JP2021118933A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suitably performing rotary control of a circulating body.SOLUTION: A stepping motor 33 is connected with each reel, and a corresponding reel is rotated by excitation of the stepping motor 33. The stepping motor 33 energizes an excitation current to a corresponding excitation phase on the basis of excitation data outputted to a motor drive 96. A main-side MPU performs drive control of a reel by setting excitation data outputted to the motor drive 96. In drive control of a fixed-speed period, bi-phase excitation having relatively strong excitation force and one-phase excitation having relatively weak excitation force are alternately performed to the stepping motor 33 such that each excitation period becomes a predetermined period. The main-side MPU sets at least one excitation period to a specific period longer than the predetermined period in the middle of excitation of drive control of a fixed-speed period TB concerned.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

As a game machine that uses the orbiting body, for example, there is a slot machine. The slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols assigned to the outer peripheral portion, and a part of the symbols assigned to each reel can be visually recognized through a display unit. Then, when the player inserts a medal and operates the start lever, each reel starts rotating, and after each reel starts rotating, each reel is sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, a lottery is performed inside the slot machine on the condition that a medal is inserted and the start lever is operated, and the winning symbol is stopped on the valid line set in advance and the result of the lottery is won. Benefits such as a predetermined number of medals being paid out and a predetermined game being played in favor of the player are given on condition that the game is allowed to be played (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Further, as the gaming machine that uses the reel as the orbiting body as described above, it is possible to perform the same game as the slot machine by using the gaming ball instead of the medal as the gaming medium in addition to the slot machine. A game machine can be mentioned. In addition, there is also a pachinko machine that uses the above-mentioned orbiting body in order to provide the player with an effect according to the result of the internal lottery.

A stepping motor is generally used as a driving means for orbiting the orbiting body as described above. In this case, when the lap start condition is satisfied, the driving by the stepping motor is started, and the speed shifts to the constant speed period after the acceleration period. Then, after this constant speed period is continued for a predetermined period, it is stopped based on the establishment of the lap stop condition.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-195635

Here, in a gaming machine such as the above example, it is necessary to preferably perform rotation control of the orbiting body, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances and the like, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably performing rotation control of a rotating body.

The invention according to claim 1 in order to solve the above problems includes an orbiting body and
The driving means for rotating the orbiting body and
A drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means,
With
The driving means is a stepping motor that rotates the orbiting body by being excited.
The drive control means includes a predetermined drive control means that performs a predetermined drive control for exciting the drive means and accelerating the rotation of the orbiting body.
The predetermined drive control means is characterized in that a non-excitation period in which no excitation is performed on the drive means is generated in the middle of an acceleration period in which the predetermined drive control is performed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably control the rotation of the orbiting body.

It is a front view of the slot machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state which the front door is opened. It is an assembly perspective view of the left reel. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement of each reel. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the design which becomes visible from a display window part, and a combination line. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the winning mode and the privilege given. It is an electric block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which is executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process which is executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process which is executed in the main MPU. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the lottery table for a normal mode. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the stop order of reels and the winning mode established when the lottery table for a normal mode is selected. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the lottery table for 1st RT mode. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the stop order of reels, and the winning mode established when the lottery table for 1st RT mode is selected. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the lottery table for 2nd RT mode. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the stop order of reels, and the winning mode which holds when the lottery table for 2nd RT mode is selected. It is a flowchart which shows the notification control processing which is executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the correspondence process at the end of a game executed by the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the process for BB executed in the main MPU. (A) It is a connection diagram which shows the drive system of a stepping motor, and (b) is the figure which shows the drive characteristic of a stepping motor. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the contents of the excitation order table. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the drive characteristic required for a stepping motor. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the rotation initialization table in a conventional slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern A. It is a flowchart which shows the reel control processing which is executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the rotation start processing executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the stepping motor control process which is executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the motor control processing which is executed in the main MPU. It is a flowchart which shows the excitation data setting process which is executed in the main MPU. The first test in which the reel unit produced according to the first embodiment was subjected to the control processing as shown in FIGS. 26 to 30 by using the excitation order table as shown in FIG. 22 and the rotation initialization table as shown in FIG. 25. It is a figure which shows the result of. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern B. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern C. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern D. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern E. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern F. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern G. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern H. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern I. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern J. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern K. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern L. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern M. It is a figure which shows the result of having performed various evaluations about the excitation patterns A to M of the 1st acceleration period in Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initial table for a comparative test. It is a figure which shows the time-dependent change of the rotation speed in 2nd test A to D. It is a figure which shows the time-dependent change of the rotation speed in the comparative test A to D. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern N. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern O. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern P. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern Q. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern R. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern S. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern T. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the rotation initialization table of the excitation pattern U. It is a figure which shows the result of having performed various evaluations about the excitation patterns A, N to U of the constant speed period in Example 1.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 includes a housing 11 that forms an outer shell thereof. The housing 11 is formed in a box shape that is open forward as a whole by fixing a plurality of wooden panels.

A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11. The front door 12 is supported by the housing 11 so that the internal space of the housing 11 can be opened and closed with the left side portion as a rotation axis. The front door 12 is locked in an unopenable state by a locking device 13 provided on the back surface thereof, and this locked state is released by an unlocking operation with a predetermined key on the key cylinder 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, a game panel 20 for notifying the player of the game state is provided near the center of the front door 12. The game panel 20 is formed so that three vertically long display window portions 21L, 21M, and 21R are arranged side by side. The display window portions 21L, 21M, 21R are formed of a transparent or translucent material, and the inside of the slot machine 10 can be visually recognized through the display window portions 21L, 21M, 21R.

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

Each of these reels 32L, 32M, 32R is connected to a stepping motor 33 (see FIG. 3), and each reel 32L, 32M, 32R rotates individually, that is, independently by driving the stepping motor 33. It is configured to be driveable. Since each of these reels 32L, 32M, and 32R has the same configuration, the left reel 32L will be described here as an example based on FIG. FIG. 3 is an assembly perspective view of the left reel 32L.

The left reel 32L includes a cylindrical skeleton member 34 that forms a cylindrical basket, and a strip-shaped reel tape (not shown in FIG. 3) that is wound endlessly on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Then, it is attached to the cylindrical skeleton member 34 via a pair of sealing portions formed along both sides of the long side of the reel tape so as to maintain the wound state. A large number of symbols as identification information are printed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape at equal intervals. The central portion of the cylindrical skeleton member 34 is attached to the drive shaft of the stepping motor 33. Therefore, when the drive shaft of the stepping motor 33 rotates, the cylindrical skeleton member 34 rotates around the drive shaft, and the left reel 32L rotates.

The stepping motor 33 is screw-fixed to the side surface of the motor plate 35 arranged in an upright state in the reel unit 31. A reel index sensor 36 in which the light emitting element 36a and the light receiving element 36b are held at predetermined intervals is installed on the motor plate 35. On the other hand, a sensor cut van 37 extending in the radial direction is screwed to the cylindrical skeleton member 34. The tip portion 37a of the sensor cut van 37 is bent at a substantially right angle and is aligned so that it can pass between both elements 36a and 36b of the reel index sensor 36. Then, each time the left reel 32L makes one rotation, the reel index sensor 36 detects the passage of the tip portion 37a of the sensor cut van 37, and each time the detection is performed, a detection signal is output to the main control device 70 described later. Therefore, the main control device 70 can confirm and correct the angular position of the left reel 32L for each rotation based on this detection signal.

The stepping motor 33 is set to rotate once by advancing 504 steps by giving an excitation signal of 504 pulses, for example, and the rotation position of the stepping motor 33, that is, the rotation position of the left reel 32L is controlled by the number of steps. Will be done. On each reel tape of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, a plurality of symbols, specifically 21 symbols, are drawn in the long side direction (circumferential direction) thereof. The main control device 70 recognizes which symbol is visible from the display window 21L based on the number of steps (that is, the number of pulses) from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor 36 is output. It is possible to control to make an arbitrary symbol visible from the display window portion 21L.

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

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

The rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is started based on the operation of the start lever 41, and the rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is stopped based on the operation of each stop button 42, 43, 44, and a medal is awarded. It corresponds to one game (game times) until the execution of various processes such as the management of the game state is completed.

On the lower right side of the display window portions 21L, 21M, 21R, a medal insertion slot 45 for inserting a medal as an investment value is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 45 are guided to the hopper device 53 by the selector 52 provided on the back surface of the front door 12 when reception is permitted, and when reception is prohibited. The medal discharge port 58 (FIG. 1) provided at the lower part of the front surface of the front door 12 leads to the medal tray 59 (FIG. 1). The hopper device 53 has a function of paying out the medals stored in the storage tank to the medal tray 59 through the medal discharge port 58 when a prize corresponding to the granting of the game medium is established on the effective line. There is.

Below the medal insertion slot 45, as shown in FIG. 1, a return button 46 that is pressed when the medal inserted in the medal insertion slot 45 is jammed in the selector 52 (FIG. 2) is provided. Further, on the lower left side of the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R, a first credit insertion button 47 for inserting the maximum number of credited virtual medals that can be bet at one time and two virtual medals at a time are inserted. A second credit insertion button 48 for inserting a virtual medal and a third credit insertion button 49 for inserting one virtual medal at a time are provided.

A settlement button 51 is provided on the left side of the start lever 41. That is, the slot machine 10 has a credit function of storing and storing surplus inserted medals and payout medals at the time of winning as virtual medals until the predetermined maximum value (50 medals) is reached. When the settlement button 51 is operated in the stored and stored state, the virtual medal is paid out from the medal outlet 58 as a real medal.

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

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

FIG. 4 shows a symbol arrangement of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R. As shown in the figure, 21 symbols are arranged in a row on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Further, numbers 0 to 20 are assigned to each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, and these numbers are visible to the main control device 70 from the display window portions 21L, 21M, 21R. It is a number for recognizing a symbol, and is not actually attached to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. However, in the following description, the number will be used.

The symbols include a "bell" symbol (for example, the 20th of the left reel 32L), a "replay" symbol (for example, the 19th of the left reel 32L), a "watermelon" symbol (for example, the 18th of the left reel 32L), and " "Red 7" symbol (for example, 15th on left reel 32L), "BAR" symbol (for example, 10th on left reel 32L), "Cherry" symbol (for example, 9th on left reel 32L), "White 7" symbol There are seven types (for example, the fifth of the left reel 32L). The number and arrangement order of various symbols are completely different in each reel 32L, 32M, 32R.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the display window portions 21L, 21M, 21R. Each display window portion 21L, 21M, 21R is formed so that three of the 21 symbols attached to the corresponding reels can be visually recognized as the entire symbol. Therefore, when all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols can be visually recognized through the display window portions 21L, 21M, 21R.

In the slot machine 10, one main line ML is set so as to connect the positions where the symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be visually recognized. The main line ML is a line connecting the base points of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Specifically, the middle symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the middle symbol of the right reel 32R are connected. It is a line. When the rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is started with the specified number of medals bet and the winning combination corresponding to the winning combination is established on the main line ML, the privilege of paying out the medals, the replay Either the privilege of "" or the privilege of transitioning the gaming state is given.

That is, in the slot machine 10, only one main line ML is set as a line on which a prize can be established. The main line ML is set as a line extending in a straight line. Subline SL1 connecting the upper design of the left reel 32L, the middle design of the middle reel 32M and the lower design of the right reel 32R, and the upper design of the left reel 32L, the upper design of the middle reel 32M and the upper design of the right reel 32R are connected. Subline SL3 connecting the lower symbol of the left reel 32L, the lower symbol of the middle reel 32M and the lower symbol of the right reel 32R, the lower symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M and the upper symbol of the right reel 32R. Even if a combination of symbols to be won is established on a line extending in a straight line such as the sub line SL4 connecting the symbols, the prize is not established. The main line ML is not limited to one, and may be two, three, four, or five or more. In such a configuration in which a plurality of main line MLs are set, the number of bets is set. The number of main line MLs to be activated may differ depending on the configuration. Further, the main line ML is not limited to a straight line, and may be a bent line.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the correspondence relationship between the combination of the symbols to be won and the privilege given when the prize is won will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the correspondence between the combination of the symbols to be won and the privilege given when the prize is won.

The small winning combination prizes in which the game medium is given include the first supplementary prize, the second supplementary prize, the third supplementary prize, the bell prize, the watermelon prize, and the cherry prize. Specifically, on the main line ML, the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "bell" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "replay" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "bell" symbol. In that case, it will be the first supplementary prize. When the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "watermelon" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "bell" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "bell" symbol on the main line ML. It will be the second supplementary prize. When the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "replay" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "bell" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "bell" symbol on the main line ML. It will be the third supplementary prize. In the case of any of the first supplementary prize to the third supplementary prize, the number of game media to be granted is "1".

If the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "bell" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "bell" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "bell" symbol on the main line ML, the bell is won. Will be. When the bell is won, the number of game media to be granted is "8".

On the main line ML, the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "watermelon" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is either the "watermelon" symbol or the "cherry" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "watermelon" symbol. If it is either a "white 7" symbol or a "white 7" symbol, a watermelon prize will be awarded. In the case of winning a watermelon prize, the number of game media to be granted is "8".

When the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is a "cherry" symbol on the main line ML, a cherry prize is won regardless of which of the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R. In the case of a cherry prize, the number of game media to be granted is "2".

Normal replay prize, 1st RT replay prize, 2nd RT replay prize, 1st fall replay prize and 2nd prize as prizes that are given the privilege of re-game that allows the game of the next game to be played without betting the game medium. There is a fall replay prize. Specifically, on the main line ML, the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "replay" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "replay" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "replay" symbol. In the case, or when the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "replay" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "cherry" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "bell" symbol, it is a normal replay prize. Become. When the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "bell" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "replay" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "replay" symbol on the main line ML, the first RT It will be a replay prize. When the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "watermelon" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "replay" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "replay" symbol on the main line ML, the second RT It will be a replay prize. When the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "replay" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "cherry" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "replay" symbol on the main line ML, the first It will be a fall replay prize. When the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "replay" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "replay" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "bell" symbol on the main line ML, the second It will be a fall replay prize.

If any of the above replay prizes are won, it is possible to play the next game without the need for a new bet on the game medium. Specifically, if one of the replay prizes is won in a game in which three game media are bet, it is possible to start the game of the next game in the state of three bets while eliminating the need for a new bet on the game medium. It becomes.

Of the various replay prizes described above, the 1st RT replay prize, the 2nd RT replay prize, the 1st fall replay prize, and the 2nd fall replay prize not only trigger the granting of the replay prize privilege, but also the transition to the lottery mode. In the slot machine 10, a plurality of types of lottery modes are set so that the types of the winning combination to be drawn and the winning probability of each winning combination are different in the winning combination lottery process (FIG. 11). It occurs when the replay prize that triggers the transition to the lottery mode is established. The contents of each lottery mode and the conditions for transition to each lottery mode will be described in detail later.

There are a first BB prize and a second BB prize as state transition prizes in which only the transition of the gaming state is performed. Specifically, on the main line ML, the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "red 7" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "red 7" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "red 7" symbol. If it is a symbol, it will be the first BB prize. When the stop symbol of the left reel 32L is the "white 7" symbol, the stop symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "white 7" symbol, and the stop symbol of the right reel 32R is the "white 7" symbol on the main line ML. , The second BB prize. When the first BB prize or the second BB prize is established, the gaming state shifts to the BB state.

The slot machine 10 is set to a BB state as a game state and a non-BB state that is not a BB state. The non-BB state is provided with a normal gaming state, an ART state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, and a preparation state that is a pre-stage to the ART state. The BB state is a gaming state in which the expected number of game media to be granted per unit number of games is higher than in the normal mode described later and in the non-AT state. Furthermore, the BB state is a gaming state in which the expected number of game media to be granted per unit number of games is higher than any of the gaming states other than the BB state.

Specifically, in the BB state, the winning combination that enables the establishment of the bell winning is won with a higher probability (for example, 1/2) than in the other gaming states, and if the winning combination is won, each reel. The bell prize is established regardless of the stop order of the 32L, 32M, 32R and the stop operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44 with respect to the rotation positions of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. In addition, the winning combination that enables the watermelon winning is won with a higher probability (for example, 1/4) than in other gaming states, and if the winning combination is won, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. The watermelon prize is established regardless of the order and the stop operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44 with respect to the rotation positions of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. As a result, even if there are multiple types of prizes to be awarded for the game medium in the BB state, if the winning combination corresponding to the prize to be awarded for the game medium is won, the winning combination is supported. The winning prize will surely be established.

The BB state continues over a plurality of games, and ends when the end condition is satisfied based on the occurrence of an event according to the execution content of the game. The end condition is arbitrary, but in the slot machine 10, the end condition is set so that the total number of game media given after the BB state is started is equal to or more than the end reference number. A first BB state and a second BB state are set as the BB state, and the number of termination reference numbers differs between the first BB state and the second BB state. Specifically, the end reference number of the first BB state is set to "41", and the end reference number of the second BB state is set to "89".

<Device for executing various notifications and various effects>
Next, a device for executing various notifications and various effects will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, an upper lamp 61 and a speaker 62 are provided on the upper part of the front door 12, and an image display device 63 is provided. When an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10, the upper lamp 61 is controlled to emit light in a manner corresponding to the abnormality, and is also controlled to emit light in a manner corresponding to the winning result. Further, the upper lamp 61 is light-emitting controlled so as to perform a light-emitting effect corresponding to the display effect in the image display device 63. The speakers 62 are provided as a pair on the left and right, and when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10, the sound output is controlled so that the sound or voice corresponding to the abnormality is output, and the sound or voice corresponding to the winning result is output. Sound output is controlled so that Further, the speaker 62 is controlled in sound output so that the sound output effect corresponding to the display effect in the image display device 63 is performed.

The image display device 63 has a display surface 63a, and when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10, the display is controlled so that an image corresponding to the abnormality is displayed on the display surface 63a. Further, the image display device 63 is displayed and controlled so that an image corresponding to the winning result of the winning combination in the internal lottery and the winning result in each game is displayed on the display surface 63a.

Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The MPU 72 is mounted on the main control board 71 of the main control device 70. The MPU 72 is a ROM 73 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 72, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 73 is executed. A certain RAM 74, a clock circuit that outputs a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency, an interrupt circuit, a data input / output circuit, a random number generation circuit, and the like are built-in. It is not essential that the ROM 73 and the RAM 74 are integrated into one chip with respect to the MPU 72, and each may be individually chipped.

The MPU 72 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. On the input side of the MPU 72, the reel unit 31, the start detection sensor 41a for detecting the operation of the start lever 41, the stop detection sensors 42a, 43a, 44a for individually detecting the operation of the stop buttons 42, 43, 44, and the medal insertion The insertion medal detection sensor 45a that detects the medals inserted from the mouth 45, the credit insertion detection sensors 47a, 48a, 49a that individually detect the operations of the credit insertion buttons 47, 48, 49, and the operation of the settlement button 51 are detected. Settlement detection sensor 51a, payout detection sensor of hopper device 53, reset detection sensor that detects the operation of the reset button 56 provided in the power supply device 54, and setting that detects that the setting key has been inserted into the setting key insertion hole 57. Various sensors such as a key detection sensor are connected, and signals from each of these sensors are input to the MPU 72.

The reel unit 31, the selector drive unit 52a provided in the selector 52, the payout motor of the hopper device 53, the credit display unit 65, the grant number display unit 66, the effect control device 80, and the like are connected to the output side of the MPU 72. .. In each game, the rotation drive control of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R of the reel unit 31 is performed by the MPU 72. The selector 52 detects the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 45 by the insertion medal detection sensor 45a when acceptance is permitted, and then guides the medal to the hopper device 53, and when reception is prohibited, the selector 52 is guided to the insertion medal detection sensor 45a. It has a function of discharging to the medal tray 59 without detecting the medal. The selector drive unit 52a has a function for switching the state of the selector 52 between the reception permission state and the reception prohibition state. Specifically, the passage switching piece provided in the selector 52 is positioned for reception permission. And operate between the reception prohibition position. The MPU 72 switches the state of the selector 52 between the reception permitted state and the reception prohibited state by switching the output state and the stop state of the drive signal to the selector drive unit 52a.

The MPU 72 displays and controls the credit display unit 65 so that the number of stored and stored virtual medals is displayed. Further, the MPU 72 executes the drive control of the hopper device 53 when the small winning combination is established and the medal is paid out. Furthermore, the MPU 72 controls the display of the grant number display unit 66 so that when the game medium is granted, the number of the game media to be granted is displayed. Further, the MPU 72 transmits a command to the effect control device 80 at each timing of each game.

