JP2017213273A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a movable body from losing synchronism in an initial movement after changing a setup.SOLUTION: In start-up, a movable body is made to execute initial movement (movement causing the movable body to reciprocate within a whole movable range and returning it to an original point) (Fig. 7(c)), however, a content of primary-stage movement is changed according to a factor of the start-up. In a case of a setup change, a game machine causes the movable body to execute initial weight processing and to execute origin return movement as the primary-stage movement. In other cases such as reset and power-on/off, the game machine causes the movable body to execute initial movement as the primary-stage movement. This configuration can terminate the primary-stage movement of the movable body in a short time, in a case of the setup change where impact of closing a door tends to be strong, so as to suppress an occurrence of a trouble caused by the impact.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, and particularly relates to a machine equipped with a movable body used for production or the like.

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

  Various devices such as a liquid crystal display device, a display lamp for display (electric decoration), and a sound generator (sound device, speaker) are provided in the gaming machine as devices that play a role of enhancing the interest of the player. In addition, there may be provided a movable accessory (movable body) that includes a movable part and produces an effect by the movement of the movable part. In the following description, not only the liquid crystal display device, the electrical decoration, and the sound generation device itself but also their control devices may be referred to as “effect devices”.

Patent No. 5480569 gazette For the movable body accessory, an operation check called "initial processing (moves the accessory to the maximum extent and performs detection check of various index sensors)" is performed when the power is turned on. By checking whether the movable object is in the default position at the end of the initial process and returning it if it is not (special correction process), the movement of the movable object can always be started from the same position. . In addition, by confirming the operation of the special correction process when the power is turned on, it is possible to easily determine the abnormality of the movable body accessory.

  The movable body includes a driving device (driving unit) such as a motor (stepping motor), and the movable element of the movable body is moved by being driven by this. In order to move the movable element to a desired position, an origin serving as a basic position of the control operation is determined. When performing an effect, a predetermined number of steps up to a predetermined position with respect to the origin is obtained, and the movable body is moved to a predetermined position by driving the stepping motor in accordance with the number of steps. In general, a sensor is attached in the vicinity of the origin of the movable body, and the origin is determined based on the detection signal of the sensor. The same applies to the other drive devices (drive units) in that the origin is provided.

  In Patent Document 1, an operation check called “initial processing” is performed on a movable body accessory when power is turned on. This operation check (initial operation, initial operation) is to grasp the position of the movable element of the movable body (calibration) and to confirm that there is no obstacle such as an obstacle in the predetermined range of the movable element. To be done. The initial operation is performed not only when the power is turned on, but also at the time of resetting or when a setting is changed as described later. In other words, the initial operation of the movable body is performed at startup.

  By the way, the initial operation at the time of starting may not be performed normally, and the movable element of the movable body may step out. To start, the front door of the gaming machine is opened and the switch inside is operated, but when the operation is finished and the front door is closed, the impact of the impact caused by the front door hitting the gaming machine housing It is estimated that the moving element will step out.

  In order to prevent the movable element from stepping out, the initial operation may be performed after an impact is generated by closing the front door. However, this is inconvenient because the movable element is initially operated with the front door opened and the state cannot be confirmed. However, if the initial operation is not performed, a check for operating the movable body of the gaming machine normally is lacking, which is not preferable.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-described problems in the initial operation (initial operation) of the movable body by relatively simple means such as program correction without changing the mechanism of the movable body. .

This invention
A processing unit for performing processing related to the production;
A movable element that moves within a predetermined movable range, a drive unit that moves the movable element, and a sensor that outputs a signal indicating that the movable element is in a predetermined position (near the origin); A movable body for performing the production;
In a gaming machine comprising a movable body control unit that controls the movable body based on the control of the processing unit,
The movable body control unit performs any one of a plurality of initial operations (initial operations) predetermined at startup, and then controls the movable body,
As operation means for starting, the first operation means (setting change switch) and the second operation means (power switch, reset switch),
The movable body controller is
The process is branched depending on whether one of the first operation means and the second operation means is operated, and any one of the plurality of initial operations is performed.

When activated based on the first operating means, a first initial operation (origin return operation) is performed to move the movable element so that the sensor detects it,
When activated based on the second operating means, a second initial operation for moving the movable element in the movable range (maximum operation, that is, an operation for performing detection confirmation of a sensor by moving an accessory in the maximum range, etc. May be simply referred to as “initial processing”).

