JP2018161284A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to reliably check the operation of a large size push button switch at the time of an initial operation and a device check, the large size push button switch provided on the front face of a slot machine, advancing and retreating by the pressing of a player, and automatically advancing and retreating by a built-in stepping motor.SOLUTION: A large size push button switch advances and retreats between a first position (origin position) and a second position (movable limit position). The switch is moved from the first position to the second position by driving a stepping motor. The stepping motor is stopped at the second position and magnetized to keep a stop position to resist the restoring force of a spring. Thereby, the pressed-in state to the second position is kept to facilitate a confirmation of the state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

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

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

  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”.

JP, 2014-014602, A It is indicated that when a player operates an operation part, a motor rotates and an angle of a liquid crystal display is changed. When it is detected that the effect button 6a is in the non-operation position P1 at the start of the detection effective period B, it is detected that the effect button 6a is in the operation position P2 in the detection effective period B. However, if it is detected that the effect button 6a is at the operation position P2 at the start of the detection effective period B, the execution of the special effect is restricted in the detection effective period B. . However, after that, in the detection effective period B, when it is detected that the effect button 6a has been changed from the non-operation position P1 to the operation position P2 after returning to the non-operation position P1, the special effect is executed. Configure.

  As shown in FIG. 1, there is a slot machine provided with a planar member (reference numeral LCD2 in FIG. 1) such as a decorative panel so as to cover the lower part of the front surface.

  In the slot machine, the effect is further enhanced by a movable object. The movable accessory is mainly provided at the upper part of the front surface. On the other hand, the planar member such as a decorative panel provided in the lower front part is merely designed to obtain a production effect by the pattern drawn on it (not changing) and the light source provided inside. There was no movement except changes. For this reason, it is desired to further enhance the rendering effect with respect to a planar member such as a decorative panel provided in the lower front portion of such a gaming machine.

  In response to such a request, a liquid crystal panel (reference numeral LCD2 in FIG. 1) is provided at the lower portion of the front surface so as to substantially cover the lower portion of the front surface, and a still image or a moving image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel. A possible slot machine was developed. The liquid crystal panel which is a planar member has a movable structure. That is, it is configured to be able to advance and retreat so that it can be operated by the player, and includes urging means for returning to the original position after the player's operation. Further, a sensor (switch) for detecting the movement can be incorporated, and a process related to a predetermined effect can be executed based on the output. The planar member provided on the front surface of the gaming machine functions as one huge button (huge button). Further, a stepping motor may be provided inside the planar member so that the planar member can be moved back and forth. As a result, the automatic movement of the planar member itself can be used as an effect.

  Apart from normal operations related to games, gaming machines also perform operations (processing) related to maintenance or management. Such an operation (processing) of the gaming machine is executed by selecting either a predetermined maintenance or management menu item displayed on the liquid crystal panel. Among the maintenance or management menu items, there is an item (device check) for performing a predetermined operation in order to confirm the operation of the accessory (movable body). By making the accessory (movable body) perform a predetermined operation by the device check, it is possible to check on the hall side whether or not the device is operating normally. A planar member that is one huge button (huge button) may also be subject to device check, and in the device check, the stepping motor moves back and forth and the built-in sensor (switch) is checked. . The same operation as the device check may be performed as an initial operation (initial operation).

  A planar member that is one huge button (huge button) includes an urging member (coil spring), and returns to its original position after the player's pressing operation. For this reason, in the device check and initial operation, after the planar member is pushed in by the stepping motor, if the stepping motor is de-energized in that state, the pushing of the planar member has occurred. (Sometimes it does not return, and the situation varies depending on the gaming machine). As the device check and initial operation, it is desirable that the pushed-in state is maintained for a predetermined time from the viewpoint of confirming the operation of the sensor (switch).

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of maintaining the pushing state of the operation unit, which is a planar member, for a predetermined time in a device check, initial operation, or the like.

The present invention provides a planar member provided on the front surface of a gaming machine, the operation unit configured to be able to advance and retreat so that the player can operate, and the operation unit to the original position after the player's operation. In a gaming machine comprising an urging means for returning to a processing unit, and a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect based on the output of the operation unit,
The operation unit moves back and forth between a predetermined first position (origin position) and a second position (movable limit position),
A stepping motor for moving the operation unit between the first position and the second position;
The processor is
Driving the stepping motor to move the operation unit from the first position to the second position;
When it is determined that the operation part has reached the second position, the stepping motor is stopped and excited to hold the stop position,
When the stop position is held for a predetermined time, excitation is released.

