until time T3 passes after the elapse of time T2 of the production pattern A. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement effect of each movable member after time T4 passes since the time T3 progress of the production pattern A until time T4 passes. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of each movable member immediately after time T4 of production pattern A passed. It is explanatory drawing which showed the 1 phase excitation pattern of the motor. It is explanatory drawing which showed the two-phase excitation pattern of the motor. It is explanatory drawing which showed the 1-2 phase excitation pattern of the motor. It is explanatory drawing when the braking excitation control by 1 phase excitation is performed after the drive of the movable member by the 1 phase excitation pattern of a motor. It is explanatory drawing when the braking excitation control by two-phase excitation is performed after the movable member is driven by the two-phase excitation pattern of the motor. It is explanatory drawing when the braking excitation control by 1 phase excitation is performed after the drive of the movable member by the 1-2 phase excitation pattern of a motor. It is explanatory drawing when the braking excitation control by two-phase excitation is performed after the movable member is driven by the 1-2 phase excitation pattern of the motor. It is a block diagram which shows the relationship between the presentation control part with an excitation counter which comprises the control apparatus of the game machine which concerns on this invention, and each movable member. It is explanatory drawing of the excitation counter used at the time of the drive of the movable member by the 1-2 phase excitation pattern of a motor. It is a flowchart which shows the forced update process of an excitation counter. It is explanatory drawing of the structure by which the photon detection part which comprises an initial position determination means was added to the movable member of the game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram (side view) of the initial position determination means using a transmissive sensor. It is a block diagram (side view) of the initial position determination means using a reflection type sensor. It is a system figure which performs positioning control which determines the initial position of the movable member of the game machine concerning the present invention. It is the figure (plan view) explaining the unit light detection part of the light detection part which comprises an initial position determination means. It is explanatory drawing of the initial position determination means (what utilized the transmission type sensor) which changed the position according to the step number of the motor. It is explanatory drawing of the initial position determination means (a thing using a reflection type sensor) which changed the position according to the step number of the motor. It is a flowchart which shows the positioning process of the initial position of the movable member by an effect control part. It is explanatory drawing which showed the position of the light detection part when driving a motor only 2 steps by forward rotation from the state which can receive light in a 1st unit light detection part. It is explanatory drawing which showed the position of the light detection part when a motor is driven only 2 steps by reverse rotation from the state which can receive light in a 5th unit light detection part.

  A pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine. The configuration of the pachinko gaming machine shown below is only an example to which the present invention is applied, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment. It can also be applied to other gaming machines such as slot machines.

<1. Outline of configuration: Fig. 1>
FIG. 1 shows a game board 3 of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in a substantially central portion of the game board 3, symbols (decorative symbols) are displayed in a variable manner by numbers, characters, symbols, etc. independently in three (left, middle, right) display areas. A liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device that can be used is provided. Directly below the liquid crystal display device 36, an upper start port 34, which is a first special symbol start port, and a lower start port 35, which is a second special symbol start port, are arranged up and down. Are provided with special symbol start opening sensors 34a and 35a (see FIG. 2) for detecting a winning ball. The lower start opening 35 is provided with a pair of left and right movable wing pieces 47 so that the lower start opening 35 can be opened and closed, and constitutes a so-called tulip-shaped electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device 41).

  A normal symbol start port 37 composed of a gate is disposed on the left side above the upper start port 34, and can be opened and closed by an open door 42b that opens and closes the big prize port 40 below the lower start port 35. The special variable winning device 42 is arranged, and four general winning ports 43 are arranged on both sides of the special variable winning device 42.

  Near the upper right edge of the game area 3a, a special symbol display device 38 configured by arranging 7 segments in three digits and a normal symbol display device 39 composed of two LEDs are provided. Further, in the game area 3a, there are a center ornament 48, a windmill 44 as a game ball drop direction changing member, a plurality of game nails (not shown), a plurality of light emitting devices (lamps, LEDs, etc .: not shown), and the like. It is arranged. Further, in the gaming machine, a lamp display device such as a decorative lamp 45 and an LED device are disposed in the vicinity of both end portions of the gaming board 3, and a rotating lamp 52 is disposed above the gaming board 3. .

  The rotating lamp 52 includes a lamp (or LED) 52a as a light source and a reflecting mirror 52b as a reflector that reflects the light from the lamp 52a. By rotating the reflecting mirror 52b, light is emitted from the light source. It is configured to change the traveling direction of the light.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 13, the rotating lamp 52 is configured to be movable by a mechanical mechanism, and is driven by a driving source such as a motor F (53). The motor F (53) is drive-controlled by a driver (drive unit F) 51 that has received a drive command from the effect control CPU 241 of the effect control unit 24. As the motor F (53), for example, a stepping motor is used.

  Near the upper right portion of the liquid crystal display device 36, a first effect member 100 is provided. The first effect member 100 is a movable accessory having a cannon as a motif, and is housed on the back side of the center ornament 48 at the start of the game or in a normal game state (first position). At this time, the player cannot visually recognize the first effect member 100. Further, when a predetermined game state (for example, a big hit game or a probable game) is entered, a part of the first effect member 100 moves to the front of the liquid crystal display device 36 (second position). At this time, the player can visually recognize the first effect member 100. Then, when a predetermined game state (for example, a big hit game or a probability change game) ends and returns to the normal game state, the first effect member 100 is accommodated on the back side of the center ornament 48 (first Position of).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 13, the first effect member 100 is configured to be movable by a mechanical mechanism, and is driven by a drive source such as a motor A (102) or a solenoid (not shown). . The motor A (102) or the solenoid is driven and controlled by a driver (drive unit A) 104 that has received a drive command from the effect control CPU 241 of the effect control unit 24. For example, a stepping motor is used as the motor A (102).

  As shown in FIG. 1, a second effect member 106 is provided in the vicinity of the upper left portion of the liquid crystal display device 36. The second effect member 106 is a movable accessory having a torpedo (missile) as a motif, and is housed on the back side of the center decoration 48 at the start of the game or in a normal game state (first position). At this time, the player cannot visually recognize the second effect member 106. Further, when a predetermined game state (for example, a big hit game or a probable game) is entered, a part of the second effect member 106 moves to the front of the liquid crystal display device 36 (second position). At this time, the player can visually recognize the second effect member 106. Then, when a predetermined game state (for example, a big hit game or a probability change game) ends and returns to the normal game state, the second effect member 106 is accommodated on the back side of the center decoration 48 (first Position of).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 13, the second effect member 106 is configured to be movable by a mechanical mechanism, and is driven by a drive source such as a motor B (108) or a solenoid (not shown). . The motor B (108) or solenoid is driven and controlled by a driver (driving unit B) 110 that has received a driving command from the rendering control CPU 241 of the rendering control unit 24. As the motor B (108), for example, a stepping motor is used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a third effect member 112 is provided near the lower left portion of the liquid crystal display device 36. The third effect member 112 is a movable accessory having a submarine motif, and is housed on the back side of the center decoration 48 at the start of the game or in a normal game state (first position). At this time, the player cannot visually recognize the third effect member 112. In addition, when a predetermined game state (for example, a big hit game or a probability change game) is entered, a part of the third effect member 112 moves to the front of the liquid crystal display device 36 (second position). At this time, the player can visually recognize the third effect member 112. When a predetermined game state (for example, a big hit game or a probable game) is finished and returned to the normal game state, the third effect member 112 is accommodated on the back side of the center decoration 48 (first Position of).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 13, the third effect member 112 is configured to be movable by a mechanical mechanism, and is driven by a drive source such as a motor C (114) or a solenoid (not shown). . The motor C (114) or solenoid is driven and controlled by a driver (driving unit C) 116 that has received a driving command from the rendering control CPU 241 of the rendering control unit 24. For example, a stepping motor is used as the motor C (114).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, a rotating drum member 118 is provided in a space between the lower side of the liquid crystal display device 36 and the upper start port 34. The rotating drum member 118 includes two rotating bodies 120A and 120B, and two motors D (122A) and a motor E (122B) for driving the rotating bodies 120A and 120B, respectively. A predetermined symbol is displayed on the outer peripheral surface of each of the rotating bodies 120A and 120B. At the start of the game or in the normal game state, the rotation of both the rotating bodies 120A and 120B is stopped. In addition, when a predetermined game state (for example, a big hit game or a probability variation game) is entered, one or both of the rotating bodies 120A and 120B are rotationally driven. Then, when a predetermined game state (for example, a big hit game or a probability change game) ends and returns to the normal game state, the rotations of both of the rotating bodies 120A and 120B are stopped.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 13, the rotating drum member 118 is configured to be movable by a mechanical mechanism, and is driven by a motor D (122A), a motor E (122B), a solenoid (not shown), or the like. Driven by the source. The motor D (122A), the motor E (122B), or the solenoid is driven and controlled by a driver (drive unit D) 124A and a driver (drive unit E) 124B that receive a drive command from the effect control CPU 241 of the effect control unit 24. For example, stepping motors are used as the motor D (122A) and the motor E (122B).

  In the present specification, for convenience of explanation, the first effect member 100, the second effect member 106, the third effect member 112, the rotary member 118, and the rotating lamp 52 are collectively referred to as “each movable member” as appropriate. To do.

  Based on the winning of the game ball in the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35, the main control unit 20 (see FIG. 2) performs a lottery (big hit lottery) related to the big hit by random number lottery. In accordance with the lottery result, the special symbol display device 38 is variably displayed on the special symbol display device 38, a special symbol variation display game (symbol game) is started, and the result is displayed on the special symbol display device 38 after a predetermined time has elapsed. It has become. At this time, the decorative symbols are variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 in a form linked to the special symbol variation display game, and the decorative symbol variation display game is started. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol variation display device 38 is selected by lottery. The result is displayed, and the result is also displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 by a decorative pattern.

  Therefore, when the result of the special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38 is “big hit”, the result of the decorative symbol variation display game on the liquid crystal display device 36 also reflects “big hit” appears. Is done. The special symbol display device 38 displays a special symbol indicating a big hit in a predetermined display mode (for example, two 7-segment display states of “7”), and the liquid crystal display device 36 displays “ In each of the left, middle, and right display areas, a predetermined display mode (for example, each display area of “left”, “middle”, and “right”) in which the decorative symbols reflect the result of the big hit lottery on the hit effective line. The three decorative symbols are stopped and displayed at “7”, “7”, “7” display state).

  When making a promising jackpot confirmation notice (so-called one-shot notification) during this jackpot change, a notification sound is generated at the same time as the change of the special symbol starts, and during the long change period from the start of change of the special symbol to the change stop ( The rotating lamp 52 is activated over a period of 5 minutes, for example. That is, the lamp 52a of the rotating lamp 52 continues to be lit and the reflecting mirror 52b is continuously rotated by the motor F (53). Thus, the player can shockly know that the result of the special symbol variation display game is won by the probable big hit before being displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36.

  Further, when making a promising big hit confirmation notice (so-called one-shot notification) during the big hit change, the first effect member 100 is driven at a predetermined timing and a part thereof moves to the front of the liquid crystal display device 36. In this state, the player can visually recognize a part of the first effect member 100. Further, at a predetermined timing, the second effect member 106 is driven, and a part thereof moves to the front of the liquid crystal display device 36. In this state, the player can visually recognize a part of the second effect member 106. Further, at a predetermined timing, the third effect member 112 is driven, and a part thereof moves to the front of the liquid crystal display device 36. In this state, the player can visually recognize a part of the third effect member 112.

  Further, when making a probable change jackpot confirmation notice (so-called one-shot notification) during the big hit change, the rotating member 118 is driven to rotate at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the two rotating bodies 120A and 120B rotate simultaneously or with a time difference, and stop at a predetermined symbol.

  The first effect member 100, the second effect member 106, the third effect member 112, the rotating member 118, and the rotating lamp 52 are driven based on a predetermined effect pattern. The drive timing of each member will be described later.

  When the big hit is made, the special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a (see FIG. 2) is actuated to open the open door 42b, whereby the big prize opening 40 is controlled to open and close in a predetermined pattern, and the normal gaming state Thus, a special gaming state (big hit game) that is more advantageous to the player occurs. In this jackpot game, the open door 42b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) and the grand prize opening 40 is opened, or until a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls have won, Is opened, and then a predetermined number of times (for example, maximum 15R (round)) such as the opening door 42b is closed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) and the special winning opening 40 is closed (round game). It is supposed to be repeated.

