JP2017093573A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of enhancing players' amusement regarding games.SOLUTION: A game machine includes reels, stepping motors, and a main control CPU for controlling operation of the reels by controlling excitation states of the stepping motors. In the processing performed by the main control CPU, reel acceleration processing for accelerating a reel angular speed to a predetermined angular speed is at least provided. The reel acceleration processing includes causing an excitation state of the stepping motor to transit between a low torque excitation state and a high torque excitation state alternately. When a period in the high torque excitation state is represented by Ta and a period in the low torque excitation state is represented by Tb, a ratio r calculated by a formula Tb/Ta is increased gradually.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, in a slot machine, which is a type of gaming machine, a game rotates a plurality of spinning cylinders when the start lever is operated and stops the spinning cylinder when a stop button is operated. Is done by. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for rotating and stopping a plurality of drums with high accuracy by using a stepping motor.

JP 2010-246694 A

  And in the technical field of gaming machines, it is expected that after the start lever is operated, the spinning cylinder is quickly accelerated so that the game is played at a good tempo and the player's interest is improved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the prior art as described above. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of a player for a game.

  A gaming machine that solves the above-described problem includes a spinning cylinder, a stepping motor, and a control unit that controls the operation of the spinning cylinder by controlling the excitation state of the stepping motor, and the processing performed by the control unit Includes at least an acceleration process for accelerating the angular velocity of the rotating cylinder to a predetermined angular velocity, and the acceleration process alternately changes the excitation state of the stepping motor between a low torque excitation state and a high torque excitation state. When the period in the high torque excitation state is Ta and the period in the low torque excitation state is Tb, the ratio r calculated by the formula of Tb / Ta is increased stepwise. This is the gist.

  Regarding the gaming machine, in the acceleration process, the number of steps controlled at the same ratio r is preferably increased stepwise.

  According to the present invention, a player's interest in games can be improved.

The front view which shows a slot machine typically. The perspective view which shows a 1st reel and a 1st stepping motor typically. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the 1-2 phase excitation system. The block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of a slot machine. The flowchart which shows a game progress main process. The flowchart which shows a reel acceleration process. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the 1st control example of a stepping motor. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the 2nd control example of a stepping motor. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the 3rd control example of a stepping motor.

  Hereinafter, a slot machine which is a kind of gaming machine will be described. The slot machine according to this embodiment is a spinning machine that is also called a pachislot machine. In this specification, the directions of up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) are directions when viewed from a player who plays a game in a slot machine.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 includes a square box-shaped main body cabinet 11. The main body cabinet 11 includes an opening (not shown) on the front surface. The slot machine 10 includes a front door 12 that covers an opening of the main body cabinet 11. The front door 12 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body cabinet 11.

  The slot machine 10 includes an effect display device 13 that can execute an effect (hereinafter referred to as a display effect) that displays an image imitating a character or a character, for example, as one of the game effects on the front surface of the front door 12. Yes. The effect display device 13 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like. The slot machine 10 has an effect of turning on, turning off, and blinking a light-emitting body (not shown) as one of the effects accompanying the game (hereinafter referred to as game effects) on the front surface of the front door 12 (hereinafter referred to as light emission effects). The decorative lamp 14 is provided. The slot machine 10 includes, on the front surface of the front door 12, a speaker 15 that can execute an effect of outputting sound such as sound effects and music (hereinafter referred to as an audio effect) as one of game effects.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 10 includes a reel unit 16 inside the machine. The reel unit 16 includes a first reel 161, a second reel 162, and a third reel 163. FIG. 2 shows only the first reel 161 and a mechanism for operating the first reel 161. Since the reels 162 and 163 and the mechanism for operating these reels are the same as those of the first reel 161, only the reference numerals are shown. Each of the reels 161 to 163 is a flat cylindrical member. The reels 161 to 163 are arranged in this order from the left, and are reels (drums) also referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel, respectively.

  Each of the reels 161 to 163 includes a symbol row in which a plurality of symbols are arranged along the outer peripheral surface thereof. The symbol row is provided by winding a belt-like translucent film, on which a plurality of symbols are printed along the longitudinal direction, around the reels 161 to 163. In this embodiment, the symbol row is composed of a total of 21 symbols from symbol number 00 to symbol number 20. In addition, there are a plurality of types of symbols in this embodiment. For example, for multiple types of symbols, a cherry symbol imitating cherry, a watermelon symbol imitating watermelon, a bell symbol imitating bell, a seven symbol imitating the Arabic numeral “7”, and the character “REPLAY” are imitated. There are replay designs.

  The reel 161 has a detection piece 161a on its inner peripheral surface. The reel 162 includes a detection piece 162a on its inner peripheral surface. The reel 163 includes a detection piece 163a on its inner peripheral surface. The detection pieces 161a to 163a are used to detect the rotation angle of the reels 161 to 163. The reel unit 16 includes a first reel sensor SE1 for detecting the detection piece 161a of the first reel 161, a second reel sensor SE2 for detecting the detection piece 162a of the second reel 162, and a third reel 163. And a third reel sensor SE3 for detecting the detection piece 163a.

  In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, the detection piece 161a and the first reel sensor SE1 are detected by the first reel sensor SE1 at the timing when the symbol of the symbol number 00 passes a predetermined position (intermediate stop position described later). 161a is provided at a position where it can be detected. The detection piece 162a and the second reel sensor SE2 are provided at a position where the second reel sensor SE2 can detect the detection piece 162a at the timing when the symbol of symbol number 00 passes a predetermined position (intermediate stop position described later). Yes. The detection piece 163a and the third reel sensor SE3 are provided at positions where the third reel sensor SE3 can detect the detection piece 163a at the timing when the symbol of the symbol number 00 passes a predetermined position (a middle stage stop position described later). Yes.

