JP2020039774A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To calibrate coordinates of a movable body (motor) without using an index sensor.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a movable body 350 formed so as to be movable freely in a predetermined path; a motor 360 for moving the movable body; a stopper 368 that is disposed in an end of the path and physically restricts movement of the movable body; and a movable control part for controlling the motor such that the movable body travels to predetermined target coordinates in a direction of the stopper on a motor basis. The movable control part stops the motor according to restriction of the movement of the movable body by the stopper and sets the stop position as reference coordinates on a motor basis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines, by lottery, whether or not to give a gaming profit to a player.

  Generally, in a gaming machine (pachinko machine), a special operation is performed on the condition that a game ball is fired toward a game area in a game board by a player operating a steering wheel and a game ball flowing down the game area enters a starting port. A lottery according to the symbol is executed. Then, the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display, and the special symbol determined by the lottery is stopped and displayed, thereby notifying the player of the lottery result. At this time, when a specific special symbol indicating a big hit is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display, a large role game that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game is started. In this big winning game, the attacker device opens and closes a predetermined number of times, and it becomes possible for game balls to enter the big winning opening, so that the player can receive many payout balls.

  In such a gaming machine, at the time of the progress of the game, the occurrence of a gaming state advantageous to the player is notified by performing an effect of moving the movable body (gear), thereby improving the effect of the effect. However, when the movable body is moved, a position shift may occur due to a tooth jump of the belt or the like. In order to calibrate such a displacement of the movable body, there is known a technique in which the movable body is positioned at the center of the index width of an index sensor arranged on the path and the position is used as a reference coordinate (for example, Patent Document 1). 1).

JP-A-2006-022237

  In the gaming machine, the effect can be improved by moving the tangible movable body. Further, the effect can be further improved by swinging (moving) the movable body back and forth in the moving direction or by rapidly reversing the moving direction. However, the movable body may be displaced due to, for example, skipping of a belt used for driving the movable body due to frequent movement, swinging, inversion, and the like. Therefore, in the gaming machine, it is necessary to calibrate the coordinates of the movable body (motor) based on the index sensor arranged on the path of the movable body. Here, by adopting a brushless motor capable of self-recognition of the rotation amount instead of the stepping motor, it is possible to control the movable body with high accuracy.

  However, even if the accuracy of the motor is increased, it is difficult to completely eliminate the index sensor because the movable body may be displaced through the driving mechanism. Then, eventually, the cost of the index sensor itself is increased, and the space occupied by the index sensor must be provided on the path. Also, complicated processing for reflecting the detection result of the index sensor is required.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of calibrating the coordinates of a movable body (motor) without using an index sensor in view of such a problem.

  In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a movable body movably formed on a predetermined path, a motor for moving the movable body, and a movable body disposed at an end of the path. A stopper that physically restricts the movement of the movable body, and a movable control unit that controls the motor so that the movable body moves to predetermined target coordinates in the direction of the stopper on a motor basis. The unit stops the motor in response to the movement of the movable body being restricted by the stopper, and sets the stop position as the reference coordinates of the motor.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, another gaming machine of the present invention is provided with a movable body movably formed on a predetermined path, a motor for moving the movable body, and an end of the path, A stopper that physically restricts the movement of the movable body, and a movable control unit that controls the motor so that the movable body moves to predetermined target coordinates in the direction of the stopper on a motor basis, When the movement of the movable body reaches the target coordinates without being restricted by the stopper, the movable control unit stops the motor, and sets the stop position as the motor-based reference coordinates.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to calibrate the coordinates of a movable body (motor) without using an index sensor.

It is a perspective view of the game machine which shows the state where the door was opened. It is a front view of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control means which controls the progress of a game. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control aspect of a production | presentation thing device in a sub control board. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control mode in a sub control board. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of a special effect thing device. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing absolute coordinates and coordinates based on a motor. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of an effect execution means. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of an effect execution means. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of an effect execution means. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of an effect execution means. FIG. 47 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine. It is an external view in the state where the front door was opened for explaining the schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, other specific numerical values, and the like shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Elements not directly related to the present invention will be omitted. I do.

  To facilitate understanding of embodiments of the present invention, first, a mechanical configuration and an electrical configuration of a gaming machine will be briefly described, and then, specific processing will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, showing a state where a door is opened. As shown in the drawing, the gaming machine 100 includes an outer frame 102 in which a surrounding space is formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, a middle frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism, and A front frame 106 is attached to the middle frame 104 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism.

  Like the outer frame 102, the middle frame 104 has a surrounding space formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, and the game board 108 is held in the surrounding space. The front frame 106 holds a transmission plate 110 made of glass or resin. When the middle frame 104 and the front frame 106 are closed with respect to the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the transmission plate 110 face each other in a substantially parallel manner while maintaining a predetermined interval, and from the front side of the gaming machine 100. The game board 108 can be visually recognized through the transmission plate 110.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 100. As shown in this figure, an operation handle 112 protruding toward the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided below the front frame 106. The game ball fired by the operation handle 112 rises between the rails 114a and 114b provided on the game board 108 and is guided to the game area 116.