A power failure monitoring circuit provided in the power supply device 54 is connected to the input side of the MPU 72 (not shown). The power supply device 54 is equipped with a power supply unit that supplies drive power to each electronic device of the slot machine 10 including the main control device 70, and a power failure monitoring circuit. The power failure monitoring circuit is applied from an external power source to the power supply unit. The voltage is monitored, and when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than the reference voltage, a power failure signal is output to the MPU 72. The MPU 72 executes the power failure processing by receiving the power failure signal, and makes it possible to return to the processing state before the power failure after the power is restored. Further, the power supply device 54 is provided with a power supply unit during power failure to supply backup power to the RAM 74 as power during power failure in a situation where the supply of operating power from an external power source is cut off. As a result, even if the supply of operating power from the external power supply is cut off, the data is stored and retained in the RAM 74 in the situation where the backup power can be supplied by the power supply unit during the power failure (for example, 1 day or 2 days). Will be done. However, the data stored and held in the RAM 74 is initialized by turning on the power of the slot machine 10 while pressing the reset button 56 provided on the power supply device 54.

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

It is not essential that the ROM 83 and the RAM 84 are integrated into one chip with respect to the MPU 82, and each may be individually chipped. Further, the RAM 84 is configured such that the backup power is not supplied from the power supply unit during the power failure of the power supply device 54 when the supply of the operating power from the external power supply is cut off, but the backup power is supplied to the RAM 84. May be good.

The MPU 82 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. As described above, the MPU 72 of the main control device 70 is connected to the input side of the MPU 82, and various commands are received from the MPU 72. An upper lamp 61, a speaker 62, and an image display device 63 are connected to the output side of the MPU 82. Based on the command received from the MPU 72 of the main control device 70, the MPU 82 executes various notifications and various effects by executing light emission control of the upper lamp 61, sound output control of the speaker 62, and display control of the image display device 63. To be done.

In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the MPU 72, ROM 73, and RAM 74 of the main control device 70 are referred to as the main MPU 72, the main ROM 73, and the main RAM 74, respectively, and the MPU 82, ROM 83, and RAM 84 of the effect control device 80 are referred to as the effect side, respectively. It is called MPU 82, directing side ROM 83, and directing side RAM 84.

Next, the process executed by the main MPU 72 will be described. First, the main process executed by the main MPU 72 when the supply of the operating power to the main MPU 72 is started will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the main process, the initialization process is first executed (step S101). In the initialization process, interrupts by timer interrupt processing are permitted, and various initial settings are performed for the register group in the main MPU 72, the I / O device, and the like. After that, it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 57 and the power is turned on (step S102). If the power is turned on with the setting key inserted (step S102: YES), and if the reset button 56 is not turned on when the power is turned on (step S103: NO), the winning probability is as it is. The setting process is executed (step S105). On the other hand, if the reset button 56 is turned on when the power is turned on (step S103: YES), the winning probability setting process is executed after the clear process (step S104) is executed (step S105).

In the clear process, all areas in the main RAM 74 are initialized. In this case, the area in which the set value of the slot machine 10 is stored in the main RAM 74, the area in which the data indicating whether or not the slot machine is in the BB state is stored, the area in which the data indicating the game state is stored, and the end of the AT state. Each area of the main RAM 74 including the area in which the data for specifying the condition is stored is cleared to "0". When the clearing process is executed, if the state before the power is cut off is a state in which the progress of the game is restricted due to the occurrence of an abnormality, the abnormal state is released.

In the winning probability setting process, the current set value is read on condition that the setting key is inserted and the ON operation is performed, and the current set value is displayed on the credit display unit 65. When the clearing process (step S104) of the main RAM 74 is executed, the credit display unit 65 is displayed corresponding to "setting 1" at the start of the winning probability setting process, and the clearing process (step S104) is performed. If is not executed, the display corresponding to the set value in the state before the power is cut off is displayed. In the winning probability setting process, the set value is updated by 1 each time the reset button 56 is operated, and the updated set value is displayed on the credit display unit 65. If the reset button 56 is operated while the set value is "setting 6", the set value is updated to "setting 1". When the ON operation of the setting key is released after the start lever 41 is operated, the winning probability setting process is terminated. In this case, the display of the set value on the credit display unit 65 ends.

After executing the winning probability setting process, the process proceeds to the normal process (step S106). The normal processing will be described in detail later. If the setting key is not turned on in the main process (step S102: NO), the power recovery process after step S107 is executed. The power recovery process is a process for returning the state of the slot machine 10 to the state before the power is cut off. In the power recovery process, it is determined whether or not the set value of the slot machine 10 is normal by checking the main RAM 74 (step S107). Specifically, when the set value is any one of "setting 1" to "setting 6", it is determined to be normal, and when it is "0" or "7" or more, it is determined to be abnormal. If the set value is normal, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is set to "1" (step S108). The power failure flag is provided in the main RAM 74, and when the supply of operating power to the main MPU 72 is stopped and the predetermined power failure process is normally executed, the power failure flag is set to "1". Will be set. When the power failure flag is set to "1", it is confirmed whether or not the RAM determination value is normal (step S109). Specifically, the checksum value of the main RAM 74 is checked to confirm whether or not the value is normal.

When an affirmative judgment is made in all of steps S107 to S109, it means that the power failure processing at the time of the previous power failure was normally executed. In this case, the value of the stack pointer stored in the main RAM 74 is written to the stack pointer of the main MPU 72, and the data saved in the main RAM 74 is returned to the register of the main MPU 72, so that the register of the main MPU 72 The state is returned to the state before the power was cut off (step S110). Further, the power failure flag of the main RAM 74 is cleared to "0" (step S111). After that, after transmitting a power recovery command for recognizing the execution of the power recovery process to the effector MPU 82 (step S112), the process returns to the address before the power is cut off (step S113).

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in any of steps S107 to S109, the operation prohibition process is executed. In the operation prohibition process, the execution of the next timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) is prohibited (step S114), and all the actuators connected to the output port are cleared by clearing all the output ports of the main MPU 72 to "0". Is in the OFF state (step S115), and an error notification process for notifying the hall manager and the like of the occurrence of an error is executed (step S116). Then, it becomes an infinite loop. The operation prohibition process is released by executing the clear process (step S104).

Next, the timer interrupt processing executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The timer interrupt process is started every 1.49 msec.

In the register save process (step S201), the values of all the registers in the main MPU 72 used in the normal process described later are saved in the main RAM 74. In step S202, it is confirmed whether or not the power failure flag is set to "1", and if the power failure flag is set to "1", the process proceeds to step S203 to execute the power failure processing.

The power failure flag is set when a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit of the power supply device 54 is input to the main MPU 72. In the power failure processing, it is first determined whether or not the command transmission is completed, and if the transmission is not completed, this processing is terminated to return to the timer interrupt processing, and the command transmission is terminated. When the command transmission is completed, the value of the stack pointer of the main MPU 72 is saved in the main RAM 74. After that, the output state of the output port of the main MPU 72 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. Then, when the power failure is resolved, a determination value for determining whether or not the data in the main RAM 74 is normal is calculated and stored in the main RAM 74, and subsequent RAM access is prohibited. After performing the above processing, an infinite loop is entered in case the power supply is completely cut off and the processing cannot be executed.

If "1" is not set in the power failure flag in step S202, various processes after step S204 are performed. In step S204, the watchdog timer clearing process for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of a malfunction is performed. In step S205, an interrupt end declaration process is performed so that the next timer interrupt can be set for the main MPU 72 itself. In step S206, in order to rotate each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, a stepping motor control process for driving a stepping motor 33 provided on each of these reels 32L, 32M, 32R is performed. The details of the stepping motor control process will be described later. In step S207, the states of various sensors connected to the input port are read, and a sensor monitoring process for monitoring whether or not the read result is normal is performed.

In step S208, a timer subtraction process for subtracting the values of each counter and timer is performed. In step S209, counter processing is performed to output the result of counting the number of bets on medals and the number of payouts to the outside. In step S210, a command output process for transmitting various commands to the effect side MPU 82 is performed. In step S211 a port output process for outputting data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port is performed. In step S212, the value of each register saved in the main RAM 74 in the previous step S201 is returned to the corresponding register in the main MPU 72. After that, in step S213, an interrupt enable process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed, and this series of timer interrupt processes is terminated.

Next, the normal processing executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, an interrupt enable process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed (step S301). After that, the start waiting process is executed (step S302). In the start waiting process, it is determined whether or not any of the replay prizes has occurred in the previous game. If any of the replay winnings has occurred, the automatic insertion process of automatically inserting the same number of virtual medals as the previous bet number is performed, and the start waiting process is ended. If none of the replay prizes have occurred, it is determined whether or not the settlement button 51 has been operated, and if the settlement button 51 is operated, the same number of medals as the credited virtual medals are paid out. Process the medal return process. Whether or not the medal insertion or credit insertion buttons 47 to 49 have been operated between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process after the medal return process is completed or the settlement button 51 is not operated. If any of these is performed, the medal insertion process for changing the number of bets is performed, and the start waiting process is terminated. If neither the medal insertion nor the operation of the credit insertion buttons 47 to 49 is performed between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process, the start waiting process is terminated as it is.

After executing the start waiting process in step S302, it is determined whether or not the number of medals bets has reached the specified number (specifically, "3") (step S303), and the number of bets has not reached the specified number. Return to the start waiting process (step S302). When the number of bets has reached the specified number, it is determined whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated (step S304). If the start lever 41 is not operated, the process returns to the start waiting process (step S302). On the other hand, when the start lever 41 is operated, the reception prohibition process is executed after the main line ML is activated (step S305). By executing the acceptance prohibition process, even if a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 45, the medal is discharged to the medal tray 59 without being detected by the insertion medal detection sensor 45a. After that, a lottery process for drawing a winning combination in the current game is executed (step S306), and a reel control process for driving and controlling each reel 32L, 32M, 32R in a manner corresponding to the result of the current lottery process. Is executed (step S307). The details of the reel control process will be described later.

After that, the medium addition process is executed (step S308). In the medium granting process, when a small winning combination is established in this game, a process for granting a player a number of game media corresponding to the small winning combination is executed. Specifically, when a virtual medal is given, the value corresponding to this small winning combination is added to the credit counter provided in the main RAM 74, and when the value of the credit counter reaches the upper limit storage number. Drives and controls the hopper device 53 so that a number of medals exceeding the upper limit storage number are paid out to the medal tray 59.

After the medium addition process is executed in step S308, the corresponding process at the end of the game is executed to enable the setting of the game state corresponding to the result of the current game (step S309). After that, the external output setting process for outputting the state of the slot machine 10 to the management computer of the game hall is executed (step S310), the reception permission process is executed (step S311), and the process returns to the process of step S301. By executing the acceptance permission process, the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 45 will be collected by the hopper device 53 after being detected by the insertion medal detection sensor 45a.

<Lottery process>
Next, the lottery process executed in step S306 of the normal process (FIG. 10) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the lottery process, first, a random number acquisition process for acquiring a random number used when determining whether or not a winning combination is performed is executed (step S401). In the slot machine 10, when the start lever 41 is operated, the hard circuit latches the value of the free run counter at that time. The free run counter generates random numbers from 0 to 65535, and the main MPU 72 stores the value latched by the hard circuit in the main RAM 74 after confirming the operation of the start lever 41. With such a configuration, it is possible to quickly acquire random numbers at the timing when the start lever 41 is operated, and it is possible to avoid problems such as synchronization. The hard circuit of the slot machine 10 is configured to latch the value of the free run counter each time the start lever 41 is operated.

After acquiring the random numbers in step S401, the lottery table for determining the winning or failing of the winning combination is read from the main ROM 73 (step S402). Here, in the slot machine 10, six stages of winning probabilities are prepared in advance from the set value of "1" to the set value of "6" for the non-BB state, and the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 57. By performing the ON operation and the predetermined operation, it is possible to set which winning probability the lottery process is to be executed. Since the setting value of "n + 1" has a higher probability of winning the BB role that triggers the transition to the BB state than the setting value of "n", the setting of "n + 1" is higher than the setting value of "n". The value is more advantageous for the player. Further, there are three types of lottery modes in which the lottery tables are different in the main MPU 72 even if the set values are set at the same stage: a normal mode, a first RT mode, and a second RT mode. Further, as a game state, a BB state exists in addition to the states of each of these lottery modes. In step S402, a lottery table corresponding to the combination of the current set value and the current gaming state is selected.

Taking the case where the set value is "3" as an example, the lottery table corresponding to each of the normal mode, the first RT mode, and the second RT mode will be described. First, the lottery table for the normal mode selected in the normal mode will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the lottery table for the normal mode, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in the lottery table for the normal mode and the types of winnings that can be established. be.

As shown in FIG. 12, an index value IV is set in the lottery table for the normal mode, and each index value IV is associated with a winning combination and a point value PV is set. The point value PV determines the winning probability of the corresponding lottery combination in relation to the maximum value (“65535”) of the free run counter.

Specifically, the bell winning data and the first supplementary winning data are set at the index value IV = 1. When the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 1, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first stop (the reel on which the stop command is first generated) is the left reel 32L, the second stop target and the third stop target The bell prize is surely generated regardless of the type of reel and the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the first supplementary prize is surely generated.

In the slot machine 10, reel control capable of sliding up to four symbols after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated is performed for each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. In other words, reel control for stopping each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is performed for each reel 32L, 32M, 32R after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated until a predetermined time (190 msec) elapses. By performing such reel control, it becomes possible to easily establish a prize corresponding to the winning combination, and it is possible to prevent the winning corresponding to the unwinning combination from being established. It becomes possible. However, since the amount of rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R that can be slid is limited as described above, a combination of symbols for establishing a prize is formed in one reel 32L, 32M, 32R. If there are five or more symbols between the constituent symbols, the constituent symbols may not stop on the main line ML depending on the operation timing of the corresponding stop buttons 42 to 44 (the event is also called "missing"). say). The first supplementary prize to the third supplementary prize, the bell prize, the watermelon prize, and various replay prizes are prize modes in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are not missed when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped in the corresponding order. The 1BB prize and the second BB prize are prize modes in which omission may occur depending on the stop operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44 with respect to the rotation positions of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

As shown in FIG. 12, the bell winning data and the second supplementary winning data are set in the index value IV = 2. When the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 2, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the types of the reels to be stopped second and the reels to be stopped third and the stop buttons 42 to 44 respectively. The bell prize is surely established regardless of the operation timing of, and in other cases, the second supplementary prize is surely established.

As shown in FIG. 12, the bell winning data and the third supplementary winning data are set in the index value IV = 3. When the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 3, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the types of the second stop target and the third stop target reels and the stop buttons 42 to 44 respectively. The bell prize is surely established regardless of the operation timing of, and in other cases, the third supplementary prize is surely established.

As shown in FIG. 12, only the watermelon winning data is set in the index value IV = 4. When the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 4, as shown in FIG. 13, the watermelon winning is established regardless of the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. Further, when the winner is won with the index value IV = 4, the watermelon prize is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44.

As shown in FIG. 12, only the cherry winning data is set in the index value IV = 5. When the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 5, as shown in FIG. 13, the cherry winning can be established regardless of the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. However, depending on the operation timing of the left stop button 42 with respect to the rotation position of the left reel 32L, there is a possibility that the cherry winning will not be established.

As shown in FIG. 12, the index value IV = 6 is set with the first BB winning data. When the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 6, as shown in FIG. 13, the first BB winning can be established regardless of the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. However, depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, there is a possibility that the first BB prize will not be established. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the second BB winning data is set at the index value IV = 7. When the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 7, as shown in FIG. 13, the second BB winning can be established regardless of the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. However, depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, there is a possibility that the second BB prize will not be established.

Here, the winning data other than the 1st BB winning data and the 2nd BB winning data are deleted in the winning game regardless of whether or not the winning is established, and are retained in the subsequent games of the winning game. Not over. On the other hand, in the first BB winning data and the second BB winning data, the corresponding BB winning is established even in the next and subsequent games of the winning game, except when the main RAM 74 is cleared. Is stored until. In this case, in the game in which the first BB winning data or the second BB winning data is carried over, the index value IV corresponding to the first BB winning data and the second BB winning data is excluded from the lottery target. This makes it possible to prevent the BB winning data from being newly stored even though the first BB winning data or the second BB winning data is already stored in the memory, and a plurality of BB winning data are accumulated. It is possible to prevent it from being memorized.

As shown in FIG. 12, the index values IV = 8 to 11 are set to the normal replay winning data and the first RT replay winning data. In this case, when the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 8, as shown in FIG. 13, the first stop is the middle reel 32M, and the second stop (the reel on which the second stop command is issued) is the left reel 32L. When the third stop (the reel on which the stop command was last issued) is the right reel 32R, the first RT replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44, and in other cases. The normal replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Further, when the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 9, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, each stop button 42 to The first RT replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of 44, and in other cases, the normal replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Further, when the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 10, when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M, each stop button 42 to The first RT replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of 44, and in other cases, the normal replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Further, when the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 11, when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, each stop button 42 to The first RT replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of 44, and in other cases, the normal replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44.

When the lottery table for the normal mode shown in FIG. 12 is selected, the probability of winning when the index value IV = 1, the probability of winning when the index value IV = 2, and the probability of winning when the index value IV = 3 are selected. The probability of winning is about 1 / 5.0, the probability of winning when the index value IV = 4 is about 1/77, and the probability of winning when the index value IV = 5 is about 1. / 423, the probability of winning when the index value IV = 6 is about 1/131, the probability of winning when the index value IV = 7 is about 1/655, and the index value IV = 8 The probability of winning when the index value IV = 9, the probability of winning when the index value IV = 10, and the probability of winning when the index value IV = 11 are respectively. It is about 1/28.0.

Here, in the normal mode lottery table, as described above, the first RT replay winning data is set as the winning data having the index value IV = 8 to 11 in addition to the normal replay winning data (see FIG. 12). The probability of winning any of these index values IV = 8 to 11 is about 1 / 7.0. When the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are won with any of the index values IV = 8 to 11, the stop order of the first stop, the second stop, and the third stop of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R corresponds to the winning combination. When the order is reached, the first RT replay prize is established, and the lottery mode shifts from the normal mode to the first RT mode. When the mode shifts to the first RT mode, the lottery table referred to in the lottery process (FIG. 11) becomes the lottery table for the first RT mode.

Next, the lottery table for the first RT mode selected in the case of "setting 3" and the first RT mode will be described. 14 and 15 are explanatory views for explaining the lottery table for the first RT mode.

In the 1st RT mode lottery table, as shown in FIG. 14, the winning combination data set in each of the index values IV = 1 to 7 and the winning probability of each index value IV are set in the normal mode lottery table (FIG. It is the same as 12). In this case, the index value IV = 1 to 5 is set to a combination that enables the addition of the game medium, and the winning combination data and each winning probability set to each of the index values IV = 1 to 5 are set. By being the same, the types of combinations that enable the addition of the game medium and the winning probabilities of those combinations are the same in each of the normal mode and the first RT mode. Further, the index values IV = 6 to 7 are set with BB winning data as in the normal mode lottery table, and the winning probability is the same as that of the normal mode lottery table. That is, the probability of winning either BB combination in the normal mode and the first RT mode is the same.

The winning combination data set after the index value IV = 8 is different from the normal mode. Specifically, in the lottery table for the first RT mode, as shown in FIG. 14, as the winning data of the index value IV = 8 to 11, the second RT replay winning data is set in addition to the normal replay winning data. The probability of winning any of these index values IV = 8 to 11 is about 1 / 10.1. When winning with an index value IV = 8, as shown in FIG. 15, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the right reel 32R. The second RT replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the normal replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. If the player wins with an index value of IV = 9, the second RT replay prize is won when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the left reel 32L. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the normal replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. If the winner is won with an index value of IV = 10, the second RT replay prize is won when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the normal replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. If the player wins with an index value of IV = 11, the second RT replay prize is won when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the left reel 32L. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the normal replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. In the 1st RT mode, any of the index values IV = 8 to 11 is won, and the stop order of the first stop, the second stop, and the third stop of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R corresponds to the winning combination. When becomes, the second RT replay winning is established and the lottery mode shifts from the first RT mode to the second RT mode. When the mode shifts to the second RT mode, the lottery table referred to in the lottery process (FIG. 11) becomes the lottery table for the second RT mode.

In the lottery table for the first RT mode, as shown in FIG. 14, as the winning data of the index value IV = 12 to 17, the first falling replay winning data is set in addition to the normal replay winning data. The probability of winning any of these index values IV = 12 to 17 is about 1 / 10.9.

When the lottery table for the first RT mode is won with an index value IV = 12, as shown in FIG. 15, the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is. When the right reel is 32R, the normal replay prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44, and in other cases, the first fall replay prize is at the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44. It definitely occurs regardless. If the player wins with an index value of IV = 13, the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. If the player wins with an index value of IV = 14, the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the right reel 32R. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. If the player wins with an index value of IV = 15, the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the left reel 32L. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. If the player wins with an index value of IV = 16, the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. If the player wins with an index value of IV = 17, the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the left reel 32L. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. When the first fall replay prize is established, the lottery mode shifts to the normal mode. When the mode shifts to the normal mode, the lottery table referred to in the lottery process (FIG. 11) becomes the lottery table for the normal mode.

In the lottery table for the first RT mode, only the normal replay winning data is set to the index value IV = 18. The probability of winning at an index value IV = 18 is set higher than the probability of winning another role, and specifically, the probability of winning is about 1 / 6.7. Then, when the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 18, the normal replay winning is established regardless of the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R and the stop operation timing of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. ..

