JP2017127701A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suitably performing execution control of a performance using movable performance means.SOLUTION: A movable object unit 67 includes: a pair of right and left movable objects 68, 69; a drive unit 91 for slidably moving the movable objects 68, 69; initial position sensors 97a, 97b; and performance position sensors 98a, 98b. A driving signal is outputted to a drive motor 92 of the drive unit 91 from a motor driver IC 112 of a junction board 111, thus operating the movable objects 68, 69. The motor driver IC 112 outputs the driving signal according to a drive command received from a sub-side MPU 82. In this case, when a new start opportunity of an operation performance occurs while the movable objects 68, 69 are executing the operation performance, an operation performance corresponding to the new start opportunity is started after return operation to an initial position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  As a kind of gaming machine, a pachinko machine or a slot machine is known. In these gaming machines, a configuration is known in which an internal lottery is performed based on the fact that a predetermined lottery condition is satisfied, and a privilege is given to a player according to the result of the internal lottery. Moreover, the structure by which the effect for making a player predict or recognize the result of the said internal lottery is performed is common.

  Specifically, for the slot machine, the lottery process is executed by the control means when a new game is started by operating the start lever in a situation where medals are bet. Further, when the lottery process is executed, the rotation start control is executed by the control means to start the reel rotation, and when the stop button is operated during the reel rotation, the control means The rotation of the reel is stopped by executing the rotation stop control. Then, when the stop result after the reel rotation stops corresponds to the winning combination of the lottery process, a privilege corresponding to the winning combination is given to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-295707 A

  Here, in the gaming machine such as the above-described example, there is a demand for a configuration that can suitably perform the execution control of the effect using the movable object, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably performing production execution control using a movable production means.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that movable rendering means for performing a predetermined operation;
Driving means for driving the movable effect means;
Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means;
With
The movable effect means is configured to perform a predetermined effect by operating from an initial state,
The drive control means, when a new start opportunity of the predetermined effect occurs during the execution of the predetermined effect, after returning the movable effect means to the initial state, the predetermined effect corresponding to the new start opportunity Including a start restriction means for starting
There are a plurality of types of the predetermined effects, with different degrees of expectation that a predetermined privilege is given to the player.
The start restriction unit may or may not perform a return operation to the initial state before the start of the predetermined effect according to the expectation of the predetermined effect corresponding to the new start opportunity. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably perform the execution control using the movable effect means.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the slot machine in the first embodiment. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing a state where the front door is opened. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of each reel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the symbol which can be visually recognized from a display window, and a combination line. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a prize mode and the privilege provided. It is an electrical block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed in main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process performed in main side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process performed in main side MPU. (A) It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table for normal game states, (b) It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table for BB states. It is a flowchart which shows the reel control process performed in main side MPU. It is a figure for demonstrating the mechanical structure and electrical structure for controlling the operation | movement effect of a movable object unit. (A) It is a connection diagram which shows the drive system of a drive motor, (b) It is explanatory drawing which shows the drive characteristic of a drive motor. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between excitation data and an excitation order pointer. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of power-on performed by sub side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the periodic process performed in sub side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the drive data setting process performed in sub side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the process for an initial position return performed with sub side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the process for effect operations performed in sub side MPU. It is a time chart for demonstrating the mode of the motion effect in a movable object. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement monitoring process performed in sub side MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the motor drive operation | movement in motor driver IC. It is a time chart for demonstrating the mode of operation | movement of a motor driver IC. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of the drive data performed in sub side MPU in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of the drive data performed in sub side MPU in 3rd Embodiment. It is a time chart for demonstrating the structure for linking the operation | movement effect of a movable object and the display effect of an image display apparatus in 4th Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment when the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is a kind of gaming machine will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 opened.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 includes a housing 11 that forms an outer shell thereof. The housing | casing 11 is formed in the box shape open | released ahead as a whole by fixing a some wooden panel.

  A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11. The front door 12 is supported by the housing 11 so that the inner space of the housing 11 can be opened and closed with the left side portion as a rotation axis. The front door 12 is locked so as not to be opened by a locking device 13 provided on the rear surface thereof, and this locked state is released by an unlocking operation with a predetermined key to the key cylinder 14.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a game panel 20 for notifying the player of the game state is provided on the upper side of the central portion of the front door 12. The gaming panel 20 is formed with three vertically long display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R arranged side by side. The display window portions 21L, 21M, and 21R are made of a transparent or translucent material, and the inside of the slot machine 10 is visible through the display window portions 21L, 21M, and 21R.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inside of the housing 11 is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition plate, and a reel unit 31 is attached to the upper part of the partition plate. The reel unit 31 includes a left reel 32L, a middle reel 32M, and a right reel 32R each formed in a cylindrical shape. Each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is rotatably supported so that the central axis thereof is the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are arranged on the same axis extending in the substantially horizontal direction, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R correspond to the display window portions 21L, 21M, and 21R on a one-to-one basis. Yes. Therefore, a part of the surface of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R can be visually recognized through the corresponding display window 21L, 21M, 21R. Further, when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are rotated forward, the surfaces of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are projected as if moving from top to bottom through the display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R.

  Each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is connected to a stepping motor (not shown), and each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R can be individually rotated, that is, independently driven by the driving of each stepping motor. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 1, on the lower left side of the game panel 20, a start lever 41 that is operated to start rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is provided. When the start lever 41 is operated while a medal is inserted, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate all at once.

  On the right side of the start lever 41, stop buttons 42, 43, and 44 that are operated to individually stop the rotating reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are provided. The stop buttons 42, 43, and 44 are respectively disposed directly below the display window portions 21L, 21M, and 21R corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be stopped. Each of the stop buttons 42, 43, 44 can be stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed after the left reel 32L starts to rotate.

  The reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating based on the operation of the start lever 41, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop rotating based on the operation of the stop buttons 42, 43, and 44, and a medal is awarded. Until the execution of various processes such as management of the game state is completed, it corresponds to one game.

  On the lower right side of the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R, there is provided a medal insertion slot 45 for inserting medals as investment values. As shown in FIG. 2, the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 45 is guided to the hopper device 53 by the selector 52 provided on the back surface of the front door 12 when it can be inserted, and when it cannot be inserted. The medal discharge port 58 provided at the lower front of the front door 12 leads to the medal tray 59. The hopper device 53 has a function of paying out the medals stored in the storage tank to the medal tray 59 through the medal discharge port 58 when a winning corresponding to the medal grant is established on the effective line. Yes.

  A return button 46 is provided below the medal slot 45 when the medal inserted into the medal slot 45 is jammed in the selector 52, as shown in FIG. Also, on the lower left side of the display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R, a first credit insertion button 47 for inserting the maximum amount of credited virtual medals that can be bet at once and two virtual medals are inserted at a time. There are provided a second credit insertion button 48 for inserting a virtual medal and a third credit insertion button 49 for inserting one virtual medal at a time.

  An adjustment button 51 is provided on the left side of the start lever 41. In other words, the slot machine 10 has a credit function for storing and storing surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (for 50 medals) and payout medals at the time of winning as virtual medals. When the settlement button 51 is operated under the stored and stored condition, the virtual medal is paid out from the medal discharge port 58 as an actual medal.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a power supply device 54 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 53 inside the housing 11. The power supply 54 includes a power button 55 that is operated when the power is turned on or off, a reset button 56 for resetting various states of the slot machine 10, and the setting state of the slot machine 10 from “setting 1” to “setting”. And a setting key insertion hole 57 operated to change within the range of “setting 6”.

<Patterns attached to each reel 32L, 32M, 32R>
Next, symbols attached to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a symbol arrangement drawn on the belt wound around each of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R. As shown in the figure, each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is provided with 21 symbols in a row. Further, numbers from 0 to 20 are assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and these numbers are in a state that the main controller 70 can be visually recognized from the display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R. It is a number for recognizing a symbol, and is not actually attached to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. However, in the following description, the number is used for explanation.

  The symbols include “bell” symbol (for example, left belt 20th), “red 7” symbol (for example, left belt 18th), “replay” symbol (for example, left belt 17th), “watermelon” symbol (for example, , Left belt 16th), “BAR” symbol (for example, left belt thirteenth), “cherry” symbol (for example, left belt eleventh), and “white 7” symbol (for example, left belt second) is there. As shown in FIG. 3, in the belt wound around each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, the number and arrangement order of various symbols are completely different.

  Each display window portion 21L, 21M, 21R is formed so that the number of symbols that can visually recognize the entire symbol among the 21 symbols attached to the corresponding reel is three, as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. Has been. For this reason, when all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols are visible through the display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R.

  In the slot machine 10, a total of five combination lines are set so as to connect positions where the symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are visible. More specifically, the first line ML1 connecting the upper symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the lower symbol of the right reel 32R, the upper symbol of the left reel 32L, the upper symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R. The second line ML2 connecting the upper symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, the third line ML3 connecting the middle symbol of the right reel 32R, the lower symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle reel The fourth line ML4 connecting the lower symbol of 32M and the lower symbol of the right reel 32R, and the fifth line ML5 connecting the lower symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the upper symbol of the right reel 32R, Is set. And, when the combination line is activated, that is, when the symbols are stopped in a predetermined combination on the effective line, a privilege that a predetermined number of medals as game media are paid out is given or the gaming state is shifted as winning establishment. Benefits are granted.

  FIG. 5 shows the predetermined symbols and combinations of the predetermined symbols that are awarded, and the number of medals to be paid out when winning.

  As the small role prizes for which medals are paid out, there are a first watermelon prize, a second watermelon prize, a third watermelon prize, a fourth watermelon prize, a bell prize, and a cherry prize.

  When the “watermelon” symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped on the active line, 15 medals are paid out as the first watermelon winning. When the “replay” symbol of the left reel 32L, the “replay” symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the “watermelon” symbol of the right reel 32R are stopped on the active line, 15 medals are paid out as the second watermelon prize. Is called. When the “replay” symbol on the left reel 32L, the “watermelon” symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the “watermelon” symbol on the right reel 32R are stopped on the active line, nine medals are paid out as the third watermelon prize. Is called. When the “replay” symbol on the left reel 32L, the “watermelon” symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the “red 7” symbol on the right reel 32R stop on the active line, one medal will be paid out as the fourth watermelon prize. Done. When the “bell” symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stops on the active line, eight medals are paid out as a bell winning.

  When the “cherry” symbol on the left reel 32L stops on the active line, two medals are paid out as a cherry prize. That is, in the case of a cherry winning, any symbol may be stopped on the active line for the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R. When the “cherry” symbol stops at the position where the plurality of active lines on the left reel 32L overlap (specifically, the upper stage or the lower stage), a cherry win is established on each active line, and the overlapping active lines The medal payout is made by the number multiplied. Specifically, four medals are paid out in this embodiment. On the other hand, when the “cherry” symbol is stopped at a position (specifically, in the middle stage) where only one active line exists in the left reel 32L, medals are paid out for the amount set as the cherry winning. Specifically, in this embodiment, two medals are paid out.

  As state transition winnings in which only the game state transition is performed, there are a first BB winning, a second BB winning, and a third BB winning. When the “red 7” symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stops on the active line, the first BB wins, and when the “white 7” symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stops on the active line. Becomes the second BB prize and becomes the third BB prize when the "BAR" symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stops on the active line. When these BB winnings are established, the gaming state shifts to the BB state.

  There is a re-game winning as a winning that is given a re-playing privilege that allows the player to play the next game without inserting a medal. When the “replay” symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped on the active line, a re-game win is awarded. When the re-game winning is established, the medal payout and the state transition are not performed, but the player can play the next game without reducing the medals owned and without inserting medals.

<Apparatus for executing various notifications and various effects>
Next, an apparatus for executing various notifications and various effects will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an upper lamp 64 and an image display device 66 are provided at the upper part of the front door 12, and a speaker 65 is provided at the lower part of the front door 12. When an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10, the upper lamp 64 is controlled to emit light in a manner corresponding to the abnormality and in a manner corresponding to the winning result. Further, the upper lamp 64 is controlled to emit light so that a light emitting effect corresponding to the display effect in the image display device 66 is performed. The speakers 65 are provided as a pair of left and right, and sound output control is performed so that when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10, sound or sound corresponding to the abnormality is output, and sound or sound corresponding to the winning result Is controlled so that sound is output. Further, the sound output of the speaker 65 is controlled so that a sound output effect corresponding to the display effect in the image display device 66 is performed.

  The image display device 66 has a display surface 66a, and when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10, display control is performed so that an image corresponding to the abnormality is displayed on the display surface 66a. Further, the image display device 66 is controlled to display on the display surface 66a images corresponding to the winning combination results in the internal lottery and the winning results in each game.

  For the image display device 66, a movable object unit 67 is provided in order to enable execution of an operation effect in front of the display surface 66a. The movable object unit 67 includes a pair of left and right movable objects 68 and 69. These movable objects 68 and 69 operate by being driven by a drive unit (not shown), and are between an initial position that does not overlap the display surface 66a from the front and a production time position that overlaps the display surface 66a from the front. The slide movement is possible. When the movable objects 68 and 69 are arranged at the production position, the movable objects 68 and 69 are arranged side by side, and the movable objects 68 and 69 have a predetermined shape (specifically, a quadrangle). Is formed. The effect that the movable objects 68 and 69 move from the initial position to the effect position is executed to show that the degree of expectation of winning any BB combination is high as a result of the internal lottery.

<Various control devices>
The slot machine 10 is provided with various control devices.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a main control device 70 is provided above the reel unit 31. The main controller 70 is attached to the back plate of the housing 11. The main controller 70 is configured with a main board housed in a board box. When the substrate box is opened, it is necessary to release the fastening state, and a broken portion is generated when the fastening state is released. By confirming the presence or absence of the broken portion, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the substrate box has been opened.

  The slot machine 10 is provided with a sub controller 80 in addition to the main controller 70. The sub control device 80 is disposed on the front door 12 so as to overlap the rear of the image display device 66. The sub-control device 80 controls the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65, the image display device 66, and the movable object unit 67 based on the command received from the main control device 70. Note that the sub-control device 80 is similar to the main control device 70 in that a control board is accommodated in a board box.

<Electrical Configuration of Slot Machine 10>
Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

  The main control device 70 includes a main control board 71 that controls the main control of the game. An MPU 72 is mounted on the main control board 71. The MPU 72 includes a ROM 73 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 72 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 73 is executed. A RAM 74, a clock circuit 75 that outputs a rectangular wave with a predetermined frequency, an interrupt circuit, a data input / output circuit, a random number generation circuit, and the like are incorporated. Note that it is not essential that the ROM 73 and the RAM 74 are made into one chip with respect to the MPU 72, and each may be made into a chip individually.

  The MPU 72 is provided with an input port and an output port. On the input side of the MPU 72, a reel unit 31 (more specifically, a reel index sensor that individually detects that each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R has made one rotation), a start detection sensor 41a that detects the operation of the start lever 41, and each Stop detection sensors 42 a, 43 a, 44 a that individually detect the operation of the stop buttons 42, 43, 44, an inserted medal detection sensor 45 a that detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 45, and the credit insertion buttons 47, 48, 49. Credit insertion detection sensors 47a, 48a, 49a for individually detecting the operation of the payment, a payment detection sensor 51a for detecting the operation of the payment button 51, a payout detection sensor for the hopper device 53, and a reset detection sensor 56a for detecting the operation of the reset button 56. The setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 57. And various sensors such as setting the key detection sensor 57a for detecting are connected to it, these signals from the sensors are input to the MPU 72.