  The game area 116 is a space formed between the game board 108 and the transmission plate 110, and is an area where a game ball can flow down or roll. The game board 108 is provided with a large number of nails and windmills, and a game ball guided to the game area 116 collides with the nails and windmills, and flows down and rolls in an irregular direction. The game area 116 is provided with a general winning port 118, a first starting port 120, and a second starting port 122 in which a game ball can enter. The general winning port 118, the first starting port 120, When a game ball enters the second starting port 122, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player.

  Note that a first starting area is provided in the first starting port 120, and a second starting area is provided in the second starting port 122. When a game ball enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122 and the game ball enters the first starting area or the second starting area, any one of a plurality of special symbols provided in advance is selected. A major lottery for determining one special symbol is performed. Each of the special symbols is associated with various game profits such as whether or not a large role game advantageous to the player can be executed, and what kind of game state the subsequent game state should be. Therefore, when a game ball enters the first starting port 120 or the second starting port 122, the player obtains a predetermined prize ball and, at the same time, obtains an opportunity to obtain various game profits. Becomes Further, the game area 116 is provided with a large winning opening 128 into which a game ball can enter. An opening / closing door 128b is provided in the large winning opening 128 so as to be openable and closable. Usually, the opening / closing door 128b closes the large winning opening 128 and it is impossible to enter a game ball into the large winning opening 128. Has become. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned big winning game is executed, the opening / closing door 128b is opened, and the game ball can enter the big winning opening 128. When a game ball enters the special winning opening 128, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player.

  In the gaming machine 100, as an effect device for effecting during a game or the like, an effect display device 200 for displaying an image, an effect character device 202 including a drive device, and various lighting modes and emission colors are controlled. An effect lighting device 204 including a lamp, a music output device 206 including a speaker, and an effect operation device 208 for receiving an operation of a player are provided.

  The effect display device 200 includes an effect display unit 200a formed of a liquid crystal display unit that displays an image. The effect display unit 200a can be visually recognized from the front side of the gaming machine 100 at a substantially central portion of the game board 108. Have been placed. In this effect display section 200a, effect symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c are variably displayed as shown in the figure, and a variable effect in which the main role lottery result is notified to the player by the stop display mode of each of the effect symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c. Will be executed.

  The effect character device 202 is arranged in front of the effect display unit 200a, and moves and rotates in an area that can be visually recognized by the player, thereby giving the player a sense of expectation of a big hit. For example, although the accessory 202a as the stage-effect device 202 in FIG. 2 is normally retreated to the retreat area on the game board 108, the drive source 202a is displayed during the fluctuation display of the stage symbols 210a, 210b, and 210c. (Stepping motor or DC brushless motor), and moves left and right in front of the effect display unit 200a.

  The effect lighting device 204 is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and is provided on the effect character device 202, the game board 108, and the like, and variously lights in accordance with an image or the like displayed on the effect display unit 200a. Controlled.

  The music output device 206 is provided at an upper position of the front frame 106 and a lowermost position of the outer frame 102, and various music are directed toward the front side of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with an image or the like displayed on the effect display unit 200a. Is output.

  The effect operation device 208 includes a button that receives a pressing operation of the player and a rotation operation unit (for example, a jog dial) that receives a rotation operation of the player, and is located substantially at the center of the gaming machine 100 in the width direction, and It is provided below the transmission plate 110. The effect operation device 208 is activated in accordance with an image or the like displayed on the effect display unit 200a, and when an operation of the player is received within the operation effective period, various effects are executed according to the operation. .

(Internal configuration of control means)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control means for controlling the progress of the game. The main control board 300 controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 300 includes a main CPU 300a, a main ROM 300b, and a main RAM 300c (storage element). The main CPU 300a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 300b and performs arithmetic processing based on an input signal from each detection switch and timer, and directly controls each device and display, or outputs a result of the arithmetic processing. A command is transmitted to another board in response. The main RAM 300c functions as a work area for data when the main CPU 300a performs arithmetic processing. The main RAM 300c also functions as a non-volatile memory, and can maintain the stored contents even in the event of an unexpected power failure. The main ROM 300b of the main control board 300 stores various programs for advancing a special game and a normal game, and data and tables necessary for various games.

  The main control board 300 includes a general winning opening detection switch 118s for detecting that a game ball has entered the general winning opening 118, and a first starting opening for detecting that a game ball has entered the first starting opening 120. A detection switch 120s, a second starting port detecting switch 122s for detecting that a game ball has entered the second starting port 122, and a large winning port detecting switch 128s for detecting that a gaming ball has entered the special winning port 128. The detection signals are input to the main control board 300 from the respective detection switches. The main control board 300 is connected to a special winning opening solenoid 128c that operates an opening / closing door 128b for opening and closing the special winning opening 128. The main control board 300 controls opening and closing of the special winning opening 128. It has become so.

