JP2017023379A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of driving a solenoid that is used for a movable accessory or the like of the game machine, for a long time by suppressing a heating value of the solenoid.SOLUTION: The game machine comprises: a processing part which performs processing relating to a performance; a device for performance including a movable part and a solenoid SN which moves the movable part back and forth; and a slave substrate which controls the device. In the game machine, the solenoid is moved back and forth between a first position and a second position and based on a command from the processing part, the slave substrate drives the solenoid by a pulse. When moving the solenoid from the first position to the second position, a duty ratio of the pulse at the first position is defined as D1 and a duty ratio at the second position is defined as D2 (D1>D2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine (a spinning machine, slot machine) having a plurality of spinning cylinders with symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface is known. This type of gaming machine gives a certain game value to a game medium (medal) and performs a game for acquiring such a game medium. In addition, this type of gaming machine has an internal lottery triggered by the player's rotation start operation and starts rotation of a plurality of spinning cylinders, and a mode according to the result of the internal lottery as a player's stop operation trigger. In order to stop multiple cylinders. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in a state where the plurality of spinning cylinders are stopped, and medals are paid out according to the game result.

  A variety of presentation devices such as liquid crystal display devices (liquid crystal panels), production display lamps (electric decorations), and sound generators (sound devices, speakers) are provided in gaming machines as devices that play a role in enhancing the interest of players. It has been. In addition, there may be provided a movable accessory (movable body) that includes a movable part and produces an effect by the movement of the movable part.

JP, 11-179002, A The medal launch strength is adjusted by adjusting the duty factor of the pulse energized to the electromagnetic coil of the shot solenoid according to the rotation angle of the medal launch grip of the medal gaming machine. JP, 10-146424, A By the duty adjustment of the pachinko machine ball driving solenoid drive circuit, power loss is reduced more than before. There is a disclosure of a control circuit that can adjust the value of the holding current when the stepping motor is stopped.

  An actuator such as a solenoid is used as a drive source for the movable part of the movable body. The solenoid causes the plunger to advance and retreat by passing a current through a built-in coil (solenoid coil). In game machines, this movement is used to move the movable part.

  The solenoid has a simple structure and operation, can directly and quickly drive the movable part, and the entire apparatus can be configured simply. For this reason, in gaming machines, it is widely used for applications such as opening and closing shutters.

  In order to maintain the protruding state of the solenoid (plunger), it is necessary to keep a constant current flowing. If such a driving state continues for a long time, a bad influence due to heat generation becomes a problem. Driving the solenoid at all times may cause a large amount of heat and may affect surrounding structures. For this reason, it was difficult to drive the solenoid continuously. The above-mentioned patent documents 1 and 2 do not relate to the continuous driving of the solenoid. Patent Document 3 does not disclose driving of the solenoid.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing the amount of heat generated by an actuator such as a solenoid and driving it for a long time.

The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a processing unit that performs a process related to an effect, an effect device including an actuator that moves the movable part and the movable part forward and backward, and a slave board that controls the device.
The actuator advances and retracts between a first position and a second position;
The slave substrate drives the actuator with a pulse based on a command from the processing unit,
When the actuator is moved from the first position to the second position, the pulse duty ratio at the first position is D1, the duty ratio at the second position is D2, and D1> D2. It is what.

A sensor for measuring the position of the actuator;
The slave substrate changes the duty ratio of the pulse from D1 to D2 continuously or stepwise based on the output of the sensor.

A timer for measuring the driving time of the actuator;
The slave substrate changes the duty ratio of the pulse from D1 to D2 continuously or stepwise based on the output of the timer.

A counter for counting pulses applied to the actuator;
The slave substrate changes the duty ratio of the pulse from D1 to D2 continuously or stepwise based on the output of the counter.

  According to the present invention, the duty ratio D1 at the first position of the pulse for driving the actuator is changed to the duty ratio D2 at the second position (where D1> D2), so that the power consumption and the heat generation amount of the solenoid are reduced. be able to.

It is a perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state where the front door was closed. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing a state where the front door is opened. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart of the gaming process of the slot machine. It is a block diagram of the communication system of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram of the control system of the solenoid which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the position detection mechanism of the solenoid which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is another explanatory drawing of the position detection mechanism of the solenoid concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is explanatory drawing of the change of the duty ratio of the drive pulse of the solenoid which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of a duty ratio. It is explanatory drawing (comparative example) of the duty ratio of the drive pulse of a solenoid. It is another block diagram of the control system of the solenoid which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is another block diagram of the control system of the solenoid which concerns on embodiment of invention.

<Structure of gaming machine>
FIG. 1 shows a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 shows a front view of the slot machine with the front door open. In the following description, the upward, downward, left, or right directions refer to directions viewed from the player facing the slot machine unless otherwise specified.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. The slot machine 100 includes a slot machine housing 120 and a front door that is attached to one side of the front surface of the slot machine housing 120 by a hinge or the like so as to be opened and closed. 130. The front door 130 includes an upper door 130U and a lower door 130L that can be opened and closed independently.

  A game display 131 is provided in the upper right corner of the front surface of the front door 130. The player can see three reels of the reel unit 203 through the game display unit 131.

  A medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided on the right side of the upper surface of the upper door 130U. On the left side of the medal insertion slot 132, a clogged medal is inserted into the slot machine. A reject button 133 is provided for forcibly discharging outside 100.

  A start switch 134 for starting a game is provided on the left side of the upper surface of the upper door 130U, and three stop buttons 140 are provided between the start switch 134 and the medal slot 132 corresponding to each of the three reels. Yes.

  A liquid crystal panel LCD1 is provided at the center of the upper door 130U, and a liquid crystal panel LCD2 is provided over the entire surface of the lower door 130L.

