JP5537329B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that provides an effect to a player by symbol variation (symbol rotation) using a reel.

  In a pachinko machine, a ball that has been bulleted flows down a game area (an area formed on or near the game board surface for realizing a game or production by the flow of the game ball). In the course of the flow, the game ball rolls while colliding with a game nail or windmill in the game area, and the flow direction changes. As a result, if a game ball wins at various winning holes arranged on the game area, a predetermined winning ball is paid out. On the other hand, if a game ball flows into the out port without winning any of the winning holes, the winning ball Will not be paid out. The player enjoys the game by demonstrating his / her skill in the ball or using the chance of the game ball flowing down and expecting the game ball to be won and paid out.

  In recent years, a symbol change device is arranged in a game area of a pachinko machine. For example, the symbol variation device is configured to be able to present a plurality of columns of symbol arrangements to the player, and contributes to increasing interest by providing the player with a game effect of “win” or “out”. The symbols are composed of numbers, letters, symbols, characters, etc., for example, and can be displayed in a variable manner. And, for example, if the symbol array when stopped after a change becomes a predetermined symbol array (for example, “7, 7, 7”, etc.), it becomes a big hit and a profit is given to the player.

  Among such pachinko machines, for example, a design using a reel arranged in a plurality of rows as a symbol variation device has been proposed (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In a pachinko machine using this reel, A plurality of symbols are formed on the peripheral surface of the reel, and a part of the peripheral surface is presented to the player so that the player can visually recognize the symbol. Then, if the presented symbol becomes a symbol arrangement that constitutes a predetermined hit, a profit is given to the player, and if it becomes a symbol arrangement that constitutes a detachment, no profit is given to the player (or , Give disadvantages).

  Such a reel is driven by, for example, a stepping motor mounted on the sub-control means based on a control command (rotation start command, rotation stop command, etc.) from the main control means that determines the grant of the profit of the pachinko machine. It is rotationally driven by means. In order to accurately control the symbols presented to the player, the reel rotation position (rotation angle position) is detected.

  However, if any trouble occurs in the rotation of the reel, such as a stepping motor stepping out, the rotation position of the reel cannot be grasped on the control means side, and an appropriate symbol may not be presented to the player. . Further, even when a sudden power interruption occurs due to a power failure or the like during the rotation of the reel, the rotation position of the reel cannot be grasped on the control means side when energization is resumed.

  In Patent Document 1, when only one of the reel-type variable display devices cannot detect the position due to a failure, the combination of the out-of-pattern symbols is stopped and displayed on all the effective lines including the failed reel-type variable display device. A configuration is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 2, when the power is shut down during symbol fluctuation, the reel is initialized after the power is restored, and even if a rotation stop command is transmitted during the initialization process, the command is ignored. Then, an initialization process is executed to notify that initialization is in progress.

Japanese Patent No. 4350486 Japanese Patent No. 4226761

  If one of the reels steps out during rotation of a plurality of reels, the rotational position of the reels cannot be grasped. In this situation, when a rotation stop command is transmitted, it is necessary to stop the reel with a predetermined symbol. However, if the rotation of the reel is stopped in a state where the rotational position cannot be grasped, there is a possibility that it will stop by the symbol arrangement that should have been released, and in this case, it may come off inside the machine. Regardless, the player will argue that it was a win. In this case, there is a possibility of trouble between the player and the hall, resulting in an unexpected disadvantage on the hall side. For this reason, even when a rotation stop command is transmitted, it is common to perform reel initialization processing ignoring the command and re-detect the reel rotation position first.

  However, if the initialization process is performed first while ignoring the rotation stop command, the rotation of the reel is postponed, so that the player is kept waiting during the initialization process. There is a risk that the progress of the game will be delayed, and the provision of a comfortable game will be impaired and the player will be dissatisfied.

  Even if the power is cut off during the reel rotation, a reel rotation stop command is sent after the power is restored. If the initialization process is executed first while ignoring the rotation stop command, the reel rotation stop May be slower than necessary. If it does so, advancing of a game will also be delayed, and there exists a possibility that a comfortable game provision may be impaired and a player may be dissatisfied.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in the event of an abnormality such as an abnormal rotation of the reel or a power interruption while the reel is rotating, the reel can be quickly and accurately provided without causing any unexpected disadvantage to the hole. It is an exemplary object to provide a gaming machine that can realize stop, re-detection of a rotation position, and start of reel re-rotation.

  In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is a reel in which a plurality of symbols are formed on the peripheral surface, and at least a part of the peripheral surface is arranged so as to be presented to the player. A reel unit having a driving means capable of individually driving each reel, and an arrangement of symbols presented to the player when all the reels are stopped. And a game control means for displaying a hit or miss according to the design, and the symbol can present a symbol that constitutes a detachment regardless of the symbols of the other reels based on the stop positions of the two reels. With a simple symbol arrangement, all reels are equipped with detection pieces that rotate in synchronization with each reel, and sensors are provided at appropriate positions on the reel unit, so that the presence or absence of detection pieces provided for each reel can be detected by the sensors. The game control means is configured to be able to virtually determine the stop position of each reel based on an operation control signal from the reference position based on the position where the detection piece is detected by the sensor or the position where the detection piece is not detected. In the reel unit, when a reference position is detected in at least any two reels of the plurality of reels, a symbol arrangement constituting a disengagement is presented to the player regardless of the display symbols of the other reels. In addition, each of the symbols, the sensor, and the detection piece are arranged at positions associated with each other.

  For example, according to the gaming machine of the first side, it has a symbol arrangement that can always present a detachable symbol based on the stop positions of two reels. Then, when the reference position is detected on at least two of the reels, each symbol, sensor, and detection are detected so that the symbol arrangement constituting the disengagement is presented to the player regardless of the symbols displayed on the other reels. The pieces are arranged at positions associated with each other. In other words, when the reference position is detected on any two reels, the reels are always stopped, and the player will be presented with a detachment symbol.

  Therefore, for example, when a rotation abnormality (eg, step-out) is determined in one of the three (plural) reels during rotation of the reel, the other two reels can be stopped by detecting the reference position. For example, it is possible to always present a detachable symbol regardless of the symbol of the reel with abnormal rotation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem that a hit is accidentally presented due to an abnormal rotation of the reel even though it was originally out of rotation of the reel, thereby preventing an unexpected disadvantage on the hall side. Can do.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the symbol arrangement of the symbols is surely removed by the stop symbols of the two reels, it is particularly effective in a so-called 3-line machine and 5-line machine. A 3-line machine is a game machine in which a total of 9 symbols are presented to the player by each of the 3 reels arranged side by side presenting 3 symbols vertically. It is a gaming machine that presents a hit or miss in the horizontal line of the lower side and the lower horizontal line. In addition, the 5-line machine is a gaming machine that presents a hit or miss in two diagonal lines passing through the central symbol in addition to the central horizontal line, the upper horizontal line, and the lower horizontal line. is there.

  The game control means includes a first control means having a profit grant judging means for judging whether or not to give a profit to the player, and a first control unit capable of controlling the reel unit based on a control request signal from the first control means. The first control means includes a rotation start command including rotation time information indicating rotation times of the plurality of reels based on the determination result of the profit grant determination means, and rotation of all of the plurality of reels is stopped. A rotation stop command including information indicating that it is a timing to be transmitted, and the second control means includes a plurality of reel drive control based on the rotation start command and a plurality of rotation stop commands based on reception of the rotation stop command. The reel stop control is possible, and it is possible to determine the rotation abnormality of each reel during the rotation of the reel. The second control means can control a plurality of reels during the rotation of the reel. When one of the reels is determined to be abnormal in rotation and a rotation stop command is subsequently received, the reels are stopped by determining that at least two of the reels are at the reference position. Even if the reel that is not determined to be in the position stops at any symbol, the symbol arrangement that constitutes the detachment may be presented to the player.

  When the second control means receives a rotation stop command from the first control means after determining the abnormality of one reel, if the reels are stopped when the remaining at least two reels detect the reference position, Since it is not necessary to perform initialization processing after the abnormality determination and re-detect the rotational positions of all the reels, it is possible to present a surely removed symbol. The reference position detection of at least two reels related to normal rotation can be performed within one rotation at maximum. Therefore, it is possible to stop coming off quickly after abnormality determination.

  A gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention has a reel on which a plurality of symbols are formed on the peripheral surface and at least a part of the peripheral surface is arranged so as to be presented to the player around a coaxial rotation center axis. A reel unit that has a plurality of units that can be rotated and stopped, and has a driving unit that can individually drive each reel, and a game that displays winning or losing according to the arrangement of symbols presented to the player when all the reels are stopped A symbol having a symbol arrangement capable of presenting symbols constituting a disengagement based on a stop position of one reel regardless of the symbols of the other reels. The reel is provided with detection pieces that rotate in synchronization with each reel, and a sensor is provided at an appropriate position of the reel unit, and the presence or absence of the detection piece provided for each reel can be detected by the sensor. SE The reel unit is configured so that the stop position of each reel can be virtually determined based on the operation control signal from the reference position where the detection piece is detected or not detected. Each symbol and sensor so that when a reference position is detected on at least one of the reels, the symbol arrangement constituting the disengagement is presented to the player regardless of the display symbols of the other reels. It arrange | positions in the position where the detection piece was matched.