  The reel unit 16 includes a first stepping motor M1 that operates the first reel 161, a second stepping motor M2 that operates the second reel 162, and a third stepping motor M3 that operates the third reel 163. Yes. The stepping motors M1 to M3 are four-phase stepping motors including a first-phase winding, a second-phase winding, a third-phase winding, and a fourth-phase winding. For example, the number of windings for each phase is two.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the stepping motors M1 to M3 are controlled by a 1-2 phase excitation method. The excitation states of the stepping motors M1 to M3 include a first excitation state in which the first phase winding is energized, a second excitation state in which the first phase winding and the second phase winding are energized, There are a third excitation state in which the second phase winding is energized and a fourth excitation state in which the second phase winding and the third phase winding are energized. The excitation states of the stepping motors M1 to M3 include a fifth excitation state in which the third phase winding is energized and a sixth excitation state in which the third phase winding and the fourth phase winding are energized. And a seventh excitation state in which the fourth phase winding is energized and an eighth excitation state in which the fourth phase winding and the first phase winding are energized. As described above, in this embodiment, the excitation states of the stepping motors M1 to M3 include four types of one-phase excitation states and four types of two-phase excitation states.

  In the 1-2 phase excitation method, the first excitation state (1 phase) → the second excitation state (2 phases) → the third excitation state (1 phase) → the fourth excitation state (2 phases) → the fifth excitation state (1 Phase) → sixth excitation state (two phases) → seventh excitation state (one phase) → eighth excitation state (two phases) → first excitation state (one phase). By switching the energization state, the excitation state transitions in order for each step. In this embodiment, the output shafts of the stepping motors M1 to M3 rotate once in 504 steps. That is, the rotation angle (step angle) per step of the stepping motors M1 to M3 is 0.714 °. The number of steps per symbol is 24 steps.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the stepping motors M1 to M3 are controlled by switching eight types of excitation states in a predetermined order. The excitation state in which the two-phase winding is energized has a higher torque than the excitation state in which the one-phase winding is energized. Therefore, the two-phase excitation state corresponds to a high torque excitation state, and the one-phase excitation state corresponds to a low torque excitation state. Therefore, the 1-2 phase excitation method is a control method in which a transition is alternately made between a low torque excitation state (one phase excitation state) and a high torque excitation state (two phase excitation state).

  Further, the excitation states of the stepping motors M1 to M3 include all excitation states in which the windings of all phases are energized. The full excitation state is an excitation state used when stopping the rotating stepping motors M1 to M3. In the following description, an excitation state in which all the phase windings are not energized may be referred to as a “non-excitation state”.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the output shaft of the first stepping motor M <b> 1 is connected to the output shaft of the first reel 161. The output shaft of the second stepping motor M2 is connected to the output shaft of the second reel 162. The output shaft of the third stepping motor M3 is connected to the output shaft of the third reel 163. Therefore, the reels 161 to 163 can be rotated, rotated, and stopped in the vertical direction independently of each other by the stepping motors provided corresponding to the reels 161 to 163.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 is a front surface of the front door 12, and below the effect display device 13, is a substantially rectangular shape for making the reel unit 16 disposed inside the machine visible. A display window 12a is provided. That is, the reel unit 16 is disposed inside the machine so that the player can visually recognize it through the display window 12a.

  In the slot machine 10, when the reels 161 to 163 are rotated, the symbol row (a plurality of symbols) that can be visually recognized through the display window 12a is changed, whereby a variable game as a game is performed. For example, the variation of the symbol sequence is performed in such a manner that the symbol sequence is scroll-displayed in the vertical direction from the top to the bottom.

  The display window 12a has a size capable of displaying three symbols continuous in the circumferential direction on the reels 161 to 163. In the display window 12a, an upper stop position, an intermediate stop position, and a lower stop position are set for each of the reels 161 to 163. In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, the combination of stopped positions selected one by one from the three stopping positions set for each of the reels 161 to 163 is effective for determining that the stopped symbol combination is a winning prize. A combination of stop positions is set. In the following description, a line connecting a plurality of stop positions constituting a combination of effective stop positions is simply referred to as “effective line NL”. In this embodiment, an effective line NL (a combination of effective stop positions) is configured by the middle stage stop positions of the reels 161 to 163. A combination other than a combination of valid stop positions is an invalid combination of stop positions (a so-called invalid line) in which the displayed symbol combination cannot be determined as winning.

  In this specification, when the symbol is simply indicated as “stop”, the symbol is stopped in the display window 12a, that is, at any one of the upper stop position, the middle stop position, and the lower stop position, and is displayed so as to be visible to the player. It means that. In this specification, when “derived” is indicated, it means that the symbol combination is displayed on the effective line NL by stopping the symbol on the effective line NL. In this specification, when “winning” is indicated, it means that a predetermined symbol combination necessary for winning a prize is displayed on the active line NL.

  In the slot machine 10, when a winning occurs, a predetermined prize is awarded to the winning symbol combination. In the following description, a symbol combination that can win a prize by being displayed on the active line NL may be indicated as “combination”. For example, the slot machine 10 may include, as a prize, a replaying role (replaying role) that determines replaying, a payout role that determines payout of medals as game media, and the like. For example, the slot machine 10 may include a bonus combination that determines a bonus as a prize.

  The slot machine 10 includes a medal slot 17 for inserting medals on the front surface of the front door 12. The slot machine 10 includes a 1-bet button 18 on the front surface of the front door 12. The 1-bet button 18 is a means capable of performing an operation for betting a predetermined number (in this embodiment, 1) of medals on a variable game from among credits stored internally in the slot machine 10. In the following description, betting a game medium on a variable game may be indicated as “bet”.

  The slot machine 10 includes a MAX bet button 19 on the front surface of the front door 12. The MAX bet button 19 is a means capable of performing an operation of betting medals up to the maximum number of bets (three in this embodiment) that can be bet on a single variable game from among credits. The slot machine 10 includes a settlement button 20 on the front surface of the front door 12. The settlement button 20 is a means capable of an operation for paying back bets and credits.

