JP5520983B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of smoothly and accurately stopping a large-diameter reel while ensuring the maximum number of sliding pieces as in the past.

  Conventionally, it is detected that a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols arranged on each surface, a game medal, a coin, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a “medal, etc.”) and a start lever is operated by a player, A start switch that requests the start of rotation of a plurality of reels and a stop button provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels are detected by the player, and the stop of rotation of the corresponding reel is requested. A stop switch that outputs a signal, a stepping motor that is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels, and that transmits each driving force to each reel, and a stepping motor based on the signals output by the start switch and the stop switch A reel control unit that controls the operation of each reel and rotates and stops each reel, and the start lever is operated. Is detected, the lottery is performed based on the random number value, and the reel rotation is stopped based on the result of the lottery (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) and the timing at which the stop button is detected. A game machine called pachislot is known.

  In such a gaming machine, in order to establish a winning combination in which predetermined symbol combinations are arranged along a winning determination line and coins, medals, etc. are paid out, a combination of symbols indicating the winning combination of the internal winning combination is determined to be a winning determination. The player is required to perform a stop operation at a timing at which the player can stop at the line. In other words, no matter how much internal winning is made, if the timing of the stop operation of the player is bad, a winning cannot be established. That is, gaming machines that require skill in the timing of the stop operation (the high importance of technical intervention called “to push”) are currently mainstream. In consideration of easiness of pushing, a gaming machine including a reel having a larger diameter is preferable in order to play a game regardless of the skill of the game.

  In such a game machine, after the stop button is operated, the reel is rotated after the reel has moved by an amount of movement (hereinafter referred to as “the number of sliding pieces”) based on the operation timing of the stop button and the internal winning combination. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a gaming machine, since the reels must be stopped within a predetermined period (190 ms) after the stop button is operated, in order to secure the movement of the reels by the maximum number of sliding pieces, The rotation speed is required to be equal to or higher than a predetermined speed.

JP 2004-358216 A

  However, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, in order to make it easy to stop the reel, the rotation speed of the reel rotating at a constant speed is reduced before starting the reel rotation stop process. There was a problem that the reel could not be secured for the number of sliding pieces.

  Further, in the case of a reel having a large diameter, if the rotational speed of the reel is decelerated, the player feels uncomfortable and can predict the stop position.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can smoothly and accurately stop a large-diameter reel while ensuring the maximum number of sliding pieces as before.

(1) A plurality of reels (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, etc., which will be described later) having a plurality of types of symbols on the outer peripheral surface, and motors (for example, stepping motors 49L, 49C, which will be described later) for driving the reels. , 49R, etc.), start command means for commanding rotation start of the plurality of reels (for example, a start switch 6S described later), and stop command means for commanding stop of rotation of the plurality of reels (for example, stop described later). A reel control means (for example, described later) that controls the driving of the reel by performing two-phase excitation of the excitation phase of the motor based on a command from the switch 7S or the like and a command from the start command means or the stop command means. A main CPU 31, a motor drive circuit 39, etc.), and an internal winning combination is determined based on a command from the start command means Internal winning combination determining means (for example, a main CPU 31 described later, means for performing an internal lottery process), and the reel control means outputs a pulse output means (for example, described later) that outputs a pulse for exciting the excitation phase. And the plurality of reels are rotated by sequentially exciting the corresponding excitation phases with a reference current value (for example, 500 mA described later) based on a command from the start command means. Based on the rotation control means (for example, a motor drive circuit 39 described later) and the rotation control means being rotated at a constant speed, the positions of the symbols on the plurality of reels are specified. The symbol position specification start means (for example, a main CPU 31 described later) and the symbol position specification start means start the symbol position specification. Based on the fact that the said pulse counting means for counting the pulses output by the pulse output unit (e.g., main CPU31 will be described later, the pulse counter, etc. will be described later) and, the number of pulses counted by said pulse counting means a predetermined The symbol position information updating means (for example, a later-described main CPU 31) for updating the symbol position information (for example, a later-described symbol counter) on the assumption that the symbol has been displaced based on the value of Symbol position information to be stopped within the range of the amount of movement for a predetermined number of symbols from the current symbol position based on the determination result of the internal symbol combination determination means (for example, described later) Stop symbol position information determining means (for example, a main CPU 31 described later) and the symbol position The symbol position information (for example, a symbol counter described later) updated by the information updating means and the stop symbol position information (for example, a planned stop position described later) determined by the stop symbol position information determining unit match. A stop control means for stopping the plurality of reels (for example, a main CPU 31 and a motor drive circuit 39 to be described later), and the stop control means is updated by the symbol position information update means. information, the determined by the stop symbol position information determination means and the stop symbol position information match and, based on the number of pulses counted by said pulse counting means reaches a specific value, the reference current By performing a first stop control for exciting the excitation phase with a first current value (for example, 130 mA, which will be described later) smaller than the value, The plurality of reels are controlled to stop, and the excitation phase is set to a second current value (for example, 800 mA described later) larger than the reference current value prior to the first stop control. There rows second stop control of the excitation, the reel control means as an interrupt processing for each predetermined time, and controls the drive of the reel, the gaming machine, for each of a plurality of excitation data index A table storage means for storing an excitation data table in which an excitation content and an excitation timer indicating a time that is a natural number multiple of the predetermined time as an excitation time according to the excitation content are associated; The means is that the excitation according to the excitation content corresponding to the excitation data index has been performed over the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the one excitation data index. Then, the excitation data index is updated from the excitation data index to the next excitation data index, and the rotation control means sets excitation for N times (N is a natural number) of the predetermined time to the excitation phase. The reel is rotated at a constant speed by repeatedly repeating the symbol position information updated by the symbol position information updating unit, and the stop determined by the stop symbol position information determining unit. It is determined whether or not the symbol position information matches, and if the symbol position information and the stop symbol position information are determined to match, the excitation content of the plurality of excitation data indexes is decelerated. Update the excitation data index to the corresponding first excitation data index, and end the repetition of excitation over N times the predetermined time. Rotating at a constant speed by exciting the excitation phase just before the excitation phase immediately before the update is performed for the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the first excitation data index. Starting the deceleration of the rotation of the reel, updating the excitation data index to the second excitation data index next to the first excitation data index, and setting the excitation phase next to the previous excitation phase to By exciting for the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the second excitation data index, the rotation of the reel continues to be decelerated and excited to the third excitation data index next to the second excitation data index. The data index is updated, and the next excitation phase of the next excitation phase is excited for the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the third excitation data index. The rotation of the reel continues to be decelerated, the excitation data index is updated to the fourth excitation data index next to the third excitation data index, and the fourth excitation data index is changed without changing the excitation phase. Is excited for the time indicated by the excitation timer to stop the rotation of the reel, update the excitation data index to the fifth excitation data index next to the fourth excitation data index, and The reel is kept stopped by exciting for the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the fifth excitation data index without changing the value, and the gaming machine corresponds to the first excitation data index. The value of the current supplied to the excitation phase is determined at the timing when excitation for the time indicated by the excitation timer starts. The hold enhancement signal for setting the second current value is turned ON, and the hold enhancement signal is turned OFF at the timing when excitation for the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the fourth excitation data index starts. The hold relaxation signal for turning the value of the current supplied to the excitation phase to the first current value is turned ON, and excitation for the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the fifth excitation data index starts. A gaming machine comprising signal switching means for turning off the hold relaxation signal at a timing .