  A switch (cross key unit) SW as an operation unit is provided at the center of the upper surface of the lower door 130L, that is, above the stop button 140 and between the bet switch BET and the medal slot 132. The switch SW includes, for example, a cursor key (switch) for moving the cursor up / down / left / right, an operation confirmation button / cancel button, and the like.

  Illuminated DRU, DRL, DLU, and DLL are provided on the left and right ends of the slot machine 100, respectively. That is, an electric decoration DLU is provided at the left end of the upper door 130U, an electric decoration DRU is provided at the right end, an electric decoration DLL is provided at the left end of the lower door 130L, and an electric decoration DRL is provided at the right end. Each of the electrical decorations DRU, DRL, DLU, and DLL includes a light emitting element (LED).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine housing 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals in a payout opening provided at the lower front portion of the lower door 130 </ b> L. A hopper device 121 for paying out one by one is installed. A hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a large number of medals is provided at the top of the hopper device 121. Inside the slot machine housing 120, a reel unit 203 including three reels is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the upper door 130U is closed. The reel unit 203 includes three reels (first reel to third reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The game display unit 131 is provided with an opening through which a player can see the symbols of each rotating reel of the reel unit 203. A power supply unit 205 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 121.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal (coin) selector 1 is attached to the lower surface of the lower door 130L at the lower portion of the medal slot 132 on the upper surface of the lower door 130L. This medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron whose outer diameter is different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side of the medal selector 1 and communicates with the payout port at the lower part of the lower door 130L is provided. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port via the derivation path 136.

  The main board 10 is attached to the inside of the slot machine housing 120 and below the reel unit 203. The main board 10 is provided with a setting change switch SSW for performing an internal setting relating to a game (for example, which of a plurality of lottery tables is used). The sub-board 20 is attached to the lower center of the back surface of the upper door 130U.

  A low-frequency speaker SPL is provided in the upper left corner of the slot machine housing 120, and two speakers SP that cover a standard sound range are provided below the lower door 130L.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine 100.

  In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine includes a power supply unit (power supply unit 205 in FIG. 2) for generating a DC power supply (+5 V or the like) from a commercial power supply (AC 100 V).

  The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate 10 and a sub substrate 20 that operates in response to a command from the main substrate 10 as main processing devices. Substrates including the main substrate 10 and the sub-substrate are accommodated inside the case so that they cannot be contacted from the outside, and are subjected to a sealing process so that traces remain when these substrates are removed. Specifically, the main board 10 and the sub board 20 are integrally attached by caulking, and are covered by an integral case that covers the entire main board 10 and the sub board 20.

  The main board 10 is used for performing an internal lottery in response to the player's operation, and for performing processing (game processing) such as rotation / stop of the spinning cylinder and payout of medals. The main board 10 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The sub board 20 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 10 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 20 includes a CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  Hereinafter, the main board and the sub board will be described in detail.

<Main board>
The main board 10 includes the bet switch BET, the start switch 134, the stop button 140, the reel (rotating cylinder) unit 203, the setting change switch SSW, the hopper driving unit 80, the hopper 81, and the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. A medal detection unit 82 for counting (these constitute the hopper device 121 described above) is connected.

  Further, medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1 are connected to the main board 10.

  The medal selector 1 is provided with medal sensors S1 and S2 for counting medals. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are attached to the downstream side (near the exit) of a medal passage (not shown) provided in the medal selector 1 (the upstream side of the medal passage communicates with the medal insertion port 132). The two medal sensors S1 and S2 are provided side by side at a predetermined interval along the medal traveling direction. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are, for example, photointerrupters that have a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that face each other, are formed in a U-shaped cross section, and are positioned so that the detection optical axis faces the medal passage from above. . Each photo interrupter detects the passage of a medal sent without being blocked on the way. The reason why two photo interrupters are adjacent is not only to detect the number of medals but also to monitor whether or not the passage of medals is normal. That is, by providing two photo interrupters adjacent to each other, it is possible to detect the passing speed and passing direction of medals, thereby detecting not only the number of medals but also an illegal act moving in the reverse direction.

  The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c, stepping motors 155a to 155c that respectively rotate these, and spinning cylinder position detectors (index sensors) 159a to 159c that detect their positions, respectively (note that The stepping motors 155a to 155c may be simply referred to as a motor 155 or a motor).

  Based on the reference position signal detected by the index sensor 159 every time each of the rotating cylinders 40a to 40c makes one rotation, the rotating cylinder control means 1300 starts from the reference position (a frame specified by an index (not shown)) of the rotating cylinder 40. Is obtained (by counting the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor), the current rotation state of the drum 40 can be monitored. That is, the main substrate 10 can obtain the position of the rotating drum 40 when the stop button 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the rotating drum 40.

  In the following description, reference numeral 40 is used to indicate any one or a plurality of spinning cylinders, and reference numerals 40a to 40c are used to separately indicate three spinning cylinders.

  The hopper driving unit 80 rotates an unillustrated rotating disk of the hopper 81 and performs an operation of paying out medals of the payout number instructed by the main board 10. The gaming machine includes a medal detection unit 82 that operates every time a medal is paid out, and the main board 10 receives a medal actually paid out from the hopper 81 based on an input signal from the medal detection unit 82. You can manage the number.

  The insertion accepting unit (insertion accepting means) 1050 receives the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1, accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and based on the insertion of medals corresponding to the prescribed number of insertions. Then, a process of permitting the start operation of the first to third cylinders for the start switch 134 is performed. Note that the pressing operation of the start switch 134 is an opportunity to start the rotation of the first cylinder to the third cylinder, and is an opportunity to execute the internal lottery. Also, a prescribed number of throws is set according to the gaming state, the prescribed number of throws is set to 3 in the normal state and the bonus established state, and the prescribed number of throws is set to 1 in the bonus state.