A detection sensor is provided between the first position and the second position;
The processing unit may determine that the operation unit has reached the second position when the stepping motor is driven for a predetermined step with reference to the detection sensor.

A lock unit for fixing the operation unit;
The detection sensor detects, for example, that the fixing by the lock portion has been released.

The present invention provides a planar member provided on the front surface of a gaming machine, the operation unit configured to be able to advance and retreat so that the player can operate, and the operation unit to the original position after the player's operation. In a gaming machine comprising an urging means for returning to a processing unit, and a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect based on the output of the operation unit,
The operation unit moves back and forth between a predetermined first position (origin position) and a second position (movable limit position),
A stepping motor that moves the operation unit between the first position and the second position; and a switch that is turned on or off at the second position;
The processor is
When the switch is turned on or off, it is excited to hold the position of the stepping motor,
The excitation is released when the predetermined time is maintained.

  According to the present invention, when the stepping motor is driven to move the operation unit from the first position to the second position, and when it is determined that the operation unit has reached the second position, the stepping motor is When the stop position is energized to hold the stop position and the stop position is held for a predetermined time, the excitation is released, so that the operation unit is securely held at the pushing position (second position) for a predetermined time. Become so.

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 perspective view of a lower door unit (effect button unit) of the slot machine. It is sectional drawing in the initial state of the lower door unit of the slot machine (viewed from the left side). It is the perspective view which looked at the lower door unit of the slot machine from the back side. It is sectional drawing of the lower door unit of a slot machine, Comprising: It is sectional drawing which shows the state withdrawn. It is a side view of the principal part which shows the locking mechanism of a huge button (locked state). It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a cam and a huge button. It is a figure which shows the process of an operation | movement of a cam and a fuge button, (a) is a figure which shows the state in which a cam is an origin position, (b) is a figure which shows the state in which a cam is in a sensor non-detection position, (c) is a cam (D) is a figure which shows the state in which a cam exists in a huge button operation start position, (e) is a figure which shows the state in which a cam exists in a huge button movable limit position. FIG. 5A is a perspective view, FIG. 5B is a side view showing the cam and its periphery, and FIG. 5C is a perspective view showing the cam and the detection sensor. It is a side view of the principal part which shows the lock mechanism of the lower door unit of a slot machine, and shows the state by which the lock | rock was cancelled | released. It is a side view of the principal part which shows the lock mechanism of the lower door unit of a slot machine, and shows the state by which the liquid crystal panel was pushed down after lock release. It is a side view of the principal part which shows the lock mechanism of the lower door unit of a slot machine, and shows the state by which the liquid crystal panel was drawn in after unlocking. It is a control system diagram of the huge button which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a control flowchart of the stepping motor which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a control flowchart of the other stepping motor which concerns on embodiment of invention.

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

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

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

  A 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 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. On the right side of the medal slot 132, a main display 55 composed of a 7-segment LED is provided. The main display 55 is stored in the gaming machine and a payout display section for displaying the number of medals (paidout number) to be paid out to the player when the combination of symbols related to winning is displayed along the active line. A credit display unit that displays the number of medals (credit number).

  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 switches 140 are provided between the start switch 134 and the medal slot 132 corresponding to each of the three reels. Yes.

  A settlement switch 138 is provided at the upper left end of the lower door 130L. The settlement switch 138 is a switch for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them to the medal tray from the medal payout opening. A bet switch BETM is provided on the right side of the settlement switch 138, and a one bet switch BET1 is provided on the lower side of the settlement switch 138. Both the bet switch BETM and the one bet switch BET1 are switches that can be replaced by inserting medals by subtracting a predetermined number from the number of medals stored electronically (number of credits). The bet switch BETM is a MAX BET switch that can be replaced by inserting medals up to a predetermined upper limit number (usually three) in one operation. The one bet switch BET1 is a switch for betting one sheet. By providing both the bet switch BETM and the one bet switch BET1, the player can easily select whether to bet the maximum prescribed number of three or the minimum one.

  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 switch 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 device (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.