  To the output side of the MPU 72, a reel unit 31 (more specifically, a stepping motor for rotating the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R), a payout motor of the hopper device 53, a sub control device 80, and the like are connected. In each game, the MPU 72 performs rotational drive control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R of the reel unit 31, and the hopper device 53 is controlled by the MPU 72 when a small winning combination is established and a medal is paid out. Is done. A command is transmitted from the MPU 72 to the sub-control device 80 at each timing of each game.

  A power failure monitoring circuit provided in the power supply device 54 is connected to the input side of the MPU 72 (not shown). The power supply unit 54 is equipped with a power supply unit and a power failure monitoring circuit for supplying driving power to each electronic device of the slot machine 10 including the main controller 70. The power failure monitoring circuit is applied to the power source unit from an external power source. The monitored voltage is monitored, and when the voltage falls below the reference voltage, a power failure signal is output to the MPU 72. The MPU 72 executes power failure processing by receiving a power failure signal, and can return to the processing state before the power failure after power recovery. Further, the power supply device 54 is provided with a power interruption unit for supplying backup power to the RAM 74 as a power interruption during a situation where the supply of operating power from the external power supply is interrupted. As a result, even if the supply of operating power from the external power supply is interrupted, data is stored and retained in the RAM 74 in a situation where backup power can be supplied by the power supply unit during power interruption (for example, one or two days). Is done. However, the data stored in the RAM 74 is initialized by turning on the power of the slot machine 10 while pressing the reset button 56 provided on the power supply device 54.

  The sub-control device 80 includes a sub-control board 81 for executing execution control of various notifications and various effects. An MPU 82 is mounted on the sub control board 81. The MPU 82 includes a ROM 83 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 82 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 83 is executed. A RAM 84, a clock circuit 85 that outputs a rectangular wave with a predetermined frequency, an interrupt circuit, a data input / output circuit, a random number generator, and the like are incorporated.

  Note that it is not essential that the ROM 83 and the RAM 84 are made into one chip with respect to the MPU 82, and each may be made into a chip individually. Further, the RAM 84 is supplied with backup power from the power supply unit during power interruption of the power supply device 54 in a situation where the supply of operating power from the external power supply is cut off, and the situation where the backup power is supplied (for example, one day). Or 2 days), data is stored and held in the RAM 84. However, the data stored in the RAM 84 is initialized by turning on the power of the slot machine 10 while pressing the reset button 56 provided on the power supply device 54.

  The MPU 82 is provided with an input port and an output port. As described above, the MPU 72 of the main control device 70 is connected to the input side of the MPU 82 and receives various commands from the MPU 72.

  An upper lamp 64, a speaker 65, and an image display device 66 are connected to the output side of the MPU 82. The MPU 82 executes various notifications and various effects by executing the light emission control of the upper lamp 64, the sound output control of the speaker 65, and the display control of the image display device 66 based on the command received from the MPU 72 of the main control device 70. To be done.

  In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the MPU 72, the ROM 73, and the RAM 74 of the main control device 70 are referred to as the main side MPU 72, the main side ROM 73, and the main side RAM 74, respectively. These are referred to as MPU 82, sub-side ROM 83, and sub-side RAM 84.

<Processing executed by main MPU 72 and sub MPU 82>
Next, processing executed by the main MPU 72 and the sub MPU 82 will be described. First, the contents of basic processing executed by the main MPU 72 will be described.

  The main MPU 72 can be roughly classified into a normal process that is repeatedly executed after execution of the main process started when the power is turned on, and a timer interrupt process that is started by periodically interrupting the normal process. Yes, for convenience of explanation, timer interrupt processing will be described first, and then normal processing will be described.

<Timer interrupt processing>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing. The timer interruption process is started every 1.49 msec, for example.

  In the register saving process shown in step S101, the values of all the registers in the main MPU 72 used in the normal process described later are saved in the main RAM 74. In step S102, it is checked whether or not “1” is set in the power failure flag. If “1” is set in the power failure flag, the process proceeds to step S103, and processing at power failure is executed.

  The power failure flag is set when a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit of the power supply 54 is input to the main MPU 72. In power failure processing, it is first determined whether the transmission of commands other than the power failure command has been completed. If transmission has not been completed, this processing is terminated and the processing returns to timer interrupt processing. End transmission of. If transmission of a command other than the power failure command has been completed, transmission of the power failure command is started, and this timer interrupt processing is repeatedly executed until transmission of the power failure command is completed. When transmission of the power failure command is completed, the value of the stack pointer of the main MPU 72 is stored in the main RAM 74. Thereafter, the output state of the output port of the main MPU 72 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. Then, a determination value for determining whether or not the data in the main RAM 74 is normal when the power failure is eliminated is stored in the main RAM 74, thereby prohibiting subsequent RAM access. After performing the above processing, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power supply is completely shut down and the processing cannot be executed.

  When the power failure flag is not set in step S102, various processes after step S104 are performed. That is, in step S104, a watchdog timer clearing process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S105, an interrupt end declaration process is performed to enable the next timer interrupt to be set for the main MPU 72 itself. In step S106, in order to rotate each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, a stepping motor control process for driving each stepping motor is performed. In step S107, the state of various sensors connected to the input port is read, and sensor monitoring processing for monitoring whether the read result is normal is performed. In step S108, timer calculation processing for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed. In step S109, a counter process is performed to output the result of counting the number of medals bet and the number of payouts to the outside.

  In step S110, command output processing for transmitting various commands to the sub-control device 80 is performed. In step S111, port output processing for outputting data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port is performed. In step S112, the value of each register saved in the main RAM 74 in the previous step S101 is restored to the corresponding register in the main MPU 72. Thereafter, in step S113, an interrupt permission process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed, and this series of timer interrupt processes is terminated.

<Normal processing>
Next, normal processing will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S201, an interrupt permission process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed. In step S202, pre-start processing for enabling a game is performed. In the pre-start process, the process waits until the sub-control device 80 and the like finish initialization. When the initialization of the sub-control device 80 and the like is completed, the game management process shown in steps S203 to S212 is performed.

  As the game management process, in step S203, data such as various game information stored in the main RAM 74 is cleared. In this case, a process for initializing each area of the main RAM 74 used in one game is executed. Thereafter, in step S204, start waiting processing is performed.

  In the start waiting process, it is determined whether or not a re-game winning is established in the previous game. If a re-game winning is established, an automatic insertion process for automatically inserting the same number of virtual medals as the previous bet is performed, and the start waiting process is terminated. When a re-game winning is established in the previous game, the player can play this game without reducing the number of medals owned and without inserting medals. If no re-game winnings have been established, it is determined whether or not the settlement button 51 has been operated. If the settlement button 51 has been operated, the same number of medals as the credited virtual medals are paid out. Perform the medal return process. After completion of the medal return process or when the settlement button 51 is not operated, whether or not the medal insertion or credit insertion buttons 47 to 49 are operated between the previous start wait process and the current start wait process If either one is performed, a medal insertion process for changing the number of bets or the like is performed, and the start waiting process is terminated. Further, if neither the medal insertion nor the credit insertion buttons 47 to 49 are operated between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process, the start waiting process is ended as it is.

  After the start waiting process is completed, it is determined in step S205 whether or not the bet number of medals has reached a specified number (3 in the present embodiment). If the bet number has not reached the specified number, the process proceeds to step S204. Return to the start wait process. If the bet number has reached the specified number, it is determined in step S206 whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated. If the start lever 41 is not operated, the process returns to the start waiting process in step S204.

  On the other hand, when the start lever 41 is operated, it means that a start command has been issued to start the game. In such a case, an effective line setting process for setting all the combination lines of the first line ML1 to the fifth line ML5 described above in step S207 as effective lines is performed, and the selector 52 is controlled in step S208. Bet reception is prohibited. Thereafter, the lottery process in step S209, the reel control process in step S210, the medal payout process in step S211 and the BB state process in step S212 are executed in order, and the process returns to step S203.

  Of the processes in steps S209 to S212, the medal payout process in step S211 and the BB state process in step S212 will be described first.

  In the medal payout process in step S211, it is determined whether or not the payout number set in the payout information storage area is “0”. When the number of payouts is “0”, it means that it is determined in the previous payout determination process that a small winning combination has not been established. In such a case, based on the winning combination set set in the payout determination process, it is determined whether or not a re-game winning is achieved. If the re-game winning is not established, the medal payout process is terminated as it is, and if the re-game winning is established, the re-game setting process is performed to change the gaming state to the re-gaming state, and the medal payout process is performed. finish. In the start waiting process described above (step S204), the automatic insertion process is performed when it is determined that the current gaming state is the re-gaming state.

  On the other hand, when the number of payouts set in the payout information storage area is not “0”, the same number of medals are paid out, and the medal payout process is ended. Specifically, regarding the payout of medals, when the count value of the credit counter does not reach the upper limit (the number of stored medals is 50), the payout number is added to the count value of the credit counter. When the count value of the credit counter reaches the upper limit, or when the count value reaches the upper limit during the addition of the payout number, the medal payout rotating plate is driven and the medal is received from the hopper device 53 by the medal tray. Pay to 59. When the current gaming state is the BB state, a process of subtracting the payout number from the value of the remaining payout number data described later is performed.

  In the BB state process of step S212, it is determined whether or not a winning corresponding to the winning data is established in a situation where the first BB winning data, the second BB winning data, or the third BB winning data is set. When any BB winning is established, the gaming state is shifted to the BB state by setting the BB setting flag in the main RAM 74. At this time, “442” is set in the main RAM 74 as the remaining payout number data indicating the remaining number of medals that can be paid out during the BB state.

  When the gaming state becomes the BB state, a lottery table for a BB state is selected in a lottery process described later. In the BB state, every time the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop rotating and a prize is generated, the number of prizes is subtracted from the remaining payout number data in the main RAM 74. When the remaining payout number data becomes “0”, the BB setting flag is cleared, and the BB state ends.

<Lottery processing>
Next, the lottery process of step S209 in the normal process (FIG. 8) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S301, a random number used when determining whether or not the combination is correct is acquired. In the slot machine 10, when the start lever 41 is operated, the hardware circuit latches the value of the free-run counter at that time. The free-run counter generates a random number from 0 to 65535, and the main MPU 72 stores the value latched by the hardware circuit in the main RAM 74 after confirming the operation of the start lever 41. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to quickly acquire a random number at the timing when the start lever 41 is operated, and it is possible to avoid occurrence of problems such as synchronization. The hardware circuit of the slot machine 10 is configured to latch the value of the free run counter each time the start lever 41 is operated.

  After acquiring the random number, in step S302, a lottery table for determining whether or not the winning combination is selected is selected. The slot machine 10 is roughly divided into two types of game states, a normal game state and a BB state. In step S302, the current gaming state of the slot machine 10 is determined based on the contents of the gaming state flag provided in the main RAM 74, and a lottery table corresponding to the gaming state is selected.

  For example, when the current gaming state is the normal gaming state, the normal gaming state lottery table is selected. In this case, in this slot machine 10, the six-stage winning probability from “Setting 1” to “Setting 6” is prepared in advance, and the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 57 and turned on, and a predetermined probability is set. By performing the operation, it is possible to set which winning probability is used to execute the internal processing in the normal gaming state. In step S302, the lottery table with the lowest expected value of medal payout is selected when the setting state is “setting 1”, and the lottery table with the highest expected value of medal payout is selected when it is “setting 6”. On the other hand, in the BB state, the winning probability is common to “setting 1” to “setting 6”.

  Note that the configuration regarding the winning probability is not limited to the above, and at least some of the winning combinations may be common without depending on the set value in the normal gaming state. For example, the winning probability for the special gaming state such as the BB state is different from “setting 1” to “setting 6”, while the winning probability for some or all of the other roles (small role, replaying role) is a set value. It is good also as a structure which is common without depending on. In addition, the winning probabilities of a predetermined small combination or all small combinations in the BB state may be different from “setting 1” to “setting 6”.

  The lottery table will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10A is a lottery table for the normal gaming state selected in the normal game state of “Setting 3”, and FIG. 10B is a lottery table for the BB state selected in the BB state. . As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, an index value IV is set in the lottery table, and each index value IV is uniquely associated with a winning combination. Point value PV is set.

  For details of the lottery table for the normal gaming state, as shown in FIG. 10A, IV = 1 to 3 and 12 to 18, respectively, the first BB role, the second BB role, the third BB role, the cherry role, One lottery role is set among the first watermelon role, the second watermelon role, the third watermelon role, the fourth watermelon role, the bell role, and the replaying role. Is different.

  On the other hand, a plurality of lottery combinations are set for IV = 4 to 11. For example, when IV = 4, three types of lottery roles are set as the second watermelon role, cherry role, and first BB role as the lottery role. Any one of the three winning combinations or a simultaneous winning in a predetermined combination of these three types of combinations occurs. The three types of lottery combinations are set in this way as well when IV = 5 and IV = 6. However, in the case of IV = 4 to 6, the combination of lottery combinations set is different.

  In addition, when IV = 7, two types of lottery roles, a cherry role and a second BB role, are set as a lottery role, and when winning is selected when IV = 7, any one of these two types of roles is set. Only, or simultaneous winning of these two types of roles occurs. The two types of lottery combinations are set as described above even when IV = 8 to 11. However, in IV = 7 to 11, the combination of lottery combinations set is different.

  In the above 10 types of lottery winning combinations, the winning probabilities including both the case of single winning and the case of overlapping winning are bell role> replaying role> cherry role> second watermelon role> first watermelon role = third Watermelon role = fourth watermelon role> first BB role = second BB role = third BB role. That is, the winning probability of each BB combination is set to be the lowest. In this case, there is a case where each BB combination is won by one lottery process and a case where both BB combinations are won simultaneously with other predetermined combinations in one lottery process. Thereby, for example, even when the winning of the predetermined combination is established, the player can be expected to win the BB combination. On the other hand, since the BB combination may be won by itself, it is possible to make the player expect the BB combination to be won even in a situation where no winning is achieved.

  Specifically, for the lottery table for the BB state, IV = 11 to 17 are set as IV = 1 to 7 in the lottery table for the normal gaming state, as shown in FIG. In each of the index values, only a small combination is set as a lottery combination. That is, in the BB state, the first BB combination to the third BB combination and the replay combination are not set as the lottery combination.

  In the BB state, the winning combination probability of the small role is set higher than that in the normal gaming state. Also, in the case of IV = 2 to 7, one of the lottery roles of the cherry role, the first watermelon role, the second watermelon role, the third watermelon role, the fourth watermelon role, and the bell role is set. On the other hand, at IV = 1, the second watermelon combination and the cherry combination are set as the lottery combination. The winning probability is set so that the bell role is the highest, the simultaneous winning of the second watermelon role and the cherry role is the next highest, and the individual winnings of the cherry role and the first to fourth watermelon roles are the lowest. Yes.