According to the invention of (1), the stop control means performs the stop control of the reel when the updated symbol position information matches the determined stop symbol position information in the reel that is rotating at a constant speed. The constant speed rotation can be performed until the reel stop control is started. Therefore, it is possible to perform the stop control of the large-diameter reel while securing the maximum number of sliding pieces as before.
Furthermore, since the stop control means controls the reel to stop when the number of counted pulses reaches a specific value, it is possible to accurately stop the large-diameter reel.
Furthermore, the stop control means excites the excitation phase with the first current value smaller than the reference current value to stop the reel, so that the reel is smoothly stopped by relatively weakening the braking force of the reel. Can do.
As described above, according to the invention of (1), it is possible to smoothly and accurately stop the large-diameter reel while ensuring the same maximum number of sliding pieces as before.

According to the invention of (1), since the stop control means excites the excitation phase with the second current value larger than the reference current value and controls the reel to stop before the first stop control. The reel can be smoothly stopped by performing the first stop control after the reel is rapidly decelerated by relatively increasing the braking force of the reel.
Therefore, according to the invention of (1), the large-diameter reel can be rapidly decelerated and stopped smoothly and accurately while securing the maximum number of sliding pieces as before.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the gaming machine which can stop a large diameter reel smoothly and correctly, ensuring the maximum number of sliding pieces as usual can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the function flow of a pachislot. It is a front view of a pachislot. It is an external appearance perspective view of a pachislot. It is a perspective view of a reel. It is a side view of a reel. It is a figure which shows an example of the pattern arranged on the reel. It is a figure which shows the structure of a main control circuit. It is a figure which shows ON / OFF of an excitation pattern and a hold relaxation signal. It is a figure which shows the excitation data table at the time of acceleration. It is a figure which shows the excitation data table at the time of deceleration. It is a figure which shows a pulse output data table. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the reel control data storage area for left reels. It is a main flowchart by control of main CPU. It is a flowchart of a reel stop control process. It is a flowchart of the interruption process by control of main CPU. It is a flowchart of a reel control process. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart of an acceleration preparation process. It is a flowchart of the process during acceleration. It is a flowchart of the process during constant speed. It is a flowchart of the deceleration start waiting process. It is a flowchart of a process during stop hold. It is a flowchart of an all-phase off process. It is a figure which shows ON / OFF, such as an excitation pattern and a hold relaxation signal. It is a figure which shows the excitation data table at the time of deceleration. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the reel control data storage area for left reels. It is a flowchart of a reel control process. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart of the deceleration start waiting process. It is a flowchart of the process during deceleration. It is a flowchart of a process during stop hold.

[Functional flow of pachislot]
Embodiments according to the gaming machine of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described, but the description of FIGS. 1 to 7 is common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  First, with reference to FIG. 1, the functional flow of the gaming machine (hereinafter, pachislot) 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

  When a medal is inserted by the player and the start lever 6 is operated, one value (hereinafter referred to as a random value) is extracted from random numbers in a predetermined numerical range (for example, 0 to 65535).

  The internal lottery means (main CPU 31 described later) performs lottery based on the extracted random number value and determines an internal winning combination. By determining the internal winning combination, a combination of symbols that permits display along a winning determination line described later is determined. The types of symbol combinations include those related to “winning” in which merits such as paying out medals, re-games, bonuses, etc. are given to players, and other so-called “loses”. Is provided.

  Subsequently, after the plurality of reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated, when the player presses the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, stop control means (a motor drive circuit 39 described later, a stepping motor described later) 49L, 49C, 49R) performs control to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel based on the internal winning combination and the timing when the stop button is pressed.

  Here, in the pachi-slot 1, basically, control for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel is performed within a specified time (190 msec) from when the stop button is pressed. In the present embodiment, the number of symbols that move with the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R within the specified time is referred to as “the number of sliding symbols”, and the maximum number is defined as four symbols.

  The stop control means displays the symbol combination as much as possible along the winning determination line using the specified time when an internal winning combination allowing the display of the symbol combination related to winning is determined. Thus, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. On the other hand, combinations of symbols that are not permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination are displayed on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R so that they are not displayed along the winning determination line using the specified time. Stop rotation.

In particular, the stop control means, in the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that are rotating at a constant speed, the updated symbol position information (a symbol counter that will be described later) matches the determined symbol position information that is determined (the planned stop position that will be described later). In this case, the reel stop control is performed, so that the constant speed rotation can be performed until the stop control start time of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Therefore, it is possible to perform the stop control of the large-diameter reel while securing the maximum number of sliding pieces as before.
Furthermore, the stop control means controls the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to stop when the number of pulses counted by a pulse counter described later reaches a specific value, so that the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are accurately controlled to stop. be able to.
Furthermore, since the stop control means excites the excitation phase with a first current value (130 mA, which will be described later) smaller than a reference current value (500 mA, which will be described later), the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are controlled to stop. , 3C, 3R can be relatively weakened to smoothly stop the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  Thus, when all the rotations of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the winning combination determination unit (main CPU 31 described later) relates to the winning combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line. It is determined whether or not. When it is determined that the prize is related to a prize, a bonus such as a medal payout is given to the player. A series of flows as described above is performed as one game in the pachislot 1.

  Further, in the pachislot 1, the video display performed by the liquid crystal display device 5, the light output performed by the lamp 14, the sound output performed by the speakers 9L and 9R, or a combination thereof is used in the above-described series of flows. Various productions are performed.

  When the start lever 6 is operated by the player, an effect random number value (hereinafter referred to as effect random number value) is extracted separately from the random number value used for determining the internal winning combination. When the effect random number is extracted, the effect content determining means (sub-CPU 81 described later) determines, by lottery, what is to be executed this time among a plurality of types of effect contents associated with the internal winning combination.

  When the effect content is determined, the effect execution means (the liquid crystal display device 5 described later, the speakers 9L and 9R described later, and the lamp 14 described later), when the reels 3L, 3C and 3R start to rotate, each reel 3L. , 3C, 3R, the execution of the performance is advanced in conjunction with each opportunity, such as when the determination of the presence or absence of a prize is made. As described above, in the pachislot 1, the player has an opportunity to know or predict the determined internal winning combination (in other words, the combination of symbols to be aimed at) by executing the production contents associated with the internal winning combination. It is provided and the player's interest is improved.

[Pachislot structure]
The functional flow of the pachislot 1 has been described above. Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, 1 called pachislot in this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachi-slot 1, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pachi-slot 1.

  The pachi-slot 1 includes a cabinet 1a serving as a housing for housing the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a circuit board, and the like, and a front door 2 attached to the front side F (the F side in FIG. 2) of the cabinet 1a so as to be openable and closable. A front panel 8 is provided on the front side F of the front door 2. Inside the cabinet 1a, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided side by side. Each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is configured by attaching a belt-like sheet in which a plurality of symbols are continuously arranged along the rotation direction to the peripheral surface of a cylindrical frame.

