JP4729341B2 - Amusement stand - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine (pachislot machine) and a pachinko machine, and more particularly to a technique that can be suitably used for reel control of a gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine determines whether or not a prize is won by an internal lottery performed inside the gaming machine, and the variable display device is controlled so that a display result corresponding to the lottery result is obtained. A typical example of the variable display device is a swivel type variable display device that displays a variable pattern by rotating a reel having a plurality of types of patterns around it.

  Since the rotary type variable display device needs to be controlled to stop at a stop position corresponding to the internal lottery result, a stepping motor is generally used. In particular, a two-phase unipolar stepping motor is used as a mainstream (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The two-phase unipolar stepping motor has two excitation windings around the rotor of the magnet that rotates with the rotating shaft, supplies power from the middle of each excitation winding, and supplies current to either the left or right side of the excitation winding. The excitation coil on the energized side is excited to flow, and the rotor is rotated by switching the excitation timing of a total of four excitation windings at a predetermined timing.

  In addition, for a slot machine that is controlled to stop a reel within a certain time by a player's stop operation, the stepping motor is suddenly turned on by exciting all the excitation windings when the reel is stopped. A method of stopping and stopping the reel has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-48141 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-32145

  However, in the game machine using the above-described unipolar stepping motor, only half of the excitation winding is excited during driving, so that the ratio of the output to the weight of the excitation winding of the motor body is small and sufficient driving torque is obtained. If it tried to do so, there was a problem that the motor had to be enlarged.

  Even for a large motor, the maximum driving force is required only from the start of rotation until it reaches a certain rotational speed and until the reel that rotates at a constant speed is stopped. Yes, if it is rotating at a constant rotational speed, less driving force is required. However, in the gaming machine using the unipolar stepping motor described above, there is a problem that the motor generates heat more than necessary because excitation by the supply current is performed regardless of the reel rotation state.

  In addition, when the reel is stopped, the stepping motor is suddenly stopped by exciting all of the respective excitation windings, and in the method of stopping the reel, the reel can be stopped suddenly by performing all-phase excitation. In the case of a unipolar stepping motor, even if excitation is applied to all phases, the direction of the current flowing in the excitation windings conflicts, so that a sufficient braking force cannot be obtained, resulting in slipping of several steps. It was. The amount of slippage is approximately a fixed amount depending on the combination of the size of the stepping motor and the inertia of the reel, but there is a variation of about one step, so which excitation winding should be used to start excitation at the next game start? There was a problem that I didn't understand. For this reason, when the reel rotation is started in the next game, there is a problem that the reel rotation cannot be started smoothly if the excitation patterns do not match.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game table capable of suppressing the heat generation of the motor to a minimum while obtaining sufficient driving force and braking force. .

  In order to achieve the above object, a game machine according to the present invention is configured as follows.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a bipolar stepping motor that rotates the reel, a motor driver that controls the bipolar stepping motor by supplying an excitation current corresponding to a control signal to the bipolar stepping motor, And a game control unit that outputs the control signal for controlling the rotation of the reel to the motor driver.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, since the rotation of the reel is controlled using the bipolar stepping motor, a sufficient driving torque and static torque can be obtained efficiently.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention further comprises storage means for storing a plurality of circuit control pattern data for instructing the magnitude and direction of the excitation current flowing in the coils of each phase of the bipolar stepping motor, and the game control unit May be configured to output the control signal with reference to circuit control pattern data sequentially selected from a plurality of circuit control pattern data stored in the storage means. Thus, since the bipolar stepping motor is driven to rotate based on the rotation control pattern data, the reel can be easily controlled for rotation.

  Furthermore, the circuit control pattern data may include at least two types of circuit control pattern data having different magnitudes of the excitation current. As a result, circuit control pattern data having different excitation current levels can be selected as appropriate in accordance with the reel rotation control state, so that motor heat generation can be suppressed while sufficient driving force and braking force are obtained. .

  The circuit control pattern data may further include circuit control pattern data that does not allow the exciting current to flow in each phase coil. Thereby, the heat generation of the motor can be further suppressed.

  As an example, the rotation control state of the reel includes an acceleration control state in which rotation of the reel is accelerated on the condition of a start operation from the stop state of the reel, a constant speed control state in which the rotation speed of the reel is constant, A pull-in control state in which the rotation speed is kept constant up to the reel stop position on condition of a stop operation, and a brake control state in which the rotation of the reel is stopped at the reel stop position, and the game control unit includes: It is desirable to select the circuit control pattern data according to the rotation control state. Thereby, fine rotation control according to each state of the acceleration control state, the constant speed control state, the pull-in control state, and the brake control state can be realized.

  In this case, the game control unit selects the first circuit control pattern data having the largest magnitude of the excitation current at least in the acceleration control state and the brake control state, and in the constant speed control state. The second circuit control pattern data having a smaller magnitude of the exciting current than the first circuit control pattern data may be selected. As a result, a strong excitation drive current is used for acceleration control states that require a large driving force and a brake control state that requires a large braking force, and weak excitation driving for a constant speed state that does not require much driving force. Since current is used, efficient rotation control can be performed.

  Furthermore, the game control unit may select the second control pattern data when a predetermined time has elapsed after the rotation of the reels is stopped. Thereby, during the stop control after the brake control, the heat generation of the motor can be suppressed by using the weakly excited drive current.

  In addition, the game control unit stores the selected second control pattern data after stopping the reel rotation. In the next game, the game control unit sequentially stores the rotation control pattern data from the stored second control pattern data. You may make it select. Thereby, even in the next game, the rotation of the reel can be controlled smoothly from the rotation control pattern data at the time of stop.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a reel having a plurality of types of patterns around it, a bipolar stepping motor that rotates the reel, and an excitation according to a first control signal that controls the rotation of the reel. A current is supplied to the bipolar stepping motor to control the bipolar stepping motor, a second pulse signal obtained by dividing the first pulse signal for controlling the progress of the game, and the excitation current A motor driver that generates the first control signal on the basis of a second control signal including information on the energization state, the magnitude of the excitation current, and whether or not the second pulse signal is generated, and outputs the first control signal to the motor driver A control unit, and a game control unit that outputs the first pulse signal, the divided value, and the second control signal to the motor driver control unit; The basic configuration in that it has.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, since the rotation of the reel is controlled using the bipolar stepping motor, a sufficient driving torque and static torque can be obtained efficiently. In addition, since the rotation of the reel is controlled using the second pulse signal obtained by dividing the first pulse signal that controls the progress of the game, various rotation speeds can be set, and more flexible acceleration / deceleration control and stop control. Can be realized.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention further uses first storage means for storing a combination of each element of the second control signal as rotation control data, the divided value, and the divided value. And second storage means for storing rotational speed data combined with a time for outputting the second pulse signal, and the game control unit includes the rotation control data stored in the first storage means, The frequency dividing value and the second control signal may be output to the motor driver control unit with reference to the rotation speed data stored in the second storage unit. Thus, since the bipolar stepping motor is driven to rotate based on the rotation control data and the rotation speed data, the rotation of the reel can be easily controlled.

  As an example, the rotation control state of the reel includes an acceleration control state in which rotation of the reel is accelerated on the condition of a start operation from the stop state of the reel, a constant speed control state in which the rotation speed of the reel is constant, A pull-in control state in which the rotation speed is kept constant up to the reel stop position on condition of a stop operation, and a brake control state in which the rotation of the reel is stopped at the reel stop position, and the game control unit includes: It is desirable that the rotation control data and the rotation speed data are selected according to a rotation control state, and the frequency division value and the second control signal are output to the motor driver control unit. Thereby, fine rotation control according to each state of the acceleration control state, the constant speed control state, the pull-in control state, and the brake control state can be realized.

  In this case, the pull-in control state includes a first state in which the rotation speed of the reel in the constant speed control state is maintained, and a second state in which the rotation speed of the reel is accelerated / decelerated after the first state. And the game control unit distributes the time between the first state and the second state and the acceleration / deceleration in the second state according to the amount of reel movement from the stop operation to the stop. The rate may be determined. As a result, the optimum pull-in control according to the amount of reel movement from the time of pull-in stop operation to the stop is possible, so that it is possible to perform stop control with an amount of reel movement greater than the conventional one.

  Furthermore, the game control unit may output the second control signal having a magnitude of the excitation current larger than that in the constant speed control state at least in the acceleration control state and the brake control state. . As a result, a strong excitation drive current is used for acceleration control states that require a large driving force and a brake control state that requires a large braking force, and weak excitation driving for a constant speed state that does not require much driving force. Since current is used, efficient rotation control can be performed.

  The game control unit may control the motor driver control unit to delay the output of the first second pulse signal for a predetermined time. As a result, the game control unit can control the motor driver control unit more stably.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game stand which provides the game stand which can suppress the heat_generation | fever of a motor to the minimum can be provided, obtaining sufficient drive force and braking force.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
The slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized by reel control, and specifically, reel control is performed using a bipolar stepping motor.

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the slot machine 100, a game is started when a medal is inserted, and a medal is paid out according to the result of the game.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the center of the slot machine 100, a cylindrical shape in which a plurality of types of patterns (“7”, “Bar”, “Bell”, “Watermelon”, etc .: not shown) are arranged on the outer peripheral surface) is arranged. Three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) are accommodated and configured to be rotatable inside the main body 201. Handles 201 c are provided on both sides of the main body 201 and are used when the slot machine 100 is transported.

  The front door 101 is provided with a reel display window 113. When the reels 110 to 112 are viewed from the front, three patterns applied to the reels 110 to 112 are visible from the reel display window 113 in the vertical direction. That is, when all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the player can see a total of nine patterns of 3 × 3. As these reels 110 to 112 rotate and stop, various combinations of patterns are displayed. In the present embodiment, three reels are provided, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  On the back side of each of the reels 110 to 112, a backlight (not shown) for illuminating each picture displayed on the reel display window 113 is disposed. The backlight is capable of emitting light of, for example, seven colors (three primary colors of red, green, and bluish purple and a mixed color such as white) and includes an LED corresponding to each primary color. Is done.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating a winning line 114 that is valid for each game. The effective winning line 114 changes depending on the number of game media (in this embodiment, medals are assumed) inserted into the slot machine 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in the case of having five winning lines 114, when one medal is inserted, the middle horizontal winning line, when two medals are inserted, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are shown. When 3 sheets are added, 3 lines are added, and 5 lines including 2 diagonal lines are valid, and the winning combination is judged by the combination of the patterns on the effective line 114. It becomes. Of course, the number of winning lines is not limited to five.

  The start lamp 121 is a lamp that informs the player that the reels 110 to 112 are in a state of being able to rotate. When the replay lamp 122 wins a replay that is a winning combination (for example, when a combination of Rep-Rep-Rep replay pictures is aligned on the winning line 114), the next game is replayed to the player. It is a lamp that informs that it is. In the case of a re-game, the medal that is a game medium is exempted in the next game. The notification lamp 123 is a lamp for notifying the player that a special winning combination (for example, a big bonus (BB) or a regular bonus (RB)) has been won internally. The medal insertion lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that it is necessary to insert a medal at the start of the game. The medal insertion number display lamp 125 is a lamp for displaying the number of medals inserted by the player. In the present embodiment, since up to three medals can be inserted in one game, the number of medals inserted is displayed using three vertically arranged lamps. Of course, in addition to displaying with a lamp, the number of medals inserted directly may be displayed on a 7-segment display or the like.

  The payout number display unit 126 is a display unit that displays the number of medals to be paid out to the player when winning a winning combination with a medal payout. The number-of-games display 127 is a display for displaying the number of base games in the big bonus game. The stored number display 128 is a display that displays the number of medals stored electronically (credited).

  The medal insertion buttons 131 and 132 are insertion buttons for electronically inserting the stored medals into the slot machine 100, and are so-called bet buttons. In the present embodiment, there is a maximum medal insertion button 131 (so-called “max bet button”) and a one-medal insertion button 132 (so-called one-bet button) that inserts one medal every time the button is pressed. By pressing one of the buttons, 1 to 3 medals necessary for the game are electronically inserted into the slot machine 100. When inserting two medals, the one-medal insertion button 131 is pressed twice. The number of inserted medals is subtracted from the current stored number, and the remaining number is displayed on the stored number display 128.

  The medal slot block 133 has an opening through which a player directly inserts medals when starting a game. When a medal is directly inserted, if a medal is jammed in a medal selector unit (not shown) immediately below the medal insertion slot, the clogging of the medal is eliminated by operating the medal cancel switch 134a. The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch that starts the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with three stop buttons. Each stop button is a button type switch that stops the corresponding reel 110 to 112 when pressed. Each stop button is provided with a lamp (not shown). After the start lever 135 is operated, all the lamps are turned on when the reels 110 to 112 can be stopped. Notify that the stop operation has become possible. Each stop button lamp is turned off each time the stop button is pressed. Of course, it is also possible to change the light emission color of the lamp between the stop operation enabled state and other states.