  Returning to the description of the lottery process (FIG. 9), after selecting the lottery table, the index value IV is set to 1 in step S303, and in the subsequent step S304, a determination value DV used for determining whether or not the winning combination is set. In the determination value setting process, a new determination value DV is set by adding a point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV to the current determination value DV. In the initial determination value setting process, the random value acquired in step S301 is set as the current determination value DV, and a new point value PV corresponding to 1 as the current index value IV is added to the random value. The determination value is DV.

  Thereafter, in step S305, it is determined whether or not the combination corresponding to the index value IV is correct. In the combination determination, it is determined whether or not the determination value DV exceeds 65535. If the value exceeds 65535, the process proceeds to step S306, and the winning combination data corresponding to the index value IV at that time is set in the main RAM 74. For example, when the determination value DV exceeds 65535 when IV = 4, in step S306, data indicating that the second watermelon role, the cherry role, and the first BB role are won is set in the main RAM 74, and IV = If the determination value DV exceeds 65535 at 12, the data indicating that the cherry role has been won is set in the main RAM 74 in step S306.

  By the way, winning data indicating that the set winning data has won the first BB (hereinafter referred to as “first BB winning data”), winning data indicating that the second BB has been won (hereinafter referred to as “second BB winning”). Data "), or winning data indicating that the third BB has been won (hereinafter referred to as" third BB winning data "), the data indicating the winning set in the main RAM 74 is applicable. It is reset after the game in which the selection data is set (see step S203 of the normal process).

  On the other hand, when the winning data is the first BB winning data, the second BB winning data, or the third BB winning data, the winning data is reset as one of the conditions that the corresponding BB winning is established. That is, the first BB winning data, the second BB winning data, and the third BB winning data may be valid over a plurality of games.

  In step S306 when the first BB winning data, the second BB winning data, or the third BB winning data is carried over in the normal gaming state, if the current index value IV is 1 to 3, the corresponding winning data is not set. Yes, if the current index value IV is 4 to 10, the winning data other than the BB winning data is set. If the current index value is other than 1 to 10, the winning data corresponding to the index value IV is set. To do. That is, in a game in which the first BB winning data, the second BB winning data, or the third BB winning data is carried over, the corresponding winning data is set when winning a role other than the first BB role, the second BB role, and the third BB role. On the other hand, if the first BB combination, the second BB combination or the third BB combination is won, the corresponding winning data is not set.

  If the determination value DV does not exceed 65535 in step S305, it means that the combination corresponding to the index value IV is lost. In such a case, 1 is added to the index value IV in step S307, and in the subsequent step S308, it is determined whether or not there is a combination corresponding to the index value IV, that is, whether or not there is a determination target to be determined. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV added by 1 exceeds the maximum value of the index values IV set in the lottery table. If there is a determination target to be determined whether or not, the process returns to step S304, and the determination of whether or not the winning combination is continued. At this time, in step S304, a point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the determination value DV (that is, the current determination value DV) used for determining whether or not the previous winning combination is a new determination value DV. In step S305, whether or not a winning combination is made is determined based on the determination value DV.

  After the winning data is set in step S306, or when it is determined in step S308 that there is no determination target to be determined, it means that the determination of whether or not the winning combination has been completed. In such a case, a lottery result command is set in step S309. The lottery result command is a command transmitted to the sub-control device 80 in order to grasp the result of the winning / failing determination of the combination, and the lottery result command includes data corresponding to the determination result of the winning / rejecting combination. Thereafter, in step S310, stop information first setting processing for setting stop information for reel stop control is performed, and the lottery processing is terminated.

<Reel control processing>
Next, the reel control process of step S210 in the normal process (FIG. 8) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  In the reel control process, first, in step S401, a rotation start process for starting the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is performed. In the rotation start process, it is checked whether or not a predetermined wait time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the reel started to rotate in the previous game. Wait until When the wait time has elapsed, a wait time for the next game is reset, and a motor control initialization process for setting rotation start information in the motor control storage area provided in the main RAM 74 is performed. By performing this process, the stepping motor acceleration process is started in the stepping motor control process of step S106 in the timer interrupt process, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate. Thereafter, the process waits until the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R rotate at a constant rotation speed at a predetermined rotation speed, and the rotation start process ends. Further, when the rotation speed of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R reaches a constant speed, the main MPU 72 can issue a stop command by lighting up lamps (not shown) of the stop buttons 42 to 44. This is notified to a player or the like.

  Following the rotation start process, in step S402, it is determined whether any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated. When none of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated, the process waits until any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated. If it is determined that any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S403, whether or not the stop buttons 42 to 44 corresponding to the rotating reels have been operated, that is, whether or not a stop command has been issued. Determine whether. If no stop command has been issued, the process returns to step S402 and waits until any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated. If a stop command is generated, a stop command command is set in step S404.

  The stop command command is a command transmitted to the sub-control device 80 in order to grasp which stop button 42 to 44 is operated to generate a stop command. When the stop command command is set, stop control processing shown in steps S405 to S411 is performed to stop the rotating reel.

  In step S405, the symbol number of the reaching symbol that has reached the base point position (lower in this embodiment) at the timing when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated is confirmed. Specifically, the symbol number of the reaching symbol reaching the base point position is confirmed by the number of excitation pulses output from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input. In the subsequent step S406, based on the stop information stored in the main RAM 74, the number of slips of the reel to be stopped this time is calculated.

  In the slot machine 10, as a stop mode for stopping the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated, a stop mode for stopping the reaching symbol reaching the base position as it is is supported. Stop mode for stopping the reel to be slid after one symbol, Stop mode for stopping after sliding for two symbols, Stop mode for stopping after sliding for three symbols, Stop after sliding for four symbols There are prepared five patterns of stop modes. Therefore, in step S406, based on the stop information stored in the main RAM 74, one of 0 to 4 is calculated as the number of slips.

  Thereafter, in step S407, the calculated number of threads is added to the symbol number of the reaching symbol, and the symbol number of the stop symbol that is actually stopped at the base point position is determined. In step S408, it is determined whether or not the symbol number of the reaching symbol of the reel to be stopped this time is equal to the symbol number of the stop symbol. If they are equal, a reel stop process for stopping the rotation of the reel is performed in step S409. Do. Thereafter, in step S410, it is determined whether or not all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. If all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are not stopped, stop information second setting processing is performed in step S411, and the process returns to step S402.

  Here, the stop information is information for making the stop mode of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R correspond to the result of the lottery process (FIG. 9). By using the stop information, When the stop buttons 42 to 44 are stopped, it is possible to calculate the number of slips (specifically “0” to “4”) for the reaching symbol that has reached the base point position. As the stop information, slip number data indicating a correspondence relationship between each symbol and the number of slips is stored in advance in the main ROM 73 in correspondence with each lottery result and the stop order of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which slip number data corresponding to each lottery result and the stopping order of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is derived during rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. .

  As the process for setting the stop information, the stop information first setting process executed in step S310 of the lottery process (FIG. 9) and the stop information executed in step S411 of the reel control process (FIG. 11). The second setting process exists. In the stop information first setting process, stop information is set according to the lottery process result.

  The stop information second setting process is a process of changing the stop information stored in the main RAM 74 in the stop information first setting process or the previous stop information second setting process after the reels are stopped. In the stop information second setting process, the stop information is changed based on the set winning data, the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and the stop output of the stopped reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. To do.

  If it is determined in step S410 that all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, a winning determination process is executed in step S412. The winning determination process is a process of setting the number of medals to be paid out as one of the conditions that a combination of winning symbols is arranged on an active line. In the winning determination process, a combination of symbols formed on each active line is derived from the symbol number of the stopped symbol stopped at the lower stage of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, and whether or not a winning is achieved on the effective line. Determine. If a winning is established, it is further determined whether or not the winning combination is corresponding to the winning data set in the main RAM 74. If the winning winning combination corresponds to the winning data, the winning winning combination and the number of payouts corresponding to the winning winning combination are set in the main RAM 74. On the other hand, if the winning combination does not correspond to the winning data, an abnormality occurrence process is performed to place the slot machine 10 in an error state and notify the occurrence of the error. Such an error state is maintained until the reset button 56 is operated. When the winning determination process is completed, a winning result command is set in step S413 so that the sub-control device 80 can recognize the winning combination in the current game, and the reel control process is ended.

<Processing executed by sub-side MPU 82>
Next, the processing content executed by the sub MPU 82 will be described.

  The sub MPU 82 controls the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65, and the image display device 66 based on the contents of the command received from the main MPU 72. In this case, the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65, and the image display device 66 are controlled to notify the state of the slot machine 10, and the upper lamp is used to execute an effect corresponding to the result of the internal lottery and the winning result. 64, the speaker 65, and the image display device 66 are controlled. Further, the sub-side MPU 82 controls the movable object unit 67 so that an operation effect corresponding to the display effect in the image display device 66 is executed.

  Here, a mechanical configuration and an electrical configuration for controlling the operation effect of the movable object unit 67 will be described with reference to the explanatory diagram of FIG.

  As already described, the movable object unit 67 includes a pair of left and right movable objects 68 and 69, a drive unit 91 for sliding the movable objects 68 and 69, and the movable objects 68 and 69 are initially provided. A pair of initial position sensors 97a, 97b for detecting that they are arranged at a position, and a pair of stage position sensors 98a for detecting that each movable object 68, 69 is arranged at the position at the time of presentation. , 98b.

  The drive unit 91 is provided with a drive motor 92 that is a stepping motor, and is connected to both the drive motor 92 and the movable objects 68 and 69, and transmits the power of the drive motor 92 to the movable objects 68 and 69. 93. The transmission unit 93 includes a driving roller 94 to which the output shaft of the driving motor 92 is fixed, a conveying belt 95 that circulates as the driving roller 94 rotates, and a driven roller 96 that follows the rotating operation of the conveying belt 95. I have. The conveyor belt 95 is provided so as to extend in the lateral direction. When the conveyor belt 95 circulates in a predetermined direction, the movable objects 68 and 69 move toward the side where the conveyor belt 95 approaches the predetermined direction. When rotating around in the opposite direction, the movable objects 68 and 69 move away from each other. Accordingly, the drive motor 92 is driven and controlled so as to be in the first drive state in which the conveyor belt 95 circulates in a predetermined direction in a state where the movable objects 68 and 69 are disposed at the initial positions. The movable objects 68 and 69 are slid toward the production position, while the drive motor 92 is driven and controlled so that the transport belt 95 is in the second drive state in which it rotates in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction. As a result, the movable objects 68 and 69 slide toward the initial position.

  The operation principle of the drive motor 92 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13A is a connection diagram showing a drive system of the drive motor 92, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram showing drive characteristics of the drive motor 92. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between excitation data and excitation order pointer.

  In this embodiment, a hybrid (HB) type two-phase stepping motor employing a 1-2 phase excitation method is used as the drive motor 92. Note that the stepping motor is not limited to a hybrid type or two-phase, and various stepping motors such as a four-phase or five-phase stepping motor can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the drive motor 92 that is a hybrid type stepping motor includes a rotor 101 disposed in the center and first to fourth poles 103 to 106 disposed around the rotor 101. And a stator 102 having the same. The rotor 101 is composed of a front rotor 101a magnetized at the N pole and a back rotor 101b magnetized at the S pole, and teeth and teeth provided around the front rotor 101a. In between, it is attached to a rotating shaft in the state shifted relatively by 1/2 pitch so that the teeth provided around the back rotor 101b may be located. A cylindrical magnet (not shown) is attached between the front side rotor 101a and the back side rotor 101b.

  An excitation coil L0 and an excitation coil L2 are bifilar wound around the first pole 103 and the third pole 105, and the winding end of the excitation coil L0 and the winding start end of the excitation coil L2 are connected to each other, and a predetermined DC power source is connected thereto. + B (eg, +24 volts) is applied. Similarly, the excitation coil L1 and the excitation coil L3 are bifilar wound around the second pole 104 and the fourth pole 106, and the winding end of the excitation coil L1 and the winding start end of the excitation coil L3 are connected. Power supply + B is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, a drive signal is applied to the excitation coil L0 of the first pole 103 to excite the first pole 103 to the S pole and the third pole 105 to the N pole. Conversely, a phase in which a drive signal is applied to the excitation coil L2 of the third pole 105 to excite the first pole 103 to the N pole and the third pole 105 to the S pole is referred to as a reverse A phase. . Similarly, a drive signal is applied to the excitation coil L1 of the second pole 104 to excite the second pole 104 to the S pole and the phase to excite the fourth pole 106 to the N pole as the B phase. A phase in which a drive signal is applied to the excitation coil L3 of the fourth pole 106 to excite the second pole 104 to the N pole and the fourth pole 106 to the S pole is referred to as an inverted B phase.

  When the drive motor 92 is a one-phase excitation drive system, the rotor 101 is moved clockwise or counterclockwise by sequentially applying drive signals to the A phase, B phase, reverse A phase and reverse B phase. It can be rotated. That is, for example, when the A phase is first energized, the projection of the first pole 103 that is the S pole and the teeth of the front rotor 101a, the projection of the third pole 105 that is the N pole, and the teeth of the back rotor 101b When facing each other by the attractive force and then energizing the B phase, the projection of the second pole 104 that becomes the S pole and the teeth of the front side rotor 101a, the projection of the fourth pole 106 that becomes the N pole and the rear side rotation When the teeth of the child 101b face each other by suction force and then the reverse A phase is energized, the protrusion of the first pole 103 that becomes the N pole, the tooth of the back rotor 101b, and the third pole 105 that becomes the S pole And the teeth of the front rotor 101a face each other by suction force, and then when the reverse B phase is energized, the projection of the second pole 104, the teeth of the back rotor 101b, and the S pole Protrusion and hand of the fourth pole 106 The teeth side rotor 101a face each other by respective suction force. By exciting in this order, the rotor 101 rotates clockwise in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, 1-2-phase excitation drive that alternately performs 1-phase excitation and 2-phase excitation is employed. In the 1-2 phase excitation drive, excitation is performed according to the following excitation sequences (excitation order) (1) to (8). That is, the excitation of only one phase is the one-phase excitation, and the two-phase excitation is the excitation of the two phases simultaneously. Therefore, as shown in FIG. (1 phase excitation), (2) Energize both A phase and B phase (2 phase excitation), (3) Energize B phase, and (4) Both B phase and reverse A phase Energize, (5) Energize reverse A phase, (6) Energize both reverse A phase and reverse B phase, (7) Energize reverse B phase, (8) Both reverse B phase and A phase Is driven, and then returns to (1).

  A drive signal for the drive motor 92 is output from the motor driver IC 112 as shown in FIG. Further, the motor driver IC 112 outputs a drive signal in accordance with a drive command transmitted from the sub MPU 82. The configuration for communication between the sub-side MPU 82 and the motor driver IC 112 and the configuration for communication between the motor driver IC 112 and the drive motor 92 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The sub-side MPU 82 is mounted on the sub-control board 81 as described above, while the motor driver IC 112 is mounted on the relay board 111 provided separately from the sub-control board 81. The sub control board 81 and the relay board 111 are electrically connected via a first connection unit 121 in which a plurality of signal lines 122a to 122d are provided between the pair of connectors 123a and 123b. A command is transmitted by serial communication from the sub MPU 82 to the motor driver IC 112 through the connection unit 121.