  A liquid crystal display device 5 is provided at the center of the front door 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided on the front side F of the front door 2 and between the front door 2 and the front panel 8. The liquid crystal display device 5 is fixed to the upper T portion of the front door 2 by a mounting frame.

  The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a display screen 5a including symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, and is positioned on the front side (F side in FIG. 2) superimposed on the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R when viewed from the front. It is provided to do. The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided corresponding to the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided on the rear side R (the R side in FIG. 2). The structure which can permeate | transmit is provided.

  That is, the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R serve as display windows, and the player can visually recognize the rotation and stop operation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind the display areas. Become. In the present embodiment, video is displayed using the entire display screen 5a including the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, and an effect is executed.

  The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are, among a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the surface of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind them is stopped. One symbol (three in total) is displayed in each of the upper, middle and lower areas in the frame. In addition, it is determined whether or not a prize is awarded for a pseudo line formed by combining any one of predetermined areas of the upper, middle, and lower areas of each of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R. It is defined as the target line (winning determination line).

  The front door 2 is provided with various devices to be operated by the player. The medal slot 10 is provided for receiving a medal dropped from the outside by the player. The medals accepted by the medal slot 10 are inserted into one game up to a predetermined number (for example, three), and the amount exceeding the predetermined number can be deposited inside the pachislot machine 1 (so-called credit function). ).

  The bet button 11 is provided to determine the number of coins to be inserted into one game from medals deposited inside the pachislot 1. The checkout button 12 is provided to pull out medals deposited inside the pachislot 1 to the outside.

  The start lever 6 is provided to start the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are associated with the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, respectively, and are provided to stop the rotation of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The lamp (LED or the like) 14 outputs light in a turn-on / off pattern according to the content of the effect. The speakers 9L and 9R output sound such as sound effects and music according to the contents of the production. The medal payout port 15 guides the discharged medals to the outside. The medals discharged from the medal payout opening 15 are stored in the medal tray 16.

[Reel unit configuration]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a reel unit provided inside each display window 4L, 4C, 4R. As shown in FIG. 4, the reel unit includes three mounting plates 80L, 80C, 80R, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R arranged inside the mounting plates 80L, 80C, 80R, and reels. Three stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R for individually rotating 3L, 3C, 3R are provided.

  Note that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are driven and controlled so as to be able to rotate in any of the arrow d1 direction and the arrow d2 direction.

[Reel side view]
FIG. 5A shows the right side surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. As shown in FIG. 5A, the mounting plate 80 (not shown) has a reel position for detecting the rotational position of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R within the rotational radius r1 of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. A detection circuit 50 (see FIG. 7) is provided. The reels 3L, 3C, 3R are pivotally supported by reel posts (not shown) that extend vertically from the surface of the mounting plate 80 at the centers of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are integrally formed so that the six arms 24 extending radially from the center thereof and the tips of the extending directions of the arms 24 extend. And a cylindrical member 16. One arm 24 is provided with a detection piece 28 as a reference position at a position detectable by the reel position detection circuit 50. The detection piece 28 is disposed so as to pass through the reel position detection circuit 50 every time the reels 3L, 3C, 3R make one rotation. The reel position detection circuit 50 is configured to output a detection signal each time the detection piece 28 passes and detects the detection piece 28.

  A symbol sheet shown in FIG. 6 to be described later is attached to the side periphery of the cylindrical member 16. This symbol sheet is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 16 by bonding or the like so that the center of the displayed symbol is positioned on the symbol mark.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, a reduction transmission mechanism is disposed between the drive shafts of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R and the rotation shafts of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. This speed reduction transmission mechanism transmits the rotation of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R to a rotating shaft that rotates the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with a predetermined reduction ratio.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the speed reduction transmission mechanism is in contact with the output side gear 26 provided on the drive side of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, and the output side gear 26, and the reels 3L, 3C. , 3R and the input side gear 27 arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R so as to have the same axis as the support shaft.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the internal structure of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. As shown in the figure, in the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R according to the present embodiment, the respective excitation phases are arranged in order in the clockwise direction.

  The rotation direction of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is changed by changing the pattern for exciting the phase 1, phase 2, phase 3, phase 4 arranged in the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R (see FIG. 7). This excitation pattern is realized by a predetermined pulse signal generated by a motor drive circuit 39 (see FIG. 7) described later.

  The stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R of the present embodiment employ a two-layer excitation system (the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R provided in the gaming machine 1 of the present invention are not limited to the two-layer excitation system, but one layer Any of excitation method and 1-2 layer excitation method). The two-layer excitation method is, for example, a method in which two phases are excited at once in a cycle of combination of phase 1-phase 2, phase 2-phase 3, phase 3-phase 4, phase 4-phase 1 and order. . One excitation is performed by one pulse signal supplied from the motor drive circuit 39 to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. In FIG. 5B, when each layer is excited in the cycle of phase 1-phase 2, phase 2-phase 3, phase 3-phase 4, phase 4-phase 1, the rotor rotates in the direction of arrow d4, and phase 1- When each layer is excited in a cycle of phase 4, phase 4-phase 3, phase 3-phase 2, and phase 2-phase 1, the rotor rotates in the direction of arrow d3. When the rotor rotates in the direction of the arrow d3, rotational torque is transmitted from the output side gear 26 to the input side gear 27, the reel 3 rotates in the direction of the arrow d1, and when the rotor rotates in the direction of the arrow d4, the reel 3 moves to the arrow. It rotates in the direction of d2.

  The acceleration of the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is based on an acceleration excitation data table (FIG. 9), which will be described later, with the time of one excitation by a pulse signal transmitted from the motor drive circuit 39 to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. This is done by sequentially changing as shown in the excitation timer of (see). On the other hand, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is decelerated by sequentially changing the time of the single excitation as shown in an excitation timer of a deceleration excitation data table (FIGS. 10 and 25) described later. Is called.

[Reel design]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored in a main ROM 32 (see FIG. 7) described later as a data table. On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, “blue 7” (design 91), “red 7” (design 92), “BAR” (design 93), “bell” (design 94), “watermelon” (design) 95), “Cherry” (symbol 96), and “Replay” (symbol 97). Each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in either direction of the arrow d1 or d2. In the embodiment, each of “Bell” (symbol 94), “Watermelon” (symbol 95), and “Cherry” (symbol 96) is stopped along with the activated pay line, and the winning combination is “small role”. "

[Circuit configuration of pachislot]
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a configuration of a circuit included in the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment includes a main control circuit 71, a sub-control circuit 72, and peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected thereto.

<Main control circuit>
FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the main control circuit 71 of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

(Microcomputer)
The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 installed on a circuit board as a main component. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU (hereinafter, main CPU) 31, a ROM (hereinafter, main ROM) 32, and a RAM (hereinafter, main RAM) 33.

  The main ROM 32 has a control program (see FIGS. 13 to 23 and FIGS. 27 to 31 described later) executed by the main CPU 31, a data table (see FIGS. 9 to 11 and 25 described later), and a sub control circuit 72. Data for transmitting various control commands (commands) are stored. The main RAM 33 is provided with a storage area (see FIGS. 12 and 26 described later) for storing various data determined by execution of the control program.