  The slot machine 10 includes a start lever 21 on the front surface of the front door 12. The start lever 21 is a means that can be operated to start the rotation of the reels 161 to 163. In the following description, an operation that triggers the start of a variable game may be simply referred to as a “start operation”.

  The slot machine 10 includes a first stop button 221 on the front surface of the front door 12. The first stop button 221 corresponds to the first reel 161, and is a means that can be operated to stop the rotation of the first reel 161 after the variable game is started. The slot machine 10 includes a second stop button 222 on the front surface of the front door 12. The second stop button 222 corresponds to the second reel 162 and is a means capable of an operation of stopping the rotation of the second reel 162 after the variable game is started.

  The slot machine 10 includes a third stop button 223 on the front surface of the front door 12. The third stop button 223 corresponds to the third reel 163 and is a means capable of performing an operation of stopping the rotation of the third reel 163 after the variable game is started. The stop buttons 221 to 223 are arranged in this order from the left, and are also referred to as a left stop button, a middle stop button, and a right stop button, respectively. In the following description, the stop buttons 221 to 223 may be collectively referred to as the stop button 22 in some cases. In the following description, an operation that triggers stopping of the reels 161 to 163 may be simply referred to as a “stop operation”.

  The stop buttons 221 to 223 respectively correspond to a plurality of symbol sequences, and are a plurality of means capable of performing an operation for stopping the variation of the corresponding symbol sequences in the variation game. In the following description, after the variable game is started, the first stop operation among the reels 161 to 163 (stop buttons 221 to 223) is referred to as a first stop operation, and the second stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation. The third stop operation is indicated as a third stop operation.

  The slot machine 10 includes a medal payout port 23 at the lower part of the front surface of the front door 12. The slot machine 10 includes a tray 24 that receives medals paid out from the medal payout port 23. The slot machine 10 includes a medal selector (not shown) inside the machine. The medal selector includes a medal sensor SE4 that detects a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 17 (shown in FIG. 4). The slot machine 10 includes a hopper unit 25 capable of paying out medals from the medal payout port 23 (shown in FIG. 4). The slot machine 10 includes an information panel 30 that can display predetermined information on the front surface of the front door 12. For example, the information displayed on the information panel 30 includes whether or not the game is replayed, the remaining number of credits, the number of bets in the variable game, the number of medals paid out, and the like.

Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 10 includes a main control board 40 inside the machine. The main control board 40 performs various processes and outputs a control signal (control command) as information according to the result of the processes. The slot machine 10 includes a sub-control board 41 inside the machine. The sub control board 41 performs various processes based on control signals input from the main control board 40. That is, the sub control board 41 controls the display effect by the effect display device 13, the light emission effect by the decoration lamp 14, and the sound effect by the speaker 15.

First, the main control board 40 will be described in detail.
The main control board 40 includes a main control CPU 40a, a main control ROM 40b, and a main control RAM 40c. The main control CPU 40a executes various processes based on the main control program.

  The main control ROM 40b stores a main control program, a lottery table used for lottery, and the like. Such a lottery table includes a winning number lottery table used for internal lottery (hereinafter referred to as a winning number lottery) for determining a winning number from a plurality of winning numbers. The winning number is control information in which one or more combinations are defined as combinations (design combinations) that can be derived in the variable game. In other words, the winning number is a conditional device identifier (ID) in which one or a plurality of winning combinations are determined as winning combinations that can be won in a variable game. In the winning number lottery table, for a winning number that can be determined, a random number value (hereinafter referred to as a winning number random number) used for lottery of the winning number is predetermined from the values that the random number can take. It is sorted by number.

  The main control RAM 40c is configured to be able to store various information that can be rewritten during the operation of the slot machine 10, such as the credit described above. Information stored in the main control RAM 40c is, for example, a flag, a counter, and a timer. In the following description, storing the flag in the main control RAM 40c may be referred to as “turning on the flag”, and clearing the flag may be referred to as “turning off the flag”.

  The main control board 40 is connected to the sensors SE1 to SE4. The main control CPU 40a is configured to be able to input a detection signal output when the sensors SE1 to SE3 detect a detection piece and a detection signal output when the medal sensor SE4 detects a medal. The main control board 40 is connected to the stepping motors M1 to M3. The main control CPU 40a controls the operation of the stepping motors M1 to M3 by controlling the output mode of the control signals (pulse signals) to the stepping motors M1 to M3, that is, the energization state of the first to fourth phase windings. Each can be controlled separately.

  The main control board 40 is connected to the 1 bet button 18, the MAX bet button 19, the checkout button 20, the start lever 21, and the stop button 22 (221 to 223). The main control CPU 40a is configured to be able to input an operation signal that is output when the 1-bet button 18, the MAX bet button 19, the settlement button 20, the start lever 21, and the stop button 22 (221 to 223) are operated. Yes. The main control board 40 is connected to the information panel 30. The main control CPU 40a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the information panel 30.

  The main control board 40 is configured to be able to generate a random number used for a predetermined lottery process. For example, the random number may be generated as a hardware random number by providing a random number generation circuit that updates a value each time a clock signal is input. In addition to or instead of this, the random number may be generated as a software random number by executing, for example, a random number update process in which the main control CPU 40a updates a value every interrupt cycle.

