JP2015051288A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To compress a code in a game control logic by unifying performance actuation between a reel performance and a freeze performance in a reel type game machine.SOLUTION: Motor control means (125) executes control for maintaining a rotary reel (40) in a stopped state in a reel performance, and repeats excitation of a stepping motor (M) and release of the excitation in a stopped state to maintain the rotary reel (40) in a stopped state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a symbol lottery is performed, and a symbol display means such as a rotating reel fluctuates by operation of a start switch, and these variations are stopped by operation of a stop switch.

This type of gaming machine, such as a slot machine, is configured so that a winning notification effect is performed in various manners. For example, in Cited Document 1, when a start switch is operated, whether or not to execute a so-called freeze effect that pauses the progress of the game is determined by lottery, and if the execution of the freeze effect is determined, the freeze effect time is set. It is described that the rotating reel is continuously kept in a non-rotating (freezing) state until the freeze effect time elapses.
In this way, when performing an effect (freeze effect) that does not rotate the rotating reel, a timer is set and the effect period is managed by time.

JP 2010-104402 A (FIGS. 7, 0117, 0118)

  On the other hand, a so-called spinning effect is known in which a rotating reel is rotated in a mode different from a normal mode of rotation (for example, reverse rotation, low-speed rotation, etc.). When performing such a spinning effect, an effect execution process is performed based on control data for rotating the rotary reel in various modes. And when it was set as the specification which can perform both a rotation effect and the freeze effect mentioned above, it was controlled by a different control method with the case where a rotation effect is performed, and the case where a freeze effect is performed. This puts a burden on the main control device that controls the game. Also, in recent years, many types of winning combinations have been provided to set the operation order of stop switches according to the winning status, and symbol combinations that can trigger game status transitions have been set in addition to winning roles. Yes. There is a demand for reducing the burden on the game control device as much as possible while the area for storing the information is enlarged and the process of determining the game result is complicated.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has an object to unify the effect operation of the spinning effect and the freeze effect that are executed before the stop operation becomes effective, and to compress the code of the game control logic. .

The present invention has been made to achieve the above-described object, and features of the present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.
In addition, the code | symbol in parenthesis shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.

(Claim 1)
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of rotating reels (40) pivotally attached to a plurality of stepping motors (M) and having a plurality of symbols displayed on the surface thereof, and for rotating the rotating reel (40). A start switch (30), a stop switch (50) for individually stopping the rotating reel (40), and a role lottery for determining whether or not a winning combination is a combination of a plurality of symbols. Based on the operation of the role lottery means (100) and the start switch (30) and stop switch (50), the driving and stopping of the stepping motors (M) are controlled to rotate the rotating reel (40). Or at least motor control means (125) for stopping rotation, after the start switch (30) is operated, after the stepping motor (M) starts driving, and a preset stoppable requirement is satisfied The stop When the operation of the switch (50) is validated and the stop symbols of the plurality of rotating reels that have stopped rotating based on the operation of the stop switch (50) are in a predetermined combination, a predetermined profit is given. In addition, after the operation of the start switch (30) and before the operation of the stop switch (50) is made effective, the spinning reel effect according to the operation mode of the rotating reel (40) is formed. Related to gaming machines.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention can be a slot machine or a parrot gaming machine, and includes a payout device (hopper unit 65) and other components for paying out game media at the time of winning in addition to the above configuration. May be. The “game medium” includes medals, game balls (pachinko balls), coins and the like used for games.

  The stepping motor (M) includes a plurality of coils (A, B, C, D), and the rotor (R) rotates in a predetermined direction by exciting the coils in a predetermined order. The rotary reel (40) is formed to rotate in a predetermined direction by rotating a drive shaft connected to the rotary shaft.

  The motor control means (125), upon receiving the operation signal of the start switch (30), outputs a driving signal for exciting the coils to each of the plurality of stepping motors (M), and the rotating reel (40) The stepping motor (M) can be accelerated and rotated until the rotation speed becomes constant, and then the stepping motor (M) can be rotated while maintaining the constant speed. In response to receiving the operation signal of the stop switch (50), a drive stop signal is output to the corresponding stepping motor (M) to stop the rotation of the rotary reel (40). At this time, if the result of the role lottery is “losing”, the winning symbol will be as much as possible if the result of the role lottery is winning (winning) so that no winning symbol will be aligned on the active line. Control is performed to delay the time for outputting the drive stop signal to each stepping motor (M) so as to be aligned on the effective line.

  Here, the “predetermined stoppable requirement” means, for example, that a predetermined game time limit (so-called wait time) has elapsed, or that the rotation speed of the rotating reel (40) is a steady rotation that is determined in advance. This includes that the speed has been reached and that the position of the current position of the symbol of the rotary reel (40) (the rotation angle of the rotary reel (40)) has been confirmed.

  “Predetermined profits are granted” means that the game medium is paid out by winning a prize, the next game can be executed without inserting the game medium (replay), or the game shifts to an advantageous game (bonus game). For example.

  In the present invention, the motor control means (125) performs control to maintain the rotating reel (40) in the stopped state in the spinning effect, and in the stopped state, the stepping motor (M) The rotating reel (40) is maintained in a stopped state by repeating excitation and release of the excitation.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, in the spinning type gaming machine, the stage operation of the spinning stage effect and the freeze stage which are executed before the stop operation becomes effective is unified. Code compression can be achieved.