  The settlement button 138 is a button that is pressed when performing a settlement process in which the medals acquired by the player are settled and discharged. The checkout button 138 is used to switch whether or not to store up to a maximum of 50 medals acquired by winning or winning a predetermined number (for example, three) of medals inserted from the medal slot block 133 by the player. For example, when the settlement button is pressed once and the settlement process is performed, the non-storage mode is set, and when the settlement button is pressed again, the storage mode is set. Here, storing medals means temporarily storing the number of medals temporarily in a control unit (to be described later) without directly paying out medals.

  The key hole 139 is a hole into which a door opening / closing key is inserted. When the key is inserted and turned clockwise, the lock is released and the front door 101 of the slot machine 100 can be opened. The title panel 140 is a panel on which the model name of the slot machine and various designs are drawn. The medal discharge port 165 is an opening for discharging medals, and medals paid out at the time of winning a prize are discharged from here. The discharged medals are accumulated in the tray 160.

  The upper lamp 190, the side lamps 151 and 152, the center lamps 153 and 154, the waist lamps 155 and 156, and the lower lamps 157 and 158 are effect lamps for exciting the game, and are turned on / off / in accordance with the game state. Flashes. In the present embodiment, the saucer 160 is made of a light-transmitting material, and is configured to exhibit the same effect as the above-mentioned effect lamp by making the lamp light incident from the saucer mounting surface (hereinafter, the saucer lamp). 160). In addition, the tray 160 is provided with an ashtray unit 170 configured to be detachable.

  The liquid crystal display (LCD) 180 displays various information relating to the game (game screens for characters to appear to make the game more exciting, error screens for displaying error contents when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine, etc.) can do.

  Speaker sound holes (not shown) are provided on the left and right in the vicinity of the upper lamp 190. In addition, a sound hole for outputting sound effects from the rear speaker is provided immediately below the stop button unit 136. A speaker cover 173 with a decoration is attached to the sound hole of the rear speaker, from which a game sound effect is output.

<Reel rotating device>
Next, a reel rotating device that rotates the reels 110 to 112 of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of a reel rotating device of the slot machine 100. The reel rotating device 10 is roughly composed of reel drive units 20 to 40 and a case member 12 for storing them. The reel driving units 20 to 40 are structured by the same parts, except that the arrangement of the patterns printed on the reel band 230 is different. Each reel drive unit 20 thru | or 40 is separately accommodated in the case member 12 so that attachment or detachment is possible.

  FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the reel drive unit. The reel drive units 20 to 40 are roughly configured as a configuration for moving and displaying a pattern, and include a mounting base 210, a sensor bracket 212, a stepping motor 220, a reel band 230, a reel frame 240, a detection piece (light-shielding piece) 250, a reinforcing rim. 270 and an index sensor 325. In addition, a backlight case 292 and an illumination board 294 for illuminating the pattern from behind are provided.

  The mounting base 210 is formed on a flat plate with mounting portions for mounting the sensor bracket 212, the stepping motor 220, and the backlight case 292, and brackets for mounting on the case member 12. The sensor bracket 212 is attached on the attachment base 210, and an index sensor 325 for detecting passage of a detection piece 250 described later is attached to the tip.

  The stepping motor 220 is a bipolar stepping motor having a resolution of 200 steps per rotation and is driven by the 1-2 phase excitation method. Therefore, one rotation can be controlled with 400 pulses, and the rotation angle can be controlled with 0.9 degrees / pulse. The rotation control of the stepping motor 220 will be described in detail later. In addition, a pin 220a is attached to the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 220 so as to be orthogonal to the rotation shaft. The pin 220a fixes the reel frame 240 at a predetermined rotation angle. A buffer member 222 is attached to the pin 220a to reduce the impact when the reel is stopped. The inertial force when the reel is stopped is transmitted to the stepping motor 220 via the buffer member 222.

  A reel frame 240 is mounted on the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 220. The reel frame 240 includes a boss portion 242 attached to the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 220, a rim portion 244 to which the reel band 230 is attached, and four connecting portions 243 for connecting the boss portion 242 and the rim portion 244. It consists of With such a configuration, the reel frame 240 is reduced in weight, and the load on the stepping motor 220 is reduced. In the reel drive units 20 to 40, the detection piece 250 is attached to one of the connecting portions 243 of the reel frame 240 with a screw 260.

  A reel band 230 is bonded around the rim portion 244 of the reel frame 240. At the same time, a reinforcing rim 270 is bonded to the opposite end of the reel band 230 for the purpose of reinforcing the reel band 230.

  The backlight case 292 has three sections partitioned by a plastic frame. Each section corresponds to a picture stop position, and three pictures can be individually illuminated. An illumination board 294 is attached to the back surface of the backlight case 292. The illumination board 294 is a board on which a plurality of LEDs 294a are mounted, and is configured as a circuit that can control lighting of the LEDs 294a in units of sections formed in the backlight case 292. The backlight case 292 is also attached to the mounting base 210.

<Control unit>
Next, the configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. The control unit in the present embodiment includes a main control unit 300 that controls the whole, a sub-control unit 400 that performs control related to effects for exciting the game, and a liquid crystal display control unit 500 that controls the LCD 180. . The configuration of the control unit is not limited to this. For example, there is no problem even if the main control unit 300 and the sub control unit 400 are combined.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control unit 300 includes a CPU 310 that is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire main control unit 300, a data bus and an address bus for the CPU 310 to transmit and receive signals to and from each IC and each circuit, It has the structure described below.

  The clock correction circuit 314 is a circuit that divides the clock oscillated from the crystal oscillator 311 and supplies it to the CPU 310. For example, when the frequency of the crystal oscillator 311 is 12 MHz, the divided clock is 6 MHz. The CPU 310 operates by receiving the clock divided by the clock circuit 314 as a system clock.

  The CPU 310 is connected to a timer circuit 315 for setting a monitoring cycle for constantly monitoring the states of sensors and switches, which will be described later, and a transmission cycle of motor drive pulses, via a bus. When the power is turned on, the CPU 310 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 312 to the timer circuit 315 via the data bus.

  The timer circuit 315 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 310 at each interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 310 executes monitoring of each sensor and transmission of drive pulses. For example, when the system clock of the CPU 310 is set to 6 MHz, the frequency division value of the timer circuit 315 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 312 is set to 44, the reference time for this interrupt is 256 × 44 ÷ 6 MHz = 1. 877 ms.

  Connected to the CPU 310 are a ROM 312 for storing programs for controlling each IC, lottery data used for internal winning lottery, reel stop positions, and a RAM 313 for storing temporary data. Has been. Other storage means may be used for these ROM 312 and RAM 313, and this point is the same in each control unit described later.

  The CPU 310 is connected to an input interface 360 for receiving an external signal. The medal acceptance sensor 320, the start lever sensor 321, the stop button sensor 322, and the medal insertion button are connected via the input interface 360 every interrupt time. The state of the sensor 323 and the adjustment / storage switch 324 is detected, and each sensor is monitored.

  Two medal acceptance sensors 320 are installed in the passage inside the medal slot 133 and detect whether or not a medal has passed. The start lever sensor 321 is installed on the start lever 135 and detects a start operation by the player. The stop button sensor 322 is installed in each stop button (left, middle, right), and detects the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The medal insertion button sensor 323 is installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 130 and 131, and detects an insertion operation when a medal electronically stored in the RAM 313 is inserted as a game medal. For example, when the medal insertion sensor 323 corresponding to the medal insertion button 132 becomes H level, the CPU 310 electronically inserts one stored medal and the medal insertion sensor 323 corresponding to the medal insertion button 131 is H level. When it becomes, three stored medals are electronically inserted.

  The settlement / storage switch 324 is provided on the settlement / storage button 138. When the settlement button 138 is pressed once, the stored medals are settled, and when the settlement button 138 is pressed again, the storage mode is set in which the medals to be paid out are stored electronically. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The CPU 310 further has an input interface 361 and output interfaces 370 and 371 connected to an address bus via an address decoding circuit 350. The CPU 310 exchanges signals with external devices via these interfaces.

  An index sensor 325 (specifically, a left reel index sensor 325a, a middle reel index sensor 325b, and a right reel index sensor 325c) is connected to the input interface 361. Specifically, the index sensor 325 is installed at a predetermined position on the mounting base of each of the reels 110 to 112, and becomes H level each time the light shielding piece 250 provided on the reel passes through the index sensor 325. When detecting this signal, the CPU 310 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

  The output interface 370 includes a reel motor driving unit 330 (specifically, a left reel motor driving unit 330a, a middle reel motor driving unit 330b, and a right reel motor driving unit 330c) for driving a reel, and a hopper (bucket in a bucket). A hopper motor driving unit 331 for driving a motor of a device for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 165 (not shown), a game lamp 340 (specifically, a winning line display lamp 120, a start lamp 121). , A re-game lamp 122, a notification lamp 123, a medal insertion lamp 124, etc.) and a 7-segment display 341 (a payout number display 126, a game number display 127, a stored number display 128, etc.) are connected.

  A random number generation circuit 317 is connected to the CPU 310 via a data bus. The random number generation circuit 317 is an increment counter capable of incrementing a value within a certain range based on a clock oscillated from the crystal oscillator 311 and the crystal oscillator 316 and outputting the count value to the CPU 310, which will be described later. Used for various lottery processes, including internal lottery for winning positions. The random number generation circuit 317 in the present embodiment includes two random number counters. For example, a counter that increments a value from 0 to 65535 using the clock frequency of the crystal oscillator 311 and a counter that increments a value from 0 to 16777215 using the clock frequency of the crystal oscillator 316 are provided.

  Further, an output interface 371 for transmitting a command to the sub-control unit 400 is connected to the data bus of the CPU 310.

  Note that the portion surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 4 is specifically composed of a one-chip CPU with a built-in ROM / RAM. Hereinafter, this portion is referred to as a ROM / RAM built-in one-chip CPU 301. A portion surrounded by a solid line is a portion related to reel motor control of the slot machine 100, and this portion is hereinafter referred to as a reel motor control circuit 302. The reel motor control circuit 302 will be described in detail using a circuit diagram to be described later.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The sub-control unit 400 is an arithmetic processing unit that controls the entire sub-control unit 400 based on a main control command or the like transmitted from the main control unit 300, and the CPU 410 transmits and receives signals to and from each IC and each circuit. It has a data bus and an address bus for performing, and has a configuration described below.

  The clock correction circuit 414 is a circuit that corrects the clock oscillated from the crystal oscillator 411 and supplies the corrected clock to the CPU 410 as a system clock.

  Further, a timer circuit 415 is connected to the CPU 410 via a bus. The CPU 410 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 412 to the timer circuit 415 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The timer circuit 415 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 410 at each interrupt time. The CPU 410 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  In addition, the CPU 410 temporarily stores a ROM 412 in which commands and data for controlling the entire sub-control unit 400, backlight lighting patterns and data for controlling various displays, and the like are stored. The RAM 413 is connected via each bus.

  The CPU 410 is connected to an input / output interface 460 for transmitting and receiving external signals. The input / output interface 460 includes a backlight 420 for illuminating the picture of each reel 110 to 112 from the back, a front surface. A door sensor 421 for detecting opening and closing of the door 101 and a reset switch 422 for clearing data in the RAM 413 are connected.

  An input interface 461 for receiving a main control command from the main control unit 300 is connected to the CPU 410 via a data bus, and an effect process that excites the entire game based on the command received via the input interface 461. Etc. are executed.

  A sound source IC 480 is connected to the data bus and address bus of the CPU 410. The sound source IC 480 controls sound according to a command from the CPU 410. The sound source IC 480 is connected to a ROM 481 that stores sound data. The sound source IC 480 amplifies the sound data acquired from the ROM 481 by the amplifier 482 and outputs the sound data from the speaker 483.

  The CPU 410 is connected to an address decoding circuit 450 for selecting an external IC, similar to the main control unit 300, and the input interface for receiving a command from the main control unit 300 is connected to the address decoding circuit 450. An input interface 471 for inputting a signal from the liquid crystal display control unit 500, a clock IC 423, and an output interface 472 for outputting a signal to the 7-segment display 440 are connected.

  The CPU 410 can acquire the current time by connecting the clock IC 423. The 7-segment display 440 is provided inside the slot machine 100 so that a store clerk or the like can check predetermined information set in the sub-control unit 400, for example.

  Further, a demultiplexer 419 is connected to the output interface 470. The demultiplexer 419 distributes the signal transmitted from the output interface 470 to each display unit and the like. That is, the demultiplexer 419 receives the upper lamp 190, the side lamps 151 and 152, the center lamps 153 and 154, the waist lamps 155 and 156, the lower lamps 157 and 158, the reel panel lamp 171 and the title according to the data received from the CPU 410. The panel lamp 172, the tray lamp 160, and the discharge outlet strobe 173 are controlled.