  A relay board 300 is provided on the upper right side of the lower door 130L and on the right side of the medal selector 1 when viewed from the back side. The relay board 300 is a board that relays connection between the main board 10 and switches such as the start switch 134 and the main display 55. In the relay board 300, the wiring from the main board 10 is distributed for each unit such as a switch or a display.

  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 is integrally attached to the case by caulking and is covered with an integral case that covers the entire main board 10. Similarly, the sub-board 20 is integrally covered with the case.

  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 a bet switch BET, a start switch 134, a stop switch 140, a checkout switch 138, a bet switch BETM, a one bet switch BET1, a reel (rotating cylinder) unit 203, a hopper driving unit 80, a hopper 81, and a hopper 81. A medal detector 82 (which constitutes the hopper device 121 described above) and the main display 55 are connected to count the number of medals paid out.

  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 board 10 can obtain the position of the rotating drum 40 when the stop switch 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 BETM 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. When the one-bet switch BET1 is pressed, one medal is set in the inserted state. The main board 10 controls whether or not to accept a medal. From the point when the start switch 134 is pressed and the rotation of each cylinder starts (game start time), when the three stop switches 140 are pressed and the rotation of each cylinder stops (when medal payout is completed when winning) (game) When the medal is not accepted (when it is not permitted), the medal sensor S1, S2 does not count the medal and is returned as it is. . Similarly, the main board 10 controls the validity / invalidity of the bet switch BET according to whether or not the medal insertion is accepted. In addition, the bet switch BET is valid from the end of the game to the start of the game, but during other periods (when pressing of the BET switch is not permitted), the bet switch BET is pressed. Even it is ignored.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  A lottery flag (possible carryover flag) that can carry over the winning state for the next game until winning, and a lottery flag that is reset to the non-winning state without bringing the winning state to the next game regardless of winning Carry-over impossible flag) may be provided. In this case, there are a regular bonus (RB) and a big bonus (BB) as a combination to which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, and other combinations (for example, small role, replay) correspond to the latter carry-over impossible flag. It is attached. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, when a regular bonus is won by internal lottery, the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over until the regular bonus is won, and when the big bonus is won by internal lottery, the big bonus 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 switches 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 switches 140 in a state where the pressing operation (stop operation) with respect to the three stop switches 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 buttons of the three stop switches 140 are pressed, the spinning cylinder control means 1300 determines the stop 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. (stop operation mode) of the three stop switches. 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 of operation of the stop switch 140 and the actual stop positions (or detection of pressing 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 switch 140 and the rotation stop of the corresponding rotating cylinder when a specific symbol that can be visually recognized from the game display unit when the rotating cylinder is stopped 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 switch 140, the number of sliding frames is in the range of 0 to 4 (however, 80 revolutions / minute, Under 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 switch 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 pressing timing of the stop switch 140, 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 so that the rotating drum corresponding to the pressed stop switch is stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop switch 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 switch 140 is pressed until each cylinder stops is in the range of 0 frame 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 switch 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).

  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).

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

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

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

  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 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. Note that 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 (this will be described later). . 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.

  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 switch 140 is operated, the stop switch 140 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S5.

  In step S5, rotation stop processing is performed for the reel corresponding to the pressed stop switch 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 stop switch 140 corresponding to three reels has been operated. If it is determined that all three stop switches 140 corresponding to the three reels have been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S7.

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

  In step S8, medals corresponding to the symbol combinations arranged 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).

  The above-described gaming machine is separated into a plurality of blocks such as an upper door block BU and a lower door block BL, and can be independently incorporated or removed (separated housing). Manufacturing, shipment, and installation may be performed in a state where some blocks, for example, the lower door block BL are not incorporated.

  A description will be given of a configuration in which the entire liquid crystal panel LCD2 is configured to be slightly movable back and forth by the motor ML, and the player can perform an operation of pressing the liquid crystal panel LCD2 in a state where the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is moved forward.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal panel LCD2 serving as a planar member having an area slightly smaller than the area of the lower door is provided on the lower door 130L at the lower front portion of the gaming machine.

  The liquid crystal panel LCD2 is an effect member that displays an effect image on the display screen, and is also an effect button that is pressed when the effect is performed. In the following description, the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is described as a huge button 45.