  The jackpot game is started after the symbol indicating the jackpot is confirmed and displayed in the symbol variation display game. When the big hit starts, the opening effect by the big hit start fanfare is first performed, and after the opening effect is finished, the round game in which the big winning opening 40 is opened is performed a plurality of times with the predetermined number of rounds as an upper limit. In addition, during a round game, a corresponding round effect is performed. Then, after the specified number of rounds is over, the ending effect by the big hit end fanfare is performed, and the big hit ends.

  In addition, based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol start opening 37, the main control unit 20 performs a lottery (an auxiliary lottery) regarding the auxiliary hit by random number lottery. In accordance with the lottery result, the normal symbol represented by the two LEDs is variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 39, and the normal symbol variation display game is started. The stop display is made by a combination of lighting or a combination of both lighting. If the result of the normal symbol variation display game on the normal symbol display device 39 is “per assist”, the display part of the normal symbol display device 39 is in a predetermined pattern (for example, both LEDs are lit). Stop display.

  In the case of an auxiliary hit, the normal variation winning device solenoid 41a (see FIG. 2) for driving the left and right movable wing pieces 47 is activated, and the movable wing piece 47 is shaped like a reverse “C”. And the lower start opening 35 is opened or expanded to make it easier for the game ball to flow in, and an auxiliary game state (hereinafter referred to as “general power open game”) advantageous to the player occurs. In this general electric open game, the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and the lower start opening 35 is opened, or a predetermined number (for example, 5). ) Until the game ball has won the normal variation winning device 41 (lower start opening 35), and then the lower start opening 35 is opened, and then the movable wing piece 47 is closed for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). The operation of closing 35 is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, once).

  Also, when the game ball wins the lower start opening 35 during the above-mentioned open game, the special symbol variation display game is similarly performed, and the decorative symbol variation display game is performed accordingly. The game balls that have not won the winning holes are discharged from the game area 3a through the out holes 49.

  If there is a detection signal input from the special symbol start port sensor 34a, 35a or the normal symbol start port sensor 37a during the special symbol variation display game or the normal symbol variation display game, Start memory (so-called operation hold balls), which is data related to the start right for causing each variation display game to be played based on the detection signal, is stored up to a predetermined upper limit number except for those involved during variation display. Then, in order to make the starting memory number clear to the player, it is displayed as an image at an appropriate position of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36. Normally, the variation display game for each start memory is executed and controlled in the order in which the start memories are generated. In the present embodiment, as the predetermined upper limit, up to four start memories for special symbols and ordinary symbols are stored in the RAM 203 (see FIG. 2) provided in the main control unit 20 to determine the variation of the special symbols or ordinary symbols. Held as a count.

  Next, the specific game state that occurs after the big hit game is finished will be described. This specific gaming state is predetermined according to the type of jackpot, and various specific gaming states are generated by the following functions operating.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a probability variation (hereinafter, referred to as “probability variation”) function, in which the main control unit 20 (main control CPU 201: see FIG. 2) serves as its function unit. There are two types, a probability changing function related to a special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol probability changing function”) and a probability changing function related to a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol probability changing function”).

  The special symbol probability changing function is a function that provides a jackpot probability changing state that varies from a normal probability (for example, 1/348) to a high probability (for example, 1 / 4.8) after the jackpot ends. It is. That is, in the big hit probability variation state, the low probability state where the big hit lottery probability is low is changed to the high probability state where the big hit lottery probability is high. The jackpot that triggers the operation of the special symbol probability changing function is referred to as “probable bonus jackpot”, and the jackpot that does not serve as the trigger of the special symbol probability changing function is referred to as “non-probable jackpot”. Under the gaming state (high probability gaming state) in which the special symbol probability changing function is in operation, the jackpot lottery probability fluctuates with a high probability and the jackpot is likely to occur. It can be said that it is a jackpot type.

  The conditions for continuing the big hit probability variation state can be determined as appropriate. For example, until a predetermined number (for example, 4 times) of the special symbol variation display game ends (so-called “number cut probability variation (ST)”), or until the next big hit game is started, or predetermined Until it is determined that the transition to the low probability state is determined by the lottery (so-called “falling lottery”), etc., it is free to decide which condition is given. In addition, by providing a plurality of types of probability variation big hits, it may be determined as appropriate which condition is assigned to each probability variation big hit.

  The normal symbol probability changing function gives an auxiliary per-probability changing state in which a lottery probability per auxiliary is low after the big hit game is changed, for example, from a normal probability (for example, 1/256) to a high probability (for example, 255/256). It is a function. Under the gaming state in which the normal symbol probability changing function is in operation, the lottery probability per assistance will fluctuate with a high probability and it will be easy for the assistance per to occur. The operating rate is improved so that the operating rate of the movable movable blade piece 47 is improved. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation trigger of the normal symbol probability changing function is synchronized with the trigger of the special symbol short-time function described later.

  Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a function of shortening the variation time (hereinafter referred to as “time reduction”), which is performed by the main control CPU 201. There are two types of time-shortening functions relating to special symbols (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol time-shortening functions”) and time-shortening functions relating to normal symbols (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol time-shortening functions”).

  The special symbol time shortening function is a function that gives a special symbol time shortening state in which the variation time of the special symbol is shortened in the special symbol variation display game for deriving the lottery result of the big hit. In the game state in which the special symbol time reduction function is in operation, the time of the special symbol variation display game (the time from when the special symbol starts to change until it is fixedly displayed) is, for example, no average time or reach In the loss variation, the lottery number is shortened from 30 seconds (when the time-short state is not given) to 5 seconds (when the time-short state is given), and the lottery number improvement state is improved in which the number of big hit lotteries per unit time is improved.

  The normal symbol shortening function is a function that gives a normal symbol shortening state in which the variation time of the normal symbol is reduced in the normal symbol variation display game for deriving the lottery result per assistance. Under the gaming state in which the normal symbol time reduction function is in operation, the time of one normal symbol fluctuation display game (the time from when the normal symbol starts to change until it is fixedly displayed) is, for example, 10 seconds (time reduction state) Is shortened to 1 second (when the time-short state is applied), and the operating rate is improved so that the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved compared to the normal gaming state. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation timing of the normal symbol time-shortening function is synchronized with the operation timing of the special symbol time-shortening function.

The open extension function is a function that gives the player an open extended state in which the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41 is opened and the number of times of opening is extended. Under the gaming state in which the open extension function is in operation, when the open extension state is given, the opening operation period of the movable wing piece 47 is extended from 0.2 seconds to 1.7 seconds, for example, It is extended from a maximum of 2 times (when the open extension state is not given) to a maximum of 3 times (when the open extension state is given), and the operation rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is higher than that in the normal gaming state. It becomes the operating rate improvement state which improves. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the operation trigger of the opening extension function is synchronized with the operation trigger of the special symbol time-shortening function. Therefore, the normal symbol probability changing function and the normal symbol time-shortening function are also operating under the gaming state in which the open extension function is in operation, so that the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 is remarkably improved.

  Next, the jackpot in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. Here, as described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a special symbol probability changing function, a normal symbol probability changing function, a special symbol time-shortening function, a normal symbol time-shortening function, and an open extension function. In addition, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol short-time function, and the opening extension function are triggered in synchronization with the special symbol short-time function.

  Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a game state in which the special symbol time reduction function, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol time reduction function, and the open extension function operate is referred to as a “time reduction game state (hereinafter abbreviated as“ time reduction state ”)”. In addition to the short state at this time, the gaming state in which the special symbol probability changing function operates is referred to as “probability changing gaming state” (hereinafter referred to as “probability changing state”), and the gaming state in which only the special symbol probability changing function operates is referred to as “latent probability changing game”. A state (hereinafter, abbreviated as “latency probability changing state”) ”, and a state in which any function is not operating (except during a big hit game) is referred to as a“ normal game state ”.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the types of jackpots to be drawn in the special symbol variation display game are “15R non-probable big jackpots” for non-probable big jackpots, “15R probable big jackpots” for “probable big jackpots”, and “2R sudden probable big bogs” “Big hit (2R sudden hit big hit)” and “2R latency probability big hit” are provided.

  Out of these big hits, the 15R non-probable big hit and the 15R probable big hit will have 15 rounds with the maximum number of round games (the number of times the big winning opening 40 is opened). 2 rounds. In addition, for the 2R sudden hit jackpot and the 2R latent hit jackpot, the opening time of the big winning opening 40 during one round game is set shorter than the 15R non-probable jackpot or 15R probability jackpot (for example, 0.5 seconds). ing.

  In addition, after the big hit game ends, a specific game state corresponding to the big hit is generated. Specifically, a “probability change state” occurs until the next big hit is confirmed (a big hit game is generated) for the 15R probability change big hit and the 2R sudden hit big hit, and the latent probability change state remains until the next big hit for the 2R latent probability big hit. The 15R non-probable big hit will have a “short time state” until the special symbol variation display game number of times is over a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) or until the big hit is determined within the predetermined number of times. It is supposed to occur.

  In addition to the above-mentioned big hit, a hit state (small hit game) in which the big winning opening 40 is opened and closed twice in substantially the same game operation mode as in the case of the big hit game by 2R latent probability variation big hit is given. Is provided. In other words, this small hit game is performed in a game operation mode in which it is difficult for the player to identify the difference from the game operation mode during the big hit game due to the 2R latent probability variation big hit.

  When one of the above-mentioned jackpots is won, the special symbol reflecting the lottery result is displayed as it is for the special symbol in the special symbol display device 38. In other words, the special symbol display device 38 displays a special symbol for notifying a probable variation big hit, a special symbol for notifying a non-probable big hit, or a special symbol notifying that there is a possibility of either a probable big hit or a non-probable big hit. . On the other hand, on the liquid crystal display device 36, even if the selected big hit is a probable big hit, the decorative symbols are not necessarily displayed from the beginning in a pattern in which the probable big hit is clear. Normally, the player enjoys the game while watching the decorative symbol variation display game of the liquid crystal display device 36, so even if the game result is a symbol indicating the non-probable big hit type, the player has a sense of expectation for the probable big hit. Is to leave.

  Next, the production mode of the production in the gaming state will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has an effect of definitely informing that the jackpot lottery probability is in a high probability state as the effect mode of the effect related to the current gaming state to be notified. `` Mode '', `` Time-short effect mode '' that makes the effect of definite notification of the short-time state, and a production mode that conceals the jackpot winning probability state, specifically, the jackpot lottery probability is high probability state A “probable concealment effect mode” is provided that is disguised as if there is, concealing the current game state and giving the player a sense of expectation of the latent probability change state.

  Furthermore, there are two effect modes that are determined depending on whether or not the winning information for the small hit, that is, whether the small hit flag is set or not. One is the “normal effect mode” that is taken when the small hit flag is in the non-set state, and the other is the probability variation concealment effect mode (in the case of gusset) that is taken when the small hit flag is in the set state. Note that the small hit flag is set to the set state when the small win is won, and the setting is changed to a non-set state by a predetermined lottery (mode drop lottery). In this “normal effect mode”, an effect that is completed for each symbol variation operation is displayed.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of effect modes are set according to the gaming state as described above, and it is possible to go back and forth between the effect modes. Specifically, the transition control is performed to the “probability modification effect mode” if it is a probability change state, to the “short time effect mode” if it is a short-time state, and to the “probability concealment effect mode (genuine)” if it is a latent probability change state, In the normal game state, the transition control is performed to the “normal effect mode” or the “probable concealment concealment effect mode (gase)” depending on the small hit flag. In particular, when winning a small hit or 2R latent probability change big hit from the normal gaming state, the game operation mode during the big hit game is controlled to be substantially the same operation, and the production mode after the big hit game is the same “probable concealment concealment production” Further, after the jackpot game is over, the opening extension function is not activated and the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 is not improved. As a result, the jackpot lottery probability state is concealed and it becomes difficult to identify the current gaming state.

<2. Control device: Fig. 2>
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing an overview of a control device that performs gaming machine control in accordance with the progress of the game as described above.

  The control device includes a main control unit 20 including a main control board that controls overall game operations, and an effect control unit that receives an effect control command from the main control unit 20 and performs effect control on images, light, and sound. 24. The effect control unit 24 is connected to a liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device. In the present specification, the term “production device” widely refers to devices that produce an image, light, sound, or operation of the movable body, such as a liquid crystal display device 36, a lamp, an LED, a sound generator, and a movable body.