  When medals are inserted, the inserted medals are set to the inserted state up to a specified number of insertions according to the gaming state. Alternatively, when the bet switch BET is pressed in a state where medals have been credited to the gaming machine, the credited medals are set to the inserted state by limiting the prescribed number of insertions according to the gaming state. The main board 10 controls whether or not to accept a medal. From the time when the start switch 134 is pressed and the rotation of each cylinder starts (game start time), when the three stop buttons 140 are pressed and the rotation of each cylinder stops (when the medal payout is completed when winning) (game) When the medal is not accepted (when it is not permitted), the medal sensor S1, S2 does not count the medal and is returned as it is. . Similarly, the main board 10 controls the validity / invalidity of the bet switch BET according to whether or not the medal insertion is accepted. In addition, the bet switch BET is valid from the end of the game to the start of the game, but during other periods (when pressing of the BET switch is not permitted), the bet switch BET is pressed. Even it is ignored.

  The main board 10 incorporates random number generating means 1100. The random number generation means 1100 is a means for generating a random number for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The internal lottery means 1200 performs an internal lottery in which the player determines whether or not the winning combination is based on a start signal from the start switch 134. That is, a lottery table selection process for selecting a lottery table (not shown) stored in a memory (not shown) of the main board 10, a random number determination process for determining the winning of a random number obtained from the random number generating means 1100, The lottery flag setting process for setting a flag to that effect when a big win or the like is won by the determination result is performed.

  In the lottery table selection process, a lottery table (not shown) stored in a storage unit (ROM) (not shown) is used to determine which lottery table is used for internal lottery. In the lottery table, for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535), replay, small role (bell, cherry), regular bonus (RB: bonus), and big bonus (BB :), etc., are associated with each other. In addition, a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state can be set as the gaming state, and a replay lottery state, a replay low probability state, and a replay high probability state can be set as replay lottery states.

  The lottery table selection process allows the contents of the lottery to be set within a predetermined range (the probability of winning can be increased or decreased), and the setting work is performed by the store in the hall where the gaming machine is installed. . The switch used in this setting operation is a setting change switch SSW.

  A normal gaming machine includes a plurality of (for example, six) lottery tables having different lottery probabilities such as BB, RB, and small roles in advance. In the lottery of gaming machines, one of the plurality of lottery tables is set, and the winning / losing determination by lottery is made based on the set lottery table. Changing a setting relating to which of a plurality of lottery tables is used is referred to as a setting change (hereinafter referred to as “setting change”).

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a slot machine, when changing a setting value (usually 1 to 6), the door of the gaming machine is opened, and a setting change key is set as a key switch of a setting change switch SSW provided on the main board 10. With the key inserted and the key switch turned on, the game machine is turned on so that the setting can be changed. Every time the setting change button (push button) of the setting change switch SSW is pressed, 7 segments The set value displayed on the display unit is incremented to cyclically change the values from 1 to 6, and the desired set value is operated by operating the start switch when the desired set value is displayed on the display unit. Is confirmed.

  In the random number determination process, on the basis of the start signal from the start switch 134, a random number value (lottery random number) is acquired for each game from random number generation means (not shown), and the lottery table is referred to for the acquired random number value. To determine whether or not they have won the role.

  In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag of the winning combination determined to be won based on the result of the random number determination process is changed from the non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to the winning state (second flag state, on Status). When two or more types of winning combinations are won, a lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning winning combinations is set to the winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in storage means (RAM).

  A lottery flag (possible carryover flag) that can carry over the winning state for the next game until winning, and a lottery flag that is reset to the non-winning state without bringing the winning state to the next game regardless of winning Carry-over impossible flag) may be provided. In this case, there are a regular bonus (RB) and a big bonus (BB) as a combination to which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, and other combinations (for example, small role, replay) correspond to the latter carry-over impossible flag. It is attached. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, when a regular bonus is won by internal lottery, the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over until the regular bonus is won, and when a big bonus is won by internal lottery, A process of carrying over the winning state of the flag until the big bonus is won is performed. At this time, the main board 10 determines whether or not a role other than the regular bonus and the big bonus (small role and replay) is used even in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus or big bonus lottery flag is carried over by the internal lottery function. An internal lottery is performed. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over, if a small role or replay is won in the internal lottery, the regular bonus lottery flag and the internal lottery already won In a game in which the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of winning combinations or replay lottery flags won in the win state are set to the winning state and the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over, it is small in the internal lottery When a winning combination or replay is won, a lottery flag corresponding to two or more kinds of winning combinations including a big bonus lottery flag that has already been won and a small bonus or replay lottery flag that has been won in an internal lottery is set to a winning state. Set.

  The spinning cylinder control means 1300 rotates the first to third cylinders by a stepping motor based on a start signal generated by the player pressing the start switch 134 (rotation start operation), and the first cylinder -Depressing (stopping) the three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the rotating cylinders in a state where the rotation speed of the third cylinder reaches a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotational speed of about 80 rotations per minute). In addition to performing control to permit the operation), control is performed to stop the first to third cylinders driven to rotate by the stepping motor in accordance with the lottery flag setting state (internal lottery result).

  In addition, when the player presses the three stop buttons 140 in a state where the pressing operation (stop operation) with respect to the three stop buttons 140 is permitted (validated), Based on the signal, the supply of the drive pulse (motor drive signal) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 203 is stopped, thereby controlling each of the first to third drums.

  That is, each time the three stop buttons 140 are pressed, the spinning cylinder control means 1300 determines the stopping position of the spinning cylinder corresponding to the pressed button among the first to third cylinders. Thus, control is performed to stop the spinning cylinder at the determined stop position. Specifically, referring to a stop control table (not shown) stored in the storage means (ROM), the first time corresponding to the pressing timing, pressing order, etc. of the three stop buttons (mode of stop operation) A stop position of the cylinder to the third cylinder is determined, and control is performed to stop the first cylinder to the third cylinder at the determined stop position.