  Prior to performing at least the first initial operation, an initial standby process for waiting for a predetermined time may be performed.

  This initial standby process waits for a time until the sensor becomes valid. The standby time is determined based on the time required for the initial setting after startup (such as RAM check). For example, it is set to about 200 ms.

  When activated based on the first operating means and the second operating means, the first initial operation may be performed.

  An example is given about a 1st operation means and a 2nd operation means.

  The first operation means is a setting change switch (reference SSW in FIG. 3). The setting change switch SSW is provided on the upper side inside the gaming machine casing, and the upper door of the gaming machine must be opened for the operation thereof. At the same time, since the power switch (reference symbol PSW in FIG. 3) provided on the lower side inside the gaming machine casing is operated, the lower door of the gaming machine must be opened. After all, when changing the setting, both the upper door and the lower door of the gaming machine must be opened, and both the upper door and the lower door are closed after the setting change is completed. For this reason, it is considered that the step out occurs in the initial operation (initial operation) of the movable element of the movable body.

  When activated based on the first operating means and the second operating means (in the above example, both the setting change switch SSW and the power switch PSW are operated and activated), the influence of the operation of the first operating means Since this is larger, this is prioritized and the first initial operation is performed.

  The second operation means is a power switch PSW or a reset switch (RSW in FIG. 3). Since these are provided on the lower side inside the gaming machine casing, it is only necessary to open the lower door when operating them. The lower door is closed after the operation is completed, but the impact is relatively small because the upper door remains as it is.

  Alternatively, the first operating means corresponds to a switch provided inside the gaming machine casing. For this operation, the door of the gaming machine must be opened. Since the door is closed after the operation, an impact occurs.

  Alternatively, the second operation means corresponds to a switch provided outside the gaming machine casing. There is no need to open the door of the gaming machine for this operation. Since the door is not closed after operation, there is no impact.

  The above is an example. The first operation means is an operation means that has a relatively high possibility of affecting the movable body by the operation, and the second operation means is an operation means that has a relatively low possibility of affecting the movable body by the operation. is there.

  According to the present invention, when activated based on the first operating means, the first initial operation of moving the movable body to detect the sensor is performed, and when activated based on the second operating means, Since the second initial operation of moving the movable body within the movable range is performed, problems in the initial operation (initial operation) of the movable body can be solved by relatively simple means.

It is a perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state where the front door was closed. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing a state where the front door is opened. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart of the gaming process of the slot machine. It is a hardware block diagram of the sub board | substrate of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram of the control system of the movable body which concerns on embodiment of invention. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of control at the time of starting the movable body according to the embodiment of the invention, FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of other control at the time of starting of the movable body according to the embodiment of the invention, FIG. 7C shows a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing (timing chart) of the initial weight process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the motion (origin return operation | movement) of the movable element of the movable body at the time of starting which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the other motion (origin return operation | movement) of the movable element of the movable body at the time of starting which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of other movement (initial operation | movement) of the movable element of the movable body at the time of starting which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the movable body control process at the time of starting concerning an embodiment of the invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Although not shown, the model-specific block BB and the lower door block BL have a video controller (VDC) for controlling the liquid crystal panel LCD2, a speaker SP, and a sound for generating sound by driving the speaker SP. A drive circuit (not shown) for driving the controller, solenoid SN, motors MU and ML is incorporated.

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

  In the example of FIG. 3, the model-specific block BB includes a solenoid SN, a speaker SP, and an LED 202B, and the upper door block BU includes a liquid crystal panel LCD1, an LED 203U, a motor MU, and a sensor SENU that detects the operation of the movable body. The lower door block BL includes a liquid crystal panel LCD2, a speaker SP, an LED substrate 202L, a motor ML, a sensor SENL that detects the operation of the movable body by the motor ML, and a switch SW such as a cursor key. The entire liquid crystal panel LCD2 is configured to be slightly movable back and forth by the motor ML, and the player may be able to perform an operation of pushing the liquid crystal panel LCD2 in a state where the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is moved forward. In this case, the switch SW of the lower door block BL includes a switch for detecting depression of the liquid crystal panel LCD2.