  For example, according to the gaming machine of the second aspect of the present invention, the same effect as the gaming machine of the first aspect can be obtained. However, the gaming machine of the second side surface has a symbol arrangement that can always present a detachable symbol based on the stop position of one reel. Then, when the reference position is detected in one reel, each symbol, sensor, and detection piece are arranged so that the symbol arrangement constituting the disengagement is presented to the player regardless of the display symbols of the other reels. It is arranged at the associated position. That is, when a reference position is detected in one reel, if the reel is stopped, the player is surely presented with a symbol.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the symbol arrangement of the symbols is surely removed by the stop symbol of one reel, so that it is particularly effective in a so-called game machine called a one-line machine. A one-line machine is a gaming machine in which a total of nine symbols are presented to the player by each of the three reels arranged side by side presenting three symbols vertically, and only the center horizontal line is hit or missed. It is a gaming machine that presents. In addition, if one symbol is included on the effective line in the one-line machine, a symbol that cannot constitute a hit (so-called blank symbol) is included in the symbol arrangement of each reel, so that one reel stop symbol ( Exactly, it is possible to surely present the symbol arrangement of the symbols to the player by stopping the blank symbols on one reel).

  The game control means includes a first control means having a profit grant judging means for judging whether or not to give a profit to the player, and a first control unit capable of controlling the reel unit based on a control request signal from the first control means. The first control means includes a rotation start command including rotation time information indicating rotation times of the plurality of reels based on the determination result of the profit grant determination means, and rotation of all of the plurality of reels is stopped. A rotation stop command including information indicating that it is a timing to be transmitted, and the second control means includes a plurality of reel drive control based on the rotation start command and a plurality of rotation stop commands based on reception of the rotation stop command. The reel stop control is possible, and it is possible to determine the rotation abnormality of each reel during the rotation of the reel. The second control means can control a plurality of reels during the rotation of the reel. When it is determined that at least two of the reels are abnormal in rotation and a rotation stop command is received thereafter, the reels are stopped by using the determination that at least one of the plurality of reels is at the reference position, Even if the reel that has not been determined to be in the reference position stops at any symbol, the symbol arrangement that constitutes the detachment may be presented to the player.

  According to this configuration, when the second control unit receives a rotation stop command from the first control unit after determining the abnormality of one reel, it is triggered by the remaining at least one reel detecting the reference position. If the reels are stopped, it is possible to present a surely removed symbol without having to perform an initialization process after the abnormality determination and re-detect the rotational positions of all the reels. The reference position detection of at least one reel related to normal rotation can be executed within one rotation at maximum. Therefore, it is possible to stop coming off quickly after abnormality determination.

  A gaming machine according to a third aspect of the present invention has a reel on which a plurality of symbols are formed on a peripheral surface and at least a part of the peripheral surface is arranged so as to be presented to a player around a coaxial rotation center axis. A reel unit having a plurality of units capable of rotating and stopping and having a driving means capable of individually driving each reel, and a win or miss display according to the arrangement of symbols presented to the player when all the reels are stopped A game control means capable of executing a predetermined initialization process for detecting a reference position of the reel when the power is turned on, and the game control means determines whether or not to give a profit to the player Including a first control unit having a profit granting determination unit and a second control unit capable of controlling the reel unit based on a control request signal from the first control unit. The first control unit includes: The power supply to the control means A backup means capable of storing the gaming state when stopped for a predetermined period of time, and a return processing means for returning to the gaming state stored in the backup means when power supply is resumed. A rotation start command including rotation time information indicating rotation times of a plurality of reels based on a determination result of the grant determination means, and a rotation stop command including information indicating that all of the plurality of reels are to be stopped. , A power return command indicating that the power has been restored when the power is restored after the power to the gaming machine is cut off, and the second control means can transmit a plurality of commands based on the reception of the rotation start command. The reels can be stopped and controlled based on reception of a rotation stop command, and the first control means can start rotation. It further has a rotation time management means for managing the rotation time of the reel from the transmission of the command to the transmission of the rotation stop command to identify whether or not the reel is rotating, and the return by the return processing means is a specific reel. In the case of rotation, the first rotation start command after transmission of the power recovery command is transmitted as a special rotation start command including special rotation time information that is a time longer than the time required for a predetermined initialization process. The control means executes control related to the specific reel rotation without performing the initialization process when the return by the power supply return processing means is during the specific reel rotation, and relates to the reel rotation next to the specific reel rotation. The reel unit is controlled based on the special rotation start command after performing a predetermined initialization process based on reception of the special rotation start command.

  For example, according to the gaming machine of the third aspect of the present invention, the reel unit based on the special rotation start command in the “next reel rotation” after the power is restored even when the power is cut off during the reel rotation. Can be controlled. In the control based on the special rotation start command, a rotation time longer than a predetermined initialization process is secured, so that the initialization process can be surely executed in the control related to “next reel rotation”.

  In a specific reel rotation after power recovery (that is, reel rotation immediately after power recovery when a power interruption occurs during reel rotation, that is, the reel rotation immediately before the “next reel rotation”). Even if the rotation time is shorter than the time required for the initialization process and the initialization process cannot be executed during this specific reel rotation, the initialization process can be executed in the next reel rotation. It is possible to quickly confirm normal rotation of the reel and grasp the rotation position.

  When the rotation start command related to the specific reel rotation is based on the determination that the player is to be profitable, or when the gaming state at the time when the power is cut off is the winning gaming state, the first The control unit may not transmit the special rotation start command, and the second control unit may perform a predetermined initialization process at an appropriate timing regardless of reception of the special rotation start command.

  In addition, when a specific reel rotation is based on a determination that a player such as a jackpot is to be profited, an effect such as a jackpot that is continuously executed after the end of the reel rotation during the specific reel rotation It is possible to execute the initialization process at an appropriate timing such as middle. Therefore, in this case, the first control means is configured not to transmit the special rotation start command, so that the rotation start command related to “next reel rotation” is changed to the original rotation start command (ie, the initial lottery result). A rotation start command including information on the variation pattern based on the

  The symbol has a symbol array that can present symbols that constitute a disengagement based on the stop position of two (or one) reels regardless of the symbols of the other reels, and all reels are synchronized with each reel. In addition to a rotating detection piece, a sensor is arranged at an appropriate position of the reel unit so that the presence or absence of the detection piece provided for each reel can be detected by the sensor. The game control means detects the detection piece by the sensor. The reel unit is configured so that the stop position of each reel can be virtually determined based on the operation control signal from the reference position based on the detected position or the undetected position. In the reel unit, at least one of the plurality of reels is configured. When a reference position is detected on two (or any one) reels, a symbol arrangement that constitutes a detachment is presented to the player regardless of the display symbols of the other reels. As described above, each symbol, sensor, and detection piece are arranged at the associated positions, and the second control means determines that the rotation start command related to the specific reel rotation does not give the player a profit. In the drive control related to the specific reel rotation after receiving the power recovery command, it is determined that at least two (or at least one) reels are in the reference position among the plurality of reels. If the reel is stopped at the trigger, the symbol arrangement that constitutes the disengagement is presented to the player even if the reel that is not determined to be in the reference position stops at any symbol. Good.

  It has a symbol array that can always show a detachable symbol based on the stop position of two reels. When a reference position is detected on at least two of the reels, the symbol is disregarded regardless of the display symbol of the other reels. If the respective symbols, sensors, and detection pieces are arranged at the positions associated with each other so that the symbol arrangement constituting the player is presented to the player, the symbols can be quickly and reliably removed after receiving the rotation stop command. Presented reel stop can be executed. Therefore, if the specific reel rotation is, for example, off (based on the determination that no profit is given to the player), the reel rotation can be quickly released after the power is restored, and the reel rotation can be stopped in the symbol arrangement.

  A gaming machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention has a reel on which a plurality of symbols are formed on a peripheral surface and at least a part of the peripheral surface is arranged so as to be presented to a player around a coaxial rotation center axis. A reel unit that has a plurality of units that can be rotated and stopped, and has a driving unit that can individually drive each reel, and a game that displays winning or losing according to the arrangement of symbols presented to the player when all the reels are stopped Control means, and capable of executing a predetermined initialization process for detecting the reference position of the reel when the power is turned on, wherein the game control means determines whether or not to give a profit to the player. A first control unit including a profit granting determination unit and a second control unit capable of controlling the reel unit based on a control request signal from the first control unit, wherein the first control unit includes a control request signal; With profit A rotation start command including rotation time information indicating the rotation times of the plurality of reels based on a determination result of the determination unit, and a rotation stop command including information indicating that all of the plurality of reels should be stopped. When the power is restored after the power to the gaming machine is cut off, a power restoration command indicating that the power has been restored and the remaining time information indicating the remaining time until the reel stop timing based on the rotation time information are transmitted. The second control means can drive and control the plurality of reels based on the reception of the rotation start command, and can stop and control the plurality of reels based on the reception of the rotation stop command, and has received the power return command. In this case, the remaining time of a specific reel rotation and the time required for a predetermined initialization process based on the remaining time information after receiving the power recovery command Makes a comparison, it can be determined whether to perform a predetermined initialization process within the remaining time, characterized in that.

  For example, according to the gaming machine of the fourth aspect of the present invention, based on the remaining time information, the remaining time is compared with the time required for the initialization process, and whether or not the predetermined initialization process is performed within the remaining time. It becomes possible to judge whether. That is, the remaining amount of rotation time of a specific reel after power recovery is grasped, and the remaining time is, for example, longer than a time required for a predetermined initialization process, or required for a predetermined initialization process If it is not less than the time related to the predetermined variation effect in addition to the time, it can be determined that there is a time margin for executing the initialization process before the specific reel rotation stops. Therefore, it can be determined that the predetermined initialization process is executed during the specific reel rotation.