Next, the sub control board 41 will be described in detail.
The sub control board 41 includes a sub control CPU 41a, a sub control ROM 41b, and a sub control RAM 41c. The sub control CPU 41a executes a process related to the effect based on the sub control program. The sub-control ROM 41b stores a sub-control program, a lottery table used for lottery, and the like. The sub-control ROM 41b stores a display effect pattern that can specify the mode (contents) of the display effect in the effect display device 13, and display effect data used to execute the display effect. The sub-control ROM 41b stores a sound effect pattern that can specify a sound effect mode (contents) in the speaker 15 and sound effect data used to execute the sound effect. The sub-control ROM 41b stores a light-emitting effect pattern that can specify the mode (contents) of the light-emitting effect in the decorative lamp 14, and light-emitting effect data used to execute the light-emitting effect. The sub-control RAM 41c is configured to be able to store various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the slot machine 10. The information stored in the sub control RAM 41c is, for example, a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like.

  The sub control board 41 is connected to the effect display device 13. The sub-control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the display mode of the effect display device 13. The sub control board 41 is connected to the decorative lamp 14. The sub-control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the lighting mode of the decorative lamp 14. The sub control board 41 is connected to the speaker 15. The sub-control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker 15.

  In this embodiment, the effect display device 13, the decoration lamp 14, and the speaker 15 can be grasped as effect execution means configured to include one or more effect devices. And the sub control board 41 can also be grasped as an effect control means for controlling the effect execution means. Similar to the main control board 40, the sub control board 41 is configured to be able to generate random numbers used for a predetermined lottery process as hardware random numbers or software random numbers.

Next, processing executed by the main control CPU 40a of the main control board 40 will be described. The main control CPU 40a performs the following game progress main process as one of the processes.
As shown in FIG. 5, the main control CPU 40a performs a game start set process (step S101). In the game start set process, the main control CPU 40a stores information related to the gaming state of the slot machine 10, information related to effects using the reel unit 16, initialization of a predetermined storage area in the main control RAM 40c, and the like. Or do. Next, the main control CPU 40a starts receiving a medal bet (step S102). Next, the main control CPU 40a checks the gaming state of the slot machine 10 (step S103).

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not it is a re-game operation (step S104). If it is not during the re-game operation (step S104: NO), the main control CPU 40a performs a medal management process for setting the number of bets in the current variable game (step S105). In the process of step S105, when the medal detection signal is input from the medal sensor SE4, the main control CPU 40a adds 1 to the bet number stored in the main control RAM 40c. In the process of step S105, when the operation signal is input from the 1-bet button 18, the main control CPU 40a adds a predetermined bet number (1 in this embodiment) to the bet number stored in the main control RAM 40c. At the same time, the credit stored in the main control RAM 40c is subtracted by the added amount. In step S105, when the operation signal is input from the MAX bet button 19, the main control CPU 40a adds the maximum bet number to the bet number stored in the main control RAM 40c. The credit stored in the main control RAM 40c is subtracted by the amount.

  When the main control CPU 40a is in a re-game operation (step S104: YES), or when the process of step S105 is completed, the bet number in the current variable game is the specified bet number that allows the start of the variable game. It is determined whether or not they match (step S106). For example, the prescribed bet number is a bet number equal to the maximum bet number that can be bet on a variable game. When it is during the re-game operation (step S104: YES), the main control CPU 40a sets the bet number in the previous variable game again in the main control RAM 40c as the bet number in the current variable game.

  When the bet number in the current variable game does not match the specified bet number (step S106: NO), the main control CPU 40a proceeds to the process of step S103. That is, in the process of step S106, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the variable game is ready to start. On the other hand, when the bet number in the current variable game matches the specified bet number (step S106: YES), the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the start operation by the start lever 21 has been accepted (step S107). In the process of step S107, the main control CPU 40a makes an affirmative determination when an operation signal is input from the start lever 21, while a negative determination is made when an operation signal is not input from the start lever 21. When the start operation is not accepted (step S107: NO), the main control CPU 40a proceeds to the process of step S103.

  On the other hand, when the start operation is accepted (step S107: YES), the main control CPU 40a performs a winning number lottery process for determining a winning number as the above-described internal lottery (step S108). In the process of step S108, the main control CPU 40a acquires the value of the winning number random number generated in the main control board 40. Then, the main control CPU 40a refers to the winning number lottery table based on the acquired winning number random number value, and determines the winning number to which the acquired winning number random number value is distributed. As described above, in this embodiment, the winning number is defined with a winning combination that enables winning in the variable game. Therefore, the process of step S108 (winning number lottery process) is a role lottery for determining a winning combination that can be won in the variable game.

  When the process of step S108 (winning number lottery process) is completed, the main control CPU 40a performs a command transmission process (step S109). In the process of step S109, the main control CPU 40a generates a winning number determined in the process of step S108 and a command that can specify that the variable game has started, and stores it in the transmission buffer. In the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, the command stored in the transmission buffer is transmitted to the sub control board 41 by transmission processing performed every interrupt cycle.

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the shortest gaming time (wait time) has elapsed (step S110). When the shortest game time has not elapsed (step S110: NO), the main control CPU 40a waits until the shortest game time has elapsed. When the shortest game time has elapsed (step S110: YES), the main control CPU 40a starts the rotation of the stopped reels 161 to 163 and accelerates to a predetermined angular velocity (rotational speed). Is performed (step S111). In the process of step S111, the main control CPU 40a starts a reel acceleration process performed every interrupt cycle. In this embodiment, the interrupt period is 1.4891 (ms). In this embodiment, the reel acceleration processing corresponds to acceleration processing for accelerating the angular velocities of the reels 161 to 163 to a predetermined angular velocity. Details of the reel acceleration process will be described later.

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the angular speed (rotational speed) of the reels 161 to 163 has reached a constant speed (step S112). In the process of step S112, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the constant speed flag is stored in the main control RAM 40c as information that can specify that the process has shifted to the reel maintenance process performed every interrupt cycle. . In this embodiment, the reel maintenance process corresponds to a maintenance process for maintaining the angular velocities of the reels 161 to 163 accelerated by the reel acceleration process at a predetermined angular velocity. In the process of step S112, the main control CPU 40a makes an affirmative determination when the constant speed flag is stored, and makes a negative determination when the constant speed flag is not stored. When the angular speeds of the reels 161 to 163 have not reached the constant speed (step S112: NO), the main control CPU 40a stands by until the angular speeds of the reels 161 to 163 become constant at a predetermined angular speed. In this embodiment, the predetermined angular velocity is about 8.378 (rad / s), which is 80 (rpm) as the rotational speed.