FIG. 4 is an external front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an input, output and control device of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is an embodiment of the invention and is a schematic explanatory diagram of a configuration of a stepping motor. It is an embodiment of the present invention and is a diagram showing a conceptual diagram of a signal output pattern to a stepping motor and an acceleration table. It is an embodiment of the present invention and is a schematic explanatory diagram of an excitation pattern of a stepping motor in an acceleration period during normal rotation. It is an embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic explanatory diagram of an excitation pattern of a stepping motor at the time of executing a spinning effect. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the slot machine in the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a reel rotation start process in the operation of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows an acceleration process and a rotation effect execution process among reel rotation start processes. It is a modification of embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a schematic explanatory drawing of the excitation pattern of a stepper motor at the time of rotation effect execution.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine.
(Slot machine 10)
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 includes a square box-shaped casing 11. The casing 11 is formed with a front panel 12 facing the player side. Further, on the front panel 12, the symbols of the three rotary reels 40 (41, 42, 43) can be seen. A symbol display window 13 is formed. A medal slot 14 is provided at a substantially central end of the slot machine 10.
Inside the slot machine 10, a hopper unit 65 and a control device 20 for controlling the overall operation of the slot machine 10 are incorporated.

(Control device 20)
Although not shown, the control device 20 is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. Here, the number of CPUs is not limited to one and may be controlled by two or more CPUs. Further, the CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and the like may be integrated to form a one chip. Then, the CPU reads the program stored in the ROM, thereby configuring the game control device 21 and the effect control device 22 as shown in FIG.
The game control device 21 is for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 by operating the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50. The effect control device 22 is for controlling the effect display device 66 such as the lamp 68 and the speaker 69 based on the output signal from the game control device 21 and the operation signal of the operation means such as the start switch 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the input side of the control device 20 is connected to the respective parts of a closing switch 15, a bet switch 16, a settlement switch 17, a start switch 30, a stop switch 50, and an index sensor 61.
As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion switch 15 is a detection sensor built under the medal insertion slot 14 and detects a inserted game medal. As shown in FIG. 1, the bet switch 16 is a button switch positioned below the symbol display window 13 and is used to replace credits with coins.
Here, the credit means that a medal for use in the next game or later is stored in the gaming machine in advance, and the slot machine 10 is inserted from the medal insertion slot 14 and the gaming medal passed through the insertion switch 15. Or up to 50 game medals to be paid out by winning a prize can be stored inside the gaming machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the checkout switch 17 is a button switch located obliquely below the symbol display window 13, and is used for paying out credits.
As shown in FIG. 1, the start switch 30 is a lever that is positioned obliquely below the symbol display window 13 and is subject to the insertion of a game medal or the depression of the bet switch 16 or “Replay”. Sometimes, the reel unit 60 is started to be driven on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous game. In addition, although not shown in the drawing, a contact sensor that is energized by contact or a light-blocking sensor that detects a swing caused by pressing the lever is provided on the inside of the housing of the start switch 30 to detect the lever pressing. The detection signal is output to the control device 20 as an operation signal.

The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the stop switch 50 includes three stop buttons corresponding to each rotary reel 40, and one stop switch 50 is arranged below each rotary reel 40. Although not shown in the drawings, a contact sensor that is energized by contact or a light-blocking sensor that detects movement caused by pressing the button is provided inside the housing of each stop button. A detection signal is output to the control device 20 as an operation signal.
Then, the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the rotating reel 40 is set so that the corresponding rotating reel 40 stops rotating. That is, the right reel 41 can be stopped by operating the right stop button, the middle reel 42 can be stopped by operating the center stop button, and the left reel 43 can be stopped by operating the left stop button.

Although not particularly illustrated, the index sensor 61 is a detection unit provided in the frame of the reel unit 60, and detects the rotation of the rotary reel 40. Specifically, the index sensor 61 can be a light-shielding sensor arranged on each rotating reel 40, and a start index (not shown) provided on the rotating reel 40 is a light receiving unit and a light emitting unit. It is configured to be able to output a detection signal when passing between the two.
On the output side of the control device 20, as shown in FIG. 2, a reel unit 60, a hopper unit 65, an effect display device 66 (image display unit 67 and lamp 66 and speaker 69), and a stop operation invalid release notification unit 55 Each part is connected.

Although not shown, the reel unit 60 includes three stepping motors M fixed or supported on a frame, a left reel 41, a middle reel 42, and a right reel 43 (see FIG. 5) fixed to the drive shaft of each stepping motor M. 1) and three rotating reels 40. The reel unit 60 is provided with a motor drive circuit 62 for driving the stepping motor M.
Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the stepping motor M has four-phase coils A, B, C, and D, and the coils A, B, C, and D of each phase are sequentially excited. The rotor R is rotationally driven. The rotor R is connected to a drive shaft. When the rotor R rotates, the drive shaft rotates and the rotary reel 40 rotates. The coils A, B, C, and D of each phase are excited by supplying predetermined drive pulses to the transistors TR1 to TR4 of the motor drive circuit 62. In this embodiment, as a driving method of the stepping motor, one-phase excitation in which one of four-phase coils A, B, C, and D is excited and two of A, B, C, and D are excited. It is possible to execute the 1-2 phase excitation method in which the two-phase excitation that is in the above state is repeated alternately. In the present embodiment, the motor drive circuit 62 is provided with switching circuits Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd between the input terminals a to d and the transistors TR1 to TR4. Will be described later.

Each rotary reel 40 includes a rotary drum made of synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape affixed around the rotary drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface (front surface) of the reel tape.
When the slot machine 10 is viewed from the front, three symbols of each rotary reel 40 can be visually recognized from the symbol display window 13. Specifically, on the left side of the symbol display window 13, among the symbols of the left reel 41, a symbol located in the upper stage, a symbol located in the middle stage, and a symbol located in the lower stage can be seen. In the center, among the symbols of the middle reel 42, you can see the symbols located in the upper row, the symbols located in the middle row, the symbols located in the lower row, and on the right side of the symbol display window 13, the symbols of the right reel 43 Among them, a symbol positioned at the upper level, a symbol positioned at the middle level, and a symbol positioned at the lower level can be seen.