  A predetermined initialization process can be included in the rotation control process when there is a margin in the remaining time of the specific reel rotation, and the predetermined initialization process can be postponed when there is no margin. Even though the remaining time is not enough, the predetermined initialization process is not forcibly executed during the rotation, so that the rapid rotation control proceeds while ensuring the reliable execution of the predetermined initialization process. be able to.

  After the first control means transmits the rotation stop command related to the specific reel rotation, the first control means transmits the rotation start command related to the next reel rotation following the specific reel rotation, and the second control means is within the remaining time. When it is determined that the predetermined initialization process is not performed, the rotation time of the next reel rotation is compared with the time required for the predetermined initialization process, and the predetermined initialization is performed for the drive control related to the next reel rotation. It may be determined whether to include a process.

  Further, when the remaining time of the specific reel rotation is shorter than the time required for the predetermined initialization process, the rotation time of the “next reel rotation” is further compared with the time required for the predetermined initialization process. Thus, it is determined whether or not the predetermined initialization process can be executed in the control process related to “next reel rotation”. A predetermined initialization process can be surely included in the inside.

  Of course, if the rotation time of the “next reel rotation” is short and the predetermined initialization process cannot be included in the control process, the rotation time of the “next reel rotation” and the predetermined initialization are sequentially performed. By comparing with the time required for processing, it is possible to determine whether the predetermined initialization processing is executable within the control processing.

  The symbols have a symbol array that can present symbols that constitute a disengagement based on the stop position of two (or one) reels regardless of the symbols of the other reels, and all reels are synchronized with each reel. And a sensor is arranged at an appropriate position of the reel unit so that the presence or absence of the detection piece provided for each reel can be detected by the sensor. The game control means detects the detection piece by the sensor. The stop position of each reel can be virtually determined based on an operation control signal from the reference position based on the detected position or the undetected position. In the reel unit, at least one of the plurality of reels is selected. When a reference position is detected on one (or at least one) reel, the symbol arrangement that constitutes the disengagement is played regardless of the display symbols of the other reels. As shown in the above, each symbol, sensor, and detection piece are arranged at a corresponding position, and the second control means gives the player a benefit from the rotation start command related to the specific reel rotation. In the drive control related to the specific reel rotation after receiving the power recovery command, the reel is triggered by the determination that at least two of the plurality of reels are at the reference position. Is stopped, the symbol arrangement constituting the detachment may be presented to the player even if the reel that is not determined to be at the reference position stops at any symbol.

  Also in the gaming machine on the fourth side, if the symbol arrangement on the reel and the positional relationship between the symbols, the sensor, and the detection piece are configured in the same manner as in the gaming machine on the third side, it is ensured immediately after receiving the rotation stop command. The reel rotation stop can be executed by presenting the off symbol, and when the specific reel rotation is off (based on determination that no profit is given to the player), for example, the off symbol pattern is quickly arranged after power is restored. The reel rotation can be stopped at.

  A gaming machine according to a fifth aspect of the present invention has a reel on which a plurality of symbols are formed on a peripheral surface and at least a part of the peripheral surface is arranged so as to be presented to a player around a coaxial rotation center axis. A reel unit that has a plurality of units that can be rotated and stopped, and has a driving unit that can individually drive each reel, and a game that displays winning or losing according to the arrangement of symbols presented to the player when all the reels are stopped And a control means, capable of executing a predetermined initialization process for detecting a reference position of the reel when the power is turned on, wherein the symbol is at a stop position of two (or one) reels. Based on the design of other reels, it has a symbol arrangement that can present symbols that constitute a detachment, and all reels have detection pieces that rotate in synchronization with each reel, and sensors are arranged at appropriate positions on the reel unit. Setting The presence / absence of the detection piece provided for each reel by the sensor can be detected, and the game control means uses the position at which the detection piece is detected by the sensor or the position at which the detection piece is not detected as a reference to the operation control signal from the reference position. The stop position of each reel can be virtually determined based on this, and in the reel unit, the reference position is detected on at least any two (or at least one) of the plurality of reels. In this case, each symbol, sensor, and detection piece are arranged in a position associated with each other so that the player is presented with a symbol arrangement that constitutes a disengagement regardless of the display symbol of other reels. The control means includes a first control means provided with a profit granting judgment means for judging whether or not to give a profit to the player, and a control request signal from the first control means. And a second control means capable of controlling the game unit, wherein the first control means is a backup means capable of storing a gaming state when power supply to the first control means is stopped for a predetermined period, and power supply is resumed. And a return processing means for returning to the gaming state stored in the backup means, and includes, as a control request signal, rotation time information indicating rotation times of a plurality of reels based on the determination result of the profit grant determination means A rotation start command, a rotation stop command including information indicating that it is time to stop rotation of all of the plurality of reels, and that the power is restored when the power is restored after the power to the gaming machine is cut off. The second control means can drive and control the plurality of reels based on the reception of the rotation start command. The plurality of reels can be controlled to stop based on the reception of the rolling stop command, and the second control means is a case where the return by the return processing means is during a specific reel rotation and is related to the specific reel rotation. When the rotation start command is based on the determination that no profit is given to the player, in the drive control related to the specific reel rotation after receiving the power return command, at least two (or more) of the reels (or The reel is stopped when the determination is made that at least one of the reels is at the reference position, so that the reel that is not determined to be at the reference position is configured to come off regardless of which symbol is stopped. The symbol arrangement to be displayed is presented to the player.

  The stop process with this out symbol design is a process for quickly and surely stopping the specified reel rotation after power recovery, so that the remaining time of the specific reel rotation is short, and its control process This is a preferable process when a predetermined initialization process cannot be included in the process.

  For example, according to the gaming machine of the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the power interruption occurs during the rotation of the reel and then the power is restored, the reel rotation (specific reel rotation) is, for example, out of A specific reel rotation can be stopped quickly and surely with a deviating symbol arrangement.

  When the first control means transmits a rotation start command related to the next reel rotation following the specific reel rotation after transmitting the rotation stop command related to the specific reel rotation, the second control means performs the next reel rotation. Based on the reception of the next rotation time information indicating the rotation time of the rotation, the rotation time of the next reel rotation is compared with the time required for the predetermined initialization process, and the drive control related to the next reel rotation is performed. It may be determined whether or not to include a predetermined initialization process.

  Furthermore, the rotation time of the “next reel rotation” after the power return is compared with the time required for the predetermined initialization process, and the predetermined initialization process is executed in the control process related to the “next reel rotation”. Since it is determined whether or not it is possible, a predetermined initialization process can be surely included in the control process when there is a margin in the rotation time of “next reel rotation”.

  Further objects and other features of the present invention will become apparent from the preferred embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the configuration in each of the exemplary aspects described above, the descriptions in parentheses correspond to each other.

[Definition]
In the above invention, the “game machine” is typically a pachinko machine, but includes a swivel type game machine (a so-called pachislot machine, a slot machine, etc.). The present invention can be applied to any gaming machine using a plurality of reels. The “sensor” is typically a non-contact optical sensor (light emitting / receiving sensor), but various sensors such as a magnetic sensor and a microswitch can be applied.

  The “reference position” means a position where the detection piece is detected / not detected by the sensor. This is a description that considers both the type in which the sensor detects the presence of a detection piece and the type in which the detection piece does not exist. “Detected position” means, for example, a position where the light projecting / receiving sensor detects the presence of a detection pin when the sensor is a light projecting / receiving sensor and the detection piece is a detection pin. The “undetected position” is, for example, a position where the light emitting / receiving sensor detects a slit (no detection piece) when the sensor is a light emitting / receiving sensor and a part of the detection piece is cut out in a slit shape. means. “Detection of the reference position” means that, in principle, an edge such as a detection piece or a slit is detected, but also includes detection of any edge before and after. Of course, the “position where the symbol, sensor, and detection piece are associated with each other” includes not only the case where the reference symbol is detected, but the symbol that is out of place, and the positional relationship between the two. This is intended to include a certain allowable range including a distance necessary for acceleration / deceleration.

  The “initialization process” is a constant operation control process for confirming that the reel is rotating normally and its rotation position. For example, the process is performed when the power is turned on when the hall is opened. is there. In the initialization process, generally, the reel is rotated from one to a plurality of times, and the rotation is detected from one to a plurality of times in the meantime to confirm that the reel is rotating normally and the current rotation position.

  The “special rotation start command” is a rotation start command for starting execution of a special rotation pattern with one of the control request signals. This special rotation pattern is one of the fluctuation patterns (rotation patterns) stored in the fluctuation pattern table (rotation pattern table), and the rotation time of the special rotation pattern is longer than the time required for the initialization process. .

  “Remaining time information” is information indicating the remaining time until the reel stop timing based on the rotation time information. That is, the difference information is obtained by subtracting, from the rotation time information, the elapsed time from the start of the reel rotation to the current time when the timer count is started. At the time of reel rotation start, the remaining time = revolution time, and at the time of reel rotation stop, the remaining time = 0. The remaining time information may be transmitted as one of the control request signals from the first control means to the second control means, or triggered by the reception of the rotation start command. May be counted.

  Note that the reference timing of the remaining time is not limited to the timing at which each command is transmitted, but is a concept including those set based on predetermined reference points before and after the command transmission. In other words, it includes a case where a command is transmitted after the timer activation process is performed, and a case where a command is transmitted after a process requiring a predetermined minute time is performed after the timer count ends.