(Random number generator etc.)
The main CPU 31 is connected to a clock pulse generation circuit 34, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36, and a sampling circuit 37. The clock pulse generation circuit 34 and the frequency divider 35 generate clock pulses. The main CPU 31 executes a control program based on the generated clock pulse. The random number generator 36 generates a random number within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 37 extracts one value from the generated random numbers.

(Switch etc.)
A switch or the like is connected to the input port of the microcomputer 30. The main CPU 31 receives input from a switch or the like and controls the operation of peripheral devices such as stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R. The stop switch 7S outputs a signal indicating that a stop operation has been performed in response to detecting that each of the three stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R has been pressed by the player (stop operation). The start switch 6S outputs a signal indicating that the start operation has been performed in response to detecting that the start lever 6 has been operated by the player (start operation).

  The medal sensor 42S detects that a medal received at the medal slot 10 has passed through a selector (not shown). The bet switch 11AS detects that the bet button 11 has been pressed by the player. Further, the settlement switch 12S detects that the settlement button 12 has been pressed by the player.

(Peripheral devices and circuits)
Peripheral devices whose operations are controlled by the microcomputer 30 include stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, a 7-segment display 13 and a hopper 40. A circuit for controlling the operation of each peripheral device is connected to the output port of the microcomputer 30.

  The motor drive circuit 39 controls driving of stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The reel position detection circuit 50 detects a reel index indicating that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have made one rotation by an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion in accordance with each reel 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R have a configuration in which the momentum is proportional to the number of output pulses and the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle. The driving force of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is transmitted to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R via gears having a predetermined reduction ratio. Each time one pulse is output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate at a constant angle.

  The main CPU 31 counts the number of times the pulses are output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R after detecting the reel index, thereby rotating the rotation angles of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (mainly the reels 3L, 3C, The number of symbols 3R has rotated) is managed, and the positions of the symbols arranged on the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are managed.

  The display unit drive circuit 48 controls the operation of the 7-segment display 13 (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The hopper drive circuit 41 controls the operation of the hopper 40. The payout completion signal circuit 51 manages the detection of medals performed by the medal detection unit 40S provided in the hopper 40, and checks whether or not the medals discharged from the hopper 40 have reached the payout number.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Stop from reel deceleration]
FIG. 8 shows the time pattern for exciting the phase 1, phase 2, phase 3, and phase 4 arranged in the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R (see FIG. 7) and the ON / OFF switching of the hold relaxation signal. It is the figure represented with progress of.

  The number string such as “1001” shown in FIG. 8 indicates the excitation pattern of each phase, with the top number being one phase, the second number being two phases, and the third number being three. The lowest number corresponds to the four phases. Further, “0” indicates that “1” is excited and “0” indicates that it is not excited. Excitation is performed by supplying current from the motor drive circuit 39 to each phase.

  The hold relaxation signal is a signal for making the value of the current supplied from the motor drive circuit 39 to each phase smaller than normal (such as when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate at a constant speed). The hold relaxation signal is supplied to the motor drive circuit 39 at the timing when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are switched from the constant speed to the deceleration. When the hold relaxation signal is OFF, the current value is 500 mA, and when it is ON, the current value is 130 mA.

  As described above, excitation is performed once by one pulse signal supplied from the motor drive circuit 39 to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. Here, one excitation is performed according to an excitation pattern such as “1001”.

During the constant speed, one excitation with one pulse signal is performed for two interrupts, and this is repeated to rotate the reels 3L, 3C, 3R at a constant speed. During deceleration, the next excitation phase (4 and 1) in the last excitation pattern at constant speed (3 and 4 phases are excited in FIG. 8) corresponds to 3 interrupts. Excited for a period of time. At this time, the hold alleviate signal is turned ON. Further, the next phases (phase 1 and phase 2) are excited for 217 interrupts, and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. When the time corresponding to 217 interrupts has elapsed, the hold relaxation signal is turned OFF, and excitation is not performed for all phases.

  When the hold relaxation signal is turned ON, the current value supplied to each phase from the motor drive circuit 39 is reduced, the rotation braking force (reel holding force) of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is weakened, and the reels 3L, 3C, Step-out occurs because the inertial force of 3R increases. In the first embodiment, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped after two steps-out.

[Configuration of data table stored in main ROM]
Next, the configuration of various data tables stored in the main ROM 32 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Excitation data table for acceleration]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an acceleration excitation data table. This acceleration excitation data table is a table that is referenced from immediately before the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to a constant speed, and is referenced in step S63 in FIG. 18 and step S72 in FIG. The According to FIG. 9, the value and content of the excitation timer are associated with the value of the excitation data index.

  The value of the excitation timer has one interrupt time as one unit. After the “start-up hold” of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is performed for 192 interrupts, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are accelerated in 12 stages from “acceleration 1” to “acceleration 12”.

[Deceleration excitation data table]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a deceleration excitation data table. This deceleration excitation data table is a table that is referenced from the start of deceleration to the stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and is referred to in step S106 of FIG. 21 and step S122 of FIG. According to FIG. 10, the value and content of the excitation timer are associated with the value of the excitation data index.

  The value of the excitation timer has one interrupt time as one unit. After “deceleration” of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed for three interrupts, “stop hold” is performed for 217 interrupts, and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

[Pulse output data table]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a pulse output data table. This pulse output data table stores the contents of the pulse data output according to the value of the pulse code counter, and is referred to in step S59 of FIG. 17 and step S162 of FIG. 28 described later. The value of the pulse code counter is updated in step S58 in FIG. 17 and step S161 in FIG.

[Configuration of storage area provided in main RAM]
This completes the description of the contents of the data table stored in the main ROM 32. Next, the configuration of the storage area provided in the main RAM 33 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Reel control data storage area for left reel]
With reference to FIG. 12, the structure of the reel control data storage area for the left reel will be described. Since the reel control data storage area for the middle reel and the reel control data storage area for the right reel have the same configuration, the description thereof is omitted.

  The reel control data storage area for the left reel includes an area for storing reel control information, excitation timer, excitation data index, reel sensor information, pulse counter, symbol counter, planned stop position, and stop control position.

  The reel control information stores data consisting of 1 byte. Various contents of the reel control information correspond to each bit, and when the bit is set to “1”, the contents of the corresponding reel control information are valid. The same applies to the reel sensor information.

[Program flow executed in pachislot]
Next, the contents of a program executed by the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Main flowchart by control of main CPU of main control circuit]
With reference to FIG. 13, the main flowchart which showed the main processes which the main CPU31 performs is demonstrated.

  First, the main CPU 31 performs an initialization process (step S1), and proceeds to step S2. In this process, the main CPU 31 checks whether the main RAM 33 is normal, initializes an input / output port, and the like.

  In step S2, the main CPU 31 performs designated storage area initialization processing. For example, the main CPU 31 clears data stored in the internal winning combination storing area, the expected display combination storing area, and the like. Subsequently, the main CPU 31 performs medal acceptance / start check processing (step S3). In this process, the main CPU 31 determines whether a start operation is possible based on the number of inserted sheets.