  The title panel lamp 172 is a lamp that illuminates the title panel 140, and the payout exit strobe 173 is a strobe type lamp installed inside the medal discharge port 165.

  Note that the CPU 410 performs signal transmission to the sub-control unit 500 via the demultiplexer 419. Conversely, the CPU 410 receives a signal from the liquid crystal display control unit 500 via the input interface 471. That is, the CPU 410 performs bidirectional communication with the liquid crystal display control unit 500 via the demultiplexer 419 and the input interface 471.

<Liquid crystal display controller>
Next, the liquid crystal display control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The liquid crystal display control unit 500 includes a CPU 510 which is an arithmetic processing unit, a data bus and an address bus for transmitting and receiving signals to and from each IC and each circuit, and has a configuration described below.

  The clock correction circuit 514 is a circuit that corrects the clock oscillated from the crystal oscillator 511 and supplies the corrected clock to the CPU 510 as a system clock.

  A timer circuit 515 is connected to the CPU 510 via a bus. The CPU 510 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 512 to the timer circuit 515 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The timer circuit 515 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 510 for each interrupt time. The CPU 510 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The CPU 510 receives a signal from the CPU 410 output via the output interface 470 and the demultiplexer 419 of the sub-control unit 400 via the input interface 520 and the bus, and controls the entire liquid crystal display control unit 500. In addition, the CPU 510 transmits a signal to the sub-control unit 400 via the output interface 521 as necessary.

  The ROM 512 stores programs and data for controlling the entire liquid crystal display control unit 500. The RAM 513 includes a work area for programs processed by the CPU 510. The ROM 512 and RAM 513 are connected to the CPU 510 via a bus.

  A ROM 531, a RAM 532, and a VDP (video display processor) 534 are connected to the CPU 530 via a bus.

  On the other hand, the ROM 531 stores a program processed by the CPU 530. The RAM 532 has a work area for programs processed by the CPU 530 and the like. A crystal oscillator 533 is connected to the VDP 534, and further a ROM 535 and a RAM 536 are connected via a bus. The ROM 535 stores a plurality of types of image data of the liquid crystal display device 180. The CPU 530 reads out the image data in the ROM 535 based on the signal from the CPU 510, generates an image signal using the work area of the RAM 536, and displays the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 180 via the D / A converter 537. Display an image.

<Reel motor control circuit>
Next, the configuration of the above-described reel motor control circuit 302 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12 show examples of circuit diagrams of the reel motor control circuit 302. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the address signal (specifically, A0 to A15) output from the ROM / RAM built-in one-chip CPU 301 is sent to the address decoding circuit 350 via the address bus 303 as shown in FIG. Is output. A signal SG50 (specifically, XWR, XRD, XIORQ) output from the ROM / RAM built-in one-chip CPU 301 is a signal for controlling reading and writing of data, and is output to the address decoding circuit 350. As a result, as one of the signals, a chip select signal SG10 (specifically, XOCS_05, XOCS_06, XOCS_07) used for reel control is input from the address decoding circuit 350 to the output interface 370 as shown in FIG. Is done.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, data signals (specifically, D0 to D7) output from the ROM / RAM built-in one-chip CPU 301 are output via a data bus 305 on the data output side. 370 is input. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the reel signal SG20 for controlling the reels 110 to 112 (specifically, the signal SG20L for controlling the left reel 110 (specifically, LA Phase, LB Phase, L-AI0, L- AI1, L-BI0, L-BI1), signal SG20C for controlling the middle reel 111 (specifically, CA Phase, CB Phase, C-AI0, C-AI1, C-BI0, C-BI1), right reel 112, signals SG20R (specifically, RA Phase, RB Phase, R-AI0, R-AI1, R-BI0, R-BI1) are respectively supplied to the reel motor drive unit 330 (specifically, the left reel Motor drive unit 330a, middle reel motor drive unit 330b, and right reel motor drive unit 330c).

  FIG. 10 shows a circuit configuration of a left reel driving unit 330a that drives the left reel 110, and a stepping motor 220 driven by the left reel driving unit 330a. The middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 have the same configuration. Specifically, the left reel driving unit 330a includes two motor drivers 306A and 306B. That is, the rotation of the stepping motor 220 is controlled using two motor drivers per reel. Here, the motor driver 306 (the motor drivers 306a and 306b are motor drivers having the same function, and therefore the function of the motor driver will be described as the motor driver 306) for driving the stepping motor 220. The motor current is controlled in accordance with the reel control signal SG20L output from the CPU 310.

  As described above, the stepping motor 220 is a bipolar stepping motor, and is driven and controlled by 1-2 phase excitation based on the reel control signal SG20L.

  FIG. 11A is a specific circuit diagram of the motor driver 306, and FIG. 11B is a table showing the current level of the motor current. In FIG. 11A, I0 and I1 are logic inputs, and the magnitude of the motor current is controlled by a combination of the signals I0 and I1 as shown in FIG. 11B. As shown in FIG. 11B, the controllable levels are H level 100%, M level 60%, L level 20%, and zero current 0%. Phase controls the direction of the motor current. Further, MA and MB are motor outputs. When Phase is an H level signal, current flows from MA to MB, and when Phase is an L level signal, current flows from MB to MA. Yes. The motor driver 306 used in this embodiment is usually used for microstep control of a stepping motor. The micro step control is a control for further stopping at a plurality of stop positions within one step of the stepping motor, and this control is realized by changing the balance of the current flowing through each phase. For example, if the current values passed through the exciting coils are the same, the current can be stopped in the middle of one step. If the value of the current passed through one excitation coil increases, the stop position moves in the direction of that excitation coil. In this way, the stop position can be set at an arbitrary position within one step. In the present embodiment, the drive current is controlled by using a current variable function used for microstep control.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, as part of input signals from various sensors, an input signal SG30 (specifically, a left reel index input signal REEL_INDEX_L, a middle reel index input signal REEL_INDEX_C, As for the right reel index input signal REEL_INDEX_R), the detection signal SG40 is input to the ROM / RAM built-in one-chip CPU 301 via the input interface 361.

<Stepping motor>
Next, how to move the stepping motor 220 of the slot machine 100 of this embodiment will be described. The stepping motor 220 of the present embodiment is a motor having a resolution of 200 steps per rotation and driven by the 1-2 phase excitation method. That is, one rotation can be controlled with 400 pulses, and the rotation angle can be controlled with 0.9 degrees / pulse.

  FIG. 13 is a table showing the relationship between the reel control signal SG20 output from the CPU 310 and the motor current flowing through each motor coil at that time. As shown in FIG. 13, the state of the reel is roughly divided into a stopped state and a rotating state, and the rotating state further includes a rotating state A in a weakly excited rotation and a rotating state B in a strongly excited state. Here, the rotation state A (weak excitation rotation) means a rotation state when the magnitude of the motor current is 20% as shown in FIG. 11B, and the rotation state B (strong excitation rotation). Means a rotation state when the magnitude of the motor current is 100% as shown in FIG. That is, in the present embodiment, by accurately controlling two types of currents (strong current and weak current) flowing through the stepping motor 220, the load on the stepping motor 220 is reduced, and powerful acceleration and deceleration are performed as well as accurate. This is a real stop. In the table of FIG. 13, the motor current values + and − indicate the direction of current flow, which means that current flows from the + terminal to the − terminal.

  Further, in the rotation states A and B, the reel is rotated by sequentially and repeatedly executing eight patterns (combinations of elements of the reel control signal SG20) for each drive pulse. For example, in the rotation state A, weak excitation rotation is executed by sequentially repeating eight patterns “A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A1, A2, and so on”. Similarly, in the rotation state B, strong excitation rotation is executed by sequentially repeating eight patterns “B1 → B2 → B3 → B4 → B5 → B6 → B7 → B8 → B1 → B2 →... .

  More specifically, each pattern, that is, a combination of each element of the reel control signal SG20 is stored as rotation control pattern data in the ROM 312, and the CPU 310 sequentially outputs the rotation control pattern data to the motor drivers 306a and 306b as pulse signals. As a result, a motor current flows through the motor coil of the stepping motor 220, and the stepping motor 220 is driven to rotate.

  FIG. 14 is an example showing the transition of the rotation control pattern data described above together with the operation of the reel. According to FIG. 14, when a start operation by the start button 135 is performed, the CPU 310 updates the reel control state from “stop control” to “acceleration control”, and is not updated in “stop control”. The rotation control pattern data for the weak excitation rotation (hereinafter referred to as rotation control pattern data A) that has been maintained is switched to the rotation control data for the strong excitation rotation (hereinafter referred to as rotation control pattern data B), and the rotation control pattern data B is sequentially changed. Update. Here, in “acceleration control”, rotation control pattern data B is not updated sequentially for each interrupt time (drive pulse), but rotation control pattern data B is updated at a predetermined interrupt time. It is something to do. In the example shown in FIG. 14, rotation control pattern data B-6 is 4 interrupt times, then rotation control pattern data B-7 is 3 interrupt times, and then rotation control pattern data B-8 is 30%. Setting of each rotation control pattern data B that is sequentially set, such as an interruption time, then rotation control pattern data B-1 is 2 interruption times, and then rotation control pattern data B-2 is 1 interruption time The reel is accelerated by gradually reducing the time.

  Next, when the rotation speed of the reel reaches 80 rpm (Revolution Per Minute), the CPU 310 updates the reel control state from “acceleration control in progress” to “constant speed control in progress” and updates the rotation control pattern data B to the rotation control pattern. Switching to the data A, the rotation control pattern data A is sequentially updated every interrupt time.

  Next, when a stop operation is performed by the stop button, the CPU 310 updates the reel control state from “during constant speed control” to “during pull-in control” and switches the rotation control pattern data A to the rotation control pattern data B. Then, the rotation control pattern data B is sequentially updated at each interruption time until the reel stop position.

  Next, when the reel comes to the stop position, the CPU 310 updates the reel control state from “during pull-in control” to “during brake control”, and for several interruption times (in the example shown in FIG. Time), the same rotation control pattern data B is maintained and the reel is stopped. Thereafter, the CPU 310 updates the reel control state from “brake control” to “stop control”, switches the rotation control pattern data B to the rotation control pattern A, and keeps the same rotation control pattern until the next start operation is performed. Continue to maintain data A.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the reel control state is changed from stop control to acceleration control, constant speed control, pull-in control, brake control, and stop control. The reel rotation of the slot machine 100 is controlled by selecting the rotation control pattern data.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the reel control state is during acceleration control, pull-in control, and brake control, a large torque is required, so the rotation control pattern data B in which a strong current flows through the motor coil is used. On the other hand, when the reel control state is constant speed control and stop control, a large torque is not required, and therefore, rotation control pattern data A in which a weak current flows through the motor coil is used. As described above, in the present embodiment, the stepping motor 220 is controlled using the optimum rotation control pattern data in accordance with the five reel control states, so that efficient driving of the stepping motor 220 can be realized. it can. Further, it is possible to reduce the load on the stepping motor 220 and suppress the heat generation of the motor.

  In FIG. 14, when the reel control state is in the pull-in control, the rotation control pattern data B is used. However, the pull-in control may be performed using the rotation control pattern data A. When a predetermined time elapses with the reel rotation stopped, the drive current may be 0, that is, the rotation control pattern data in the stopped state may be used instead of the rotation control pattern data A.

  FIG. 15 is another example showing the transition of the rotation control pattern data together with the reel operation. FIG. 15 is a timing chart in which the transition of the rotation control pattern data is compared with the reel current, the reel control signal SG20 output from the CPU 310, and the motor current flowing through each motor coil of the stepping motor 220.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the slot machine 100 including the above stepping motor 220 will be described.

<Game execution processing>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing game execution processing. The game execution process is performed mainly by the CPU 310 of the main control unit 300, and the game process shown in FIG.

  In step ST1002, a medal acceptance process is performed. In the medal acceptance process, whether or not a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 133 is determined based on a detection signal from the medal acceptance sensor 320. When the insertion of medals is detected, the winning line display lamp 120 on the left side of the reel display window 113 is lit / flashed corresponding to the number of medals inserted. In addition, when a medal is electronically stored and stored in the slot machine 100, the medal can be inserted by pressing one of the medal insertion buttons 131 and 132. The maximum number of cards that can be thrown in a single game is three.

  At this time, in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, a medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 to cause the sub-control unit 400 to recognize the medal insertion. The sub-control unit 400 performs an effect for generating a medal insertion sound based on the medal insertion command.

  In step ST1004, whether or not the start lever 135 is operated by the player is determined based on a detection signal from the start lever sensor 321. If the operation of the start lever 135 is not detected, the operation waits until the start lever 135 is operated.