  Further, a payout control board 310 and a sub control board 330 are connected to the main control board 300.

  The payout control board 310 performs control for firing game balls and control for paying out prize balls. The payout control board 310 also includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. A game information output terminal plate 312 is connected to the payout control board 310, and various information on the progress of the game output from the main control board 300 is transmitted through the payout control board 310 and the game information output terminal board 312. Is output to a hall computer or the like of a game store.

  The sub-control board 330 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or on standby. The sub-control board 330 includes a sub-CPU 330a, a sub-ROM 330b, and a sub-RAM 330c (storage element). The sub-control board 330 is connected to the sub-control board 330 from the main control board 300 from the viewpoint of preventing fraud. They are communicably connected in one direction. The sub CPU 330a reads out a program stored in the sub ROM 330b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 300, an input signal from a timer, and the like, performs arithmetic processing, and controls execution of the effect. At this time, the sub RAM 330c functions as a work area for data when the sub CPU 330a performs arithmetic processing. The sub RAM 330c also functions as a non-volatile memory, and can maintain the stored contents even in the event of an unexpected power failure.

  Specifically, the sub-control board 330 performs image display control for displaying an image on the effect display unit 200a. The sub ROM 330b stores a large number of image data such as symbols and backgrounds displayed on the effect display unit 200a. The sub CPU 330a reads the image data from the sub ROM 330b to a VRAM (not shown), Control image display. In addition, the sub-control board 330 performs drive control of the stage effect device 202, lighting control of the stage lighting device 204, and music output control for outputting music from the music output device 206.

(Director's device 202)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a control mode of the effect-of-presentation device 202 on the sub-control board 330, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control mode. The sub CPU 330a provided on the sub control board 330 functions as the effect determination unit 332 and the effect execution unit 334 in cooperation with the program stored in the sub ROM 330b and the sub RAM 330c. The effect determining means 332 decodes the command transmitted from the main control board 300 and determines an effect pattern (contents indicating a series of effects of the effect) corresponding to the command. The effect executing means 334 transmits a command to each device such as the controller 342 based on the determined effect pattern to execute the effect. The effect determining means 332 and the effect executing means 334 are both processes corresponding to an interrupt (interrupt process), and are executed at the interrupt timing associated with each device.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the effect determination unit 332 waits for the arrival of a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, 33.3 msec) (NO in S10), and when the predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, 33.3 msec) arrives, (YES in S10), determine an accessory pattern based on the effect pattern (of the effects indicated by the effect pattern, contents indicating a series of operations of the effect accessory device 202) (S11). Then, the effect execution means 334 sends a command indicating at least one of the traveling direction (rotation direction), the traveling amount (rotation amount), and the traveling speed (rotation speed) to the controller 342 at predetermined time intervals in accordance with the accessory pattern. It transmits (S12) and repeats the processing from step S10. The controller 342 drives the presentation attraction device 202 according to the command. Here, presentation attraction device 202 operates only when the accessory pattern is determined. Here, the effect execution means 334 functions as a movable control unit that drives the effect accessory device 202.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the stage effect device device 202. As shown in FIG. 6, the directing effect device 202 is provided with a movable body 350 that functions as the above-described accessory 202 a. Note that the position of the movable body 350 shown in FIG. 6 is set as an initial position. The initial position corresponds to reference coordinates when the motor is used as a reference, as described later.

  The movable body 350 is supported by a shaft 352, and is formed to be movable along a predetermined path (here, in the left-right direction) along the shaft 352. The shaft 352 is fixed to the frame 354. The frame 354 has an opening at a portion facing the effect display unit 200a. The shaft 352 is fixed to a portion of the frame 354 located above the effect display unit 200a so as to extend in the left-right direction.

  The movable body 350 includes a movable body support 350a and a movable body 350b. The movable body support portion 350a has a through-hole that penetrates in the left-right direction, and is supported by the shaft 352 by inserting the shaft 352 into the through-hole. The vertical length of the movable body main body 350b is substantially the same as the height of the effect display unit 200a, and a structure used for the effect, for example, is formed on the front surface thereof.

  In addition, a motor 360 and a belt 362 are provided in the stage effect device 202. The motor 360 is provided on the front of the frame 354 and at the upper left. The pulley 364 is connected to the motor 360, and drives the pulley 364 to rotate. The belt 362 is formed in a loop shape from a resin such as rubber, and is stretched over a pulley 364 and another pulley 366 provided on the front right side of the frame body 354 at the upper right side. The pulley 364 and the pulley 366 are provided below the shaft 352 such that the up-down direction and the front-back direction are at the same position. Therefore, the belt 362 is arranged in parallel with the shaft 352 in the vertical direction. On the inner peripheral surface of the belt 362, irregularities are formed, and mesh with the irregularities formed on the pulleys 364, 366. Further, the movable body supporting portion 350a is fitted to a part of the belt 362. Therefore, when the effect executing means 334 drives the motor 360 through the controller 342, the belt 362 is rotated via the pulley 364, and the movable body 350 moves along the axis 352.