  When the angular velocities of the reels 161 to 163 have reached a constant speed (step S112: YES), the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not a stop operation by any of the stop buttons 221 to 223 has been received (step S113). ). In the process of step S113, the main control CPU 40a makes an affirmative determination when an operation signal is input from any of the stop buttons 221 to 223, and inputs an operation signal from any of the stop buttons 221 to 223. If not, a negative determination is made. When the stop operation is not received (step S113: NO), the main control CPU 40a waits until the stop operation is received.

  On the other hand, when the stop operation is accepted (step S113: YES), the main control CPU 40a executes a reel stop process for stopping the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop button to which the operation signal is input (step S114). That is, the main control CPU 40a controls the stepping motor to a fully excited state upon receiving the stop operation, and stops the rotation of the reel corresponding to the received stop operation. Note that the reel stop process of this embodiment is executed as an interrupt process performed every predetermined interrupt cycle.

  More specifically, the main control CPU 40a determines a predetermined pull-in range (based on the winning number determined in the process of step S108 (winning number lottery process) and the operation mode (pressing order and pressing position) of the stop button ( For example, symbols that can be stopped on the effective line NL are retrieved from symbols located within 4 symbols). Then, the main control CPU 40a controls the stepping motor so that the searched symbols are stopped on the effective line NL. The main control CPU 40a performs such reel stop control regarding the stop operation of the reels 161 to 163, thereby stopping the symbol combination corresponding to the winning number and the operation mode of the stop button on the effective line NL.

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not all of the reels 161 to 163 have been stopped (step S115). When one or more of the reels 161 to 163 are not stopped (step S115: NO), the main control CPU 40a proceeds to the process of step S112. On the other hand, when all of the reels 161 to 163 are stopped (step S115: YES), a symbol determination process for determining a symbol combination stopped on the effective line NL is performed (step S116). In the process of step S116, the main control CPU 40a stops the symbol combination (combination) that determines a prize on the effective line NL or stops the symbol combination (combination) that determines a prize on the effective line NL. If so, the type of the symbol combination is determined.

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not to pay out medals (step S117). In the process of step S117, the main control CPU 40a makes an affirmative determination when winning a payout combination, and makes a negative determination when not winning a payout combination. When a medal is paid out (step S117: YES), the main control CPU 40a executes a medal payout process for driving the hopper unit 25 and paying out a medal (step S118).

  When the main control CPU 40a does not pay out medals (step S117: NO) and when the process of step S118 is completed, the main control CPU 40a performs an end process for ending one variation game (step S119). In the process of step S119, the main control CPU 40a generates a variation game end command for instructing the end of the variation game, and stores it in the transmission buffer. The variable game end command can specify whether or not a prize has been won and the winning combination. Further, the main control CPU 40a performs a process of shifting the gaming state based on the winning combination. Then, when the end process is ended, the main control CPU 40a ends the game progress main process related to the execution of one variation game, and returns to the process of step S101 again.

Next, the reel acceleration process and the reel maintenance process among the interrupt processes performed for each interrupt cycle will be described.
First, the reel acceleration process will be described. The reel acceleration processing is executed independently and in parallel for each of the reels 161 to 163. However, since the control contents are the same, only the first reel 161 will be described in detail, and the other reels 162, Description of 163 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the reel 161 is stopped (step S201). In the process of step S201, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not a stop flag is stored in the main control RAM 40c as information that can specify that the reel 161 is stopped. In the process of step S201, the main control CPU 40a makes an affirmative determination when the stopped flag is stored, and makes a negative determination when the stopped flag is not stored. When the reel 161 is stopped (step S201: YES), the main control CPU 40a uses the accelerating flag as the main control RAM 40c as information that can specify that the angular speed (rotational speed) of the reel 161 is being accelerated. (Step S202).

  Next, the main control CPU 40a sets “number of interrupts = 1” in the interrupt counter C1 stored in the main control RAM 40c (step S203). The interrupt counter C1 is information for specifying the number of interrupts for maintaining the current excitation state (step). Next, the main control CPU 40a controls the first stepping motor M1 to the first excitation state by controlling the energization state of the first stepping motor M1 (step S204).

  When the reel 161 is not stopped (step S201: NO), or when the process of step S204 is completed, the main control CPU 40a sets the interrupt count indicated by the interrupt counter C1 stored in the main control RAM 40c to 1. Subtract and update (step S205). In this embodiment, the main control CPU 40a decrements the interrupt count indicated by the interrupt counter C1 by 1 every interrupt cycle (in this embodiment, 1.4981 (ms)). It functions as a timer for measuring the period T during which the current excitation state (step) is maintained.

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the number of interrupts indicated by the interrupt counter C1 is zero (step S206). That is, in the process of step S206, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the period T for maintaining the current excitation state (step) has ended. If the number of interrupts indicated by the interrupt counter C1 is not zero (step S206: NO), the main control CPU 40a ends the reel acceleration process.

  On the other hand, when the number of interrupts indicated by the interrupt counter C1 is zero (step S206: YES), the main control CPU 40a adds 1 to the number of steps indicated by the step counter C2 stored in the main control RAM 40c. And update (step S207). The step counter C2 is information indicating the number of steps performed since the reel acceleration process was started.