Although not particularly shown, each rotary reel 40 is provided with a start index as a detection unit that is detected by an index sensor 61 provided in the reel unit 60. The start index can be, for example, a protrusion provided on a spoke connecting the rotary drum and the stepping motor M inside the rotary drum.
As shown in FIG. 1, the hopper unit 65 is a payout device provided inside the housing 11, and is for paying out medals to the player based on the result of the game.
The stop operation invalid release notification unit 55 is a notification unit for notifying the player that the operation of the stop switch 50 has been enabled. In this embodiment, the stop button of the stop switch 50 is formed of a translucent member, and a light emitter (for example, LED) is provided inside, and the operation of the stop switch 50 is effective by changing the light emission color of the light emitter. It has come to notify that it became. For example, after the game is started (medal insertion or betting), until the preset stoppage requirement is satisfied, the stop button is lit in red, and when the stoppage requirement is satisfied, the stop button is Light up blue. The details of the stoppage requirement will be described later.

  The effect display device 66 performs various effects such as notifying of a winning or the like under the control of the effect control device 22. Specifically, the effect display device 66 includes an image display unit 67, a lamp 68, and a speaker 69. The image display unit 67 is a window provided on the side of the rotary reel 40, and is used to display a winning notification and other effects using an LED, a dot matrix, a liquid crystal screen, and the like. Note that the image display unit 67 is not limited to the above-described one, and for example, a rotation reel dedicated to the production may be provided, and the production may be displayed by the design or characters of the reel. The lamp 68 and the speaker 69 are used for notifying a winning or the like by lighting or blinking of the light emitter and generating a winning sound.

(Game control device 21)
Next, the game control device 21 will be described in detail.
The game control device 21 is for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 by operating the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the game control device 21 includes a role lottery means 100, a game state control means 110, a reel control means 120, a spinning effect determination means 130, a hopper control means 140, and a game result determination means 150. Functions as each means.
(Role lottery means 100)
The combination lottery means 100 determines by lottery whether or not a predetermined “combination” composed of a combination of symbols displayed on the plurality of rotating reels 40 has been won. Specifically, the count value of the loop counter as the random number generation means is read and stored at the timing of receiving the operation signal of the start switch 30, and is checked against any of the winning lottery tables stored in the ROM. It is determined whether or not any of the roles was won (lost).

  Here, in the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined number of game medals can be obtained by stopping a predetermined symbol (for example, a watermelon symbol, a bell symbol, a cherry symbol, etc.) on the active line as the combination. A small role to be paid out (for example, a watermelon role, a bell role, a cherry role, etc.) and a predetermined symbol (for example, replay) are aligned and stopped on the active line, so that a new game medal is not inserted again in the next game. The game includes a re-playing role capable of playing a game and a bonus role for shifting to a bonus game when predetermined symbols (for example, 7, Bar, etc.) are aligned on the active line and stopped. As the bonus combination, an RB game combination that shifts to a regular bonus game (RB game) and a BB game combination that shifts to a big bonus game (BB game) are provided. The RB game is a game period that is set to increase the winning probability of a small role, and ends when a predetermined number of games are consumed or a predetermined number of wins are won. The BB game is a game period that is set so that the RB game is continuously performed, and ends when the number of paid-out medals exceeds a predetermined number.

Note that the effective line is a line that defines the arrangement of the symbol arrangement effective for winning, replaying, or bonus operation, and as shown in FIG. The upper line connecting the symbols in the horizontal row, the middle line connecting the symbols located in the center of the symbol display window 13 in the horizontal row, the lower line connecting the symbols located in the lower row of the symbol display window 13 in the horizontal row, the upper row of the symbol display window 13 In addition, diagonal lines that diagonally connect the symbols located in the middle and lower stages can be provided, and the number and types of effective lines can be changed according to the number of game medals inserted and the game state.
The role lottery table is defined as a winning area corresponding to a role with a predetermined numerical area as the entire count value of the loop counter, although not particularly shown, A plurality of combination lottery tables provided according to the gaming state are provided. When performing the above-described winning determination, the winning lottery table corresponding to the set value and the gaming state of the slot machine 10 is referred to. Specifically, as the role lottery table, the base game lottery table referred to in the normal game winning determination, the bonus lottery table referred to in the bonus game winning determination, and the game in which the bonus combination is carried over There is a bonus internal medium lottery table that is referred to in the (internal medium game) winning determination, and these are provided for each setting.

  If it is determined that one of the winning combinations is won, that is, if the read count value is included in the winning area of a predetermined winning combination in the winning lottery table, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is established. . As the winning flag, a small winning flag that is established when the determination result is a small winning combination, a bonus winning flag (BB flag, RB flag) that is established when the determining result is a bonus winning, and the determination result is There is a re-game winning flag that is established when the re-game winning combination is won. The small role winning flag and the re-game winning flag are valid only in the game in which the winning flag is established, and are erased (reset) when the game ends. In other words, the small combination and the re-playing combination cannot carry over the winning right after the next game. On the other hand, the bonus winning flag is carried over after the next game until the symbols constituting the bonus combination are displayed on the active line.

(Game state control means 110)
The game state control means 110 is for controlling a bonus game or a game inside the bonus. Specifically, when a bonus combination is won, the bonus lottery table is used to control the combination lottery, and when the bonus combination is displayed, the bonus lottery table is used. Control so that a lottery is performed. Further, during the bonus game, the number of payout medals, the number of games, and the number of wins are counted, and control is performed to return to the normal game when a predetermined count value is reached.
(Reel control means 120)
The reel control means 120 controls the rotation of the rotary reel 40 based on the effective operation signal of the start switch 30, and controls the rotation stop of the rotary reel 40 based on the result of the winning lottery and the operation signal of the stop switch 50. Is for. Furthermore, the reel control means 120 is formed so as to be able to execute a spinning effect that changes the rotation mode of the rotating reel 40 based on preset control data.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reel control means 120 includes acceleration data storage means 121, stop data storage means 122, stop operation invalid release means 123, symbol determination means 124, and motor control means 125. .
(Acceleration data storage means 121)
The acceleration data storage means 121 stores control data (acceleration data) for controlling the driving speed of the stepping motor M that rotates the rotary reel 40. As the acceleration data, normal rotation control data used during normal rotation of the rotary reel 40 (during rotation when the rotation effect is not performed) and rotation effect control data used when executing the rotation effect are provided. ing. In the present embodiment, the rotation stop effect control data for executing the rotation effect that does not rotate the rotary reel 40 for a certain period of time is provided as the rotation effect control data.