  At both ends of the path along which the movable body 350 moves along the axis 352, stoppers 368a and 368b that physically limit the movement of the movable body 350 are provided. The stoppers 368a and 368b are coated with a cushioning material so that the stoppers 368a and 368b do not damage the movable body support 350a even if they contact the movable body support 350a of the movable body 350. Therefore, even if the effect execution means 334 attempts to move the movable body 350 to the left from the initial position, the movement of the movable body 350 is restricted by the stopper 368a provided at the left end, and the movement can be further left. Can not. Similarly, even if the effect executing means 334 attempts to move the movable body 350 to the right, the movement of the movable body 350 is restricted by the stopper 368b provided at the right end, and cannot be moved further to the right. Here, stoppers 368a and 368b are explicitly shown in order to physically restrict the movement of the movable body 350. However, any fixing member in the middle frame 104, a side surface of the game board 108, a wall, and other fixing members In some cases, some members of the gaming machine 100, such as an accessory, substantially function as the stoppers 368a and 368b. In this case, the member may be replaced with the stoppers 368a and 368b.

  By the way, in the gaming machine 100, the effect can be improved by moving such a tangible movable body 350. In addition, the effect can be further improved by swinging (moving) the movable body 350 back and forth in the moving direction, or by rapidly reversing the moving direction. However, as the movable body 350 (movable body support 350a) moves, swings (vibrates), reverses, and the like at high frequency, the belt 362 jumps (slids), causing a displacement from the initial position. There are cases. Therefore, in the gaming machine, an index sensor is disposed on the path of the movable body 350, and the coordinates of the motor that is the drive source of the movable body 350 are calibrated based on the index sensor. However, when an index sensor is employed, the cost of the index sensor itself is increased, and the space occupied by the index sensor must be provided on the path. Also, complicated processing for reflecting the detection result of the index sensor is required.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to change the motor 360 from a stepping motor to a DC brushless motor. In the stepping motor, the rotation amount can be grasped by the motor itself, but the absolute amount cannot be grasped. Therefore, even if the movable body 350 is controlled to move to the target coordinates by the open control, the movable body 350 may not actually reach the target coordinates due to idling or the like. On the other hand, the DC brushless motor can self-recognize the absolute amount of rotation by the Hall sensor, so that the movable body 350 can be controlled with high accuracy by feedback control. However, even if the frequency of the displacement can be extremely reduced by increasing the accuracy of the motor 360, since the pulley 364 and the belt 362 exist between the motor 360 and the movable body 350, It is difficult to completely prevent the displacement due to tooth skipping of the belt 362, deterioration over time, interference of the movable body 350, and the like.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the stopper 368a (368b) having absolute coordinates is used without using an index sensor, and the coordinates of the movable body 350 are calibrated even if a positional shift occurs.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining absolute coordinates and motor reference coordinates. As shown in FIG. 7A, the movement limit on the left side of the movable body 350 is determined by the stopper 368a. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the rightward movement limit of the movable body 350 is determined by the stopper 368b. Accordingly, based on the left end of the movable body 350, the physical movement range is as shown in FIG. 7B, from the right end of the stopper 368a, when the movable body 350 is in contact with the stopper 368b. 350 to the left end. Here, as shown in FIG. 7B, virtual absolute coordinates “0” to “100” are assigned to the physical movement range. Therefore, the right end of the stopper 368a has absolute coordinates “0”, and the left end of the movable body 350 when in contact with the stopper 368b has absolute coordinates “100”.

  Further, in order to control the position and the speed of the movable body 350 on the absolute coordinates based on the physical movement range, the effect executing unit 334 performs the control based on the rotation of the motor 360 as shown in FIG. It has motor coordinates that are coordinates. It is desirable that the motor coordinates and the absolute coordinates ideally have the same (identical) relationship. Therefore, the effect executing means 334 controls the movement of the movable body 350 within the range of the motor coordinates “0” to “100”, and as a result, the movable body 350 within the range of the absolute coordinates “0” to “100”. 350 can be moved. In the case where the absolute coordinates match the motor coordinates, when the effect executing means 334 moves the movable body 350 to the motor coordinates “50”, as shown in FIG. 7C, the stop position of the movable body 350 is Both the motor coordinates and the absolute coordinates are “50”.