  In the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, when the operation of the start lever 135 is detected by the start lever sensor 321, the main control unit 300 transmits a start lever reception command to the sub control unit 400. When the sub-control unit 400 is on standby based on the start lever reception command, the sub-control unit 400 performs an effect of generating a weight sound or the like.

  When the start lever 135 is operated, the process proceeds to step ST1006, where the CPU 310 acquires a random number from the random number generation circuit 317, and performs random number lottery based on the acquired random number. Here, the internal lottery of each winning combination is mainly performed. The result of the internal lottery is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 and is referred to during the game. For example, the internal lottery result of each winning combination including a loss is recorded in the RAM 313.

  In step ST1008, reel stop preparation processing is performed. Here, the reel stop preparation process is to select stop position data used for the reel stop control from the stop position data set according to the result of the internal lottery in step ST1006.

  In step ST1010, an effect using an effect lamp, an effect display device 180, a reel backlight, and the like is determined by lottery based on an internal winning result, a gaming state, and the like. Further, in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, an effect command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 based on the determined effect. The sub-control unit 400 selects an effect content from the effect selection table based on the transmitted effect command, and prepares to execute the effect in each control unit.

  In step ST1012, all reels 110 to 112 are rotated simultaneously or randomly. Further, in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, a reel rotation start command is transmitted to the sub control unit 400 so that the sub control unit 400 recognizes the start of rotation of all reels. The sub-control unit 400 starts an effect at each control unit based on the reel rotation start command. Thereafter, when a predetermined time has elapsed and all the reels have been rotated at a constant speed, the process proceeds to step ST1014, and the player starts accepting a stop button operation. The reel rotation start process in step ST1012 will be described later in detail.

  In step ST1014, a stop button operated by the player is received. This is to detect which stop button is operated by the stop button sensor 322. In the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, the first stop operation command, the second stop operation command, and the third stop operation command are transmitted to the sub control unit 400 in accordance with the stop operation order, Recognize which stop button was operated.

  In step ST1016, the main control unit 300 performs stop control of the reel on which the stop operation has been performed based on the picture position where the stop button is operated and the stop position data. However, if no stop button operation by the player is detected after a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), all reels 110 to 112 are automatically stopped. Further, in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, a stop position information command is transmitted to the sub control unit 400 to cause the sub control unit 400 to recognize the reel stop position.

  In step ST1018, it is determined that all reels have stopped. When all the reels are stopped, the process proceeds to step ST1020, and a combination of winning pictures corresponding to the winning combination won in the random lottery in step ST1006 is arranged on the activated winning line 114 on the reel display window 113. It is determined whether or not it is stopped. In the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, a winning determination result command corresponding to the determination result is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 after the winning determination, and the sub-control unit 400 recognizes the winning status. The winning determination result command includes, for example, commands such as BB, an accessory, a small part, a replay, and a loss depending on the winning combination of winning pictures.

  After winning determination, the process proceeds to step ST1022, where a predetermined number of payouts corresponding to the winning winning combination is set in the work area of the RAM 313, and a predetermined number of medals based on the data of the work area are received from the medal discharge port 165. Processing to pay out to 160 is performed. If the winning determination result is no winning, the payout number 0 is set in the work area of the RAM 313. Therefore, medals are not paid out.

  In step ST1024, winning effects such as displaying the number of payouts on the payout number display 126 and addition display on the stored number display 128 are performed as winning effects of the main control unit 300.

  In step ST1026, a game state update process is performed. This is a process of changing the gaming state based on the internal lottery result in step ST1006 and the winning determination result in step ST1020. For example, in the case of a bonus winning such as BB or RB, preparations are made so that the corresponding special game or bonus game can be started from the next time, and in those final games, preparation is made so that the normal game can be started from the next time. Further, in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, a gaming state command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 so that the sub-control unit 400 recognizes the gaming state. As described above, one game is completed, and the game progresses by repeating this thereafter.

<Reel rotation start processing>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the reel rotation start process shown in step ST1012 of FIG.

  In step ST1102, a gaming time monitoring timer value is acquired. In step ST1104, it is determined whether or not the acquired gaming time monitoring timer value has exceeded 4.1 seconds. When the game time monitoring timer value has passed 4.1 seconds or more, the next game may be started, and the process proceeds to step ST1106. On the other hand, when the gaming time monitoring timer value has not passed 4.1 seconds, step ST1104 is repeated.

  In step ST1106, the game time monitoring timer value is reset, and in step ST1108, a reel rotation start command to be transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 is set.

  In steps ST1110 to ST1114, the reel states of the left reel 110, the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 are set to “rotation state”.

  In step ST1116, a reel automatic stop timer is set, and in step ST1118, the reel control state is set to “acceleration control in progress”. Further, the acceleration start request flag is set to ON.

<Timer interrupt processing>
FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the slot machine 100. In the slot machine 100, the timer interrupt process is a process executed at a constant interrupt cycle. The slot machine 100 monitors the input states of various sensors and switches, and changes the setting display process and accepts medal insertion according to the switch inputs. Processing, medal payout processing, reel rotation control processing, display lamp / display display control processing, command output processing to the sub-control unit 400, and the like are executed.

  In ST2002, data of input ports to which signal states of various sensors and switches are input are acquired. This obtains the state of each sensor switch connected to the input interfaces 360 and 361.

  In step ST2004, first, it is determined whether a setting change process is in progress. When the setting change process is in progress, the process proceeds to step ST2006 to perform a setting display change process, and then proceeds to step ST2020. On the other hand, when the set value changing process is not in progress, the process proceeds to step ST2008. Here, whether or not the setting value changing process is in progress is based on the state of a setting key switch sensor (not shown), and when the power is turned on with the setting key switch turned on. Therefore, it is determined that the set value change process is in progress.

  In step ST2008, it is determined whether or not a medal insertion process is in progress. Here, whether or not the medal insertion process is being performed is based on the states of the medal acceptance sensor 320 and the medal insertion button sensor 323. If no medal insertion has been performed, the medal acceptance sensor 320 and the medal insertion button sensor 323. Is waiting for input. When the medal insertion process is in progress, the process proceeds to step ST2010, the medal insertion acceptance process is performed, and then the process proceeds to step ST2020. On the other hand, when the medal insertion process is not in progress, the process proceeds to step ST2012.

  In step ST2012, it is determined whether or not a medal payout process is in progress. Here, whether or not the medal payout processing is in progress is determined based on the value of the medal payout number counter written at a predetermined address in the RAM 313. Specifically, when the value of the payout number counter is not 0, During the medal payout process, when the value of the payout number counter is 0, it is determined that the medal payout process is not in progress. If the medal payout number counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step ST2014, and medal payout processing is executed. The medal payout process starts outputting the hopper driving signal, subtracts the value of the medal payout number counter every time a medal paid out from the hopper is detected, and the hopper when the medal payout number counter value becomes 0 Control to stop the output of the drive signal.

  In step ST2016, it is determined whether or not the reel is rotating. This is to determine that the reel is rotating when the state of each reel described above is set to “rotating state”. When the reel is rotating, the process proceeds to ST2018 to perform the reel rotation control process, and thereafter The process proceeds to step ST2020. On the other hand, when the reel is not rotating, the process proceeds to step ST2020. Here, the reel rotation control process is a process for controlling the rotation of each of the reels 110 to 112, and will be described in detail later.

  In ST2020, the display state of the display lamp / display device is updated to the display state corresponding to the result of each step described above.

  In ST2022, the output port data set in each step described above is output to the motor drive unit 330, hopper drive unit 331, game lamp 340, and 7-segment display 341 connected via the output interface 370. For example, when the medal payout process is performed in step ST2014, the hopper is driven by outputting a hopper drive signal to the hopper drive unit 331.

  In ST2024, the command set in each process described above is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 every interrupt cycle.

<Reel rotation control processing>
FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail the reel rotation control process shown in step ST2018 of FIG.

  In step ST2102, it is determined whether the operation of the stop button is valid. This is to determine that the operation of the stop button is valid if the stop button valid information set in the “constant speed process” in the “reel control determination process” of step ST2108 described later is ON. It is. If the stop button is valid, the process proceeds to step ST2104 to perform stop button reception processing. The stop button reception process will be described later in detail. On the other hand, when the stop button is not valid, the processes of steps ST2106 to ST2114 are performed for the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112, respectively.

  In step ST2106, reel control information is acquired. Here, the reel control information means the entire information for controlling the reel, and includes information on the reel state and information on the reel control state.

  In step ST2108, a reel control determination process for determining reel control based on information on the reel control state is performed. Here, the reel control determination process is shown in more detail in the flowchart shown in FIG. 20, and will be described with reference to FIG.

The reel control determination process is a process for sequentially switching the reel rotation control in accordance with the progress of the game. Specifically, in accordance with the game start operation of the player, an acceleration process for starting the rotation of the reel to accelerate the reel and a constant speed process for maintaining the speed after accelerating the reel to a certain rotation speed are performed. . With the subsequent stop operation of the player, a pull-in control process for maintaining the rotation of the reel from the picture position of the reel when the stop operation is performed to the picture stop position displayed on the reel display window as a game result, and the picture stop position The brake control processing for maintaining the stop normal state for a certain time is sequentially performed.

  In step ST2202, information regarding the reel control state is acquired.

  In step ST2204, when the acquired reel control state is “stop control in progress”, the reel is stopped, and the reel control determination process ends. On the other hand, when the acquired reel control state is not “stop control in progress”, the process proceeds to ST2206.

  In step ST2206, it is determined whether or not the acquired reel control state is “acceleration control in progress”. When the reel control state is “acceleration control in progress”, the process proceeds to step ST2208, and acceleration processing (processing for accelerating the rotation of the reel; details will be described later) is performed. On the other hand, when the reel control state is not “acceleration control in progress”, the process proceeds to step ST2210.

  In step ST2210, it is determined whether or not the acquired reel control state is “during constant speed control”. When the reel control state is “during constant speed control”, the process proceeds to step ST2212, and constant speed processing (processing for maintaining the rotation of the reel at a constant speed; details will be described later) is performed. On the other hand, when the reel control state is not “during constant speed control”, the process proceeds to step ST2214.

  In step ST2214, it is determined whether or not the acquired reel control state is “during brake control”. When the reel control state is “brake control in progress”, the process proceeds to step ST2216 to perform a brake control process (a process for stopping the rotation of the reel; details will be described later). On the other hand, when the reel control state is not “during brake control”, the process proceeds to step ST2218.

  In step ST2218, since the reel control state is “during pull-in control”, pull-in control processing (processing for pulling in the reel to the stop position; details will be described later) is performed.

  Returning to FIG. 19, in step ST2110, rotation control pattern data suitable for the reel control state described above is acquired. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, when the reel control state is "acceleration control in progress", "retraction control in progress" or "brake control in progress", the rotation control pattern data B is selected. When the reel control state is “during constant speed control” or “during stop control”, the rotation control pattern data A is selected. Then, one of the eight rotation control pattern data of the selected rotation control pattern data A or B is acquired with reference to the rotation control pattern data set last time. This is, for example, the rotation control pattern data B1 set last time, and if the rotation control pattern data B is selected this time, the rotation control pattern data B2 that is the next pattern is set. If the rotation control pattern data A is selected this time, the rotation control pattern data A2 is set.

  However, when the reel control state is “acceleration control” and a reel drive signal switching flag to be described later is ON, the next rotation control pattern data is set (for example, instead of the rotation control pattern data B1, rotation control is performed). When the reel drive signal switching flag is OFF, the previous rotation control pattern data is maintained (for example, the rotation control pattern data B2 is set instead of the rotation control pattern data B1). Instead of the rotation control pattern data B1).

Further, when the reel control state is “braking control”, the rotation control pattern data once set is not updated and is maintained (for example, if the rotation control pattern data B1 is set, “brake control is in progress”). Is still the rotation control pattern data B1)
In step ST2112, the rotation control pattern data acquired in step ST2110 is set.

  In step ST2114, the reel control information is updated because the content of the reel control information has been changed according to the above-described processing.

<Acceleration processing>
FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail the acceleration process shown in step ST2208 of FIG.

  In step ST2302, it is determined whether there is an acceleration start request. When the acceleration start request flag is ON, it is determined that there is an acceleration start request, the process proceeds to step ST2304, an initial value is set for the acceleration counter offset, and the acceleration start request flag is set OFF (that is, 1). Step ST2304 is executed only in the second acceleration process). This acceleration start request flag is set to ON in step ST1118 of FIG. Next, the process proceeds to step ST2306, where an initial value corresponding to the set acceleration counter offset value is acquired and set in the acceleration counter.