  One connector 123a of the first connection unit 121 is connected to a board-side connector 124 provided on the sub-control board 81, and the other connector 123b of the first connection unit 121 is a board provided on the relay board 111. Although it is connected to the side connector 125, these connector connections are made to be detachable. Therefore, it is possible to remove the first connection unit 121 from the sub control board 81 during maintenance and the like, and it is possible to remove the first connection unit 121 from the relay board 111.

  Specifically, as a configuration for performing serial communication, the motor driver IC 112 is provided with a data terminal, a clock terminal, a latch terminal, an enable terminal, and a reset terminal. The data terminal is electrically connected to the sub-side MPU 82 via a data transmission signal line 122a included in the first connection unit 121, and serial command data is transmitted through the data transmission signal line 122a. Input to the data terminal. The clock terminal is electrically connected to the sub-side MPU 82 via a clock signal signal line 122b included in the first connection unit 121, and each of the clock data included in the command data is transmitted through the clock signal signal line 122b. A clock signal for identifying unit data (for example, 1-bit data) is input to the clock terminal. The latch terminal is electrically connected to the sub MPU 82 via a latch signal signal line 122c included in the first connection unit 121, and transmission of one command is started through the latch signal signal line 122c. And a latch signal for recognizing at least one of transmission end is input to the latch terminal.

  The enable terminal is electrically connected to the sub-side MPU 82 via an enable signal signal line 122d included in the first connection unit 121, and is driven from the motor driver IC 112 through the enable signal signal line 122d. The drive signal output permission setting to 92 is performed. More specifically, the control unit 113 of the motor driver IC 112 writes the drive command received from the sub-side MPU 82 using the data terminal, clock terminal, and latch terminal to the data storage area 114, and drives the drive motor according to the written drive command. A drive signal is output to 92. In this case, the control unit 113 outputs the drive signal if the enable signal is in the ON state, and outputs the drive signal regardless of whether the drive command is received if the enable signal is in the OFF state. Do not output.

  The reset terminal is electrically connected to the sub MPU 82 via an enable signal signal line 122 d included in the first connection unit 121. That is, the relay substrate 111 is provided with an enable signal circuit 126 that electrically connects the enable signal signal line 122d and the enable terminal, and is branched from the midway position of the enable signal circuit 126 to reset the reset signal. A circuit 127 is provided, and the reset signal circuit 127 is electrically connected to a reset terminal. When the signal received through the reset terminal is in the ON state, the control unit 113 of the motor driver IC 112 can store the data in the data storage area 114, and the signal received through the reset terminal is in the OFF state. If there is, the data in the data storage area 114 is cleared. Therefore, when the enable signal is in the OFF state, not only the output of the drive signal from the motor driver IC 112 is stopped, but also the data is not stored in the data storage area 114.

  When the motor driver IC 112 receives a drive command from the sub-side MPU 82 in a state where the enable signal is ON, the motor driver IC 112 applies the drive signal to the excitation phase corresponding to the drive command. In this case, since the excitation phase of the drive motor 92 is four phases as described above, there are four lines between the motor driver IC 112 and the drive motor 92 in a one-to-one correspondence with each excitation phase. Signal lines 132a to 132d are provided. When a drive signal is output from the motor driver IC 112 using a predetermined signal line, an excitation phase corresponding to the predetermined signal line is applied. These signal lines 132 a to 132 d are provided between the pair of connectors 133 a and 133 b and are provided as the second connection unit 131.

  One connector 133 a of the second connection unit 131 is connected to a board-side connector 134 provided on the relay board 111, and the other connector 133 b of the second connection unit 131 is connected to the motor side provided to the drive motor 92. Although connected to the connector 135, these connector connections are made detachable. Therefore, it is possible to remove the second connection unit 131 from the relay board 111 during maintenance and the like, and it is possible to remove the second connection unit 131 from the drive motor 92.

<Processing at power-on>
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15, a power-on process that is started when the power is turned on in the sub-side MPU 82 will be described.

  In step S501, it is determined whether or not a RAM initialization command has been received from the main MPU 72. In step S502, whether or not the RAM determination value stored in the sub RAM 84 at the previous power shutdown is normal. Determine whether or not. If an affirmative determination is made in step S501 or an affirmative determination is made in step S502, initialization processing of the sub-side RAM 84 is executed in step S503.

  If a negative determination is made in step S501 and step S502, or if the process of step S503 is executed, the process proceeds to step S504. In step S504, it is determined whether or not each of the movable objects 68 and 69 is disposed at the initial position by determining whether or not each of the initial position sensors 97a and 97b is ON.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S504, the output state of the enable signal for the motor driver IC 112 is set to ON in step S505. As will be described later, when the power interruption occurs, the output state of the enable signal is set to the OFF state, and remains OFF immediately after the power is turned on. This prevents the occurrence of an event in which a drive signal is output from the motor driver IC 112 to the drive motor 92 without being based on the control by the sub-side MPU 82 immediately after the power is turned on. In addition, when the enable signal is in the OFF state, the signal input to the reset terminal of the motor driver IC 112 is also in the OFF state as described above, so that the data storage area 114 of the motor driver IC 112 is cleared. ing. Therefore, even if the output state of the enable signal is set to ON in step S505, the drive signal is not immediately output from the motor driver IC 112.

  In the subsequent step S506, output data for initial drive is read from the sub-side ROM 83 to the sub-side RAM 84, and “1” is set to the return flag of the sub-side RAM 84. The output data for initial drive is data in which an output pattern of a drive command for returning the movable objects 68 and 69 to the initial position is set, and the output data for initial drive is read to the sub-side RAM 84. If so, the sub MPU 82 sequentially outputs drive commands according to the output data. Then, the motor driver IC 112 outputs a drive signal to the drive motor 92 according to the drive command, thereby returning the movable objects 68 and 69 to the initial positions. The return flag is a flag for specifying in the sub-side MPU 82 whether or not the control for returning the movable objects 68 and 69 to the initial position is being performed.

  If a negative determination is made in step S504, or if the process of step S506 is executed, the process proceeds to step S507, and data for controlling the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65, and the image display device 66 as other initialization processes. Execute the initialization process. Then, it progresses to a periodic process.

<Cyclic processing>
Next, periodic processing executed periodically (for example, by a period of 2 msec) in the sub-side MPU 82 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S601, it is determined whether a new command has been received from the main MPU 72 or not. If an affirmative determination is made in step S601, it is determined in step S602 whether the received command is a power failure command. If the command is a power failure command, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S603 and the calculated RAM determination value is written in the sub-side RAM 84. Thereafter, in step S604, after setting the output state of the enable signal to the motor driver IC 112 to the OFF state, the process waits until the power supply is completely shut off.

  On the other hand, if it is not a power failure command, a negative determination is made in step S602, the process proceeds to step S605, and command response processing is executed. In the command handling process, various settings are made to determine what effect is executed for the newly received command.

  For example, when a lottery result command is received, an operation effect lottery process for determining whether or not to perform an operation effect using the movable objects 68 and 69 is executed. In the operation effect lottery process, when the lottery result command corresponding to the winning of the BB role is received, the operation effect of the operation effect is larger than when the lottery result command corresponding to the winning of the role other than the BB role is received. If the lottery process is executed so that the probability of winning the win is high, and if a lottery result command corresponding to winning of a role other than the BB role is received, no role is won. The lottery process is executed so that the probability of winning the action effect is higher than when the lottery result command corresponding to the result of losing is received. When the operation effect is selected, a setting request flag provided in the sub-side RAM 84 is set to “1” to set a new drive data setting request state.

  If a negative determination is made in step S601, or if the process of step S605 is executed, the processes of step S606 to step S609 are executed. Specifically, in step S606, a display data setting process for executing effects and notifications is performed by displaying a moving image or a still image on the image display device 66. In step S607, the upper lamp 64 is set. The light emission data setting process for executing the light emission control is executed, and in step S608, the sound output data setting process for outputting the sound and sound for production and notification through the speaker 65 is executed. In step S609, a drive data setting process for controlling the movable object unit 67 is executed. Thereafter, this periodic process is terminated.

<Drive data setting process>
Next, the drive data setting process in step S609 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S701, it is determined whether or not there is a request for setting a new drive data by checking the setting request flag in the sub RAM 84. If an affirmative determination is made in step S701, the setting request flag is cleared to “0”. If there is a setting request, the drive data for presentation corresponding to the current setting request is read from the sub-side ROM 83 and written to the sub-side RAM 84 in step S702. The effect drive data is data in which an output pattern of a drive command for sliding the movable objects 68 and 69 from the initial position to the effect position is set, and the effect drive data is read to the sub-side RAM 84. If so, the sub MPU 82 sequentially outputs drive commands according to the output data. Then, the motor driver IC 112 outputs a drive signal to the drive motor 92 according to the drive command, thereby slidingly moving the movable objects 68 and 69 to the production position.

  In the subsequent step S703, the output state of the enable signal for the motor driver IC 112 is set to the ON state. Thereby, when drive data for production is newly set in a situation where drive control of the movable object unit 67 is not executed, a drive signal is output to the drive motor 92 in a mode according to the drive data for production, An operation effect is performed on the movable objects 68 and 69. If the output state of the enable signal has already been turned on, that state is maintained in step S703.

  Thereafter, in step S704, it is determined whether or not each of the initial position sensors 97a and 97b is ON. The case where each initial position sensor 97a, 97b is not ON is in the middle of an operation effect being performed on the movable objects 68, 69 based on the drive data for the effect, or after the end of the operation effect. This means that new production drive data has been set in a situation where the movable objects 68 and 69 are not arranged at the initial positions. In this case, drive control for temporarily returning the movable objects 68 and 69 to the initial position is executed. Specifically, the process proceeds to step S 705, the return flag of the sub-side RAM 84 is set to “1”, the drive data for initial position return is read from the sub-side ROM 83, written to the sub-side RAM 84, and further provided in the sub-side RAM 84. The pre-operation flag is set to “1”. The pre-operation flag is a flag for the sub-side MPU 82 to specify that the return operation of the movable objects 68 and 69 to the initial position is performed in a situation where the production drive data to be controlled is set. is there.

  If each of the initial position sensors 97a and 97b is already ON, the process proceeds to step S706, the return flag of the sub-side RAM 84 is cleared to “0”, and the pre-operation flag of the sub-side RAM 84 is cleared to “0”. . Thereby, the operation effect according to the effect drive data newly set this time is started without performing the return operation of the movable objects 68 and 69 to the initial positions.

  When the process of step S705 or the process of step S706 is executed, it is determined in step S707 whether or not “1” is set in the return flag provided in the sub-side RAM 84. If the return flag is set to “1”, the initial position return process is executed in step S708. If the return flag is not set to “1”, the effect operation process is executed in step S709. Run. When the process of step S708 or the process of step S709 is executed, after the operation monitoring process for monitoring whether or not the drive motor 92 is operating normally in step S710, The setting process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S701, it is determined in step S711 whether or not drive data to be controlled exists in the sub-RAM 84. If a negative determination is made in step S711, the main drive data setting process is terminated as it is, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S711, the main drive data setting process is executed after executing the processes in steps S707 to S710. Exit.

<Initial position return processing>
Next, the initial position return process in step S708 in the drive data setting process (FIG. 17) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S801, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the in-pressing flag provided in the sub RAM 84. In the slot machine 10, when the movable objects 68 and 69 are returned to the initial positions, when the corresponding initial position sensors 97 a and 97 b are turned on, the return operation to the initial positions is not immediately terminated, After the initial position sensors 97a and 97b are turned ON, the movement in the direction toward the initial position is continued by a predetermined movement amount, and then the return operation is ended. Specifically, the drive motor 92, which is a stepping motor, continues the movement in the direction toward the initial position by a specific number of steps (specifically, two steps) determined as a plurality of steps, and then performs a return operation. Terminate. Accordingly, when the movable objects 68 and 69 are returned to the initial positions, the return to the initial positions can be reliably performed. The in-pressing flag is a flag for specifying in the sub-side MPU 82 whether or not the pressing operation in the direction toward the initial position is being performed.

  If “1” is not set in the in-pressing flag, it is determined in step S802 whether each of the initial position sensors 97a and 97b is ON. If each of the initial position sensors 97a and 97b is not ON, after the drive command corresponding to the drive data for initial position return is output to the motor driver IC 112 in step S803, the initial position return process is performed. finish. As a result, a drive signal for enabling the return to the initial position is output from the motor driver IC 112 to the drive motor 92, and the excitation phase of the drive motor 92 is switched, so that the movable objects 68 and 69 are directed to the initial position. Will slide.

  Note that the initial position return processing is started at a cycle of 2 msec in a situation where the operation of returning to the initial position is performed, and therefore, switching of the excitation phase for performing the return operation to the initial position is performed at a cycle of 2 msec. . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of processes for returning to the initial position are performed at least one of acceleration, constant speed after acceleration, and deceleration when starting the return operation to the initial position. The drive command may be output at a rate of once per time.

  If an affirmative determination is made in both step S801 and step S802, if “1” is set in the in-pressing flag of the sub RAM 84 in step S804, that state is maintained, and “1” is maintained. If is not set, “1” is set in the in-pressing flag. In the subsequent step S805, a drive command for pushing is output to the motor driver IC 112. As a result, a drive signal for performing the push-in operation is output from the motor driver IC 112 to the drive motor 92, and the push-in operation is performed in the movable objects 68 and 69 by switching the excitation phase of the drive motor 92. .

  In the subsequent step S806, 1 is added to the value of the push-in counter provided in the sub-side RAM 84. The push-in counter is a counter for specifying the end timing of the push-in operation in the sub-side MPU 82. Thereafter, in step S807, it is determined whether or not the value of the push-in counter is “2” or more.

  If the value of the push-in counter is less than “2”, the initial position return process is terminated. If the value of the push-in counter is “2” or more, all of the in-pushing flag, the push-in counter, and the return flag in the sub RAM 84 are cleared to “0” in step S808. In step S809, the output state of the enable signal for the motor driver IC 112 is set to the OFF state.

  Thereafter, in step S810, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the pre-operation flag of the sub-side RAM 84. If “1” is not set in the pre-operation flag, the drive position read in the sub-side RAM 84 is cleared in step S811, and the initial position return process is terminated. On the other hand, if the pre-operation flag is set to “1”, the pre-operation flag of the sub-side RAM 84 is cleared to “0” in step S812, and then the initial position return process is terminated.

<Direction processing>
Next, the rendering operation process in step S709 in the drive data setting process (FIG. 17) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S901, it is determined whether or not “1” is set in the return waiting flag provided in the sub RAM 84. The return waiting flag is a flag for specifying in the sub-side MPU 82 that the movable objects 68 and 69 are waiting in a state where they are arranged at the production time position.

  If “1” is not set in the return waiting flag, a drive command corresponding to the effect drive data is output to the motor driver IC 112 in step S902. As a result, a drive signal for enabling the slide movement to the production position is output from the motor driver IC 112 to the drive motor 92, and the excitation phase of the drive motor 92 is switched, so that the movable objects 68 and 69 are produced. It will slide toward the position.