The huge button 45 is movable.
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a base portion 600 is provided on the back side of the fuse button 45 (liquid crystal panel LCD 2), and a drive mechanism for driving the fuse button 45 to the base portion 600 is as follows. It is provided as such.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, brackets 600a and 600a are provided on the upper end portion of the base portion 600 so as to be separated from each other in the left and right directions, and a rotating shaft 600b is rotatably supported by the brackets 600a and 600a. ing. The rotating shaft 600b is provided with a holding portion 600c, and the huge button 45 is held by the holding portion 600c. Therefore, the huge button 45 is movable so as to approach and separate from the base portion 600 by rotating about the rotation shaft 600b provided on one side thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a support portion 601 is provided in the lower portion of the base portion 600 and in the center in the width direction, and the camshaft 602 a is supported by the support portion 601 so as to be rotatable around the axis. Cams 602 are attached to both left and right ends of the cam shaft 602a, and the cam 602 rotates in the forward and reverse directions together with the cam shaft 602a. In FIG. 7, the left cam 602 as viewed from the back is hidden between the base portion 600 and the liquid crystal panel LCD 2, and is therefore hidden.

  A cam gear 603 is attached to the right end portion of the cam shaft 602a on the inner side (left side in FIGS. 7 and 12A) from the cam 602. The base portion 600 is provided with a motor attachment portion 604, and a stepping motor 605 is attached to one surface of the motor attachment portion 604. The drive shaft of the stepping motor 605 penetrates the motor mounting portion 604 and protrudes to the other surface, and a gear 606 is attached to the protruded drive shaft. The gear 606 is engaged with the cam gear 603. Accordingly, when the drive shaft of the stepping motor 605 rotates in the forward / reverse direction by a predetermined angle, the cam 602 rotates in the forward / reverse direction by a predetermined angle via the gear 606, the cam gear 603, and the cam shaft 602a.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the left cam 602 is provided with a thin plate-like shielding plate 602c. The shielding plate 602c is a circular plate having a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the cam 602.

  On the outer peripheral side of the left cam 602, a detection sensor (photo interrupter) 607 is disposed on the opposite side of the cam 602 in the radial direction with respect to a lock receiving portion 616, which will be described later, and this detection sensor 607 is a predetermined sensor of the base portion 600. Is attached in position. In FIG. 12A, the base portion 600 is omitted.

  The detection sensor 607 is configured by a photo sensor, and includes a light emitting unit 607a and a light receiving unit 607b. Such a detection sensor 607 is positioned by the shielding plate 602c entering between the light emitting unit 607a and the light receiving unit 607b by the rotation of the cam 602, or between the light emitting unit 607a and the light receiving unit 607b. The shielding plate 602c is disposed so as to be disengaged in the circumferential direction from between the light emitting unit 607a and the light receiving unit 607b.

  When the shielding plate 602c is positioned between the light emitting unit 607a and the light receiving unit 607b, the detection sensor 607 blocks the light from the light emitting unit 607a by the shielding plate 602c, so that the shielding plate 602c and the light emitting unit 607a It is designed to detect that it is located between 607b and 607b. When the detection sensor 607 detects the position of the shielding plate 602c, as shown in FIG. 12B, an engaging portion 615a of the lock portion 615 described later is engaged with an engaged portion 616a of the lock receiving portion 616. By doing so, it is locked.

  The huge button 45 is attached to the liquid crystal panel support member 610. The liquid crystal panel support member 610 is formed in a substantially U shape in plan view, and includes a cover portion on both the left and right sides and a connecting plate that connects these cover portions, and a liquid crystal panel LCD 2 is attached to the surface of the connecting plate. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 12A, etc., the lever members 611 are respectively substantially perpendicular to the back surface of the lower surface of the back surface on both the left and right sides of the connecting plate of the liquid crystal panel support member 610. A pin 611 a is provided at the tip of the lever member 611 at a substantially right angle to the lever member 611. The pin 611a can be engaged with the cam 602.

  An urging member 612 is provided between the base portion 600 and the liquid crystal panel support member 610. The urging member 612 includes a coil spring 612. Two coil springs 612 are provided apart from each other on the left and right, and are inserted into holding holes 612a and 612a provided in the base portion 600, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the holding holes 612a and 612a are viewed from the back side.