  According to the present invention, even when a rotation abnormality or power interruption occurs during the rotation of the reel, the reel can be stopped quickly and accurately, without recognizing the disadvantage, and the rotational position can be detected again. The re-rotation start of the reel can be realized.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the principal part structure of the reel unit of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the outline of the principal part structure of the reel unit of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. It is an example of the development view of the production | presentation symbol (symbol) formed in the surrounding surface of each reel in the reel unit shown to FIGS. It is another example of the development view of the effect design (symbol) formed on the peripheral surface of each reel in the reel unit shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that the production | presentation symbol formed in the peripheral surface of each reel in the reel unit shown to FIGS. 3-1 is shown to a player. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between the arrangement | sequence of the production | presentation symbol in each reel of the reel unit shown to FIGS. 3-1, and a light projection / reception sensor, a detection piece, and the presentation area | region to a player. It is a figure which shows the other example of arrangement | positioning relationship with the arrangement | sequence of the production | presentation symbol in each reel of the reel unit shown to FIGS. 3-1, and a light projection / reception sensor, a detection piece, and the presentation area | region to a player. It is a figure which shows the further another example of the arrangement | positioning relationship between the arrangement | sequence of the production | presentation symbol in each reel of the reel unit shown to FIGS. 3-1, and a light projection / reception sensor, a detection piece, and the presentation area | region to a player. It is a functional block diagram explaining the function of the game control means of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. It is a data structure figure which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern table. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overall flow of a control process when one of the reels of the reel unit shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of control process in case one reel among the reels of the reel unit shown to FIGS. 3-1 steps out. It is a figure which shows the other example of arrangement | positioning relationship with the arrangement | sequence of the production | presentation symbol in each reel shown to FIGS. 3-1, and a light projection / reception sensor, a detection piece, and the presentation area | region to a player. It is a flowchart which shows a part of control process by the side of the main control board in a control process in case power supply interruption generate | occur | produces during rotation of a reel. It is a flowchart which shows a part of control process by the side of the main control board in a control process in case power supply interruption generate | occur | produces during rotation of a reel. It is a flowchart which shows the control process by the side of the sub control board | substrate in the control process in case power supply interruption occurred during rotation of a reel. It is a time chart of the control command by the game control means which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, Comprising: (a) performs a reference position stop process after a power failure return, and performs the fluctuation | variation based on a special fluctuation pattern after that. FIG. 4B shows a state in which a predetermined initialization process is executed within the fluctuation, and FIG. 5B shows a fluctuation time in which the reference position stop process is executed after the power failure recovery and the predetermined initialization process can be executed thereafter. A state in which a predetermined initialization process is executed while waiting for a variation pattern is shown. It is a time chart of the control command by the game control means which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, Comprising: (a) is a control process in case the remaining time after a power failure return is more than the time which a predetermined initialization process requires (B) shows the state of the control process in the case where the remaining time after the return from power interruption is less than the time required for the predetermined initialization process.

[Embodiment 1]
<1. Explanation of pachinko machine configuration>
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 2 as a gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 2 shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 2 includes a gaming machine frame unit 3, a gaming board unit 5, a glass 10, a launch unit (not shown), a ball tray 14, and the like. The launch units are configured to be able to launch game balls 23 one by one toward the game area 16 configured in the game board unit 5.

  In the pachinko machine 2, when a player operates a launcher handle 15 to be described later, a ball is launched by the launch unit toward the game area 16, and a game by the flow of the ball is realized. In addition to the pachinko machine 2, the gaming machine can be conceptualized as a pachinko slot machine (pachislot) machine, an arcade machine such as a slot machine or a coin game machine, and various game machines. Any game machine capable of presenting hits and misses in a staging manner is included.

  Note that various types of pachinko machines, such as so-called digipachi type (one type) and honey monotype (two types) pachinko machines, can also be considered in the pachinko machine. A so-called one-type pachinko machine that realizes a game or a symbol variation game) will be described as an example. The symbol variation game will be described later.

  The gaming machine frame unit 3 of the pachinko machine 2 is for holding a gaming board unit 5 described later, and is configured to surround the peripheral side surface and the front of the pachinko machine 2. In addition to the game board unit 5, various mechanism parts such as various control boards, a path for game balls, and a launching device for game balls are arranged on the inner side of the game machine frame unit 3. Therefore, unauthorized access to the inside of the pachinko machine 2 from the peripheral side surface and the front is prevented.

  The outer frame 4 that surrounds the pachinko machine 2, the front frame 9 that is supported by swinging via a hinge 22 so as to be able to be opened and closed forward inside, and the front frame 9 that holds the game board unit 5. The gaming machine frame unit 3 is configured to have a glass frame 12 that holds the decorative member 32 that is supported and decorates the glass 10 and its surroundings.

  The glass 10 is a transparent member for allowing the player to visually recognize the game board 6 held inside the gaming machine frame unit 3 from the front. The glass 10 is a transparent plate that is spaced apart from the game board 6 by a certain distance or more. The glass 10 is formed of two transparent flat glasses and is held on the back side of the glass frame 12, and has a function of forming a flowing-down space for the game ball 23 to flow between the game board 6 and the player through the glass 10. The function of ensuring visibility so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized and the function of preventing unauthorized access so that the player cannot illegally access (contact) the game board 6 are exhibited.

  The ball tray 14 is a tray member disposed on the front surface of the front frame 9 for storing the player's ball, and in the first embodiment, the ball tray 14 has an upper ball tray 14a and a lower ball tray 14b. ing. The upper ball tray 14a has a ball punching member 14c and is disposed below the game board 6, that is, the lower portion of the glass frame 12, and the lower ball tray 14b is disposed further below the upper ball tray 14a. . A game ball 23 paid out from a prize ball payout device 60 attached to the front frame 9 is guided to the ball tray 14.

  The launch unit (not shown) directs the game ball 23 paid out to the launch position from the upper ball tray 14a as a part of the ball tray 14 by the ball feeder (not shown) toward the upper part of the game area 16. It is for firing (bullet ball). The launch unit is attached to the lower part of the front frame 9, and generates a ball force by energizing the launch rod for driving the launch ball, the launch motor for driving the launch rod, and the launch rod. It has a firing spring.

  The game board unit 5 has a game board 6 in which a center accessory 7 as a game accessory is arranged in the approximate center of the game board surface (the surface of the game board) 6a. A game nail 27 is also arranged. A reel unit 11 as an effect display device is arranged in the vicinity of the center portion of the center accessory 7. The reel unit 11 has three reels 18 to 20. An opening 7d is formed at the center of the center accessory 7, and a part of the reels 18 to 20 is exposed from the opening 7d and presented to the player. This reel unit 11 displays effects such as hitting and losing to the player by effect symbol variation (effect symbol rotation), and contributes to the improvement of interest. The detailed structure and operation will be described later.

  The game board 6 is a board-like member for constituting a game area 16 for realizing a game by the flow of the game ball 23 on the surface side thereof, so that the game board 6 can be visually recognized from the front by the player. It is held by a front frame 9 as a part of the gaming machine frame unit 3.

  A rail decoration 26 is attached to the surface of the game board 6 so as to surround the periphery in a substantially circular shape, and an outer rail 26a of the rail decoration 26 is arranged so as to stand on the game board. The game area 16 is a substantially circular area defined by the outer rail 26a of the rail decoration 26 and facing the outer rail 26a. A speaker 8 is attached to the outside of the rail decoration 26 so that sound effects corresponding to the gaming state and the like are output.

  The game nails 27 are flow-down changing members that collide with the game balls 23 flowing down the game area 16 and change the flow-down direction thereof, and many of them are arranged in the game area 16. Also, in the game area 16, a winning member (out prize area) 28, a start winning opening (winning area) 29, a big winning opening (winning area) 31, etc., and a ball entry member and an out mouth 30 are arranged. Each winning member is provided with a winning mouth sensor 25 for detecting a game ball that has entered. Furthermore, a gate 33, a windmill 34, and the like are arranged in the game area 16, and the game balls 23 that flow down flow into each ball entry member, pass through the gate 33, and rotate the windmill 34. Thus, it is possible to enjoy the down-flow game by the game ball 23.

  On the back side of the game board 6, game control means 500 for executing various operation control and display control in the pachinko machine 2 is provided. The game control means 500 is a main control board (first control means) 100 that controls the operation of the entire pachinko machine 2, and a sub-control that performs effect operation control of the reel unit 11 based on control request signals and information from the main control board 100. A control board (second control means) 200 is provided. The main control board 100 is housed in the main control board case 35, and the sub control board 200 is housed in the sub control board case 36 and arranged on the back side of the game board 6. In addition to the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200, the game control means includes a payout control board 300 for controlling the prize ball payout operation by the prize ball payout device 60, and a power source for operation of the pachinko machine 2. Although the power supply board 400 and the like for controlling the supply are provided, description thereof will be omitted.

  In addition, on the back surface of the pachinko machine 2, a game ball 23 supplied from a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided on a game machine island in which a plurality of pachinko machines 2 are arranged adjacent to each other is temporarily stored. There are provided a game ball storage tank 40 and a prize ball payout device 60 through which the game balls 23 from the game ball storage tank 40 flow in and pass through the game balls 23 one by one.

  The game ball 23 paid out from the prize ball payout device 60 passes through the prize ball passage and is guided to the ball tray 14. The prize ball passage is provided with a full detection sensor (not shown) for detecting a full state in which a plurality of game balls are retained in the ball tray. When the full detection sensor detects a full state, a process for limiting the payout control of the game ball 23 by the prize ball payout device 60 is executed.

  The prize ball payout device 60 is configured to be driven and controlled by the payout control board 300, and responds to a request for entering the game ball 23 into various winning ports and a request for lending the game ball 23 via the card unit C. Thus, the game balls 23 are paid out toward the ball tray 14 mounted on the glass frame 12.