In the lottery table for the first RT mode, a role that enables the establishment of a replay prize is set at an index value IV = 8 to 18. Then, since the winning probabilities of these winning combinations are set to the probabilities already explained, the winning probabilities of the winning combinations (hereinafter, also referred to as replay probabilities) that enable the establishment of the replay winning in the first RT mode are about 1. It is /2.9. On the other hand, the replay probability in the normal mode is about 1 / 7.0. That is, the first RT mode is in a gaming state in which the replay probability is higher than that in the normal mode.

Next, the lottery table for the second RT mode selected in the case of "setting 3" and the second RT mode will be described. 16 and 17 are explanatory views for explaining the lottery table for the second RT mode.

In the second RT mode lottery table, as shown in FIG. 16, the winning combination data set in each of the index values IV = 1 to 7 and the winning probability of each index value IV are set in the normal mode lottery table (FIG. 12) and the lottery table for the first RT mode (FIG. 14) are the same. In this case, the index value IV = 1 to 5 is set to a combination that enables the addition of the game medium, and the winning combination data and each winning probability set to each of the index values IV = 1 to 5 are set. By being the same, the types of combinations that enable the addition of the game medium and the winning probabilities of those combinations are the same in each of the normal mode, the first RT mode, and the second RT mode. Further, the index value IV = 6 to 7 is set with BB winning data as in the normal mode lottery table and the 1st RT mode lottery table, and the winning probability is the normal mode lottery table and the 1st RT mode lottery. It is the same as the table. That is, the probability of winning any BB combination in the normal mode, the first RT mode, and the second RT mode is the same.

The winning combination data set after the index value IV = 8 is different from the normal mode and the first RT mode. Specifically, in the lottery table for the second RT mode, as shown in FIG. 16, as the winning data of the index value IV = 8 to 13, the second falling replay winning data is set in addition to the normal replay winning data. .. The probability of winning any of these index values IV = 8 to 13 is about 1 / 5.5.

When winning with an index value IV = 8 in the lottery table for the second RT mode, as shown in FIG. 17, the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is. When the right reel is 32R, the normal replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning is at the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44. It definitely occurs regardless. If the player wins with an index value of IV = 9, the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. If the player wins with an index value of IV = 10, the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the right reel 32R. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. If the player wins with an index value of IV = 11, the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the left reel 32L. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. If the player wins with an index value of IV = 12, the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. If the player wins with an index value of IV = 13, the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the left reel 32L. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. When the second fall replay prize is established, the lottery mode shifts to the first RT mode. When the mode shifts to the first RT mode, the lottery table referred to in the lottery process (FIG. 11) becomes the lottery table for the first RT mode.

In the lottery table for the second RT mode, only the normal replay winning data is set to the index value IV = 14. The probability of winning at the index value IV = 14 is set higher than the probability of winning another combination, and specifically, the probability of winning is about 1 / 6.3. Then, when the winning is achieved with the index value IV = 14, the normal replay winning is established regardless of the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R and the stop operation timing of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. ..

The lottery table for the second RT mode is set with an index value IV = 8 to 14 to enable the establishment of a replay prize. Then, since the winning probabilities of these winning combinations are set to the probabilities already explained, the winning probabilities of the winning combinations (hereinafter, also referred to as replay probabilities) that enable the establishment of the replay winning in the second RT mode are about 1. It is /2.9. On the other hand, the replay probability in the normal mode is about 1 / 7.0. That is, the second RT mode is in a gaming state in which the replay probability is higher than that in the normal mode. On the other hand, the replay probability in the first RT mode is about 1 / 2.9. That is, the replay probability of the second RT mode is the same as that of the first RT mode. However, the replay probability in the first RT mode is not limited to the same configuration as the replay probability in the second RT mode. For example, although the replay probabilities are slightly different between the first RT mode and the second RT mode, they are substantially the same. A certain configuration may be used, the second RT mode may have a higher replay probability than the first RT mode, and the first RT mode may have a higher replay probability than the second RT mode.

The lottery table for the normal mode, the lottery table for the first RT mode, and the lottery table for the second RT mode are set in a one-to-one correspondence with each of "setting 1" to "setting 6", and the set value is high. The winning probability of the BB combination becomes higher as the winning probability increases, but the replay probability set in each lottery mode is the same or substantially the same regardless of the set value. In addition, if any of the BB combinations is won, the first BB combination and the second BB will not be won in duplicate in the normal mode, the first RT mode, and the second RT mode. The role is excluded from the lottery. In addition to the normal mode lottery table, the first RT mode lottery table, and the second RT mode lottery table, the main ROM 73 is referred to in the lottery process (FIG. 11) when it is in the first BB state or the second BB state. The lottery table for BB to be played is stored. In the lottery table for BB, only three types of roles, a bell role, a watermelon role, and a normal replay role, are set as lottery target roles, and the winning probability of the bell role is set to about 1/2, and the winning of the watermelon role is set. The probability is set to about 1/4, and the winning probability of the normal replay combination is set to about 1/4. As a result, in the BB state, the expected number of game media to be granted per unit game number is higher than in other game states.

Returning to the explanation of the lottery process (FIG. 11), after selecting the lottery table in step S402, the index value IV is set to "1" in step S403, and the determination value DV used when determining the winning or failing of the winning combination in the following step S404. To set. In this determination value setting process, a new determination value DV is set by adding the current index value IV and the corresponding point value PV to the current determination value DV. In the initial judgment value setting process, the random value acquired in step S401 is set as the current judgment value DV, and the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV “1” is added to this random value. Let it be a new judgment value DV.

After that, in step S405, it is determined whether or not the winning combination corresponds to the index value IV. In the winning / failing determination of the winning combination, it is determined whether or not the determination value DV exceeds "65535". If it exceeds "65535", the process proceeds to step S406, and the winning data acquisition process for setting the winning combination data corresponding to the index value IV at that time in the main RAM 74 is executed.

On the other hand, when the determination value DV does not exceed "65535" in step S405, it means that the combination corresponding to the index value IV is lost. In such a case, the index value IV is added by 1 in step S407, and in the subsequent step S408, it is determined whether or not there is a role corresponding to the index value IV, that is, whether or not there is a determination target to be determined. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV added by 1 exceeds the maximum value of the index value IV set in the lottery table. If there is a determination target to be determined, the process returns to step S404 and the determination of the winning / failing of the winning combination is continued. At this time, in step S404, the current index value IV and the corresponding point value PV are added to the judgment value DV (that is, the current judgment value DV) used for the winning / failing judgment of the previous combination to obtain a new judgment value DV. In step S405, the winning / failing determination of the winning combination is performed based on the determination value DV.

If it is determined in step S408 that there is no determination target to be determined as to whether or not the game is correct, it means that the lottery processing result of this game is a wrong result. When the process of step S406 is executed, or when a negative determination is made in step S408, it means that the winning / failing determination of the winning combination is completed. In this case, the first stop information setting process for setting the stop information for reel stop control is executed in step S409, and the game start command transmission process is executed in step S410.

In the game start command transmission process (step S410), if any of the winning combinations is won in the current lottery process (FIG. 11), the information of the winning number corresponding to the winning winning combination is provided. The current lottery mode and the information corresponding to the current game state are set in the game start command, and the game start command is transmitted to the production side MPU 82. The game start command is a command for causing the directing MPU 82 to recognize that a new game has been started. The production side MPU 82 controls the light emission of the upper lamp 61, controls the sound output of the speaker 62, and displays the image based on the information of the winning number set in the received game start command, the lottery mode, and the information corresponding to the game state. Display control of.

After executing the game start command transmission process in step S410, in step S411, the stop order for establishing the bell prize, the stop order for establishing the promotion replay (1st RT replay and 2nd RT replay), or the stop order for establishing the promotion replay, or This lottery process ends by executing a notification control process that executes a process for notifying the stop order for avoiding the establishment of the fall replay (first fall replay and second fall replay).

Next, the notification control process executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The notification control process is executed in step S411 of the winning combination lottery process (FIG. 11).

In the notification control process, first, it is determined whether or not the index values IV = 1 to 3 are won in the lottery process (FIG. 11) of the winning combination executed in the non-BB state (step S501). As described above, the bell winning data and any of the supplementary winning data (first supplementary winning data to third supplementary winning data) are set in the index values IV = 1 to 3. When the index values IV = 1 to 3 are won (step S501: YES), it is determined whether or not the index value is either the ready state or the ART state (step S502). As described above, the ART state is provided as a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state in the non-BB state, and the preparation state is provided as a gaming state that is a stage prior to the ART state. .. In step S502, if it is neither in the ready state nor in the ART state, the present notification control process is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, when it is in either the ready state or the ART state (step S502: YES), the stop order grasping process for winning the bell is executed (step S503). In the stop order grasping process, information on the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R that enables the establishment of the bell winning is grasped according to the index value IV won in the winning combination lottery process (FIG. 11). After that, a bell winning command is set as a transmission target to the effect side MPU 82 (step S504), and the present notification control process is terminated. The bell winning command is a command that enables the production side MPU 82 to specify the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R that enable the establishment of the bell winning in this game. Upon receiving the bell winning command, the production side MPU 82 executes the display control of the image display device 63 and the sound output control of the speaker 62 in order to execute the bell winning stop order notification.

If the index values IV = 1 to 3 have not been won in step S501, it is determined whether or not any promotion replay (first RT replay or second RT replay) has been won (step S505). If any of the promotion replays is won (step S505: YES), it is determined whether or not it is in the ready state or the ART state (step S506), and it is neither the prepared state nor the ART state. In the case (step S506: NO), the present notification control process is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, if it is in either the ready state or the ART state in step S506, the stop order grasping process for promotion replay is executed (step S507). In the stop order grasping process for the promotion replay, information on the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R that enables the establishment of the first RT replay prize or the second RT replay prize corresponding to the winning result of this time is grasped. After that, a promotion command is set as a transmission target to the effect side MPU 82 (step S508), and the present notification control process is terminated. The promotion command is a command that enables the production side MPU 82 to specify the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R that enables the establishment of the RT replay winning (1st RT replay winning or 2nd RT replay winning) in this game. Is. Upon receiving the promotion command, the production side MPU 82 executes the display control of the image display device 63 and the sound output control of the speaker 62 in order to execute the promotion stop order notification.

If the promotion replay has not been won in step S505, it is determined whether or not one of the fall replays (first fall replay or second fall replay) has been won (step S509), and which fall has been won. If the replay is not won (step S509: NO), the notification control process is terminated as it is. If any of the fall replays is won in step S509 (step S509: YES), it is determined whether or not the player is in the ART state (step S510), and if it is not in the ART state (step S510: NO). ), The present notification control process is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, in the ART state (step S510: YES), the stop order grasping process for avoiding the fall replay is executed (step S511). In the stop order grasping process for avoiding the fall replay, the information on the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R that can avoid the establishment of the first fall replay prize or the second fall replay prize corresponding to the winning result of this time is grasped. do. After that, a fall avoidance command is set as a transmission target to the effect side MPU 82 (step S512), and the present notification control process is terminated. The fall avoidance command specifies the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R that can avoid the establishment of the fall replay prize (first fall replay prize or second fall replay prize) in this game on the production side MPU82. It is a command that enables it. Upon receiving the fall avoidance command, the effect side MPU 82 executes the display control of the image display device 63 and the sound output control of the speaker 62 in order to execute the fall avoidance stop order notification.

Although detailed description will be omitted, when the game state is in the ready state, the index value IV = 12 to 17 of the lottery table for the first RT mode (FIG. 14) is set in the winning combination lottery process (FIG. 11). If the reels are won, a process for notifying the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R that can avoid the establishment of the first fall replay winning is executed. On the other hand, when the game state is in the ready state, even if the index value IV = 8 to 13 of the second RT mode lottery table (FIG. 16) is won in the combination lottery process (FIG. 11), the second fall replay The stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R that can avoid the winning is not notified. Since the condition for transition from the ready state to the ART state is the establishment of the 2nd RT replay prize, if the transition to the prepared state occurs in the 2nd RT mode, the establishment of the 2nd fall replay prize is not avoided, so that the 1st RT It is possible to give an opportunity to win the second RT replay prize by temporarily falling into the mode.

Next, the corresponding processing at the end of the game executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The corresponding process at the end of the game is executed in step S309 in the normal process (FIG. 10) after all the rotations of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped.

In the corresponding process at the end of the game, when the BB winning data is set or in the BB state (step S601: YES), the BB process is executed (step S602). FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing for BB.

In the BB process, it is first determined whether or not the BB state is present (step S701). As described above, this BB processing is a processing executed when any of the BB winning data is set or in the BB state. Therefore, when it is determined in step S701 that the processing is not in the BB state, , Means that any BB winning data is set in the main RAM 74. In this case, it is determined whether or not a BB winning has occurred in this game (step S702), and if a BB winning has occurred (step S702: YES), a BB state flag provided in the main RAM 74 is provided. Is set to "1" to shift the game state to the BB state (step S703). As a result, the BB lottery table will be referred to in the lottery process (FIG. 11) in the next and subsequent games.

After that, by setting the BB transition command indicating the transition to the BB state as the transmission target to the effect control device 80, the effect for the BB state is started in the upper lamp 61, the speaker 62, and the image display device 63 (step). S704). Then, the BB winning data set in the main RAM 74 is deleted (step S705), and the processing for this BB is completed.

If it is determined in step S701 that the BB state is in the BB state, the BB state process is executed (step S706), and the BB state process is terminated. In the BB state processing, the subtraction processing of the BB counter provided in the main RAM 74 is executed on condition that the game medium is added in this game. The BB counter is a counter for the main MPU 72 to specify whether or not the total number of game media given since the start of the BB state has exceeded the end reference number. The BB counter is set to "41", which is the end reference number of the first BB state when the first BB state is started, and is set to the end reference number of the second BB state when the second BB state is started. A certain "89" is set. In the subtraction process of the BB counter, the number of game media given in this game is subtracted from the value of the BB counter. If the value of the BB counter after the subtraction is not "0", the BB state processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the value of the BB counter after the subtraction is "0", the BB end process for terminating the BB state is executed to end the BB state process. In the BB end process, the BB state is ended by clearing the BB state flag of the main RAM 74 to "0". Further, by transmitting a command indicating that the BB state has ended to the effect control device 80, the effect for the BB state in the upper lamp 61, the speaker 62, and the image display device 63 is terminated. When the BB state ends, the lottery mode becomes the normal mode regardless of which mode the lottery mode is before the start of the BB state. Further, when the BB state is started in the AT state, the ART preparation state process (step S608 in the corresponding process at the end of the game (FIG. 19)) described later after the end of the BB state is performed regardless of the state before the start of the BB state. Is in the state of being executed.

Returning to the explanation of the corresponding processing at the end of the game (FIG. 19), when neither the winning state of the BB combination nor the BB state (step S601: NO) and the AT state (step S603: NO), the RT mode is set. The transition process (step S604), the game number release management process (step S605), and the transition chance management process (step S606) are executed.

In the RT mode transition process (step S604), when it is specified that the first RT replay prize has occurred in this game, the game shifts to the first RT mode, and the second RT replay prize occurs in this game. If it is specified that the game is present, the mode shifts to the second RT mode. In addition, in the RT mode transition process, if it is specified that the second fall replay prize has occurred in this game, the game is shifted to the first RT mode, and the first fall replay prize is generated in this game. If it is specified that it is, it shifts to the normal mode.

In the game number release management process (step S605), the game shifts to the AT state when the number of games set when the AT state ends last time is digested without a new shift to the AT state. Execute the process to make it. That is, each time one game ends, the value of the number of released games is subtracted by 1, and when the value of the remaining number of released games becomes "0", "1" is set in the AT status counter of the main RAM 74. .. The main RAM 74 is provided with an AT state counter that makes it possible to specify whether or not it is in the AT state, and if it is in the AT state, to specify the stay mode in the AT state. Numerical information of "0" to "3" is set in the AT status counter according to the gaming status. Specifically, the AT status counter is set to "0" in the non-AT state, "1" in the ART preparation state, "2" in the ART state, and "3" in the ART end branch state. "Is set. By setting "1" in the AT status counter in step S605, the ART preparation status process (step S608), which will be described later, will be executed in the next processing round in the corresponding processing at the end of the game.

In the transition chance management process (step S606), when a game played in a game state that is both a non-BB state and a non-AT state is won with an index value IV = 5, a transition lottery process to the AT state is executed. do. As described above, only watermelon winning data is set in the index value IV = 5 in the non-BB state. In the shift lottery process to the AT state, the AT shift lottery table in non-BB is read from the main ROM 73, and the value of the lottery counter updated periodically (for example, 2 msec cycle) is read in the main RAM 74, and the lottery counter is read. The value of is collated with the AT transition lottery table in the non-BB read out. In the AT transition lottery table during non-BB, there is a 1/2 chance of winning the AT transition.

If the AT transition is won in the shift lottery process to the AT state, "50" is set as the initial number of continuous games in the ART game number counter provided in the main RAM 74, and the AT status counter of the main RAM 74 is set. Set to "1". By setting "1" in the AT status counter, the ART preparation status process (step S608), which will be described later, will be executed in the next process round in the corresponding process (FIG. 19) at the end of the game.

Returning to the explanation of the corresponding processing at the end of the game (FIG. 19), if the value of the AT status counter of the main RAM 74 is 1 or more, it means that the AT status is in effect. Therefore, an affirmative determination is made in step S603. To step S607. In step S607, the value of the AT status counter is grasped, and the process corresponding to the grasped value is executed. Specifically, if the value of the AT status counter is "1", the ART preparation status processing is executed (step S608), and if the value of the AT status counter is "2", the ART status processing is executed (step S609). ), If the value of the AT status counter is "3", the ART end branch processing is executed (step S610). When the process of step S602 is executed, the process of step S606 is executed, or any of the processes of steps S608 to S610 is executed, the game end command is set as the transmission target to the effect control device 80. (Step S611), the corresponding process at the end of this game is completed. The game end command is a command for causing the effect control device 80 to recognize that one game has ended, and the command is sent to the effect control device 80 in the command output process (step S210) in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9). Will be sent. Hereinafter, each process of steps S608 to S610 will be described.

First, the ART preparation state process (step S608) will be described. The ART preparation state is a state in which, when the condition for transition to the ART state is satisfied, the user stays before the transition to the ART state. As already explained, in the ART preparation state, the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R for enabling the establishment of the bell winning is notified when the winning is achieved with any of the index values IV = 1 to 3. .. Further, as already described, in the ART preparation state, either the index value IV = 8 to 11 in the lottery table for the normal mode (FIG. 12) or the lottery table for the first RT mode (FIG. 14) (hereinafter, also referred to as the promotion target combination). The stop order (stop order for promotion) of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R for establishing the 1st RT replay winning or the 2nd RT replay winning is notified when the winning is achieved. In the transition to the ART state, in the situation where the ART preparation state process or the ART end branch process is being executed, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped in the stop order for promotion occurrence after winning the promotion target combination in the 1st RT mode. It occurs when the lottery mode shifts to the second RT mode.

In the ART preparation state processing, when the index value IV = 4 in the non-BB state is won in this game, the additional lottery processing is executed. As described above, only the watermelon winning data is set in the index value IV = 4 in the non-BB state. In the additional lottery process, the additional lottery table is read from the main ROM 73, the value of the lottery counter updated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) is read in the main RAM 74, and the value of the lottery counter is read out from the main ROM 73. Match against the table. In the additional lottery table, there is a 1/2 chance of winning the additional prize. When the additional winning is achieved in the additional lottery process, the additional process of adding "50" as the number of additional games to the ART game number counter of the main RAM 74 is executed. As a result, the number of continuous games per execution of the ART state after the transition to the ART state is increased.

In the ART preparation state processing, when it is specified that the second RT replay winning has occurred in this game, "2" is set in the AT state counter of the main RAM 74. As a result, the main MPU 72 executes the ART state process (step S609) at the next processing time in the corresponding process (FIG. 19) at the end of the game, and the game state shifts from the ART preparation state to the ART state. Further, in order to set the lottery mode to the second RT mode, the data of the main RAM 74 is set. After that, the value of the ART game number counter of the main RAM 74 is added by 20 on condition that the value of the ART game number counter of the main RAM 74 is "0". As a result, when the game shifts to the BB state when the number of remaining games in the ART state becomes "0", the BB state ends even if the addition to the ART game number counter does not occur in the BB state. Later, it is possible to ensure that the ART state is executed to some extent.

In the ART preparation state process, other RT mode transition processes are executed. In other RT mode transition processes, if it is specified that the 1st RT replay prize has occurred, the mode is shifted to the 1st RT mode, and if it is specified that the 1st fall replay prize has occurred, the mode is shifted to the normal mode. , When it is specified that the second fall replay prize has occurred, the mode is shifted to the first RT mode.

Next, the ART state process (step S609) in the corresponding process (FIG. 19) at the end of the game will be described. In the ART state processing, when the index value IV = 4 in the non-BB state is won in this game, the same additional lottery process as the additional lottery process in the ART preparation state process (step S608) is executed. As already explained, in the additional lottery process, there is a 1/2 chance that the additional winning will be won. If the additional game is won, "50" is added as the number of additional games to the ART game number counter of the main RAM 74. As a result, the number of continuous games per execution in the ART state will increase.