  Next, the main CPU 31 extracts the random number for lottery and stores it in the random value storage area (step S4). The random number for lottery extracted in the process of step S4 is used in the internal lottery process (step S5). Subsequently, the main CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process (step S5). In this process, the main CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel stop initial setting process (step S6). In this process, the main CPU 31 initializes an area related to control for stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores start command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 33 (step S7). The start command includes information such as a gaming state and an internal winning combination, and is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 in a communication data transmission process (step S34 in FIG. 15) of an interruption process described later. Thereby, the sub-control circuit 72 can perform processing according to the start operation.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the game time management timer is 0 (step S8). When this determination is NO, the main CPU 31 waits for digestion of the waiting time (step S9), and proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the main CPU 31 sets an initial value in the game time management timer. That is, Steps S8 to S10 are so-called wait processing.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 31 requests the start of rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (step S11). Next, the main CPU 31 stores reel rotation start command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 33 (step S12). The stored reel rotation start command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 in the communication data transmission process of an interrupt process described later.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a pull-in priority storage process (step S13). In the drawing priority order storing process, the winning combination with the highest priority among the combinations that can be displayed for each symbol code storage area is determined, and the drawing priority order data based on the determined winning combination is stored in the drawing priority order data storage area. Subsequently, the main CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 14 (step S14).

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a winning action search process (step S15). In this process, the main CPU 31 determines the display combination and the medal payout number. Next, the main CPU 31 performs a winning check / medal payout process (step S16). In this process, the main CPU 31 pays out medals based on the payout number of medals determined in the process of step S15.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 31 performs a game state transition control process (step S17). In this process, the main CPU 31 performs control to shift the gaming state based on a predetermined condition.

[Reel stop control process]
With reference to FIG. 14, the reel stop control process in which the main CPU 31 stops the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R based on the internal winning combination or the timing of the stop operation by the player will be described.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not an effective stop button 7L, 7C, 7R has been pressed (step S21). At this time, when the valid stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are pressed, the main CPU 31 subsequently performs the process of step S22. On the other hand, when the effective stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are not pressed, the main CPU 31 performs the process of step S21 again.

  In step S22, the main CPU 31 invalidates the pressed stop button. Subsequently, the main CPU 31 determines a stop target reel from the pressed stop button (step S23). Specifically, when the pressed stop button is the left stop button 7L, the left reel 3L is determined as the reel to be stopped, and when the pressed stop button is the middle stop button 7C. The middle reel 3C is determined as the stop target reel, and when the pressed stop button is the right stop button 7R, the right reel 3R is determined as the stop target reel.

  Subsequently, in step S24, the main CPU 31 stores the stop start position based on the symbol counter. Next, the main CPU 31 refers to the reel stop initial setting data and the drawing priority data, and determines the number of sliding pieces based on the internal winning combination and the stop position (step S25). In step S <b> 26, the main CPU 31 stores reel stop command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 33. The reel stop command includes information on the operation stop button and the like, and is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 in the communication data transmission process of the interrupt process described later. Thereby, the sub-control circuit 72 can perform processing according to the stop operation.

  In step S27, the main CPU 31 determines a planned stop position based on the stop start position and the number of sliding pieces, and stores it in the reel control data storage area. Subsequently, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a valid stop button (step S28). At this time, if there is a valid stop button, it is determined that it is not at the time of the third stop, and the main CPU 31 performs a drawing priority order storing process (step S29), and then returns to the process of step S21. As described above, in the pachislot machine 1, the drawing priority data is stored for each symbol position of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that are still rotating before the process of stopping the rotation of the next reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is performed. Processing is performed. On the other hand, if there is no valid stop button, it is determined that the time is the third stop, and the reel stop control process is terminated.

[Interrupt processing under the control of the main CPU (1.1173 msec)]
With reference to FIG. 15, an interrupt process by the control of the main CPU 31 showing a procedure of an interrupt process executed by the main CPU 31 every predetermined time (for example, 1.1173 ms) will be described.

  First, the main CPU 31 saves the register (step S31). Subsequently, the main CPU 31 performs an input port check process (step S32). In this process, the main CPU 31 confirms the presence / absence of a signal transmitted to the microcomputer 30. For example, the main CPU 31 stores the on-edge and off-edge of the start switch 6S, the stop switch 7S, etc. for each interrupt process. Further, the main CPU 31 stores an input state command including information on the on-edge and off-edge of various switches in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 33. The stored input state command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 in a communication data transmission process of an interrupt process described later. Thereby, various effects can be executed using the operation means such as the start lever 6 and the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 31 performs a timer update process (step S33). Next, the main CPU 31 performs communication data transmission processing (step S34). In this process, the command stored in the communication data storage area is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72. Subsequently, the main CPU 31 performs a reel control process which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 (FIGS. 27 and 28 in the second embodiment described later) (step S35). For example, the main CPU 31 controls the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. More specifically, the main CPU 31 starts rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in response to a request for starting rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, that is, in response to a start operation, and at a constant speed. Control is performed so that 3L, 3C, and 3R rotate. Further, in accordance with the stop operation, control is performed so that the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the stop operation stops.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 31 performs a lamp / 7SEG driving process (step S36). For example, the main CPU 31 displays the number of credited medals, the number of payouts, etc. on various display units. Subsequently, the main CPU 31 restores the register (step S37), and terminates the interrupt processing that occurs periodically.

[Reel control processing]
The reel control process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether the excitation timer is 0 (step S41). In the case of 0, the reel control process is terminated. If not 0, the main CPU 31 decrements the excitation timer by 1 (step S42). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the excitation timer is 0 (step S43). If it is not 0, the main CPU 31 ends the reel control process. In the case of 0, the main CPU 31 extracts reel sensor information and sets reel sensor information corresponding to the target reel (step S44).

  Subsequently, the main CPU 31 acquires reel control information (step S45). In this process, reel control information is acquired from the reel control data storage area described with reference to FIG. Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is preparation for acceleration (step S46). In the case of acceleration preparation, the main CPU 31 performs an acceleration preparation process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 18 (step S47), and moves the process to step S57. If it is not ready for acceleration, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is accelerating (step S48).

  If the vehicle is accelerating, the main CPU 31 performs an accelerating process, which will be described later with reference to FIG. When not accelerating, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is at a constant speed (step S50). In the case of the constant speed, the main CPU 31 performs the constant speed process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 20 (step S51), and moves the process to step S57. If the speed is not constant, the main CPU 31 determines whether the reel control information is waiting for a deceleration start (step S52).

  In the case of waiting for the start of deceleration, the main CPU 31 performs a deceleration start waiting process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 21 (step S53), and moves the process to step S57. If it is not waiting for the start of deceleration, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is in hold stop (step S54). In the case of stop hold, the main CPU 31 performs stop hold processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 (step S55), and moves the process to step S57. When the stop hold is not being performed, the main CPU 31 performs an all-phase off process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 23 (step S56), and moves the process to step S57.