  In the initial state shown in FIG. 6, the pin 611a is not engaged with the cam 602, and the urging member (coil spring) 612 is extended.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the cam 602 rotates clockwise, the cam surface 602b engages with the pin 611a, and the cam 602 further rotates, so that the lever member 611 is drawn toward the base portion 600 side. Thus, the huge button 45 is rotated clockwise around the rotation shaft 600b while elastically reducing the biasing member 612.

  Therefore, when the cam 602 is rotated in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) in this state, the fuse button 45 is pressed through the liquid crystal panel support member 610 by the biasing force of the biasing member 612, and thereby the fuse button 45 is It rotates in a direction away from the base portion 600 about the rotation shaft 600b.

  Therefore, as the cam 602 continuously rotates in the forward and reverse directions, the fuse button 45 rotates in the contact / separation direction with respect to the base portion 600 about the rotation shaft 600b. As described above, the huge button 45 rotates in the forward and reverse directions around the rotation shaft 600b, so that it is possible to enhance the effect.

In the present embodiment, a lock mechanism that restricts the rotation of the huge button 45 is provided.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12B, the cam 602 is provided with a lock portion 615 integrally with the cam 602. The lock portion 615 extends from the rotation center (cam shaft 602a) of the cam 602 toward the outer peripheral side of the cam 602, and a substantially cylindrical engagement portion 615a is provided at the tip thereof.

  A lock receiving portion 616 is provided on the back surface of the liquid crystal panel support member 610 so as to protrude from the back surface, and an engaged portion 616 a is provided at the tip of the lock receiving portion 616. The engaged portion 616a is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the engaging portion 615a of the lock portion 615 can be engaged with the engaged portion 616a.

  The rotation center of the cam 602, the center of the engaging portion 615a of the lock portion 615, and the center of the engaged portion 616a of the lock receiving portion 616 are located on an arc centered on the rotation shaft 600b. Thus, the load when the huge button 45 is pressed by the player is evenly distributed to them.

  On one end side of the engaged portion 616a of the lock receiving portion 616, there is a lock support portion 616b for preventing the engaging portion 615a of the lock portion 615 from coming off from the engaged portion 616a in FIG. Is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the engaging portion 615a of the lock portion 615 is rotated downward (clockwise) from the engaged portion 616a of the lock receiving portion 616, thereby restricting the rotation of the huge button 45. However, if the engaging portion 615a is disengaged upward from the engaged portion 616a by pressing the fuse button 45, the lock portion 615 is rotated downward (clockwise). When the lock is about to be released, the lock portion 615 interferes with the lock receiving portion 616 and the lock cannot be released. Therefore, in order to prevent such a situation, the lock support portion 616b is provided.

  A vibration motor unit 620 is attached to the back surface of the liquid crystal panel support member 610 as shown in FIGS. The vibration motor unit 620 includes a vibration motor that attaches a vibrator to a shaft and generates vibration by rotation. The liquid crystal panel support member 610 is vibrated by the vibration motor, whereby a liquid crystal panel (fuge button) 45 is provided. Will vibrate.

  For example, when performing a game effect, the liquid crystal panel (huge button) 45 vibrates when the player is prompted to press the huge button 45.

Next, a method of using the huge button 45 as an effect button will be described.
In the initial state, as shown in FIG. 9, the engaging portion 615a of the lock portion 615 is engaged with the engaged portion 616a of the lock receiving portion 616. In this state, the huge button 45 has its pivot shaft 600b. It is in the locked state in which the rotation in the pressing direction around the axis is prevented.

  When the huge button 45 is caused to function as an effect button, as shown in FIG. 13, the cam 602 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the forward direction (clockwise) via the stepping motor 605, the gear 606, the cam gear 603, and the cam shaft 602a. Then, the lock portion 615 rotates and its engaging portion 615a is disengaged from the engaged portion 616a of the lock receiving portion 616, and the fusing button 45 can be pressed. That is, the lock of the huge button 45 is released.

  When the player presses the huge button 45, as shown in FIG. 14, the huge button 45 rotates clockwise around the rotation shaft 600b against the urging force of the urging member 612. When the player releases the fuse button 45, the fuse button 45 rotates counterclockwise by the biasing force of the biasing member 612 and returns to the original position.