In the ART state processing, the value of the ART game number counter of the main RAM 74 is subtracted by 1. Then, when the value of the ART game number counter after the 1 subtraction is "0", it is determined whether or not the mode is the normal mode. If it is not in the normal mode, "3" is set in the AT status counter of the main RAM 74. As a result, the main MPU 72 executes the ART end branch process (step S610) at the next processing time in the corresponding process (FIG. 19) at the end of the game, and the game state shifts from the ART state to the ART end branch state. .. On the other hand, in the normal mode, the AT status counter of the main RAM 74 is cleared to "0". As a result, the AT state ends.

In the ART state processing, the transition processing of the RT mode is executed. In the RT mode transition process, when it is specified that the 1st RT replay winning has occurred, it is shifted to the 1st RT mode, and when it is specified that the 2nd RT replay winning has occurred, it is shifted to the 2nd RT mode. When it is specified that the 1st fall replay winning has occurred, the mode is shifted to the normal mode, and when it is specified that the 2nd falling replay winning has occurred, the mode is shifted to the 1st RT mode.

Next, the ART end branch process (step S610) in the corresponding process at the end of the game (FIG. 19) will be described. The ART end branch state is a game state in which one stays when one execution of the ART state is completed. As already explained, in the ART end branch state, the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R for enabling the establishment of the bell winning when the index value IV = 1 to 3 is won is notified. NS. On the other hand, even if the winning combination that enables the occurrence of the first fall replay prize or the second fall replay prize is won in the ART end branch state, the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R for avoiding the occurrence of these fall replay prizes. Is not notified. Then, when the first fall replay winning is generated in the ART end branch state and the mode shifts to the normal mode, the value of the AT state counter is cleared to "0". As a result, the AT state ends.

<Reel control processing>
Next, the reel control process executed in step S307 of the normal process (FIG. 10) will be described. Prior to the description of the reel control process, the stepping motor 33 for rotating each reel 32L, 32M, 32R will be described in more detail.

21 (a) is a connection diagram showing the drive system of the stepping motor 33, FIG. 21 (b) is a diagram showing the drive characteristics of the stepping motor 33, and FIG. 22 is an excitation in which the excitation order of phase excitation is set. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a sequential table.

As the stepping motor 33, a hybrid (HB) type two-phase stepping motor is used. The stepping motor is not limited to the hybrid type, and various stepping motors can be used.

As shown in FIG. 21A, the hybrid type stepping motor 33 has a rotor 91 arranged in the center and a stator 90 having a rotor 91 arranged around the rotor 91 and having first to fourth poles 92 to 95. And have. The rotor 91 is composed of a front rotor 91a magnetized on the north pole and a rear rotor 91b magnetized on the south pole, and teeth and teeth provided around the front rotor 91a. It is attached to the rotating shaft in a state of being relatively shifted by 1/2 pitch so that the teeth provided around the rear rotor 91b are located between the rotors. A tubular magnet (not shown) is attached between the front rotor 91a and the rear rotor 91b.

As shown in FIG. 21B, the exciting coil L0 and the exciting coil L2 are bifilar wound around the first pole 92 and the third pole 94, and the winding end end of the exciting coil L0 and the winding start end of the exciting coil L2. Is connected, and a predetermined DC power supply + B (for example, +24 volt) is applied thereto. Similarly, the exciting coil L1 and the exciting coil L3 are bifilar wound around the second pole 93 and the fourth pole 95, and the winding end end of the exciting coil L1 and the winding start end of the exciting coil L3 are connected to each other. Power supply + B is applied.

An excitation signal is applied to the exciting coil L0 of the first pole 92, the first pole 92 is excited to the S pole, and the third pole 94 is excited to the N pole. A phase in which an excitation signal is applied to the exciting coil L2 of 94 to excite the first pole 92 to the N pole and the third pole 94 to the S pole is referred to as an inverse A phase. Similarly, an excitation signal is applied to the exciting coil L1 of the second pole 93, the second pole 93 is excited to the S pole, and the fourth pole 95 is excited to the N pole as the B phase, and vice versa. A phase in which an excitation signal is applied to the exciting coil L3 of the fourth pole 95 to excite the second pole 93 to the N pole and the fourth pole 95 to the S pole is referred to as an inverse B phase.

The excitation signal for the stepping motor 33 is given to the motor driver 96 shown in FIG. 21B as excitation data. This excitation data is stored in the main RAM 74, and appropriate excitation data is output by timer interrupt processing. The excitation phase for the stepping motor 33 is determined by this excitation data, and an excitation signal (current) is applied to the excitation phase.

When the stepping motor 33 is a one-phase excitation drive system, the rotor 91 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by sequentially applying excitation signals to the A phase, the B phase, the inverse A phase, and the inverse B phase. It can be driven to rotate. That is, for example, when the A phase is first energized, the protrusion of the first pole 92 and the tooth of the front rotor 91a which became the S pole, the protrusion of the third pole 94 which became the north pole and the tooth of the back rotor 91b Face each other by suction force, and then when the B phase is energized, the protrusion of the second pole 93 that has become the S pole and the teeth of the front rotor 91a, and the protrusion of the fourth pole 95 that has become the N pole and the back rotation. When the teeth of the child 91b face each other by the suction force and then the reverse A phase is energized, the protrusion of the first pole 92 that becomes the north pole, the tooth of the back rotor 91b, and the third pole 94 that becomes the south pole 94. The protrusions and the teeth of the front rotor 91a face each other by suction force, and then when the reverse B phase is energized, the protrusions of the second pole 93, which has become the north pole, and the teeth of the rear rotor 91b, the teeth of the back rotor 91b, become the south pole. The protrusion of the fourth pole 95 and the teeth of the front rotor 91a face each other by suction force. By exciting in this order, the rotor 91 rotates clockwise in FIG. 21 (a).

In this slot machine 10, one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation are performed in the acceleration period from starting the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to the constant speed rotation and the constant speed rotation period for maintaining the constant speed rotation. A 1-2 phase excitation drive that alternates between and is adopted. The 1-2 phase excitation drive is performed based on the excitation order table (FIG. 22).

As shown in FIG. 22, in the excitation order table, the types of phase excitation are set corresponding to the excitation order pointers 0 to 7. In the acceleration period and the constant speed rotation period, an excitation signal for exciting the phase corresponding to the current excitation order pointer is output from the main MPU 72 to the motor driver 96 each time the excitation signal is switched. The excitation order pointer is updated by "1" from "0" to "7" each time an excitation signal is output, and "0" when the excitation order pointer is updated in a state of "7". Return to.

As shown in FIG. 22, the 1-2 phase excitation drive includes a one-phase excitation that energizes the A phase (excitation order pointer 0), a two-phase excitation that energizes both the A phase and the B phase (excitation order pointer 1). One-phase excitation that energizes the B phase (excitation order pointer 2), two-phase excitation that energizes both the B phase and the inverse A phase (excitation order pointer 3), and one-phase excitation that energizes the inverse A phase (excitation order pointer 4). ), Two-phase excitation that energizes both the inverse A phase and the inverse B phase (excitation forward pointer 5), one-phase excitation that energizes the inverse B phase (excitation forward pointer 6), energizes both the inverse B phase and the A phase. This is a drive system in which two-phase excitation (excitation order pointer 7) is performed and then returns to (excitation order pointer 0).

As described above, since the reel is configured to make one revolution by the excitation signal of 504 pulses in the present embodiment, the angle change based on the excitation signal of one pulse, that is, the angle change per step is about 0.714 °.

When the stepping motor 33 having the above configuration is used, the drive characteristics as shown in FIG. 23 are required.

This drive characteristic is roughly classified into an acceleration period TA and a constant speed period TB from when the start lever 41 is operated until the stepping motor 33 starts rotating and reaches a constant constant speed rotation. The acceleration period TA is divided into an initial first acceleration period TA1 and a subsequent second acceleration period TA2. Further, the constant speed period TB is a constant speed rotation period TB1 that keeps the rotation speed until the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated, and a stop that stops with a predetermined slip based on the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44. It is divided into period TB2.

While there is no regulation on the length of the acceleration period TA, there is a regulation that the total time of the acceleration period TA and the constant speed rotation period TB1 when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are not operated must be 30 seconds or more. There is. Also for the stop period TB2, it is required to stop the stepping motor 33 within a maximum of about 190 msec after operating the stop buttons 42 to 44.

<Drive control of stepping motor 33>
Next, the configuration of the drive control of the stepping motor 33 will be described.

As described above, the stepping motor 33 transitions to the state of constant speed rotation after the acceleration period TA (FIG. 23), but the stepping motor 33 has a forced waiting time for the game during the acceleration period TA. It is desirable to transition from the accelerated state to the constant speed rotation state as soon as possible. For that purpose, the excitation phase of the stepping motor 33 may be switched quickly, but doing so may cause step-out or rotational instability.

In particular, in the stepping motor 33, when the teeth of the rotor 91 are attracted to the protrusions of the poles 92 to 95 in the initial excitation, the initial rotational vibration of the rotor 91 (micro vibration accompanied by reciprocating motion) occurs. Although it depends on the specifications of the reel unit 31, for example, one reciprocating swing occurs in 30 msec for about 5 to 6 reciprocations. Therefore, it is necessary to set the switching mode of the exciting phase in the acceleration period TA while taking such initial rotational fluctuation into consideration.

As a method of accelerating the stepping motor 33 while suppressing the influence of such initial rotational fluctuation, the state of initial excitation by two-phase excitation is maintained to some extent, and the subsequent switching interval between two-phase excitation and one-phase excitation is set. A method of gradually shortening it is conceivable. For example, a configuration in which the exciting phase is switched at the timing shown in FIG. 24 can be considered. In this case, the state set to 2-phase excitation as the initial excitation is held for 130 interrupts (that is, 130 times of timer interrupt processing (FIG. 9)), and then switched to 1-phase excitation, and the state is changed to 8 interrupts. After holding for a long time, it is switched to two-phase excitation, and then the switching interval of the excitation phase is set to be gradually shortened. With this configuration, 193.7 msec (= 1.49 msec x 130 interrupts) is set as the initial excitation period, during which the initial rotational fluctuation can be eliminated. However, in this configuration, the acceleration period TA becomes long.

On the other hand, in the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, instead of securing a long initial excitation period by two-phase excitation as described above, two-phase excitation is performed on the stepping motor 33 as initial excitation, and then the stepping motor 33 is subjected to two-phase excitation. After a non-excitation period in which no excitation is performed on the stepping motor 33, the stepping motor 33 is again subjected to the same two-phase excitation as the initial excitation to accelerate while appropriately suppressing the initial rotational fluctuation. I try to shorten the period TA.

Hereinafter, the excitation pattern that enables such acceleration processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a rotation initial table in which an excitation pattern is set when starting the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

The rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is stored in advance in the main ROM 73 at the manufacturing stage of the slot machine 10. The rotation initial table is commonly used for all reels 32L, 32M, 32R. That is, when starting the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, only one common rotation initial table is used for each of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R. The entire period of the acceleration period TA (FIG. 23) of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R and the initial period of the constant speed rotation period TB1 (FIG. 23) are read from the main RAM 74 using the common rotation initialization table. Drive control is performed during the period of.

As shown in FIG. 25, in the rotation initial table, the stepping motor 33 has an excitation period in which one-phase excitation is performed, an excitation period in which two-phase excitation is performed, and a non-excitation period in which no excitation is performed. And are set. When comparing one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation, the one-phase excitation has a smaller rotational torque (that is, a weaker excitation force) than the two-phase excitation.

In the drive control of the stepping motor 33 performed using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25), the acceleration control of the first acceleration period TA1 is performed based on the excitation data set in the switching orders 1 to 3. As shown in FIG. 25, in the first acceleration period TA1, the same two-phase excitation is set as the first (switching order 1) excitation target and the third (switching order 3) excitation target. A non-excitation period is set between the excitation periods of the third and third two-phase excitations. For example, when the first exciting phase is the AB phase, the AB phase is excited as the initial excitation, and then the AB phase, which is the same as the initial excitation, is excited again with a non-excitation period in between.

When two-phase excitation is set as the initial excitation and the excitation period of the two-phase excitation is long as in the rotation initial table of FIG. 24, the rotational torque applied to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R at the initial stage of rotation. Becomes large and the initial rotational fluctuation becomes large. Specifically, the amplitude and period of the initial rotational sway become large. In this case, it is necessary to set a long excitation period for the two-phase excitation in order to eliminate the initial rotational fluctuation, and as shown in FIG. 24, the excitation period for the two-phase excitation, which is the initial excitation, becomes long. It ends up.

On the other hand, in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) used in the present embodiment, the excitation period of the first (switching order 1) two-phase excitation and the excitation period of the third (switching order 3) two-phase excitation. By providing a non-excitation period between the reels and the reels, it is possible to prevent the rotation torque applied to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R from becoming too large at the initial stage of rotation, and to reduce the initial rotation fluctuation. Is possible. By suppressing the amplitude and period of the initial rotational sway, it is possible to eliminate the initial rotational sway at an early stage and smoothly start the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

By setting the second (switching order 2) non-excitation period and the third (switching order 3) two-phase excitation excitation period to a period longer than the period required to suppress the initial rotational fluctuation, the reel 32L, It is possible to smoothly accelerate 32M and 32R. Then, by setting a short period as the second non-excitation period and the third two-phase excitation excitation period within a range in which the initial rotational fluctuation can be suppressed, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be smoothly operated. Acceleration period TA can be shortened while enabling rapid acceleration.

Here, in the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, the four-phase excitation having the smallest braking force is maintained for 100 interrupts (149 msec), and then the one-phase excitation is maintained for 34 interrupts (50.66 msec). By doing so, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. The initial excitation target of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is the two-phase excitation set next to the one-phase excitation performed when the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped in the excitation order table (FIG. 22). Step-out is prevented by the continuous relationship between the one-phase excitation performed when the previous reels 32L, 32M, 32R were stopped and the two-phase excitation performed when the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R started this time. While doing so, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R can be smoothly accelerated.

As shown in FIG. 25, the excitation period of the two-phase excitation that is the initial excitation target is the two interrupts of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9). As described above, the start cycle of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) is 1.49 msec, and the stepping motor control process (step S206) is executed in the timer interrupt process to switch the exciting phase. Therefore, the switching timing of the exciting phase depends on the start cycle of the timer interrupt processing, and the shortest holding period is one interrupt of the timer interrupt processing (that is, 1.49 msec). By setting two-phase excitation, which has a stronger excitation force than one-phase excitation, as the initial excitation target, it is possible to apply the rotational torque required for starting rotation to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R at the initial stage of rotation. ing. Since the period set as the excitation period for the two-phase excitation is as short as two interrupts, it is possible to prevent the rotation torque given to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R from becoming too large at the start of rotation. Has been done.

The excitation period of the two-phase excitation that is the initial excitation target is not limited to two interrupts, and may be shorter than two interrupts or longer than two interrupts. .. The excitation period of the two-phase excitation that is the initial excitation target is preferably a period of 1 interrupt to 4 interrupts, and more preferably a period of 1 interrupt to 2 interrupts. By setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation that is the initial excitation target to the period of 1 interrupt to 4 interrupts, the reel 32L is prevented from becoming too large in the rotational torque given at the initial rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. , 32M, 32R can be applied with the rotational torque required to start the rotation.

After the excitation period of the two-phase excitation that is the initial excitation target, a non-excitation period in which no excitation is performed on the stepping motor 33 is set as described above. This non-excited period is 7 interrupts (10.43 msec) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9). After two-phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation to start the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, the rotation position of the rotor 91 (FIG. 21 (a)) is initially rotated by putting the stepping motor 33 in a non-excited state. The rotation speed of the rotor 91 can be suppressed while approaching a stable rotation position in the first and third two-phase excitation of the table (FIG. 25). As a result, it is possible to start the third two-phase excitation while the rotation position of the rotor 91 is approaching a stable rotation position in the third two-phase excitation and the rotation speed of the rotor 91 is slowing down. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amplitude and period of the initial rotational sway.

The non-excitation period set in the second (switching order 2) of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is not limited to 7 interrupts, and may be shorter than 7 interrupts. The period may be longer than 7 interrupts. The non-excitation period of the switching order 2 is preferably a period of 1 interrupt to 15 interrupts, and more preferably a period of 4 interrupts to 10 interrupts. Since a period of one interrupt or more is set as the non-excitation period of the switching order 2, the initial rotational fluctuation can be suppressed. Further, since a period of 4 interrupts or more is set as the non-excitation period of the switching order 2, the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be sufficiently loosened to reduce the initial rotational fluctuation. ..

After the second non-excitation period set in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25), the same two-phase excitation period as the two-phase excitation target for initial excitation is set as described above. The excitation period of this two-phase excitation is 17 interrupts (25.33 msec) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9). As described above, in the third (switching order 3) two-phase excitation, the rotation position of the rotor 91 approaches a stable rotation position in the third two-phase excitation, and the rotation speed of the rotor 91 is suppressed. It is started in the state of. Therefore, the amplitude and period of the initial rotational sway in the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are small, and the period for maintaining the two-phase excitation can be shortened in order to eliminate the initial rotational sway. As a result, the first acceleration period TA1 can be shortened while making it possible to smoothly accelerate the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

The excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the third (switching order 3) of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is not limited to the period of 17 interrupts, and is shorter than the period of 17 interrupts. It may be a period, or a period longer than the period of 17 interrupts. The excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the switching order 3 is preferably a period of 10 interrupts to 25 interrupts, and more preferably a period of 14 interrupts to 20 interrupts. Since a period of 10 interrupts or more is set as the excitation period for the two-phase excitation in the switching order 3, the initial rotational fluctuation can be suppressed. Further, by setting a period of 14 interrupts or more as the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the switching order 3, it is possible to eliminate the initial rotational fluctuation.

As described above, after performing two-phase excitation as the initial excitation, the same two-phase excitation is performed again with a non-excitation period in between, so that the two-phase excitation of the initial excitation is performed over a predetermined period without interposing a non-excitation period. The first acceleration period TA1 can be shortened while enabling the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be smoothly accelerated as compared with the configuration in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are continuously accelerated. As a result, the acceleration period TA, which is the total period of the first acceleration period TA1 and the second acceleration period TA2, can be shortened.

After the first acceleration period TA1 is completed, the one-phase excitation and the two-phase excitation are alternately performed in the second acceleration period TA2. As shown in FIG. 25, in the second acceleration period TA2, the 1-phase excitation is set in the even-numbered switching order, and the 2-phase excitation is set in the odd-numbered switching order.

In the second acceleration period TA2, the excitation period of the two-phase excitation is set so as to be gradually shortened as the acceleration of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R progresses. Specifically, the 2-phase excitation set in the 5th (switching order 5) is held for 8 interrupts, and the 2-phase excitation set in the 7th (switching order 7) is held for 5 interrupts. It is held over the 9th (switching order 9), 11th (switching order 11), 13th (switching order 13), 15th (switching order 15), 17th (switching order 17), and 19th (switching order 17). The two-phase excitation set in the excitation order for acceleration in 19) is held for three interrupts, and is held at the 21st (switching order 21), 23rd (switching order 23), 25th (switching order 25), and The two-phase excitation set in the 27th (switching sequence 27) acceleration excitation sequence for acceleration is held for two interrupts. By gradually shortening the period for holding the two-phase excitation with a large rotational torque while initially lengthening it, the rotation speed is gradually increased while suppressing the occurrence of step-out and unstable rotation. It will be possible to go.

The excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the odd-numbered switching order in the second acceleration period TA2 is not limited to the above, and for example, the excitation period of 8 interrupts to the excitation period of 5 interrupts. The timing of switching to may be later than the above timing, and the timing of switching from the excitation period of 5 interrupts to the excitation period of 3 interrupts may be later than the above timing. Further, the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the second acceleration period TA2 is changed such that the excitation period of 8 interrupts → the excitation period of 5 interrupts → the excitation period of 3 interrupts → the excitation period of 2 interrupts. It is not limited, and even if the excitation period of two-phase excitation in the second acceleration period TA2 is changed, for example, the excitation period for 10 interrupts → the excitation period for 3 interrupts → the excitation period for 2 interrupts. Often, the excitation period of the first two-phase excitation (fifth two-phase excitation) in the second acceleration period TA2 may be 15 interrupts.

On the other hand, the excitation period of the one-phase excitation in the second acceleration period TA2 is constant, and the excitation period is one interrupt (1.49 msec), which is the shortest period during which the stepping motor 33 can be excited. As described above, the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the second acceleration period TA2 is at least two interrupts. Therefore, in the second acceleration period TA2, the excitation period of each one-phase excitation in the even-numbered switching order is set. The period is shorter than the excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the order immediately after. Since 1-phase excitation has a smaller rotational torque than 2-phase excitation, it is possible to increase the rotational torque given to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R when switching to 2-phase excitation earlier, and acceleration can be completed earlier. Is possible. On the other hand, if one-phase excitation does not exist, the rotational torque becomes too large, and there is a concern that step-out and unstable rotation may occur. On the other hand, since the excitation period of each one-phase excitation is shorter than the excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the order immediately after, the occurrence of step-out and the occurrence of unstable rotation are suppressed. However, it is possible to complete the acceleration at an early stage. In particular, since the excitation period of each one-phase excitation is set to one interrupt, which is the shortest period during which excitation is possible, the acceleration period TA can be shortened as much as possible.