  Here, the initial value set for the acceleration counter offset means the number of rotation control pattern data patterns set when the reel control state is during acceleration control. This is also the number of patterns from the start of reel rotation until reaching a constant rotation speed, which is set in advance. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, “7” is preset as an initial value. Here, the rotation control pattern data actually used for the control is the rotation control pattern data maintained by the brake control in the previous game as the first rotation control pattern data used for the acceleration control at the start of the next game. Is set. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the rotation control pattern data set when the reel stopped in the previous game was A6. Therefore, the rotation control pattern data used for acceleration control in the current game is started from B6, which is the strong excitation pattern A6 at the previous stop position. Seven rotation control pattern data B6, B7, B8, B1, B2, B3, B4 are used from there. Since the next game is started from the rotation control pattern data which is the previous stop position, the rotation of the reel at the start of the game can be started smoothly.

  The initial value set in the acceleration counter means an interruption time (number of drive pulses) for maintaining the set rotation control pattern data B. This is a counter that controls the time for gradually increasing the update speed of the rotation control pattern in order to prevent the stepping motor from stepping out due to sudden rotation of the reel at a constant speed. The acceleration counter is set in advance corresponding to the acceleration counter offset. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the acceleration counter offset values are “7”, “6”, “5”, “4”, “3”, “2”, and “1”. “3”, “2”, “1”, “1”, and “1”. For example, when the value of the acceleration counter offset is 7, that is, when the set rotation control pattern data is the rotation control pattern data B6, the rotation control pattern data B6 is maintained for 4 interruption times. Thereafter, the value of the acceleration counter is decremented in steps of 3 → 3 → 2 → 1 → 1 → 1 and finally becomes an interruption time, that is, a rotation control pattern update cycle during constant speed control.

  If there is no acceleration start request in step ST2302, the process proceeds to step ST2308, the acceleration counter value is updated by 1 and then the process proceeds to step ST2310, where the reel drive signal switching request flag is set to OFF. Here, the reel drive signal switching request flag switches to the next rotation control pattern data or maintains the rotation control pattern data set last time in the rotation control pattern data acquisition shown in step ST2110 of FIG. 19 described above. When the reel drive signal switching request flag is OFF, the rotation control pattern data set last time is maintained.

  In step ST2312, it is determined whether or not the acceleration counter value is zero. When the acceleration counter value is 0, it is necessary to switch the rotation control pattern data, so the reel drive signal switching request flag is set to ON. Next, in step ST2316, 1 is subtracted from the acceleration counter offset value. ,Update. On the other hand, when the acceleration counter value is not 0, the acceleration process is terminated.

  In step ST2318, it is determined whether or not the acceleration counter offset value is zero. When the acceleration counter offset is 0, “acceleration control is in progress” is completed, and thus the process proceeds to step ST2320, where the reel control state is changed from “acceleration control in progress” to “constant speed control in progress” and set. On the other hand, when the acceleration counter offset value is not 0, the process proceeds to step ST2306, and an initial value corresponding to the updated acceleration counter offset value is set in the acceleration counter.

<Constant speed processing>
FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail the constant speed process shown in step ST2212 of FIG. The constant speed process mainly performs a process of tracking the picture position of the reel. In order for the main control unit 300 to grasp the reel picture position, the picture position is monitored using two counters, a “reel picture counter” and a “reel picture interval counter”. Here, before explaining the constant speed process, first, the “reel picture counter” and the “reel picture interval counter” will be explained.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the relationship between the reel picture counter and the reel picture interval counter. The reel picture counter is a counter for storing and holding a picture located in the middle of the reel display window 113, which is a reference position. For example, with respect to the left reel 110, the watermelon picture at the lower end of the picture column of the left reel 110 is the reference. Counting starts when the index sensor 325a as the position passes through the light shielding piece 250. Each picture and the count value are associated with each other in advance, and the main control unit 300 can identify the picture that is stopped and displayed on the reel display window 113 from the reel picture counter value when the reel is stopped, and perform a winning determination. it can. The reel picture interval counter is the number of drive pulses per picture (number of timer interruptions). The reel picture interval counter value is 20 for the watermelon of the reel picture counter 0, and the reel is used for other pictures. The pattern interval counter value is 19 (400 drive pulses in total). The main control unit 300 sets the number of drive pulses corresponding to the picture counter in advance in the reel picture interval counter, and subtracts it for each output of the drive pulse. When the value of the reel picture interval counter becomes 0, the main control unit 300 sets the reel picture counter. 1 is updated.

  In step ST2402, the reel picture interval counter value is decremented by 1 and updated.

  In step ST2404, it is determined whether or not the reel picture interval counter value is zero. When the reel picture interval counter value is 0, the next picture is replaced, so the process proceeds to step ST2406, the reel picture counter value is decremented by 1 and updated, and then the process proceeds to step ST2408, where 20 is added to the reel picture interval counter. Prepare to. On the other hand, when the reel picture interval counter value is not 0, the process proceeds to step ST2416.

  In step ST2410, it is determined whether or not the reel picture counter value is zero. When the reel picture counter value is not 0, the number of drive pulses to be assigned is 19. Therefore, the process proceeds to step ST2412, where 19 is prepared for the reel picture counter, and when the reel picture counter value is 0, the assigned drive pulse. Since the number is 20, the process proceeds to step ST2414.

  In step ST2414, the prepared value is set in the reel picture interval counter. That is, 20 is set when the reel picture counter value is 0, and 19 is set when the reel picture counter value is not 0.

  In step ST2416, the detection result of the index sensor 325 is acquired. Here, the detection result of the index sensor 325 is detected when the passage of the light shielding piece 250 provided at the position where the reel picture counter value is 0 and the reel picture interval counter value is 0 is detected.

  In step ST2418, it is determined whether or not the index sensor 325 has been detected. When the index sensor 325 has detected, since the reel picture position has been searched, the process proceeds to step ST2420, the stop button valid information is set to ON, and then the process proceeds to step ST2422, where the reel picture counter is set to 20, 19 is set in the reel picture interval counter. On the other hand, when the index sensor 325 is not detected, the constant speed process is terminated.

<Withdrawal control processing>
FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the pull-in control process shown in step ST2218 of FIG. 20 in more detail. Here, the pull-in control processing is to realize stop control according to the result of the internal lottery, so that when the reel is stopped, the reel is moved from the picture position where the stop button is operated to a predetermined number of frames (this embodiment In the case of 0 to 4 frames), it is a process of sliding and stopping. As a result, for a winning combination won in the internal lottery or a so-called flag carry-over winning combination, it is allowed to display the corresponding pattern combination together. The pattern combinations corresponding to are not displayed together.

  In step ST2502, 1 is subtracted from the value of the pull-in counter. Here, in the pull-in counter, an interruption time required for pull-in control is set as an initial value in a reel stop process described later. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the initial value set in the pull-in counter is 8 (interrupt time).

  In step ST2504, it is determined whether or not the value of the pull-in counter is zero. When the value of the pull-in counter is 0, the pull-in control has been completed, so the process proceeds to step ST2506, the initial value is set in the braking counter, and then the process proceeds to step ST2508, where the reel control state is changed from “during pull-in control”. Change to "Brake Control" and set. Here, an interruption time required for brake control is set as an initial value in the braking counter. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the value set in the braking counter is 3 (interrupt time). On the other hand, if the value of the pull-in counter is not 0 in step ST2504, the pull-in control process is terminated.

<Brake control processing>
FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail the brake control process shown in step ST2216 of FIG.

  In step ST2602, 1 is subtracted from the value of the braking counter.

  In step ST2604, it is determined whether or not the value of the braking counter is zero. When the value of the braking counter is 0, since the braking is completed, the process proceeds to step ST2606, and the reel control state is changed from “during brake control” to “during stop control” and set. On the other hand, when the value of the braking counter is not 0, the brake control process is terminated.

<Stop button reception process>
FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail the stop button reception process shown in step ST2104 of FIG. The stop button acceptance process is executed in the reel rotation control process of FIG. 19 after the stop button is accepted, that is, in the constant speed process shown in FIG. 22, after the stop button valid information is set to ON. It is what is done. The stop button reception process is a process of determining whether or not the operation of the stop button is properly performed and determining a position where the reel is stopped on the condition that the operation is properly performed.

  In step ST2702, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop buttons of all the reels 110 to 112 is valid. This is determined based on the above-described stop button valid information. When the operation of the stop buttons of all reels 110 to 112 is valid, the process proceeds to step ST2704, and stop acceptance information is acquired. Here, the stop reception information is a part of the reel stop control information, and means all information necessary for determination of stop reception. If any of the stop buttons of the reels 110 to 112 is not valid, the process proceeds to step ST2722.

  In step ST2706, it is determined whether or not the automatic stop of the reel has been started. This is determined by the reel automatic stop timer set in step ST1116 of FIG. 17, and specifically, it is determined whether or not 30 seconds have elapsed from the start of reel rotation. When the automatic stop of the reel is not started, the process proceeds to step ST2708, where a stoppable reel is determined from the acquired stop reception information and set as stoppable reel information (for example, the left reel 110 is a stoppable reel). If it is determined, set the left reel). On the other hand, when the automatic stop of the reels is started, all the reels are stopped, so that it is not necessary to set stoppable reel information, and the process proceeds to step ST2714.

  In step ST2710, it is determined whether other buttons such as the start lever 135 are accepting operations in addition to the stop button. When these buttons are accepting operations, the stop operation cannot be accepted, and the set stop reel information is cleared. On the other hand, when these buttons are not accepting operations, the process proceeds to step ST2714.

  In step ST2714, it is determined whether or not a reel stop button corresponding to the set stoppable reel information has been received. If a stop button has been received, the process proceeds to step ST2716 to acquire data on the reel to be stopped (stop target reel data), and then proceeds to step ST2718 to perform a reel stop process (details will be described later). . Here, the reel data to be stopped is specifically data related to the stop position of the reel. When automatic stop is started in step ST2706, it is processed as if a stop button has been received for all reels that can be stopped. On the other hand, if no stop button has been received, the process proceeds to step ST2724.

  Next, in step ST2720, in the series of stop button receiving processes described above, the reel control information is updated because the information regarding the reel stop is changed among the reel control information.

  In step ST2722, the stoppable reel information is cleared. This is because the reel that can be stopped is changed by the reel stop processing in step ST2718 (for example, when the reel stop processing is performed on the left reel that can be stopped, the left reel is not a reel that can be stopped. Disappear).

  In step ST2724, the stop button LED information is updated. This is to update the LED information of the stop button according to whether or not each reel can be stopped. As an example, blue is set for a stopable reel and the stop button is pressed. , Red is set.

<Reel stop processing>
FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail the reel stop process in step ST2718 of FIG.

  In step ST2802, the value of the reel picture counter is acquired, and the stop position is detected.

  In step ST2804, the corresponding stop position data is acquired based on the result of the internal lottery.

  In step ST2806, based on the acquired stop position data, stop data from the acquired reel picture counter value up to 4 frames ahead is acquired (specifically, 0 frames ahead, 1 frame ahead, 2 frames ahead, Stop data for 3 frames ahead and 4 frames ahead).

  In step ST2808, the stop position is determined by lottery processing. This is set by lottery when there are a plurality of stoppable positions among the acquired stop data up to four frames ahead.

  In step ST2810, the number of drawn frames is acquired from the set stop data. Next, in step ST2812, the acquired number of drawn frames is set as an initial value in the drawing counter. The value set in the pull-in counter is a value obtained by converting the number of pull-in frames into the number of times of timer interrupt processing.

  In step ST2812, the reel control state is changed from “during constant speed control” to “during pull-in control” and set.

  Therefore, according to the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, the bipolar stepping motor is used as the stepping motor 220 that rotates the reels 110 to 112, and the reels 110 to 112 are controlled during acceleration control, pull-in control, and brake control. Rotation control data for strong excitation is set, and during constant speed control and stop control, rotation control data for weak excitation is set, and the drive current supplied to the stepping motor 220 is set according to the reel control state. Therefore, sufficient driving force and braking force can be obtained, and the heat generation of the motor can be minimized.

[Second Embodiment]
As in the first embodiment, the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a feature in reel control, and performs reel control using a bipolar stepping motor. However, it differs from the first embodiment in that the motor driver is controlled via a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) and a pulse converter, which will be described later. That is, in this embodiment, the bipolar stepping motor is controlled by controlling the motor driver via the CTC and the pulse converter to generate a drive pulse that does not depend on the interrupt period of the main control unit 300. Therefore, the rotation speed of the reel and the number of sliding frames when stopped can be set more flexibly. In the present embodiment, only configurations and functions different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and with regard to other configurations and functions, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

<Main control unit>
FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the main control unit 300A of the slot machine 100A according to the present embodiment. The slot machine 100A according to the present embodiment includes the sub-control unit 400 and the liquid crystal display control unit 500 among the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment, the overall configuration thereof, the external configuration of the reel rotating device, and the control unit. Since the configuration is the same (as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, and 6), the description of the configuration is omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 28, the main control unit 300 </ b> A includes a CTC 332 (programmable general-purpose timer) and a pulse converter 333 in addition to the configuration of the main control unit 300. In the present embodiment, the CTC 332 is physically one circuit as will be described later, but internally, the CTC 332a, CTC 332b, and CTC 332c are integrally mounted for each reel. Specifically, the pulse converter 333 includes a pulse converter 333a, a pulse converter 333b, and a pulse converter 333c for each reel.