  Further, a payout control board 29 is connected to the main control unit 20, and a launch control board 28 for controlling the launcher 32 and a game ball payout apparatus 19 are connected to the main control unit 20. Reference numeral 31 denotes a power supply board. The power supply board 31 is connected to an external power supply (not shown), generates a required power supply from an AC voltage (AC24V: main power supply) supplied from a transformer, and is applied to each control board. Supply. In FIG. 2, the power supply route is omitted.

(2-1. Main control unit 20)
The main control unit 20 is equipped with a microprocessor incorporating a main control CPU 201, a main control ROM 202 storing a control program, control data and the like describing a series of game machine control procedures, and a main control in which a work area is formed. A RAM 203 is mounted to constitute a one-chip microcomputer. Although not shown, a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) having a function of generating a pulse output with a constant period, a function of measuring time, and the like, and an interrupt controller circuit for giving an interrupt signal to the CPU are provided.

  Further, the main control unit 20 includes a special symbol start port sensor 34a for detecting a winning at the upper start port 34, a special symbol start port sensor 35a for detecting a win at the lower start port 35, and a normal symbol start port 37. A normal symbol start opening sensor 37a for detecting the passage of the player, a general winning opening sensor 43a for detecting a winning to the general winning opening 43, and a big winning opening sensor 40a for detecting a winning to the big winning opening 40 are connected. The main control unit 20 can receive each of these detection signals.

  The main control unit 20 includes a special symbol display device 38, a normal symbol display device 39, a normal variable winning device solenoid 41a for controlling the opening and closing of the movable wing piece 47 of the lower start port 35, and a large winning port 40. A special variable prize winning device solenoid 42a for controlling opening / closing of the wide open door 42b is connected, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for controlling each device.

  In addition, the main control unit 20 draws whether it is “big hit” that generates a special gaming state advantageous to the player or “losing” that does not cause this special gaming state, and the result information indicates whether or not the winning information is the lottery result. In response, a variation pattern and a stop symbol of the special symbol are determined, and an effect control command including at least the lottery result and the variation pattern and a special symbol designation command based on the determined stop symbol are generated and transmitted to the effect control unit 24 It is the composition to do.

  The effect control command from the main control unit 20 is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 by one-way communication. This is to prevent an illegal signal from an external goto action from being input to the main control unit 20 via the effect control unit 24.

(2-2. Production control unit 24)
The effect control unit 24 is equipped with a microprocessor incorporating an effect control CPU 241, an effect control ROM 242 storing a control program describing effect control procedures, effect data, and the like, an effect control RAM 243 in which a work area is formed, It is equipped with. Although not shown, a sound source IC, a CTC, an interrupt controller circuit, and the like are provided. The main roles of the effect control unit 24 are reception of effect control commands from the main control unit 20, effect pattern lottery, control of the liquid crystal display device 36, sound control of the speaker 46, frame lamp / LED light emission control, movable These include body movement control and notification of various errors. This movable control of the movable body includes drive control of the first effect member 100, the second effect member 106, the third effect member 112, and the rotating member 118, and rotation control of the rotary lamp 52.

  The effect control unit 24 includes an optical display control unit for the light display device 45a including the decorative lamp 45 and the LED, and an acoustic control unit for the sound generation device 46a including the speaker 46, in order to perform an effect process for light and sound. I have.

  The effect control unit 24 is connected to a motor F (53), which is a rotation drive source of the rotating lamp 52, via a driver (drive unit F) 51. The motor F (53) is a stepping motor having a four-phase stator coil of φA to φD. As shown in FIG. 3, the driver (driving unit F) 51 includes transistors Tr1 to Tr4. One end of each of the exciting coils (stator coils) 54a to 54d of the motor F (53) is connected to each of the transistors Tr1 to Tr4 in series with the collector-emitter circuit, and the other ends of the exciting coils 54a to 54d are connected to a DC power source. (12V). Each of the exciting coils 54a to 54d is connected in parallel with one fly Hall diode 55a to 55d so that the DC power supply side is the cathode side. The fly-hole diodes 55a to 55d operate as electrical dampers that suppress a counter electromotive voltage generated between the terminals of the exciting coils 54a to 54d when the transistors Tr1 to Tr4 are turned off. The transistors Tr1 to Tr4 are operated by the counter electromotive force. It works to prevent it from being destroyed.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the effect control unit 24 includes a motor A that is a drive source of the first effect member 100 via the drivers (drive units A to E) 104, 110, 116, 124 </ b> A, and 124 </ b> B. (102), a motor B (108) that is a drive source of the second effect member 106, a motor C (114) that is a drive source of the third effect member 112, and a motor that is a rotation drive source of the rotating member 118 D (122A) and motor E (122B) are connected. The configuration of each motor 102, 108, 114, 122A, 122B is the same as the configuration of the motor F (53) and will not be described.

  On the other hand, the production control unit 24 controls rotation of the motors A to F through the drivers (drive units A to F) as part of a control program stored in the ROM 243 and executed under the control of the CPU 241. The motor controller is provided in software.

  This motor control unit creates an excitation code array pattern along the excitation sequence (order for rotating) of the motor F (53) of either the two-phase excitation method, the 1-2 phase excitation method, or the one-phase excitation method. To do.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 21, the one-phase excitation method is a method in which the motor F (53) is driven by always passing a current only in one phase of the stator coil. The advantages of the one-phase excitation method are that the power consumption and heat generation of the coil are small, and the stationary angle is excellent.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the two-phase excitation method is a method in which current is always supplied to the two phases of the stator coil for driving. The advantage of the two-phase excitation method is that the current is always passed through the two coils, so that the output torque is increased correspondingly and the damping effect is also excellent.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the 1-2 phase excitation method is an excitation method that alternately switches between 1 phase excitation and 2 phase excitation. The 1-2 phase excitation method has an intermediate characteristic between 1 phase excitation and 2 phase excitation.

  As shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, these excitation code arrangement patterns along the time axis are input as drive pulse signals PS1 to PS4 to the bases of the transistors Tr1 to Tr4 constituting the driver (drive unit F) 51, The exciting coils 54a to 54d are energized through these transistors Tr1 to Tr4 to rotate the motor F (53).

  The rotation control of the motor A (102), the motor B (108), the motor C (114), the motor D (122A), and the motor E (122B) is also controlled by the motor F (53). The same.

  In addition, in response to the effect control command, the effect control unit 24 draws an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern, and causes the effect display to be displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36.

  The effect control unit 24 is connected to a frame effect button 13 serving as an effect intervention operation means. The frame effect button 13 is a push button that can be operated by the player, and is operated by the player when the player participates in a player participation type promotion effect game.

  The effect control CPU 241 functions as an effect execution control unit that receives an effect control command from the main control CPU 201 and executes and controls various effects. The motor control unit described above is also configured in software as a part of this effect execution control means.

  In addition, the effect control unit 24 generates a control data necessary for performing display control of the liquid crystal display device 36 and outputs the control data to the VDP, and a liquid crystal incorporating a program describing an operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU. It has a control ROM and a liquid crystal control RAM that functions as a work area and a buffer memory.

  The effect control unit 24 includes a video display processor (VDP) that is connected to the liquid crystal control CPU and performs image expansion processing, an image data ROM that stores image data required for image expansion by the VDP, and a VDP. A VRAM or the like for temporarily storing the image data developed by is also provided.

  Information about the game state is first required for a special symbol variation pattern based on the result of the jackpot lottery (whether it is a big hit or a loss), the current gaming state, the number of balls held for operation, a decorative symbol to be stopped based on the lottery result, etc. Basic information is transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24 by an effect control command.

  The effect control unit 24 controls the game effect by controlling the liquid crystal display device 36, the light display device 45a, and the sound generation device 46a in accordance with the effect control command transmitted from the game control unit 20. With respect to the decorative symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36, the decorative symbol is changed according to the time schedule of the variable pattern specified by the variable pattern command (variable pattern specifying code), and the final symbol is determined by receiving the symbol specifying command. Then, the symbol variation is stopped by receiving the symbol stop command after the elapse of a predetermined variation time managed by the special symbol variation intermediate timer. This movement is linked to the fluctuation of the special symbol in the special symbol display device 38. If the final stop symbol is a big hit symbol (a state where three decorative symbols are aligned), the gaming machine is in a big hit state, and the special variable prize is awarded. The ball device 42 is opened.

  In order to execute the effect, the effect control unit 24 side has an effect pattern table for specifying an effect scenario including symbol variation. This effect pattern table has the same number of effect patterns as the effect patterns in which the variation pattern designation code, the design variation of the decorative design, and the variation time are associated in advance. A plurality of effect patterns are associated.

  When the variation pattern command (variation pattern designation code) is received, the production control unit 24 side refers to the production pattern table, and draws a lot from the group of production patterns associated with the production pattern designation code. Select and decide one production pattern. A control signal for instructing execution of the determined effect pattern is sent from the effect control unit 24 to the liquid crystal display device 36, the sound generator 46a, and the light display device 45a, and an image on the liquid crystal display device 36 corresponding to the effect pattern is displayed. , Reproduction of sound effects corresponding to the production pattern, and lighting / flashing driving of the decoration lamp 45 and the LED are realized.

  The production control command is composed of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and an event (EVENT) of 1-byte length. When this information is transmitted as valid, a strobe corresponding to each mode and event is sent. A signal is output. That is, when there is a command to be transmitted, the main control CPU 201 sets and outputs mode information for transmitting the command to the effect control unit 24, and transmits a first strobe signal after a predetermined time has elapsed from this setting. Do.

  Further, event information is set and output after a lapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the strobe signal, and a second strobe signal is transmitted after the lapse of a predetermined time from the setting. When the strobe signal is transmitted, the effect control CPU 241 generates an interrupt corresponding to the strobe signal, and receives a command through this interrupt process. The strobe signal is controlled by the main control CPU 201 to be in an active state for a predetermined period during which the effect control CPU 241 can reliably receive a command.

<3. Processing on the main control side: FIGS. 4 to 7>
Next, processing contents on the main control unit 20 side will be described with reference to FIGS.

(3-1. Main control side main process: FIG. 4)
When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is powered on, a voltage is applied to each control board by the power supply board 31, and the main control CPU 201 starts the main control side main process shown in FIG.

  In the main control side main process, first, a necessary initial setting process before starting the game operation is executed (step S101).

  Next, the state (ON / OFF) of the output signal of the RAM clear switch input through an input port (not shown) is confirmed. If the RAM clear switch is ON (step S102: YES), step S105 is performed. Then, the storage area is cleared as RAM initialization processing.

  However, if the RAM clear switch is not on (step S102: NO), it is determined whether or not the backup data stored in the backup RAM is valid when the power supply is interrupted next (step S103). When power is restored, the checksum is compared to check whether the backup data is valid.

  If the backup data is valid (step S103: YES), based on the backup data, the stack pointer before the power shutdown is restored, and the game restoration process necessary for starting the game from the processing state at the time of the power shutdown is performed. Execute (step S104), and proceed to step S107.

  If the backup data is not valid (step S103: NO), the stack pointer designation address is set in the stack pointer, and the RAM is initialized (step S105). With the initialization of the RAM, the RAM clear information is transmitted as an initialization command to each control board (step S106).

  Next, the CTC provided in the CPU is set (step S107). In this process, an initial value corresponding to 4 ms is set in the CTC time constant register so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 4 ms.

  After finishing the processing after the initial power-on in steps S101 to S107, as the normal operation processing (steps S108 to S112), the interrupt prohibition (step S108) and the interrupt permission (step S112) are repeated, In the meantime, various random number update processes are executed (steps S109 to S111).

  As a random number update process, after the process of S step 108, first, a random number value update process for a variation pattern is executed (step S109). In this variation pattern random value update process, the variation pattern random value using the special symbol variation pattern command for lottery is mainly updated.

  Subsequently, in the normal value per-symbol determination initial value random number update process (step S110) for executing the normal value per-symbol determination initial value random number update process (step S110) and the special symbol per-symbol determination initial value random number update process (step S111). , Update the random number used to change the initial value of the random number for normal symbol determination used in the normal symbol variation display game winning / failing lottery (for example, the process of updating the count value of the counter), and determine the initial value random number for special symbol determination In the update process (step S111), a random number used for changing the initial value of the special symbol per-determination random number used for the success / failure lottery of the special symbol variation display game is updated.

(3-2. Main control timer interrupt processing: Fig. 5)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing on the main control side that is activated by interruption every predetermined time (4 ms) in the main processing on the main control side.