  In step S57, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is all-phase off. If not all phases are off, the main CPU 31 updates the pulse code counter based on each excitation output data (step S58), and moves the process to step S59. If all phases are off, the main CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S59. In step S59, the main CPU 31 outputs pulse data corresponding to the value of the pulse code counter, and ends the reel control process.

[Acceleration preparation process]
The acceleration preparation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 updates the reel control information during acceleration (step S61). Next, the main CPU 31 stores 0 in the excitation data index (step S62), refers to the acceleration excitation data table (FIG. 9), and stores an excitation timer based on the excitation data index (step S63).

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores the pulse counter value at the time of sensor passage in the pulse counter (step S64), and stores the initial value (FFH) at the planned stop position (step S65). Next, the main CPU 31 sets acceleration preparation excitation output data (step S66), and ends the acceleration preparation processing.

[Processing during acceleration]
The acceleration processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the excitation data index (step S71). Next, the main CPU 31 refers to the acceleration excitation data table (FIG. 9) and stores an excitation timer based on the excitation data index (step S72).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the excitation data index is an end code (step S73). In the case of an end code, the main CPU 31 updates the reel control information to a constant speed (step S74), and sets normal excitation data output data (step S75). If it is not an end code, the main CPU 31 sets normal excitation output data (step S75). When the process of step S75 ends, the main CPU 31 ends the in-acceleration process.

[Processing at constant speed]
The constant speed process will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the main CPU 31 stores an excitation timer based on the constant speed excitation data (step S81). Here, the excitation timer based on the excitation data for constant speed is “2”. Next, the main CPU 31 checks the reel sensor information (step S82), and determines whether the reel sensor information is updated and turned on (step S83). If the determination in step S83 is yes, the main CPU 31 moves the process to step S84, and if no, moves the process to step S85.

  In step S84, the main CPU 31 stores the pulse counter value when the sensor passes in the pulse counter, and moves the process to step S89. In step S85, the main CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the pulse counter. In step S86, the main CPU 31 determines whether the pulse counter is 0 or not. In the case of 0, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the symbol counter (step S87), and moves the process to step S88. If it is not 0, the main CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S91.

  In step S88, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the symbol counter is 21 or more. In the case of 21 or more, the main CPU 31 stores the initial value (0) in the symbol counter (step S89), and moves the process to step S90. If it is not 21 or more, the main CPU31 shifts the processing to step S90. In step S90, the main CPU 31 stores the initial value (16) in the pulse counter, sets the normal excitation output data (step S91), and acquires the planned stop position stored in step S27 of FIG. 14 (step S92). ).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the scheduled stop position is an initial value (FFH) (step S93), and in the case of the initial value, the main CPU 31 ends the constant speed process. If it is not the initial value, the main CPU 31 updates the reel control information to wait for the start of deceleration (step S94), and ends the constant speed process.

[Deceleration start wait processing]
The deceleration start waiting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 stores an excitation timer based on the constant speed excitation data (step S101). Here, the excitation timer based on the excitation data for constant speed is “2”. Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not it is a planned stop position (step S102). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the scheduled stop position stored in step S27 of FIG. 14 matches the value of the symbol counter. If the determination in step S102 is YES, the main CPU 31 moves the process to step S103, and if NO, moves the process to step S108.

  In step S103, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the pulse counter is 15 or more. In the case of 15 or more, the main CPU 31 moves the process to step S108, and in the case of not being 15 or more, the process moves to step S104.

  In step S104, the main CPU 31 updates the reel control information during stop-hold, stores 13 in the excitation data index (step S105), and refers to the excitation data table during deceleration (FIG. 10) based on the excitation data index. The excitation timer is stored (step S106), and the relaxation output data for relaxation deceleration is set (step S107). When the process of step S107 ends, the main CPU 31 ends the deceleration start waiting process.

In step S108, the main CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the pulse counter. In step S109, the main CPU 31 determines whether the pulse counter is 0 or not. In the case of 0, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the symbol counter (step S110), and moves the process to step S111.
If it is not 0, the main CPU31 shifts the processing to step S114.

  In step S111, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the symbol counter is 21 or more. In the case of 21 or more, the main CPU 31 stores the initial value (0) in the symbol counter (step S112), and moves the process to step S113. If it is not 21 or more, the main CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S113. In step S113, the main CPU 31 stores the initial value (16) in the pulse counter and sets normal excitation output data (step S114). When the process of step S114 ends, the main CPU 31 ends the deceleration start waiting process.

[Processing during stop hold]
With reference to FIG. 22, the process during the stop hold will be described.

First, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the excitation data index (step S121). Next, the main CPU 31 stores an excitation timer based on the excitation data index with reference to the deceleration excitation data table (FIG. 10) (step S122), and determines whether the excitation data index is an end code (step S122). S123).

  In the case of an end code, the main CPU 31 updates the reel control information to OFF for all phases (step S124), and sets relaxation deceleration excitation output data (step S125). If it is not the end code, the main CPU 31 sets relaxation deceleration excitation output data (step S125). When the process of step S125 ends, the main CPU 31 ends the stop-hold process.

[All-phase OFF processing]
The all-phase off process will be described with reference to FIG.

  The main CPU 31 sets all-phase off excitation output data (step S131) and ends the all-phase off processing.

  The first embodiment has the following effects.

The CPU 31 performs stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in the reels 3L, 3C, 3R that are rotating at a constant speed when the symbol counter coincides with the scheduled stop position. Therefore, the stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed. Constant speed rotation can be performed until the start time. Therefore, it is possible to perform the stop control of the large-diameter reel while securing the maximum number of sliding pieces as before.
Further, since the CPU 31 performs stop control of the reel when the counted number of pulses reaches a specific value, the large-diameter reel can be accurately stopped and controlled.
Furthermore, the CPU 31 excites the excitation phase with the first current value (130 mA) smaller than the reference current value (500 mA) to stop and control the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The reel can be weakened and stopped smoothly.
As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to smoothly and accurately stop a large-diameter reel while ensuring the same maximum number of sliding pieces as before.

[Second Embodiment]
This is the end of the description of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 31. In the second embodiment, the description overlapping with that of the first embodiment is omitted.

[Stop from reel deceleration]
FIG. 24 is a pattern for exciting phase 1, phase 2, phase 3, and phase 4 arranged in stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R (see FIG. 7), and switching ON / OFF of the hold relaxation signal and hold enhancement signal. It is the figure which expressed with time progress.

  The number string such as “1001” shown in FIG. 24 indicates the excitation pattern of each phase, with the top number being one phase, the second number being two phases, and the third number being three. The lowest number corresponds to the four phases. Further, “0” indicates that “1” is excited and “0” indicates that it is not excited. Excitation is performed by supplying current from the motor drive circuit 39 to each phase.

  The hold enhancement signal is a signal for making the value of the current supplied from the motor drive circuit 39 to each phase larger than normal (such as when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate at a constant speed). The hold enhancement signal is supplied to the motor drive circuit 39 at the timing when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are switched from the constant speed to the deceleration 1. When the hold enhancement signal is OFF, the current value is 500 mA, and when it is ON, the current value is 800 mA.