  Here, in the stop control table, the positions of the first cylinder to the third cylinder (pressing detection position) at the time when the stop button 140 is operated, and the actual stop positions (or pressing detection of the first cylinder to the third cylinder). Correspondence with the number of sliding frames from the position) is set. The number of sliding symbols is a symbol that passes through the reference position between the operation of the stop button 140 and the rotation stop of the corresponding rotating cylinder when a specific symbol that can be visually recognized from the game display unit at the time of stopping the rotating drum is used as the reference position. The number of Since the turning cylinder control means 1300 stops each turning cylinder within 190 ms from the operation of each stop button 140, the number of sliding frames is in the range of 0 to 4 (however, 80 revolutions / minute, (In the condition of the number of symbols = 21). Depending on the setting state of the lottery flag, a stop control table for determining the stop positions of the first cylinder to the third cylinder may be prepared.

  As described above, the spinning cylinder control unit 1300 is based on the reference position signal detected by the index sensor 159 every time the rotating cylinder makes one rotation, from the reference position of the spinning cylinder (the frame detected by the reel index). By obtaining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor), the current rotation state of the rotating drum can be monitored. That is, the main board 10 can obtain the position of the rotating cylinder when the stop button 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the rotating cylinder.

  The spinning cylinder control unit 1300 performs so-called pull-in processing and kicking processing as control for stopping the spinning cylinder. The pull-in process is a control for stopping the spinning cylinder so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state is stopped on a valid winning determination line (so that the winning combination can be won). It is processing. On the other hand, the kicking process means that the symbol corresponding to the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state does not stop on a valid winning determination line (so that a non-winning combination cannot be won) Is a control process for stopping the process. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the lottery flag setting state, the stop button 140 pressing timing, the pressing order, and the stop position of the spinning cylinder that has already stopped (in the display pattern) in order to realize the pull-in processing and kicking processing. The stop control table is set so that the stop position of each cylinder changes according to the type). In this way, the main board 10 can stop the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state in a winning form, while the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state is in the winning form. Control is performed to stop the first to third cylinders so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first to third drums are controlled to stop the rotating drum corresponding to the pressed stop button within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 140 is pressed. Is set to That is, in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating cylinder, the number of frames required from when the stop button 140 is pressed until each cylinder stops is in the range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). Is set in

  The winning determination means 1400 performs a process of determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopping modes of the first to third cylinders. Specifically, referring to the winning determination table stored in the storage means (ROM), the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line when all of the first to third cylinders are stopped. It is determined whether or not this is a predetermined winning combination form.

  The winning determination means 1400 executes a winning process based on the determination result. As a process at the time of winning a prize, for example, when a small role wins, the hopper 81 is driven to perform a medal payout control process, or a credit is increased (a predetermined maximum number is increased to 50, for example, When the replay is won, a replay process is performed. When a big bonus or a regular bonus is won, a game state transition control process for shifting the game state is performed.

  The payout control means 1500 performs payout control processing relating to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a payout predetermined for each combination, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are determined by the hopper driving unit 80. Then, the hopper 81 is driven to pay out. At this time, a current flows through a motor (not shown) built in the hopper 81.

  When medal credits (internal storage) are permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper 81, the number of credits stored in a credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means (RAM) (not shown) A credit addition process for adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals is performed to virtually pay out medals.

  When the replay is won, the replay processing means 1600 performs a replay process (regame process) for setting the same preparatory state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals owned by the player for the next game. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the previous game is automatically set to the insertion state without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The game machine is set in a state of waiting for a rotation start operation (pressing operation of the start switch 134 by the player) in the next game in a state where the same winning determination line as the previous game is validated.

  The replay processing unit 1600 may perform control to change the winning probability of replay in the internal lottery under a predetermined condition. For example, when a predetermined turn is displayed when the spinning cylinder is stopped by operating the stop button 140, the winning probability of replay varies. The replay lottery states include a replay no lottery state in which replay is excluded from the internal lottery, a replay low probability state in which the replay winning probability is set to about 1 / 7.3, and a replay winning probability of about 1 / A plurality of lottery states such as a high replay probability state set to 6 can be set.

  The error processing unit 1700 determines an error of the gaming machine based on the outputs of a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), the medal sensors S1 and S2, and the medal detection unit 82, and notifies that when it determines that there is an error. To a predetermined state (for example, a state in which no operation is accepted).

  A door open / close detection sensor (not shown) is a sensor that detects that the front door 130 (the upper door 130U and the lower door 130L) is closed, and is an electrical switch such as a micro switch or a contact. When the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is closed, the switch is turned on (or turned off) by the action part of the switch contacting the back side of the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L). When the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is opened, the action part is separated and turned off (or turned on). The door opening / closing detection sensor may be an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter. The medal sensors S1 and S2 and the medal detection unit 82 have been described above.

Specifically, the error processing unit 1700 performs the following operation.
When an opening of the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is detected based on the output of a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), error processing is performed.
-Based on the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2, the reverse flow of the medals (the detection order of the sensors S1 and S2 is reversed), the medal retention (the detection times of the sensors S1 and S2 are longer than a predetermined threshold) When error is detected, error processing is performed.
Based on the output of the medal detection unit 82, the medal clogging (the detection time of the medal detection unit 82 is longer than a predetermined threshold), hopper empty (the medal detection unit despite operating the hopper driving unit 80) When 82 detects no medal), error processing is performed.

  When the error processing unit 1700 determines that an error has occurred as described above, the error processing unit 1700 notifies the fact and sets the gaming machine to a predetermined state (error state). This state is canceled by a reset switch (not shown). The reset switch is provided on the panel of the power supply unit 205, for example.

  There are also errors that occur in the sub-board 20. Although this error does not result in an inoperable state, the liquid crystal display device or the like can notify that an error has occurred due to the processing of the sub-board 20 itself. The error occurs, for example, when an invalid command is received (including when the encrypted command cannot be correctly decrypted), and the error is canceled by the reset switch (from the main board 10 to the sub board 20). Reset command).