  At this time, since the engaging portion 615a of the lock portion 615 is disengaged from the engaged portion 616a of the lock receiving portion 616, the huge button 45 is unlocked. In this state, the huge button 45 Can be pressed any number of times.

  When the lock portion 615 is rotated counterclockwise by the cam 602 and the engaging portion 615a is engaged with the engaged portion 616a of the lock receiving portion 616, the locked state is established. In this locked state, the huge button 45 cannot be pressed as an effect button.

  Further, when performing an effect such that the liquid crystal panel LCD2 continuously rotates in the contact / separation direction with respect to the base portion 600 about the rotation shaft 600b, the cam 602 is moved from the initial state shown in FIG. 605 causes the engagement portion 615a of the lock portion 615 to be disengaged from the engaged portion 616a of the lock receiving portion 616 by rotating it clockwise by a predetermined angle via the gear 606, cam gear 603, and cam shaft 602a. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 15, the lever button 611 is pulled toward the base portion 600, so that the fuse button 45 elastically moves the biasing member 612 around the rotation shaft 600 b. By rotating the cam 602 in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) by a predetermined angle. Te, it is pressed huge button 45 by the urging member 612, huge button 45 is rotated in a direction away from the base portion 600 of the rotation shaft 600b as an axis.

  Therefore, the cam button 602 rotates in the forward / reverse direction continuously, whereby the fuse button 45 rotates in the contact / separation direction with respect to the base portion 600 about the rotation shaft 600b. Can be increased.

  Next, operations of the cam 602 and the huge button 45 by the stepping motor 605 and the detection sensor 607 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing steps of the operation.

  The operation numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” shown in FIG. 10 correspond to “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” that indicate the process order in FIG. ing.

  First, the operation number “1” shown in FIG. 10 is an operation from the origin position to the sensor non-detection position. As shown in FIG. 11A, the origin position is a case where the lock button 615 is engaged with the lock receiving portion 616, so that the huge button 45 is in a locked state in which the rotation in the pressing direction is prevented. This is the origin position of the cam 602 in the circumferential direction. At this origin position, the detection sensor 607 detects the position of the shielding plate 602c.

  By rotating the stepping motor 605 from this origin position by a predetermined number of steps S1, as shown in FIG. 11B, the cam 602 rotates from the origin position to the sensor non-detection position by a predetermined angle α1 (operation number “ 1 "). At this time, the shielding plate 602c is detached from the detection sensor 607 and is not detected by the detection sensor 607, and the shielding plate 602c is not detected thereafter.

  Next, by rotating the stepping motor 605 from the sensor non-detection position by a predetermined number of steps S2, the cam 602 rotates from the sensor non-detection position to the lock release position by a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. (Operation number “2”) thereby rotating from the origin position by a predetermined angle α2.

  As shown in FIG. 11C, the unlocking position is a position where the lock portion 615 rotates together with the cam 602 and is released from the lock receiving portion 616 so that the huge button 45 can be pressed. In this unlocked position, the player can press the huge button 45.

  Next, by rotating the stepping motor 605 from the unlocking position by a predetermined number of steps S3, the cam 602 is slightly rotated by a predetermined angle from the unlocking position to the fuse button operation start position as shown in FIG. 11 (d). By doing this (operation number “3”), it is rotated by a predetermined angle α3 from the origin position.

  The huge button operation start position is a position when the cam surface 602b of the cam 602 is engaged with the pin 611a of the lever member 611 as shown in FIG.

  Next, by rotating the stepping motor 605 from the huge button operation start position by a predetermined number of steps S4, as shown in FIG. 11E, the cam 602 is predetermined from the huge button operation start position to the huge button movable limit position. By rotating by an angle (operation number “4”), it is rotated by a predetermined angle α4 from the origin position.

  As shown in FIG. 11 (e), the fuse button movable limit position means that when the cam 602 further rotates from the fuse button operation start position, the pin 611a is pushed to the left by the cam surface 602b, and the lever member 611 is moved. This is the position when the fuse button 45 is pushed to the left and rotates most clockwise around the rotation shaft 600b (see FIG. 8).

  In FIG. 10, from the origin position to the sensor non-detection position, the detection sensor 607 is in a sensor light-shielding state, the detection sensor 607 detects the position of the shielding plate 602c, and from the sensor non-detection position to the fuse button movable limit position. The detection sensor 607 enters a sensor light-transmitting state and does not detect the position of the shielding plate 602c.