  First, the main control CPU 201 executes a saving process (step S201) for saving a register to a predetermined stack area.

  Next, a periodic random number update process for periodically updating the random number related to each variable display game is executed (step S202). In the regular random number update process, various random numbers used for the success / failure lottery of the normal symbol variation display game and the special symbol variation display game are periodically updated.

  Next, a timer management process for managing and controlling a timer used for the game operation is executed (step S203). The timer values of various timers used for game machine control are updated here.

  Next, input management processing is executed (step S204). In this input management process, detection information from various sensors provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is read and stored in a register in itself (not shown). The information detected by the various sensors is a signal detected by the normal symbol start port sensor 37a, the big winning port sensor 40a, the special symbol start port sensors 34a and 35a, the general winning port sensor 43a, and the like.

  Next, error management processing is executed (step S205). In this error management process, the data read and stored in the input management process is grasped, the switch is checked, and an illegal winning is monitored, the game operation state is monitored, and the abnormality of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is monitored. To do.

  Next, prize ball management processing is executed (step S206). In the prize ball management process, control information (a prize ball payout control command for designating the number of prize balls) for causing the game ball payout device 19 to perform a payout operation is output.

  Next, normal symbol management processing is executed (step S207). In this normal symbol management process, a lottery determination in the normal symbol variation display game is executed, and the variation pattern of the normal symbol and the stop display mode of the normal symbol are determined based on the lottery result.

  Next, a normal variation winning device management process is executed (step S208). In the normal variation winning device management process, an excitation control signal for solenoid control is transmitted to the normal variation winning device solenoid 41a based on the result of the lottery determination in the normal symbol management processing (step S207), and the movable blade of the normal variation winning device 41 A series of operations of the piece 47 are controlled.

  Next, a special symbol management process is executed (step S209). In this special symbol management process, a big win lottery (big hit determination process) in the special symbol fluctuation display game is executed, and a special symbol fluctuation pattern and a special symbol stop display mode (stop special symbol) are determined based on the lottery result. To do.

(3-3. Special symbol management processing: FIGS. 6 to 7)
Next, the special symbol management process in step S209 related to the big hit lottery will be described. 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol management process. Here, processing such as jackpot determination processing, special symbol stop symbol setting, variation pattern setting, transmission of effect control commands related to special symbols, etc. is performed on condition that a winning at the upper start port 34 and lower start port 35 is detected. .

  In FIG. 6, the main control unit 20 (main control CPU 201) first confirms whether or not a winning ball has been detected at the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35 (step S301). When a winning ball is detected (step S301: YES), a special symbol starting port winning command indicating a winning (upper starting port winning command for the upper starting port 34, lower starting port winning command for the lower starting port 35) is controlled. It transmits to the part 24 (step S302). This winning command is used when displaying the number of reserved balls for special symbols on the liquid crystal display device 36.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S303, and it is determined whether or not the number of operation reserved balls of the special symbol is 4 or more (step S303). When the number of reserved balls for special symbol operation (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol activated ball number”) is not 4 or more, that is, when it is less than 4 (step S303: NO), 1 is added to the special symbol activated ball number. (Step S304), a hold command corresponding to the increased number of held balls is transmitted (Step S305).

  Next, the current values of the special symbol determination random number value, the special symbol stop symbol random number, and the variation pattern random number counter are acquired and stored in the acquired numerical value storage area of the RAM 203 (step S306). Then, the process proceeds to step S307.

  If no winning ball has been detected in the process of step S301 (step S301: NO), or if the number of special symbol actuated balls is 4 or more in the process of step S303 (step S303: YES), the above steps The process proceeds to step S307 without performing the processes in steps S302 to S306.

  When the process proceeds to step S307, it is determined whether or not it is “big hit”, and if it is “big hit” (step S307: YES), there is no need to manage special symbols, thereby special symbol management. The process ends, and the process proceeds to the special variable winning device management process in step S210 of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that it is not “big hit” (step S307: NO), the processing state indicating the behavior of the special symbol is “special symbol waiting”, “special symbol changing”, “special symbol is stopped” Are sequentially determined (step S308, step S312, and step S322), and if applicable, the process belonging to the respective processing state is performed.

  “Waiting for special symbol” means that the special symbol has not been changed and is waiting for the next change, and “Special symbol changing” means that the special symbol is currently changing. “The special symbol is stopped” indicates that the special symbol has been changed and stopped.

  Hereinafter, processing contents when the processing state is “special symbol waiting”, “special symbol changing”, and “special symbol stopping” will be described in order.

  When the special symbol is on standby (step S308: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls (holding storage) of the special symbol is zero (step S309).

  If the number of special symbol actuated balls is zero (step S309: YES), the special symbol is on standby and no memory is stored, and the effect control unit 24 side is informed that it has entered this state. , It is necessary to start a standby effect (in the case of the present embodiment, it indicates a concept including a standby state in which the immediately preceding image is continuously displayed and a demonstration effect state that is subsequently displayed). For this reason, in this embodiment, a standby effect command is transmitted. However, if the stand-by effect command is sent without conditions when the number of special symbol actuated balls is zero, the wait effect command is repeatedly transmitted at a period of 4 ms while the number of special symbol actuated balls is zero. Transmission occurs.

  Therefore, it is determined whether or not the standby effect command has not been transmitted (step S310). If the standby effect command has not been transmitted (step S310: YES), the standby effect command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S311). For this reason, it is left to the effect control unit 24 to determine whether or not to perform the demonstration effect display. Then, the special symbol management process ends.

  However, if the standby effect command has already been transmitted (step S310: NO), this special symbol management process is terminated without transmitting the standby effect command to the effect control unit 24.

  On the other hand, if the number of special symbol actuated balls is not zero (step S309: NO), the process proceeds to the flow of FIG. 7, and the special symbol actuated ball is decremented by 1 (step S315), and the number of retained balls corresponding to the decreased number of retained balls A command is transmitted (step S316). Next, a process of determining whether or not the random value acquired in step S306 belongs to the jackpot determination value (a jackpot determination process) is executed (step S317). In this determination process, a big hit lottery is performed with a lottery probability corresponding to the gaming state (low probability state, probability variation state).

  Next, a stop symbol (special symbol stop symbol) is selected by lottery based on the determination result of jackpot in step S317 and the special symbol stop symbol random value acquired in step S306 (step S318). The special symbol stop symbol drawn by this process sets the jackpot mode (for example, how many rounds will be played during the jackpot game) and the game state after the jackpot (for example, probability fluctuation, short-time state, open extension, etc.) Whether or not) is finally determined.

  Next, a variation pattern setting process is executed (step S319). In this variation pattern setting process, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on the lottery result of the stop symbol in step S318 and the random value for variation pattern acquired in step S306, and the variation time corresponding to this variation pattern is further determined. It is determined. Then, the processing state is switched to “special symbol changing” (step S320), and a special symbol change command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 (step S321).

  As the “special symbol variation command” here, in addition to the “special symbol variation pattern” command, a “special symbol designation” command and a “decoration symbol display” command are also transmitted to the effect control unit 24. Therefore, these effect control commands are transmitted to the effect control unit 24 on the condition that the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied. As a result, the special symbol management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 5).

  If the special symbol is changing (step S312: YES), the process waits for the special symbol change time to elapse (step S313: NO). When the special symbol variation time has elapsed (step S313: YES), the processing state is switched to “special symbol stopped”, and a “symbol stop” command indicating that the variation of the special symbol has ended and stopped is sent to the effect control unit 24. Transmit (step S314). As a result, the special symbol management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 5).

  When the special symbol is stopped (step S322: YES), it waits for a certain time to display the stopped symbol on the special symbol display device 38 (step S323: NO). Step S323: YES), it is determined whether or not the stop symbol is a big hit symbol (Step S324).

  If it is a big hit symbol (step S324: YES), the processing state is set to “big hit” (step S325) and switched to “special symbol standby” (step S326).

  If the stop symbol is not a big hit symbol (step S324: NO), the process proceeds to step S326 without performing the process of step S325, and is switched to “waiting for special symbol” (step S326). As a result, the special symbol management process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special variable winning device management process (FIG. 5).

  Returning to FIG. 5, following the special symbol management process (step S209), the special variable winning device management process is executed (step S210). In the special variable winning device management process, an excitation control signal for solenoid control is transmitted to the special variable winning device solenoid 42a on the basis of the result of the big hit winning lottery in the special symbol management processing (step S209). This is a process of controlling the opening and closing of the big winning opening 40 according to a predetermined pattern and controlling the execution of the game related to the big hit.

  The main control board (main control CPU) 20 executes the “LED management process” following the special variable winning device management process (step S211). This LED management process is a process of creating output data to the normal symbol display device 39 or the special symbol display device 38 or outputting a control signal based on the data according to the progress of the process.

  And after performing the process of step S202-step S211 as mentioned above, the contents of a register are returned (step S212) and a timer interruption process is complete | finished.

<4. Processing on the production control unit side: FIGS. 8 to 20>
Next, processing contents on the side of the effect control unit 24 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(4-1. Production control side main process: FIG. 8)
When the gaming machine body is turned on and receives the power-on signal from the power supply board 31, the effect control unit 24 starts the effect control-side main process shown in FIG.

  In this effect control side main process, step S501 is performed as the first process after the power is turned on, and in other cases, steps S502 to S505 are performed as processes during normal operation.

  First, the effect control board 24 performs necessary initial settings before the start of the game operation as the first process after the power is turned on (step S501).

  Next, effect random number update processing is executed as processing during normal operation (step S502). In this effect random number update process, the random number value for effect lottery used mainly for selecting effect contents is regularly updated.

  Next, a command reception interrupt, a timer interrupt, an external INT, etc. are set in an interrupt enabled state (step S503), and then an interrupt disabled state is set (step S504). Then, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S505), and the process from step S503 to step S505 is executed in a loop process unless power interruption occurs.

(4-2. Command reception interrupt processing: FIG. 9)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing command reception interrupt processing on the effect control side. Here, after saving the register to a predetermined stack area (step S511), processing for storing the control command in the predetermined area of the RAM 242 is performed (step S512), and the register is restored (step S513).

  When various control commands sent from the main control unit 27 are received, an INT interrupt is generated, and when a control command is received in this reception interrupt process, it is stored in the command reception buffer. This command reception interrupt process is processed in preference to the effect control side timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) described below.

(4-3. Production control side timer interruption processing: FIG. 10)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an effect control side timer interrupt process activated by interruption every predetermined time (2 ms) in the effect control side main process in the effect control board 24.

  First, the effect control CPU 241 executes a register saving process for saving the register to a predetermined stack area (step S521). Next, the watchdog timer that monitors the program abnormality is cleared, and the timer count is restarted (step S522). When the program is in a runaway state, the watchdog timer is timed up, the production CPU is automatically reset, and the runaway state is restored.

  Next, periodic update processing is performed (step S523). In this periodic update process, the initial value of the effect random number used for selecting the effect pattern and the contents of various timers necessary for the execution of the effect pattern are updated for each interrupt.

  A representative of the various timers is a timer that manages a time schedule relating to the production of effects. For example, the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 which is substantially within the same period as the special symbol is varied on the special symbol display device 38 (within the special symbol variation period). Within the variation period (decoration pattern variation period), the production contents of what production pattern on the time axis, and with what time width, the decoration lamp 45, the speaker 46, and the liquid crystal display device 36 as production means. The time schedule of whether to make it appear by this etc. is time-controlled by this timer.

  Next, as an effect determination management process, a command analysis process (step S524) for determining an effect scenario based on the received control command, and an effect scenario update process (step S525) for setting sound output and LED output based on the effect scenario. ) And execute.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the command analysis process, it is monitored for each interrupt whether or not a control command is received from the main control unit 20, that is, whether or not a control command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S531). . When the variation pattern command is received as the control command and the variation pattern designation code is stored in the reception buffer (step S531: YES), this variation pattern designation code is read in the command reception process, and the effect pattern table is referred to. The corresponding production pattern is determined (step S532).

  Here, the effect pattern table is a table in which at least a variation pattern designation code, a symbol variation pattern, and a variation time are associated in advance to be an effect pattern, and a plurality of effect patterns are associated with each variation pattern designation code. . By referring to the effect pattern table, an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern designation code is determined by selecting one of the effect pattern groups belonging to the variation pattern designation code by lottery (step S532). .