  Further, the main board 10 may perform control to shift the gaming state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state (gaming state transition control function). As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are established, transitioning the gaming state to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied or all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied Can do.

  The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and a transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state is possible. The bonus establishment state is a gaming state that shifts when a big bonus or a regular bonus is won in the internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, when the big bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and the regular bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state Until the regular bonus is won, the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus is maintained in the winning state. In the bonus state, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game, and medals exceeding a predetermined payout limit number are paid out according to the type of bonus won. The bonus state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the normal state.

  The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c, and one stepping motor 155a to 155c is attached to each of the three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c. The stepping motor 155 includes a gear-shaped iron core or permanent magnet as a rotor (rotor), a plurality of windings (coils) as a stator (stator), and is rotated by switching windings through which current flows. It is. That is, a current is passed through the windings of the stator to generate a magnetic force, and the rotor is rotated by attracting the rotor. Since the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle, it is used to drive the rotation of the slot machine. A plurality of windings constitute one phase. As the number of phases, for example, there are two (two phases), four (four phases), and five (five phases).

  The stepping motor can change its characteristics (excitation mode changes) by changing the way of applying current to the windings of each phase. The two-phase type is as follows.

• Single-phase excitation Always allow current to flow through only one phase of the winding. Positioning accuracy is good.

・ Two-phase excitation
Current flows in two phases. An output torque approximately twice that of single-phase excitation can be obtained. The positioning accuracy is good and the stationary torque is large when stopped, so that the stop position can be held reliably.

・ One-two-phase excitation
A current is passed by alternately switching between one phase and two phases. Since the step angle can be halved in the case of one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation, smooth rotation can be obtained.

  Note that “driving” a stepping motor includes rotating the motor by the above-described excitation and exciting each phase in order to stop at a desired position and hold the position.

  Regarding driving of the spinning cylinders 40a to 40c of the slot machine, for example, a four-phase stepping motor having a basic step angle of 1.43 degrees is used, and one-two-phase excitation is adopted as a pulse output method.

  10CG is a command transmitter that transmits a command to be sent to the sub-board 20. This command includes a command related to winning combination information, a command related to information on the number of inserted medals and the number of credits (stored number). Specifically, the command transmission unit 10CG is realized by the CPU executing a program written in advance in a ROM mounted on the main board 10. The command transmission will be described later.

<Sub-board>
Connected to the sub-board 20 are liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, LEDs (LED boards) 202B and 202L, a speaker SP, a bass speaker SPL, a solenoid SN, motors MU and ML, sensors SENU and SENL, and a switch SW. The LEDs 202B and 202L incorporate a latch that acquires and holds data and an LED that is an electric decoration (the LED may be provided outside the substrate). These components are controlled by the sub-board 20, and are an output device that produces effects by video, light, sound, and movement of the movable body, or an input device or player for detecting the movement of the movable body. It is an input device which receives operation by.

  The sub-board 20 drives a video controller (VDC) for controlling the liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, a speaker SP, a sound controller for generating sound by driving a bass speaker SPL, a solenoid SN, motors MU and ML. It has a built-in drive circuit.

  The components such as the liquid crystal panel described above, except for the bass speaker SPL, correspond to the model-specific block BB and the upper door block BU and the lower door 130L provided corresponding to the upper door 130U built in the slot machine housing 120. The lower door block BL is provided in a distinguishable manner.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the model-specific block BB includes the solenoid SN and the LED 202B, the upper door block BU includes the liquid crystal panel LCD1, the motor MU, and a sensor SENU that detects the operation of the movable body thereby, and the lower door block BL is , A liquid crystal panel LCD2, a speaker SP, an LED 202L, a motor ML, a sensor SENL for detecting the operation of the movable body thereby, and a switch SW such as a cursor key. The entire liquid crystal panel LCD2 is configured to be slightly movable back and forth by the motor ML, and the player may be able to perform an operation of pushing the liquid crystal panel LCD2 in a state where the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is moved forward. In this case, the switch SW of the lower door block BL includes a switch for detecting depression of the liquid crystal panel LCD2.

<Command transmission from main board to sub board>
The sub-board 20 receives a command from the main board 10 and performs processing such as rendering according to the command. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  The sub board 20 generates a command (display command, drawing command) for displaying a predetermined screen on the liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, for example, in accordance with a command from the main board 10. For example, when performing an effect by animation or the like, a large number of commands are continuously transmitted one after another.

  In FIG. 3, 20 CR is a command receiving unit that receives a command received from the main board 10. Specifically, the command receiving unit 20CR is realized by the CPU executing a program written in advance in a ROM mounted on the sub-board 20.

  As the above-mentioned command, there is a command for performing an effect suggesting the winning contents by the software on the sub-board 20 side. For example, as shown in the following AT, a suggestion for obtaining a ball is displayed on a liquid crystal display device so as to provide (assist) the player with the convenience of operation. The suggestion is not always issued, but in specific cases.

  The gaming machine includes an effect display device including a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, a display lamp, and the like. This effect display device is controlled by the sub-board 20 to notify the player of a prize or the like, or in a so-called assist time (AT), the base itself teaches the user with some action during a certain game with some action. It is for doing. (Assist time (AT): Even if a specific small role is established, the player will not be refunded if the reels are not aligned. After the big bonus ends (or at the time of establishment) to ensure payout by the small role) Alternatively, a lottery of assist time is drawn at any other opportunity, and if this is won, the player is instructed to perform an operation with some action for aligning specific small roles during a certain game)

  The command receiving unit 20CR receives a command received from the main board 10. For example, a command received as serial data is input to a serial-parallel converter (shift register), and is output every certain data (for example, 8 bits). The output data is transferred to the CPU of the sub-board 20 as a command, and is interpreted and executed.

Next, the game processing in the main board 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
Generally, in a gaming machine, one game is started from the insertion of medals (insertion of credits) until the end of payout (or until the increase in the number of credits is completed). There is a rule that it is not possible to proceed to the next game until one game is finished.