  Specifically, when a game ball 23 enters each ball entry member, passage of the game ball 23 is detected by a winning opening sensor 25 attached to the ball entry member. This detection signal is transmitted to the main control board 100, and in response to this, a predetermined payout command is sent from the main control board 100 to the payout control board 300 side. As a result, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) 23 are paid out by the prize ball payout device 60. Further, when a player rents out a game ball through the card unit C, this request signal is transmitted to the payout control board 300. As a result, a predetermined number of game balls (rented balls) 23 are paid out by the prize ball payout device 60.

<2. Description of reel unit configuration>
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a main part configuration of the reel unit 11, and FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view showing the main part configuration of the reel unit 11 in an exploded manner. The reel unit 11 has a plurality of reels. In the first embodiment, the reel unit 11 has three reels 18 to 20, and members related to each reel are integrated into a module and accommodated in a unit case. It is configured as follows. Specifically, the motor bases 41a to 43a forming the base of the module, the drive motors (drive means) 41 to 43 for driving the reels, the reel main body on which the symbols are printed, the reel main body attached to the reel main body It has the detection members 61a-63a which form a reference | standard piece (detection piece) part, and is comprised.

  The motor bases 41a to 43a are made of a thin metal plate and serve as a storage case for supporting the reel modules at regular intervals. In addition, the motor bases 41a to 43a are designed to radiate heat from the motor in addition to the function as a support member.

  The drive motors 41 to 43 rotate the reels 18 to 20, and a bipolar or unipolar stepping motor having a step angle of about 0.9 ° to 1.8 ° is used. When a corresponding driving pulse is input, it rotates once.

Each of the reels 18 to 20 is a substantially cylindrical member, and is arranged so as to be coaxially arranged. Each of the reels 18 to 20 can be rotated and stopped with the same axis as the rotation center.

  FIGS. 4-1 and FIGS. 4-2 are examples of development views of effect symbols (symbols) Z formed on the peripheral surfaces 18a to 20a of the reels 18 to 20. FIGS. 4A and 4B, the upper end portion 21a and the lower end portion 21b are connected to each other so as to be endless, and are arranged along the peripheral surface of the reel. . As a result, on the peripheral surfaces 18a to 20a of the reels 18 to 20, a plurality of effect symbols Z arranged as shown in FIG. 4-1 or FIG. 4-2 are formed along the peripheral surface. In FIG. 4B, a total of nine symbols for each of the three reels 18 to 20 and three continuous symbols Z (Z1a to Z1c, Z2a to Z2c, Z3a to Z3c) make one huge decoration It has a part that becomes the target design. In these symbols Z (Z1 to Z3), the reels 18 to 20 are independently rotated from top to bottom (in the direction of arrow X in the figure), so that the symbols Z of each reel are also independently in the direction of arrow X. Rotate. In FIGS. 4 to 8, for convenience of drawing, the symbol Z is attached only to an arbitrary symbol.

  The reel unit 11 includes drive motors 41 to 43, light projecting / receiving sensors (sensors) 51 to 53, and detection pieces 61 to 63 corresponding to the number of reels. The drive motors 41 to 43 are drive means for rotating / stopping the reels 18 to 20, and are respectively arranged with respect to the reels 18 to 20 with the motor shaft aligned with the rotation center axis of the reels. .

  Detection members 61a to 63a having detection pieces 61 to 63 are attached to the reels 18 to 20, respectively. The detection pieces 61 to 63 have a protruding shape and are arranged so as to rotate in synchronization with the reels 18 to 20. When the detection pieces 61 to 63 are detected by blocking the detection lights of the light projecting / receiving sensors 51 to 53, the game control means 500 grasps that the reels 18 to 20 are rotating normally and the rotation angle position thereof. Can be done.

  In this embodiment, in order to maintain the strength of the reels 18 to 20, the reel portion is made of polycarbonate (PC), and the detection members 61a to 63a are made of light-shielding ABS and assembled to each other. However, both members may be integrally formed of ABS, and a form in which only the portions of the detection pieces 61 to 63 are press-fitted into an appropriate position of the reel may be employed.

  The light emitting / receiving sensors 51 to 53 are also arranged corresponding to the reels 18 to 20, respectively. The light projecting / receiving sensors 51 to 53 are arranged at positions where the detection pieces 61 to 63 of the detection members 61a to 63a can shield the detection light by rotating the reels 18 to 20, respectively.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the effect symbols Z formed on the peripheral surfaces 18a to 20a of the reels 18 to 20 are presented to the player. The reel peripheral surfaces 18 a to 20 a are exposed forward from the opening 7 d of the center accessory 7 and presented so that the player can visually recognize the reel. The number of effect symbols Z that can be visually recognized by the player is three for each reel 18-20: upper, middle, and lower, and the total of the three reels 18-20 totals nine effect symbols Z. It is presented to the person.

  In the first embodiment, the symbol arrangement of the nine presentation symbols presented is along the five lines of the upper line L1, the center line L2, the lower line L3, the right rising line L4, and the right falling line L5. Whether or not the player is hit or missed is determined depending on whether or not the predetermined symbol arrangement is obtained. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in the case where the production symbol Z of each reel 18 to 20 is composed of numbers “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”, and the symbol “☆”, In this case, along any one of the above-mentioned lines L1 to L5, “1 · 1 · 1” “3 · 3 · 3” “5 · 5 · 5” “7 · 7 · 7” Any symbol arrangement of “9, 9, 9” is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, when “☆” is included in the symbol array along each of the lines L1 to L5, the line is disconnected. That is, “☆” corresponds to the “blank symbol” described above. In addition, even if the line is composed only of the numerical design symbol Z, if all the numbers in the line are not the same, such as “3, 5, 7” or “5, 5, 1,”, it will still be off. It becomes.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement relationship between the arrangement of the effect symbols Z on the reels 18 to 20, the light emitting / receiving sensors 51 to 53, the detection pieces 61 to 63, and the presentation area R to the player. The presentation area R means an area corresponding to the opening 7d and visible to the player. As shown in FIG. 6, in the reels 18 to 20 according to the first embodiment, at the positions where the detection pieces 61 to 63 are detected by the light projecting / receiving sensors 51 to 53 (this position is referred to as a reference position). The positional relationship is such that all of the effect symbols Z presented in the presentation area R are “☆”.

  Therefore, by stopping the rotation of the reels 18 to 20 at the reference position, it is possible to surely present a symbol pattern out of place to the player. Here, in the “stop at the reference position”, even when the edges of the detection pieces 61 to 63 are detected by the light emitting / receiving sensors 51 to 53, the edges of the detection pieces 61 to 63 are detected. It also includes the case of stopping after performing deceleration based on a certain deceleration pattern. In particular, in the case where the driving means is the stepping motors 41 to 43, there is a possibility of stepping out when an instantaneous stop from high-speed rotation is performed. Therefore, it is preferable that the driving means is stopped safely after a certain amount of deceleration pulses have been advanced after detection.

  Further, the edges of the detection pieces 61 to 63 may be front edges or rear edges in the rotation direction. When stopping by detecting the rear edge, the reel stops in the following sequence: detection of the front edge by the light emitting / receiving sensor → detection of the rear edge by the light emitting / receiving sensor → deceleration by a predetermined deceleration pattern → stop At this time, the positional relationship is such that a symbol arrangement out of the presentation region R is presented.

  In the first embodiment, in any of the reels 18 to 20, the three effect symbols Z above, middle, and below the presentation area R become “☆” when stopped at the reference position. Is set to For this reason, if any one of the three reels 18 to 20 stops at the reference position, a symbol arrangement is formed that constitutes a disconnection in any of the five lines L1 to L5.

  However, there are cases where it is difficult to continuously arrange “☆” due to the formation of effect symbols on the reel peripheral surface. In that case, even if the reel is stopped at the reference position, a numerical effect design Z is presented instead of “☆” in any of the upper, middle and lower areas of the presentation area R. In this case, a single reel alone does not necessarily constitute a winning pattern (that is, constitutes a disengagement).

  However, even when the presentation design R in the presentation area R when stopped at the reference position includes the numerical effect design Z, the presentation when all three reels 18 to 20 are stopped at the reference position. If the symbol arrangement in the region R is configured as shown in FIG. 7, for example, any two reels 18 to 20 can be stopped at the reference position, so that other reels can have any effect symbol. Even if it stops, it is possible to always present a symbol arrangement that constitutes a detachment to the player.

  Note that some pachinko machines 2 present the player with a hit or miss not only with the five lines L1 to L5 but only with the center line L2. In such a pachinko machine 2, as shown in FIG. 8, the symbol arrangement in the presentation area R when all three reels 18 to 20 are stopped at the reference position is all “☆” at the center line L2 position. do it.

  With this configuration, any one of the three reels 18 to 20 is stopped at the reference position, so that the player is surely disconnected even if the other reels stop at any stage. A symbol arrangement can be presented. Even if the presentation symbol Z at the upper position or the lower position in the presentation area R of the reel stopped at the reference position is a number, there is no problem because no hit is displayed on the center line L2.

  For example, in the case of five active lines, the positions (Z1a, Z2b, Z3c) where the huge symbols as shown in FIG. It is good, and it is possible to always configure the detachment without restricting the symbol arrangement other than the huge symbol portion.

<3. Explanation of reel unit control>
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the game control means 500 of the pachinko machine 2. In the description of the present invention, “rotation” of the reel or effect symbol and “variation” of the reel or effect symbol are described as being substantially synonymous. That is, the rotation start and fluctuation start, rotation stop and fluctuation stop, rotation time and fluctuation time, rotation pattern and fluctuation pattern are substantially synonymous.