  In particular, in the effect pattern table, a plurality of effect patterns relating to the operations by the effect members 100, 106, 112, the operation by the rotating member 118, and the operation by the rotating lamp 52 are set. Specifically, the operation start / stop timing of each effect member 100, 106, 112, the operation start / stop timing of the rotating member 118 and the operation start / stop timing of the rotating lamp 52, each operation of each movable member There are a plurality of effect patterns that define the duration of the movement, the order of starting and stopping the movement of each movable member, and the like.

  The effect patterns set in the effect pattern table are set so that no overcurrent occurs when the operation of each movable member is realized. That is, in this embodiment, six motors (stepping motors) are used. However, if current is supplied to the excitation coils of all the motors (stepping motors) at the same time and the excitation is turned on, overcurrent will occur. Problem arises. For this reason, in order to suppress an overcurrent, it sets so that the excitation to a maximum of five motors (stepping motor) simultaneously may be permitted. In other words, the excitation is not turned ON simultaneously for the six motors (stepping motors).

  In addition, about the number of motors, it sets suitably according to the maximum electric current value prescribed | regulated with the pachinko gaming machine 1. For this reason, for example, when the maximum number of motors that can be excited simultaneously is 10, for example, even when 11 or more motors are used, up to 10 motors can be excited simultaneously. It is set so that eleven or more motors are not excited simultaneously.

  The setting that enables simultaneous excitation is the same even when a drive source other than the motor, for example, a solenoid is used.

  In addition, the effect pattern set in the effect pattern table includes an excitation pattern that defines ON / OFF of excitation for each motor (each stepping motor). In addition, the excitation pattern regarding the braking excitation control of FIGS. 24-27 is also included.

  Here, in the embodiment of the present specification, “the excitation state for each motor (each stepping motor) is ON” means a two-phase excitation method for exciting each motor (each stepping motor), a 1-2 phase excitation method, or Based on the regularity of any excitation sequence of the one-phase excitation system, this means a state in which a current is supplied to each excitation coil and each motor (each stepping motor) can be driven to rotate.

  Also, “excitation for each motor (stepping motor) is OFF” means that no current is supplied to the excitation coils for all phases of each motor (each stepping motor) and each motor (each stepping motor) It means a state where rotation drive is impossible.

  In this embodiment, the stepping motor is exemplified as the motor. However, although the excitation method is different between the configuration using other motors and the configuration using a solenoid instead of the motor or together with the motor, The definition of excitation ON / OFF for the drive source can be considered in the same manner as in the case of a stepping motor.

  When the effect control unit receives the change pattern command, the effect control unit starts changing the decorative design and executes the effect according to the effect scenario by the effect pattern. Thereafter, a symbol stop command is transmitted from the main control unit 20 after the elapse of a predetermined variation time managed by the timer, and the effect control unit 24 receives the command to stop the symbol variation. The effect pattern controls the movement pattern of the symbol from the start to the end of the change.

  Further, a notice effect process is executed in connection with the determination of the effect pattern (step S533). In the notice effect process, “notice effect by each effect member”, “notice effect by the rotating member”, and “notice effect by rotating lamp” are lottery as additional components of the effect scenario. Details of the notice effect will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 10, next, the effect scenario update process (step S525) is executed. In this effect scenario update process, a control signal (light emission control signal or sound control signal) for operating the lamp, LED, or speaker 46 is created based on the contents of the effect scenario determined in the command analysis process (FIG. 11). Do. Then, the created control signal is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 243, and the effect scenario update process in step S525 is terminated.

  Subsequent to the process of step S525, the rotation drive sources of the production members 100, 106, and 112, which are the rotation drive sources of the motor A (102), the motor B (108), the motor C (114), and the rotation member 118, A motor drive process for rotating a motor D (122A), a motor E (122B), and a motor F (53) that is a rotation drive source of the rotary lamp 52 is performed (step S526).

  Following the processing of step S526, it is determined whether there is a sound control signal for sound data to be reproduced in the predetermined command storage area (step S527), and if there is a sound control signal for sound data to be reproduced. (Step S527: YES), the sound control signal of the sound LSI is input at a timing when the sound needs to be reproduced, and the sound is output from the speaker 46 through the sound source IC (step S528). Thereby, the sound effect according to the production scenario is generated from the speaker 46.

  Subsequently, LED output processing is executed (step S529). This LED output process receives this information when the audio control signal is transmitted to the sound LSI, and transmits the light emission control signal to the decoration lamp 45 or the LED in accordance with the corresponding effect, and turns it on or blinks to produce the effect by light. Is realized.

  Then, the contents of the saved register are restored (step S530), thereby terminating the effect control side timer interruption process.

(4-3-1. Notice effect processing: FIG. 12)
FIG. 12 shows the details of the notice effect processing (step S533, FIG. 11).

  In FIG. 12, it is checked whether or not a variation pattern command has been received (step S601), and whether or not a symbol stop command has been received (step S607). When the variation pattern command is received (step S601: YES), it is determined whether or not the variation pattern command is for the specific pattern K (step S602). Here, the “specific pattern K” is a pattern that triggers a lottery as to whether or not to shift to the special performance mode among the variation patterns. In the case of the present embodiment, the probability variation big hit with a long variation time ( This refers to the fluctuation pattern that results in a premium notice effect).

  If the variation pattern command has not been received (step S601: NO), the variation pattern command is not the specific pattern K even if it has been received (step S602: NO), and the symbol stop command has not been received (step S607). : NO) does nothing, and ends the notice effect processing.

  If the received command is a variation pattern command of the specific pattern K (step S602: YES), it is checked whether or not a special effect flag is set (= 1) (step S603). This is because there is no need to perform the special effect mode lottery if the special effect mode in which the revolving light is already rotating. If the special effect flag is already set (step S603: NO), the special effect lottery is performed. The process immediately proceeds to step S607 without performing the process (step S604). If the special effect flag is not set yet (step S603: YES), a special effect lottery process (step S604) is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S607.

  In the special effect lottery process (step S604), a random number for special effect lottery is drawn, and it is determined whether the random number is hit or lost. If the lottery is won and a special effect is to be implemented (step S605: YES), a “special effect flag” is set (= 1) (step S606). Thereby, through the motor drive process, the lamp 52a of the rotating lamp 52 is turned on in addition to the execution of each operation by each effect member 100, 106, 112 and the rotation operation by the rotating member 118, and step S613- In step S616, the motor F (53) is operated to rotate the reflecting mirror 52b.

  When the processing related to the special effect lottery (steps S601 to S606) is finished, the process proceeds to step S607, and thereafter, it is checked whether or not a symbol stop command is received (step S607). If the symbol stop command is received (step S607: YES), it is determined whether or not the special effect flag is set (= 1) (step S608). If the special effect flag is not set (step S608). : NO), nothing is performed, the notice effect processing is terminated, and the process returns to step S533 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S608 that the special effect flag is set (= 1) (step S608: YES), the special effect flag is returned to non-set (= 0) simultaneously with the reception of the symbol stop command ( Step S609) and then return to Step S533 of FIG. When the special effect flag is returned to non-set (= 0), in addition to stopping each operation by each effect member 100, 106, 112, stopping rotation operation by the rotating member 118, the lamp 52a of the rotating lamp 52 is turned off. In step S617, the rotation of the reflecting mirror 52b by the motor F (53) is also stopped. As a result, the production members 100, 106, 112, the rotating member 118, and the rotating lamp 52 start to operate simultaneously with the start of the variation of the special symbol, and when the special symbol is stopped after a predetermined variation time, for example, 5 minutes elapses. It will stop at the same time.

(4-4. Relationship between production control unit and drive unit of each movable member: FIG. 13)
Next, the relationship between the production control unit and the drive unit of each movable member will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, the effect control CPU 241 of the effect control unit 24 outputs drive pulse signals of the motors A to F to the drivers (drive units A to F). Each driver (drive unit A to F) receives the drive pulse signal and controls the rotation of each motor A to F.

(4-5. Example of effect pattern regarding operation of each movable member: FIG. 14)
Next, consider a case where each movable member performs an operation based on the effect pattern A. FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing ON / OFF of excitation of each motor in the case of the effect pattern A.

  The production pattern A is merely an example, and of course, the production pattern A is not limited to the production pattern A. Various production patterns can be used by changing the excitation start / stop timing and the excitation order of each motor. Can do.

  Hereinafter, the initial state of each movable member will be described as a starting point. In this initial state, as an example, as shown in FIG. 15, the first effect member 100, the second effect member 106, and the third effect member 112 are arranged at the retracted position, so that the player cannot visually recognize them. Yes. Further, the rotating bodies 120A and 120B of the rotating drum member 118 and the reflecting mirror 52b of the rotating lamp 52 are stopped without rotating. In the initial state, excitation for all the motors A to F is OFF.

  In the initial state of each movable member, at least a part of the first effect member 100, the second effect member 106, and the third effect member 112 may be visible to the player.

[Motor drive control from the start of effect pattern A to the elapse of time T1]
As shown in FIG. 14, until the time T1 elapses after the start of the effect pattern A, the excitation of the motor A (102) is turned ON and the other motors B to F (108, 114, The excitation of 122A, 122B, 53) is OFF and the rotation is not performed. For this reason, only the 1st production member 100 becomes operable.

  The state of each movable member after the elapse of time T1 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, the first effect member 100 is driven, and a part of the first effect member 100 moves in front of the liquid crystal display device 36 (movement from the first position to the second position). Thereby, the player can visually recognize the first effect member 100. At this time, the second effect member 106 and the third effect member 112 are hidden so that the player cannot visually recognize them. Further, the rotating bodies 120A and 120B of the rotating drum member 118 and the reflecting mirror 52b of the rotating lamp 52 are stopped without rotating.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, at the timing until the time T1 elapses, the excitation for one motor A (102) is ON, but five motors B to F (108, 114, 122A). , 122B, 53) is off. For this reason, excitation ON for the six motors A to F does not overlap at the same timing. As a result, even when the effect using the six motors A to F is executed by the effect pattern A, the overcurrent can be suppressed.

[Motor drive control from time T1 of production pattern A to time T2 elapses]
Next, as shown in FIG. 14, until the time T2 elapses after the time T1 of the production pattern A elapses, the excitation of the motor A (102) is turned off, and the rotation drive is stopped. The excitation of B to F (108, 114, 122A, 122B, 53) is turned ON to rotate. For this reason, the second effect member 106 and the third effect member 112 are driven, and a part thereof moves in front of the liquid crystal display device 36. Further, the two rotating bodies 120A and 120B of the rotating drum member 118 and the reflecting mirror 52b of the rotating lamp 52 also rotate. In addition, since the motor A (102) is not excited, the first effect member 100 remains moved in front of the liquid crystal display device 36 (second position).

  FIG. 17 shows an operation effect of each movable member from the time T1 until the time T2 elapses. As shown in FIG. 17, the second effect member 106 and the third effect member 112 are driven, and a part thereof moves to the front of the liquid crystal display device 36. Thereby, the player can visually recognize the second effect member 106 and the third effect member 112. At this time, since excitation to the motor A (102) for driving the first effect member 100 is OFF, the first effect member 100 remains exposed in front of the liquid crystal display device 36. . Naturally, the player can visually recognize the first effect member 100. Further, the rotating bodies 120A and 120B of the rotating drum member 118 and the reflecting mirror 52b of the rotating lamp 52 are rotating. In this situation, although the excitation for the motor A (102) for driving the first effect member 100 is OFF, the first effect member 100 is exposed, so that all the eyes are visible to the player. It appears as if the movement of the movable member is in progress. As a result, it is possible to give a luxurious image to the player.

  In addition, at the timing from the elapse of time T1 to the elapse of time T2, the excitation for the five motors B to F (108, 114, 122A, 122B, 53) is ON, but one motor Excitation for A (102) is OFF. For this reason, excitation ON for the six motors A to F does not overlap at the same timing. As a result, even when the effect using the six motors A to F is executed by the effect pattern A, the overcurrent can be suppressed.

[Motor drive control from the time T2 of the production pattern A until the time T3 elapses]
Next, as shown in FIG. 14, after the time T2 of the production pattern A elapses and until the time T3 elapses, the excitation of the motor A (102) is turned on and the motors B to E ( 108, 114, 122A, 122B) are turned off and the rotation drive is stopped, and the excitation of the motor F (53) is kept on and the rotation drive is continued. Therefore, the first effect member 100 returns from the front position of the liquid crystal display device 36 to the retracted position (moves from the second position to the first position). In addition, the second effect member 106 and the third effect member 112 remain moved in front of the liquid crystal display device 36. The rotational driving of the two rotating bodies 120A and 120B of the rotating drum member 118 is stopped, and a predetermined symbol is displayed. Further, the rotating operation of the reflecting mirror 52b of the rotating lamp 52 continues.