The excitation period of the one-phase excitation set in the even-numbered switching order in the second acceleration period TA2 is not limited to a constant configuration, for example, 1 as the acceleration of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R progresses. The excitation period of the phase excitation may be shortened stepwise. Specifically, in the first half of the second acceleration period TA2, the excitation period of one-phase excitation is set to two interrupts, and in the latter half of the second acceleration period TA2, the excitation period of one-phase excitation is set to one interrupt. It may be a set configuration. Further, for example, the excitation period of 1-phase excitation is basically set to 1 interrupt, but 1-phase excitation in the 10th switching order, which is an intermediate timing, may be set to 2 interrupts. .. Further, for example, the 1-phase excitation which is the 4th switching order is for 4 interrupts, the 1-phase excitation which is the 6th switching order is for 3 interrupts, and the 1-phase excitation which is the 8th switching order is 2 interrupts. The excitation period of 1-phase excitation is gradually shortened to 1 interrupt in the 4th and subsequent switching orders, such that 1-phase excitation, which is the minute and the 10th and subsequent switching orders, are all 1 interrupt. It may be configured to become. However, in any of these configurations, the excitation period of each one-phase excitation is shorter than the excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the order immediately after. As a result, the acceleration period TA can be shortened as compared with the configuration in which the excitation period of the one-phase excitation is longer than the excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the order immediately after.

Even when the rotation initial table is used, the specific contents of the one-phase excitation and the two-phase excitation are determined according to the excitation order pointer in the excitation order table (FIG. 22). When performing two-phase excitation of the initial excitation in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25), a predetermined excitation order pointer in which the two-phase excitation is set is selected as the pointer to be controlled in the excitation order table. In the third two-phase excitation performed after the initial excitation (first) two-phase excitation is performed with a non-excitation period in between, the excitation order pointer is not updated and is the same as the initial excitation two-phase excitation. Two-phase excitation is performed. After the two-phase excitation set in the third excitation order is completed, every time the switching order is changed in the rotation initial table, the excitation order pointer to be controlled in the excitation order table is excited in the next order. Switch to forward pointer. As a result, in the switching order of the order in which the 1-phase excitation is set in the rotation initial table, the data corresponding to the 1-phase excitation is selected in the excitation order table, and the 2-phase excitation is set in the rotation initial table. In the switching order of the order, the data corresponding to the two-phase excitation is also selected in the excitation order table.

After the drive control of the second acceleration period TA2 is completed, the drive control of the constant speed period TB (FIG. 23) is performed. In the drive control of the constant speed period TB, the one-phase excitation and the two-phase excitation are alternately repeated as in the second acceleration period TA2. Further, the excitation period of the one-phase excitation and the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the constant speed period TB are the stepping motor except for the case of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25). It is one interrupt, which is the shortest period during which 33 can be excited.

In the constant speed period TB, basically, one-phase excitation for one interrupt and two-phase excitation for one interrupt are alternately performed on the stepping motor 33, so that the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are set to 1. It rotates at a constant speed at a rotation speed of 80 rpm, which rotates 80 times per minute. In the initial stage of the constant speed rotation period TB1 (FIG. 23) of the constant speed period TB, the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R accelerate from a state slower than the set value (80 rpm) to reach the set value, and the reel 32L , 32M, 32R overshoot occurs when the rotation speed exceeds the set value. When the excitation period of all 1-phase excitation and the excitation period of 2-phase excitation in the constant speed rotation period TB1 is one interrupt, the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R take the maximum value when overshoot occurs, and then It converges to the set value of 80 rpm while damping and vibrating.

The maximum value of the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R when an overshoot occurs becomes larger as the acceleration inclination of the immediately preceding reels 32L, 32M, 32R becomes steeper. Further, the larger the maximum value of the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, the larger the amplitude of the damped vibration, and the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R converge to the set value after the acceleration period TA ends. It takes a long time to converge.

In the present embodiment, in order to relax the acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R immediately before the rotation speed of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R first reaches the set value (80 rpm) after the end of the second acceleration period TA2. As the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25), a period of two interrupts is set instead of one interrupt.

The drive control in the constant speed period TB is performed based on the rotation initialization table until the 33rd two-phase excitation of the rotation initialization table (FIG. 25) is completed. In the switching order 28 to 32 of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25), one-phase excitation for one interrupt and two-phase excitation for one interrupt are alternately repeated. Then, after two-phase excitation is performed for two interrupts in the switching order 33 of the rotation initial table, one-phase excitation for one interrupt and two-phase for one interrupt are performed until the constant speed period TB ends. Excitation is repeated alternately. That is, in the constant speed period TB, basically one-phase excitation for one interrupt and two-phase excitation for one interrupt are repeated, and excitation of the 33rd two-phase excitation in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is performed. Only the period is for 2 interrupts.

In the constant speed rotation period TB1, the timing for setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation to a period of two interrupts or more in order to alleviate the acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is the 33rd position in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25). The timing is not limited to (switching order 33). The timing may be earlier than the 33rd timing, or may be later than the 33rd timing. In the constant speed rotation period TB1, the timing for setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation to a period of two interrupts or more in order to alleviate the acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is the 31st (switching order 31) to the 41st (switching order). It is preferably any of the timings 41), and more preferably the 31st (switching order 31) or 33rd (switching order 33) timing.

As shown in FIG. 25, the 31st (switching order 31) timing is the timing at which the second two-phase excitation is performed after the end of the second acceleration period TA2. Further, when the excitation period of the one-phase excitation and the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the constant speed rotation period TB1 are all set as the period for one interrupt, the timing of the 33rd (switching order 33) is the reel 32L. , 32M, 32R is the timing immediately before the rotation speed first reaches the set value (80 rpm), and the 41st timing (switching order 41) is the timing when the rotation speed of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R reaches the maximum value. It is known as an experimental result in the comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47) which will be described later that the timing is immediately before the operation. By setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at any of the 31st to 41st timings to a period of 2 interrupts or more, the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R become the maximum values after the end of the second acceleration period TA2. The acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be relaxed at the timing of increasing toward. By reducing the rotation speed before the timing when the rotation speed of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R reaches the maximum value and reducing the amplitude of the damped vibration of the rotation speed, the rotation speed is set to the set value (80 rpm) at an early stage. It becomes possible to converge. By setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at the 31st or 33rd timing to the period of 2 interrupts to 5 interrupts, the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are initially set to the set value (80 rpm). The reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be decelerated at the timing immediately before reaching, and the amplitude of the damped vibration of the rotation speed can be effectively reduced.

After the drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is completed, the drive control following the constant speed period TB is performed using the excitation order table (FIG. 22). In the constant speed period TB after the drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is completed, one-phase excitation for one interrupt and two-phase excitation for one interrupt are alternately repeated.

The switching timing of the exciting phase, which is first reached after the drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is completed, is the next order of the exciting phases set in the last switching order in the rotation initial table. The exciting phase is the target of excitation. Specifically, in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25), two-phase excitation is set for the final switching order (switching order 33), so that the excitation phase is in the next order with respect to the two-phase excitation. One-phase excitation is the target of excitation. Further, since the excitation order pointer of the excitation order table (FIG. 22) is inherited as it is even after the drive control using the rotation initial table is completed, it is first reached after the drive control using the rotation initial table is completed. At the switching timing of the excitation phase, the data corresponding to the next excitation order pointer is used for the excitation order pointer selected at the end of the drive control using the rotation initial table.

When the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped, the stop table stored in advance in the main ROM 73 is read out to the main RAM 74 and used in the manufacturing stage of the slot machine 10. Specifically, the stop table is used when a stop command is generated in a situation where one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation are alternately repeated. In the stop table, data is set in which 4-phase excitation is maintained for 100 interrupts and then 1-phase excitation is performed for 34 interrupts. The target phase of this one-phase excitation is one phase corresponding to the position of the target stop angle.

In 4-phase excitation, all of the A phase, the inverse A phase, the B phase and the inverse B phase are excited. When two opposite phases are excited, the magnetic fluxes cancel each other out, but during the rotation of the stepping motor 33, a counter electromotive force is generated by the induced voltage, for example, the torque of the difference between the currents flowing in the A phase and the inverse A phase. Occurs. Then, in the case of 4-phase excitation, the torque is generated between the two opposing phases. Therefore, it is possible to generate a braking force even with 4-phase excitation. Incidentally, as the type of the exciting phase, there are three-phase excitation other than the one-phase excitation, the two-phase excitation and the four-phase excitation already described. Of these, the strongest exciting force (or rotational torque) is two-phase excitation, then three-phase excitation, then one-phase excitation, and the weakest is four-phase excitation.

As described above, the rotor 91 of the stepping motor 33 can be smoothly stopped by using the four-phase excitation having the weakest braking force at the start of braking. However, when four-phase excitation is performed due to the weak braking force, the rotor 91 advances to some extent due to inertia from the timing at which the four-phase excitation is started. The number of steps advanced by this inertia differs depending on the specifications of the reel unit 31, and the number of steps is not constant although it can be grasped to some extent at the design stage by an experiment using the reel unit 31. Some variation can occur. On the other hand, after the 4-phase excitation is performed for a predetermined period, the stop position is set by performing the 1-phase excitation for the 1-phase corresponding to the position of the target stop angle for a predetermined period. It is possible to set it to the designed position.

When a stop command is generated during the constant speed period TB, two-phase excitation is executed for one interrupt, and then four-phase excitation for stopping is started. The excitation period of the four-phase excitation performed based on the generation of the stop command is not limited to 100 interrupts, and may be shorter than 100 interrupts or longer than 100 interrupts. .. Further, the excitation period of the one-phase excitation performed after the four-phase excitation is continued for 100 interrupts is not limited to the 34 interrupts, and may be shorter than the 34 interrupts, and may be shorter than the 34 interrupts. May be long.

Next, specific processing contents executed by the main MPU 72 to control the drive of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R will be described.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a reel control process executed in the main MPU 72. The reel control process is executed in step S307 of the normal process (FIG. 10). In the reel control process, first, a rotation start process for starting the rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is performed (step S801). The rotation start process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 27.

In the rotation start process, first, the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is read from the main ROM 73 to the main RAM 74 (step S901). After that, "33" is set in the rotation initial counter 74a corresponding to each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R (steps S902 to S904). The rotation initial counter 74a is provided in the main RAM 74 so that the switching order data to be referred to at the switching timing of the exciting phase during drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) can be specified by the main MPU 72. It is a counter that is being used. The rotation initial counter 74a is provided so as to correspond one-to-one with each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. When the excitation phase switching timing in the stepping motor 33 comes during drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25), the main MPU 72 refers to switching order data based on the value of the rotation initial counter 74a. Identify.

After that, "1" is set in the control required flag provided in the main RAM 74 (step S905), and the main rotation start process is completed. The control required flag is a flag for the main MPU 72 to specify that it is necessary to control the drive of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. The state in which "1" is set in the control required flag is released by clearing "0" when the stop control based on the stop table is completed for all reels 32L, 32M, 32R. NS. The control required flag is cleared to "0" in step S1011 of the stepping motor control process (FIG. 28) described later.

Returning to the description of the reel control process (FIG. 26), after executing the rotation start process (step S801), the acceleration period TA (first acceleration period TA1 and second acceleration period TA2) in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25). Is determined (step S802). Specifically, the rotation initial counter 74a in the main RAM 74 is referred to, and when the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is "7" or more, it is determined that the acceleration period TA has not ended, and the rotation initial counter 74a is determined. When the value of is "6" or less, it is determined that the acceleration period TA has ended. If the acceleration period TA has not ended (step S802: NO), the process of step S802 is repeated until the acceleration period TA ends. Then, when the acceleration period TA ends (step S802: YES), the process proceeds to step S803.

In step S803, it is determined whether or not all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped, and when one or more rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R are present (step S803: NO), any one of them is used. It is determined whether or not the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated (step S804). Since the determination process of step S804 is not executed until the acceleration period TA ends, even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the acceleration period TA, the corresponding reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped based on the operation. There is nothing to do. It should be noted that the main MPU 72 is disabled by turning off the lamps (not shown) of the stop buttons 42 to 44 when the operations of the stop buttons 42 to 44 are disabled including the acceleration period TA. Notifying the player, when the operation of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is enabled, the stop command is generated by lighting and displaying the lamps of the stop buttons 42 to 44 for which the stop command has not been generated. Notify the player that is possible.

When any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated (step S804: YES), it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is a valid operation (step S805). Specifically, when the operations of the stop buttons 42 to 44 detected in step S804 are performed on the rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R and trigger the generation of the stop command. Judge that it is a valid operation.

When the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is valid in step S805, the processes of steps S806 to S810 are performed on the reels 32L, 32M, 32R corresponding to the effectively operated stop buttons 42 to 44. Specifically, "1" is set in the braking target flag in the main RAM 74 (step S806). The braking target flag is a flag that enables the main MPU 72 to specify that an effective operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 corresponding to the rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R has been detected, and each reel 32L, It is provided so that there is a one-to-one correspondence with each of 32M and 32R. After that, a stop command command is set as a transmission target to the production side MPU 82 (step S807). The stop command command is a command transmitted to the production side MPU 82 so as to grasp the types of the stop buttons 42 to 44 in which a valid operation is detected.

After that, the symbol number of the reached symbol that has reached the base point position at the timing when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated is grasped (step S808), and the number of slips is grasped based on the stop information stored in the main RAM 74. The slip number grasping process is executed (step S809). The stop information is read from the main ROM 73 to the main RAM 74 in the stop information first setting process (step S409) in the lottery process (FIG. 11), and the stop information second setting process (reel control process (FIG. 26)) described later. In step S813) of the above, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are appropriately changed according to the stopping mode. In the slip number grasping process, any value of "0" to "4" is specified as the slip number. After that, the symbol number of the symbol to be stopped that is actually stopped at the base point position is determined based on the slip number and the reached symbol number specified in the slip number grasping process (step S809) (step S810).

If the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not detected in step S804, if it is determined in step S805 that the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not a valid operation, or in step S810, the symbol to be stopped is determined. If so, the process proceeds to step S811. In step S811, it is determined whether or not "1" is set in the stop information update flag provided in the main RAM 74. The stop information update flag is the stop information first setting process (step S409 in the lottery process (FIG. 11)) or the previous stop information according to the symbol that stops at the base point position by the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R this time. This is a flag that enables the main MPU 72 to specify that the slide table stored in the main RAM 74 should be updated in the second setting process (step S813 in the reel control process (FIG. 26)). The stop information update flag is set to "1" in step S1114 of the motor control process (FIG. 29) described later.

If "1" is not set in the stop information update flag (step S811: NO), the process returns to step S803. On the other hand, when the stop information update flag is set to "1" (step S811: YES), the stop information update flag is cleared to "0" (step S812), and the stop information second setting process is executed. (Step S813), the process returns to step S803. In the stop information second setting process, the stop information first setting process (step S409 in the lottery process (FIG. 11)) or the previous time is performed according to the symbol that stops at the base point position by the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R this time. The slide table stored in the main RAM 74 is updated in the stop information second setting process (step S813). As a result, in the next slip number grasping process (step S809), it is based on the set winning data, the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, and the slide table corresponding to the stop symbol of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. It becomes possible to calculate the number of slips. The configuration for calculating the number of slides is not limited to the configuration using the slide table, and the number of slides data corresponding to each lottery result and the stop order of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R can be obtained by rotating the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. It may be configured to be derived to the inside or the like.

If it is determined in step S803 that all reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped, the winning determination process is executed (step S814). In the winning determination process, the type of the symbol stopped at the base point position of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is grasped. Then, when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the main line ML on each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination in the lottery process of this combination, the winning combination is selected. The winning process is executed as the winning is established. In the winning processing, if the winning is a small winning combination, the number of medals to be paid out is set to the main RAM 74 so that the game medium can be given in the medium giving process (step S308 of the normal process (FIG. 10)). Set to. On the other hand, if the winning is a replay winning, a flag setting process is executed so that the automatic input process is executed in the next start waiting process (step S302 of the normal process (FIG. 10)).

After that, the winning result command is set as the transmission target to the effect side MPU 82 (step S815), and the reel control process is completed. The winning result command includes data indicating whether or not the winning is successful this time, and if the winning is successful, data indicating the type of the winning is included.

Next, the stepping motor control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 28. The stepping motor control process is executed in step S206 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9).

In the stepping motor control process, when "1" is set in the control required flag of the main RAM 74 (step S1001: YES), the detection result of the reel index sensor 36 for the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time. And the number of times the excitation data is output, the rotation position is grasped (step S1002). After that, it is determined whether or not "1" is set in the braking target flag in the main RAM 74 (step S1003).

When "1" is set in the braking target flag corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time (step S1003: YES), the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R grasped in step S1002. Based on the position and the stop target symbol determined in step S810 of the reel control process (FIG. 26), it is determined whether or not the braking start timing is set for the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be braked this time (step). S1004). Then, when the braking start timing is reached (step S1004: YES), the braking target flag is cleared to "0" (step S1005), and the stop start flag provided in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step). S1006). The stop start flag is a flag that enables the main MPU 72 to identify the reels 32L, 32M, 32R for which stop control should be started, and is provided so as to correspond to each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R on a one-to-one basis. ing. When the stop start flag is set to "1", the braking setting process is executed in step S1112 of the motor control process (FIG. 29) described later, and the stop control of the corresponding reels 32L, 32M, 32R is started. ..

When it is determined in step S1003 that "1" is not set in the braking target flag, when it is determined that it is not the braking start timing in step S1004, or when "1" is set in the stop start flag in step S1006. Is a motor control process (step S1007). FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the motor control process.

As shown in FIG. 29, in the motor control process, when the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time are not braking (step S1101: NO), the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time correspond to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time. The value of the switching counter 74b is decremented by 1 on condition that the value of the switching counter 74b is 1 or more (step S1102). The switching counter 74b is a counter provided in the main RAM 74 so that the switching timing of the exciting phase in the stepping motor 33 can be grasped by the main MPU 72. The switching counter 74b is provided so as to correspond one-to-one with each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

When the value of the switching counter 74b after the 1 subtraction is subtracted by 1 in step S1102 and the value of the switching counter 74b after the 1 subtraction becomes "0" (step S1103: YES), it is the switching timing of the exciting phase. To mean, the process proceeds to step S1104. In step S1104, it is determined whether or not the value of the rotation initial counter 74a in the main RAM 74 is 1 or more, and when the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is 1 or more (step S1104: YES), the rotation initial counter 74a is set. 1 is subtracted (step S1105). As a result, when the next excitation phase switching is executed for the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time, the excitation period data corresponding to the value of the rotation initial counter 74a after this subtraction is set. ..

After subtracting 1 from the value of the rotation initial counter 74a in step S1105, if the value of the rotation initial counter 74a after the 1 subtraction is 1 or more (step S1106: YES), the switching counter setting process is executed. (Step S1107). In the switching counter setting process, the excitation period set in the switching order corresponding to the current value of the rotation initial counter 74a in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is switched corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled. Set to counter 74b. Specifically, when the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is "33", it means that it is the start of the first acceleration period TA1 (FIG. 25). In this case, "2" corresponding to 2 interrupts, which is the excitation period set in the first (switching order 1) of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25), is switched to correspond to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled. Set to counter 74b. When the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is "32", "7" corresponding to the 7 interrupts set in the second (switching order 2) non-excitation period in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25). Is set in the switching counter 74b corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1104 that the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is "0", it means that the drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) has already been completed. Further, when it is determined in step S1106 that the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is "0", it means that the drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) has ended. When a negative determination is made in step S1104 or step S1106, "1" is set in the switching counter 74b (step S1108). As a result, in the constant speed period TB (FIG. 23) after the drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is completed, one-phase excitation over one interrupt and two-phase excitation over one interrupt alternate. Repeated.

When the process of step S1107 is executed, or when the process of step S1108 is executed, the excitation data setting process is executed (step S1109). FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the excitation data setting process.

In the excitation data setting process, first, the excitation order pointer update process (steps S1201 to S1204) is executed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the rotation initial counter 74a in the main RAM 74 is "31" or more (step S1201). When the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is not "31" or more (step S1201: NO), it means that the second acceleration period TA2 or the constant speed period TB (see FIG. 25), so that the excitation order table (FIG. 25). “1” is added to the value of the excitation order pointer in 22) (step S1202). Then, when the value of the excitation order pointer after the addition of 1 is "7" or less, which is the maximum value (step S1203: YES), the process proceeds to step S1205. On the other hand, when the value of the excitation order pointer after 1 addition becomes larger than the maximum value (“7”) (step S1203: NO), the value of the excitation order pointer is cleared to “0” (step S1204). ), Proceed to step S1205.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1201 that the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is "31" or more, it means that it is the first acceleration period TA1 (see FIG. 25), so the process proceeds to step S1205. As described above, since the excitation order pointer is not updated in the first acceleration period TA1, in the switching order 3 of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25), the same two-phase excitation as the switching order 1 (initial excitation) is performed. Will be done.