  The game control means 500 includes a main control board 100 that mainly functions as a first control means and a sub-control board 200 that mainly functions as a second control means. The game control means 500 comprehensively controls operations related to games and effects of the pachinko machine 2. For this reason, the game control means 500 includes various combinations including the center combination 7 on the game board 6, the reel unit 11, the winning areas 28, 29, 31, the decorative member 32, the speaker 8, the prize ball payout device 60, and the launch unit. These are electrically connected to various sensors, various motors, various lamps, etc., and perform various controls such as light emission control, sound control, operation control, time control, information input / output.

  The main control board 100 mainly controls game operations of the entire pachinko machine 2. The main control board 100 is configured by mounting a CPU that mainly performs arithmetic processing, a memory (ROM, RAM) that stores information, and other electronic circuit elements on the electronic circuit board, and stores these electronic circuits in the memory. According to the program, the winning determination means 101, the special symbol variation control means 102, the special game execution means 103, the probability variation game execution means 104, the variation time shortening game execution means 105, the power interruption processing (power supply processing) means (backup means). 106, the power interruption recovery (power recovery) processing means 107, the command transmission means 108, the remaining time management means 110, the payout control device command transmission means 111, and the like are functionally provided.

The sub-control board 200 mainly receives commands (control request signals) from the main control board 100 and performs effect control of the reel unit 11, various lamps, speakers, and the like. The sub-control board 200 also includes a CPU that mainly performs arithmetic processing, a memory (ROM, RAM) that stores information, and other electronic circuit elements mounted on the electronic circuit board, and is stored in these electronic circuits and memory. Each function such as a command receiving unit 201, a command analyzing unit 202, a reel control content determining unit 203, a stop symbol determining unit 204, a reel control unit 205, and an abnormality determining unit 206 is functionally provided.

  First, each function of the main control board 100 will be described.

  The winning determination means 101 is for determining whether the game ball 23 has won a winning area such as the normal winning opening 28, the starting winning opening 29, the big winning opening 31, or the like, or passed through the gate 22. When the passing sensor of each winning area 28, 29, 31 or gate 33 detects the passing of the game ball 23, the detection signal is received and the gaming ball 23 flows into any winning area or gate. Determine whether. When it is determined that the game ball 23 has won the start winning opening 29, the winning information is sent to the special symbol variation control means 102.

  The special symbol fluctuation control means 102 performs special symbol fluctuation control based on the winning information from the winning determination means 101. Here, the special symbol is indicated by reference numeral 17 in FIG. 1, and is constituted by a light emitting means such as a plurality of LEDs, for example. Based on the control of the special symbol fluctuation control means 102, the special symbol 17 starts / stops the fluctuation display.

  The special symbol fluctuation control means 102 includes a fluctuation control means 102a, a fluctuation pattern determination means 102b, a fluctuation hold means 102c, a gaming state determination means 102d, and a hit determination means (profit grant determination means) 102e. The special symbol fluctuation control means 102 also has a fluctuation time management means 109.

  The variation holding means 102c holds information on the number of symbols to be retained (holding information 125) for which symbol variation has not started in response to winning in the start winning opening 29, and random numbers for lottery acquired individually. ing.

  When the game ball 23 wins the start winning opening 29, first, it is determined by the variable holding means 102c whether or not holding is possible. That is, when the number of holds of the hold information 125 is already the upper limit of 4, the winning information is not held and is discarded. However, if the number of holds is 3 or less, which is smaller than the upper limit value, the winning information is once held by the variable holding means 102c.

The hold information 125 is decremented by one count every time the change of the special symbol is started by the change control means 102a. This is called pending digestion. Note that the hold information 125 is also used for determining a variation pattern by the variation pattern determination unit 102b.

  The gaming state determination means 102d is whether the gaming state of the pachinko machine 2 is a normal gaming state, a probability variation gaming state, a time shortening gaming state, a special variation gaming state, or a special game. The main control board 100 executes various processes in accordance with the game state information 123. In addition, the main control board 100 performs display control of the gaming state display device 130 provided in the pachinko machine 2 based on the gaming state information 123, and notifies the player of the gaming state.

  More specifically, the game state information 123 is obtained by the game state determination unit 102d confirming the execution state of the game by the special game execution unit 103, the probability variation game execution unit 104, and the time reduction game execution unit 105 described later.

  The hit determination means (profit assignment determination means) 102e determines whether or not to give a profit to the player, that is, whether or not to win. When the hold information remains in the change holding means 102c in a state where the special symbol can be changed, the hit determination means 102e performs lottery determination of the random number value and holds the correct random number value.

  The game control means 500 has a success / failure table according to game state information (not shown) (whether the game is in a probability variation game or a normal game). The success / failure table is a table configured by associating the success / failure random value with the success / failure information 124. Further, in the first embodiment, in addition to the success / failure random number, there is a winning design random number for determining the winning design asynchronously with the success / failure random number. The winning symbol is determined based on the winning symbol, and the winning type is set according to the winning symbol.

  Note that the success / failure information 124 may include information on the winning type (per 16 rounds, per 2 rounds, per probability fluctuation, etc.). In this case, by referring to the success / failure table on the basis of the success / failure random value, it is possible to determine in what manner the winning or losing is made.

  The variation pattern determining means 102b is for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol 17. FIG. 10 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the variation pattern table 122. This variation pattern table 122 is stored in a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM in the game control means 500, for example. In the variation pattern table 122, the game state information 123, the success / failure information 124, the hold information 125, and the variation pattern information 126 are associated with random number lottery values of variation patterns.

  For example, the fluctuation pattern determination unit 102b performs random lottery of fluctuation patterns based on random number values of 0 to 3000. Based on the hold information 125 from the change hold means 102c, the game state information 123 from the game state determination means 120d, and the success / failure information 123 from the hit determination means 120e, the change pattern table 122 is referred to correspond to the change pattern random value. The variation pattern to be determined is determined from, for example, 21 types of variation pattern information 126.

  For example, when the game state information 123 is “normal state”, the success / failure information 124 is “off”, and the hold information 125 is “hold number 2”, if the variation pattern random number value is 2850, the pattern number 5 The variation pattern of “normal reach deviation A” corresponding to is determined, and the variation time is set to 20 seconds.

  Further, for example, when the game state information 123 is “special variable gaming state” and the success / failure information 124 is “win”, the pattern number regardless of the number of holds in the hold information 125 and regardless of the change pattern random number value. A variation pattern of “per special variation normal reach” corresponding to 21 is determined, and the variation time is set to 60 seconds. As a result, the variation pattern that is initially selected after the power interruption recovery (power recovery) on the main control board 100 is always the predetermined initial value except when the gaming state is shifted to the special gaming state before the variation pattern is transmitted. The one having a time during which the conversion processing can be executed is selected.

Therefore, when the variable stop command transmitted for the second time after the return from power interruption is received, the predetermined initialization is completed, and the rotating reel can be stopped at an appropriate stop position.

  The variation control means 102a is based on the information of the variation pattern determination means 102b, the fluctuation hold means 102c, the gaming state determination means 102d, the hit determination means (profit grant determination means) 102e, and the variation time management means 109 described later, based on the information of the special symbol 17. This is for controlling the fluctuation start / variation stop.

More specifically, upon receiving winning information from the winning determination means 101 to the start winning opening 29, a random number for lottery (a random number for determining winning or losing, a special symbol (in particular, a winning symbol) ) And a random number for determining the production pattern), and the information is temporarily stored in the fluctuation holding means 102c.

Then, when the game state is capable of changing the special symbol and there is hold information in the change holding means 102c, the stored random number information for the lottery or the game state (whether the game is in the probability change game or the normal game) The special symbol stop mode and the variation pattern (variation time) are determined based on whether the time-short game or the special variation is in progress, and the variation control of the special symbol based on the variation pattern and the stop mode is executed. Thus, the special symbol 17 based on the fluctuation pattern information 126 and the success / failure information 123 is displayed on the special symbol display device 120.

On the other hand, a change start command (rotation start command) for effect control by the reels 18 to 20 and a change stop command (rotation stop command) that triggers the change stop are given to the sub-control board 200 with the start of change of the special symbol. The data is transmitted via the command transmission means 108, which will be described later.

  The special game execution means 103 is for executing a special game. The special game execution means 103 has unit game execution means 103a. The unit game execution means 103a executes a unit game (one round) related to the opening of the special winning opening 31. That is, in the special game, the special winning opening 31 is opened, and the special winning opening 31 is closed on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the predetermined number of game balls 23 have been entered or released. While the special game execution means 103 is executing a special game, the game state information 123 holds that the special game state.

  The probability variation game execution means 104 is for executing a probability variation game. The probability variation game is a game state in which the probability that a special symbol is won is improved. The probability variation game execution means 104 starts executing the probability variation game when the winning symbol of the special symbol is a special symbol. The probability variation game execution unit 104 includes a symbol variation number counting unit 104a.

  The symbol variation number counting means 104a counts the number of symbol variations after the start of the probability variation game. That is, when the probability variation game execution means 104 starts the probability variation game, the symbol variation count counting means 104a starts counting the symbol variation count, and the probability variation game execution means is triggered when the symbol variation count reaches a predetermined number. 104 ends the probability variation game. While the probability variation game execution means 104 is executing a probability variation game, the game state information 123 holds that the probability variation game state.

  The variation time shortening game execution means 105 is for executing a variation time shortening game. The variation time shortening game is to form a gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal game by shortening the variation time of the special symbol than usual. The variable time shortening technique execution means 105 starts the execution of the variable time reduction game when the winning symbol of the special symbol is a specific symbol. The variation time shortening game execution means 105 also has a symbol variation number counting means 105a.