  When the cam 602 rotates from the origin position toward the fuse button movable limit position, the cam 602 rotates clockwise. When the cam 602 rotates from the fuse button movable limit position toward the origin position, the cam 602 rotates. The rotation direction is counterclockwise.

  In FIG. 10, “CCW” indicates that the output shaft of the stepping motor 605 rotates counterclockwise, and “CW” indicates that the output shaft of the stepping motor 605 rotates clockwise, but the cam 602 includes the gear 606 and the cam gear. By 603, it is rotated in the direction opposite to the output shaft of the stepping motor 605 and decelerated.

  The huge button 45 is moved by a drive mechanism constituted by a stepping motor 605, a gear 606, a cam gear 603, a cam shaft 602a, a cam 602, an urging member 612, or the like, or a player presses and moves as an effect button. The production effect can be enhanced.

  The huge button 45 also functions as an effect button. Since the lock mechanism having the lock part 615 for restricting the rotation and the lock receiving part 616 is provided, when the fusing button 45 is not permitted to be pressed as an effect button, the locking mechanism prevents the fusing button 45 from being pressed. be able to.

  In the above description, the fuse button 45 is configured to rotate about the upper side as an axis, but may be configured to rotate about the lower side or one of the left and right sides. Further, the liquid crystal panel may be configured so as to be able to appear and retract, instead of being configured to rotate about one side of the liquid crystal panel.

  As can be seen from the above description, the stepping motor 605 rotates the cam 602, thereby changing the output of the detection sensor 607, releasing the lock by the lock portion 615, and allowing the fuse button 45 to be pressed. By pulling 611, the huge button 45 is pushed in even if the player does not press it. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing this relationship.

  FIG. 17 is a process flowchart of the initial operation and device check of the huge button 45 by the sub board (processing unit) 20 in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. The initial operation is an initial operation of the huge button 45, and the device check is an operation performed for maintenance or management. In either operation, the position is moved from the origin position (first position) to the movable limit position (second position), stopped at the movable limit position for a predetermined time, and then returned to the origin position. In FIG. 10, operation numbers 1 to 4 are performed, and after stopping for a certain period of time, it moves in the reverse direction in the reverse order and returns to the origin. Hereinafter, description will be added with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 together with FIG.

  Assume that the huge button 45 is at the origin. The sub-board 20 drives the stepping motor 605 toward the movable limit position (S100). The cam 602 rotates as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B (operation number 1 in FIG. 10). Eventually, the detection sensor 607 enters a detection state (light transmission state) (YES in S101).

  When the detection sensor 607 detects (YES in S101), the sub-board 20 drives the stepping motor 605 by a predetermined step toward the movable limit position (S102). Since the rotation amount of the stepping motor 605 is determined by the number of steps (the number of drive pulses), the number of steps here is a cam from the detection of the detection sensor 607 (FIG. 11B) to the movable limit position (FIG. 11E). It is determined in advance corresponding to the rotation amount 602 (corresponding to operation numbers 2 to 4 in FIG. 10). In the example of FIG. 11, the number of steps corresponding to the angle (α4-α1) in FIG. When driving of this number of steps is completed (YES in S103), it is determined that the huge button 45 has reached the movable limit position, and the stepping motor 605 is stopped.

  While holding the excitation of the stepping motor 605, the measurement of the holding time is started (S104).

  A stepping motor 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. is there. 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. The characteristics of the stepping motor can be changed by changing the way in which current is applied to the windings of each phase. As for the two-phase type, there are one-phase excitation in which current flows only in one phase of the winding, two-phase excitation in which current flows in two phases, and all-phase excitation in which current flows in all phases. The more the phase through which current flows, the better the positioning accuracy and the greater the stationary torque when stopped, so that the stop position can be held reliably. When rotating the stepping motor, one-two-phase excitation is performed in which 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-two phase excitation, smooth rotation can be obtained.

  When the stepping motor 605 is rotated (S100, S102), one-two-phase excitation is performed. When the stepping motor 605 is stopped and held (S104), for example, all-phase excitation is performed. When a large holding force is not required (when light holding is sufficient), one-phase excitation or two-phase excitation may be used (the same winding continues to be excited because it is not rotated).