  For each control data, an output pattern table in which an output pattern when a drive signal output means 127 described later outputs a signal to the motor drive circuit 62 is defined on the table, and an output pattern based on the output pattern table is executed at a predetermined cycle. In addition, an acceleration table for performing acceleration control of the stepping motor M is provided. That is, the normal rotation control data includes a normal pattern table that defines a normal output pattern during normal rotation and a normal acceleration table that is used during normal rotation. A spinning effect production pattern table that defines the spinning production effect output pattern and a spinning device production acceleration table that is used when the spinning performance production is executed are included.

  A conceptual diagram of acceleration data is shown in FIG. 4A shows an output pattern table, and FIG. 4B shows an acceleration table. As described above, in the present embodiment, the rotation stop effect control data is provided as the rotation effect display control data, but the rotation effect pattern table of the rotation stop effect control data is shown in FIG. The freeze pattern table shown in (2) of FIG. Moreover, as a rotation effect acceleration table of the rotation stop effect control data, a freeze table shown in (2) of FIG. 4B is provided. Note that the rotation effect control data is not limited to the rotation stop effect control data. For example, data for generating various behaviors such as reversing, vibrating, low-speed rotation, and high-speed rotation of the rotating reel 40 is provided. However, the description is omitted here. Each table is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a form.

The output pattern table will be described. The numbers in the left column 0 to 7 in the table of FIGS. 4A and 4A are identification numbers of each output pattern, and A, B, C, and D indicate four-phase coils. “1” indicates an output of a signal (excitation signal) for instructing excitation, and “0” indicates an output of a signal (non-excitation signal) for instructing not to excite. In other words, the output of the signal “1” is positioned as the output of the excitation signal, and the output of the signal “0” is positioned as the output of the non-excitation signal.
Specifically, the output pattern with the identification number 0 in the normal pattern table shown in FIGS. 4A and 4A outputs an excitation signal for the coil A and outputs a non-excitation signal for the coils B, C, and D. The output pattern of identification number 1 is a pattern that outputs excitation signals for coils A and B and outputs non-excitation signals for coils C and D. The rotor R rotates by a predetermined angle by sequentially outputting signals in the output patterns of the identification numbers 0 to 7, and the output pattern of the identification numbers 0 to 7 is repeated at a predetermined cycle, so that the rotary reel 40 is It rotates at a predetermined acceleration.

On the other hand, in the freeze pattern table, only an output pattern of identification number 0 in which a pattern for outputting a non-excitation signal is defined for all the coils A, B, C, and D is set. Therefore, even if a signal is output with the output pattern with the identification number 0, the rotor R does not rotate (stays at the stop position), and the output pattern with the identification number 0 is repeated a predetermined number of times, so that the rotary reel 40 remains in the fixed period. The stop state is maintained.
Next, the acceleration table will be described. The acceleration table defines an output pattern to be applied in accordance with a predetermined timer interrupt timing. In the normal acceleration table, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4A, the output patterns 0 to 7 in the normal pattern table are repeated a predetermined number of times (X times). A predetermined timing is set for the second and subsequent outputs. For example, the second output is performed after elapse of t1 (ms) from the first output, and the third output is performed after elapse of t2 (ms) from the second output. t1 to tx are set to be gradually shortened (see FIG. 5). Then, by executing an output pattern corresponding to the interrupt timing of the timer and driving the stepping motor M, the rotation reel 40 starts to rotate and the rotation speed is accelerated at a predetermined acceleration.

On the other hand, in the freeze table, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4B, the 0 output pattern of the freeze pattern table is repeated a predetermined number of times (X times). Note that X times is not necessarily the same as the number of times specified in the normal acceleration table. Then, by executing the output pattern according to the interrupt timing of the timer, the rotary reel 40 is kept at the stop position without driving the stepping motor M until X de-excitation signals are output. Can be done. Note that the numerical values of t1 and t2 of the timer are not necessarily the same as those specified in the normal acceleration table.
In the output patterns shown in FIGS. 4A and 4A, if the order of the coils to be excited is reversed, the stepping motor M is driven in reverse. Further, by changing the frequency of the drive pulse (the set time of the timer shown in FIG. 4B), the same output pattern can be rotated at a low speed or at a high speed. In other words, the rotating effect acceleration table can be created using the normal output pattern.

Although not shown, as the acceleration data, steady rotation control data for continuing to rotate the rotating reel 40 at a predetermined steady rotation speed (for example, 80 rpm) (that is, rotating at a zero acceleration) is provided. When the acceleration process based on the normal acceleration table is completed, the process based on the steady rotation control data is performed. The steady rotation control data is a program for executing an output pattern based on a normal pattern table at every fixed time (that is, driving pulses are output at a fixed frequency).
(Stop data storage means 122)
The stop data storage means 122 stores a plurality of stop data for stopping the driving of the three stepping motors M by the operation signal of the stop switch 50 and stopping the rotation of the three rotary reels 40, respectively. It is.

  The stop data is defined on the table for each symbol for how many frames from the reference symbol at a predetermined position that can be stopped immediately when the operation signal of the stop switch 50 is received, to move the rotating reel 40. Yes, winning symbol drawing stop data and loss stop data are provided. The winning symbol pull-in stop data indicates that the combination of the winning symbols stops on the active line, and the stop position of the corresponding rotary reel 40 is determined in advance so that symbols other than the winning symbol do not stop on the active line. It is specified within the range of numbers. The loss stop data defines the stop position of the corresponding rotary reel 40 within a predetermined number of frames so that the symbol combination constituting any combination does not stop on the effective line.