  Note that the production operation process is started at a cycle of 2 msec in a situation where the slide movement to the production position is performed, so that the excitation phase switching for performing the slide movement to the production position is performed at a cycle of 2 msec. Become. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of processes for the rendering operation are performed at least one of at the time of acceleration when starting the return operation to the position at the time of rendering, at a constant speed after acceleration, and at the time of deceleration. The drive command may be output at a rate of once per time.

  Thereafter, in step S903, it is determined whether or not each of the effect position sensors 98a and 98b is ON. If it is not ON, the present effect operation process is terminated as it is. If it is ON, the effect is set after setting the return waiting flag of the sub-side RAM 84 to “1” in step S904. The operation process is terminated.

  If “1” is set in the return waiting flag, an affirmative determination is made in step S901, and the flow advances to step S905. In step S905, it is determined whether or not the data to be referred to this time in the currently set production drive data is data indicating the start of return to the initial position. If the conditions for returning to the initial position are not satisfied, the effect operation process is terminated. On the other hand, if the return condition to the initial position is satisfied, “1” is set to the return flag of the sub-side RAM 84 and the drive data for initial position return is read from the sub-side ROM 83 in step S906. After writing in the sub-side RAM 84, the effect operation process is terminated.

<Operation of each movable object 68, 69>
Here, the state of the motion effect in the movable objects 68 and 69 will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. FIG. 20 (a) shows the trigger for the start condition for the motion effect, FIG. 20 (b) shows the trigger for the end condition for the motion effect, and FIG. 20 (c) shows the initial position of the movable objects 68 and 69. FIG. 20D shows the detection status of the initial position sensors 97a and 97b.

  First, a description will be given of a case where the start condition of the motion effect is satisfied in a situation where the movable objects 68 and 69 are arranged at the initial positions.

  As shown in FIG. 20C, the start condition of the motion effect is established as shown in FIG. 20A at the timing of t1, which is the situation where the movable objects 68 and 69 are arranged at the initial positions. In addition, each of the movable objects 68 and 69 starts to slide toward the production time position. In this case, the slide movement is performed at a constant speed.

  Thereafter, at the timing t2, as shown in FIG. 20C, the movable objects 68 and 69 arrive at the effect position and stand by at the effect position. Then, at the timing of t3, as shown in FIG. 20 (b), the condition for ending the operation effect is established, and as shown in FIG. 20 (c), the movable objects 68 and 69 stand by at the effect position. End and start sliding toward the initial position. The speed of the slide movement toward the initial position is constant, and the speed is the same as the speed of the slide movement toward the production time position.

  Thereafter, at the timing t4, as shown in FIG. 20D, the movable objects 68 and 69 are detected by the corresponding initial position sensors 97a and 97b. However, at this timing, the return operation of the movable objects 68 and 69 is not stopped, and the pushing operation is performed as it is, and as shown in FIG. 20C, the movable objects 68 and 69 are moved at the subsequent timing t5. The return operation is stopped.

  Next, a description will be given of a case where a new motion effect start condition is satisfied while the movable objects 68 and 69 are performing the motion effect.

  As shown in FIG. 20 (a), when the start condition of the motion effect is satisfied at the timing of t6, the movable objects 68 and 69 start to move toward the effect position as shown in FIG. 20 (c). To do. However, in this case, the start condition of the operation effect is newly established as shown in FIG. 20A at the timing t7 which is the timing before each movable object 68, 69 arrives at the effect position. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20C, the slide movement toward the production time position is stopped, and the return operation toward the initial position is started. The speed of the slide movement of the movable objects 68 and 69 when performing this return operation is the same as the speed of the slide movement when the condition for ending the operation effect is satisfied and the position is returned from the effect position to the initial position.

  Thereafter, at the timing of t8, as shown in FIG. 20 (d), detection of the corresponding movable objects 68 and 69 is started in the initial position sensors 97a and 97b, and at the timing of t9 thereafter, FIG. 20 (c). As shown in FIG. 4, the pushing operation of the movable objects 68 and 69 is finished, and the return to the initial position is completed.

  When the return to the initial position is completed, as shown in FIG. 20 (c), the movable objects 68 and 69 start to move toward the production time position according to the production drive data newly set this time. . The speed of the slide movement is such that each movable object 68, 69 slides toward the effect position when the start condition of the operation effect is satisfied in a situation where each movable object 68, 69 is located at the initial position. Is the same as the speed of the case. Then, at the timing t10, as shown in FIG. 20C, each movable object 68, 69 arrives at the effect position, and at the timing t11, the end condition of the operation effect is as shown in FIG. 20B. When established, the returning operation of the movable objects 68 and 69 to the initial position is started.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 20 (d), at the timing of t12, detection of the corresponding movable objects 68 and 69 is started in the initial position sensors 97a and 97b, and at the timing of t9 thereafter, FIG. 20 (c). As shown in FIG. 4, the pushing operation of the movable objects 68 and 69 is finished, and the return to the initial position is completed.

  As described above, when the new start condition of the motion effect is established while the movable objects 68 and 69 are performing the motion effect, the new motion effect is not started from the middle, but at the initial position. Once restored, a new motion effect is started. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the movable objects 68 and 69 from performing an operation unintended by the designer, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of damage caused by the unintended operation of the movable objects 68 and 69. .

  In the slot machine 10, display effects such as effect images are displayed on the image display device 66 in accordance with the operation effects on the movable objects 68 and 69. If a new start condition for the motion effect is established while the motion effect is being performed, the display effect being performed at that time is canceled. However, the contents of the display effect executed during one game are determined when the sub MPU 82 receives a lottery result command, so that the movable objects 68 and 69 are returning to their initial positions. The new start timing of the motion effect and the start timing of the display effect corresponding to the motion effect are shifted by the amount of time. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. When the sub-side MPU 82 stops the motion effect of the movable objects 68 and 69 and starts a new motion effect, the display effect start timing corresponding to the new motion effect is displayed. May be delayed until the movable objects 68 and 69 are detected by the initial position sensors 97a and 97b and returned to the initial position. As a result, even if the motion effect is stopped halfway and a new motion effect is started, it is possible to cause the display effect to correspond to the motion effect.

<Operation monitoring process>
Next, the operation monitoring process of step S710 in the drive data setting process (FIG. 17) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 1001, it is determined whether or not drive data to be controlled is present in the sub-side RAM 84. If the drive data does not exist, the operation monitoring process is terminated as it is. If the drive data exists, the initial position sensors 97a and 97b or the effect position sensors 98a and 98b are turned on in step S1002. It is determined whether or not. If any of the initial position sensors 97a and 97b and the production-time position sensors 98a and 98b is ON, the value of the sensor monitoring counter provided in the sub-side RAM 84 is cleared to “0” in step S1003. Later, the operation monitoring process ends. The sensor monitoring counter is a counter for the sub-side MPU 82 to measure a period in which the movable objects 68 and 69 are not continuously detected by both of the initial position sensors 97a and 97b and the effect position sensors 98a and 98b. .

  If both the initial position sensors 97a and 97b and the production position sensors 98a and 98b are not ON, the sensor monitoring period is determined by checking the value of the sensor monitoring counter in the sub RAM 84 in step S1004. It is determined whether or not it has elapsed. As already described, the value of the sensor monitoring counter is cleared to “0” when any of the initial position sensors 97a and 97b and the effect position sensors 98a and 98b is ON. In addition, the value of the sensor monitoring counter is added every time the operation monitoring process is started in a situation where drive data to be controlled is present in the sub-side RAM 84. In other words, the value of the sensor monitoring counter indicates that the drive data to be controlled exists in the sub-side RAM 84, and both the initial position sensors 97a and 97b and the effect position sensors 98a and 98b are ON. In such a situation, 1 is periodically added every 2 msec.

  The sensor monitoring period is longer than the longest period assumed as the period required for each movable object 68, 69 to start the slide movement from the initial position and reach the production time position, and each movable object 68, 69 is It is set to be longer than the longest period assumed as a period required to start the slide movement from the production position and reach the initial position. That is, the sensor monitoring period is a period set to detect that the movable objects 68 and 69 are not operating normally even though the drive command is output from the sub-side MPU 82.

  If it is determined in step S1004 that the sensor monitoring period has not elapsed, the operation monitoring process is terminated. When it is determined in step S1004 that the sensor monitoring period has elapsed, in step S1005, the output state of the enable signal is set to OFF, and in step S1006, the abnormality notification process is executed. The operation monitoring process ends.

  By setting the output state of the enable signal to the OFF state, the output of the drive signal from the motor driver IC 112 to the drive motor 92 is forcibly stopped. In addition, by executing the abnormality notification process, notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the movable object unit 67 is performed in each of the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65, and the image display device 66. Note that the abnormality notification execution mode is not limited to this, and a configuration in which abnormality notification is executed by a part of the upper lamp 64, the speaker 65, and the image display device 66 may be adopted. In addition to or instead of the notification by itself, an abnormal signal may be output to the hall computer of the game hall.

<Motor drive operation>
Next, an outline of the motor driving operation executed by the motor driver IC 112 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the motor driver IC 112, when the enable signal input from the enable terminal is in the ON state (step S1101: YES), the driving is performed on condition that a new drive command is received (step S1102: YES). Drive data corresponding to the command is stored in the data storage area 114 (step S1103), and excitation settings for the coils L0 to L3 corresponding to the current drive data are set (step S1104).

  On the other hand, in the motor driver IC 112, when the enable signal input from the enable terminal is in the OFF state (step S1101: NO), all output of the drive signal to the drive motor 92 is stopped (step S1105). The case where the enable signal is in the OFF state includes not only the case where the output state of the enable signal is set to the OFF state in the sub-side MPU 82 but also the case where the signal path for the enable signal is blocked.

  In the motor driver IC 112, when the enable signal input from the reset terminal is in the OFF state (step S1106: YES), the drive data stored in the data storage area 114 is cleared (step S1107).

<Operation of Motor Driver IC 112>
Next, how the motor driver IC 112 operates will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. 23A shows an input state of an enable signal in the motor driver IC 112, FIG. 23B shows a reception state of a drive command in the motor driver IC 112, and FIGS. 23C to 23F show a motor driver. An excitation state (application state to each coil L0 to L3) from the IC 112 to each phase is shown, and FIG. 23 (g) shows a measurement state in the sensor monitoring period.

  First, a case where the drive signal is normally output to the drive motor 92 by the motor driver IC 112 will be described.

  At the timing t1, as shown in FIG. 23A, the output state of the enable signal is set to the ON state and the output state is maintained in the ON state, the timing t2, the timing t3, and the timing t4 At each timing such as timing, timing t5, timing t6, and timing t7, the motor driver IC 112 receives a drive command as shown in FIG. As a result, the type of drive signal to be output is switched so that the type of excitation phase is switched upon reception of the drive command. For example, at the timing of t2, the output of only the first drive signal is started as shown in FIG. At the timing of t3, the output of the second drive signal is started as shown in FIG. 23 (d) while maintaining the output of the first drive signal as shown in FIG. 23 (c). At the timing t4, the output of the first drive signal is stopped as shown in FIG. 23 (c) while maintaining the output of the second drive signal as shown in FIG. 23 (d). At the timing t5, the output of the third drive signal is started as shown in FIG. 23 (e) while the output of the second drive signal is maintained as shown in FIG. 23 (d). At the timing of t6, the output of the second drive signal is stopped as shown in FIG. 23 (d) while the output of the third drive signal is maintained as shown in FIG. 23 (e). At the timing of t7, the output of the fourth drive signal is started as shown in FIG. 23 (f) while the output of the third drive signal is maintained as shown in FIG. 23 (e). Then, every time a drive command is received as described above, the drive signal to be output is switched, whereby the output shaft of the drive motor 92 rotates, and the movable objects 68 and 69 slide.

  Next, the case where the enable signal is normally received in the motor driver IC 112 while the drive command is not normally received will be described.

  At time t8, the output state of the enable signal is set to ON as shown in FIG. 23A, and at time t9, the drive command is received by the motor driver IC 112 as shown in FIG. 23B. Then, at the timing t9, the output of the first drive signal is started as shown in FIG.

  However, after the abnormality occurs in the signal path of the data signal or the clock signal, the drive command is not received by the motor driver IC 112 even though the sub-side MPU 82 periodically transmits the drive command. It becomes. In this case, the motor driver IC 112 does not have an opportunity to switch the drive signal to be output, and the state where the first drive signal is output is continued. Then, in the coils L0 to L3 of the drive motor 92, the coil corresponding to the first drive signal generates heat and a short circuit occurs, or a part of the shorted part comes into contact with the other part of the coil, resulting in a resistance value. Further heat generation may occur due to the decrease.

  In contrast, when the sensor monitoring period elapses at the timing t10 as shown in FIG. 23 (g), the output state of the enable signal is set to the OFF state in the sub-side MPU 82 as shown in FIG. 23 (a). To do. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 23C, the output of the first drive signal is stopped, and it is possible to suppress the coil corresponding to the first drive signal from excessively generating heat. Incidentally, the sensor monitoring period is longer than the longest period assumed as the period required for each movable object 68, 69 to start the slide movement from the initial position and reach the production time position. 69 is set to be longer than the longest period assumed as a period required to start the slide movement from the production position and reach the initial position, and is continuously driven by the coils L0 to L3 of the drive motor 92. When a signal is output, it is set as a period in which heat is not generated as the coils L0 to L3 are short-circuited.

  Next, a case where the signal path for the enable signal is blocked will be described.

  At the timing of t11, as shown in FIG. 23A, the output state of the enable signal is set to the ON state, and at the timing of t12, the timing of t13, the timing of t14, and the timing of t15, respectively. The motor driver IC 112 receives a drive command as shown in FIG.

  However, the signal path for the enable signal is cut off at the timing t16, which is the situation where the drive control according to the drive data is not completed, and the enable signal is input to the motor driver IC 112 as shown in FIG. The state becomes the OFF state. Thereby, the output of each drive signal is stopped as shown in FIGS. 23 (d) and 23 (e). Therefore, for example, when a connection abnormality of the first connection unit 121 occurs, the output of the drive signal to the drive motor 92 is stopped, and for example, the output of the drive signal to the predetermined coils L0 to L3 is continued. It is possible to prevent the generated heat.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  When the movable objects 68 and 69 are not operating normally even though the movable objects 68 and 69 are controlled to be driven by the drive motor 92, the output state of the enable signal in the sub-side MPU 82 Is set to the OFF state, the drive signal output from the motor driver IC 112 to the drive motor 92 is stopped. This prevents the output of the drive signal to the drive motor 92 from being continued even though the drive control of the drive motor 92 is not normally performed. If the drive signal output to the drive motor 92 is continued in a situation where the drive control of the drive motor 92 is not normally performed, the coils L0 to L3 to which the output of the drive signal is continued generate excessive heat. There is a concern that On the other hand, the occurrence of such inconvenience is prevented by stopping the output of the drive signal to the drive motor 92 as described above.