  This symbol variation count counting means 105a counts the number of symbol variations after the start of the variation time reduction game. That is, when the variation time shortening game executing means 105 starts the variation time shortening game, the symbol variation number counting means 105a starts counting the symbol variation number, and the variation time is shortened when the symbol variation number reaches the predetermined number. The game execution means 105 ends the game with reduced variation time. While the variable time shortening game execution means 105 is executing the variable time shortening game, the fact that the game state information 123 is in the variable time shortening game state is held.

  The power interruption processing means 106 performs processing when the pachinko machine 2 is powered off due to, for example, a power failure. The power supply board 400 has a backup power supply for the main board. The main control board 100 has a power monitoring unit (not shown), and when the power monitoring is detected by the power monitoring unit, the power interruption processing unit 106 uses a backup power source to store the memory unit such as a RAM. A data storage process for storing various data is executed. Examples of data to be stored include gaming state information 123, success / failure information 124, hold information 125, variation pattern information 126, variation time information, variation start command transmission history information, variation stop command transmission history information, and a variation elapsed time described later. Information and remaining time information.

  The power interruption recovery processing means 107 performs processing when power interruption is recovered after the power is shut off. The power interruption recovery processing means 107 performs confirmation processing and data loading processing of various data stored in the storage means by the power interruption processing means 106, and restores data to the state before power-off. When it is detected that a RAM clear switch (not shown) has been pressed at the time of power interruption recovery, the backed up RAM (various data in the storage means) is cleared and the data is reset.

  The command transmission means 108 is for transmitting various commands from the main control board 100 to the sub control board 200. Commands transmitted by the command transmission unit 108 toward the sub-control board 200 include a change start command and a change stop command. As described above, when the power interruption occurs, the transmission history information about whether the change start command and the change stop command have been transmitted or not transmitted is held by the power interruption processing unit 106.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent occurrence of duplicate transmission of transmitted commands and omission of transmission of untransmitted commands after power is restored. The command transmission means 108 transmits various information in addition to the command. For example, the variation pattern information, the hold information 125, the variation state information, the game state information 123, the success / failure information 124, and the remaining time information determined by the variation pattern determination unit 102b can be transmitted to the sub-control board 200.

  The fluctuation time management means 109 is one of the functions of the special symbol fluctuation control means 102, and the fluctuation time from the fluctuation start (transmission start command transmission) to the fluctuation stop (transmission stop command transmission) of the special symbol. It is for managing and identifying whether or not the symbol is changing. Specifically, it measures the elapsed time from the start timing of special symbol fluctuation control (transmission start command transmission timing) and compares the elapsed time with the fluctuation time information, or starts fluctuation control. A variation time is set at the timing, and it is determined whether or not the current symbol is changing by determining whether or not the time has been reached.

  Note that the fluctuation start / stop of the special symbol and the fluctuation start / stop of the production symbol Z, that is, the reel rotation start / stop, are all managed by the fluctuation start command and the fluctuation stop command, Although there is a delay due to the procedure of the processing instruction, it is performed at the same timing unless these are taken into consideration. Accordingly, this fluctuation elapsed time is substantially synonymous with the reel rotation elapsed time.

However, in the sub-control board, the fluctuation stop scheduled time is measured by the unique timer from the reception of the fluctuation pattern command. The variation time management unit 109 transmits variation state information indicating whether the variation is occurring under a predetermined condition to the sub control board 200 via the command transmission unit 108.

  The remaining time management means 110 is for managing the remaining time information, which is information indicating the remaining time until the special symbol fluctuation is stopped. That is, at the timing of transmission of the special symbol variation start command, the remaining time information is the same time as the variation time information, and thereafter, the time is subtracted from the remaining time information as time elapses. The remaining time information is 0 at the transmission timing of the change stop command. The remaining time management unit 110 sends the remaining time information to the command transmission unit 108, and the command transmission unit 108 transmits the remaining time information to the sub-control board 200.

  The payout control device command transmission means 111 is set in advance corresponding to each winning area 28, 29, 31 when the winning determining means 101 determines that the game ball 23 has won the winning areas 28, 29, 31. Information on the number of winning balls is sent to the payout control means 300, and the payout control means 300 drives and controls the prize ball payout device 400 based on the received information on the number of winning balls to pay out the winning balls based on the winning prize. put out. The portion relating to the payout control is the same as the conventional one, and the detailed description thereof is omitted because the relationship with the present invention is sparse.

  Next, each function of the sub-control board 200 will be described.

  The command receiving unit 201 is for receiving a command from the command transmitting unit 108 of the main control board 100. When receiving a change start command and a change stop command from the main control board 100, the command receiving unit 201 sends the command to the command analysis unit 202. The command receiving unit 201 also receives, from the main control board 100, the variation pattern information, the hold information 125, the variation state information, the game state information 123, the success / failure information 124, and the remaining time information together with various commands.

  The command analysis unit 202 is for analyzing the command received by the command reception unit 201 and the contents of information (also referred to as a control request signal). That is, after analyzing the received command and the type of information, it is sent to an appropriate processing means according to the contents. For example, when the command is a change start command or a change stop command, when the information is change pattern information, change state information, gaming state information 123, success / failure information 124, and remaining time information, based on those commands and information. The reel control means 205 performs necessary reel control. The game state information 123 is also sent to the reel control content determination means 203. Further, the success / failure information 124 is also sent to the stop symbol determination means 204.

  The reel control content determination means 203 is for determining the control content of the reels 18 to 20. Based on the variation pattern information and the game state information 123, for example, when the game state is a normal state, normal variation effect drive control that is a variation effect of the reels 18 to 20 in the normal game state is executed. Further, when the gaming state is a big hit state, the big hit medium effect drive control which is a fluctuating effect of the reels 18 to 20 in the big hit is executed.

  The stop symbol determination means 204 is for determining the arrangement of the presentation symbols Z in the presentation region R when the reels 18 to 20 are stopped based on the success / failure information 124 received from the main control board 100. The stop symbol is determined depending on whether the success / failure information 124 is per 16 rounds, per 2R, per probability fluctuation, or the like.

  The reel control means 205 is for controlling the operation of the reel unit 11. Based on the reception of the fluctuation start command from the main control board 100, the reels 18 to 20 start to fluctuate. Based on the fluctuation time information in the fluctuation start command, the fluctuation stop scheduled time is set by a unique timer. The reels 18 to 20 vary according to the pattern, and control is performed by a unique timer so that the target symbol temporarily stops (fluctuates) at the scheduled variation stop time. Based on the reception of the fluctuation stop command, the fluctuations of the reels 18 to 20 are stopped. The reel control means 205 is connected to the stepping motors 41 to 43 and the light projecting / receiving sensors 51 to 53 of the reels 18 to 20. And based on the detection signal from the light projection / reception sensors 51-53, operation control of the stepping motors 41-43 is enabled.

  The abnormality determination means 206 is for determining a rotation abnormality of the reels 18 to 20. The rotations of the reels 18 to 20 are detected by light projecting / receiving sensors 51 to 53. That is, every time the reels 18 to 20 are rotated once, a detection signal indicating that the detection pieces 61 to 63 are detected by the light emitting / receiving sensors 51 to 53 is output to the sub-control board 200. On the other hand, even if the time corresponding to one rotation of the reels 18 to 20 (the number of steps of one step of the stepping motor) exceeds a certain value, a detection signal indicating that the detection pieces 61 to 63 have been detected is a light emitting / receiving sensor 51 to 51. If the signal is not output from 53, it can be determined that a rotation abnormality has occurred in the reels 18 to 20 where the detection signal is not output due to motor step-out or the like.

  In addition, the sub control board 200 includes a lamp control unit 207 and a voice control unit 208, and is connected to the hold lamp 54, the effect lamp 55, the speaker 8, and the like. Based on information such as the hold information 125 and the game state information 123 from the main control board 100, the lamp control means 207 and the voice control means 208 control the operation of the lamps 54 and 55 and the speaker 8, but will be described in detail. Omitted.

<Control when one reel is out of step>
Next, control by the main control board 100 and the sub control board 200 related to the rotation and stop of the reels 18 to 20 will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 11A is a flowchart illustrating a control process in the case where one of the reels 18 to 20 has stepped out. In the following description, whether or not there is a hold is not considered. As for the variation of the symbols, for example, the variation of the effect symbol Z formed on the peripheral surfaces 18a to 20a of the reels 18 to 20 shown in FIG. 6 (that is, the rotation of the reels 18 to 20) will be described.

  First, the control operation on the main control board 100 side will be described. When the game ball 23 wins the start winning opening 29, the winning determination means 101 determines the winning on the main control board 100. The special symbol fluctuation control means 102 performs a lottery lottery and a fluctuation pattern lottery. Then, the variation pattern information 126 is determined with reference to the variation pattern table 122 based on the game state information 123, the success / failure information 124, the hold information 125, and the variation pattern random number value.

  Next, the control operation on the sub control board 200 side will be described. The sub-control board 200 executes the change start command reception determination process and waits for the change start command (S1). When a change start command including change time information is received (S2), a reel drive control process corresponding to the change pattern is started (S3). Thereby, the rotation of the reel is started. Details of the reel drive control process according to this variation pattern will be described with reference to FIG.

  The all variation process end flag is turned on when all reel variation processes based on the received variation pattern command are completed and waiting for a variation stop command to be received (the reel is shaking), before the variation based on the variation pattern command. If there is information, it is turned off. It is determined whether the all variation process end flag is on or off (S101). If the variation pattern command is not varied based on the variation pattern command, it is off (No). Therefore, the stop symbol is determined according to the received variation start command. (S102), the variable process flag is set to OFF (S103).