  When the clock divided by the clock correction circuit 314 is supplied, the CTC 332 further divides the input clock to a predetermined frequency instructed by the CPU 310 and outputs a drive pulse. In addition, the pulse converter 333 converts the drive pulse output from the CTC 332 to generate a motor drive signal, and outputs the motor drive signal to the motor drive unit 330. As described above, in this embodiment, since the CTC 332 can output a pulse having an arbitrary frequency, it is not limited to the period of the interrupt time of the CPU 310 (for example, 1.877 ms described above), but in a short period. The drive pulse can be output, and the reel rotation speed can be set flexibly (for example, the reel rotation speed can be set higher than 80 rpm in the constant speed state of the first embodiment).

  A portion surrounded by a solid line is a portion related to the reel motor control of the slot machine 100A, and this portion is hereinafter referred to as a reel motor control circuit 302A. The reel motor control circuit 302A will be described in detail with reference to a circuit diagram.

<Reel motor control circuit>
29 to 32 show examples of circuit diagrams of the reel motor control circuit 302A.

  As shown in FIG. 29, an address signal (specifically, A0 to A15) output from the ROM / RAM built-in one-chip CPU 301 is sent to the address decoding circuit 350 via the address bus 303 as shown in FIG. Is output. Further, the signal SG50 (specifically, XWR, XRD, XIORQ) output from the ROM / RAM built-in one-chip CPU 301 is a signal for controlling the reading and writing of data, and as shown in FIGS. The data is output to the decoding circuit 350. As a result, a chip select signal SG11 (specifically, XOCS_06, XOCS_07) used for reel control is input from the address decoding circuit 350 to the output interface 370 as shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the 6 MHz clock signal (specifically, CLK 6 MHz) output from the ROM / RAM built-in one-chip CPU 301 is further divided into 1.5 MHz and input to the CTC 332.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 31, data signals (specifically, D0 to D7) output from the ROM / RAM built-in one-chip CPU 301 are output via the data bus 305 on the data output side. 370 is input. As a result, as shown in FIG. 31, the reel control signal SG15 for controlling the reels 110 to 112 (specifically, the signal SG15L for controlling the left reel 110 (specifically, L_REEL_DRIVE, L_REEL_CURRENT, L_REEL_ENABLE), and the middle reel 111 are controlled. A signal SG15C to be controlled (specifically, C_REEL_DRIVE, C_REEL_CURRENT, C_REEL_ENABL) and a signal SG15R (specifically, R_REEL_DRIVE, R_REEL_CURRENT, R_REEL_ENABL) to control the right reel 112 are output from the output interface 370.

  Of the reel control signal SG15, a DRIVE signal (specifically, L_REEL_DRIVE, C_REEL_DRIVE, R_REEL_DRIVE) of each reel is input to the CTC 332 as shown in FIG. A data signal (specifically, D0 to D7) is input to the CTC 332 via the data bus 305. Here, the input data signal is specifically a value (1 to 65536) that can be expressed by 16 bits instructed by the CPU 310. Since the CTC 332 uses this data signal as a frequency division value, the input clock signal (1.5 MHz) can be frequency-divided in 65536 stages. In this embodiment, the CTC 332a, CTC 332b, and CTC 332c are used as a single chip as the CTC 332. However, the CTC 332 and the frequency dividing circuit may be integrated with the CPU 310 to form a single chip. Further, the circuit is simplified and the synchronization with the CPU 310 is increased, so that the control can be stabilized.

  As a result, the CTC 332 divides the input clock (1.5 MHz) by the division value designated by the CPU 310 (specifically, the pulse signal CT_OUT0 of the left reel 110, the pulse of the middle reel 111). The signal CT_OUT1, the pulse signal CT_OUT2 of the right reel 112) is output to the pulse converter 333 as shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the pulse converter 333 (specifically, the pulse converter 333a, the pulse converter 333b, and the pulse converter 333c) includes the ENABLE signal (specifically, the pulse signal SG12 and the reel control signal SG15). Are the ENABLE signal L_REEL_ENABLE of the left reel 110, the ENABLE signal C_REEL_ENABLE of the middle reel 111, the ENABLE signal R_REEL_ENABLE of the right reel 112, and the CURRENT signal (specifically, the CURRENT signal L_REEL_CURRENT of the left reel 110, the CURRENT of the middle reel 111) The signal C_REEL_CURRENT and the current signal R_REEL_CURRENT of the right reel 112 are input and the reel control signal SG20 (specifically, the signal SG20L for controlling the left reel 110 (specifically, LA Phase, LB Phase, L-AI0, L- AI1, L-BI0, L-BI1), signal SG20C for controlling the middle reel 111 (specifically, CA Phase, CB Phase, C-AI0, C-AI1, C-BI0, C-BI1), right reel Control 111 Signal SG20R (specifically, RA Phase, RB Phase, R-AI0, R-AI1, R-BI0, R-BI1)) to the reel motor drive unit 330 (specifically, the left reel motor drive unit 330a, Output to the reel motor driving unit 330b and the right reel motor driving unit 330c).

  Here, in detail, the pulse converter 333 is a combination of eight patterns of reel control signals SG20 as shown in FIG. 13 described in the first embodiment based on the input pulse signal SG12, ENABLE signal, and CURRENT signal. Is generated and output to the reel motor drive unit 330. Accordingly, the reel motor drive unit 330 controls the rotation of the stepping motor 220. That is, in the present embodiment, when the CPU 310 gives the reel control signal SG15 (ENABLE signal, CURRENT signal, DRIVE signal) and a predetermined frequency division value to the CTC 332 and the pulse converter 333, the CPU 310 passes through the CTC 332 and the pulse converter 333. Since the reel control signal SG20 is generated, the reel driving unit 330 is controlled according to the reel control signal SG20, and the reel rotates.

  Note that the configuration and operation of the reel driving unit 330 and the stepping motor 220 used are the same as those in the first embodiment (as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11), and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 35 is a table for specifically explaining the contents of the reel control signal SG15. The ENABLE signal means energization of the motor current in the stepping motor 220, and is energized when the signal is L level, the power is turned off, and the signal is H level. The CURRENT signal means the magnitude of the motor current in the stepping motor 220. When the signal is an L level, it is 20% (weak excitation rotation), and when the signal is an H level, 100% (strong excitation rotation). Is supplied to the stepping motor 220. The DRIVE signal means the presence or absence of a drive pulse output from the CTC 332. When the signal is at the L level, the supply of the drive pulse is stopped, the reel is stopped, and when the signal is at the H level, the drive is driven. The supply of pulses starts and the reel starts to rotate. Accordingly, the CPU 310 instructs the combination of the reel control signal SG15 to the CTC 322 and the pulse converter 333, and also instructs the CTC 332 to determine the frequency division value, so that the rotation torque and the CPU interruption period corresponding to the reel state are determined. It is possible to control the rotation of the stepping motor 220 with drive pulses that do not depend on.

<Stepping motor>
Next, how to move the stepping motor 220 of the slot machine 100A of this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 33 is an example showing a time-series transition of the reel control signal SG15 (ENABLE signal, CURRENT signal and DRIVE signal) and the CTC input / output signal described above together with the reel operation. Here, the interrupt signal shown in FIG. 33 means an interrupt signal output from the CPU 310 at a CPU interrupt cycle, and the CTC input signal is a signal of frequency division value data output from the CPU 310 to the CTC 332. This means writing timing, and the CTC output signal means the pulse signal SG12 output from the CTC 332 to the pulse converter 333.

  According to FIG. 33, when the start operation is performed by the start button 135, the CPU 310 sets all of the reel control signal SG15, that is, the ENABLE signal, the CURRENT signal, and the DRIVE signal to the H level, and the reel control state is set to “stop”. Updating from “in control” to “in acceleration control” to acquire rotational speed data corresponding to “in acceleration control”.

  Here, the rotational speed data is data having a pair of a CTC setting counter value and a CPU interrupt counter value, and the CTC setting counter value is the above-described frequency dividing value, and according to this value, the CTC output signal The number of drive pulses (PPS; Pulse Per Second), and hence the reel rotation speed (rpm) is determined. On the other hand, the CPU interrupt counter value is the time for maintaining the reel rotation speed determined by the CTC setting counter value (time in units of CPU interrupt time) (CTC 332 is shorter than the CPU interrupt cycle). (Pulse output is possible at a period, but the CPU 310 cannot control the CTC 332 unless it is a CPU interrupt period). That is, when the CPU 310 acquires one rotation speed data and controls the CTC 332 using the rotation speed data as a parameter, the reel rotation speed corresponding to the rotation speed data corresponds to the time corresponding to the rotation speed data. The reel rotates. When the reel control state is “during acceleration control”, the CPU 310 outputs an H level CURRENT signal to the pulse converter 333, so that strong excitation rotation is realized.

  FIG. 36 illustrates an example of rotation speed data acquired when the reel control state is “during acceleration control”. The rotation speed data shown in FIG. 36 includes seven rotation speed data in order to realize seven stages of reel rotation speeds, and the CPU 310 sequentially acquires from the seven, and according to the acquired rotation speed data, The reel is controlled to rotate. Specifically, when the CPU 310 acquires the rotation speed data of data number 1, the CPU 310 controls the CTC 332 so as to maintain the reel rotation speed of 3.5 rpm for 23 interrupt times, and then when the 23 interrupt time elapses, the CPU 310 Acquires the rotation speed data of data number 2 and controls the CTC 332 so as to maintain the reel rotation speed of 4 rpm for 20 interruption times. In this way, when the CTC 332 is controlled while sequentially acquiring the rotation speed data up to the data number 7, the reel rotation speed is accelerated, and finally the rotation speed of 80 rpm is realized.

  In the example shown in FIG. 33, 7-stage rotation speed data is provided, the rotation speed of 4 rpm is 4 interruption times, the rotation speed of 10 rpm is 3 interruption hours, ..., the rotation speed of 60 rpm is 1 interruption. The reel is accelerated so that the rotational speed of 80 rpm is one interruption time.

  Next, when the rotation speed of the reel reaches 80 rpm, the CPU 310 sets the CURRENT signal of the reel control signal SG15 to L level and updates the reel control state from “acceleration control in progress” to “constant speed control in progress”. Rotational speed data corresponding to “constant speed control” is acquired. Here, when the reel control state is “constant speed control”, one rotation speed data is fixedly used, and as a result, the reel maintains a constant speed (80 rpm). . When the reel control state is “during constant speed control”, the CPU 310 outputs an L level CURRENT signal to the pulse converter 333, so that weak excitation rotation is realized.

  FIG. 37 shows an example of rotation speed data acquired when the reel control state is “during constant speed control”. As shown in FIG. 37, when the CPU 310 acquires the rotational speed data of data number 1, the CPU 310 controls the CTC 332 to maintain the rotational speed of 80 rpm for one interrupt time, and then when the one interrupt time elapses, the CPU 310 Further, the rotational speed data of data number 1 is acquired, and the CTC 332 is controlled so as to maintain the rotational speed of 80 rpm for one interruption time, and this is repeated until there is a stop operation by the stop button. In this embodiment, the control is performed to set the rotational speed data in the CTC 332 every interrupt time during the constant speed control. Of course, the data is set only when the first rotational speed data is set in the constant speed control. The rotation speed data may not be set until the timing for changing the rotation speed and the excitation current is reached. Since the CTC 332 maintains the rotational speed data once set until it is changed, the CTC 332 is maintained at a constant rotational speed until it is changed.

  Next, when a stop operation is performed with the stop button, the CPU 310 sets the CURRENT signal of the reel control signal SG15 to H level and updates the reel control state from “during constant speed control” to “during pull-in control”. , Rotational speed data corresponding to “During pull-in control” is acquired. Here, when the reel control state is “during pull-in control”, one rotation speed data is fixedly used, and as a result, the reel maintains a constant speed (80 rpm). When the reel control state is “during pull-in speed control”, the CPU 310 outputs an CURRENT signal at H level to the pulse converter 333, so that strong excitation rotation is realized.

  FIG. 38 shows an example of rotation speed data acquired when the reel control state is “during pull-in speed control”. As shown in FIG. 38, when the CPU 310 acquires the rotational speed data of data number 1, the CPU 310 controls the CTC 332 so as to maintain an interruption time of a pull-in counter value described later and a rotational speed of 80 rpm.

  In the example shown in FIG. 33, the rotational speed of 80 rpm is maintained for 2 interruption times.