  When the holding time reaches a predetermined time (YES in S105), the excitation is stopped and the holding is released. Although the holding time is arbitrary, it is the minimum time required for initial operation and device check (for example, 2 to 3 seconds, time not exceeding 10 seconds at most). Since all-phase excitation for holding the stop position consumes a large amount of current, it is preferable to reduce the load by shortening the load of the power source as much as possible.

  If necessary, the stepping motor 605 is rotated in the reverse direction to return the huge button 45 from the movable limit position to the origin position (S106). Note that this step is not necessary if the biasing member (coil spring) 612 functions and automatically returns to the origin position when the stepping motor 605 is de-energized.

  According to the embodiment of the invention, when checking the movement of the huge button 45 such as the initial operation or the device check, the huge button 45 is firmly held in the pushing position, and an accurate check can be performed.

  In the processing of FIG. 17, the fusing button 45 is made to reach the movable limit position by driving the stepping motor 605 by a predetermined step based on the detection by the detection sensor 607. FIG. 18 shows another driving procedure.

  In FIG. 18, without using the output of the detection sensor 607, the sub-board 20 reaches the movable limit position by driving the stepping motor 605 for a predetermined number of steps (S100b). When it is known that the huge button 45 is at the origin immediately before the start of processing, the processing of FIG. 18 can be adopted. The number of steps here is determined in advance corresponding to the rotation amount α4 of the cam 602 from the origin position (FIG. 11A) to the movable limit position (FIG. 11E) (operation number in FIG. 10). 1 to 4).

  Another embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, in order to check the movement of the planar member (the huge button 45) in the initial operation or the device check, the stepping motor 605 is excited at a predetermined position and the position is held. In addition to this, when the player performs a push-in operation in a state where the planar member can be pushed in and pushes it to a predetermined position, the planar member is firmly held in the pushed-in position, and an accurate operation feeling without causing the push-in return to be felt. In order to provide this, the stepping motor 605 may be excited.

  Since the fuse button 45 includes a switch (reference numeral SW in FIG. 3), for example, the processing of S104 and S105 in FIG. 17 is performed based on the output of the switch SW, and the fuse button 45 is held in the pushed position. To do.

  In order to realize the holding, the cam 602 is engaged with the lever member 611 when the player performs a pushing operation. Alternatively, the advance / retreat mechanism of the huge button 45 and the drive mechanism of the stepping motor 605 are directly connected, and the stepping motor 605 is rotated by the player's pushing operation (the clutch is configured so that the connection between the two is disconnected if necessary). A mechanism may be provided).

  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)
45 Huge Button (Surface Member)
605 Stepping motor 607 Detection sensor 612 Energizing member (coil spring)
615 Lock part LCD2 Liquid crystal panel (Huge button, Planar member / Operation part)

Claims (4)

A planar member provided on the front surface of the gaming machine, configured to be able to advance and retreat so that the player can operate, and for returning the operation unit to the original position after the player's operation In a gaming machine including an urging unit and a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect based on the output of the operation unit.
The operation unit moves back and forth between a predetermined first position (origin position) and a second position (movable limit position),
A stepping motor for moving the operation unit between the first position and the second position;
The processor is
Driving the stepping motor to move the operation unit from the first position to the second position;
When it is determined that the operation part has reached the second position, the stepping motor is stopped and excited to hold the stop position,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the excitation is released when the stop position is held for a predetermined time. A detection sensor is provided between the first position and the second position;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit determines that the operation unit has reached the second position when the stepping motor is driven for a predetermined step with reference to a detection sensor. A lock unit for fixing the operation unit;
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the detection sensor detects that the lock by the lock portion is released. A planar member provided on the front surface of the gaming machine, configured to be able to advance and retreat so that the player can operate, and for returning the operation unit to the original position after the player's operation In a gaming machine including an urging unit and a processing unit that performs processing related to an effect based on the output of the operation unit.
The operation unit moves back and forth between a predetermined first position (origin position) and a second position (movable limit position),
A stepping motor that moves the operation unit between the first position and the second position; and a switch that is turned on or off at the second position;
The processor is
When the switch is turned on or off, it is excited to hold the position of the stepping motor,
A gaming machine characterized in that excitation is released when held for a predetermined time.

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