(Stop operation invalid release means 123)
The stop operation invalid release means 123 is for making the rotation of the rotary reel 40 stop by an operation signal of the stop switch 50.
Here, the operation signal of the stop switch 50 is, as a matter of course, when each rotating reel 40 is stopped, even after the rotating reel 40 starts to rotate, a predetermined game time limit has passed, and the rotation speed is steady rotation. And the index sensor 61 corresponding to all the rotating reels 40 is formed so as not to be effective until the index is first detected.
Here, the game time limit is referred to as a so-called wait time, and even after one game is over so that the player cannot insert an excessive number of medals in a certain time. The time is set so that the next game cannot be performed unless the time has passed. Specifically, the game time per game is calculated based on the rule that the bet amount used per minute does not exceed 400 yen, and the time between the start of the game and the start of the next game is It is specified as 4.1 seconds or more. In the present embodiment, the stop switch 50 in the next game is not activated (the stepping motor M does not stop driving) until 4.1 seconds elapse after the rotation reel 40 starts to rotate. Has been.

During the above period, the stop switch 50 is ineffective and the stop operation is disabled. This is because a predetermined signal cut-off means (not shown) is provided in the electrical connection path connecting each detection sensor of the stop switch 50 and the control device 20, and when this signal cut-off means is operating, the detection of the sensor When the signal does not reach the control device 20 and the signal blocking means is inactive, it can be executed by forming the sensor detection signal so as to communicate with the control device 20. The signal cutoff means may be a logic circuit means or a switch means provided in the electric circuit, or may be one in which such a program is incorporated in the control device 20.
In the present embodiment, it is not particularly determined whether or not the rotating reel 40 has reached steady rotation. When the acceleration control program based on the acceleration table used in the game ends, the rotating reel 40 It is treated as having a steady rotation.

Then, when the predetermined acceleration process is completed and the index sensor 61 first detects the index for all the rotating reels, the stop operation invalidity canceling means 123 makes the signal shut-off means inactive and stops the operation. Cancel the invalidation of the operation.
(Design determination means 124)
The symbol determination means 124 is for recognizing the current position of the symbol of each rotating reel 40 based on the detection signal of the index sensor 61 for each rotating reel 40.
Specifically, the symbol determination means 124 counts the number of drive pulses for rotating the rotating reel 40 while clearing it to zero when the detection signal of the index sensor 61 is received, and identifies and identifies the rotation angle of the rotating reel 40. It is possible to specify which symbols are located at specific positions of the rotary reel 40, for example, the upper position, the middle position, and the lower position of the symbol display window 13.

Then, the symbol determination means 124 stores, as a reference symbol, a symbol at a position where it can be stopped on a predetermined effective line when receiving an operation signal of the effective stop switch 50. Further, information on the stop symbol when the rotation reel 40 stops rotating is stored.
(Motor control means 125)
When the motor control means 125 receives the operation signals of the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50, the motor control means 125 controls the driving and stopping of the three stepping motors M based on the acceleration data and the stop data, and rotates the rotary reel 40. Alternatively, control to stop the rotation is performed. As shown in FIG. 2, the motor control means 125 includes acceleration data selection means 126, drive signal output means 127, stop data selection means 128, and stop signal output means 129.

(Acceleration data selection means 126)
The acceleration data selection means 126 selects acceleration data to be used when driving the stepping motor M based on the determination of the spinning drum effect determination means 130. That is, when the rotation effect determining means 130 determines execution of the rotation effect, the rotation effect control data is selected, and when execution of the rotation effect is not determined, normal rotation control data is selected. Furthermore, when the rotation effect control data is selected, the normal rotation control data is selected after the control by the rotation effect control data is completed. Further, after the control by the normal rotation control data is completed, the steady rotation control data is selected. When the acceleration data selection means 126 selects acceleration data, the drive signal output means 127 controls the driving of the stepping motor M based on the acceleration data.

(Drive signal output means 127)
The drive signal output means 127 outputs an excitation signal for driving the stepping motor M and a non-excitation signal for not driving the stepping motor M based on the acceleration data selected and determined by the acceleration data selection means 126. is there. The excitation signal and the non-excitation signal are referred to as a drive signal.
Specifically, the drive signal output means 127 applies excitation signals to the input terminals a to d of the motor drive circuit 62 (see FIG. 3) at a predetermined timing based on a predetermined output pattern set in the acceleration table. And a non-excitation signal.

The drive signal output means 127 starts a predetermined game when the insertion switch 15 detects an insertion medal, when the credit is “1” or more and the bet switch 16 is operated, and when the hopper unit 65 is not paying out a medal. When the operation signal of the start switch 30 is received on condition that the requirement is satisfied and a predetermined game time limit has elapsed, processing based on the selected acceleration data is started.
That is, when the normal rotation control data is selected by the acceleration data selection unit 126, the drive signal output unit 127 controls the stepping motor M so that the rotating reel 40 rotates normally based on the normal rotation control data. . Specifically, excitation signals and non-excitation signals are output to all stepping motors M based on the output pattern defined in the normal acceleration table at the timing defined in the normal acceleration table. For example, when the output pattern at a certain timing of the normal acceleration table is pattern 0 of the normal output pattern (see FIGS. 4A and 1), for the stepping motors M corresponding to all the rotating reels 40, An excitation signal is output to an input terminal a corresponding to the coil A (see FIG. 3), and an input terminal b corresponding to the coil B, an input terminal c corresponding to the coil C, and an input terminal d corresponding to the coil D are respectively provided. Outputs a non-excitation signal.