  Next, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the number of steps indicated by the step counter C2 is a predetermined number of transition steps (step S208). In this embodiment, the reel acceleration process is designed so that the angular velocity (rotational speed) of the first reel 161 reaches an angular velocity (rotational speed) predetermined by the number of transition steps by a test or simulation in advance. . That is, in the process of step S208, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the number of steps after starting the reel acceleration process has reached a predetermined number of transition steps, thereby determining the angular velocity of the first reel 161. It is determined whether or not has reached a predetermined angular velocity. The number of transition steps is, for example, 19 steps.

  When the number of steps indicated by the step counter C2 has reached the number of transition steps (step S208: YES), the main control CPU 40a clears the acceleration flag stored in the main control RAM 40c and is at a constant speed. The flag is stored (step S209). As will be described in detail later, when the constant speed flag is turned on, the main control CPU 40a performs a reel maintenance process for maintaining the angular speed of the first reel 161 accelerated by the reel acceleration process at a predetermined angular speed. It has become. Thereafter, the main control CPU 40a ends the reel acceleration process.

  When the number of steps indicated by the step counter C2 has not reached the transition step number (step S208: NO), the main control CPU 40a is stored in the main control ROM 40b based on the number of steps indicated by the step counter C2. The number of interrupts corresponding to the current number of steps is obtained by referring to the interrupt number table currently stored (step S210). Then, the main control CPU 40a sets the acquired interrupt count in the interrupt counter C1 stored in the main control RAM 40c.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the interrupt count table is associated with the interrupt count so that the interrupt count can be searched based on the step count indicated by the step counter C <b> 2. Next, the main control CPU 40a controls the energization state of the first stepping motor M1 so that the excitation state of the first stepping motor M1 is updated to the next excitation state (step S211). Thereafter, the main control CPU 40a ends the reel acceleration process.

  Next, the reel maintenance process will be described. The reel maintenance process is executed independently and in parallel for each of the reels 161 to 163. However, since the control content is the same, only the first reel 161 will be described in detail, and the other reels 162, Description of 163 is omitted.

  In the reel maintenance process, the main control CPU 40a determines whether or not the constant speed flag is stored in the main control RAM 40c. When the constant speed flag is not stored, the main control CPU 40a ends the reel maintenance process. On the other hand, when the constant speed flag is stored, the main control CPU 40a causes the first stepping motor M1 to update the excitation state of the first stepping motor M1 to the next excitation state every interrupt cycle. The energization state of M1 is controlled. As a result, in the reel maintenance process, the step of the first stepping motor M1 is shifted to the next step every interrupt cycle. The reel maintenance process is continuously executed until a stop operation (reel stop process) for the first reel 161 is performed.

  As described above, in the slot machine 10 of this embodiment, the main control CPU 40a executes the reel acceleration process, the reel maintenance process, and the reel stop process, thereby controlling the excitation states of the stepping motors M1 to M3. Control means for controlling the operation of the reels 161 to 163 is realized.

  Next, a specific control example (control pattern) of the first stepping motor M1 in the reel acceleration process will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, “◯” shown in the first to fourth phase columns indicates that the winding of the phase is energized and controlled to the excited state. Since the same applies to the stepping motors M2 and M3, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first control example is composed of a total of 18 steps from the first step to the 18th step. In the first control example, the number of interrupts is one when the number of steps is odd, such as the number of steps = 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17. In addition, the number of interrupts is 45 when the number of steps = 2, the number of interrupts is 6 when the number of steps = 4, and the number of interrupts is 3 when the number of steps = 6, 8, and 10. When the number of steps = 12, 14, 16, and 18, the number of interrupts is two. In the first control example, the reel acceleration process is completed in 18 steps, and the reel maintenance process is started from the 19th step. That is, in the first control example, the number of transition steps is 19 steps.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the second control example is composed of 22 steps from the first step to the 22nd step. In the second control example, the number of interrupts is one when the number of steps is odd, such as the number of steps = 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21. . The number of interrupts when the number of steps = 2 is 40, the number of interrupts when the number of steps = 4 is 8, and the number of interrupts when the number of steps = 6 is 4. The number of interrupts is 3 when the number of steps = 8, 10, 12, 14 and the number of interrupts is 2 when the number of steps = 16, 18, 20, and 22. In the second control example, the reel acceleration process is completed in 22 steps, and the reel maintenance process is started from the 23rd step. That is, in the second control example, the number of transition steps is 23 steps.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the third control example, there are a total of 26 steps from the first step to the 26th step. In the third control example, the number of interrupts is all when the number of steps is odd, such as the number of steps = 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25. Once. The number of interrupts when the number of steps = 2 is 40, the number of interrupts when the number of steps = 4 is 8, and the number of interrupts when the number of steps = 6 is 4. The number of interrupts is 3 when the number of steps = 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and the number of interrupts is 2 when the number of steps = 20, 22, 24, and 26. In the third control example, the reel acceleration process is completed in 26 steps, and the reel maintenance process is started from the 27th step. That is, in the third control example, the number of transition steps is 27 steps.

  In the first control example to the third control example, no occurrence of step-out was confirmed between the start of the reel acceleration process and the transition to the reel maintenance process. Here, “step-out” refers to a state in which the output cycle of the control signal (pulse signal) output from the main control board 40 and the angular speeds (rotational speeds) of the stepping motors M1 to M3 cannot be synchronized. Therefore, in the first control example to the third control example, the angular speed of the reels 161 to 163 reaches a predetermined angular speed when the number of steps after the reel acceleration process is started reaches the transition step number. .

  Further, in the first control example, the speed after reaching a predetermined angular velocity (rotational speed) was less varied than in the second control example and the third control example. That is, in the first control example, the reels 161 to 163 are less swayed (vibrated) than in the second control example and the third control example. From the above, in the order of the first control example (77 interrupt), the second control example (83 interrupt), and the third control example (91 interrupt), the time to reach a predetermined angular velocity (rotational speed) is short. Become. That is, the reels 161 to 163 can be accelerated to a predetermined angular velocity in a shorter time and stably.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, in the reel acceleration process, the excitation state of the first stepping motor M1 is changed to the one-phase excitation state and the two-phase excitation for each step until the transition step number is reached from the first step. Transition to the state alternately. In the reel maintenance process, the excitation state of the first stepping motor M1 is alternately switched between the one-phase excitation state and the two-phase excitation state for each step until the reel stop process is started.