  Since the motor driver IC 112 and the sub-side MPU 82 are individually provided, the function of outputting the drive signal of the drive motor 92 and the function of performing drive control of the drive motor 92 can be handled individually. In particular, since the sub-side MPU 82 and the motor driver IC 112 are provided on separate substrates, versatility of each substrate can be improved. However, in the configuration in which the sub-side MPU 82 and the motor driver IC 112 are separately provided as described above, some communication abnormality occurs in the signal path between the sub-side MPU 82 and the motor driver IC 112, and the drive There is a high possibility that the output of the drive signal to any of the coils L0 to L3 is continued in a situation where the control is not normally performed. On the other hand, when the movable objects 68 and 69 are not operating normally despite the drive control so that the movable objects 68 and 69 are driven by the drive motor 92, an enable signal is output. When the state is set to the OFF state, the output of the drive signal is stopped. Therefore, any one of the coils L0 to L3 is prevented from generating heat abnormally.

  A configuration in which an enable signal is output from the sub-side MPU 82 to the motor driver IC 112, and output of a drive signal from the motor driver IC 112 to the drive motor 92 is permitted when the output state of the enable signal is ON. , After the supply of operating power to the sub-side MPU 82 is started, the output state of the enable signal is set to the ON state. As a result, the timing at which the output of the drive signal to the drive motor 92 is started after the supply of operating power is started can be set to the timing intended by the designer. In this case, when the movable objects 68 and 69 are not operating normally, the output of the drive signal is stopped by switching the output state of the enable signal from the ON state to the OFF state. It is possible to prevent the output of the drive signal from being continued in a situation where the movable objects 68 and 69 are not operating normally by using the configuration for performing the drive control well after the start.

  When a communication abnormality occurs due to disconnection or connection abnormality in the signal path of the enable signal, the state of the signal received at the enable terminal of the motor driver IC 112 is turned off, and the drive motor 92 is driven from the motor driver IC 112. The output of the drive signal to is stopped. This prevents the drive signal from being continuously output to any of the coils L0 to L3 even if an abnormality in the drive control of the drive motor 92 and a communication abnormality in the signal path of the enable signal occur at the same time. It becomes possible to do.

  A signal line for transmitting a drive command from the sub-side MPU 82 to the motor driver IC 112 and a signal line for transmitting an enable signal from the sub-side MPU 82 to the motor driver IC 112 are aggregated and provided as the first connection unit 121. Yes. As a result, when an abnormality occurs in the connection location of the first connection unit 121, not only an abnormality in the drive control of the drive motor 92 occurs, but the signal path of the enable signal is cut off. It is possible to prevent the drive signal from being continuously output to any of the coils L0 to L3.

  When the output state of the enable signal is set to the OFF state and the output of the drive signal to the drive motor 92 is stopped, the data stored in the data storage area 114 in the motor driver IC 112 is also erased. As a result, in the situation where the drive control of the movable objects 68 and 69 cannot be performed normally, not only the setting for stopping the output of the drive signal is performed, but also the data itself that triggers the output of the drive signal is erased. Is done. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the drive signal from being output to the drive motor 92 in a situation where the drive control of the movable objects 68 and 69 cannot be performed normally.

  Further, when the output of the drive signal to the drive motor 92 is stopped, the data stored in the data storage area 114 is erased, so that when the output of the drive signal is permitted again, the data storage area at that time There is no inconvenience that a drive signal corresponding to the data stored in 114 is output. As a result, it is possible to perform permission setting of the output of the drive signal without considering the state of the data storage area 114.

  The motor driver IC 112 has an enable terminal to which a signal for specifying whether or not output of a drive signal is permitted, and a reset terminal to which a signal for erasing data in the data storage area 114 is input. Are separately provided, the use modes of these functions are diversified, and the versatility of the motor driver IC 112 is enhanced. In this case, an enable signal is input to both the enable terminal and the reset terminal. As a result, when the output of the drive signal to the drive motor 92 is stopped, the configuration for communication is simplified in the configuration in which the data in the data storage area 114 is erased.

  In the configuration in which a branch path that branches from the signal path of the enable signal that leads to the enable terminal and leads to the reset terminal is provided, the branch path is formed on the relay substrate 111 on which the motor driver IC 112 is mounted. Thereby, when a communication abnormality occurs between the sub control board 81 and the relay board 111, the influence is similarly generated on both the enable terminal and the reset terminal.

  When a new start condition of the motion effect is satisfied while the movable objects 68 and 69 are performing the motion effect, the new motion effect is not started from the middle, but is temporarily returned to the initial position. A new motion effect will be started later. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the movable objects 68 and 69 from performing an operation unintended by the designer, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of damage caused by the unintended operation of the movable objects 68 and 69. .

<Second Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the processing configuration of the drive data setting process in the sub-side MPU 82 is different from that in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the different configuration will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is basically omitted.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing drive data setting processing in the present embodiment.

  First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not there is a new drive data setting request by checking the setting request flag in the sub-side RAM 84. If there is a setting request, it is determined in step S1202 whether drive data to be controlled is already present in the sub-RAM 84. If the control execution target drive data does not exist, the process proceeds to step S1203, the effect drive data corresponding to the current setting request is read from the sub ROM 83 and written to the sub RAM 84, and the return flag of the sub RAM 84 is further returned. Is cleared to “0”. In step S1204, the output state of the enable signal is set to the OFF state.

  On the other hand, if drive data to be controlled already exists, an affirmative determination is made in step S1202 and the process proceeds to step S1205, where the drive data for returning to the initial position is read from the sub ROM 83 and stored in the sub RAM 84. Further, “1” is set in the return flag of the sub RAM 84.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1201, the process in step S1204 is executed, or the process in step S1205 is executed, is “1” set in the return flag of the sub-side RAM 84 in step S1206? Determine whether or not. If “1” is set in the return flag, the initial position return process is executed in step S1207. If “1” is not set in the return flag, the effect operation process is executed in step S1208. Run. When the process of step S1207 is executed, or when the process of step S1208 is executed, the operation monitoring process is executed in step S1209, and then the drive data setting process is ended.

  According to the present embodiment, when there is a new drive data setting request while the movable objects 68 and 69 are operating, the new drive data setting request is invalidated, The previously performed operation effect is stopped, and the movable objects 68 and 69 are returned to their initial positions. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a new motion effect from being started in the middle of the motion effect, and it is possible to prevent the motion effect that does not correspond to the new game lottery processing result from being continued.

<Third Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the processing configuration of the drive data setting process in the sub-side MPU 82 is different from that in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the different configuration will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is basically omitted.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing drive data setting processing in the present embodiment.

  First, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not there is a new drive data setting request by checking the setting request flag in the sub-side RAM 84. If there is a setting request, in step S1302, presentation drive data corresponding to the current setting request is read from the sub ROM 83 and written to the sub RAM 84.

  In addition, there are a plurality of types of effect patterns of the movable objects 68 and 69 with different expectations for winning the BB role. In each effect pattern, the period during which each of the movable objects 68 and 69 waits at the effect position is different. ing. The type of the effect pattern is determined by lottery in the command corresponding process in step S605 in the periodic process (FIG. 16).

  In the subsequent step S1303, the output state of the enable signal for the motor driver IC 112 is set to the ON state. Thereafter, in step S1304, it is determined whether or not each initial position sensor 97a, 97b is ON. The case where each initial position sensor 97a, 97b is not ON is in the middle of an operation effect being performed on the movable objects 68, 69 based on the drive data for the effect, or after the end of the operation effect. This means that new production drive data has been set in a situation where the movable objects 68 and 69 are not arranged at the initial positions. In this case, in step S1305, the expectation level of the BB combination winning of the drive data for presentation newly set this time is the BB combination winning of the drive data for presentation used as a trigger for executing the currently executed drive control. It is determined whether or not the degree of expectation is higher.

  If the current drive data for production has a higher expectation for winning the BB role, drive control for temporarily returning the movable objects 68 and 69 to the initial position is executed. Specifically, the process proceeds to step S1306, the return flag of the sub RAM 84 is set to “1”, the drive data for returning to the initial position is read from the sub ROM 83, written to the sub RAM 84, and the operation of the sub RAM 84 is further performed. Set the previous flag to “1”.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1304 or a negative determination is made in step S1305, the process proceeds to step S1307, the return flag of the sub-side RAM 84 is cleared to “0”, and the pre-operation flag of the sub-side RAM 84 is set. Clear “0”. Thereby, the operation effect according to the effect drive data newly set this time is started without performing the return operation of the movable objects 68 and 69 to the initial positions.

  If the process of step S1306 or the process of step S1307 is executed, it is determined in step S1308 whether or not “1” is set in the return flag provided in the sub-side RAM 84. If “1” is set in the return flag, the initial position return process is executed in step S1309. If “1” is not set in the return flag, the effect operation process is executed in step S1310. Run. When the process of step S1309 or the process of step S1310 is executed, the operation monitoring process for monitoring whether or not the drive motor 92 is operating normally is executed in step S1311. The setting process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1301, it is determined in step S1312 whether or not drive data to be controlled exists in the sub RAM 84. If a negative determination is made in step S1312, the main drive data setting process is terminated, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S1312, the main drive data setting process is executed after executing the processes of steps S1308 to S1311. Exit.

  According to the present embodiment, when a new motion effect start condition is established while the movable objects 68 and 69 are being driven and controlled, the expectation level of the BB winning combination for the new motion effect is the immediately preceding one. If it is higher than the expectation of winning the BB role for the motion effect, a new motion effect is started after returning to the initial position, and if it is lower, a new motion effect is started without causing the return to the initial position. Is done. Thereby, it is possible to always start an operation effect with a high expectation level of BB winning combination from the initial position, and allow the player to visually recognize the entire operation effect with a relatively high degree of attention. On the other hand, it is possible to start an operation effect with a low expectation level for the BB role winning from an intermediate position, thereby preventing the execution period of the operation effect with a relatively low attention level from being prolonged. Is possible.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the operation effect in the movable objects 68 and 69 and the display effect in the image display device 66 are linked. Hereinafter, the structure for linking will be described. The description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is basically omitted.

  FIG. 26 is a time chart for explaining a configuration for linking the operation effects in the movable objects 68 and 69 and the display effects in the image display device 66. FIG. 26 (a) shows a game execution period in which an action effect is executed, and FIG. 26 (b) shows a freeze that waits without starting rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R when the game is started. 26C shows the execution period of the display effect in the image display device 66, and FIG. 26D shows the display executed in the image display device 66 linked to the operation effect of the movable objects 68 and 69. FIG. 26 (e) shows the relative positional relationship from the initial position of the movable objects 68 and 69.

  At the timing of t1, as shown in FIG. 26 (a), a game in which an action effect is executed is started. In this case, as shown in FIG. 26 (b), a freeze period is started, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are put on standby without starting rotation in the freeze period. Further, at the timing t1, as shown in FIG. 26C, a display effect corresponding to the freeze period is started on the image display device 66.

  Thereafter, at the timing t2, as shown in FIG. 26D, a display effect linked to the operation effect is started on the image display device 66, and as shown in FIG. , 69 starts the slide movement from the initial position to the production time position. In this case, the image display device 66 displays an image in which the character moves in association with the movement of the movable objects 68 and 69, and displays an effect image in association with the movement of the movable objects 68 and 69. .

  Thereafter, at the timing of t3, as shown in FIG. 26 (e), the movable objects 68 and 69 reach the production time position. Then, at the timing of t4, the freeze period ends as shown in FIG. 26 (b), and the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is started, and the operation as shown in FIG. 26 (d) is performed accordingly. The display effect linked to the effect is ended, and a return operation toward the initial position of each movable object 68, 69 is started as shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the return of the movable objects 68 and 69 to the initial positions is completed at the timing t5, and the current game is terminated at the timing t6 thereafter.

  Here, in the display effect in the image display device 66, the display effect linked to the operation effect is not started until the delay period T1 from the timing t1 which is the start timing of the game to the timing t2 has elapsed. Specifically, the content of the display effect executed during one game is determined by reading the data table for one game from the sub ROM 83 when the lottery result command is received in the sub MPU 82. However, the display effect data linked to the operation effect in the data table read out at this time is set as data to be started after the delay period T1. On the other hand, the assumed longest period T2 required for each movable object 68, 69 to return from the production time position to the initial position is shorter than the delay period T1. As a result, even if each moving object 68, 69 is in operation, even if it becomes the start timing of the operation effect that is executed while being linked with the display effect in the image display device 66, each movable object is detected at the start timing. When 68 and 69 are moving toward the initial position, or when movement toward the initial position is started, the display linked to the operation effect is performed until each movable object 68 and 69 returns to the initial position. Production does not start. Therefore, it is possible to reliably link the operation effects of the movable objects 68 and 69 and the display effects corresponding thereto.

  The freeze period T3 is equal to or longer than the sum of the delay period T1 and the total period T4 in which each movable object 68, 69 slides from the initial position to the effect position and waits at that position. . Thereby, it is possible to reliably give an opportunity for the player to confirm the operation effects of the movable objects 68 and 69 and the display effects corresponding thereto.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, A various deformation | transformation improvement is possible within the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, you may change as follows. Incidentally, the configuration of another embodiment described below may be applied individually or in combination to the configuration of the above embodiment.

  (1) When the event that the movable objects 68 and 69 are not detected by any one of the initial position sensors 97a and 97b and the production-time position sensors 98a and 98b occurs over the sensor monitoring period, the movable objects 68 and 69 are driven. An operation for detecting whether or not the movable objects 68 and 69 are operating normally in a situation where a drive signal is output to the drive motor 92 instead of the configuration in which the control is determined not to be performed normally. In addition to the initial position sensors 97a and 97b and the stage sensors 98a and 98b, a plurality of detection sensors are provided along the operation path of the movable objects 68 and 69, and the detection results of the plurality of operation detection sensors are provided. On the basis of this, it may be configured to detect whether or not the movable objects 68 and 69 are operating normally. In this case, the sensor monitoring period can be set shorter than in the case of the above-described embodiment, and when the drive control of the movable objects 68 and 69 is not performed normally, the drive signal is output to the drive motor 92. Can be stopped early.

  (2) As operations of the movable objects 68 and 69, a first operation that moves to a limit position corresponding to the position at the time of presentation in the above embodiment, and a second operation that moves to an intermediate position on the initial position side of the limit position. In the configuration in which the first and second operations are performed as the motion effects using the movable objects 68 and 69, the first motion effect is returned to the initial position after the first action is performed, and the initial position is restored after the second action is performed. It is good also as a structure where the 2nd operation effect exists. For example, in the configuration in which the first action effect and the second action effect exist in this way, the BB role selection is more effective when the first action effect is executed than when the second action effect is executed. It is good also as a structure with the high expectation degree of becoming.

  In this configuration, a midway position sensor for detecting that the movable objects 68 and 69 have reached the limit position of the second operation is further provided, and in addition to the initial position sensors 97a and 97b and the stage position sensors 98a and 98b. Based on the detection result of the midway position sensor, it may be configured to detect whether or not the movable objects 68 and 69 are operating normally. In this case, the sensor monitoring period can be set shorter than in the case of the above-described embodiment, and when the drive control of the movable objects 68 and 69 is not performed normally, the drive signal is output to the drive motor 92. Can be stopped early.

  Further, when a new start trigger for the first motion effect occurs during the motion effect of the movable objects 68, 69, the return operation toward the initial position of the movable objects 68, 69 is performed on the way position sensor and the initial position. It is good also as a structure made to carry out until it detects in either of the sensors 97a and 97b. In other words, in the configuration, when the movable objects 68 and 69 are present on the position side of the performance relative to the midway position sensor at the timing when a new first action effect start trigger occurs, the movable objects 68 and 69 are present. After returning to the position detected by the midway position sensor, it moves toward the stage at the time of production. This makes it possible to shorten the period for performing the return operation to the initial position while making the movement of the movable objects 68 and 69 as intended by the designer.