Here, the motor drive circuit 62 is provided with switching circuits Sa to Sd as shown in FIG. The switching circuits Sa to Sd are relays and transistors, and when the signal [1] is input to the input terminal, the transistors TR1 to TR4 are energized, but when the signal [0] is input, the transistors TR1 to TR4 are turned on. It is formed so as not to energize. That is, when an excitation signal (signal [1]) is input, it is treated as having received a drive pulse, and when a non-excitation signal (signal [0]) is input, it is treated as having not received a drive pulse. Be able to.
When the signal output is performed with the above output pattern, the drive pulse is supplied to the transistor TR1 corresponding to the coil A, but the drive pulse is supplied to the transistors TR3, TR2 and TR4 corresponding to the coil BCD. It will not be supplied. Therefore, according to pattern 0, only coil A is excited. In addition, when the output pattern at the next timing is the pattern 1 of the normal output pattern, an excitation signal is output to the input terminal a corresponding to the coil A and the input terminal b corresponding to the coil B, and A non-excitation signal is output to the corresponding input terminal c and the input terminal d corresponding to the coil D. In this case, the drive pulses are supplied to the transistors TR1 and TR3 corresponding to the coils A and B, but the drive pulses are not supplied to the transistors TR2 and TR4 corresponding to the coils C and D. It will be excited.

  The signal output as described above is performed every predetermined time (t1 to tx) set in the normal acceleration table (see FIGS. 4B and 1), thereby representing the excitation state of the coil during normal acceleration. As shown in FIG. 5, the frequency of the drive pulse gradually increases, and the four-phase coil ABCD of each stepping motor M repeats ON for three pulses and OFF for five pulses, respectively, and the next phase and two pulses. A pattern that excites by a certain amount is generated. As a result, the rotating reel 40 rotates at a predetermined acceleration. When the output of the drive signal is repeated the number of times specified in the normal acceleration table, the rotational speeds of all the rotary reels 30 are set to reach a predetermined steady rotational speed.

When the processing based on the normal acceleration table is completed, the drive signal output means 127 performs constant speed rotation at the steady rotation speed so as to keep the frequency of the drive pulse constant based on the steady rotation control data. .
On the other hand, when the rotation effect display control data is selected by the acceleration data selection means 126, the stepping motor M is controlled so that a predetermined rotation effect is performed based on the rotation effect control data. And when the rotation stop effect control data is selected as the rotation effect control data, it is specified in the table at the timing specified in the freeze table (see FIGS. 4B and 4). Based on the output pattern, a non-excitation signal is output to all stepping motors M. In the present embodiment, the freeze pattern table as an output pattern table (see FIGS. 4A and 4) is an identification in which patterns for outputting non-excitation signals for all coils A, B, C, and D are defined. Only the output pattern of number 0 is set. Therefore, until the process based on the freeze table is completed, none of the four-phase coils is excited, the rotor R remains at the same position, and the rotary reel 40 is kept stopped. During this time, it is not necessary to measure the stop operation invalid period for executing the spinning effect, and it is not necessary to provide a time measuring means such as a freeze timer.

FIG. 6 shows the excitation state of the coil at the time of performing the spinning effect. In FIG. 6, the drive pulse intervals (t1, t2, etc.) are different from those in FIG. 5, but the frequency of the drive pulses may be the same as during normal rotation acceleration. Alternatively, since the rotating effect in the present embodiment does not rotate the rotating reel 40, there is no need to consider acceleration, so the frequency of the driving pulse is set at regular intervals, for example, at the frequency of steady rotation. Also good.
When the process based on the freeze table is completed, the drive signal output means 127 normally rotates the rotary reel 40 based on the normal acceleration table. Then, when the process based on the normal acceleration table is completed, the rotating reel 40 is normally rotated based on the steady rotation control data.

The control based on the acceleration table can be performed separately for each of the three reel motors M, and a different behavior can be generated for each rotating reel 40.
(Stop data selection means 128)
The stop data selection means 128 selects stop data for stopping the rotation of the rotary reel 40 corresponding to the stop switch 50 that has been stopped based on the result of the winning lottery by the winning lottery means 100. Specifically, the stop data selection means 128 selects the winning symbol drawing stop data corresponding to the combination when the predetermined combination is won as a result of the combination lottery, and when the lottery result is lost , Select the loss stop data.

(Stop signal output means 129)
The stop signal output means 129 is a stop signal that is operated based on the stop data selected by the stop data selection means 128 and the symbol (reference symbol) at a predetermined position when the stop switch 50 is operated stored by the symbol determination means 124. This is for outputting a stop signal for stopping the driving of the stepping motor M of the rotating reel 40 corresponding to the switch 50 (that is, for stopping the rotation of the rotating reel 40 that has been stopped).
Specifically, when one of the stop switches 50 is operated and the symbol determination unit 124 stores the reference symbol of the corresponding rotating reel 40, the stop signal output unit 129 uses the reference symbol in the selected stop data. A stop signal is output to the motor drive circuit 62 of the corresponding stepping motor M of the rotary reel 40 at a timing when a predetermined symbol as a symbol to be stopped when the stop operation is performed becomes a predetermined stop position. Here, the stepping motor M applies all the four-phase coils to the excited state for a certain time at the same time, so that the rotation of the rotor R is braked and the drive is stopped. That is, the stop signal is an excitation signal for exciting the stepping motor coil ABCD simultaneously.

  Then, when the winning symbol drawing stop data is selected (that is, when the winning lottery result is winning a predetermined winning combination), when the stop signal output means 129 outputs a stop signal based on the stopping data, When there is a winning symbol within the range of the predetermined number of frames, the winning symbol is drawn on the active line and each rotary reel 40 stops. On the other hand, if there is no winning symbol within the range of the predetermined number of frames from the reference symbol, in that 40, the winning symbol cannot be drawn on the active line, and when all the rotating reels are stopped, No role is formed. Further, when the loss stop data is selected (that is, when the result of the lottery is lost), when the stop signal output means 129 outputs a stop signal based on the stop data, all the reels are stopped. Each rotary reel 40 is stopped so that no combination is established on the active line.