  Note that “during pull-in control” in the present embodiment is different from “during pull-in control” in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the time from when the stop operation is performed until the reel comes to the stop position (retraction time) is “during pull-in control”, but in this embodiment, the reel rotation speed is maintained at 80 rpm. The time to perform is “during pull-in speed control”. The reel is controlled from the stop operation reception position to the stop position by combining the “retracting speed control” and the next reel control state “deceleration control”. In other words, the total time of “during pulling speed control” and “during deceleration control” is the pulling time. This is a measure for sliding and controlling a larger number of frames (0 to 7 frames) as compared with the first embodiment.

  Next, when the interruption time of the pull-in counter value described above elapses, the CPU 310 updates the reel control state from “during pull-in control” to “during deceleration control”, and rotation speed data corresponding to “during deceleration control”. To get. Here, the rotational speed data “under deceleration control” is prepared according to the number of frames to be drawn (0 to 7 frames), and the CPU 310 obtains the rotational speed data of the determined number of frames to be drawn. ing. Note that the rotational speed data for drawing more than 5 frames includes not only deceleration but also acceleration data. This is because it is necessary to temporarily control the rotation speed to 80 rpm or more in order to draw more than 5 frames within the stop time (time from the stop operation until the reel reaches the stop position). When the reel control state is “during deceleration control”, the CPU 310 outputs an H level CURRENT signal to the pulse converter 333, so that strong excitation rotation is realized.

  FIG. 39 shows an example of rotation speed data acquired when the reel control state is “during deceleration control”. As the rotational speed data acquired when the reel control state is “during deceleration control”, different rotational speed data is prepared according to the number of drawn frames. FIG. 39A shows the rotation when the number of drawn frames is 0 to 4. 39 (b) shows the rotation speed data when the number of drawn frames is 5, FIG. 39 (c) shows the rotation speed data when the number of drawn frames is 6, and FIG. 39 (d) shows the case when the number of drawn frames is 7. An example of rotation speed data is shown.

  For example, the rotational speed data for the number of frames 6 is provided with five rotational speed data, and the CPU 310 sequentially acquires from the five, and controls the rotation of the reel in accordance with the acquired rotational speed data. Specifically, when the CPU 310 acquires the rotation speed data of data number 1, the CPU 310 controls the CTC 332 so as to maintain the reel rotation speed of 107 rpm for 21 interruption times. The rotation speed data of No. 2 is acquired, and the CTC 332 is controlled so that the reel rotation speed of 160 rpm is maintained for 28 interruption times. In this way, the rotation speed data up to data number 5 is sequentially acquired and the CTC 322 is controlled, whereby the reel is accelerated and decelerated and reaches the stop position.

  In the example shown in FIG. 33, four stages of rotation speed data are provided, with a rotation speed of 100 rpm for one interruption time, a rotation speed of 160 rpm for four interruption times, a rotation speed of 100 rpm for two interruption times, and 40 rpm. The reel is accelerated and decelerated so that the rotation speed of the motor becomes one interruption time.

  Here, the reel stop control will be specifically described for each number of sliding frames with reference to FIGS. 40 to 43, the horizontal axis represents the reel rotation speed, the vertical axis represents the CPU interrupt time, and the rotating reel image is displayed in correspondence with the CPU interrupt time.

  FIG. 40 shows a state when the number of sliding frames is 0-4. When the number of sliding frames is 0 to 4, as shown in FIG. 40, after the stop operation, the rotational speed of 80 rpm is maintained for the interruption time of the pull-in counter value ("During pull-in control"), and then 20% If the rotation speed of 40 rpm is maintained (“deceleration control is in progress”), the reel reaches the stop position, and the reel is stopped at the stop position.

  41 to 43 show states when the number of sliding frames is 5 or more. When the reel rotation speed is 80 rpm as in the past, due to time constraints (stop time is fixed; for example, within about 180 ms), only 4 frames can be slid, so to slide more than 5 frames As shown in FIGS. 41 to 43, the reel must be rotated at a rotational speed of 80 rpm or more.

  FIG. 41 shows a state when the number of sliding frames is 5. When the number of sliding frames is 5, as shown in FIG. 41, after the stop operation, the rotation speed of 80 rpm is maintained for the interruption time of the pull-in counter value (“During pulling control”), and then the T1 interruption time , 107 rpm, then T2 interruption time, 80 rpm rotation speed, then 2 interruption time, 40 rpm rotation speed ("Deceleration Control"), the reel is in the stop position Therefore, the reel is stopped at the stop position.

  42 and 43 show states when the number of sliding frames is 6 and 7. FIG. When the number of sliding symbols is 6 and 7, as shown in FIG. 42 and FIG. 43, after the stop operation, the rotation speed of 80 rpm is maintained for the interruption time of the drawing counter value ("During pulling control"), and thereafter , T1 interruption time, maintaining a rotation speed of 107 rpm, then T2 interruption time, maintaining a rotation speed of 160 rpm, then T3 interruption time, maintaining a rotation speed of 107 rpm, then T4 interruption time When the rotation speed of 80 rpm is maintained, and then the rotation speed of 40 rpm is maintained for 2 interruption times (“deceleration control is in progress”), the reel reaches the stop position, and the reel is stopped at the stop position. . When the number of sliding frames is 7, compared to when the number of sliding frames is 6, the time T2 for maintaining the rotation speed of 160 rpm is set longer, so that a larger number of frames is slid.

  Returning to FIG. 33, next, when the reel comes to the stop position, the CPU 310 sets the DRIVE signal of the reel control signal SG15 to the L level, stops the reel rotation, and sets the reel control state to “during deceleration control”. To “during brake control”, and a predetermined interruption time (an interruption time of a braking counter value to be described later) is maintained at “braking control”. Thereafter, the CPU 310 sets the ENABLE signal and the DRIVE signal of the reel control signal SG15 to L level, updates the reel control state from “during brake control” to “during stop control”, and until the next start operation is performed. Maintain the same state.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the reel control state is changed from stop control-> acceleration control-> constant speed control-> retracting control-> deceleration control-> brake control-> stop control during each reel. The reel rotation of the slot machine 100A is controlled by the rotation torque (strong excitation rotation, weak excitation rotation) and the rotation speed according to the control state.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the stepping motor 220 is controlled with the optimum rotational torque in accordance with the reel control state. Therefore, efficient driving of the stepping motor 220 can be realized. . Further, it is possible to reduce the load on the stepping motor 220 and suppress the heat generation of the motor.

  In addition, since the CTC 332 can output a drive pulse signal at a frequency that does not depend on the interrupt period of the CPU 310, a more flexible rotation speed can be set, and stop control is performed with a number of sliding frames greater than that in the past. be able to.

  FIG. 34 is another example showing the time-series transition of the reel control signal SG15 and the CTC input / output signal together with the reel operation. FIG. 34 is a timing chart in which the time-series transitions of the reel control signal SG15 and the CTC input / output signal are compared with the reel control signal SG20 and the motor current flowing through each motor coil of the stepping motor 220 in addition to the reel state.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the slot machine 100A will be described.

<Reel rotation start processing>
FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the game execution processing of the slot machine 100A. As shown in FIG. 44, the game execution process of the present embodiment is the same as the game execution process (FIG. 16) in the first embodiment in the overall process flow, so description of the game execution process is omitted. Since the details of the reel rotation start process shown in step ST1012A are different from those in the first embodiment, the reel rotation start process will be described below.

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the reel rotation start process shown in step ST1012A of FIG.

  In step ST1122, a gaming time monitoring timer value is acquired. In step ST1124, it is determined whether or not the acquired gaming time monitoring timer value has exceeded 4.1 seconds. When the game time monitoring timer value has exceeded 4.1 seconds or more, the next game may be started, and the process proceeds to step ST1126. On the other hand, when the game time monitoring timer value has not passed 4.1 seconds, step ST1124 is repeated.

  In step ST1126, the game time monitoring timer value is reset, and in step ST1128, a reel rotation start command to be transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 is set.

  In step ST1130, the ENABLE signal for all reels is set to H level, in step ST1132, the CURRENT signal for all reels is set to H level, and in step ST1134, the DRIVE signal for all reels is set to H level.

  In step ST1136, an automatic reel stop timer is set, then in step ST1138, the reel control state is set to “acceleration control in progress”, and in step ST1140, an acceleration start request flag is set to ON.

<Reel rotation control processing>
FIG. 46 is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the slot machine 100A. As shown in FIG. 46, the timer interrupt process of this embodiment is the same as the timer interrupt process (FIG. 18) in the first embodiment in the overall process flow. Although omitted, details of the reel rotation control process shown in step ST2018A are different from those of the first embodiment, and therefore the reel rotation control process will be described below.

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the reel rotation control process shown in step ST2018A of FIG.

  In step ST3102, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop button is valid. This is to determine that the operation of the stop button is valid if the stop button valid information set in the “constant speed process” in the “reel control determination process” of step ST3108 described later is ON. It is. If the stop button is valid, the process proceeds to step ST3104 to perform stop button reception processing. The stop button reception process will be described later in detail. On the other hand, when the stop button is not valid, the processes of steps ST3106 to ST31110 are performed for the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112, respectively.

  In step ST3106, reel control information is acquired. Here, the reel control information means the entire information for controlling the reel, and includes information on the reel control state described above.

  In step ST3108, a reel control determination process for determining reel control based on information on the reel control state is performed. Here, the reel control determination process is shown in more detail in the flowchart shown in FIG. 48, and will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step ST3202, information regarding the reel control state is acquired.

  In step ST3204, when the acquired reel control state is “during stop control”, the reel control determination process is terminated. On the other hand, when the acquired reel control state is not “stop control in progress”, the process proceeds to ST3206.

  In step ST3206, it is determined whether the acquired reel control state is “acceleration control in progress” or “deceleration control in progress” (hereinafter referred to as “acceleration / deceleration control in progress”). When the reel control state is “acceleration / deceleration control in progress”, the process proceeds to step ST3208, and acceleration / deceleration processing (processing for accelerating or decelerating the rotation of the reel; details will be described later) is performed. On the other hand, when the reel control state is not “acceleration / deceleration control in progress”, the process proceeds to step ST3210.

  In step ST3210, it is determined whether or not the acquired reel control state is “during constant speed control”. When the reel control state is “during constant speed control”, the process proceeds to step ST3212 and constant speed processing (processing for maintaining the rotation of the reel at a constant speed; details will be described later) is performed. On the other hand, when the reel control state is not “during constant speed control”, the process proceeds to step ST3214.

  In step ST3214, it is determined whether or not the acquired reel control state is “during brake control”. If the reel control state is “brake control in progress”, the process proceeds to step ST3216, and a brake control process (a process for stopping the rotation of the reel; details will be described later) is performed. On the other hand, when the reel control state is not “braking control”, the process proceeds to step ST3218.

  In step ST3218, since the reel control state is “during pull-in control”, pull-in control processing (pre-processing for pull-in control of the reel to the stop position; details will be described later) is performed.

  Returning to FIG. 47, in step ST3110, since the content of the reel control information has been changed in accordance with the above-described processing, the reel control information is updated.

<Acceleration / deceleration processing>
FIG. 49 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail the acceleration / deceleration processing shown in step ST3208 of FIG.

  In step ST3302, it is determined whether there is an acceleration start request or a deceleration start request. When the acceleration start request flag is ON, it is determined that there is an acceleration start request. When the deceleration start request flag is ON, it is determined that there is a deceleration start request. When there is an acceleration start request or a deceleration start request, the process proceeds to step ST3304, and when there is neither an acceleration start request nor a deceleration start request, the process proceeds to step ST3312.

  In step ST3304, the head rotation speed data corresponding to the reel control state is acquired. Specifically, when the reel control state is “acceleration control”, the head data (data number 1) is acquired from the rotation speed data of “acceleration control”, and the reel control state is “ When “Deceleration control is in progress”, the head data (data number 1) is acquired from the rotational speed data of “Deceleration control is in progress”. When the reel control state is “during deceleration control”, rotation speed data corresponding to the number of frames to be drawn set in the reel stop process in step ST2718A described later is selected.

  In step ST3306, the acceleration start request flag or deceleration start request flag set to ON is set to OFF (that is, steps ST3304 and ST3306 are executed only in the first acceleration / deceleration process).

  In step ST3308, the CPU interrupt counter value of the acquired rotation speed data is set in the acceleration / deceleration counter, and in step ST3310, the CTC setting counter value of the acquired rotation speed data is instructed to the CTC 332.

  On the other hand, in step ST3312, the value of the acceleration / deceleration counter is decremented by 1 and updated. Next, in step ST3314, it is determined whether or not the updated acceleration / deceleration counter is zero. When the value of the acceleration / deceleration counter is 0, the instruction to the CTC 332 of the acquired rotation speed data has been completed. Therefore, the process proceeds to step ST3316, and when the value of the acceleration / deceleration counter is not 0, the acceleration / deceleration processing is terminated. To do.