  By the way, when the movable objects 68 and 69 are present on the position side of the performance position with respect to the midway position sensor at the timing when the new second motion effect start trigger occurs, the start trigger of the second motion effect is invalidated. The movable object 68, 69 may be returned only to the initial position, and the second action effect is obtained after the movable object 68, 69 is returned to the initial position without invalidating the start timing of the second action effect. It is good also as composition which performs.

  In addition, the middle position is not limited to one type, and may be a configuration in which two types or three or more types exist.

  (3) Although the enable signal is input to both the enable terminal and the reset terminal of the motor driver IC 112 by branching the signal path of the enable signal in the middle, the enable terminal and the reset terminal are used instead. A different signal may be input. In this case, the timing for stopping the output of the drive signal from the motor driver IC 112 and the timing for erasing the data in the data storage area 114 in the motor driver IC 112 can be set individually.

  (4) The sub MPU 82 and the motor driver IC 112 may be provided on the same substrate, or the functions of the motor driver IC 112 may be integrated in the sub MPU 82. Even in this case, it is preferable to stop outputting the drive signal to the drive motor 92 when the movable objects 68 and 69 are not operating normally.

  (5) When the movable objects 68 and 69 are not operating normally, the configuration in which the output state of the enable signal is set to the OFF state in order to stop the output of the drive signal to the drive motor 92 may be omitted. Even in this case, when the movable objects 68 and 69 are waiting at the initial position, the data stored in the data storage area 114 of the motor driver IC 112 is cleared, so that the data storage area 114 It becomes possible to perform permission setting of the output of the drive signal without considering the state.

  (6) In the first embodiment, when a new start timing of the motion effect occurs during the execution of the motion effect in the movable objects 68 and 69, the motion effect in the middle of execution is completed to the end and the initial position is reached. It is good also as a structure which starts the operation | movement effect corresponding to a new start opportunity after returning.

  (7) In the first embodiment, when a new start timing of the motion effect occurs in the middle of execution of the motion effect in the movable objects 68 and 69, the motion effect in the middle of execution is completed to the end and the initial position is reached. It is good also as a structure which performs return operation | movement, invalidates a new start opportunity, and does not perform the operation | movement effect corresponding to the said new start opportunity.

  (8) In the first embodiment, when a new start trigger of the motion effect occurs in the middle of the execution of the motion effect in the movable objects 68 and 69, the motion during the execution than the motion effect corresponding to the new start trigger. If the direction of the stage is high, or if the expected level of grant for a given benefit that is advantageous to the player, such as winning the BB role, is the same, or if the level of the expected level of grant is the same, the action stage in the middle of execution will be completed to the end When the action is performed and the new start opportunity is invalidated so that the action presentation corresponding to the new start opportunity is not executed, and the relationship of the grant expectation is opposite to the above relation, the action presentation in the middle of execution It is good also as a structure which starts the operation | movement effect corresponding to a new start opportunity, after canceling and performing return operation | movement to an initial position.

  (9) In the third embodiment, when a new start trigger of the motion effect occurs in the middle of the motion effect, the expectation level corresponding to the motion effect in the middle of execution and the motion effect corresponding to the new start trigger is set. In comparison, when the expectation of the latter operation effect is high, the operation effect corresponding to the new start opportunity is executed after the return operation to the initial position, but this may be changed. For example, in a configuration in which a plurality of types of motion effects are set such that the expected level of grant of a predetermined benefit that is advantageous for a player, such as BB role winning, is different, a new one about the motion effect equivalent to the predetermined expected level of grant or more When a start event occurs, an operation effect corresponding to the new start event is executed after the return operation to the initial position, and an operation effect that does not correspond to the predetermined grant expectation level is simply returned to the initial position. It is good also as a structure which performs only operation | movement.

  (10) In a configuration in which a plurality of types of motion effects are set so that the expected benefits of predetermined benefits that are advantageous to the player, such as a BB winning combination, are different, motion effects equivalent to or higher than the predetermined expected expectations of start are started. In the game next to the played game, it may be configured such that the start timing of the motion effect does not occur. In this case, even if the target game is completed and the next game is started while an operation effect equivalent to a predetermined grant expectation is being executed, the operation effect is completed to the end. It becomes possible for the player to visually recognize the entire motion effect corresponding to the predetermined grant expectation level or higher.

  (11) In addition to or instead of the configuration in which the motion effects of the movable objects 68 and 69 are executed according to the lottery result of the role, the motion effects are executed according to the winning results after the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. It is good also as a structure to be made.

  (12) The command communication between the sub-side MPU 82 and the motor driver IC 112 may be performed by parallel communication instead of serial communication. Even in this case, the enable signal is transmitted from the sub MPU 82 to the motor driver IC 112, and when the movable objects 68 and 69 are not operating normally, the output state of the enable signal is set to the OFF state. By doing so, it is preferable to stop the output of the drive signal.

  (13) If a new start trigger of the motion effect occurs during the execution of the motion effect, the movable objects 68 and 69 are temporarily stopped once instead of the configuration in which the movable objects 68 and 69 are returned to the initial positions. After that, an operation effect corresponding to a new start opportunity may be started from that position. In this case, it is possible to start an operation effect corresponding to a new start opportunity at an early stage while preventing the movable objects 68 and 69 from performing an operation not intended by the designer.

  (14) In the fourth embodiment, a link effect in which the motion effect of the movable objects 68 and 69 and the display effect of the image display device 66 are linked is performed after all the reels 32L, 32M, It is good also as a structure which complete | finishes within the range of the shortest period until 32R stops, The range of the shortest period until it becomes possible to stop reels 32L, 32M, 32R first through a freeze period after a game is started. It is good also as a structure which complete | finishes within.

  Further, in the fourth embodiment, when there are a plurality of motion effects such that there are a plurality of types of return periods required to return from the position at the time of the performance to the initial position, the motion effects after the game is started. The period until the display effect linked to is started may be configured such that the return period is set as a period longer than the longest period. Thereby, even if a new start opportunity occurs in the middle of execution of any production pattern, it becomes possible to link an operation production and a display production.

  (15) The data storage area 114 of the motor driver IC 112 stores the drive command received from the sub-side MPU 82 as it is, and outputs a drive signal in accordance with the stored drive command. The data storage area 114 may be configured to store data that can identify the type of drive signal to be output.

  (16) In the above-described embodiment, the privilege of paying out medals is awarded when a small role winning is established, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which some privilege is granted to the player. I just need it. For example, a configuration in which prizes other than medals are paid out when a small winning combination is established. Further, in a slot machine that does not have an actual medal insertion or medal payout function and manages credits owned by a player, an increase in credited medals corresponds to provision of a privilege.

  (17) The present invention may be applied to a so-called B-type slot machine, and C-type, A-type and C-type combined type, B-type and C-type combined type, RT game, CT game or ART. The present invention may be applied to any slot machine such as a type equipped with a game.

  (18) The symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are not limited to pictures, numbers, characters, and the like, but may be geometric lines or figures. In addition, the design can be configured by light, color, or the like, the design can be configured by a three-dimensional shape or the like, and the design can be configured by combining these. That is, it is sufficient that the symbol has a function as information having distinguishability.

  (19) In each of the embodiments described above, an example in which the slot machine 10 is embodied has been shown. However, the present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine, or may be applied to a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are integrated. Also good.

<Invention Group Extracted from the Embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiment will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses and the like, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses and the like.

<Feature A group>
Feature A1. Movable production means (movable objects 68, 69) for executing a predetermined operation;
Drive means (drive motor 92) for driving the movable effect means;
Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means (function for executing initial position return processing and effect operation processing in the sub-side MPU 82; motor driver IC 112);
State detecting means (initial position sensors 97a, 97b, effect position sensors 98a, 98b) for detecting that the movable effect means is in a predetermined state;
In the situation where the drive means is controlled to be in the drive state, the movable effect by the drive means when the state detection means continues to detect that the movable effect means has become a predetermined state. Drive release means for releasing the drive state of the means (function for executing the process of step S1005 in the sub-side MPU 82);
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature A1, when the movable effect means is not operating normally despite the drive control so that the movable effect means is driven by the drive means, the drive of the movable effect means by the drive means is performed. The state is released. As a result, it is possible to prevent the drive state of the drive unit from being continued even though the drive control of the drive unit is not normally performed. If the drive state of the drive means is continued in a situation where drive control is not normally performed, there is a concern that the drive means will be in an unexpected state for the designer and some abnormality will occur. On the other hand, as described above, the drive means is prevented from continuing even though the drive control of the drive means is not normally performed. The possibility of becoming a state of not being reduced is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suitably perform the execution control using the movable effect means.

Feature A2. The drive control means includes
A signal output means (motor driver IC 112) that outputs a drive signal to the drive means to drive the drive means; and
Output control means for controlling the output state of the drive signal from the signal output means (function for executing the initial position return process and the rendering operation process in the sub-side MPU 82);
With
The gaming machine according to feature A1, wherein the drive release means disables output of a drive signal from the signal output means in order to release the drive state.

  In the configuration in which the signal output means and the output control means are distinguished from each other, some communication abnormality occurs in the signal path between the signal output means and the output control means, and the drive control is normally performed. There is a high possibility that the driving state of the driving means is continued in a situation where the driving is not performed. On the other hand, when the movable rendering means is not operating normally even though the drive control is performed so that the movable rendering means is driven by the driving means, the drive signal is output from the signal output means. Is not allowed. This reduces the possibility that the driving means will be in an unexpected state for the designer.

Feature A3. The drive control unit includes an output permission unit (a function of outputting an enable signal in the sub-side MPU 82) that permits output of the drive signal from the signal output unit,
The drive release means switches the state in which the output permission means permits the output of the drive signal from the signal output means to a disapproval state in order to release the drive state. The gaming machine according to feature A2.

  According to the feature A3, when the movable rendering means is not operating normally, it is only necessary to switch the state of the output permission means from the permitted state to the non-permitted state. Therefore, it is impossible to output the drive signal from the signal output means. This simplifies the configuration for doing so.

  Feature A4. The gaming machine according to claim A3, wherein the output permission means permits the output of the drive signal from the signal output means after the supply of the operating power to the drive control means is started. .

  According to the feature A4, the drive signal is allowed to be output from the signal output means after the operation power supply is started, so that the drive signal to the drive means after the operation power supply is started. It is possible to set the timing at which the output of is started as the timing intended by the designer. In this case, when the movable rendering means is not operating normally, the output permission means is switched from the permitted state to the non-permitted state, so that the drive control after the start of the supply of operating power can be performed satisfactorily. By using this configuration, the possibility that the driving means is in an unexpected state for the designer is reduced.

Feature A5. The output permission means is an output permission signal (enable signal) corresponding to the output permission from the output control means to the signal output means through a signal path provided to connect the signal output means and the output control means. To permit the output of the drive signal,
The drive release means is for setting the output state of the output permission signal through the signal path to a state corresponding to output non-permission in order to release the drive state. A gaming machine according to A4.

  According to the feature A5, when the movable rendering means is not operating normally, it is only necessary to switch the output state of the output permission signal from the state corresponding to the output permission to the state corresponding to the output disapproval. The structure for disabling the output of the drive signal from the means can be simplified.

  Feature A6. The gaming machine according to feature A5, wherein when the signal path is interrupted, the reception state of the output permission signal in the signal output means is in a state corresponding to output disapproval.

  According to the feature A6, when an abnormality occurs in which the signal path of the output permission signal is interrupted, the output of the drive signal from the signal output means to the drive means is stopped. Even if an abnormality in the signal path of the output permission signal occurs at the same time, the possibility that the driving means will be in an unexpected state for the designer is reduced.

Feature A7. The signal output means and the output control means are provided as separate bodies,
The output control means outputs information for switching the output state of the drive signal to the signal output means using a specific signal line,
The game machine according to Feature A6, wherein the signal line for propagating the output permission signal is provided as the same connection unit (first connection unit 121) together with the specific signal line.

  According to the feature A7, when an abnormality occurs in the connection location of the connection unit, not only an abnormality in the drive control of the drive means occurs, but the signal path of the output permission signal is interrupted. The output of the drive signal to is stopped, and the possibility that the drive means will be in an unexpected state for the designer is reduced.

  Feature A8. The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A7, wherein the signal output means and the output control means are provided separately from each other.

  According to the feature A8, the signal output unit and the output control unit can be handled individually. On the other hand, in this configuration, there is a high possibility that some communication abnormality will occur in the signal path between the signal output means and the output control means, but when such communication abnormality occurs as described above, The output of the drive signal to the drive means is stopped.

  Feature A9. The game machine according to any one of features A2 to A8, wherein the signal output means and the output control means are provided on different substrates.

  According to the feature A9, it is possible to improve the versatility of at least one of the substrate provided with the output control means and the substrate provided with the signal output means. On the other hand, in this configuration, there is a high possibility that some communication abnormality will occur in the signal path between the signal output means and the output control means, but when such communication abnormality occurs as described above, The output of the drive signal to the drive means is stopped.

Feature A10. The signal output means includes output control information storage means (data storage area 114) for storing information received from the output control means or information corresponding thereto, and corresponds to information stored in the output control information storage means Output the drive signal to the drive means,
In the situation where the output of the drive signal from the signal output means is disabled, the information erasure means (reset terminal, operation of step S1107 in the motor driver IC 112) for erasing the information stored in the output control information storage means. The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A9, wherein the gaming machine has a function to be executed.

  According to the feature A10, when the output of the drive signal from the signal output means is disabled, the information stored in the output control information storage means is also deleted, so that the drive control of the drive means cannot be performed normally. In the situation, not only the setting for disabling the output of the drive signal is performed, but also the information itself that triggers the output of the drive signal is deleted. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the drive signal from being output to the drive means in a situation where the drive control of the drive means cannot be performed normally.

  In addition, when the output of the drive signal to the drive means is disabled, the information stored in the output control information storage means is erased, and when the output of the drive signal is permitted again, it is output at that time A drive signal corresponding to the information stored in the control information storage means is not output. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform permission setting of the output of the drive signal without considering the state of the output control information storage means.

Feature A11. The signal output means and the output control means are provided as separate bodies,
The drive control means outputs an output permission signal (enable signal) corresponding to the output permission from the output control means to the signal output means through a signal path provided to connect the signal output means and the output control means. Output permission means (function to output an enable signal in the sub-side MPU 82) that permits the output of the drive signal by outputting
The drive release means is for setting the output state of the output permission signal through the signal path to a state corresponding to output disapproval in order to release the drive state,
The signal output means includes
First input means (enable terminal) for specifying whether the output of the drive signal is permitted by receiving the output permission signal through the signal path;
Whether information stored in the output control information storage means is erased by the information erasing means by receiving the output permission signal through a branch path provided by branching from the signal path. A second input means (reset terminal) for specifying;
A gaming machine according to Feature A10, comprising:

  According to the feature A11, whether or not the information in the output control information storage means is erased and the first input means for inputting information for specifying whether or not the output of the drive signal is permitted to the signal output means. Since the second input means to which the information for specifying is input is provided separately, the utilization modes of these functions are diversified, and the versatility of the signal output means is enhanced.