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

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

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

  As the above-mentioned command, there is a command for performing an effect suggesting the winning contents by the software on the sub-board 20 side. For example, as shown in the following AT, suggestions for obtaining a ball are displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device in order to provide convenience (assist) for the player's operation. The suggestion is not always issued, but in specific cases. Note that the present invention is not limited to a mode in which the sub board displays AT (notifies) based on a command from the main board. For example, the main board may display (notify) the AT by a display (notification means) under the control of the main board. The following description also applies to such a form.

  The gaming machine includes an effect display device including a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, a display lamp, and the like. This effect display device is controlled by the sub-board 20, and notifies the player of a prize or the like, or plays a specific small role for a certain game during a certain game at a so-called assist time (AT) to the user with some action. It is for teaching. (Assist Time (AT): Even if a specific small role is won, the player will not be paid out unless the symbol combination corresponding to this small role is aligned on the winning judgment line. , After the big bonus is over (or at the time of winning) or at any other opportunity, the assist time will be drawn in order to align the symbol combination corresponding to a specific small role on the winning judgment line for a certain game (That tells the player about the stop operation with some action)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In step S8, medals corresponding to winning symbol combinations aligned on the winning determination line are paid out.

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

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the hardware configuration of the sub-board 20. A CPU (processing device), a ROM (nonvolatile storage unit), an RWM (readable and writable memory), an I / O (input / output device), and the like are connected to a BUS composed of a plurality of bits (wirings).

  The I / O is an IC for communication processing, for example, and performs data communication according to a predetermined protocol. By setting addresses and data in a register (not shown), communication is performed with a plurality of movable body drive units and sensors, specifically, sensors SENU, SENL, motor MU, ML, solenoid SN, and the like.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system of the movable body (community) of the gaming machine. Since the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various forms of movable bodies (acts), correspondingly, FIG. 6 expresses a common configuration abstractly. The reference numerals of the elements are different from those shown in FIG.

  CONT is a control unit (movable body control unit) that controls the movable body. The control unit CONT is provided on the sub-board 20 in FIG. The control unit CONT is realized by the CPU of the sub board 20 executing a predetermined program stored in the ROM. This operation will be described later.

  DRV is a driving means (driving unit) that drives a movable body. The drive means DRV corresponds to the motors (stepping motors) MU, ML and solenoid SN shown in FIG. The driving means DRV includes a driving mechanism (not shown) that transmits the driving force to the movable element 51 of the accessory.

  The movable element 51 is a movable element of an accessory such as a bar or a shutter used for production.

  SEN is a sensor that detects the movable element 51 and outputs a signal (detection signal). The sensor SEN corresponds to the sensors SENU and SENL in FIG. The sensor SEN is provided in the vicinity of the predetermined origin of the movable body and at a position slightly away from the origin (see FIGS. 9 to 11).

  The detection signal of the sensor SEN is, for example, as follows. The sensor SEN outputs an L level (first state) detection signal when the movable element 51 is detected, and outputs an H level (second state) detection signal when the movable element 51 is not detected. To do. When the movable element 51 (at least a part thereof) is passing the position of the sensor SEN, an L level (first state) detection signal is output.

  The sensor SEN is, for example, an optical sensor and is like a photo interrupter. The photo interrupter has a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion facing each other and is formed in a U-shaped cross section, and a detection signal is sent depending on whether or not the movable element 51 cuts into the cross section and blocks light. Output.

  Alternatively, the sensor SEN is operated by magnetism such as a reed switch. In this case, the movable element 51 is a magnet (or a magnetic member is attached), and the switch is turned on when the magnet approaches the sensor SEN which is a reed switch (a short circuit signal is output). Alternatively, a contact type sensor such as a microswitch can also be used.

  The control unit CONT performs a process of moving the movable element 51 by a desired distance. For example, when the sub board 20 performs a predetermined effect upon receiving a predetermined signal from the main board 10, the control unit CONT moves the movable element 51 to a predetermined position. For example, assuming that the position of the origin O = 0, the position of the other end RLP = 100, and the sensor position = 30, the movable element 51 should be “fully open (number of steps = 70)” or “fully closed (number of steps = −30). ) ”,“ Stop at an intermediate position (number of steps = 20) ”and the like, a drive signal for performing movement is generated and sent.