  The operation effects of the respective movable members from the time T2 until the time T3 elapses are shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the first effect member 100 tends to move to the retracted position because the excitation to the motor A (102) is turned on. The second effect member 106 and the third effect member 112 do not operate because the excitation to the motors B and C (108, 114) is OFF, and remain exposed in front of the liquid crystal display device 36. . The two rotating bodies 120A and 120B of the rotating drum member 118 are stopped by displaying a predetermined symbol (stop symbol). Further, the rotating operation of the reflecting mirror 52b of the rotating lamp 52 is continuing.

  Further, although the excitation for the two motors A and F (102, 53) is ON at the timing after the time T2 elapses until the time T3 elapses, the four motors B to E (108, 114, 122A, 122B) are off. For this reason, excitation ON for the six motors A to F does not overlap at the same timing. As a result, even when the effect using the six motors A to F is executed by the effect pattern A, the overcurrent can be suppressed.

[Motor drive control from time T3 of production pattern A until time T4 elapses (ends)]
Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the excitation of the motor A (102) is turned off and the rotation drive is stopped until the time T4 elapses (ends) after the time T3 of the effect pattern A elapses. , Motors B and C (108, 114) are turned on and driven to rotate, motors D and E (122A and 122B) are kept turned off, and the rotation drive is stopped. The excitation of 53) remains ON and the rotation drive continues. For this reason, the first effect member 100 is stopped at the retracted position (first position). Further, the second effect member 106 and the third effect member 112 move from the front of the liquid crystal display device 36 to the retracted position. The two rotating bodies 120A and 102B of the rotating drum member 118 are in a stopped state. The rotating operation of the reflecting mirror 52b of the rotating lamp 52 continues.

  The operation effects of the respective movable members from the elapse of time T3 until the time T4 elapses (ends) are shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, since the excitation with respect to the motor A (102) is turned off, the first effect member 100 remains moved to the retracted position (first position). The second effect member 106 and the third effect member 112 are energized with respect to the motors B and C (108, 114) and are about to move from the front of the liquid crystal display device 36 to the retracted position. The two rotating bodies 120A and 120B of the rotating drum member 118 are stopped by displaying a predetermined symbol (stop symbol). The rotating operation of the reflecting mirror 52b of the rotating lamp 52 is continuing.

  In addition, at the timing from the elapse of time T3 until the time T4 elapses (ends), the excitation for the three motors B, C, F (108, 114, 53) is ON, Excitations for the motors A, D, and E (102, 122A, and 122B) are OFF. For this reason, excitation ON for the six motors A to F does not overlap at the same timing. As a result, even when the effect using the six motors A to F is executed by the effect pattern A, the overcurrent can be suppressed.

  Immediately after the time T4 of the effect pattern A has elapsed, the excitation for the motors A to F is turned off. And it returns to an initial state and prepares for the production based on the next production pattern. If another effect pattern is set subsequent to the effect pattern A, the effect by the other effect pattern is continuously started. The excitation state (ON-OFF) for each of the motors A to F at that time follows the excitation pattern included in the other effect pattern.

  Further, the state of each movable member immediately after the time T4 of the effect pattern A has elapsed is as shown in FIG. In this state, the first effect member 100, the second effect member 106, and the third effect member 112 are waiting at the retracted position and cannot be visually recognized by the player. Further, the rotation of the rotating bodies 120A and 120B of the rotating drum member 118 is stopped, and the rotating operation of the reflecting mirror 52b of the rotating lamp 52 is also stopped.

  In the embodiment described above, the effect pattern A centered on the movement of the first effect member 100 (first position → second position → first position) has been described as an example. However, the effect pattern A is limited to the effect pattern A. It is not something. For example, in addition to the effect pattern centered on the movement of the second effect member 106 and the third effect member 112 (first position → second position → first position), the rotating member 118 or the rotating lamp 52 You may set and use the production pattern etc. centering on rotation operation | movement (1st position-> 2nd position-> 1st position).

  As described above, in this embodiment, since six or more motors (stepping motors) are not turned on at the same time, an overcurrent can be prevented.

  On the other hand, since a plurality of movable members can be freely driven using a plurality of motors (stepping motors) at the same time as suppressing an overcurrent, it is possible to enhance the effect.

  In addition, since control is performed based on a plurality of excitation patterns that define ON / OFF of excitation for a plurality of motors (stepping motors), control of the motor (stepping motor) is facilitated. In particular, the excitation of the motor (stepping motor) is controlled to be OFF by stopping the supply of current to the coils of all phases of the motor (stepping motor). Thereby, even when a stepping motor is used as the motor, the amount of generated heat can be reduced and overcurrent can be easily suppressed.

  Note that the number of motors (stepping motors) is not limited to six. Even when seven or more motors (stepping motors) are used, from the viewpoint of preventing overcurrent, the maximum number of motors (reference values) that can be excited at the same time is determined in advance, and all motors (stepping motors) ) Need not be excited at the same time, and it is possible to set production patterns using various combinations of excitation patterns within a range not exceeding the reference value.

(5-1. Excitation pattern for drive / stop control of each movable member: FIGS. 24 to 27)
Next, the excitation pattern regarding stop control of each movable member is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 14, each movable member can be driven or stopped by ON / OFF control of each motor. Here, the first effect member 100 will be described as an example of the movable member.

  In addition, although description is abbreviate | omitted, it is the same as that of the 1st effect member 100 also regarding the drive / stop control of the 2nd effect member 106, the 3rd effect member 112, the rotating member 118, and the rotation lamp 52.

  When the first effect member 100 is driven (for example, T1 and T3 in FIG. 14), the motor A is ON. In this case, the motor A is controlled to be excited by any one of the one-phase excitation method shown in FIG. 24, the two-phase excitation method shown in FIG. 25, and the 1-2-phase excitation method shown in FIGS.

[One-phase excitation method → One-phase excitation method (braking excitation) → All-phase non-excitation]
FIG. 24 shows that the first effect member 100 is driven by the normal one-phase excitation method of the motor A, and is completely stopped through a one-phase excitation method (braking excitation state) for exciting only a predetermined one phase for a predetermined time. It is the input pulse figure which showed the state to do.

  As shown in FIG. 24, in the braking excitation state from when the first effect member 100 is driven until it stops (for example, T1 → T2, T3 → T4 in FIG. 14), all of the motor A is The excitation current continues to be supplied only to a predetermined one-phase coil, not a phase. Note that the information on the time during which the excitation current continues to be supplied only to the predetermined one-phase coil is determined based on the weight and inertial force of each movable object, and is set in advance in the excitation pattern.

  Specifically, the first effect member 100 is completely stopped by continuing to supply the excitation current to only one phase coil (for example, the A phase in FIG. 24) of the four phases of the motor A. As described above, the motor A undergoes a one-phase excitation state (braking excitation state) for exciting only a predetermined one phase over a predetermined time after regular one-phase excitation control. The phase excitation state (braking excitation state) is canceled (all phase non-excitation state). By performing such excitation control, the driving of the first effect member 100 is completely stopped.

  Of the four phases of the motor A, the excitation current is continuously supplied to only one of the B phase, C phase, and D phase other than the A phase, and the driving of the first effect member 100 is stopped. You may do it.

[2-phase excitation method → 2-phase excitation method (braking excitation) → all-phase non-excitation]
FIG. 25 shows that the first effect member 100 is driven by the normal two-phase excitation method of the motor A, and is completely stopped through a two-phase excitation method (braking excitation state) in which only the predetermined two phases are excited for a predetermined time. It is the input pulse figure which showed the state to do.

  As shown in FIG. 25, in the braking excitation state from when the first effect member 100 is driven until it stops (for example, T1 → T2 and T3 → T4 in FIG. 14), all of the motor A is The excitation current continues to be supplied only to the predetermined two-phase coils, not the phases. Note that the information on the time for which the excitation current is continuously supplied only to the predetermined two-phase coils is determined based on the weight and inertial force of each movable object, and is set in advance in the excitation pattern.

  Specifically, among the four phases of the motor A, the first effect member 100 is completely stopped by continuing to supply the excitation current only to the two-phase coils (for example, the A phase and the B phase in FIG. 25). To do. As described above, the motor A undergoes a two-phase excitation state (braking excitation state) in which only two predetermined phases are excited over a predetermined time after regular two-phase excitation control. The phase excitation state (braking excitation state) is canceled (all phase non-excitation state). By performing such excitation control, the driving of the first effect member 100 is completely stopped.

  Of the four phases of motor A, it is not limited to the A phase and the B phase, and the excitation current is continuously supplied to only the two phase coils of the A phase, the B phase, the C phase, and the D phase. The driving of the first effect member 100 may be stopped.

[1-2 phase excitation method → 1 phase excitation method (braking excitation) → all phase non-excitation]
FIG. 26 shows that the first effect member 100 is driven by the normal 1-2 phase excitation method of the motor A and passes through a one phase excitation method (braking excitation state) for exciting only a predetermined one phase for a predetermined time. It is an input pulse diagram showing a state of complete stop.

  As shown in FIG. 26, in the braking excitation state from when the first effect member 100 is driven to when it stops (for example, T1 → T2, T3 → T4 in FIG. 14), all of the motor A is The excitation current continues to be supplied only to a predetermined one-phase coil, not a phase. Note that the information on the time during which the excitation current continues to be supplied only to the predetermined one-phase coil is determined based on the weight and inertial force of each movable object, and is set in advance in the excitation pattern.

  Specifically, the first effect member 100 is completely stopped by continuing to supply the excitation current to only one phase coil (for example, phase A in FIG. 26) of the four phases of the motor A. As described above, the motor A is subjected to a one-phase excitation state (braking excitation state) in which only a predetermined one phase over a predetermined time is excited after regular 1-2 phase excitation control, and finally, The one-phase excitation state (braking excitation state) is canceled (all-phase non-excitation state). By performing such excitation control, the driving of the first effect member 100 is completely stopped.

  Of the four phases of the motor A, the excitation current is continuously supplied to only one of the B phase, C phase, and D phase other than the A phase, and the driving of the first effect member 100 is stopped. You may do it.

[1-2-phase excitation method → 2-phase excitation method (braking excitation) → all-phase non-excitation]
FIG. 27 shows that the first effect member 100 is driven by the normal 1-2 phase excitation method of the motor A and passes through the two phase excitation method (braking excitation state) in which only the predetermined two phases are excited for a predetermined time. It is an input pulse diagram showing a state of complete stop.

  As shown in FIG. 27, in the braking excitation state from when the first effect member 100 is driven until it stops (for example, T1 → T2, T3 → T4 in FIG. 14), all of the motor A is The excitation current continues to be supplied only to the predetermined two-phase coils, not the phases. Note that the information on the time for which the excitation current is continuously supplied only to the predetermined two-phase coils is determined based on the weight and inertial force of each movable object, and is set in advance in the excitation pattern.

  Specifically, among the four phases of the motor A, the first effect member 100 is completely stopped by continuing to supply the excitation current only to the two-phase coils (for example, the A phase and the B phase in FIG. 27). To do. As described above, the motor A undergoes a two-phase excitation state (braking excitation state) in which only two predetermined phases are excited over a predetermined time after regular two-phase excitation control. The phase excitation state (braking excitation state) is canceled (all phase non-excitation state). By performing such excitation control, the driving of the first effect member 100 is completely stopped.

  Of the four phases of motor A, it is not limited to the A phase and the B phase, and the excitation current is continuously supplied to only the two phase coils of the A phase, the B phase, the C phase, and the D phase. The driving of the first effect member 100 may be stopped.

(5-1-1. Setting of excitation pattern in braking excitation control)
Next, a control method for setting the two-phase excitation instead of the one-phase excitation in the braking excitation control for the movable member driven by the 1-2 phase excitation method will be described.

  In the braking excitation control in this case, the value of the excitation counter provided in the gaming machine is used. That is, as shown in FIG. 28, the effect control unit 24 includes an excitation counter A (302) representing excitation pulses that are drive data output to the drive unit A (104), and a drive unit B (110). On the other hand, an excitation counter B (304) representing an excitation pulse as drive data to be output, an excitation counter C (306) representing an excitation pulse as drive data to be output to the drive unit C (116), and a drive unit D An excitation counter D (308) representing an excitation pulse as drive data output to (124A), and an excitation counter E (310) representing an excitation pulse as drive data output to the drive unit E (124B). An excitation counter F (312) representing an excitation pulse which is drive data output to the drive unit F (51) is provided.