  In this case, an output permission signal is input to both the first input means and the second input means. As a result, when the output of the drive signal to the drive unit is stopped, the configuration for communication is simplified in the configuration in which the information in the output control information storage unit is deleted.

Feature A12. The signal output means and the output control means are provided on separate substrates, respectively.
The gaming machine according to Feature A11, wherein the branch path is provided by being branched from the signal path on a board on which the signal output means is provided.

  According to the feature A12, since the branch path leading to the second input means is provided by branching from the signal path leading to the first input means on the substrate provided with the signal output means, the signal output means is provided. When a communication abnormality occurs between the board and the board provided on the output control board, the influence is similarly generated on both the first input means and the second input means.

  Feature A13, the state detection means is at least one of detection means for detecting that the movable effect means is disposed at the initial position and detection means for detecting that the movable effect means is disposed at the effect position. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A12, wherein:

  According to the feature A13, the determination as to whether or not the movable effect means is operating normally is made using detection means necessary for using the movable effect means as an effect. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether or not the movable rendering means is operating normally while simplifying the configuration.

  Feature A14. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A13, wherein the drive means is a stepping motor whose excitation phase is switched in accordance with the type of drive signal received.

  There is a concern that heat will be generated when the application of the stepping motor to the predetermined phase is continued, but by providing the configuration of the feature A1, output of the drive signal is stopped in such a case. Is possible.

<Feature B group>
Feature B1. Movable production means (movable objects 68, 69) for executing a predetermined operation;
Drive means (drive motor 92) for driving the movable effect means;
A signal output means (motor driver IC 112) for outputting a drive signal to the drive means to drive the drive means; and
Output control means for controlling the output state of the drive signal from the signal output means (function for executing the initial position return process and the rendering operation process in the sub-side MPU 82);
With
The signal output means includes output control information storage means (data storage area 114) for storing information received from the output control means or information corresponding thereto, and corresponds to information stored in the output control information storage means Output the drive signal to the drive means,
In the situation where the output of the drive signal from the signal output means is disabled, the information erasure means (reset terminal, operation of step S1107 in the motor driver IC 112) for erasing the information stored in the output control information storage means. A gaming machine characterized by having a function to be executed).

  According to the feature B1, when the output of the drive signal from the signal output unit is disabled, the information stored in the output control information storage unit is also deleted, so that the output of the drive signal is permitted again In addition, the drive signal corresponding to the information stored in the output control information storage means at that time is not output. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform permission setting of the output of the drive signal without considering the state of the output control information storage means. Therefore, it is possible to suitably perform the execution control using the movable effect means.

Feature B2. The signal output means and the output control means are provided as separate bodies,
By outputting an output permission signal (enable signal) corresponding to output permission from the output control means to the signal output means through a signal path provided so as to connect the signal output means and the output control means. Provided with an output permission means for permitting the output of the drive signal (function to output an enable signal in the sub-side MPU 82),
The signal output means includes
First input means (enable terminal) for specifying whether the output of the drive signal is permitted by receiving the output permission signal through the signal path;
Whether information stored in the output control information storage means is erased by the information erasing means by receiving the output permission signal through a branch path provided by branching from the signal path. A second input means (reset terminal) for specifying;
A gaming machine according to Feature B1, wherein

  According to the feature B2, whether or not to erase the information in the first input means for inputting information for specifying whether or not the output of the drive signal is permitted to the signal output means and the output control information storage means is determined. Since the second input means to which the information for specifying is input is provided separately, the utilization modes of these functions are diversified, and the versatility of the signal output means is enhanced.

  In this case, an output permission signal is input to both the first input means and the second input means. As a result, when the output of the drive signal to the drive unit is stopped, the configuration for communication is simplified in the configuration in which the information in the output control information storage unit is deleted.

Feature B3. The signal output means and the output control means are provided on separate substrates, respectively.
The gaming machine according to Feature B2, wherein the branch path is provided by being branched from the signal path on a board on which the signal output means is provided.

  According to the feature B3, the branch path that leads to the second input means is provided by branching from the signal path that leads to the first input means on the substrate on which the signal output means is provided, so that the signal output means is provided. When a communication abnormality occurs between the board and the board provided on the output control board, the influence is similarly generated on both the first input means and the second input means.

  Feature B4. The output permission means permits the output of the drive signal from the signal output means after the supply of the operating power to the drive control means is started, The feature B2 or B3 Gaming machine.

  According to the characteristic B4, the drive signal is permitted to be output from the signal output unit after the supply of the operation power is started, so that the drive signal to the drive unit is started after the supply of the operation power is started. It is possible to set the timing at which the output of is started as the timing intended by the designer.

  Feature B5. Any one of the characteristics B2 to B4, wherein when the signal path is interrupted, the reception state of the output permission signal in the signal output unit is in a state corresponding to output disapproval. Game machines.

  According to the feature B5, when an abnormality occurs in which the signal path of the output permission signal is interrupted, the output of the drive signal from the signal output means to the drive means is stopped. Even if an abnormality in the signal path of the output permission signal occurs at the same time, the possibility that the driving means will be in an unexpected state for the designer is reduced.

Feature B6. The signal output means and the output control means are provided as separate bodies,
The output control means outputs information for switching the output state of the drive signal to the signal output means using a specific signal line,
The game machine according to Feature B5, wherein the signal line for propagating the output permission signal is provided as the same connection unit (first connection unit 121) together with the specific signal line.

  According to the feature B6, when an abnormality occurs in the connection location of the connection unit, not only an abnormality in the drive control of the drive means occurs, but the signal path of the output permission signal is interrupted. The output of the drive signal to is stopped, and the possibility that the drive means will be in an unexpected state for the designer is reduced.

  Feature B7. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B6, wherein the driving means is a stepping motor whose excitation phase is switched in accordance with the type of drive signal received.

  In the configuration in which the stepping motor is used as the driving means, it is possible to achieve the excellent effects as described above.

<Feature C group>
Feature C1. Movable production means (movable objects 68, 69) for executing a predetermined operation;
Drive means (drive motor 92) for driving the movable effect means;
Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means (function for executing initial position return processing and effect operation processing in the sub-side MPU 82; motor driver IC 112);
With
The movable effect means is configured to perform a predetermined effect by operating from an initial state,
The drive control means restricts the start of the predetermined effect corresponding to the new start opportunity from the state during the execution when the new start opportunity of the predetermined effect occurs during the execution of the predetermined effect. Start restriction means (in the first embodiment, the function of executing the process of step S705 in the sub-side MPU 82, in the second embodiment of the function of executing the process of step S1205 in the sub-side MPU 82, in the third embodiment of the sub A game machine having a function of executing the process of step S1306 in the side MPU 82).

  According to the feature C1, when a new start opportunity occurs in the middle of execution of the predetermined effect, the start of the predetermined effect corresponding to the new start opportunity from the state in the middle of execution is restricted, so It is possible to prevent the production unit from performing an operation not intended by the designer. Therefore, it is possible to suitably perform the execution control using the movable effect means.

  Feature C2. The start restriction means, when a new start opportunity of the predetermined effect occurs during the execution of the predetermined effect, after returning the movable effect means to the initial state, the predetermined effect corresponding to the new start opportunity The gaming machine according to Feature C1, wherein the game is started.

  According to the feature C2, by restricting the start of the predetermined effect from the state in the middle of execution, it is possible to prevent the movable effect means from executing an operation not intended by the designer, and further, the predetermined effect. Can be started from the initial state, and the entire operation content of the predetermined effect can be visually recognized by the player.

Feature C3. Trigger decision means for deciding whether or not to generate the start timing of the predetermined effect (function to execute step S701 in the sub MPU 82 in the first embodiment, step S1201 in the sub MPU 82 in the second embodiment) A function for executing the process of step S1301 in the sub-side MPU 82 in the third embodiment)
If the drive control means determines that the start trigger is generated by the trigger determination means, the drive control means determines that the start trigger generation is longer than the longest period required to return the movable rendering means to the initial state. The gaming machine according to Feature C2, wherein the predetermined effect corresponding to the start opportunity is started when the timing elapses.

  According to the feature C3, a period longer than the longest period required for the movable effect means to return to the initial state is secured as a period from the occurrence timing of the start opportunity to the timing when the movable effect means starts the predetermined effect from the initial state. Has been. As a result, even when a start trigger occurs during execution of a predetermined effect and a new predetermined effect is started after returning to the initial state, the start timing of the new predetermined effect is a predetermined timing. Thus, it becomes easy to link the effect with the effect means different from the movable effect means.

Feature C4. Related effect means (image display device 66) capable of executing related effects corresponding to the effects in the movable effect means;
A related effect control means (a function of executing the process of step S606 in the sub-side MPU 82) for controlling the related effect means so that the related effect is executed in accordance with the start of the predetermined effect;
The gaming machine according to Feature C3, comprising:

  According to the feature C4, by providing the configuration of the feature C3, it becomes easy to link the predetermined effect in the movable effect means and the related effect in the related effect means.

Feature C5. Variable display means (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) for variably displaying the pattern;
Start operation means (start lever 41) operated to start variable display of the pattern;
Lottery means (function to execute lottery processing in the main side MPU 72) for executing a lottery process of a combination when the start operation means is operated;
One game is started by starting variable display of the pattern when the start operation means is operated, and a stop pattern corresponding to the winning combination in the lottery process is displayed when the one game ends. Variable display control means (function for executing reel control processing in the main MPU 72) for controlling the variable display means so as to enable
With
The opportunity determination means determines whether or not to generate the start opportunity according to the result of the lottery process.
In the case where it is determined that the start trigger is generated by the trigger determination unit, the drive control unit performs the predetermined effect corresponding to the start trigger when a period longer than the longest period has elapsed from the start timing of the game. The gaming machine according to Feature C3 or C4, characterized in that the game machine is started.

  According to the feature C5, as a period from the start timing of the game to the timing when the movable effect means starts the predetermined effect from the initial state, a period longer than the longest period required for the movable effect means to return to the initial state is secured. ing. As a result, even when a start trigger occurs during execution of a predetermined effect and a new predetermined effect is started after returning to the initial state, the start timing of the new predetermined effect is a predetermined timing. Thus, it becomes easy to link the effect with the effect means different from the movable effect means.

Feature C6. There are a plurality of types of the predetermined effects, with different degrees of expectation that a predetermined privilege is given to the player.
The start restriction unit may or may not perform a return operation to the initial state before the start of the predetermined effect according to the expectation of the predetermined effect corresponding to the new start opportunity. The gaming machine according to any one of features C2 to C5, wherein:

  According to the feature C6, when a start trigger occurs in the middle of execution of the predetermined effect, the movable effect means may return to the initial state or may not return depending on the expectation level corresponding to the new predetermined effect. As a result, it is possible to return to the initial state in a flexible manner.

  Feature C7. The start restriction means, when the expected degree of the predetermined effect corresponding to the new start opportunity is higher than the expected degree of the comparison target, to perform a return operation to the initial state before the start of the predetermined effect, The gaming machine according to Feature C6, wherein when the degree of expectation of the comparison target is lower, the returning operation to the initial state is not performed before the predetermined effect is started.

  According to the feature C7, it is possible to allow the player to visually recognize a predetermined effect with a high degree of expectation, and to prevent the execution period of the predetermined effect with a low expectation from being prolonged. Become.

  Feature C8. The start restriction means, when the expectation degree of the predetermined effect corresponding to the new start opportunity is higher than the expectation degree of the predetermined effect during execution, before the start of the predetermined effect corresponding to the new start opportunity When the return operation to the initial state is performed and is lower than the expected degree of the predetermined performance in the middle of execution, the return operation to the initial state is not performed before the start of the predetermined performance corresponding to the new start opportunity The gaming machine according to Feature C6 or C7, wherein

  When the degree of expectation corresponding to the newly started predetermined effect is higher than the degree of expectation corresponding to the immediately preceding predetermined effect, the player's attention to the newly started predetermined effect becomes high. In this case, according to the feature C8, it is possible to make the player visually recognize the whole of the predetermined effect with a high expectation that the degree of attention of the player is high. On the other hand, it is possible to prevent the execution period from being prolonged for a predetermined effect with low expectation.

  Feature C9. The start restricting means, when a new start opportunity of the predetermined effect occurs during the execution of the predetermined effect, cancels the predetermined effect during the execution and invalidates the generation of the new start opportunity. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C8, characterized by:

  According to the feature C9, when a new start trigger of the predetermined effect occurs during the execution of the predetermined effect, the predetermined effect that does not correspond to the current progress state of the game is executed by canceling the predetermined effect during the execution. In addition to being able to prevent being continued, by invalidating the occurrence of a new start opportunity, the movable rendering means can be designed by the designer while preventing the execution period of the predetermined rendering from extending for a long time. It is possible to suppress the operation that is not performed.

Feature C10. Variable display means (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) for variably displaying the pattern;
Start operation means (start lever 41) operated to start variable display of the pattern;
Lottery means (function to execute lottery processing in the main side MPU 72) for executing a lottery process of a combination when the start operation means is operated;
Stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) operated to stop the variable display of the pattern;
When the start operation means is operated, one game is started by starting the variable display of the picture, and when the stop operation means is operated, the variable display of the picture is stopped, and the one game Variable display control means for controlling the variable display means so that it is possible to display a stop picture corresponding to the winning combination in the lottery process (function to execute the reel control process in the main MPU 72) )When,
The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C9, comprising:

  In the gaming machine such as the feature C10, it is possible to achieve the excellent effects as described above.

  The basic configuration of the gaming machine to which the above features can be applied is shown below.

  Pachinko gaming machine: operation means operated by a player, game ball launching means for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, a ball path for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area, and a game A gaming machine that includes each gaming component arranged in an area, and gives a bonus to a player when a gaming ball passes through a predetermined passing portion of each gaming component.

  A spinning machine such as a slot machine: the rotation of the circulating body is started based on the operation of the start operation means, the rotation of the circulating body is stopped based on the operation of the stop operation means, and the player is made according to the pattern after the stop. A gaming machine that grants bonuses.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine, 32L, 32M, 32R ... Reel, 41 ... Start lever, 42-44 ... Stop button, 66 ... Image display apparatus, 68, 69 ... Movable thing, 72 ... Main side MPU, 82 ... Sub side MPU, 92 ... Drive motor, 97a, 97b ... Initial position sensor, 98a, 98b ... Production position sensor, 112 ... Motor driver IC, 114 ... Data storage area, 121 ... First connection unit.

Claims (1)

Movable production means for executing a predetermined operation;
Driving means for driving the movable effect means;
Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means;
With
The movable effect means is configured to perform a predetermined effect by operating from an initial state,
The drive control means, when a new start opportunity of the predetermined effect occurs during the execution of the predetermined effect, after returning the movable effect means to the initial state, the predetermined effect corresponding to the new start opportunity Including a start restriction means for starting
There are a plurality of types of the predetermined effects, with different degrees of expectation that a predetermined privilege is given to the player.
The start restriction unit may or may not perform a return operation to the initial state before the start of the predetermined effect according to the expectation of the predetermined effect corresponding to the new start opportunity. A gaming machine characterized by that.

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