When the affirmative judgment is made in step S1201, the affirmative judgment is made in step S1203, or the processing of step S1204 is performed, the value of the rotation initial counter 74a in the main RAM 74 is "1" or more. It is determined whether or not there is (step S1205). When the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is "1" or more (step S1205: YES), it means that the drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is performed, so that the rotation initial counter 74a is used for the initial rotation. With reference to the table (FIG. 25), it is determined whether or not the period is non-excited (step S1206). As described above, in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) in the present embodiment, the non-excitation period is set in the second (switching order 2). In the case of the non-excitation period (step S1206: YES), the non-excitation data is set in the main RAM 74 for the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time. The non-excited data is data for setting the stepping motor 33 to a non-excited state in which no excitation is performed. The non-excited data set in the main RAM 74 is output to the motor driver 96 in step S1009 in the stepping motor control process (FIG. 28) described later. When the motor driver 96 receives the non-excited data, the motor driver 96 puts the corresponding stepping motor 33 in the non-excited state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1205 that the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is not "1" or more, or if it is determined in step S1206 that the non-excitation period is not present, the current excitation is performed in the excitation order table (FIG. 22). The excitation data set corresponding to the value of the forward pointer is read, and the read excitation data is set in the main RAM 74 as the current excitation data for the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time (step). S1208), the present excitation data setting process is terminated.

Returning to the description of the motor control process (FIG. 29), when it is determined in step S1103 that the value of the switching counter 74b is not "0", or when the excitation data setting process (FIG. 30) is executed in step S1109, It is determined whether or not "1" is set in the stop start flag corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time (step S1110). Then, when "1" is not set in the corresponding stop start flag (step S1110: NO), the motor control process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when "1" is set in the corresponding stop start flag (step S1110: YES), it means that it is the braking start timing of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R which are the control targets this time. .. In this case, the stop start flag is cleared to "0" (step S1111), and the braking setting process is executed (step S1112). In the braking setting process, the stop table is read from the main ROM 73 to the main RAM 74, and control according to the stop table is started. Specifically, the excitation data for performing the four-phase excitation is set in the main RAM 74.

After that, it is determined whether or not the stop control this time is the stop control of the third stop performed in the situation where the other two reels 32L, 32M, 32R are already stopped (step S1113). Then, when the stop control this time is the stop control of the third stop (step S1113: YES), the motor control process is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, when there are rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R other than the reels 32L, 32M, 32R from which the current stop control is started, and the current stop control is not the stop control of the third stop (step S1113: In NO), "1" is set in the stop information update flag in the main RAM 74 (step S1114), and the motor control process is terminated. As described above, when the stop information update flag is set to "1", the stop information second setting process is executed in step S813 of the reel control process (FIG. 26).

If it is determined in step S1101 that braking is in progress, the braking process is executed (step S1115) to end the motor control process. In the braking process, based on the stop table, if the excitation period (100 interrupts) of the 4-phase excitation has not ended, the excitation data of the 4-phase excitation is used as the excitation data to be output to the motor driver 96 as the main RAM 74. Remember in. When the excitation period of 4-phase excitation has expired, it is determined whether or not the excitation period of 1-phase excitation (34 interrupts) has expired, and the excitation period of 1-phase excitation has not expired. In this case, the excitation data of one-phase excitation is stored in the main RAM 74 as the excitation data to be output to the motor driver 96. On the other hand, when the excitation period of the one-phase excitation ends, the drive control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, which is the control target of this time, ends.

Returning to the description of the stepping motor control process (FIG. 28), after executing the motor control process in step S1007, it is determined whether or not the motor control process is completed for all the rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R. (Step S1008) If it is not completed (step S1008: NO), the processes of steps S1002 to S1008 are executed for the remaining reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

On the other hand, when the motor control process is completed for all the rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R (step S1008: YES), the excitation data for each rotating reel 32L, 32M, 32R is output. (Step S1009). As a result, excitation data is supplied to the motor driver 96. As a result, the stepping motor 33 immediately energizes the exciting phase specified by the excitation data, and excites the rotor 91.

After that, it is determined whether or not the drive control of all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is completed (step S1010), and when the drive control of one or more reels 32L, 32M, 32R is not completed (step S1010: NO). ), The stepping motor control process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the drive control of all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is completed (step S1010: YES), the control required flag in the main RAM 74 is cleared to "0" (step S1011), and this stepping motor control process is performed. To finish.

<Example>
Hereinafter, a configuration for executing drive control using the rotation initial table as described above will be described in more detail by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

<Example 1>
The cylindrical skeleton member 34 made of ABS resin so as to have an outer diameter of 230 mm, a wall thickness of 1.5 mm, and a weight of 49.7 g is made of polycarbonate resin, has a belt length of 754.5 mm, a wall thickness of 0.35 mm, and a weight of 16. A reel is manufactured by winding a 7 g belt and supporting the cylindrical skeleton member 34 on a motor plate 35 to which a stepping motor 33 (BH252574608 manufactured by Brother Enterprise Co., Ltd.) is fixed as shown in FIG. did. Further, three reels 32L, 32M, 32R were manufactured by the same manufacturing method and installed in the housing 11.

<Evaluation of acceleration period TA>
For Example 1, the first test of performing the control process as shown in FIGS. 26 to 30 was carried out 10 times using the excitation order table as shown in FIG. 22 and the rotation initialization table as shown in FIG. 25. .. In each first test, the presence or absence of apparent shaking and the presence or absence of step-out at the start of rotation were visually evaluated. The result is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 31, it was confirmed that no apparent shaking at the start of rotation occurred in any of the 10 first tests. In addition, it was confirmed that step-out did not occur at the start of rotation in any of the 10 first tests.

<Evaluation when the excitation pattern of the first acceleration period TA1 is changed>
For the first embodiment, each rotation initial table as shown in FIGS. 25 and 32 to 43 is set, and in each case, the excitation order table as shown in FIG. 22 is used to be used to show FIGS. 26 to 30. The control process as shown in the above was performed 10 times each, and the "smoothness of acceleration" was visually evaluated. The result is shown in FIG. In FIG. 44, the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation corresponds to the case where the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. 25 is used, and the excitation pattern B at the initial stage of rotation corresponds to the case where the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. 32 is used. The initial excitation pattern C corresponds to the case where the rotation initial table shown in FIG. 33 is used, and the rotation initial excitation pattern D corresponds to the case where the rotation initial table shown in FIG. 34 is used. E corresponds to the case where the rotation initial table shown in FIG. 35 is used, the excitation pattern F at the initial rotation corresponds to the case where the rotation initial table shown in FIG. 36 is used, and the excitation pattern G at the initial rotation corresponds to FIG. 37. It corresponds to the case where the rotation initial table shown in FIG. 38 is used, the excitation pattern H at the initial rotation corresponds to the case where the rotation initial table shown in FIG. 38 is used, and the excitation pattern I at the initial rotation corresponds to the initial rotation shown in FIG. 39. This corresponds to the case where the table for rotation is used, the excitation pattern J at the initial stage of rotation corresponds to the case where the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. 40 is used, and the excitation pattern K at the initial stage of rotation uses the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. The excitation pattern L at the initial stage of rotation corresponds to the case where the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. 42 is used, and the excitation pattern M at the initial stage of rotation corresponds to the case where the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. 43 is used. do.

In the rotation initial table of FIG. 32 corresponding to the rotation initial excitation pattern B, the rotation initial excitation pattern A is in that the excitation period of the first (switching order 1) two-phase excitation is not two interrupts but one interrupt. It is different from the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 corresponding to the above, and is the same as the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 in other points. The rotation initial table of FIG. 33 corresponding to the excitation pattern C at the initial rotation is the same as the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 corresponding to the excitation pattern A at the initial rotation in that the non-excitation period is not set in the first acceleration period TA1. It's different. The excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the first acceleration period TA1 in the rotation initial table of FIG. 33 is the first (switching order 1) and the third of the first acceleration period TA1 of the rotation initial table of FIG. 25. It is 32 interrupts longer than the total excitation period set in (switching order 3). The excitation patterns in the second acceleration period TA2 and the constant speed rotation period TB1 in the rotation initial table of FIG. 33 are the same as the excitation patterns in the second acceleration period TA2 and the constant speed rotation period TB1 in the rotation initial rotation table of FIG. .. The rotation initial table of FIG. 34 corresponding to the excitation pattern D at the initial rotation is the initial rotation in that the excitation period set for the first (switching order 1) two-phase excitation is not two interrupts but four interrupts. It is different from the rotation initial table of FIG. 25, which corresponds to the excitation pattern A of FIG. 25, and is the same as the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 in other points.

The rotation initial table of FIG. 35 corresponding to the rotation initial excitation pattern E corresponds to the rotation initial excitation pattern A in that the second non-excitation period (switching order 2) is 4 interrupts instead of 7 interrupts. It differs from the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 and is the same as the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 in other points. The rotation initial table of FIG. 36 corresponding to the rotation initial excitation pattern F corresponds to the rotation initial excitation pattern A in that the second non-excitation period (switching order 2) is not 7 interrupts but 1 interrupt. It differs from the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 and is the same as the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 in other points.

The rotation initial table of FIG. 37, which corresponds to the rotation initial excitation pattern G, shows that the excitation period of the third (switching order 3) two-phase excitation is 14 interrupts instead of 17 interrupts. It is different from the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 corresponding to the above, and is the same as the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 in other points. The rotation initial table of FIG. 38, which corresponds to the rotation initial excitation pattern H, shows that the excitation period of the third (switching order 3) two-phase excitation is 10 interrupts instead of 17 interrupts. It is different from the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 corresponding to the above, and is the same as the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 in other points.

In the rotation initial table of FIG. 39 corresponding to the excitation pattern I at the initial rotation, the excitation pattern at the initial rotation is that the type of excitation set in the first (switching order 1) is one-phase excitation instead of two-phase excitation. It is different from the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 corresponding to A, and is the same as the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 in other points. In the rotation initial table of FIG. 40 corresponding to the excitation pattern J at the initial rotation, the type of excitation set in the first (switching order 1) is not two-phase excitation but one-phase excitation, and the third (switching order 1). The excitation period of the two-phase excitation in 3) is 40 interrupts instead of 17 interrupts, which is different from the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 corresponding to the excitation pattern A at the initial rotation, and the other points are the rotation of FIG. 25. It is the same as the initial table.

In the rotation initial table of FIG. 41 corresponding to the excitation pattern K at the initial rotation, the type of excitation set in the first (switching order 1) and the third (switching order 3) is not two-phase excitation but one-phase excitation. be. The fourth and subsequent excitation patterns in the rotation initial table of FIG. 41 are the same as the fifth and subsequent excitation patterns in the rotation initial table of FIG. 25. In the rotation initial table of FIG. 42 corresponding to the excitation pattern L at the initial rotation, the type of excitation set in the first (switching order 1) and the third (switching order 3) is not two-phase excitation but one-phase excitation. be. Further, two-phase excitation over a period of 100 interrupts is set in the fourth (switching order 4) of the rotation initial table of FIG. 42. The fifth and subsequent excitation patterns in the rotation initial table of FIG. 42 are the same as the fourth and subsequent excitation patterns in the rotation initial table of FIG. 25.

The rotation initial table of FIG. 43 corresponding to the excitation pattern M at the initial rotation is for the initial rotation of FIG. 25 corresponding to the excitation pattern A at the initial rotation in that two non-excitation periods are set in the first acceleration period TA1. It is different from the table. In the rotation initial table of FIG. 43, the same two-phase excitation as the first (switching order 1) is set in the third (switching order 3) and the fifth (switching order 5), and the second (switching order 1) is set. A non-excitation period is provided in the 2) and the 4th (switching order 4). The excitation period of the first and third two-phase excitation is for one interrupt, and the excitation period of the fifth two-phase excitation is for 17 interrupts. The second non-excited period is for 3 interrupts, and the 4th non-excited period is for 4 interrupts. The total excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the first acceleration period TA1 in the rotation initial table of FIG. 43 is the first (switching order 1) of the first acceleration period TA1 in the rotation initial table of FIG. It is the same as the total excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the third (switching order 3), specifically, 19 interrupts. Further, the total of the non-energized periods set in the second (switching order 2) and the fourth (switching order 4) of the first acceleration period TA1 in the rotation initial table of FIG. 43 is the rotation initial table of FIG. 25. It is the same as the non-excitation period set in the second (switching order 2) of the first acceleration period TA1 in the above, and specifically, it is 7 interrupts. The excitation patterns in the second acceleration period TA2 and the constant speed rotation period TB1 in the rotation initial table of FIG. 43 are the same as the excitation patterns in the second acceleration period TA2 and the constant speed rotation period TB1 in the rotation initial table of FIG. 25. Is.

As shown in FIG. 44, with respect to the excitation pattern C at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern I at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern K at the initial stage of rotation, apparent shaking at the initial stage of rotation was confirmed, and the smoothness of acceleration was "poor". there were. Regarding the excitation pattern C at the initial stage of rotation, the non-excitation period is not set in the first acceleration period TA1, and the two-phase excitation is maintained for 32 interrupts as the initial excitation, so that the rotation torque applied at the start of rotation is increased. It is considered that the rotation becomes too large and the initial rotational fluctuation cannot be sufficiently suppressed in the excitation period of 32 interrupts. Further, for the excitation pattern I at the initial stage of rotation, the rotational torque applied at the start of rotation is small because the one-phase excitation, which has a weaker excitation force than the two-phase excitation, is set as the initial excitation (switching order 1). It has become a thing. Then, after the initial excitation is performed, the third phase excitation (switching order 3) performed with a non-excitation period in between is switched to two-phase excitation instead of the same one-phase excitation as the initial excitation. It is considered that the initial rotational fluctuation cannot be sufficiently suppressed in the set excitation period of 17 interrupts. Further, regarding the excitation pattern K at the initial stage of rotation, the first (switching order 1) and third (switching order 3) one-phase excitation in which the exciting force is weaker than the two-phase excitation in the first acceleration period TA1 with the non-excitation period in between. Since the excitation period of the fourth (switching order 4) two-phase excitation performed after this is performed is as short as 8 interrupts, it is considered that the initial rotational fluctuation cannot be sufficiently suppressed.

On the other hand, the smoothness of acceleration was "normal" for the excitation pattern F at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern H at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern M at the initial stage of rotation. Specifically, apparent shaking at the initial stage of rotation is hardly confirmed, and the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in the excitation pattern F at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern H at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern M at the initial stage of rotation is It did not cause any discomfort in appearance. Further, an excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation, an excitation pattern B at the initial stage of rotation, an excitation pattern D at the initial stage of rotation, an excitation pattern E at the initial stage of rotation, an excitation pattern G at the initial stage of rotation, an excitation pattern J at the initial stage of rotation, and an excitation pattern at the initial stage of rotation. In the case of L, no apparent shaking was observed at the initial stage of rotation, and the smoothness of acceleration was "good".

In the case of a configuration in which two-phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation (switching order 1) and the same two-phase excitation as the initial excitation (switching order 3) is performed with the non-excitation period of the switching order 2 in between, the excitation pattern at the initial stage of rotation is performed. From the results of A, the initial excitation pattern B, the initial rotation pattern D, the initial rotation excitation pattern E, the initial rotation excitation pattern F, the initial rotation excitation pattern G, and the initial rotation initial excitation pattern H, the initial excitation is performed. The period of 1 interrupt to 4 interrupts is set as the excitation period of the 2-phase excitation of, and the period of 1 interrupt to 7 interrupts is set as the non-excitation period. It was found that the initial rotational fluctuation can be suppressed regardless of the stop position of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R by setting the excitation period to be a period of 10 interrupts to 17 interrupts. Of these, from the results of the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern B at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern D at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern E at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern G at the initial stage of rotation, the two-phase excitation of the initial excitation is excited. A period of 1 interrupt to 4 interrupts is set as a period, a period of 4 interrupts to 7 interrupts is set as a non-excitation period, and a period of 14 interrupts is set as a two-phase excitation period of switching order 3. It was found that the initial rotational fluctuation can be sufficiently suppressed regardless of the stop position of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R by setting the period for ~ 17 interrupts.

In the case of a configuration in which one-phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation (switching order 1) and two-phase excitation in the switching order 3 is performed with the non-excitation period of the switching order 2 in between, switching is performed based on the result of the excitation pattern J at the initial stage of rotation. It was found that the initial rotational fluctuation can be sufficiently suppressed regardless of the stop position of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R by setting a period of 40 interrupts or more as the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in sequence 3. ..

In the case of a configuration in which one-phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation (switching order 1) and one-phase excitation in the switching order 3 is performed with the non-excitation period of the switching order 2 in between, switching is performed based on the result of the excitation pattern L at the initial stage of rotation. It was found that the initial rotational fluctuation can be sufficiently suppressed regardless of the stop position of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R by setting a period of 100 interrupts or more as the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in sequence 3. ..

Further, from the result of the excitation pattern M (FIG. 43) at the initial stage of rotation, the two-phase excitation of the switching order 1 is performed as the initial excitation, and the switching order 3-2 is the same as the initial excitation with the non-excitation period of the switching order 2 in between. Even in a configuration in which phase excitation is performed and two-phase excitation in switching order 5 is performed with a non-excitation period in switching order 4 in between, initial rotational fluctuation can be suppressed regardless of the stop position of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. I found that I could do it.

<Initial evaluation of constant speed rotation period TB1>
For Example 1, the second tests A to D were carried out by using the excitation order table as shown in FIG. 22 and the acceleration table as shown in FIG. 25 to perform the control process as shown in FIGS. 26 to 30. .. Further, regarding Example 1, comparative tests A to D in which control processing as shown in FIGS. 26 to 30 is performed using an excitation order table as shown in FIG. 22 and a rotation initialization table as shown in FIG. 45 are performed. carried out. In the second tests A to D and the comparative tests A to D, the rotation speed of the left reel 32L was measured by taking an image and performing an image analysis on the left reel 32L, and the magnitude of the overshoot at the initial stage of the constant speed rotation period TB1 was determined. The length of the convergence time required from the end of the acceleration period TA to the convergence of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L to the set value (80 rpm) was evaluated. In the second test A and the comparative test A, the stepping motor 33 stopped by the A phase excitation (one phase excitation) is subjected to the AB phase excitation (two-phase excitation) as the initial excitation, and in the second test B and the comparative test B. AB phase excitation (2-phase excitation) is performed as initial excitation for the stepping motor 33 stopped by B-phase excitation (1-phase excitation), and reverse A-phase excitation (1-phase excitation) is performed in the second test C and the comparative test C. AB phase excitation (two-phase excitation) was performed as initial excitation for the stepping motor 33 stopped in, and in the second test D and comparative test D, the stepping motor 33 stopped by reverse B-phase excitation (one-phase excitation) was used. On the other hand, AB phase excitation (two-phase excitation) was performed as the initial excitation. The results of the second tests A to D are shown in FIG. 46, and the results of the comparative tests A to D are shown in FIG. 47.

The rotation initial table of FIG. 45 differs from the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 in that the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is set for one interrupt instead of two interrupts. , Other points are the same as the rotation initial table of FIG. 25. In the comparative tests A to D conducted using the rotation initial table of FIG. 45, one-phase excitation and one interrupt for one interrupt after the end of the acceleration period TA are performed, as in the conventional rotation initial table. Two-phase excitation is repeated alternately. As shown in FIGS. 47, in the comparative tests A to D, an overshoot occurred in which the rotation speed of the left reel 32L increased to about 1.31 times (105 rpm) of the set value (80 rpm) at the initial stage of the constant speed rotation period TB1. .. As shown in FIG. 47, the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is set after the excitation period of the third two-phase excitation (the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation) after the acceleration period TA ends. The set value (80 rpm) is reached at a certain timing of t = 125 to 131 msec, and the excitation period of the seventh two-phase excitation (41st (switching order 41) two-phase excitation) after the acceleration period TA ends ends. The maximum value was reached at the timing of t = 138 to 141 msec. The convergence time TC required from the end of the acceleration period TA to the end of the damping vibration of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L until the rotation speed converges to the set value was about 246 msec (about 167 interrupts).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 46, in the second tests A to D carried out using the rotation initial table of FIG. 25, the rotation of the left reel 32L when an overshoot occurs after the end of the acceleration period TA. The speed was suppressed to about 1.04 times (83 rpm) of the set value (80 rpm). Further, the convergence time TC required from the end of the acceleration period TA to the convergence of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L to the set value has been shortened to about 111 msec (about 74 interrupts). When using the rotation initial table of FIG. 25, the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase is performed at the timing (t = 122 msec) immediately before the rotation speed of the left reel 32L first reaches the set value (80 rpm). Since the excitation period of excitation is as long as 2 interrupts instead of 1 interrupt, the acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is relaxed immediately before the overshoot occurs. As a result, the maximum value of the rotation speed reached when an overshoot occurs can be suppressed. Further, it is considered that the rotation speed can be quickly converged from the maximum value to the set value by reducing the difference between the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L and the set value (80 rpm) of the rotation speed. As a result, the convergence time TC was shortened.