  At the same time, if the control unit CONT determines that the movable element 51 has reached the destination (in the above example, the number of steps = 70, the number of steps = −30, the number of steps = 20), the control unit CONT stops outputting the drive signal and moves the movement. Stop. The control unit CONT generates information (operation information) such as the number of movement steps (number of pulses to be given) of a stepping motor (not shown), the rotation direction, and the rotation speed (pulse frequency) of the drive means DRV. The operation information is information for instructing the movement of the movable body. For example, when the movable element 51 is moved to a specific position and stopped there, the number of movement steps is determined based on the difference between the current position and the target position, and the rotation direction is set based on the positional relationship between the current position and the target position (see above). The rotation direction is set so that the difference is small). For a fast production, the pulse frequency is set to a high frequency fH, and for a slow production, it is set to a low frequency fL (fH> fL).

  The control command for the movable body is the drive direction of the drive means DRV (moving direction of the movable element), the logic to which the control command is to be applied (set a predetermined flag if positive logic or negative logic if not specified) , Including information (bits) for specifying the driving speed and the number of driving steps of the driving means DRV.

  The movable body which concerns on embodiment of invention is added with reference to FIGS. 9-11. These drawings are schematic explanatory views (front views) of the movable body according to the embodiment of the invention.

  The movable body according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a movable element 51 configured to move between a predetermined origin O and the other end RLP, and a rail 55 that holds the movable element 51 so as to be movable left and right. Is provided.

  The sensor SEN is provided at a position away from the origin O. When the left end 51L of the movable element 51 reaches the origin (the left end of the rail 55) and cannot move further to the left, the right end 51R of the movable element 51 is separated from the sensor SEN, and the sensor SEN It is not detected (FIG. 9 (c)). Since the right end 51R is in the vicinity of the sensor SEN when the left end 51L of the movable element 51 is at the origin, it can be said that the sensor SEN is in the vicinity of the origin O.

  On the other hand, the sensor SEN is provided at a position away from the other end RLP. When the right end 51R of the movable element 51 reaches the other end RLP (the right end of the rail 55) and cannot move further to the right side (dotted line in FIG. 11A), the left end 51L of the movable element 51 is moved from the sensor SEN. Being away, the sensor SEN does not detect the movable element 51.

  The movable element 51 moves to the left and right as shown in FIGS. The operation of the movable element 51 will be described later.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams of processing at the time of activation in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention (only the processing related to the movable body is shown).

  The controller CONT performs a predetermined initial operation at the time of activation, and then moves the movable element 51 to produce an effect. The return-to-origin operation R and the initial operation S of the movable element 51 at the time of activation are different from the production. Although various initial settings are performed in addition to the initial settings of the control unit CONT of the movable body at the time of starting the gaming machine, these descriptions are omitted.

  As an operation means for starting a gaming machine, there are the following.

(1) First operation means The first operation means is a setting change switch (reference SSW in FIG. 3). The setting change switch SSW is a switch for changing the setting (the setting change has been described above).

  Or the switch provided in the inside of a gaming machine housing | casing which is not shown in figure corresponds. For this operation, the front door 130U and / or 130L of the gaming machine must be opened. Since the door is closed after the operation, an impact occurs.

(2) Second operation means The second operation means is a power switch PSW or a reset switch (RSW in FIG. 3). Since these are provided on the lower side inside the gaming machine housing, it is only necessary to open the lower door 130L for these operations. Although the lower door is closed after the operation is completed, the impact is relatively small because the upper door 130U remains as it is.

  Alternatively, a switch (not shown) provided outside the gaming machine casing is applicable (illustrated and an actual gaming machine does not necessarily include a switch outside). For this operation, it is not necessary to open both the front doors 130U and 130L of the gaming machine. Since the door is not closed after operation, there is no impact.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the control unit CONT starts an initial startup (startup) P and performs an initial wait process (initial standby) Q.

  The initial standby process Q waits for a time until the sensor SEN becomes valid. The standby time is determined based on the time required for the initial setting after startup (such as RAM check). For example, it is set to about 200 ms.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the initial standby process Q. After the start-up, the control unit CONT performs a predetermined initial setting. During this period, the signal of the sensor SEN becomes invalid. Even if the left end 51L or the right end 51R of the movable element 51 reaches the position of the sensor SEN or moves away from the position of the sensor SEN, the control unit CONT cannot detect this. Such a state continues until time t1 in FIG. Therefore, the period from the start to the time t2 after the time t1 is set as an initial wait process period, and neither the initial operation nor the origin return operation is performed during this period. When the time t2 is reached, that is, when the waiting time becomes zero, a transition is made to the home return operation R or the initial operation (initial setting) S.