When the period in the two-phase excitation state is Ta and the period in the one-phase excitation state is Tb, the ratio r calculated by the Tb / Ta calculation formula is as follows.
The ratio r in the first control example is changed from the initial value “1/45” to the final value “1/2” as “1/45” → “1/6” → “1/3” → “1/2”. ”In steps (in this embodiment, it is increased). The ratio r in the second control example and the third control example is an initial value “1/40” → “1/8” → “1/4” → “1/3” → “1/2”. It is changed in steps from 1/40 to the final value “1/2” (in this embodiment, increased).

  Therefore, in order to accelerate the reels 161 to 163 in a short time, the ratio r in the reel acceleration process is preferably increased stepwise from the initial value to the final value. In order to accelerate the reels 161 to 163 in a short time, the initial value of the ratio r in the reel acceleration process is, for example, not less than 1/45 and not more than 1/2, and more preferably not less than 1/45 and less than 1/40. 1/45 is more preferable.

  In the first control example, the number of steps controlled at the ratio r = 1/45, 1/6 is 2 steps, the number of steps controlled at the ratio r = 1/3 is 6 steps, and the ratio r The number of steps controlled by = 1/2 is 8 steps. On the other hand, in the second control example, the number of steps controlled at the ratio r = 1/40, 1/8, 1/4 is two steps, and the control is performed at the ratio r = 1/3, 1/2. The number of steps is 8 steps. In the third control example, the number of steps controlled at the ratio r = 1/40, 1/8, 1/4 is 2 steps, the number of steps controlled at the ratio r = 1/3 is 12 steps, The number of steps controlled by the ratio r = 1/2 is 8 steps.

  Therefore, in order to accelerate the reels 161 to 163 in a short time, in the reel acceleration process, the number of steps controlled at the same ratio r is preferably increased stepwise. Here, “the number of steps is increased stepwise” is intended to prevent the number of steps controlled at the same ratio r from decreasing in the reel acceleration process, and the ratio controlled at the same number of steps in the middle. The intention is not to exclude the presence of r.

  Further, in order to accelerate the reels 161 to 163 in a short time, in the reel acceleration process, the number of times the ratio r is switched from the initial value to the final value is, for example, N times (where N is 3 or less). Natural number), more preferably 3 times.

  In order to accelerate the reels 161 to 163 in a short time, in the reel acceleration process, the cumulative number of interruptions is preferably 91 times or less, more preferably 83 times or less, and even more preferably 79 times or less. In the first control example, the number of interruptions required for 18 steps is 77 times. That is, in order to accelerate the reels 161 to 163 in a short time, in the reel acceleration process, the number of interruptions required to complete the process is preferably 79 times or less, particularly 77 times as in the first control example. . Thus, in the first control example, the angular velocities (rotational speeds) of the reels 161 to 163 reach the predetermined angular velocities (rotational speeds) within 79 interrupts.

  Further, in order to accelerate the reels 161 to 163 in a short time, in the reel acceleration process, the time required to complete the process is preferably, for example, 135.5081 (ms) or less, and more preferably 123.5953 (ms) or less. It is preferably 117.6389 (ms) or less. In the first control example, the time required for 18 steps (77 interrupts) is 114.6607 ms. That is, in order to accelerate the reels 161 to 163 in a short time, in the reel acceleration process, the time required to complete the process is preferably 119 (ms) or less as in the first control example, and in particular, 114.6607. (Ms) is preferred. Thus, in the first control example, the angular velocities (rotational speeds) of the reels 161 to 163 reach the predetermined angular velocities (rotational speeds) within 119 ms.

  In the first control example to the third control example, the excitation state when the reel acceleration process is started (that is, the first step) is the first excitation state, and the reel acceleration process is shifted to the reel maintenance process. The excitation state at the time (that is, the transition step) is an excitation state different from the first excitation state. That is, the excitation state when the reel acceleration process is shifted to the reel maintenance process is an excitation state different from the excitation state when the reel acceleration process is started.

  From a different point of view, in the first to third control examples, the cumulative number of steps from the start of the reel acceleration process to the transition to the reel maintenance process is a number of steps different from a multiple of 8. Particularly in the first control example and the second control example, the cumulative number of steps from the start of the reel acceleration process to the shift to the reel maintenance process is less than 24 steps (23 steps or less). . As described above, in this embodiment, the number of steps required for the reels 161 to 163 to rotate by one symbol is 24 steps. Therefore, the angular speed (rotational speed) of the reels 161 to 163 is a predetermined angular speed (rotational speed) until the reels 161 to 163 rotate by a rotational angle (about 17.1429 °) corresponding to the movement of one symbol. To reach.

The slot machine 10 of this embodiment has the following effects.
(1) The initial value of the ratio r in the reel acceleration process is 1/45 or more and 1/2 or less. Thereby, by making the angular velocity (rotational speed) of the reels 161 to 163 rapidly reach a predetermined angular velocity (rotational speed), the game can be performed with a good tempo, and the interest of the player can be improved.

  (2) In the reel acceleration process, the number of steps controlled at the same ratio r is increased stepwise and does not decrease. Therefore, the reels 161 to 163 can be smoothly accelerated. And by making the angular velocity (rotational speed) of the reels 161 to 163 rapidly reach a predetermined angular velocity (rotational speed), the game can be performed with a good tempo, and the interest of the player can be improved.