  However, as described above, the position of the movable body 350 (movable body support 350a) may deviate from the original position due to skipping of the belt 362 or the like. For example, as shown by a white arrow in FIG. 7D, when the motor coordinate is shifted to the left by, for example, “5” with respect to the absolute coordinate, the effect execution means 334 sets the movable body 350 to the motor coordinate “50”. Is moved, the stop position of the movable body 350 with respect to the motor is “50”, but it is “45” in absolute coordinates, and it can be seen that the movable body 350 stops to the left by “5” in absolute coordinates from the original position. Also, in this case, the effect executing means 334 can move the movable body 350 to the motor coordinate “100” on the right side, but move the movable body 350 to the motor coordinate “0” on the left side due to the limitation of the stopper 368a. Can not.

  When the motor coordinates are shifted to the right by, for example, “5” with respect to the absolute coordinates, as indicated by a white arrow in FIG. 7E, the effect execution unit 334 sets the movable body 350 to the motor coordinates “50”. When moved, the stop position of the movable body 350 based on the motor is “50”, but it is “55” in absolute coordinates, and it can be seen that the movable body 350 stops to the right by “5” in absolute coordinates from the original position. Also, in this case, the effect executing means 334 can move the movable body 350 to the motor coordinate “0” on the left side, but move the movable body 350 to the motor coordinate “100” on the right side due to the limitation of the stopper 368b. Can not.

  Therefore, effect executing means 334 calibrates the motor coordinates of movable body 350 using stopper 368a (368b) having absolute coordinates.

  8 to 11 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation of the effect executing means 334. For example, in FIG. 8A, the motor coordinates are shifted “5” to the left with respect to the absolute coordinates. Therefore, when the effect executing means 334 moves the movable body 350 to the motor coordinate “50”, the motor-based stop position of the movable body 350 is “50” in the motor coordinate but is “45” in the absolute coordinate. .

  If the movement to the motor coordinate “0” is determined, the effect execution means 334 sets the movement destination from the motor coordinate “0” in the direction of the left stopper 368a, which is originally the traveling direction from the left stopper 368a. The coordinates are changed to the predetermined target coordinates corresponding to the previous one, here, the motor coordinates “−10”. Then, effect executing means 334 controls motor 360 such that movable body 350 moves to the motor coordinates “−10” (absolute coordinates “−15”). Then, the movable body 350 moves toward the stopper 368a as shown in FIG. 8B. At this time, as the speed, the speed of the movement command to the motor coordinate “0” may be used as it is, or may be changed to a lower speed. However, the movable body 350 is restricted by the stopper 368a at the position shown in FIG. 8C before reaching the motor coordinates “−10” as the target coordinates.

  If the movable body 350 does not reach the target coordinates “−10” and is restricted by the stopper 368 a, the effect execution means 334 stops the motor 360 and stops the movable body 350 shown in FIG. The updated position (absolute coordinates “0”) is updated as motor coordinates “0” (motor-based reference coordinates). The stop of the movable body 350 can be grasped by a current or voltage of the motor 360 or a stop sequence via a Hall sensor (encoder) or the like. Thus, even if the motor coordinates are shifted to the left with respect to the absolute coordinates, the motor coordinates and the absolute coordinates match as shown in FIG. 8C.

  In FIG. 9A, the motor coordinates do not deviate from the absolute coordinates. Therefore, when the effect executing means 334 moves the movable body 350 to the motor coordinate “50”, the movable body 350 stops at the absolute coordinate “50”.

  If the movement to the motor coordinate “0” is determined, the effect executing means 334 changes the movement destination from the motor coordinate “0” to the motor coordinate “−10”. Then, effect executing means 334 controls motor 360 such that movable body 350 moves to motor coordinates “−10” (absolute coordinates “−10”). Then, the movable body 350 moves toward the stopper 368a as shown in FIG. 9B. However, the movable body 350 is restricted by the stopper 368a at the position shown in FIG. 9C before reaching the target coordinate “−10”. The effect executing means 334 stops the motor 360 when the movable body 350 does not reach the target coordinates “−10” and is restricted by the stopper 368 a, and the movable body 350 shown in FIG. The updated position (absolute coordinate “0”) is updated as motor coordinate “0”. In this way, even when the absolute coordinate and the motor coordinate already coincide with each other, the motor coordinate and the absolute coordinate must be maintained in a state as shown in FIG. Becomes

  In FIG. 10A, the motor coordinates are shifted to the right by “5” with respect to the absolute coordinates. Therefore, when the effect executing means 334 moves the movable body 350 to the motor coordinate “50”, the motor-based stop position of the movable body 350 is “50” in the motor coordinate but “55” in the absolute coordinate. Become.