  After the initial standby process Q, either an origin return operation R or an initial operation (initial setting) S is performed.

  When the control unit CONT is activated (when the setting is changed) based on the first operation means, it performs an origin return operation (first initial operation) R that moves the movable element 51 so that the sensor SEN detects it. A waiting time of 500 ms is set after the end of the origin return operation R, and then the state transitions to the normal state.

  When the control unit CONT is activated (cold start, power interruption, reset) based on the second operation means, the initial operation (the initial operation (second operation in FIG. 7) of FIG. 7) is performed. (Initial operation), a maximum operation of moving the movable element 51 within the movable range) S. A waiting time of 500 ms is set after the end of the initial operation S, and then the state transitions to the normal state.

  The control unit CONT enters the normal state T (performs normal control) after the origin return operation R or the initial operation S, and moves the movable element 51 in accordance with the predetermined contents of the effect. When the waiting time in the initial state becomes 0, transition to the normal state is made.

  FIG. 7B shows another example. In this example, the control unit CONT starts the initial startup (startup) P and branches the process immediately after that.

  That is, when the control unit CONT is activated based on the first operation means, it first performs an initial wait process (initial standby) Q, and then moves the movable element 51 so as to be detected by the sensor SEN (first return operation) Initial operation) R is performed.

  On the other hand, when activated based on the second operating means, the initial operation S for moving the movable element 51 within the movable range (0 to RLP) is performed without performing the initial weight process (initial standby) Q.

  When activated based on the first operating means, the control unit CONT performs an origin return operation (first initial operation) R that moves the movable element 51 so as to be detected by the sensor SEN. This operation is performed with the movable element 51 as the origin. Depending on the position of the movable element, the sensor SEN may be turned off immediately (for example, before time t1 in FIG. 8). In this case, since the control unit CONT cannot detect, the position of the movable element 51 may not be grasped. Therefore, when the system is activated based on the first operating means, initial wait processing (initial standby) Q is first performed.

  On the other hand, when activated based on the second operating means, the control unit CONT performs the initial operation S that moves the movable element 51 within the movable range (0 to RLP), but the initial operation S that requires more time for the movable element 51. Since the period from the start to the time t1 elapses during the execution, the initial wait process (initial standby) Q need not be performed.

  FIG. 7C is a comparative example. In this example, processing is performed in the order of initial startup (startup) P, initial operation (initial setting) S, and normal state T whatever operation is triggered. The initial wait process (initial standby) Q is not performed. In this example, the initial operation S is not normally performed as described above, and the movable element 51 may be stepped out.

  FIG. 9 is an example of the movement of the movable element 51 during the origin return operation.

  In FIG. 9A immediately after activation, the movable element 51 is between the sensor SEN and the other end RLP (maximum movable range) on the right side. By the origin return operation R, the movable element 51 moves toward the origin O on the left side (arrow).

  Thereafter, in FIG. 9B, the sensor SEN detects “passing” of the movable element 51 and outputs a signal.

  Based on the signal from the sensor SEN, the control unit CONT drives the movable element 51 by a predetermined distance to stop it, and returns the movable element 51 to the origin.

  FIG. 10 is another example of the movement of the movable element 51 during the origin return operation.

  In FIG. 10A immediately after activation, the movable element 51 is at the position of the sensor SEN. By the origin return operation R, the movable element 51 moves toward the left origin (arrow).

  Thereafter, in FIG. 10B, the sensor SEN detects “passing” of the movable element 51 and outputs a signal, but moves from the position of the movable element 51 of FIG. 10A to the position of FIG. 10B. The time is relatively short, and there is a possibility that the control unit CONT cannot receive the signal from the sensor SEN if there is no initial wait process (initial standby) Q.

  FIG. 11 is an example of the movement of the movable element 51 during the initial operation S.

  In FIG. 11A immediately after activation, the movable element 51 is on the right side of the sensor SEN. By the initial operation S, the movable element 51 moves toward the other end RLP (maximum movable range) on the right side (arrow). Then, the movable element 51 reaches the other end RLP (dotted line).

  Thereafter, in FIG. 11B, the movable element 51 moves toward the left origin (arrow).