(Cylinder effect determination means 130)
The spinning effect determining means 130 determines whether or not to execute the above-described spinning effect based on the gaming state and the execution lottery.
For example, when a specific combination (for example, a BB game combination) is won as a result of the combination lottery, an execution lottery is performed as to whether or not to execute the spinning effect, and the lottery result is won for execution of the production. Then, the execution of the spinning effect is determined. The method of execution lottery is the same as that of combination lottery, and is performed by comparing a random number picked up at a predetermined time with the execution lottery table.
If a plurality of execution lottery tables with different winning probabilities are provided and a game execution lottery is performed, and a specific winning combination is won in the winning lottery, the probability of effect execution is set high (for example, a ratio of 90%). The lottery may be performed using the execution lottery table, and in other cases, the lottery may be performed using the execution lottery table set with a low probability of performance execution (for example, a ratio of 1%).

(Hopper control means 140)
The hopper control means 140 operates the hopper unit 65 and pays out medals based on the determination result of the game result determination means 150 and the operation of the settlement switch 17. That is, when the game result determination means 150 determines the winning of the payout small role, a medal corresponding to the small role winning is paid out, and when the checkout switch 17 is operated when there are 1 or more credits, it is stored as credits. The medal that has been made is to be paid out.
(Game result judging means 150)
The game result determination unit 150 determines a result of the game and performs a process based on the determination result when all of the rotating reels 40 are stopped by the operation of the stop switch 50.

Specifically, the game result determination unit 150 determines whether to give a profit according to the combination when a symbol constituting the predetermined combination is displayed on the active line. That is, when a small role symbol is displayed on the active line, a predetermined number of medal payout decisions are made according to the combination, and when a replay symbol is displayed on the active line, an automatic bet determination is performed, When the bonus role symbol is displayed on the active line, the game state transition is determined. Further, by performing a predetermined signal output to the effect control device 22, the effect display device 66 can perform a predetermined effect upon winning or shifting to a bonus game.
(Operation of slot machine 10)
Next, an outline of the operation of the slot machine 10 having the above configuration will be described based on the flow of FIG.

First, in step 100 shown in FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the start switch 30 is turned on. The start switch 30 is turned on when operated after a specified number of medals are bet. If the start switch 30 is not turned ON, the process returns to step 100. On the other hand, if the start switch 30 is turned ON, the process proceeds to the next step 101.
In step 101, the role lottery process by the role lottery means 100 is performed, and in the next step 102, the lottery effect determining means 130 performs the effect lottery process. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 103.
In step 103, the reel control means 120 performs a rotation start process of the rotary reel 40. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 104.

In step 104, it is determined whether or not any of the stop switches 50 is turned on. If the stop switch 50 is not turned on, the process returns to step 104. If any stop switch 50 is turned on, the process proceeds to the next step 105.
In step 105, rotation stop processing for the rotary reel 40 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 106.
In step 106, it is determined whether all the rotating reels 40 have stopped. If it is determined that all the reels are not stopped, the process returns to step 104. If it is determined that all the reels are stopped, the process proceeds to the next step 107.

In step 107, a game result determination process is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 108, and processing according to the game result is performed. That is, when a symbol constituting a predetermined combination is displayed on the active line, a payout medal, a re-game operation process, and a transition process to a bonus game are performed, and one game is completed. If the symbol combination stopped on the active line does not constitute any role, one game is finished as it is.
Next, the reel rotation start process in step 103 will be described based on the flow of FIGS.
First, in step 201 in FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not to execute a spinning effect. That is, it is determined whether or not the rotation effect determining means 130 has determined the execution of the effect. When the spinning effect is not executed, the process proceeds to the next step 202.

In step 202, it is determined whether or not the game time limit has elapsed. If the game time limit has not elapsed, the process returns to step 202. If the game time limit has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 203.
In step 203, normal rotation control is set. The setting of the normal rotation control is to perform various settings necessary for starting the normal rotation. Specifically, a part of data stored in the RAM for various game information (for example, a reel rotation flag) Initialization of the game, setting of a timer for measuring the game time limit and other times related to the game, initialization of the excitation pointer of the stepping motor M, acquisition of normal rotation control data as acceleration data, and the like. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 204.

In step 204, acceleration processing is performed. That is, based on the normal rotation control data selected by the acceleration data selection unit 126, the drive signal output unit 127 starts outputting the drive signal. The drive signal output here is a normal rotation drive signal for rotating the rotary reel 40 so that the symbol of the rotary reel 40 moves from the upper side to the lower side of the symbol display window 13. As a result, the stepping motor M starts to drive, and the rotary reel 40 starts to rotate forward. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 205.
In step 205, steady rotation processing is performed. That is, based on the steady rotation control data selected by the acceleration data selection means 126, the drive signal output means 127 continues to output the drive signal. As a result, the rotary reel 40 rotates while maintaining a steady rotational speed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 206.

In step 206, the symbol position determination of the rotating reel 40 where the index sensor 61 has detected the start index is started. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 207.
In step 207, it is determined whether or not the indexes of all the rotating reels 40 have been detected, that is, whether or not the symbol position determination has been started for all the rotating reels 40. When the indexes of all the rotating reels 40 are not detected, the process returns to step 206, and when the indexes of all the rotating reels 40 are detected, the process proceeds to the next step 208.
In step 208, the invalidation of the stop operation is canceled. At this time, a predetermined release display is made on the stop operation invalid release display section 55. For example, the button of the stop switch 51 changes from red light emission to blue light emission. Then, the reel rotation start process ends.