  If the movement to the motor coordinate “0” is determined, the effect executing means 334 changes the movement destination from the motor coordinate “0” to the motor coordinate “−10”. Then, effect executing means 334 controls motor 360 such that movable body 350 moves to the motor coordinates “−10” (absolute coordinates “−5”). Then, the movable body 350 moves toward the stopper 368a as shown in FIG. However, by the time the movable body 350 reaches the target coordinate “−10”, the movable body 350 is restricted by the stopper 368 a at the position shown in FIG. If the movable body 350 does not reach the target coordinates “−10” and is limited by the stopper 368 a, the effect execution unit 334 stops the motor 360 and stops the movable body 350 shown in FIG. The updated position (absolute coordinate “0”) is updated as motor coordinate “0”. Thus, even when the motor coordinates are shifted to the right with respect to the absolute coordinates, the motor coordinates and the absolute coordinates match as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11A, the motor coordinates are shifted to the right by “15” with respect to the absolute coordinates. Therefore, when the effect execution unit 334 moves the movable body 350 to the motor coordinate “50”, the motor-based stop position of the movable body 350 is “50” in the motor coordinate but “65” in the absolute coordinate. Become.

  If the movement to the motor coordinate “0” is determined, the effect executing means 334 changes the movement destination from the motor coordinate “0” to the motor coordinate “−10”. Then, effect executing means 334 controls motor 360 such that movable body 350 moves to motor coordinates “−10” (absolute coordinates “5”). Then, the movable body 350 moves toward the stopper 368a as shown in FIG. 11B. However, unlike FIGS. 8 to 10, in the example of FIG. 11, the target coordinates “−10” correspond to the absolute coordinates “5”, so that the target coordinates can be reached, and the movable body 350 is not restricted by the stopper 368a. When the movable body 350 reaches the target coordinates “−10”, the effect execution means 334 stops the motor 360 and changes the position (absolute coordinates “5”) at which the movable body 350 stops as shown in FIG. Update as motor coordinates “0”.

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the motor coordinates and the absolute coordinates do not match. However, there is no problem if the positional deviation correction processing is executed next time, even if the correction is not performed immediately again. That is, since the state in FIG. 11C is the same as the state in FIG. 10A, the calibration process of the positional deviation is executed again as in FIG. And the absolute coordinates match. Even if the difference between the motor coordinates and the absolute coordinates is large, by repeating the processing of FIG. 11, the motor coordinates and the absolute coordinates will eventually match as shown in FIG. 10C.

  Note that the above-described misalignment correction processing may be performed as a specific processing such as return to origin at a predetermined timing. However, as described above, the effect execution unit 334 performs the misalignment correction processing on the movable body. Suppose that 350 is executed (repeatedly) each time the motor 350 is moved to the motor coordinate “0” or its vicinity (for example, “0” to “5”), or is executed once every predetermined number of times according to a predetermined rule. Is also good. In this manner, the motor coordinates and the absolute coordinates can be made to coincide with each other at an appropriate frequency without providing a special program for performing the position shift calibration process.

  Also, here, an example has been described in which the predetermined target coordinates in the direction of the left stopper 368a are set. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the predetermined target coordinates in the direction of the right stopper 368b are used by using the right stopper 368b. The coordinates (for example, “110”) are set, and the position (absolute position “100”) where the movement of the movable body 350 is restricted by the right stopper 368b is set as the reference coordinates (for example, motor coordinates “100”) of the motor reference. Is also good. With this configuration, even when the reference position of the movable body 350 is on the right side, the motor coordinates and the absolute coordinates can be appropriately matched.

  Further, here, an example has been described in which one movable body 350 is brought into contact with the left stopper 368a to obtain the motor coordinate “0”, but a plurality of movable bodies 350 are provided in series on one shaft 352. In this case, the leftmost movable body 350 is brought into contact with the left stopper 368a to obtain the motor coordinate “0”, and the rightmost movable body 350 is brought into contact with the right stopper 368b to obtain the motor coordinate. (For example, “100”).

  Also, here, an example using a DC brushless motor capable of controlling the movable body 350 with high precision has been described. However, if the absolute rotation amount can be grasped by the motor itself such as a Hall sensor, a stepping motor For example, various motors can be used.

  Further, here, the absolute value of the predetermined target coordinate is described as “10”. However, an arbitrary value such as “4” may be used based on the frequency of the displacement correction process and the substantial displacement. Can be determined.

  Here, an example is given in which the movable body 350 moves to a predetermined target coordinate “−10” in the direction of the left stopper 368a, and the movable body 350 moves to that position and stops unless the stopper 368a is restricted. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and the motor stop operation is started at a predetermined stop start coordinate (for example, motor coordinate “0”), and the speed of the movable body 350 is gradually reduced for a predetermined time ( For example, it may be stopped after 100 msec) or moved to the target coordinate “−10” by inertia.