  The sensor SEN detects the passage of the movable element 51 and outputs a signal. Based on the signal of the sensor SEN, the control unit CONT drives the movable element 51 by a predetermined distance to make it stationary, and returns the movable element 51 to the origin (FIG. 11). (C)).

  As described above, since the origin return operation R only returns the movable element 51 to the origin, the given time is shorter than the initial operation S. Therefore, when an impact due to closing the front door 130 occurs, the possibility that the movable element 51 has returned to the origin is high (at least located near the origin), and the possibility of occurrence of a malfunction due to the impact is reduced. . On the other hand, in the initial operation S, there is a possibility that the impact is received at a position away from the origin since the movable element 51 reciprocates the entire movable range. This can be a cause of the problem of step-out.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart at the time of starting the movable body control process according to the embodiment of the invention. This process corresponds to FIG.

S10: At startup, the control unit CONT performs the above-described initial wait process.

S11: After the initial wait process, the control unit CONT branches the process according to the cause of activation. In the case of activation by the setting change switch SSW as the first operation means, the origin return operation (S12) is performed, and in the case of activation by the other second operation means, the initial operation (S13) is performed.

  When activated based on the first operating means and the second operating means (when activated by operating both the setting change switch SSW and the power switch PSW), the influence of the operation of the first operating means is greater. Therefore, this is prioritized and the first initial operation (origin return operation) is performed.

S12: The control unit CONT performs the above-described home return operation.

S13: The control unit CONT performs the above-described initial operation.

S14: The control unit CONT returns to the normal state. When the movable element 51 returns to the origin, or when the waiting time of 500 ms becomes 0, a transition is made to the normal state.

  Although the flowchart corresponding to FIG. 7B is omitted, it is the same as FIG. 12 except for the position of the conditional branch. If S10 of FIG. 12 is moved between S11 and S12 of the same figure, it will become a flowchart corresponding to FIG.7 (b).

  According to the embodiment of the invention, either the origin return operation or the initial operation is switched according to the cause of activation. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the movable element of the movable body from stepping out at the time of activation. In the case of activation by the setting change switch SSW which is the first operation means, the sensor is detected, and if the origin is not found, the origin is returned. Therefore, a predetermined time is required until the sensor can be normally detected after activation. Initial wait processing for waiting for progress is performed. Thereby, sensor detection can be reliably performed in the origin return operation.

  In short, the processing branches depending on the cause of activation (whether it is a setting change, a cold start, a power interruption, or a reset). This is performed for the purpose of preventing the movable body from stepping out when the door is closed immediately after the setting is changed and an impact is applied to the housing.

  Note that, based on a signal from a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), the control unit CONT may start the initial operation S shown in FIG. 7C after the door is closed. Since the movable element 51 does not move when the door is closed, the movable element 51 does not step out due to an impact when the door is closed. In this case, neither the initial wait process Q nor the origin return operation R is required.

  In the above description, a slot machine has been described as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines (for example, pachinko machines).

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

20 Sub-board (processing section)
51 Movable element CONT control part (movable body control part)
MU, ML motor (drive unit)
O Origin (left end)
RLP other end (right end)
SEN, SENU, SENL Sensor SN Solenoid (Driver)
SSW setting change switch (first operation means)
PSW power switch (second operating means)
RSW reset switch (second operating means)

Claims (4)

A processing unit for performing processing related to the production;
In order to perform the effect, including a movable element that moves within a predetermined movable range, a drive unit that moves the movable element, and a sensor that outputs a signal indicating that the movable element is in a predetermined position. Movable body,
In a gaming machine comprising a movable body control unit that controls the movable body based on the control of the processing unit,
The movable body controller performs any one of a plurality of predetermined initial operations at the time of startup, and then controls the movable body,
A first operating means and a second operating means as operating means for starting;
The movable body control unit branches the processing depending on whether one of the first operation means and the second operation means is operated, and performs any of the plurality of initial operations. Machine. When activated based on the first operating means, a first initial operation of moving the movable element so that the sensor detects,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when activated based on the second operating means, a second initial operation of moving the movable element within the movable range is performed.   3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein an initial standby process is performed to wait for a predetermined time before performing at least the first initial operation.   4. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the first initial operation is performed when activated based on the first operation means and the second operation means. 5.

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