  First, when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the start switch 134 is activated, and the processing of FIG. 4 is started.

  In step S1, the start switch 134 is turned on by operating the start switch 134. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S2.

  In step S2, a lottery process is performed by the main board 10. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S3.

  In step S3, the rotation of the first reel to the third reel starts. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S4.

  In step S4, when the stop button 140 is operated, the stop button 140 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S5.

  In step S5, rotation stop processing is performed on the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button 140 among the first to third reels. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S6.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop button 140 corresponding to the three reels has been performed. If it is determined that all three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the three reels have been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S7.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the lottery flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the lottery flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. If it is determined that the winning is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S8. If the winning is not confirmed, no medals are paid out even if the lottery flag is established.

  In step S8, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out.

  The process from the insertion of the medal to the completion of the execution of step S8 is one game. When the standby process in step S8 ends, the process returns to the beginning of the flowchart. In other words, the next game is possible (transition to the next game).

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing connections of sub boards, slave boards (relay boards), devices such as LEDs, solenoids, motors, and sensors (photo sensors, switches, etc.) of the gaming machine. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the connection system according to the embodiment of the present invention extracted from the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 5, the same or corresponding parts as those in FIG.

  Of the elements shown in FIG. 5, the slave boards 206BU and 206BL are implemented by hardware such as an IC. The I2C transmission / reception processing unit 207 and the transmission / reception processing unit 208 of the slave board 206BB are stored in a ROM mounted thereon. This is realized by a CPU or the like executing a program written in advance. The transmission processing units 209T and 210T and the reception processing units 209R and 210R are realized by either hardware such as an IC or software.

  In FIG. 5, the sub-board 20 is included in the upper door block BU, but this is an example. For example, the sub-board 20 may be included in the lower door block BL, or may be provided separately from the model-specific block BB, the upper door block BU, and the lower door block BL.

  In the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention, I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) or synchronous serial method is used as a control communication method from the sub-board 20 to a slave board (relay board) that controls devices such as an accessory or electrical decoration. Serial communication is used. As the number of controlled objects, lighting, and other devices increases, the sub board connects to the slave board via serial communication, performs serial-parallel conversion on each slave board, and plays a role from each slave board. It is connected to devices such as objects and lighting.

  That is, in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention, I2C is used as the communication method between the sub-board 20 and the model-specific block BB. Since the configuration of the electrical member of the model-specific block BB changes for each model, versatile bidirectional communication is adopted. The communication system between the sub-board 20 and the upper door block BU uses synchronous serial. Since the reel unit 203 is to be replaced at the same time when the reel unit 203 is replaced, a harness HBU dedicated to the upper door block BU is provided. The communication system between the sub-board 20 and the lower door block BL uses synchronous serial. Since it is a remaining common part, a harness HBL dedicated to the lower door block BL is provided.

  BB is a model-specific block unique to each model of gaming machine. BL is a lower door block (first block) used in common for each housing. BU is a replaceable upper door block (second block).

  The model specific block BB, the lower door block BL, and the upper door block BU include a slave board (model specific relay board) 206BB, a slave board (first relay board) 206BL, and a slave board (second relay board) 206BU, respectively. The slave board 206BB has a built-in CPU and is more flexible and sophisticated than the slave boards 206BL and BU (for example, an address is determined in advance for the slave board 206BB, and it is determined whether the received message is addressed to itself. Can be requested to the sub-board 20 when transmitting data). The slave boards 206BL and BU have a predetermined communication procedure with the other party (transmission processing units 209T and 210T, reception processing parts 209R and 210R of the sub board 20), and need not be flexible. . For this reason, the slave substrates 206BL and BU can be configured by a dedicated IC.

  J11 is a model-specific input / output terminal of the sub-board 20. This includes one data and one clock, but the clock is omitted (the same applies to other terminals).

  J21 and J22 are first output terminals, and J31 is a first input terminal. J41 and J42 are second output terminals, and J51 is a second input terminal.

  The harness (model-specific harness) HBB connects the model-specific input / output terminal J11 to the slave substrate 206BB.

  The harness (first harness) HBL connects the first output ends J21 and J22 and the first input end J31 to the slave substrate 206BL.

  The harness (second harness) HBU connects the second output ends J41 and J42 and the second input end J51 to the slave substrate 206BU.

  The transmission processing unit (first transmission processing unit) 209T generates a serial signal to be transmitted from the first output terminals J21 and J21 to the slave substrate 206BL.

  The reception processing unit (first reception processing unit) 209R converts the serial signal received from the slave substrate 206BL at the first input terminal J31 into a parallel signal. The converted parallel signal is subjected to predetermined processing by the sub-board 20.

  The transmission processing unit (second transmission processing unit) 210T generates a serial signal to be transmitted from the second output terminals J41 and J42 to the slave substrate 206BU.

  The reception processing unit (second transmission / reception processing unit) 210R converts the serial signal received from the slave substrate 206BU at the second input terminal J51 into a parallel signal. The converted parallel signal is subjected to predetermined processing by the sub-board 20.

  The transmission / reception processing unit 208 of the slave substrate 206BB performs reception processing and transmission processing according to the address from the I2C transmission / reception processing unit 207. Although only one slave board 206BB is shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of slave boards 206BB can be connected to the same harness HBB (including signal lines branched from now). An address is used to identify the slave substrate 206BB.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a solenoid control system according to the embodiment of the invention.

  The drive command is input from the sub board 20 through the harness HBB. The solenoid control unit 206BB-1 and the distance-duty ratio conversion unit 206BB-2 are provided on the slave substrate 206BB. These are realized by hardware such as an IC or software by a program.

  The solenoid SN is an actuator that advances and retracts between a storage position (first position) where the plunger is stored and a protruding position (second position) where the plunger protrudes and operates the movable part of the movable body.