  The hold relaxation signal is a signal for making the value of the current supplied from the motor drive circuit 39 to each phase smaller than normal (such as when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate at a constant speed). The hold relaxation signal is supplied to the motor drive circuit 39 at the timing when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are switched from the stop hold 1 to the stop hold 2. When the hold relaxation signal is OFF, the current value is 500 mA, and when it is ON, the current value is 130 mA.

  As described above, excitation is performed once by one pulse signal supplied from the motor drive circuit 39 to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R. Here, one excitation is performed according to an excitation pattern such as “1001”.

  During the constant speed, one excitation with one pulse signal is performed for two interrupts, and this is repeated to rotate the reels 3L, 3C, 3R at a constant speed. In the deceleration 1, the last excitation pattern at the constant speed (in FIG. 24, the 3rd and 4th phases are excited) has 4 phases (2 and 3) immediately before the excited phase. Excited for the time of interrupt. At this time, the hold enhancement signal is turned ON. Further, the next phase (3 and 4 phases) is excited for one interrupt (deceleration 2), and the next phase (4 and 1 phase) is excited for 5 interrupts (stop hold). 1). In the stop hold 1, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are not yet stopped.

  When the hold enhancement signal is turned ON, the current value supplied to each phase from the motor drive circuit 39 increases, the braking force (reel holding force) of the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R increases, and the reels 3L, 3C, A strong brake can be applied to 3R.

  Next, in the stop hold 2, the excited phase remains unchanged for 50 interrupts without changing. At this time, the hold reinforcement signal is turned off and the hold relaxation signal is turned on. As a result, the current value supplied to each phase from the motor drive circuit 39 is reduced, the braking force (reel holding force) of the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is weakened, and the impact at the stop can be reduced. In the stop hold 2 period, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  Next, in the stop hold 3, the excited phase remains unchanged for 80 interrupts without changing. At this time, the hold relaxation signal is turned OFF. As a result, the normal excitation force (reel holding force) is restored, so that the stop position can be stabilized. When the time corresponding to 80 interrupts has elapsed, excitation is not performed for all phases.

[Configuration of data table stored in main ROM]
Next, the configuration of the data table stored in the main ROM 32 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the acceleration excitation data table (FIG. 9) and the pulse output data table (FIG. 11) are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[Deceleration excitation data table]
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a deceleration excitation data table. This deceleration excitation data table is a table that is referenced from the start of deceleration to the stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Step S176 in FIG. 29, step S192 in FIG. 30, and step in FIG. Referenced in S202. According to FIG. 25, the value and content of the excitation timer are associated with the value of the excitation data index. The value of the excitation timer has one interrupt time as one unit.

[Configuration of storage area provided in main RAM]
This completes the description of the contents of the data table stored in the main ROM 32. Next, the configuration of the storage area provided in the main RAM 33 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Reel control data storage area for left reel]
The configuration of the reel control data storage area for the left reel will be described with reference to FIG. Since the reel control data storage area for the middle reel and the reel control data storage area for the right reel have the same configuration, the description thereof is omitted.

  The difference from the reel control data storage area (FIG. 12) for the left reel of the first embodiment is that “decelerated” is added to the reel control information, the range of the excitation timer value, and the range of the excitation data index.

  The reel control data storage area for the left reel includes an area for storing reel control information, excitation timer, excitation data index, reel sensor information, pulse counter, symbol counter, planned stop position, and stop control position.

  The reel control information stores data consisting of 1 byte. Various contents of the reel control information correspond to each bit, and when the bit is set to “1”, the contents of the corresponding reel control information are valid. The same applies to the reel sensor information.

[Program flow executed in pachislot]
Next, the contents of a program executed by the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that power-on (FIG. 13), reel stop control processing (FIG. 14), interrupt processing (1.1173 msec) (FIG. 15) under control of the main CPU, acceleration preparation processing (FIG. 18), and acceleration processing (FIG. 19). ), The constant speed process (FIG. 20) and the all-phase off process (FIG. 23) are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[Reel control processing]
The reel control process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the excitation timer is 0 (step S141). In the case of 0, the reel control process is terminated. If not 0, the main CPU 31 decrements the excitation timer by 1 (step S142). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the excitation timer is 0 (step S143). If it is not 0, the main CPU 31 ends the reel control process. In the case of 0, the main CPU 31 extracts reel sensor information and sets reel sensor information corresponding to the target reel (step S144).

  Subsequently, the main CPU 31 acquires reel control information (step S145). In this process, reel control information is acquired from the reel control data storage area described with reference to FIG. Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is preparation for acceleration (step S146). In the case of the acceleration preparation, the main CPU 31 performs the acceleration preparation process described with reference to FIG. 18 (step S147), and moves the process to step S159. If it is not ready for acceleration, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is accelerating (step S148).

  In the case of acceleration, the main CPU 31 performs the acceleration process described with reference to FIG. 19 (step S149), and moves the process to step S159. When not accelerating, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is at a constant speed (step S150). In the case of the constant speed, the main CPU 31 performs the constant speed process described with reference to FIG. 20 (step S151), and moves the process to step S159. If the speed is not constant, the main CPU 31 determines whether the reel control information is waiting for the start of deceleration (step S152).

  In the case of waiting for the start of deceleration, the main CPU 31 performs a deceleration start waiting process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 29 (step S153), and moves the process to step S159. If it is not waiting for the start of deceleration, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is decelerating (step S154). When the vehicle is decelerating, the main CPU 31 performs a process during deceleration described later with reference to FIG. 30 (step S155), and the process proceeds to step S159. When the vehicle is not decelerating, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is in hold stop (step S156). In the case of the stop hold, the main CPU 31 performs a stop hold process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 31 (step S157), and moves the process to step S59. When the stop hold is not being performed, the main CPU 31 performs the all-phase off process described with reference to FIG. 23 (step S158), and moves the process to step S159.

  In step S159, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is in the hold stop state. When the stop hold is not being performed, the main CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S160. When the stop hold is being performed, the main CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S162.

  In step S160, the main CPU 31 determines whether the reel control information is all-phase off. If all the phases are not off, the main CPU 31 updates the pulse code counter based on each excitation output data (step S161), and moves the process to step S162. If all phases are off, the main CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S162. In step S162, the main CPU 31 outputs pulse data corresponding to the value of the pulse code counter, and ends the reel control process.

[Deceleration start wait processing]
The deceleration start waiting process will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the main CPU 31 stores an excitation timer based on the constant speed excitation data (step S171). Here, the excitation timer based on the excitation data for constant speed is “2”. Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not it is a planned stop position (step S172). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the scheduled stop position stored in step S27 of FIG. 14 matches the value of the symbol counter. If the determination in step S172 is yes, the main CPU 31 moves the process to step S173, and if no, moves the process to step S178.

  In step S173, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the pulse counter is 15 or more. In the case of 15 or more, the main CPU 31 moves the process to step S178, and in the case of not being 15 or more, the process moves to step S174.

  In step S174, the main CPU 31 updates the reel control information during deceleration, stores 13 in the excitation data index (step S175), and refers to the excitation data table during deceleration (FIG. 25) based on the excitation data index. The excitation timer is stored (step S176), and the enhanced deceleration excitation output data is set (step S177). When the process of step S177 ends, the main CPU 31 ends the deceleration start waiting process.