  In step ST3316, the next rotation speed data is acquired. Specifically, the rotation speed data of the next data number (for example, the rotation speed data of data number 2 when the rotation speed data of data number 1 was previously acquired) is acquired.

  In step ST3318, it is determined whether or not there is data to be acquired when the next rotation speed data is acquired in step ST3316. When the next rotation speed data exists, the process proceeds to step ST3308. When the next rotation speed data does not exist, all the rotation speed data has already been acquired, and the reel control state has ended. It progresses to step ST3320.

  In step ST3320, it is determined whether or not the current reel control state is “acceleration control in progress”. When the reel control state is “acceleration control in progress”, the process proceeds to step ST3322, and when the reel control state is not “acceleration control in progress”, that is, “deceleration control is in progress”, the process proceeds to step ST3326.

  In step ST3322, since the reel control state of “acceleration control” is completed, the reel control state is changed to “constant speed control” and set. In step ST3324, the CURRENT signal of the reel to be controlled is set. Is set to L level.

  In step ST3362, since the reel control state of “deceleration control in progress” is completed, the reel control state is changed to “brake control” and set. In step ST3328, an initial value is set in the brake counter, and in step ST3330. Then, the DRIVE signal of the reel to be controlled is set to L level. Here, an interruption time required for brake control is set as an initial value in the braking counter.

<Constant speed processing>
FIG. 50 is a flowchart for explaining the constant speed process shown in step ST3212 of FIG. 48 in more detail.

  In step ST3402, rotational speed data “during constant speed control” is acquired. In step ST3404, a CTC setting counter value of the acquired rotational speed data is instructed to CTC 332. In addition, since the processing content of subsequent steps ST3500 (specifically, ST3502 to ST3522) is the same as the constant speed processing (FIG. 22) of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

<Withdrawal control processing>
FIG. 51 is a flowchart for explaining the pull-in control process shown in step ST3218 of FIG. 48 in more detail.

  In step ST3602, the value of the pull-in counter is decremented by 1 and updated. Here, a value calculated in a reel stop process in step ST2718A described later is set as an initial value in the pull-in counter.

  In step ST3604, it is determined whether or not the updated value of the pull-in counter is zero. When the value of the pull-in counter is 0, the reel control state of “during pull-in control” has ended, so the process proceeds to step ST3606, and the reel control state is changed to “during deceleration control” and set, and step ST3608 is reached. Go ahead and set the deceleration start request flag to ON. On the other hand, when the value of the pull-in counter is not 0, the pull-in control process is terminated.

<Brake control processing>
FIG. 52 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail the brake control process shown in step ST3216 of FIG.

  In Step ST3702, the value of the braking counter is decremented by 1 and updated.

  In Step ST3704, it is determined whether or not the updated braking counter value is zero. When the value of the braking counter is 0, the reel control state of “braking control” is completed, so the process proceeds to step ST3706, and the reel control state is changed to “stop control” and set, and in step ST3708 The ENABLE signal and CURRENT signal of the reel to be controlled are set to L level. On the other hand, when the value of the braking counter is not 0, the brake control process is terminated.

<Reel stop processing>
FIG. 53 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail the stop button reception process shown in step ST3104 of FIG. Here, the stop button reception process is a reel rotation control process after the stop button valid information is set to ON in the state where the stop button can be received, that is, in the constant speed process, as in the first embodiment. Is to be executed. As shown in FIG. 53, the stop button reception process of the present embodiment is the same as the stop button reception process (FIG. 26) in the first embodiment in the entire process flow. Although omitted, details of the reel stop process shown in step ST2718A are different from those of the first embodiment, and therefore the reel stop process will be described below.

  FIG. 54 is a flowchart for explaining the reel stop process in step ST2718A of FIG. 53 in more detail.

  In step ST3802, the value of the reel picture counter is acquired, and the stop position is detected.

  In step ST3804, the corresponding stop position data is acquired based on the result of the internal lottery.

  In step ST3806, based on the acquired stop position data, stop data from the acquired reel picture counter value up to 7 frames ahead is acquired (specifically, 0 frames ahead, 1 frame ahead, 2 frames ahead, 3 frames ahead, 4 frames ahead, 5 frames ahead, 6 frames ahead and 7 frames ahead stop data).

  In step ST3808, the stop position is determined by lottery processing. This is a lottery for setting any of the possible stop positions of the acquired stop data for seven frames ahead.

  In step ST3810, the number of drawn-in frames of stop data set by lottery is acquired. Then, in step ST3812, the acquired number of drawn-in frames is set as an initial value in the drawing counter. The value set in the pull-in counter is a value obtained by converting the number of pull-in frames into the number of CPU interrupt pulses.

  In step ST3814, it is determined whether or not the acquired number of drawn frames is larger than four. When the acquired number of drawn frames is larger than 4 frames, the process proceeds to step ST3816, and when the acquired number of drawn frames is 4 frames or less, the process proceeds to step ST3818.

  In step ST3816, 77 is subtracted from the value of the pull-in counter and updated. This is because, in this embodiment, when the number of frames to be drawn is larger than 4, the interruption time for 77 frames is set to be spent in the reel control state of “during deceleration control”. It is what you are subtracting.

  In Step ST3818, 2 is subtracted from the value of the pull-in counter and updated. In this embodiment, when the number of drawn frames is up to 4, the interruption time for 2 frames is set to be spent in the reel control state of “deceleration control”, so that amount is subtracted. It is what.

  In step ST3820, since the reel control state of “constant speed control” has been completed, the reel control state is changed to “during pull-in control” and set. In step ST3822, the CTC setting counter value of the acquired rotation speed data is instructed to the CTC 332.

  Note that the above-described method for calculating the initial value set in the pull-in counter (specifically, 77 subtraction or 2 subtraction) is an example of the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to this. Absent.

  As described above, according to the slot machine 100A of the present embodiment, the bipolar stepping motor is used as the stepping motor 220 that rotates the reels 110 to 112, and the drive pulse is output at a frequency that does not depend on the interrupt period of the CPU 310. Since the bipolar stepping motor is controlled, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the reel rotation speed can be set more flexibly, so that the reel can be stopped and controlled with the number of sliding frames higher than the conventional one.

  Further, since the reel rotation control is performed via the CTC 332 and the pulse converter 333, the load on the CPU 310 can be reduced.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 55, an offset is provided in the rotation speed data (data number 1) at the start of reel rotation, and the offset value (512) is added to the CTC setting counter value (65280). You may make it instruct | indicate with respect to CTC332. In this case, the normal CTC setting counter value (65280) is instructed to the CTC 332 at the next CPU interrupt time, and thereafter, the delay for the offset value is maintained, so that the control on the CTC 332 is more stable. It can be made. As shown in FIG. 55, in order to make the instruction instruction timing from the CPU 310 to the CTC 332 as constant as possible, it is preferable to instruct the CTC 332 at the beginning of the interrupt processing time. This is because even if the instruction to the CTC 332 is delayed for some reason, the CTC 332 can reliably receive the instruction by providing an offset.

<Other embodiments and embodiments>
While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the rotation of the bipolar stepping motor 220 is controlled using two types of exciting currents having different current magnitudes, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the magnitude of the current is not limited thereto. The rotation of the stepping motor 220 may be controlled more finely using three or more types of exciting currents having different levels (for example, H level, M level, and L level 3 as shown in FIG. 11B). May be controlled by different motor currents).

  In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the slot machine. However, the present invention is not limited to the slot machine, and a rotary variable display that displays a variable pattern by rotating the reel. If it is a game stand using an apparatus, it will not specifically limit. (For example, it may be a pachinko machine).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an appearance of a reel rotating device of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of the reel drive unit which comprises the reel rotation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main control unit of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a sub-control unit of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a liquid crystal display control unit of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. It is an example of the circuit diagram of the reel motor control circuit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an example of the circuit diagram of the reel motor control circuit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an example of the circuit diagram of the reel motor control circuit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an example of the circuit diagram of the reel motor control circuit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a table | surface which shows the specific circuit diagram of the motor driver which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and the current level of a motor current. It is an example of the circuit diagram of the reel motor control circuit which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a table | surface which shows the relationship between the reel control signal output from CPU of the main control part which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and the motor current which flows into each motor coil at that time. It is the figure which showed the transition of the rotation control pattern data based on 1st Embodiment with the operation | movement of a reel. It is the figure which showed the transition of the rotation control pattern data based on 1st Embodiment with the operation | movement of a reel, a reel control signal, and a motor current. It is a flowchart which shows the game execution process by the main control part of the slot machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 17 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the reel rotation start process shown in step ST1012 of FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process by a main control unit of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. 19 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the reel rotation control process shown in step ST2018 of FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a reel control determination process shown in step ST2108 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the acceleration process shown to step ST2208 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the constant speed process shown to step ST2212 of FIG. It is a figure explaining a reel picture counter and a reel picture interval counter. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the pull-in control process shown in step ST2218 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the brake control process shown in step ST2216 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the stop button reception process shown in step ST2104 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the reel stop process shown in step ST2718 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the main control part of the slot machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of the circuit diagram of the reel motor control circuit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of the circuit diagram of the reel motor control circuit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of the circuit diagram of the reel motor control circuit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of the circuit diagram of the reel motor control circuit which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the transition of the reel control signal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment with the operation | movement of a reel. It is the figure which showed the transition of the reel control signal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment with the operation | movement of a reel, a reel control signal, and a motor current. It is a figure explaining the reel control signal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment concretely. It is an example of the rotational speed data during acceleration control. It is an example of the rotational speed data in constant speed control. It is an example of the rotational speed data in drawing-in control. It is an example of the rotational speed data during deceleration control. It is a figure which illustrates concretely the stop control of the reel in the case of the numbers of drawing frames 0-4. It is a figure which illustrates concretely the stop control of the reel in the case of the drawing frame number 5. It is a figure which illustrates concretely the stop control of the reel in the case of the drawing frame number 6. It is a figure which illustrates concretely the stop control of the reel in the case of the drawing frame number 7. It is a flowchart which shows the game execution process by the main control part of the slot machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the reel rotation start process shown to step ST1012A of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process by the main control part of the slot machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the reel rotation control process shown to step ST2018A of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the reel control determination process shown in step ST3108 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the acceleration / deceleration processing shown in step ST3208 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the constant speed process shown to step ST3212 of FIG. FIG. 49 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a pull-in control process shown in step ST3218 of FIG. 48. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the brake control process shown in step ST3216 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the stop button reception process shown in step ST3102 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining in detail the reel stop process shown in step ST2718A of FIG. It is a figure explaining a CTC output when an offset is provided in a CTC input set value.

Claims (4)

A reel with multiple types of patterns around it,
A bipolar stepping motor for rotating the reel;
A motor driver for controlling the bipolar stepping motor by supplying an excitation current corresponding to a first control signal for controlling the rotation of the reel to the bipolar stepping motor;
A second pulse signal obtained by dividing the first pulse signal for controlling the progress of the game, and information on the energization state of the excitation current, the magnitude of the excitation current, and whether or not the second pulse signal is generated. A motor driver control unit that generates the first control signal based on the control signal 2 and outputs the first control signal to the motor driver;
A game control unit that outputs the first pulse signal, the division value, and the second control signal to the motor driver control unit;
First storage means for storing a combination of elements of the second control signal as rotation control data;
Second storage means for storing rotational speed data combining the frequency division value and the time for outputting the second pulse signal using the frequency division value;
Have
The game control unit refers to the rotation control data stored in the first storage unit and the rotation speed data stored in the second storage unit, and determines the divided value and the second control signal. A game machine that outputs to the motor driver control unit . The reel rotation control state includes an acceleration control state in which rotation of the reel is accelerated on the condition of a start operation from the reel stop state, a constant speed control state in which the rotation speed of the reel is constant, and a stop operation. A pull-in control state in which the rotation speed is kept constant up to the reel stop position, and a brake control state in which the rotation of the reel is stopped at the reel stop position,
The game control unit selects the rotation control data and the rotation speed data according to a rotation control state of the reel, and outputs the divided value and the second control signal to the motor driver control unit. The game table according to claim 1 . The pull-in control state is
A first state of maintaining the rotation speed of the reel in the constant speed control state;
After the first state, a second state in which the rotational speed of the reel is accelerated or decelerated;
With
The game control unit determines the time between the first state and the second state, and the proportion of acceleration / deceleration in the second state according to the amount of reel movement from the stop operation to the stop. The game table according to claim 2, wherein: The second state is:
A third state in which the reel is rotated at a rotational speed greater than the rotational speed of the reel in the constant speed control state;
A fourth state in which the reel is rotated at a rotation speed equal to or lower than the rotation speed of the reel in the constant speed control state;
With
The game control unit controls the motor driver control unit to rotate the reel in the fourth state after performing the control to rotate the reel in the third state to the motor driver control unit. The game table according to claim 3, wherein

Images