  When the solenoid SN starts moving from the storage position (first position) to the protruding position (second position), in other words, the current required for activation at the storage position (first position) is I1, and the protruding position If the current required to hold (second position) is I2, there is a relationship of I1> I2. The magnitude of the current is proportional to the torque of the solenoid SN. A large torque (starting torque) is required immediately after startup, but the torque required to continue to hold a stable state (holding state, for example, a protruding state) is smaller than the starting torque. However, in order to stay at the protruding position (second position) which is a stable state, the current I2 must continue to flow. In the embodiment of the invention, the current magnitude is adjusted by changing the duty ratio of the drive pulse.

  The movement amount detection sensor SX1 is a sensor that detects the movement amount of the plunger (movable iron core) of the solenoid SN. The movement amount detection sensor SX1 will be further described later.

  Solenoid control unit 206BB-1 drives solenoid (actuator) SN with a pulse based on a drive command from sub-board 20.

  The distance-duty ratio conversion unit 206BB-2 sets the duty ratio based on the output of the movement amount detection sensor SX1, and controls the solenoid control unit 206BB-1 to output at this duty ratio.

  When the solenoid SN is moved from the storage position (first position) to the protruding position (second position), the duty ratio of the pulse at the storage position (first position) is D1, and the duty ratio at the protruding position (second position). Is D2, D1> D2 in the embodiment of the invention. Solenoid controller 206BB-1 changes the duty ratio of the pulse so that D1> D2 based on the output of distance-duty ratio converter 206BB-2. For example, the distance-duty ratio converter 206BB-2 changes the pulse duty ratio from D1 to D2 continuously or stepwise based on the output of the movement amount detection sensor SX1.

  7 and 8 schematically show structures of the solenoid SN and the movement amount detection sensor SX1 according to the embodiment of the invention. The protruding position (second position) from the storage position (first position) of the solenoid SN is more specifically the position (state) of the plunger SNP. In the following description, the expression of the position of the plunger SNP is used together with the position of the solenoid SN.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration in which a photo interrupter is used as the movement amount detection sensor SX1, and it is detected that the plunger SNP has reached the protruding position (second position). A micro switch, a reed switch, or the like can be used as the movement amount detection sensor SX1. The configuration of FIG. 7 detects whether or not the plunger SNP has reached the protruding position (second position). It does not measure the specific amount of movement of the plunger SNP. If the plunger SNP has not reached the protruding position (second position), it may be determined that it is the storage position (first position). A movable portion 300 that rotates about a fulcrum 301 is attached to the plunger SNP. The movable part 300 is a shutter, for example.

  7A and 7B, the plunger SNP is in the storage position (first position) and the movable portion (shutter) 300 is closed, but in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the plunger SNP is in the protruding position (second position). It moves and the movable part (shutter) 300 opens. In the embodiment of the invention, since the movable part (shutter) 300 is left open for a certain period of time, it is necessary to maintain the states of FIGS. 7C and 7D for a predetermined time.

  FIG. 8 uses a rotary encoder as the movement amount detection sensor SX2, and measures a specific movement amount of the plunger SNP. A potentiometer or the like can also be used as the movement amount detection sensor SX2. Since the configuration of FIG. 8 measures a specific amount of movement of the plunger SNP, it is assumed that the plunger SNP is in the retracted position when the amount of movement is in the first position, and the protruding position when in the second position. Is reached. Also in FIG. 8, the movable portion 300 that rotates about the fulcrum 301 is attached to the plunger SNP, but the illustration thereof is omitted.

  8 (a) and 8 (b), the plunger SNP is in the storage position (first position) and the movable part (shutter) 300 is closed, but in FIGS. 8 (c) and 8 (d), it is in the protruding position (second position). It moves and the movable part (shutter) 300 opens. This state needs to be maintained for a predetermined time.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of setting of the duty ratio by the distance-duty ratio conversion unit 206BB-2. In the figure, the vertical axis represents the duty ratio, and the horizontal axis represents the position of the plunger SNP. x1 corresponds to the storage position (first position), and x2 corresponds to the protruding position (second position). The horizontal axis corresponds to time and the number of driving pulses of the solenoid SN. These will be described later (see FIGS. 12 and 13 and the description thereof).

  The duty ratio of the pulse at the storage position (first position) is D1, and the duty ratio at the protruding position (second position) is D2. The ratio is changed continuously or stepwise.

  FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of setting of the duty ratio corresponding to the configuration of FIG. The movement amount detection sensor SX1 detects whether or not the plunger SNP has reached the protruding position (second position). Accordingly, the distance-duty ratio converter 206BB-2 sets the duty ratio to D2 when receiving the detection output of the movement amount detection sensor SX1. In order to ensure that the duty ratio can be set to D2 at the protruding position (second position), the movement amount detection sensor SX1 detects the plunger SNP slightly before reaching the protruding position (second position) (Δx). May be.

  FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram of setting of the duty ratio corresponding to the configuration of FIG. The movement amount detection sensor SX2 measures the movement amount (protrusion amount) of the plunger SNP. As the movement amount increases, the distance-duty ratio converter 206BB-2 decreases the duty ratio D1 stepwise and sets the duty ratio to be D2 at least at x2.

  FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram of setting of the duty ratio corresponding to the configuration of FIG. As the movement amount increases, the distance-duty ratio conversion unit 206BB-2 continuously decreases (for example, linearly) the duty ratio D1, and sets the duty ratio to D2 at x2.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the duty ratio. When FIG. 10A is a pulse at the storage position (first position), the duty ratio D1 = τ1 / T. When FIG. 10A is a pulse at the protruding position (second position), the duty ratio D2 = τ2 / T. However, τ1> τ2. Although the period is the same T in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the period may be different. When the duty ratio is small, the current value (average value) becomes small, and the current consumption and the heat generation amount can be reduced.