  In step S178, the main CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the pulse counter. In step S179, the main CPU 31 determines whether the pulse counter is 0 or not. In the case of 0, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the symbol counter (step S180), and moves the process to step S181. If it is not 0, the main CPU31 shifts the processing to step S184.

  In step S181, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the symbol counter is 21 or more. In the case of 21 or more, the main CPU 31 stores the initial value (0) in the symbol counter (step S182), and moves the process to step S183. If it is not 21 or more, the main CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S183. In step S183, the main CPU 31 stores the initial value (16) in the pulse counter and sets normal excitation output data (step S184). When the process of step S184 ends, the main CPU 31 ends the deceleration start waiting process.

[Processing during deceleration]
With reference to FIG. 30, the process during deceleration will be described.

  First, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the excitation data index (step S191). Next, the main CPU 31 stores an excitation timer based on the excitation data index with reference to the deceleration excitation data table (FIG. 25) (step S192), and updates the reel control information during the stop hold (step S193). . Next, the main CPU 31 sets enhanced deceleration excitation output data (step S194), and ends the deceleration processing.

[Processing during stop hold]
With reference to FIG. 31, the process during stop hold will be described.

First, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the excitation data index (step S201). Next, the main CPU 31 stores an excitation timer based on the excitation data index with reference to the deceleration excitation data table (FIG. 25) (step S202), and determines whether the excitation data index is an end code (step S202). S203).

  In the case of an end code, the main CPU 31 updates the reel control information to OFF for all phases (step S204), sets normal deceleration excitation output data (step S205), and ends the stop-hold processing. If it is not an end code, the main CPU 31 shifts the processing to step S206.

  In step S206, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the excitation data index is 15. If the excitation data index is 15, the strengthening deceleration excitation output data is set (step S207), and the stop-hold processing is ended. If not 15, the relaxation deceleration excitation output data is set (step S208), and the stop-hold process is terminated.

The second embodiment has the following effects.
Prior to the stop control with the first current value (130 mA) smaller than the reference current value (500 mA), the CPU 31 excites the excitation phase with the second current value (800 mA) larger than the reference current value to thereby generate the reel 3L. , 3C, 3R are controlled so that the braking force of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is relatively increased first and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are decelerated rapidly, and then the first current value (130 mA) is applied. Stop control can be performed to smoothly stop the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.
Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to smoothly and accurately stop the large-diameter reel after rapidly decelerating the large-diameter reel while ensuring the same maximum number of sliding pieces as before.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, The deformation | transformation in the range which can achieve the objective of this invention, improvement, etc. are included in this invention.

1 Pachislot 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 30 Microcomputer 31 Main CPU
32 Main ROM
33 Main RAM
39 Motor drive circuits 49L, 49C, 49R Stepping motor 71 Main control circuit

Claims (1)

A plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols on the outer peripheral surface;
A motor for driving the plurality of reels;
Start command means for commanding rotation start of the plurality of reels;
Stop command means for commanding stop of rotation of the plurality of reels;
A reel control means for controlling the driving of the reel by two-phase excitation of the excitation phase of the motor based on a command from the start command means or the stop command means,
An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on a command from the start command means,
The reel control means includes
Pulse output means for outputting a pulse for exciting the excitation phase;
Based on a command from the start command means, rotation control means for rotating the plurality of reels by sequentially exciting the corresponding excitation phases with a reference current value;
A symbol position specifying start unit that starts specifying the positions of the symbols on the plurality of reels based on the rotation control unit rotating the plurality of reels at a constant speed;
By the symbol position determination start means, based on the specific position of the symbol is started, a pulse counting means for counting the pulses output by the pulse output unit,
The symbol position information updating means for updating the symbol position information on the assumption that the symbol is displaced based on the number of pulses counted by the pulse counting means being a predetermined value;
When there is a command from the stop command means, based on the determination result of the internal symbol combination determining means, the symbol position information to be stopped within the range of the movement amount for a predetermined number of symbols from the current symbol position Stop symbol position information determining means for determining
Stop control means for stopping the plurality of reels when the symbol position information updated by the symbol position information update means matches the stop symbol position information determined by the stop symbol position information determination means, Including
The stop control means includes
The symbol position information updated by the symbol position information updating means matches the stop symbol position information determined by the stop symbol position information determining means, and the number of pulses counted by the pulse counting means is a specific number. Based on what became value,
By performing a first stop control for exciting the excitation phase with a first current value smaller than the reference current value, the drive of the motor is controlled to stop the plurality of reels,
Prior to the first stop control, have rows second stop control for exciting the excitation phase at the second current value greater than the reference current value,
The reel control means controls the driving of the reel as an interrupt process every predetermined time,
In the gaming machine, each of a plurality of excitation data indexes is associated with an excitation content and an excitation timer indicating a time that is a natural number times the predetermined time as a time for performing excitation according to the excitation content. Table storage means for storing the excitation data table is provided,
The reel control means starts from the excitation data index when the excitation based on the excitation content corresponding to the excitation data index is performed over the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the one excitation data index. Update the excitation data index to the excitation data index of
The rotation control means rotates the reel at a constant speed by sequentially repeating the excitation over the excitation phase for N times (N is a natural number) of the predetermined time,
The stop control means includes
It is determined whether or not the symbol position information updated by the symbol position information update unit matches the stop symbol position information determined by the stop symbol position information determination unit, and the symbol position information and the stop symbol position If it is determined that the information matches, the excitation data index is updated to a first excitation data index corresponding to the deceleration of the excitation data among the plurality of excitation data indexes, and N times the predetermined time. The excitation phase over the period of time is finished, and the excitation phase immediately before the excitation phase immediately before the update is performed is set to the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the first excitation data index. By energizing the reel, starting to decelerate the rotation of the reel rotating at a constant speed,
The excitation data index is updated to the second excitation data index next to the first excitation data index, and the excitation phase next to the previous excitation phase is set to the excitation timer corresponding to the second excitation data index. Continue to decelerate the rotation of the reel by energizing over the indicated time,
The excitation data index is updated to the third excitation data index next to the second excitation data index, and the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the third excitation data index indicates the next excitation phase of the next excitation phase. By continuing to decelerate the rotation of the reel,
The excitation data index is updated to the fourth excitation data index next to the third excitation data index, and excitation is performed for the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the fourth excitation data index without changing the excitation phase. To stop the rotation of the reel,
The excitation data index is updated to the fifth excitation data index next to the fourth excitation data index, and excitation is performed for the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the fifth excitation data index without changing the excitation phase. By maintaining the stop of the reel,
The gaming machine is
The hold enhancement signal for turning the value of the current supplied to the excitation phase to the second current value is turned ON at the timing when the excitation for the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the first excitation data index starts. age,
At the timing when the excitation for the time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the fourth excitation data index starts, the hold enhancement signal is turned OFF, and the value of the current supplied to the excitation phase is set to the first current. Set the hold relaxation signal to ON
A gaming machine comprising: signal switching means for turning off the hold relaxation signal at a timing at which excitation over a time indicated by the excitation timer corresponding to the fifth excitation data index starts .