  In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the excitation counters A to F are collectively referred to simply as “excitation counters”.

  The excitation counter A (302) may be integrated with the drive unit A (104). Further, the excitation counter B (304) may be configured integrally with the drive unit B (110). Further, the excitation counter C (306) may be configured integrally with the drive unit C (116). Further, the excitation counter D (308) may be configured integrally with the drive unit D (124A). Further, the excitation counter E (310) may be integrated with the drive unit E (124B). Furthermore, the excitation counter F (312) may be integrated with the drive unit F (51).

Here, an excitation counter used in the 1-2 phase excitation method will be described.
The excitation counter defines the correspondence between the coil to be excited, the drive pulse signal, and the counter value. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, when the count value of the excitation counter is “0”, the drive pulse signal output from the effect control unit 24 to the drive unit is “1, 0, 0, 0”, and the excitation The coil to be used is only the A phase (one-phase excitation).

  When the count value of the excitation counter is “1”, the drive pulse signal output from the effect control unit 24 to the drive unit is “1, 1, 0, 0”, and the excited coils are in the A phase and the B phase. (Both two-phase excitation).

  When the count value of the excitation counter is “2”, the drive pulse signal output from the effect control unit 24 to the drive unit is “0, 1, 0, 0”, and the coil to be excited is only the B phase. (One-phase excitation).

  When the count value of the excitation counter is “3”, the drive pulse signal output from the effect control unit 24 to the drive unit is “0, 1, 1, 0”, and the coils to be excited are the B phase and the C phase. (Both two-phase excitation).

  When the count value of the excitation counter is “4”, the drive pulse signal output from the effect control unit 24 to the drive unit is “0, 0, 1, 0”, and the coil to be excited is only the C phase. (One-phase excitation).

  When the count value of the excitation counter is “5”, the drive pulse signal output from the effect control unit 24 to the drive unit is “0, 0, 1, 1”, and the excited coils are the C phase and D phase. (Both two-phase excitation).

  When the count value of the excitation counter is “6”, the drive pulse signal output from the effect control unit 24 to the drive unit is “0, 0, 0, 1”, and the exciting coil is only the D phase. (One-phase excitation).

  When the count value of the excitation counter is “7”, the drive pulse signal output from the effect control unit 24 to the drive unit is “1, 0, 0, 1”, and the excited coils are the A phase and D phase. (Both two-phase excitation).

  When the count value of the excitation counter becomes “7”, the next count value returns to “0”.

  Thus, when the motor rotates in the forward direction, in the 1-2 phase excitation method, the count value of the excitation counter is counted from “0” to “7” in order, and reaches “7” when it reaches “7”. Return. On the other hand, when the motor rotates in the reverse direction, the count value of the excitation counter is counted so as to be in the reverse order to that in the normal rotation.

  In the setting of the excitation pattern in the braking excitation control, two-phase excitation is executed as braking excitation when the count value of the excitation counter is “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”. Here, the count value of the excitation counter includes “0”, “2”, “4” indicating one-phase excitation in addition to “1”, “3”, “5”, “7” indicating two-phase excitation. ”And“ 6 ”. Therefore, in order to execute two-phase excitation in the braking excitation control, an excitation counter forcible update process is required.

(5-1-2. Forced update processing of excitation counter: FIG. 30)
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the forced update processing of the excitation counter executed by the CPU of the effect control unit.

  As shown in FIG. 30, the CPU 241 of the effect control unit 24 determines whether or not it is the drive stop timing of the movable member (S702). In S702, a timer may be used to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, or may be determined based on a drive stop command transmitted from the main control unit 20.

  If it is determined in S702 that it is the drive stop timing of the movable member (S702: YES), the CPU 241 refers to the count value of the excitation counter (S704).

  Here, if the count value of the excitation counter is “1”, “3”, “5”, “7” indicating two-phase excitation in S704 (S706: YES), the excitation current is applied to each motor coil. Supply. This results in two-phase excitation (see FIG. 27). And as above-mentioned, the drive of a movable member stops.

  On the other hand, if the count value of the excitation counter is “0”, “2”, “4”, “6” indicating one-phase excitation (S706: NO) in S704, the CPU 241 sets the count value of the excitation counter. Only "+1" is added and updated (S708). Instead of adding “+1” to the count value of the excitation counter, “−1” may be added (subtracted). As a result, the count value of the excitation counter becomes “1”, “3”, “5”, “7” indicating two-phase excitation. Then, an excitation current is supplied to the coils of each motor to make two-phase excitation (see FIG. 27). Thereby, the drive of a movable member stops as mentioned above.

  As described above, by executing the forced update process of the excitation counter, even when the movable member is driven by the 1-2 phase excitation method, the two-phase excitation can always be executed in the braking excitation control. The movable member can be stopped more smoothly by performing two-phase excitation in the braking excitation control.

  According to the present embodiment, the brake excitation control is performed to excite only a part of the phase of the motor, not to excite all the phases of the motor when driving of the movable members including the rotating member 118 is stopped. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the calorie | heat amount of a motor can be suppressed. As a result, even when a relatively small movable member is used, the movable member can be prevented from being damaged by high heat.

  In particular, when the movable member is driven by the 1-2 phase excitation method, the brake excitation when the drive of the movable member is stopped by using the excitation counter and executing the update process of the excitation counter. In control, it becomes possible to forcibly execute two-phase excitation. Thereby, a movable member can be stopped smoothly.

  Note that the above-described braking excitation control of the movable member is not limited to the application when the driving of the first effect member 100 is stopped, but the second effect member 106, the third effect member 112, the rotating member 118, and the rotating lamp 52. It can be easily applied even when the drive is stopped.

  Further, the present invention can be applied to excitation control (braking excitation control) of a movable member that performs various operations such as linear movement, rotational movement, and rotational driving. Further, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko game machine, and can also be applied to drive control (braking excitation control) of a rotating body (reel) of a slot machine and an accompanying effect agent.

(6-1. Positioning control of initial position of each movable member: FIGS. 31 to 40)
Next, the positioning control of the initial position of each movable member will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, each movable member can be driven or stopped by ON / OFF control of each motor. And before the drive of each movable member starts, the initial position of each movable member is determined. Here, as an example of the movable member, the rotating member 118 will be described as an example.

  The positioning control of the initial position of the rotating member 118 is, for example, before the start of the timing T2 when the driving of the motor D and the motor E is turned on in the effect pattern A shown in FIG. 14 (in other words, the effect pattern A is started). After T1). Specifically, a slight adjustment time for executing the positioning control of the initial position of the rotating drum member 118 is interposed between T1 and T2 or a part of T2.

  In addition, although description is abbreviate | omitted, also regarding the positioning control of the initial position of the 1st effect member 100, the 2nd effect member 106, the 3rd effect member 112, and the rotation lamp 52, before the drive start of each movable member, a rotating member This is performed in the same manner as the procedure for positioning control of the initial position 118.

[Basic configuration for realizing positioning control of initial position of each movable member]
As shown in FIG. 31, initial position determination means 402A and 402B are provided at the axial direction one side ends of the rotary members 120A and 120B of the rotating member 118 and in the vicinity thereof. Hereinafter, the initial position determination unit 402A of the rotating body 120A will be described as an example. The initial position determining unit 402B of the rotating body 120B is the same as the configuration of the initial position determining unit 402A of the rotating body 120A, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 32, 33 and 35, the initial position determination unit 402A includes, for example, a light emitting unit 404A and unit light detection units 408A (408A1, 408A2, 408A3) corresponding to one step of the motor D (122A). , 408A4, 408A5) and a plurality of odd-numbered (1, 3, 5, 7,... (Pieces): five aspects are shown in the drawing) and a light detection unit 406A formed continuously, and a unit light detection unit 408A. And a light receiving unit 410A capable of receiving light from the light emitting unit 404A.

  As shown in FIG. 34, the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A are electrically connected to the effect control unit 24.

  The light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A use light emitting elements and light receiving elements of commonly used optical sensors. Here, the optical sensor detects visible light (light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 800 nm (nanometer)), invisible light (ultraviolet light, infrared light), and the like. Examples of the optical sensor include a transmissive photosensor and a reflective photosensor.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the transmissive photosensor is an optical sensor having a structure in which both sides face each other so that the light from the light emitting unit 404A is received by the light receiving unit, and the light from the light emitting unit 404A is shielded. It is a sensor that captures the output at the light receiving unit 410A that changes due to

  As shown in FIG. 33, the reflection type photosensor is an optical sensor having a structure in which the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A face in the same direction, and detects light from the light emitting unit 404A as a detection object (in this embodiment). (Corresponding to “unit light detection unit 408A”) and the reflected light is received and detected by the light receiving unit 410A. Since the light receiving / emitting section is on the same side, it is suitable for detection on a large shape or on a flat surface where a transmissive photosensor is difficult to use.

  As one form of the light detection unit 406A, when the transmission type photosensor is used, a light transmission unit that transmits light is employed. Specifically, the unit light detection unit 408A is a unit light transmission unit that can transmit light. The unit light transmission part is configured by a colorless transparent resin or vinyl, or an opening. A plurality of unit light detection units 408A and an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7,... (Number)) are continuously formed to form a light detection unit 406A.

  In addition, the site | part of the outer peripheral surface by the side of the axial direction edge part of each rotary body 120A in which the light detection part 406A is not located is formed with the black member which cannot permeate | transmit light, or the black coating material is apply | coated. .

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 32, there are a plurality of unit light detection units 408A (408A1, 408A2, 408A3, 408A4, 408A5) that can transmit light along the longitudinal direction of the light detection unit 406A. ) Continuously formed. According to this, every time the motor D (122A) is driven by one step, the unit light detection unit 408A formed on the outer peripheral surface along the rotation direction of the rotating body 120A is between the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A. Will come to be located. The positions of the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A are fixed at positions outside and inside the rotating body 120A.

  As shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B, for example, a state where the first unit light detection unit 408A1 on one end side of the light detection unit 406A is positioned between the light emission unit 404A and the light reception unit 410A. When the motor D (122A) is driven by one step with reference to (the state where the light from the light emitting unit 404A can pass through the first unit light detecting unit 408A1 and be received by the light receiving unit 410A), the first unit light detecting unit 408A1 is driven. A second unit light detector 408A2 adjacent to the light emitter 404A is positioned between the light emitter 404A and the light receiver 410A. In this state, the light from the light emitting unit 404A passes through the second unit light detection unit 408A2 and can be received by the light receiving unit 410A.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 36B and 36C, the second unit light detector 408A2 of the light detector 406A is positioned between the light emitter 404A and the light receiver 410A (light emitter 404A). When the motor D (122A) is further driven by one step with reference to the second unit light detection unit 408A2 and the light reception unit 410A receiving the light), it is adjacent to the second unit light detection unit 408A2. The third unit light detection unit 408A3 is located between the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A. In this state, the light from the light emitting unit 404A passes through the third unit light detecting unit 408A3 and can be received by the light receiving unit 410A.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 36C and 36D, the third unit light detector 408A3 of the light detector 406A is positioned between the light emitter 404A and the light receiver 410A (light emitter 404A). When the motor D (122A) is further driven by one step on the basis of the state where the light passes through the third unit light detector 408A3 and can be received by the light receiver 410A), it is adjacent to the third unit light detector 408A3. The fourth unit light detection unit 408A4 is located between the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A. In this state, light from the light emitting unit 404A passes through the fourth unit light detecting unit 408A4 and can be received by the light receiving unit 410A.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 36D and 36E, the fourth unit light detection unit 408A4 of the light detection unit 406A is positioned between the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A (light emitting unit 404A). When the motor D (122A) is further driven by one step on the basis of the state where the light passes through the fourth unit light detection unit 408A4 and can be received by the light receiving unit 410A), it is adjacent to the fourth unit light detection unit 408A4. The fifth unit light detector 408A5 is located between the light emitter 404A and the light receiver 410A. In this state, light from the light emitting unit 404A passes through the fifth unit light detection unit 408A5 and can be received by the light receiving unit 410A.