<Evaluation when the initial excitation pattern of the constant speed rotation period TB1 is changed>
For the first embodiment, each rotation initial table as shown in FIGS. 25 and 48 to 55 is set, and in each case, using the excitation order table as shown in FIG. 22, FIGS. 26 to 30 are used. After performing the control process as shown in the above, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L and the convergence time TC required from the end of the acceleration period TA until the rotation speed of the left reel 32L converges to the set value (80 rpm). The length was evaluated. The result is shown in FIG. In FIG. 56, the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation corresponds to the case where the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. 25 is used, and the excitation pattern N at the initial stage of rotation corresponds to the case where the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. 48 is used. The initial excitation pattern O corresponds to the case where the rotation initial table shown in FIG. 49 is used, and the rotation initial excitation pattern P corresponds to the case where the rotation initial table shown in FIG. 50 is used. Q corresponds to the case where the rotation initial table shown in FIG. 51 is used, the excitation pattern R at the initial rotation corresponds to the case where the rotation initial table shown in FIG. 52 is used, and the excitation pattern S at the initial rotation corresponds to FIG. 53. The rotation initial excitation pattern T corresponds to the case where the rotation initial table shown in FIG. 54 is used, the rotation initial excitation pattern T corresponds to the case where the rotation initial table shown in FIG. 54 is used, and the rotation initial excitation pattern U shown in FIG. Applicable when using a table.

In the excitation pattern of the drive control using the rotation initial table of FIG. 48 corresponding to the excitation pattern N at the initial rotation, the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is not 2 interrupts but 3 interrupts. In some respects, it differs from the drive control excitation pattern using the rotation initialization table of FIG. 25, which corresponds to the rotation initial excitation pattern A, and in other respects, the drive control excitation pattern using the rotation initialization table of FIG. Is the same as. In the excitation pattern of the drive control using the rotation initial table of FIG. 49 corresponding to the excitation pattern O at the initial rotation, the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is 5 interrupts instead of 2 interrupts. In some respects, it differs from the drive control excitation pattern using the rotation initialization table of FIG. 25, which corresponds to the rotation initial excitation pattern A, and in other respects, the drive control excitation pattern using the rotation initialization table of FIG. Is the same as. In the excitation pattern of the drive control using the rotation initial table of FIG. 50 corresponding to the excitation pattern P at the initial rotation, the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is 12 interrupts instead of 2 interrupts. In some respects, it differs from the drive control excitation pattern using the rotation initialization table of FIG. 25, which corresponds to the rotation initial excitation pattern A, and in other respects, the drive control excitation pattern using the rotation initialization table of FIG. Is the same as.

In the excitation pattern of the drive control using the rotation initial table of FIG. 51 corresponding to the excitation pattern Q at the initial rotation, the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is not two interrupts but one interrupt. Drive control using the rotation initialization table of FIG. 25 corresponding to the excitation pattern A at the initial rotation in that the excitation period of the 32nd (switching order 32) one-phase excitation is not one interrupt but two interrupts. The other points are the same as the excitation pattern of the drive control using the rotation initialization table of FIG. 25, which is different from the excitation pattern of. In the excitation pattern of the drive control using the rotation initial table of FIG. 52 corresponding to the excitation pattern R at the initial rotation, the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is not two interrupts but one interrupt. Drive control using the rotation initialization table of FIG. 25 corresponding to the excitation pattern A at the initial rotation in that the excitation period of the 31st (switching order 31) two-phase excitation is not one interrupt but two interrupts. The other points are the same as the excitation pattern of the drive control using the rotation initialization table of FIG. 25, which is different from the excitation pattern of. In the excitation pattern of the drive control using the rotation initial table of FIG. 53 corresponding to the excitation pattern S at the initial rotation, the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is not two interrupts but one interrupt. Drive control using the rotation initialization table of FIG. 25 corresponding to the excitation pattern A at the initial rotation in that the excitation period of the 41st (switching order 41) two-phase excitation is not one interrupt but two interrupts. The other points are the same as the excitation pattern of the drive control using the rotation initialization table of FIG. 25, which is different from the excitation pattern of.

In the excitation pattern of the drive control using the rotation initial table of FIG. 54 corresponding to the excitation pattern T at the initial rotation, the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is not two interrupts but one interrupt. Drive control using the rotation initialization table of FIG. 25 corresponding to the excitation pattern A at the initial rotation in that the excitation period of the 67th (switching order 67) two-phase excitation is not one interrupt but two interrupts. The other points are the same as the excitation pattern of the drive control using the rotation initialization table of FIG. 25, which is different from the excitation pattern of. In the excitation pattern of the drive control using the rotation initial table of FIG. 55 corresponding to the excitation pattern U at the initial rotation, the excitation period of the 47th (switching order 47) two-phase excitation is not one interrupt but two interrupts. In some respects, it differs from the drive control excitation pattern using the rotation initialization table of FIG. 25, which corresponds to the rotation initial excitation pattern A, and in other respects, the drive control excitation pattern using the rotation initialization table of FIG. Is the same as.

As shown in FIG. 56, with respect to the excitation pattern P at the initial stage of rotation, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L was not reduced, and the convergence time TC was not shortened. Specifically, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L in the comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47) conducted using the rotation initial table of FIG. 45. The values were about the same, and the convergence time TC was about the same length as the convergence time TC in the comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47). In the test using the excitation pattern P at the initial stage of rotation, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R were greatly decelerated by maintaining the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation for 12 interrupts, and then the rotation speed was again increased. It is probable that the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L at the time of overshoot was not reduced because the acceleration inclination of the left reel 32L became steeper toward the set value (80 rpm). Further, the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation was maintained for 12 interrupts, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R were greatly decelerated, so that the timing at which the overshoot occurred was delayed, and the overshoot occurred. It is considered that the convergence time TC was not shortened because the maximum value of the rotation speed at the time was not sufficiently suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 56, with respect to the excitation pattern T at the initial stage of rotation, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L was not reduced, and the effect of shortening the convergence time TC was moderate. Specifically, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L was about the same as the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L in the comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47). Further, the convergence time TC is shorter than the convergence time TC in the comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47), and in the second tests A to D (see FIG. 46) performed using the rotation initial table of FIG. 25. Convergence time was longer than TC. The timing at which the 67th (switching order 67) two-phase excitation in the excitation pattern T (FIG. 54) at the initial stage of rotation is performed is the timing corresponding to t = 173 msec in FIG. 47. Regarding the excitation pattern T at the initial stage of rotation, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L when the overshoot occurs is not reduced because the timing when the excitation period of the two-phase excitation becomes two interrupts is after the occurrence of the overshoot. rice field. On the other hand, after the overshoot occurs, the rotation speed of the left reel 32L converges to the set value (80 rpm) during damping vibration, and the two-phase excitation is performed at the timing when the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is increasing. It is probable that the convergence time TC was shortened because the acceleration period of the left reel 32L was relaxed by 2 interruptions.

As shown in FIG. 56, with respect to the excitation pattern Q at the initial stage of rotation, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is moderately reduced, and the effect of shortening the convergence time TC is moderate. rice field. Specifically, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is smaller than the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L in the comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47), and the second tests A to D (see FIG. 46). ) Was larger than the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L. The convergence time TC was shorter than the convergence time TC in the comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47) and longer than the convergence time TC in the second tests A to D (see FIG. 46). Regarding the excitation pattern Q at the initial stage of rotation, the acceleration period of the one-phase excitation becomes two interrupts at the timing immediately before the rotation speed of the left reel 32L first reaches the set value (80 rpm), so that the acceleration inclination of the left reel 32L is increased. Was relaxed. However, the left reel 32L has a limited acceleration tilt mitigation effect due to the configuration in which the excitation period of the one-phase excitation, which has a smaller rotational torque than the two-phase excitation, is two interrupts. It is considered that the maximum value of the rotation speed of the reel 32L was moderately reduced. Further, it is considered that the convergence time TC was shortened because the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L was moderately reduced and the difference between the maximum value and the set value (80 rpm) became small. Be done.

Regarding the excitation pattern O at the initial stage of rotation, the maximum value of the rotation speed was reduced, and the effect of shortening the convergence time TC was moderate. Specifically, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L was about the same as the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L in the second tests A to D (see FIG. 46). The convergence time TC was shorter than the convergence time TC in the comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47) and longer than the convergence time TC in the second tests A to D (see FIG. 46). Further, regarding the excitation pattern S at the initial stage of rotation, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L was moderately reduced, and the convergence time TC was shortened. Specifically, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is smaller than the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L in the comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47), and the second tests A to D (see FIG. 46). ) Was larger than the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L. The convergence time TC was about the same length as the convergence time TC in the second tests A to D (see FIG. 46). In the case of the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern N at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern R at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern U at the initial stage of rotation, the maximum value of the rotation speed is reduced and the convergence time TC. The result was shortened. Specifically, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L was about the same as the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L in the second tests A to D (see FIG. 46). The convergence time TC was about the same length as the convergence time TC in the second tests A to D (see FIG. 46).

From the results of the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern N at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern O at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern R at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern S at the initial stage of rotation, the 31st (switching order 31) to the 41st (switching order). By setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at any timing of the switching order 41) to a period of 2 interrupts to 5 interrupts, the rotation speed of the left reel 32L can be quickly converged to the set value (80 rpm). I found that I could do it. After the end of the second acceleration period TA2, at the timing when the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is increasing toward the maximum value, the acceleration inclination of the left reel 32L is relaxed and the amplitude of the damped vibration of the rotation speed is reduced. It is considered that the convergence time TC has been shortened.

Of these, the 31st (switching order 31) to the 41st (switching order 41) from the results of the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern N at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern R at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern S at the initial stage of rotation. It was found that the convergence time TC can be effectively shortened by setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at any of the timings to the period of 2 interrupts to 3 interrupts.

Further, from the results of the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern N at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern O at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern R at the initial stage of rotation, the 31st (switching order 31) or 33rd (switching order 33). It was found that the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L can be effectively reduced and the convergence time TC can be shortened by setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at the timing to the period of 2 interrupts to 5 interrupts. rice field. After the end of the acceleration period TA, the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is reduced at the timing immediately before the rotation speed of the left reel 32L first reaches the set value (80 rpm), so that the maximum value of the rotation speed is effective. It is considered to have been reduced. Then, it is considered that the convergence time TC was shortened because the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L was reduced and the difference between the maximum value and the set value became small.

From the result of the excitation pattern U (FIG. 55) at the initial stage of rotation, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L can be set to a configuration in which a plurality (two) timings for setting the excitation period to a period longer than the period for one interrupt are set. It was found that the convergence time TC can be shortened as well as reduced. In the excitation pattern U at the initial stage of rotation, it is considered that the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is reduced because the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is two interrupts. Further, since the excitation period of the 47th (switching order 47) two-phase excitation is two interrupts, the acceleration gradient of the rotation speed is relaxed at the timing when the rotation speed is increasing during the damping vibration of the rotation speed. It is considered that the convergence time TC has been shortened.

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

In the first acceleration period TA1, a non-excitation period is set in which the stepping motor 33 is not excited at all. This makes it possible to prevent the rotational torque applied at the start of rotation from becoming too large.

Two-phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation (switching sequence 1) before the non-excitation period (switching sequence 2). By performing two-phase excitation having a stronger excitation force than one-phase excitation as the initial excitation, it is possible to apply the rotational torque required to start the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

After the non-excitation period (switching order 2), the same two-phase excitation as the initial excitation (switching order 1) is performed. As a result, while shortening the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the switching order 3, the initial rotational fluctuation disappears during the excitation period of the two-phase excitation (switching order 3), and the next one-phase excitation (switching order 4). It becomes possible to move to.

The excitation period of the two-phase excitation as the initial excitation is preferably a period of 1 interrupt to 4 interrupts, and more preferably a period of 1 interrupt to 2 interrupts. By setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation that is the initial excitation target to the period of 1 interrupt to 4 interrupts, the reel 32L is prevented from becoming too large in the rotational torque given at the initial rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. , 32M, 32R can be applied with the rotational torque required to start the rotation.

The non-excitation period (switching order 2) after the initial excitation (switching order 1) is preferably a period of 1 interrupt to 15 interrupts, and more preferably a period of 4 interrupts to 10 interrupts. Since a period of one interrupt or more is set as the non-excitation period, the initial rotational fluctuation can be suppressed. Further, since the non-excitation period is set to a period of 4 interrupts or more, the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be sufficiently loosened to reduce the initial rotational fluctuation. By setting a period of 4 interrupts to 10 interrupts as the non-excitation period, the first acceleration period TA1 can be shortened while making it possible to reduce the initial rotational fluctuation.

The excitation period of the two-phase excitation (switching sequence 3) after the non-excitation period (switching sequence 2) is preferably a period of 10 interrupts to 25 interrupts, and more preferably a period of 14 interrupts to 20 interrupts. Is. Since a period of 10 interrupts or more is set as the excitation period for the two-phase excitation in the switching order 3, the initial rotational fluctuation can be suppressed. Further, by setting a period of 14 interrupts or more as the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the switching order 3, it is possible to eliminate the initial rotational fluctuation. Since the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the switching order 3 is suppressed by 20 interrupts or less, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be accelerated at an early stage by shortening the first acceleration period TA1. It has become.

In the first acceleration period TA1, two-phase excitation is set as the initial excitation, the same two-phase excitation as the initial excitation is set in the third (switching order 3) and the fifth (switching order 5), and the second (switching order 5) is set. By setting the non-excitation period in the order 2) and the fourth (switching order 4), it is possible to prevent the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R from increasing too much during the first acceleration period TA1 and reduce the initial rotational fluctuation. Can be. This makes it possible to smoothly accelerate the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

In the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, one-phase excitation is performed after four-phase excitation is performed. Then, in the acceleration control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, two-phase excitation continuous with the one-phase excitation performed at the end of the stop control is performed as the initial excitation. Since the one-phase excitation performed at the end of the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R and the two-phase excitation performed in the next acceleration control have a continuous relationship, step-out occurs at the initial stage of rotation. This can be prevented and the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be smoothly accelerated.

Basically, in the constant speed rotation period TB1 in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are rotated at a constant speed by alternately repeating 1-phase excitation for 1 interrupt and 2-phase excitation for 1 interrupt, 1-phase excitation and 2-phase are performed. By setting the excitation period of a part of the excitation periods of the phase excitation to be longer than the period of one interrupt, the acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be relaxed and the maximum rotation speed can be relaxed. The value can be reduced. As a result, the convergence time TC required from the end of the second acceleration period TA2 until the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R converge to the set value can be shortened, and the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be shortened. Can be made smooth.

In the constant speed rotation period TB1, the acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is made efficient by setting the excitation period of some two-phase excitation, which has a larger rotational torque than the one-phase excitation, to be longer than one interrupt. And the maximum value of the rotation speed of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be reduced.

In the constant speed rotation period TB1, the timing for setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation to a period of two interrupts or more in order to alleviate the acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is the 31st (switching order 31) to the 41st (switching order). It is preferably any of the timings 41), and more preferably the 31st (switching order 31) or 33rd (switching order 33) timing. By setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at any of the 31st to 41st timings to a period of 2 interrupts to 5 interrupts, the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R after the end of the second acceleration period TA2. The rotational speed can be reduced to reduce the amplitude of the damped vibration of the rotational speed at the timing when is increasing toward the maximum value. This makes it possible to quickly converge the rotation speed to the set value (80 rpm). Further, by setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at the 31st or 33rd timing to the period of 2 interrupts to 5 interrupts, the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R first reach the set value (80 rpm). The reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be decelerated at the timing immediately before the operation to reduce the maximum value of the rotation speed. As a result, the transition from the acceleration period TA of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to the constant speed period TB can be made smooth, and the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be converged to the set value at an early stage. Can be done.

The excitation period of the two-phase excitation performed at any of the 31st (switching sequence 31) to 41st (switching sequence 41) is preferably a period of 2 interrupts to 5 interrupts, and more preferably 2 interrupts. It is a period of minutes to 3 interrupts. The convergence time TC is effective by setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation performed at any of the 31st (switching order 31) to 41st (switching order 41) to the period of 2 interrupts to 3 interrupts. Can be shortened to.

<Other Embodiments>
It should be noted that the description is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it may be changed as follows. Incidentally, the following configuration of another embodiment may be applied individually or in combination to the configuration of the above embodiment.

(1) The constant speed rotation period TB1 may be configured to have a processing configuration capable of grasping the timing at which the excitation period of the two-phase excitation is set to a period of two interrupts instead of one interrupt. Only the excitation pattern of the stepping motor 33 in the acceleration period TA (first acceleration period TA1 and second acceleration period TA2) is set in the rotation initial table in this configuration. Specifically, only the excitation patterns of the switching order 1 to the switching order 27 of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) in the first embodiment are set in the rotation initial table in this configuration.

In steps S902 to S904 of the rotation start process (FIG. 27), "27" is set in the rotation initial counter 74a of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. The main RAM 74 is provided with a period change counter that makes it possible to specify the timing for setting the period for two interrupts as the excitation period for the two-phase excitation in the constant speed rotation period TB1. The period change counter is provided so as to correspond one-to-one with each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. The main MPU 72 sets the period change counter to "6" when the value of the rotation initial counter 74a becomes "0" and the second acceleration period TA2 ends.

In the motor control process (FIG. 29), the main MPU 72 subtracts 1 from the period change counter value each time the phase excitation switching timing in the stepping motor 33 comes, and the period change counter value becomes “0”. Based on the above, it is specified that it is the timing to set the period for two interrupts as the excitation period for the two-phase excitation. The main MPU 72 sets "1" in the switching counter 74b when the value of the period change counter is 1 or more, or when the value of the period change counter is already "0". On the other hand, the main MPU 72 sets "2" in the switching counter 74b when the value of the period change counter after 1 subtraction becomes "0". As a result, the excitation period of the two-phase excitation performed at the same timing as the switching order 33 in the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 can be set to the period for two interrupts.

In this configuration, since the excitation pattern of the stepping motor 33 set in the rotation initialization table can be only the excitation pattern in the acceleration period TA, a storage for storing the rotation initialization table in the main ROM 73. The capacity can be reduced.

(2) In the first embodiment, the rotation torque is changed from the one-phase excitation between the first (switching order 1) and the third (switching order 3) of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) instead of the non-excitation period. The excitation period of 4-phase excitation, which is weak, may be set. In the first acceleration period TA1, two-phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation, and then the same two-phase excitation as the initial excitation is performed again with the excitation period of the four-phase excitation in between. It is possible to prevent the torque from becoming too large.

(3) Instead of the configuration in which the two-phase excitation is set as the initial excitation of the rotation initial table in the first embodiment, the rotation torque is smaller than the two-phase excitation but larger than the one-phase excitation. A configuration in which three-phase excitation is set may be used. For example, in the first acceleration period TA1, three-phase excitation may be performed as the initial excitation, and then the same three-phase excitation as the initial excitation may be performed again with a non-excitation period in between. Further, in the first acceleration period TA1, after three-phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation, the same three-phase excitation as the initial excitation is performed again with an excitation period of four-phase excitation having a smaller rotational torque than the one-phase excitation. It may be configured as such.

(4) In the first embodiment, the phase excitation performed before and after the non-excitation period of the first acceleration period TA1 is not limited to the same two-phase excitation. For example, a configuration may be configured in which two-phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation and then three-phase excitation is performed with a non-excitation period in between. The configuration may be such that phase excitation is performed.

(5) In the first embodiment, the configuration for reducing the maximum value of the rotation speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in the constant speed period TB is one-phase excitation over a period longer than the period for one interrupt. Alternatively, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which two-phase excitation is performed. Even if the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are configured to relax the acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R by performing 4-phase excitation, which has a weaker rotational torque than the 1-phase excitation, at the timing before the rotation speed of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R reaches the maximum value. Often, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R may be configured to relax the acceleration inclination in a non-excited state in which no excitation is temporarily performed on the stepping motor 33 at the timing.

(6) When the rotation control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is performed in the first embodiment, instead of the two-phase excitation, the rotation torque is smaller than the two-phase excitation, but the rotation torque is larger than the one-phase excitation. The configuration may be such that three-phase excitation is performed.

(7) In the middle of the second acceleration period TA2 in which the one-phase excitation and the two-phase excitation are alternately performed, the excitation period of the three-phase excitation or the four-phase excitation may be generated sporadically. Further, in the middle of the second acceleration period TA2, a non-excitation period in which no excitation is performed on the stepping motor 33 may occur sporadically.

(8) The timing for starting 4-phase excitation when a stop command is generated is not limited to the timing after 2-phase excitation is performed. For example, when a stop command is issued, the 4-phase excitation for stopping may be started after the 1-phase excitation is performed in the constant speed period TB, and when the stop command is generated, it is performed immediately before. The configuration may be such that 4-phase excitation is started regardless of the type of phase excitation.