  FIG. 11 shows a comparative example. In the comparative example, the duty ratio is constant regardless of the position of the plunger SNP. The solenoid control in the conventional gaming machine is like this. FIG. 9 is clearly different from FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a solenoid control system according to another embodiment. 12, the same or corresponding parts as those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The timer TMR starts measuring time when the drive of the solenoid SN is started (t1 in FIG. 9). It is assumed that the time required to move the solenoid SN from the storage position (first position) to the protruding position (second position) is predetermined (for example, the time is shown in (t2-t1) in FIG. Equivalent).

  The time-duty ratio conversion unit 206BB-3 sets the duty ratio based on the output of the timer TMR, and controls the solenoid control unit 206BB-1 so as to output at this duty ratio.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the time-duty ratio conversion unit 206BB-3 sets the duty ratio to D2 at a time t2 that is predetermined as the time to reach the protruding position (second position). Note that the duty ratio may be set to D2 slightly before time t2 (corresponding to Δx).

  Alternatively, the time-duty ratio converter 206BB-3 decreases the duty ratio stepwise in accordance with the time of the timer TMR as shown in FIG. 9B so that the duty ratio becomes D2 at least at time t2. .

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9C, the time-duty ratio converter 206BB-3 continuously decreases the duty ratio according to the time of the timer TMR (linearly), and the duty ratio becomes D2 at time t2. To be.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a solenoid control system according to another embodiment. In FIG. 13, the same or corresponding parts as those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The counter CNT counts the number of driving pulses of the solenoid SN. It is assumed that the number of pulses required to move the solenoid SN from the storage position (first position) to the protruding position (second position) is predetermined. For example, the number of the pulses corresponds to (N2-N1) in FIG. If the counter CNT is cleared when the drive command is received, N1 = 0.

  The count value-duty ratio converter 206BB-4 sets the duty ratio based on the output of the counter CNT, and controls the solenoid controller 206BB-1 to output at this duty ratio.

  The count value-duty ratio converter 206BB-4, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the content of the counter CNT reaches a predetermined number N2 as the number of pulses that reach the protruding position (second position). Set the duty ratio to D2. Note that the duty ratio may be set to D2 slightly before the pulse number N2 (corresponding to Δx).

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9B, the count value-duty ratio conversion unit 206BB-4 gradually decreases the duty ratio according to the count of the counter CNT so that the duty ratio becomes D2 at least at the number of pulses N2. To.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9C, the count value-duty ratio converter 206BB-4 continuously (linearly) decreases the duty ratio according to the count of the counter CNT, and the duty ratio is increased at the number of pulses N2. Set to D2.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, the solenoid, which is one of the driving sources of the movable body in the gaming machine, cannot be driven for a long time due to heat generation or the like when it is always driven. The problem could be solved by changing the duty ratio D1 of the (first position) to the duty ratio D2 of the protruding position (second position) (where D1> D2). By reducing the duty ratio, power consumption and heat generation can be reduced. If the duty ratio is reduced, the current value (average value) decreases, the power consumption and heat generation amount of the solenoid SN can be suppressed, and adverse effects on the surroundings can be reduced.

  Driving the solenoid at all times (for example, leaving the solenoid plunger protruding) may cause a large amount of heat and may affect surrounding structures. For this reason, it was difficult to drive the solenoid continuously.

  When driving a solenoid, a large torque (starting torque) is required immediately after starting, but there is no problem even if the torque required to keep a stable state (holding state, for example, a protruding state) is smaller than the starting torque. . In view of this, in the embodiment of the invention, the duty ratio (on / off ratio) of a pulse necessary for driving the solenoid is dynamically changed according to the driving state. Thereby, heat generation in a stable state can be suppressed while ensuring a large torque at the time of startup. The solenoid can be driven continuously for a long time.

  The on / off ratio at startup is close to 100: 0, and the on / off ratio in the stable state is close to 0: 100. Therefore, the duty ratio at startup is larger than the duty ratio in the stable state. As the duty ratio, a value suitable for the movable body is adopted according to the performance such as the weight of the movable body to be driven by the solenoid and / or the torque of the solenoid. By increasing the solenoid off ratio, the amount of heat generation can be reduced, and the solenoid drive time can be extended accordingly. Even if the drive time of the solenoid is the same, the current consumption can be reduced by increasing the off ratio.

  The embodiment of the invention can be similarly applied to a driving device (actuator) that is controlled only by ON / OFF of a signal such as a DC motor.

  According to the embodiment of the invention, by adjusting the duty ratio and dynamically changing the torque of the solenoid, the amount of heat generated by the solenoid can be suppressed and the solenoid can be driven for a longer time than before.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

20 Sub board 206BB Slave board 206BB-1 Solenoid control part 206BB-2 Distance-duty ratio conversion part 206BB-3 Time-duty ratio conversion part 206BB-4 Count value-duty ratio conversion part 300 Movable part CNT counter SN Solenoid SNP Plunger SX1 Movement amount detection sensor SX2 Movement amount detection sensor TMR Timer

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine comprising a processing unit that performs a process related to an effect, an effect device including a movable part and an actuator that advances and retracts the movable part, and a slave board that controls the device,
The actuator advances and retracts between a first position and a second position;
The slave substrate drives the actuator with a pulse based on a command from the processing unit,
When the actuator is moved from the first position to the second position, the pulse duty ratio at the first position is D1, the duty ratio at the second position is D2, and D1> D2. A gaming machine. A sensor for measuring the position of the actuator;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the slave board changes the duty ratio of the pulse continuously from D1 to D2 or in a stepped manner based on the output of the sensor. A timer for measuring the driving time of the actuator;
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the slave board changes the duty ratio of the pulse continuously from D1 to D2 or stepwise based on the output of the timer. A counter for counting pulses applied to the actuator;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the slave board changes the duty ratio of the pulse from D1 to D2 continuously or stepwise based on the output of the counter.

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