  (3) In the reel acceleration process, the ratio r is switched N times (where N is a natural number equal to or less than 3), so that the acceleration can be smoothly performed. And by making the angular velocity (rotational speed) of the reels 161 to 163 rapidly reach a predetermined angular velocity (rotational speed), the game can be performed with a good tempo, and the interest of the player can be improved.

(4) In particular, in the reel acceleration process, the ratio r is switched three times, so that it can be accelerated more smoothly.
(5) Since the process is shifted to the reel maintenance process before the excitation state when the reel acceleration process is started, the reels 161 to 163 can be smoothly shifted to the constant speed state. Therefore, by rapidly reaching the angular velocities of the reels 161 to 163 to the predetermined angular velocities, the game can be played with a good tempo and the player's interest can be improved.

  (6) Since the control method of the stepping motors M1 to M3 is a 1-2 phase excitation method in which control is performed by switching to eight types of excitation states in a predetermined order, the stepping motors M1 to M3 are accurately controlled. be able to.

  (7) Since the cumulative number of steps from the start of the reel acceleration process to the transition to the reel maintenance process is different from a multiple of 8, the timing at which the output shaft of the stepping motors M1 to M3 makes one rotation The process proceeds to the reel maintenance process at a different timing. As described above, the stepping motors M1 to M3 are controlled by switching between eight types of excitation states. For this reason, the angular velocities of the reels 161 to 163 can be made to reach the predetermined angular velocities more smoothly.

  (8) The cumulative number of steps from the start of the reel acceleration process to the transition to the reel maintenance process is less than 24 steps. Therefore, the reels 161 to 163 reach a predetermined angular velocity until the reels 161 to 163 rotate by one symbol. Therefore, the game can be performed at a good tempo, and the interest of the player can be improved.

The embodiment described above may be changed to another embodiment as follows, for example.
The interrupt cycle of the main control CPU 40a may be changed to a cycle different from 1.4891 (ms). In this case, the number of interrupts for each number of steps shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is changed according to the interrupt cycle.

  -The reel acceleration process may be performed at a different timing from the start of the variable game. For example, it may be performed when the temporarily stopped reels 161 to 163 are re-rotated (restarted) in a freeze effect performed while the progress of the game is stopped. Such re-rotation (restart) is not limited to being performed once in one game, and may be performed a plurality of times, for example.

  The slot machine 10 can execute an effect state (so-called assist time) for notifying the operation mode (pressing order and pressing position) of the stop button 22 necessary for winning the winning combination determined by the determined winning number. It may be configured. The effect state advantageous to the player may include a plurality of effect states having the same or different operation modes.

  The slot machine 10 may be configured to be able to execute a replay high probability state (so-called replay time) that makes it easy to win the winning number that determines the replaying role as one of the gaming states. The replay high probability state may include a plurality of replay high probability states having the same or different winning probabilities for the winning numbers.

  The slot machine 10 may include a single control board that integrates the functions of the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 41. Further, the function of the main control board 40 may be realized by dividing it into a plurality of boards. The main control CPU 40a may be composed of a plurality of CPUs mounted on a single substrate.

  The function of the sub control board 41 may be realized by dividing it into a plurality of boards. For example, the slot machine 10 may include a display board that specially controls the effect display device 13, an audio board that specially controls the speaker 15, and a lamp board that specially controls the decorative lamp 14. You may further provide the control board which controls a group collectively. The sub control CPU 41a may be composed of a plurality of CPUs mounted on a single substrate.

The slot machine 10 may be a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium different from medals. For example, a game ball may be used as the game medium.
The following technical idea can be understood from the above-described embodiment.

  (A) In the acceleration process, the ratio r is increased stepwise from an initial value to a final value, and the initial value of the ratio r is not less than 1/45 and not more than 1/2. Is preferred.

(B) In the acceleration process, it is preferable that the angular velocity of the rotating drum reaches the predetermined angular velocity in a time within 119 ms.
(C) The control means is configured to perform the acceleration process as an interruption process, and in the acceleration process, the angular velocity of the rotating drum may reach the predetermined angular velocity within a time of 79 interruptions. preferable.

  (D) In the acceleration process, the ratio r is increased stepwise from an initial value to a final value, and the ratio r of the ratio r from the initial value to the final value is increased. The number of times of switching is preferably N (where N is a natural number of 3 or less).

  (E) The stepping motor is a four-phase stepping motor, and the control means controls the stepping motor by a 1-2 phase excitation method, and the processing performed by the control means includes the acceleration There is a maintenance process for maintaining the angular velocity of the rotating cylinder accelerated by the process at the predetermined angular velocity, and the excitation state when the acceleration process is shifted to the maintenance process is the state when the acceleration process is started. It is preferable that the excitation state is different from the excitation state.

  (F) The four-phase stepping motor has eight excitation states including four types of one-phase excitation states as the low torque excitation state and four types of two-phase excitation states as the high torque excitation state. The control means can control by switching the eight types of excitation states in a predetermined order so that the control means alternates between the one-phase excitation state and the two-phase excitation state. preferable.

  M1 to M3 ... Stepping motor, r ... ratio, Ta, Tb ... period, 10 ... slot machine (game machine), 16 ... reel unit, 161-163 ... reel (rotor), 40 ... main control board, 40a ... main CPU for control (control means).

Claims (2)

The rotator,
A stepping motor,
Control means for controlling the operation of the rotating drum by controlling the excitation state of the stepping motor,
The process performed by the control means includes at least an acceleration process for accelerating the angular velocity of the rotating drum to a predetermined angular velocity,
The acceleration process includes alternately changing the excitation state of the stepping motor between a low torque excitation state and a high torque excitation state, and a period in the high torque excitation state is Ta, and the low torque excitation state is set. A gaming machine, wherein a ratio r calculated by a formula of Tb / Ta is increased stepwise when a certain period is Tb.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein in the acceleration process, the number of steps controlled at the same ratio r is increased stepwise.

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