  As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Is done.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, as a gaming machine, a symbol determining means for determining any of a plurality of types of symbols including a jackpot symbol, and when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed since the symbol was determined, a symbol display A symbol display means for displaying a symbol on the part, a large role game executing means for executing a large role game composed of a plurality of round games when a big hit symbol is displayed on the symbol display section, and a round game in the large role game. During a specific round game set in advance, when a game ball entering the special winning opening enters a specific area, a game profit providing means for providing a predetermined game profit, and an effect executing means for executing an effect during a large role game Although the pachinko machine having the above is exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this case, and one of a plurality of types of winning combinations is determined by a winning combination lottery based on the operation of the start switch. In accordance with the operation of the selection lottery means and the start switch, the rotation control of the plurality of rotating reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged is performed, and in accordance with the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the rotating rotating reel, the winning combination is selected. On the basis of the lottery result of the lottery means, a reel control means for stopping and controlling each of the rotating reels corresponding to the operated stop switch, and an effect control means for executing any one of a plurality of types of effects. Applicable. Hereinafter, the slot machine 600 will be described in detail.

(Mechanical configuration of slot machine 600)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 12 and 13, the slot machine 600 can be opened and closed by a housing 602 which is a substantially rectangular box, and a connecting member which is rotatable with respect to the front opening of the housing 602. And a front lower door 606 that is located below the front upper door 604 and that can be opened and closed with respect to the front opening of the housing 602, similar to the front upper door 604. A tray 608 for storing medals paid out from a medal discharge port 608a is provided below the door 606. An operation section installation base 622 is formed above the front lower door 606, and a medal insertion section 624, a bet switch 626, a start switch 628, a stop switch 630, and the like are arranged on the operation section installation base 622.

  The medal insertion unit 624 located on the right side of the operation unit installation table 622 receives insertion of medals as game media through the medal insertion slot 624a. The bet switch 626 is a push-type button switch that inserts (bets) a predetermined number of medals out of credited medals. The start switch 628 located on the left side of the operation unit installation base 622 is constituted by a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a start operation of one game by the player.

  A colorless and transparent design display window 636 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided substantially at the center of the lower portion of the front upper door 604, and a reel is provided at a position corresponding to the design display window 636 in the housing 602. A unit 634 is provided. As shown in the reel symbol array of FIG. 14, the reel unit 634 includes three rotating reels (left reel 634a, middle reel 634b, right reel 634) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in respective regions equally divided into 21. The reels 634c) are independently rotatably provided, and the player can visually recognize the left reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c through the symbol display window 636. The reel unit 634 starts rotating the left reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c in response to the operation of the start switch 628.

  The stop switch 630 located at the center of the operation unit installation base 622 is a button switch provided for each of the left reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c and capable of detecting a pressing operation of the player. The stop operation of the player who wants to stop each of the reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c is detected. The three button switches related to the stop switch 630 are particularly called stop button switches, and are referred to as a stop button switch 630a, a stop button switch 630b, and a stop button switch 630c in order from the left depending on the position.

  A liquid crystal display unit 638 for displaying various images accompanying the effect is provided substantially at the center of the upper part of the front upper door 604. In addition, an effect lamp 642 composed of, for example, a high-brightness light emitting diode (LED) is provided above the front upper door 604 and on the left and right. As shown in FIG. 13, speakers for performing auditory effects such as sound effects and musical sounds are provided at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 638 on the back surface of the front upper door 604 and the inner surface left and right positions on the back surface of the front lower door 606. 640 are provided.

(Electrical Configuration of Slot Machine 600)
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 600. As shown in FIG. 15, the slot machine 600 is mainly controlled by a control board. Here, as an example of the control board, a main control board 700 and a sub-control board 702 sharing the functions of the control board will be described. For example, among the programs related to the progress of the game, particularly important processing such as a lottery of a winning combination to be provided for the game and a prize thereof are executed by the main control board 700, and other processing related to the effect is performed by the sub-control board 702. Running on Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the transmission of the electrical signal between the main control board 700 and the sub control board 702 is performed from the main control board 700 to the sub control board 702 from the viewpoint of prevention of fraud. Limited to direction only.

(Main control board 700)
The main control board 700 has various types of semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 700a serving as a central processing unit, a main ROM 700b storing programs and the like, a main RAM 700c functioning as a work area, and the like. I do. However, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the main RAM 700c, and even if the power is turned off, data is not erased unless the setting is changed and the main RAM 700c is initialized. Will be retained.

  Further, the main control board 700 functions as the main CPU 700a cooperating with the main RAM 700c based on the program stored in the main ROM 700b. The initialization means 800, the bet means 802, the winning combination lottery means 804, the reel control means 806, a determination unit 808, a payout control unit 810, a state transition unit 812, a command determination unit 814, a command transmission unit 816, and other functional units.

  The initialization unit 800 executes an initialization process in the main control board 700. The betting means 802 bets medals to be used for a game. The winning combination lottery means 804 determines one of a plurality of types of winning combinations including a small role, a replay role, and a bonus role, and a loss based on the medal bet and the operation of the start switch 628 by the winning combination lottery. I do. The reel control unit 806 controls the rotation of the plurality of rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c in response to the operation of the start switch 628, and the plurality of stop button switches 630a respectively corresponding to the rotating rotating reels 634a, 634b, 634c. , 630b, 630c, the stop reel switches 634a, 634b, 634c corresponding to the operated stop button switches 630a, 630b, 630c are respectively controlled to stop.