If it is determined in step 201 that the rotation effect is to be executed, the process proceeds to step 210, where the rotation effect control is set. The setting of the rotation effect control is to perform various settings necessary for the start of the rotation effect. Specifically, the initialization of the RAM, which is performed by the setting of the normal rotation control, and the excitation pointer of the stepping motor M are performed. Initialization, acquisition of the rotation effect control data as acceleration data, and the like. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 211.
In step 211, a spinning effect execution process is performed. Then, the process returns to step 202. That is, when the game time limit has elapsed after the end of the spinning effect, normal rotation control is set and normal rotation is started.

In the above-described flow, when the spinning effect is not executed, the normal rotation is started after the game time limit has elapsed (that is, the rotating reel 40 does not rotate before the weight elapses). However, even when the spinning effect is not executed, the normal rotation of the rotary reel 40 may be started, and the invalidation of the stop operation may be canceled on the condition that the game time limit has elapsed.
The acceleration process in step 203 and the spinning effect execution process in step 211 will be described based on the flow of FIG. In the present embodiment, the normal acceleration process and the rotation effect process are performed in the same procedure except that the referenced acceleration table is different. Here, “n” in the figure is an integer indicating the number of remaining process executions, and the initial value is the number of processes defined in the acceleration table (X in FIG. 4B).

First, in step 301 of FIG. 9, the output pattern is updated. That is, with reference to each acceleration table (FIG. 4B), which output pattern is to be executed is determined. At the start of processing, the output pattern (pattern 0 in FIG. 4A) corresponding to the first reference position (number of times 1) of the acceleration table is determined. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 302.
In step 302, the output pattern is executed. That is, the excitation signal and the non-excitation signal are output at the set timing with the updated output pattern. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 303.

In step 303, n = n-1. That is, the remaining process execution count is decremented by one. In other words, the reference position of the acceleration table is updated by 1. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 304.
In step 304, it is determined whether or not n = 0, that is, whether or not the number of process executions has reached a preset number. In other words, it is determined whether or not the processing based on the acceleration table is finished. If n = 0, the process returns to step 301, and if n = 0, the process is terminated.
The process according to the flow described above is a method in which the initial value of n is set to “X” and the remaining processing execution count is decremented, but the initial value of n is set to “0” and the processing execution count is incremented. A method of ending the processing when n = X may be adopted.

(Summary)
As described above, the present embodiment can realize a freeze effect in which the progress of the game is paused by executing the rotation stop effect without rotating the rotary reel 40 using the rotation effect control data. it can. In other words, it is not necessary to separately provide a procedure for the freeze effect and a procedure for the spinning effect for operating the rotary reel 40 differently from the normal rotation mode as the procedure for executing the effect. In addition, the rotation effect control data in the present embodiment is only required to output a signal a predetermined number of times for each timer interruption based on a preset acceleration table. Code compression of game control logic in the control device 21 can be performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the rendering operation based on the control of the main control device 21 is unified, and the control burden on the main control device 21 can be reduced.
(Modification)
In the embodiment described above, the rotor R of the stepping motor M is kept at the stop position by outputting a non-excitation signal (not exciting all the coils ABCD) at the time of the spinning effect. The rotor R of the stepping motor M can be held at the stop position also by the output of the signal.
For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the rotor R does not rotate even when the coil ABCD is in the all-phase excitation state. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10B, the rotor R does not rotate even if the coil ABCD repeats the all-phase excitation state and the all-phase non-excitation state at a predetermined cycle. Other patterns may be provided so that the rotating reel 40 does not rotate even when excitation output is performed. The drive signal output means 127 can prevent the rotating reel 40 from rotating by outputting a predetermined excitation signal (drive pulse) to the motor drive circuit 62 in a predetermined pattern. In this case, since it is not necessary to convert the signals “0” and “1” into the presence / absence of excitation output as in the above-described embodiment, the motor drive circuit 62 is not provided with a switching circuit. Also good.

The present invention can also be applied to gaming machines other than slot machines. For example, the present invention can be applied to a parrot game machine that uses a game ball (pachinko ball) as a game medium to perform a game similar to a slot machine.
The stepping motor control method used in the present invention can also be applied to control of stepping motors other than the stepping motor for rotating the rotating reel. For example, the present invention may be applied to the control of a stepping motor for operating a movable accessory provided in a gaming machine (for example, an opening / closing accessory such as a shutter, a rotating accessory, a swinging accessory, etc.).

10 slot machine 11 chassis
12 Front panel 13 Symbol display window
15 Insert switch 16 Bet switch
17 Checkout switch
20 Controller 21 Game controller
22 Production control device
30 Start switch 40 turn reel
50 Stop switch 60 Reel unit
61 Index sensor 62 Motor drive circuit
65 Hopper unit 66 Production display device
100 role lottery means 110 gaming state control means
120 reel control means 125 motor control means
127 Driving signal output means 130 Revolving effect determination means M Stepping motor R Rotor
A, B, C, D Coil Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd Switching circuit

Claims (1)

A plurality of rotating reels each mounted on a plurality of stepping motors and having a plurality of symbols displayed on the surface;
A start switch for starting rotation of the rotating reel;
A stop switch for individually stopping the rotating reels in rotation;
A role lottery means for performing a role lottery for determining whether or not the winning combination is a combination of a plurality of symbols;
Motor control means for controlling the driving and stopping of each stepping motor based on the operation of the start switch and the stop switch to rotate or stop the rotation reel;
After the operation of the start switch, the stepping motor starts driving, and the operation of the stop switch is enabled after a preset stoppable requirement is satisfied,
When the stop symbols of the plurality of rotating reels that have stopped rotating based on the operation of the stop switch are in a predetermined combination, a predetermined profit is given,
In the gaming machine formed so as to be able to execute the spinning effect by the operation mode of the rotating reel before the operation of the stop switch after the operation of the start switch,
The motor control means performs control to maintain the rotating reel in a stopped state in the spinning effect, and repeats excitation of the stepping motor and release of the excitation in the stopped state, so that the rotating reel is A gaming machine characterized by maintaining a stopped state.

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