  Further, the fifth unit light detection unit 408A5 of the light detection unit 406A is positioned between the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A (the light from the light emitting unit 404A is transmitted through the fifth unit light detection unit 408A5 and received). None of the unit light detection units 408A is positioned between the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A, and the light from the light emitting unit 404A cannot be received by the light receiving unit 410A. Become.

  As another form of the light detection unit 406A, as shown in FIG. 33, when a reflective photosensor is used, a light reflection unit that reflects light is employed. Specifically, the unit light detection unit 408A is a light reflection unit that reflects light. The unit light detection unit 408A is configured by, for example, a coating with a reflective paint, a mirror, or a light reflection plate. A plurality of unit light detection units 408A and odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7,...) Are continuously formed to form a light detection unit 406A.

  In addition, the site | part of the outer peripheral surface of the axial direction edge part of the rotary body 120A in which the light detection part 406A is not located is formed with the member which cannot reflect light, or the coating material which cannot reflect light is applied.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 33, a plurality of unit light detection units 408A capable of reflecting light are continuously formed along the longitudinal direction of the light detection unit 406A. According to this, every time the motor D (122A) is driven by one step, the unit light detection unit 408A formed on the outer peripheral surface along the rotation direction of the rotating body 120A is directly above the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A. (Or just below). The positions of the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A are fixed at positions inside (or outside) the rotating body 120A.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 37A and 37B, a state where the first unit light detection unit 408A1 on one end side of the light detection unit 406A is located directly above the light emission unit 404A and the light reception unit 410A. When the motor D (122A) is driven by one step on the basis of (a state where the light of the light emitting unit 404A reflects the first unit light detecting unit 408A1 and can be received by the light receiving unit 410A), the first unit light detecting unit 408A1 is driven. The second unit light detector 408A2 adjacent to the light reaches the position directly above the light emitter 404A and the light receiver 410A. In this state, light from the light emitting unit 404A is reflected by the second unit light detecting unit 408A2 and can be received by the light receiving unit 410A.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 37B and 37C, the second unit light detection unit 408A2 of the light detection unit 406A is positioned immediately above the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A (light emitting unit 404A). When the motor D (122A) is further driven by one step with reference to the second unit light detection unit 408A2 and the light reception unit 410A receiving the light), it is adjacent to the second unit light detection unit 408A2. The third unit light detection unit 408A3 reaches a position directly above the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A. In this state, light from the light emitting unit 404A is reflected by the third unit light detecting unit 408A3 and can be received by the light receiving unit 410A.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 37C and 37D, the third unit light detection unit 408A3 of the light detection unit 406A is positioned immediately above the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A (light emitting unit 404A). When the motor D (122A) is further driven by one step with reference to the third unit light detection unit 408A3 reflecting the third unit light detection unit 408A3, the light is adjacent to the third unit light detection unit 408A3. The fourth unit light detection unit 408A4 reaches a position directly above the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A. In this state, the light from the light emitting unit 404A is reflected by the fourth unit light detecting unit 408A4 and can be received by the light receiving unit 410A.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 37D and 37E, the fourth unit light detection unit 408A4 of the light detection unit 406A is positioned immediately above the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A (light emitting unit 404A). When the motor D (122A) is further driven by one step with reference to the fourth unit light detection unit 408A4 as reflected by the fourth unit light detection unit 408A4, the light is adjacent to the fourth unit light detection unit 408A4. The fifth unit light detection unit 408A5 reaches a position directly above the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A. In this state, the light from the light emitting unit 404A is reflected by the fifth unit light detecting unit 408A5 and can be received by the light receiving unit 410A.

  Furthermore, the state where the fifth unit light detection unit 408A5 of the light detection unit 406A is located immediately above the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A (the light of the light emitting unit 404A reflects the fifth unit light detection unit 408A5 and receives light). None of the unit light detectors 408A exists at a position directly above the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A, and the light from the light emitting unit 404A is not received by the light receiving unit 410A. It becomes possible.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 34, in the CPU 241 of the effect control unit 24, light is received by the light receiving unit 410A via the unit light detection unit 408A located at one end or the other end of the light detection unit 406A. After that, the unit light detection unit 408A located at a distance where the number of steps of the motor D (122A) from one end of the light detection unit 406A and the number of steps of the motor D (122A) from the other end are the same. The position of the rotating member 118 when the light passing through is received by the light receiving unit 410A is determined as the initial position.

  Specifically, “the unit light detection unit 408A located at one end or the other end of the light detection unit 406A” in the present embodiment is the first unit light detection unit 408A1 or the fifth unit light detection. This corresponds to the portion 408A5.

  Further, “unit light detection unit 408A at a distance where the number of steps of motor D (122A) from one end of light detection unit 406A and the number of steps of motor D (122A) from the other end are the same. "Corresponds to the third unit light detector 408A3 in this embodiment.

[Positioning process of initial position of each movable member in effect control unit]
Next, the positioning process of the initial position of each movable member in the effect control unit will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. In the following, the positioning process of the initial position of the rotating body 120A of the rotating member 118 will be described as an example using a transmission type sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 38, first, the CPU 241 determines whether or not light is received for the first time (S802). That is, for example, when each rotating body 120A is driven to rotate in a state where the light of the light emitting unit 404A is not received by the light receiving unit 410A, eventually the first unit light detection unit 408A1 or the fifth unit light detection unit 408A5. Is located between the light emitting portion 404A and the light receiving portion 410A. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 39A and 40A, the light from the light emitting unit 404A is received by the light receiving unit 410A (S802: YES: first (first) light reception).

  When the first light reception cannot be confirmed (S802: NO), the initial position positioning process of each movable member in the effect control unit 24 is forcibly terminated. Then, after the motor D (122A) is adjusted and driven by a predetermined number of steps, positioning processing of the initial position of each movable member in the effect control unit 24 is started again. Such retry of the positioning process of the initial position of each movable member in the effect control unit 24 is executed several times. The number of retries is counted by a counter or the like. When the specified number of retries is reached, “error” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36, and the execution of the game program is forcibly terminated, together with a warning indicating an error report. A signal is output to the hall computer.

  Here, when light is received by the light receiving unit 410 </ b> A, a light detection signal is output to the effect control unit 24. The effect control unit 24 receives the light detection signal from the light receiving unit 410A, and the number of detections “1” is set by the light detection counter of the CPU 241. This is the first (first) light detection signal in the initial position positioning control currently being executed.

  Next, from the state where the number of detections “1” is set by the light detection counter of the CPU 241, the motor D (122 </ b> A) is driven forward or backward by two steps (S <b> 804). Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 39B and 40B, the third unit light detection unit 408A3 is positioned between the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A. At this time, light from the light emitting unit 404A is received by the light receiving unit 410A (S806: YES: second light reception).

  Note that the number of steps of the motor D (122A) driven from the state where the number of detections “1” is set by the light detection counter of the CPU 241 is such that the unit light detection unit 408A located in the middle is the light emitting unit 404A and the light receiving unit 410A. Is stored in advance in the ROM 242 of the effect control unit 24 so that the number of steps is between the two. In the present embodiment, since five unit light detection units 408A are set, the number of steps of the motor D (122A) driven from the state where the number of detections “1” is set by the light detection counter of the CPU 241 is 2. Become a step.

  Here, when light is received by the light receiving unit 410 </ b> A, a light detection signal is output to the effect control unit 24. The effect control unit 24 receives the light detection signal from the light receiving unit 410A, and the number of detections “2” is set by the light detection counter of the CPU 241. This is the second light detection signal in the initial position positioning control currently being executed.

  Next, the second light detection signal is input to the effect control unit 24, and the position of the rotating member 120A when the number of detections “2” is set by the light detection counter of the CPU 241 is set as the initial position, the CPU 241 of the effect control unit 24. (S808). Thereafter, the number of detections (count value) of the light detection counter of the CPU 241 of the effect control unit 24 is reset.

  If the second light reception cannot be confirmed after confirming the first light reception (S806: NO), the positioning process of the initial position of each movable member in the effect control unit 24 is forcibly terminated. Then, after the motor D (122A) is adjusted and driven by a predetermined number of steps, positioning processing of the initial position of each movable member in the effect control unit 24 is started again. Such retry of the positioning process of the initial position of each movable member in the effect control unit 24 is executed several times. The number of retries is counted by a counter or the like. When the specified number of retries is reached, “error” is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36, and the execution of the game program is forcibly terminated, together with a warning indicating an error report. A signal is output to the hall computer.

  As described above, according to the positioning control of the initial position of the rotating body 120A of the rotating member 118 of the present embodiment, the initial position of the rotating body 120A of the rotating member 118 can be determined accurately and easily. The initial position of the rotating body 120A of the rotating drum member 118 can be set to always be the same position. In addition, when the rotating body 120A of the rotating drum member 118 is in the initial position, the symbols on the winning line can be set to always be the same symbol.

  In particular, as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, the number of steps from the first light reception to the second light reception is the same even when the rotating member 118 is rotated forward or backward. For this reason, uniform control with the same number of steps is possible, and the initial position of the rotating body 120A is always the same initial position even when the effect of mixing the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the rotating body 120A is executed. It becomes possible to control.

  In the configuration in which an even number of unit light detection units (2, 4, 6,... (Pieces)) is set, the number of steps from the first light reception to the second light reception is the forward rotation and reverse rotation of the motor. Will be different. For this reason, since it may be impossible to return the rotating body 120A to the initial position with the same number of steps from the first light reception, there is a problem.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the positioning control of the initial position of the rotating drum member 118 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be easily applied to positioning control of the initial positions of other movable members such as a movable member that linearly moves along the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and a movable member that realizes a movement locus on an arc.

  In the present embodiment, the positioning control of the initial position of the rotating member 118 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be easily applied to the positioning control of the initial position of the rotating member and movable member of the slot machine.

1 Pachinko machine (game machine)
3 game board 5 ball guide rail 13 frame effect button 19 game ball payout device 20 main control unit 24 effect control unit (control unit)
28 Launch control board 29 Discharge control board 31 Power supply board 32 Launcher 34 Upper start opening 35 Lower start opening
36 Liquid crystal display device 37 Normal symbol start port 38 Special symbol display device 39 Normal symbol display device 40 Large winning port 41 Normal variable winning device 42 Special variable winning device 43 General winning port 44 Windmill 45 Decoration lamp 46 Speaker 47 Movable blade piece 48 Center Decoration 51 Driver (Driver F)
52 Revolving light (movable member)
52a Lamp 52b Reflector 53 Motor F (Stepping motor, drive source)
100 1st production member (movable member)
102 Motor A (Stepping motor, drive source)
104 Driver (Driver A)
106 Second effect member (movable member)
108 Motor B (Stepping motor, drive source)
110 Driver (Driver B)
112 Third effect member (movable member)
114 Motor C (Stepping motor, drive source)
116 Driver (Driver C)
118 Cylinder member (movable member)
120A Rotating body 120B Rotating body 122A Motor D (Stepping motor, drive source)
122B Motor E (Stepping motor, drive source)
124A Driver (Driver D)
124B Driver (Driver E)
201 Main control CPU
202 Main control ROM
203 Main control RAM
241 Production control CPU
242 Production control ROM
243 Production control RAM
302 Excitation counter A (Excitation counter)
304 Excitation counter B (Excitation counter)
306 Excitation counter C (Excitation counter)
308 Excitation counter D (Excitation counter)
310 Excitation counter E (Excitation counter)
312 Excitation counter F (Excitation counter)
402A Initial position determining means 402B Initial position determining means 404A Light emitting part 406A Light detecting part 408A Unit light detecting part 410A Light receiving part

Claims (2)

A movable member that performs a predetermined operation;
A drive source for driving the movable member;
A control unit for controlling the drive source;
Initial position determining means for determining an initial position of the movable member;
A gaming machine having
The drive source is a stepping motor;
The initial position determining means includes a light emitting unit, a light detecting unit provided on the movable member, and a plurality of unit light detecting units corresponding to one step of the stepping motor, and the unit light. A light receiving unit capable of receiving light from the light emitting unit through the detection unit,
The control unit receives light from the unit light detection unit located at one end or the other end of the light detection unit, and then receives the light at the light reception unit. When light is received by the light receiving unit through the unit light detection unit at a distance where the step number of the stepping motor from the unit and the step number of the stepping motor from the other end are the same. Determining the position of the movable member as an initial position;
A gaming machine characterized by that. The movable member is a rotating member,
The light detection unit is formed along the outer peripheral surface along the rotation direction of the drum member.
The gaming machine according to claim 1.

Images