  The determination means 808 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the activated line. Here, displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination lottery on the activated line may be simply referred to as winning. The payout control unit 810 pays out medals by the number corresponding to the winning combination based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the activated line (winning). . The state transition means 812 transitions the gaming state based on the winning or winning of the bonus combination.

  The command determining means 814 sequentially determines commands related to the game accompanying the operations of the betting means 802, the winning combination lottery means 804, the reel controlling means 806, the determining means 808, the payout controlling means 810, the state shifting means 812 and the like. The command transmission unit 816 sequentially transmits the commands determined by the command determination unit 814 to the sub control board 702.

  The main control board 700 receives various detection signals from the bet switch 626, the start switch 628, and the stop switch 630, and based on the received detection signals, bet means 802, winning combination lottery means 804, reel control means 806. The determination means 808 executes the various processes described above.

  Further, a reel drive control unit 758 is connected to the main control board 700. The reel drive control unit 758 drives the stepping motor 762 based on a rotation start signal of each of the rotating reels 634a, 634b, and 634c transmitted from the reel control unit 806 in response to an operation signal of the start switch 628, and stops the stepping motor 762. Driving of the stepping motor 762 based on the stop signal of each of the left reel 634a, the middle reel 634b, and the right reel 634c and the detection signal of the rotation position detection circuit 760 transmitted from the reel control means 806 in response to the operation signal of the switch 630. To stop.

  Further, the main control board 700 is provided with a random number generator 700d. The random number generator 700d sequentially increments the count value, loops (0 to 65535) within a predetermined total number (for example, 65536), and generates (acquires) a random number by extracting the count value at a predetermined time. The random number generated by the random number generator 700d of the main control board 700 (hereinafter referred to as a winning combination lottery random number) is used for a game profit provided to the player, for example, for the winning combination lottery means 804 to execute the winning combination lottery. Can be

(Sub-control board 702)
Similarly to the main control board 700, the sub control board 702 includes various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub CPU 702a as a central processing unit, a sub ROM 702b storing programs and the like, a sub RAM 702c functioning as a work area, and the like. Based on a command from the main control board 700, the effect is particularly controlled. Similarly to the main RAM 700c, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the sub RAM 702c, and data is retained without being erased even when the power is turned off. The sub-control board 702 is also provided with a random number generator 702d similarly to the main control board 700. Used to make decisions.

  The sub-control board 702 includes an initialization determining unit 830, a command receiving unit 832, an effect control unit 834, and the like that function by the sub CPU 702a cooperating with the sub RAM 702c based on a program stored in the sub ROM 702b. It has a functional unit.

  The initialization determining unit 830 executes an initialization process in the sub-control board 702. The command receiving unit 832 receives a command from another control board such as the main control board 700 and performs processing on the command. The effect control unit 834 determines the effect of the game to be performed by each of the liquid crystal display unit 638, the speaker 640, and the effect lamp 642 based on the winning combination command. Specifically, the effect control unit 834 determines image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 638 and illumination data for the effect through illumination devices such as the effect lamp 642, and outputs the data from the speaker 640. The audio data forming the audio to be determined is determined. Then, the effect control unit 834 executes the effect of the determined game.

  In the slot machine 600, the effect control unit 834 of the sub CPU 702a functions as the above-described movable control unit, and controls the motor such that the movable body moves to predetermined target coordinates in the direction of the stopper on a motor basis. Then, in response to the movement of the movable body being restricted by the stopper, the motor is stopped, and the coordinates at that time are used as the reference coordinates, and when the movement of the movable body reaches the target coordinates without being restricted by the stopper, The motor is stopped, and the coordinates at that time are set as reference coordinates.

334 Production execution means (movable control unit)
350 Movable body 360 Motor 368a, 368b Stopper

Claims (2)

A movable body movably formed on a predetermined path;
A motor for moving the movable body,
A stopper that is disposed at an end of the path and physically restricts movement of the movable body;
A movable control unit that controls the motor such that the movable body moves to predetermined target coordinates in the direction of the stopper on a motor basis;
With
The gaming machine, wherein the movable control unit stops the motor in response to the movement of the movable body being restricted by the stopper, and sets the stopped position as a reference coordinate based on the motor. A movable body movably formed on a predetermined path;
A motor for moving the movable body,
A stopper that is disposed at an end of the path and physically restricts movement of the movable body;
A movable control unit that controls the motor such that the movable body moves to predetermined target coordinates in the direction of the stopper on a motor basis;
With
The gaming machine, wherein, when the movement of the movable body reaches the target coordinates without being restricted by the stopper, the movable control unit stops the motor, and uses the stopped position as the motor-based reference coordinates.

Images