(9) The stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is not limited to the configuration in which the stop control is terminated by performing 4-phase excitation and then 1-phase excitation. For example, when a stop command is generated, the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R may be terminated by performing only 4-phase excitation for a predetermined period.

(10) The content of the rotation control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R may be applied to a rotating body other than the reels 32L, 32M, 32R of the slot machine 10. For example, it may be applied as the content of acceleration control of a rotating body such as a drum provided in a pachinko machine, and in a configuration in which a moving object imitating a playing card is provided as a rotating body for production, acceleration control of the moving object is provided. It may be applied as the content of.

(11) The content of the acceleration control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R may be used as the content of the acceleration control when the reels 32L, 32M, 32R stop once after the rotation starts and then start the rotation. Further, it may be used as the content of acceleration control when the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are not completely stopped and the rotation is started from the situation where the reels are slightly oscillating.

(12) The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the number of effective lines is only one of the main line ML, and the configuration may be such that the number of effective lines is two, three, or four or more. In this case, the number of effective lines may increase as the number of bet game media increases, or the maximum number of effective lines may be set regardless of the number of bet game media.

(13) The type of information transmitted from the main MPU 72 to the directing MPU 82 is not limited to that in the first embodiment, and for example, when a prize corresponding to the granting of the game medium is established, the prize is won. Information on the number of game media given by the player may be transmitted from the main MPU 72 to the effect MPU 82. In this case, the information on the number of game media given by the winning can be notified by the image display device 63 or the like. Further, even if all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are not stopped, when the rotation of some reels 32L, 32M, 32R is stopped or stopped, the corresponding information is provided on the main side. It may be configured to be transmitted from the MPU 72 to the production side MPU 82. In this case, the image display device 63 or the like can perform an effect corresponding to the rotation status of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

(14) In the first embodiment, the privilege of paying out medals when a small winning combination is established is given, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and some privilege is given to the player. Any configuration may be used. For example, a prize other than a medal may be paid out when a small winning combination is established. Further, in a slot machine that does not have an actual medal insertion or medal payout function and manages medals owned by a player by credit, an increase in credited medals corresponds to granting a privilege.

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

(16) The design of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is not limited to a picture, a number, a character, etc., but may be a geometric line, a figure, or the like. Further, the design can be composed of light, color, or the like, the design can be composed of a three-dimensional shape or the like, and the design can be composed even if these are combined. That is, the design may have a function as information having distinctiveness.

(17) In the first embodiment described above, a specific example of the slot machine 10 is shown, but the slot machine may be applied to a pachinko machine in which a game is played by using a game ball as a game medium. It may be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a pachinko machine are fused.

<About the invention group extracted from each of the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the characteristics of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing the effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for the sake of easy understanding, the corresponding configurations in each of the above embodiments are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the parentheses or the like.

<Characteristic A group>
Features A1. Circulators (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) and
A driving means (stepping motor 33) for rotating the orbiting body and
A drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means (a function of executing a rotation start process (FIG. 27) and a stepping motor control process (FIG. 28) on the main MPU 72) and
With
The driving means is a stepping motor that rotates the orbiting body by being excited.
The drive control means performs predetermined drive control (drive control of the acceleration period TA) for exciting the drive means to accelerate the rotation of the orbiting body (steps S1101 to S1107 and steps S1101 to step S1107 in the main MPU 72). It has a function to execute the process of S1109 and a function to execute the process of steps S1201 to S1208 in the main MPU 72).
The predetermined drive control means is a gaming machine characterized in that a non-excitation period in which no excitation is performed on the drive means is generated in the middle of an acceleration period in which the predetermined drive control is performed.

According to the feature A1, by generating the non-excitation period in the middle of the acceleration period in which the predetermined drive control is performed, it is possible to prevent the exciting force applied to the drive means from becoming too strong at the initial stage of rotation. As a result, it is possible to reduce the initial rotational fluctuation of the orbiting body, and it is possible to smoothly accelerate the orbiting body.

Feature A2. The gaming machine according to feature A1, wherein the predetermined drive control means generates the non-excitation period after performing predetermined phase excitation (two-phase excitation) on the drive means as initial excitation.

According to the feature A2, since the non-excitation period is set at an early timing after the initial excitation, it is possible to prevent the exciting force applied to the driving means at the initial stage of rotation from becoming too strong at an early stage. ..

Feature A3. The period during which the predetermined drive control means performs the predetermined phase excitation on the drive means as the initial excitation is a period of four times or less (a period of four interrupts or less) of the shortest period in which the drive means can be excited. The gaming machine according to feature A2, which is characterized in that it has a period of about 6.0 msec or less).

According to the feature A3, the rotational torque applied to the orbiting body at the initial stage of rotation becomes too large by setting the exciting period of the predetermined phase excitation performed as the initial excitation to be 4 times or less of the shortest period in the exciting period. This can be prevented and the time required for the predetermined drive control can be shortened.

Feature A4. The predetermined drive control means performs a predetermined phase excitation (two-phase excitation) on the drive means for a first period as initial excitation, then generates the non-excitation period for a second period, and then generates the non-excitation period. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A3, wherein the driving means is subjected to the same predetermined phase excitation as the initial excitation for a third period.

According to the feature A4, the first period is set by setting a non-excitation period between the predetermined phase excitation performed over the first period and the predetermined phase excitation performed over the third period as the initial excitation. The initial rotational sway of the orbiting body can be made smaller and the initial rotational sway is eliminated as compared with the configuration in which the predetermined phase excitation is continuously performed over the total period of the third period and the third period. The time required for this can be shortened.

Further, since the same predetermined phase excitation as the initial excitation is performed after the non-excitation period, the initial rotational fluctuation is eliminated during the predetermined phase excitation over the third period, and the next You can move on to phase excitation. As a result, the orbiting body can be smoothly accelerated.

Feature A5. The second period is characterized by being four times or more the shortest period (a period of four interrupts or more and a period of about 6.0 msec or more) in a period during which the driving means can be excited. The gaming machine described in A4.

According to the feature A5, by setting the non-excitation period to a period of 4 times or more of the shortest period in which the excitable period can be excited, the predetermined phase excitation over the third period is started in a state where the rotation speed of the orbiting body is sufficiently suppressed. can do. As a result, the initial rotational sway of the orbiting body can be reduced, and the orbiting body can be preferably accelerated.

Feature A6. The third period is characterized in that it is 10 times or more the shortest period (a period of 10 interrupts or more and a period of about 14.9 msec or more) in a period in which the driving means can be excited. The gaming machine according to A4 or A5.

According to the feature A6, by setting the exciting period of the predetermined phase excitation performed after the non-excited period to be 10 times or more the shortest period in the exciting period, the initial rotational sway of the orbiting body during the third period. Can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent apparent shaking at the initial stage of rotation of the orbiting body, and it is possible to prevent step-out from occurring. Therefore, the initial acceleration of the orbiting body can be made smooth.

Feature A7. The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A6, wherein the predetermined phase excitation is two-phase excitation.

The exciting force of two-phase excitation is stronger than the exciting force of one-phase excitation, three-phase excitation and four-phase excitation. In this case, by providing the configuration of any one of the above features A2 to A6 and performing two-phase excitation having a relatively strong exciting force as the initial excitation, the strength is sufficient to start the rotation of the orbiting body. The exciting force can be applied to the driving means at the initial stage of rotation. Further, by generating a non-excitation period after the two-phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation, it is possible to prevent the exciting force applied to the driving means at the initial stage of rotation from becoming too strong and the initial rotational fluctuation becoming large. can.

Feature A8. The drive control means
A predetermined rotation control (drive control for a constant speed period TB) in which a specific phase excitation (one-phase excitation) having a weaker excitation force than the predetermined phase excitation and the predetermined phase excitation are alternately performed is performed on the drive means. Rotation control means (a function of executing the processing of steps S1101 to S1109 in the main MPU 72, a function of executing the processing of steps S1201 to S1208 in the main MPU 72), and
Based on the occurrence of a predetermined trigger during the predetermined rotation control, the predetermined phase excitation and the special phase excitation (four-phase excitation) having a weaker excitation force than the specific phase excitation are performed, and then the specific phase excitation is performed. Predetermined braking means for performing predetermined braking control (stop control) (function of executing the processing of steps S110 to S1115 in the main MPU 72) and
The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A7, characterized in that

According to the feature A8, the initial excitation in the predetermined drive control can be set to the predetermined phase excitation having a continuous relationship with the specific phase excitation last performed in the predetermined braking control. As a result, acceleration at the initial stage of rotation of the orbiting body can be made smooth while preventing step-out from occurring at the initial stage of rotation of the orbiting body.

Feature A9. The drive control means
After the predetermined drive control, a predetermined phase excitation (two-phase excitation) having a relatively strong exciting force and a specific phase excitation (one-phase excitation) having a relatively weak excitation force are excited with respect to the driving means. Function to execute the processing of steps S1101 to S1109 in the predetermined rotation control means (main side MPU 72) that performs the predetermined rotation control (drive control of the constant speed period TB) so that the periods are alternately performed so as to be a predetermined period. , Function to execute the processing of steps S1201 to S1208 in the main MPU 72)
While the predetermined rotation control is being performed by the predetermined rotation control means, the process of step S1107 in the specific setting means (main side MPU 72) for setting at least one excitation period to a specific period longer than the predetermined period is executed. Function to do) and
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A8, characterized in that

According to the feature A9, in the predetermined rotation control in which the predetermined phase excitation over the predetermined period and the specific phase excitation over the predetermined period are basically performed alternately, the specific period is set as at least one excitation period. The rotation speed of the orbiting body can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the rotation speed of the orbiting body in a situation where the rotation speed of the orbiting body is increasing or the rotation speed of the orbiting body exceeds the set value, and the rotation speed of the orbiting body can be increased at an early stage. It becomes possible to converge.

Feature A10. The gaming machine according to feature A9, wherein the predetermined period is the shortest period (a period for one interrupt, which is a period of about 1.5 msec) in a period in which the driving means can be excited.

According to the feature A10, since the predetermined period is the shortest period in the period in which excitation is possible, the rotation speed of the orbiting body can be converged at an early stage in the predetermined rotation control.

Feature A11. The specific setting means is the seventh predetermined phase excitation (41st (41st (41st (41st (41st))) from the timing when the second predetermined phase excitation (31st (switching order 31) two-phase excitation) is performed after the start of the predetermined rotation control. The gaming machine according to feature A9 or A10, wherein at least one excitation period until the timing at which the two-phase excitation) of the switching order 41) is performed is set to the specific period.

According to the feature A11, the maximum value of the rotation speed can be reduced by reducing the rotation speed of the orbiting body before the timing when the rotation speed of the orbiting body reaches the maximum value. As a result, it is possible to prevent the rotation speed of the orbiting body from increasing too much and to smoothly rotate the orbiting body. In addition, the time required for the rotation speed of the orbiting body to converge can be shortened.

Feature A12. The gaming machine according to any one of features A9 to A11, wherein the target for which the specific setting means sets the specific period as the excitation period is the predetermined phase excitation.

According to the feature A12, by setting a specific period as the excitation period of the predetermined phase excitation having a stronger exciting force than the specific phase excitation, as compared with the configuration of setting the specific period as the excitation period of the predetermined phase excitation. , The rotation speed of the orbiting body can be effectively reduced in a short time. This makes it possible to quickly converge the rotation speed while continuing the smooth rotation of the orbiting body.

Feature A13. The specific period is a period of 5 times or less of the shortest period in the period in which the driving means can be excited (a period of 5 interrupts or less and a period of about 7.5 msec or less). The gaming machine according to any one of A12.

According to the feature A13, the rotation speed of the orbiting body is reduced by setting a period of 5 times or less of the shortest period in the period that can be excited as the excitation period of at least one phase excitation of the specific phase excitation and the predetermined phase excitation. With the configuration, it is possible to prevent the rotation speed of the orbiting body from being too low and the time required for the rotation speed to converge to be extended.

Feature A14. The gaming machine according to any one of features A9 to A13, wherein the predetermined phase excitation is a two-phase excitation, and the specific phase excitation is a one-phase excitation.

According to the feature A14, in a predetermined rotation control in which one-phase excitation for a predetermined period and two-phase excitation for a predetermined period are basically alternately performed, at least one phase excitation of one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation is performed. It is possible to reduce the rotation speed of the orbiting body by setting a specific period longer than a predetermined period as the excitation period of. This makes it possible to quickly converge the rotation speed of the orbiting body.

It should be noted that one or more of the features A1 to A14 and the features B1 to B6 may be applied to the configurations of the features A1 to A14. This makes it possible to produce a synergistic effect due to the combined configuration.

According to the invention according to the above-mentioned feature A group, the following problems can be solved.

As a game machine that uses the orbiting body, for example, there is a slot machine. The slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols assigned to the outer peripheral portion, and a part of the symbols assigned to each reel can be visually recognized through a display unit. Then, when the player inserts a medal and operates the start lever, each reel starts rotating, and after each reel starts rotating, each reel is sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, a lottery is performed inside the slot machine on the condition that a medal is inserted and the start lever is operated, and the winning symbol is stopped on the valid line set in advance and the result of the lottery is won. Benefits such as a predetermined number of medals being paid out and a predetermined game that is advantageous to the player are given on condition that the player is allowed to play the game.

Further, as the gaming machine that uses the reel as the orbiting body as described above, it is possible to perform the same game as the slot machine by using the gaming ball instead of the medal as the gaming medium in addition to the slot machine. A game machine can be mentioned. In addition, there is also a pachinko machine that uses the above-mentioned orbiting body in order to provide the player with an effect according to the result of the internal lottery.

A stepping motor is generally used as a driving means for orbiting the orbiting body as described above. In this case, when the lap start condition is satisfied, the driving by the stepping motor is started, and the speed shifts to the constant speed period after the acceleration period. Then, after this constant speed period is continued for a predetermined period, it is stopped based on the establishment of the lap stop condition.

Here, in a gaming machine such as the above example, it is necessary to preferably perform rotation control of the orbiting body, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

<Characteristic B group>
Feature B1. Circulators (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) and
A driving means (stepping motor 33) for rotating the orbiting body and
A drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means (a function of executing a rotation start process (FIG. 27) and a stepping motor control process (FIG. 28) on the main MPU 72) and
With
The driving means is a stepping motor that rotates the orbiting body by being excited.
The drive control means
With respect to the driving means, a predetermined phase excitation (two-phase excitation) having a relatively strong exciting force and a specific phase excitation (one-phase excitation) having a relatively weak excitation force have respective excitation periods as predetermined periods. Predetermined rotation control means (function of executing the processes of steps S1101 to S1109 in the main MPU 72, step S1201 in the main MPU 72) for performing predetermined rotation control (drive control of the constant speed period TB) so as to be alternately performed. ~ Function to execute the process of step S1208) and
While the predetermined rotation control is being performed by the predetermined rotation control means, the process of step S1107 in the specific setting means (main side MPU 72) for setting at least one excitation period to a specific period longer than the predetermined period is executed. Function to do) and
A gaming machine characterized by being equipped with.

According to the feature B1, basically, in the predetermined rotation control in which the predetermined phase excitation over the predetermined period and the specific phase excitation over the predetermined period are alternately performed, the specific period is set as at least one excitation period. The rotation speed of the orbiting body can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the rotation speed of the orbiting body in a situation where the rotation speed of the orbiting body is increasing or the rotation speed of the orbiting body exceeds the set value, and the rotation speed of the orbiting body can be increased at an early stage. It is possible to converge to the set value.

Feature B2. The gaming machine according to feature B1, wherein the predetermined period is the shortest period (a period for one interrupt, which is a period of about 1.5 msec) in a period in which the driving means can be excited.

According to the feature B2, since the predetermined period is the shortest period in the period in which excitation is possible, the rotation speed of the orbiting body can be converged at an early stage in the predetermined rotation control.

Feature B3. The drive control means performs predetermined drive control (drive control of the acceleration period TA) for exciting the drive means to accelerate the rotation of the orbiting body (steps S1101 to S1107 and steps S1101 to step S1107 in the main MPU 72). It has a function to execute the process of S1109 and a function to execute the process of steps S1201 to S1208 in the main MPU 72).
The predetermined rotation control means performs the predetermined rotation control after the predetermined drive control.
The specific setting means is the seventh predetermined phase excitation (41st (41st (41st (41st (41st))) from the timing when the second predetermined phase excitation (31st (switching order 31) two-phase excitation) is performed after the start of the predetermined rotation control. The gaming machine according to feature B1 or B2, wherein at least one excitation period until the timing at which the two-phase excitation) of the switching order 41) is performed is set to the specific period.

According to the feature B3, the maximum value of the rotation speed can be reduced by reducing the rotation speed of the orbiting body before the timing when the rotation speed of the orbiting body reaches the maximum value. As a result, it is possible to prevent the rotation speed of the orbiting body from increasing too much and to smoothly rotate the orbiting body. In addition, the time required for the rotation speed of the orbiting body to converge can be shortened.

Feature B4. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B3, wherein the target for which the specific setting means sets the specific period as the excitation period is the predetermined phase excitation.

According to the feature B4, by setting a specific period as the excitation period of the predetermined phase excitation having a stronger exciting force than the specific phase excitation, as compared with the configuration of setting the specific period as the excitation period of the predetermined phase excitation. , The rotation speed of the orbiting body can be effectively reduced in a short time. This makes it possible to quickly converge the rotation speed while continuing the smooth rotation of the orbiting body.

Feature B5. The specific period is a period of 5 times or less of the shortest period in the period in which the driving means can be excited (a period of 5 interrupts or less and a period of about 7.5 msec or less). The gaming machine according to any one of B4 and B4.

According to the feature B5, the rotation speed of the orbiting body is reduced by setting a period of 5 times or less of the shortest period in the period that can be excited as the excitation period of at least one phase excitation of the specific phase excitation and the predetermined phase excitation. With the configuration, it is possible to prevent the rotation speed of the orbiting body from being too low and the time required for the rotation speed to converge to be extended.

Feature B6. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B5, wherein the predetermined phase excitation is a two-phase excitation, and the specific phase excitation is a one-phase excitation.

According to feature B6, in a predetermined rotation control in which one-phase excitation for a predetermined period and two-phase excitation for a predetermined period are basically alternately performed, at least one phase excitation of one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation is performed. It is possible to reduce the rotation speed of the orbiting body by setting a specific period longer than a predetermined period as the excitation period of. This makes it possible to quickly converge the rotation speed of the orbiting body.

It should be noted that one or more of the features A1 to A14 and the features B1 to B6 may be applied to the configurations of the features B1 to B6. This makes it possible to produce a synergistic effect due to the combined configuration.

According to the invention according to the above-mentioned feature B group, the following problems can be solved.

As a game machine that uses the orbiting body, for example, there is a slot machine. The slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols assigned to the outer peripheral portion, and a part of the symbols assigned to each reel can be visually recognized through a display unit. Then, when the player inserts a medal and operates the start lever, each reel starts rotating, and after each reel starts rotating, each reel is sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, a lottery is performed inside the slot machine on the condition that a medal is inserted and the start lever is operated, and the winning symbol is stopped on the valid line set in advance and the result of the lottery is won. Benefits such as a predetermined number of medals being paid out and a predetermined game that is advantageous to the player are given on condition that the player is allowed to play the game.

Further, as the gaming machine that uses the reel as the orbiting body as described above, it is possible to perform the same game as the slot machine by using the gaming ball instead of the medal as the gaming medium in addition to the slot machine. A game machine can be mentioned. In addition, there is also a pachinko machine that uses the above-mentioned orbiting body in order to provide the player with an effect according to the result of the internal lottery.

A stepping motor is generally used as a driving means for orbiting the orbiting body as described above. In this case, when the lap start condition is satisfied, the driving by the stepping motor is started, and the speed shifts to the constant speed period after the acceleration period. Then, after this constant speed period is continued for a predetermined period, it is stopped based on the establishment of the lap stop condition.

Here, in a gaming machine such as the above example, it is necessary to preferably perform rotation control of the orbiting body, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

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

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

Rotating machine such as a slot machine: Equipped with a picture display device that variably displays a plurality of pictures, the variable display of the plurality of pictures is started due to the operation of the start operation means, and is caused by the operation of the stop operation means. A gaming machine in which the variable display of the plurality of symbols is stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time, and a privilege is given to the player according to the symbols after the stop.

10 ... Slot machine, 32L, 32M, 32R ... Reel, 33 ... Stepping motor, 72 ... Main MPU, TA1 ... 1st acceleration period, TA2 ... 2nd acceleration period, TB ... Constant speed period.

Claims (1)

Orbiter and
The driving means for rotating the orbiting body and
A drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means,
With
The driving means is a stepping motor that rotates the orbiting body by being excited.
The drive control means includes a predetermined drive control means that performs a predetermined drive control for exciting the drive means and accelerating the rotation of the orbiting body.
The predetermined drive control means is a gaming machine characterized in that a non-excitation period in which no excitation is performed on the drive means is generated in the middle of an acceleration period in which the predetermined drive control is performed.

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