  The sub-control board 200 sets reel drive pattern data according to the received change start command (S104), and executes reel rotation drive and change time management based on the pattern data (S105). While the reel is rotating, the detection piece is repeatedly detected by the light emitting / receiving sensor once or a plurality of times per rotation. At the timing when the detection piece is to be detected (S106), it is confirmed whether or not the detection piece is normally detected (S107).

  Here, after the detection piece is normally detected or when the total variation process ends normally at a location that is not the detection timing of the reference piece (S108), all reels are in a state of fluctuation fluctuation, and the total variation process end flag is displayed. Is set to ON (S109). On the other hand, when the detection piece is not normally detected, the step-out flag is set to ON (S110). This step-out flag is information that is turned on when the drive motor is not normally driven due to step-out or the like, that is, when the detection piece is not normally detected at the timing at which the detection piece is to be detected.

  If there is a detection detectable time for the detected piece (S111), a retry process for a defective reel (ie, a reel in which step-out has been detected) is executed (S112), and detection of the detected piece is restored by the retry process ( S113), the step-out flag is set to OFF (S114), and the movement to the stop symbol position is controlled (S115). The retry detection possible time is set to a time including the symbol correction time after the retry is completed.

  On the other hand, when the retry detectable time is exhausted due to repeated retrying or the like, control for moving a normal reel (that is, a reel in which step-out is not detected) to the reference position is executed (S116). Then, the normal reel is in the state of fluctuation fluctuation, and the all fluctuation process end flag is set to ON (S117).

  The sub-control board 200 waits for reception of the change stop command (S4), and when receiving the change stop command, determines whether or not the step-out flag is off (S5). If the step-out flag is off, all reels are operating without any problem, and all reels are stopped (S6). On the other hand, when the step-out flag is ON, in addition to the normal reel stop process (S7), the step-out reel is forcibly stopped (S8).

  By performing the above control (hereinafter referred to as “forced stop stop control”), when one of the reels steps out, all the reels can be quickly and reliably removed without requiring an initialization process. Can be stopped. At this time, if the reference position of the reel corresponds to the off symbol presentation, the off symbol can be reliably presented and the reel can be stopped. In the case of forcibly stopping the step-out reel, it may be forcibly stopped by a timeout process after waiting for a certain time.

  FIG. 12 shows another example of the arrangement relationship of the effect symbol Z on each of the reels 18 to 20, the light emitting / receiving sensors 51 to 53, the detection pieces 61 to 63, and the presentation area R to the player. FIG. In FIG. 12, the peripheral surfaces of the reels 18 to 20 are shown expanded. In this other example, two detection pieces 61 to 63 corresponding to the respective reels 18 to 20 are arranged. For example, on the reel 18, the detection piece 61 b and the detection piece 61 c are arranged with their arrangement positions substantially shifted by a half turn.

  As a result, the reference positions on the reel are two places every half circle, so that the stop at the reference position after receiving the variable stop command can be performed more quickly. Moreover, if the length in the rotation direction (circumferential direction) of the detection piece 61b is different from the length in the rotation direction (circumferential direction) of the detection piece 61c, the detection length by the light emitting / receiving sensor 51 ( It is possible to determine which detection piece is detected based on the detection time.

  In this case, it is preferable that the rear edges along the rotation direction of the detection pieces 61b and 61c are arranged so as to be shifted by exactly a half circumference, and the position where the rear edges are detected is set as the reference position. Since the lengths of the detection pieces 61b and 61c can be grasped before stopping at the reference position, it is grasped whether the reference position is caused by the detection piece 61b or the detection piece 61c at the time of stopping at the reference position. be able to.

  In addition, although not considered in FIG. 12, in performing the above-described forced detachment stop control, the combination of any detection piece may be configured such that the detachment symbol is displayed by two reels. In this case, even if the reel is stopped without having to determine which of the two detection pieces 61b and 61c, it is possible to forcibly display the disengagement. Stop control can also be performed.

<5. Control when power is cut off during reel rotation>
Next, a control process in the case where a power interruption occurs during the rotation of the reels 18 to 20 will be described. In this control process, an example using a special variation gaming state will be described. In the following description, whether or not there is a hold is not considered. As for the variation of symbols, the variation of the effect symbol Z formed on the peripheral surfaces 18a to 20a of the reels 18 to 20 (that is, rotation of the reels 18 to 20) will be described.

<5-1. Control of main control board>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control process on the main control board 100 side in this control process. When the power is shut off and then the power is restored, the main control board 100 first checks whether the stored data is normal (S21). If the stored data is abnormal, the game state based on the stored data cannot be restored, so the power-on initialization process is performed to initialize the information and commands in the main control board 100 (S22), and the normal game process is started. (S23). In this case, although not shown, a power return command and information indicating that the main control board 100 has been initialized are transmitted to the sub-control board 200 before or after moving to S23. To do.

  If the stored data is normal, it is checked whether the RAM clear switch is off (S24). When the RAM clear switch is pressed, the RAM clear switch is turned on and the game state cannot be restored based on the stored data. Therefore, the power-on initialization process is performed to initialize the information and commands in the main control board 100. Perform (S22), and move to normal game processing (S23). Also in this case, as described above, the power return command and information indicating that the main control board 100 has been initialized are transmitted to the sub-control board 200 before or after moving to S23.

  When the RAM clear switch is off, the game state information 123 is confirmed (S25). The game state information 123 stores various information related to the game state before power-off. Thereafter, a power recovery command is transmitted to the sub control board 200 (S26). Also, the game state information is transmitted to the sub-control board 200 together with the power return command.

  When the gaming state is winning (S27), there is a time margin until the next change start command is transmitted. Accordingly, the hit-related command is transmitted (S28), and the normal game process is started (S23). When the gaming state is winning, there is time to execute the initialization process at various timings before sending the next variation start command, such as within the winning effect or after the winning effect is finished.

  On the other hand, if the gaming state is not winning (S26), it is confirmed whether or not the gaming state is changing (S29). If not changing, the transmission of the change stop command has already been completed when the power is shut down, and the rotation of the reels 18 to 20 has stopped. (S30). The change start request relating to the next reel rotation may be, for example, a winning at the start winning opening 29, or may be a hold from the change holding means 102c.

  If the gaming state is fluctuating (S29), it is confirmed whether or not the success / failure information 124 of the fluctuation (specific reel rotation) is off (S31). If the specific reel rotation is successful, the timer is counted until the fluctuation stop timing (S33), and a fluctuation stop command is transmitted when the fluctuation stop timing is reached (S34).

  When the specific reel rotation is out, the special variable gaming state selection flag is set to ON (S32). When this special variation gaming state selection flag is turned on, at the start of the next variation, the gaming state information 123 becomes a special variation gaming state, and one of the pattern numbers 20 and 21 in the variation pattern table 122 is selected. Become. The special variation gaming state is a gaming state in which the variation time is set to be longer than the time required for the predetermined initialization process, and is for executing the predetermined initialization process during the symbol variation. In other words, when the special variation gaming state selection flag is turned on, the next variation in symbols is long enough to always include a predetermined initialization process, regardless of whether the success / failure information is wrong or not. Time is secured. Therefore, the initialization process can be surely executed in the next symbol variation.

  When there is a variation start request for the next symbol variation (next reel rotation) (S30), the main control board 100 acquires a variation pattern random value by lottery (S35). If the special variation gaming state selection flag in (S32) is on (S36), the variation pattern table 122 is referred to the variation pattern table 122 based on the variation pattern random number value (pattern number 20 or 21) is determined (S37). Then, a variation start command (special rotation start command) relating to the next reel rotation including the variation time information (special rotation time information) based on the determined variation pattern is transmitted to the sub-control board 200 (S38). Since the variation time of the variation pattern based on the special variation gaming state is set to be longer than the time required for the predetermined initialization process, the predetermined initialization process can be sufficiently executed in the next reel rotation.

  More specifically, in the first embodiment, as a predetermined initialization process, the control of flowing the reel from top to bottom in front view is executed until the above-described reel reference position is detected. Then, when the reference position of the reel is detected, the drive control is further performed theoretically for one step of the reel (for example, 400 steps if the number of steps required for one turn of the stepping motor is 400).

The sub-control board 200 confirms whether or not the reference position is properly detected when the drive control is performed, and determines that the reel is normal when the reference position is properly detected. The reel is driven and controlled at a position where a predetermined symbol is displayed.

Here, since the time required for the above initialization is generally about 4 seconds when the time for executing correction is included in a predetermined symbol position, in the variation pattern related to the special gaming state as in the first embodiment, If a fluctuation time of at least 20 seconds is secured, correction control to an arbitrary symbol can be sufficiently executed using the remaining 16 seconds.

  If the special variation gaming state selection flag is off (S36), a variation pattern is determined based on a gaming state that is not the special variation gaming state (for example, a normal gaming state) (S39). Then, a variation start command related to the next reel rotation is transmitted to the sub control board 200 including variation time information based on the variation pattern of the normal gaming state (S38).

<5-2. Sub-control board control>
Next, a control process of the sub control board 200 in the control process will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control process on the sub-control board 200 side in this control process. The sub control board 200 may of course have a data storage means for backup, but in the first embodiment, a case where the sub control board 200 does not have a data storage means will be described. .

  When receiving the power recovery command from the main control board 200 (S41) and receiving the game state information with it, the sub-control board 200 confirms whether or not the reel is changing (planned) (S42). If the reel is changing (scheduled), it is determined that the power is cut off, and the change control command from the main control board 100 is awaited (S43). If the first reel rotation (specific reel rotation) after the power return is successful (S44), there is time to receive the next variation start command, so that the initialization process and the winning game are related. The symbol display control is executed (S45).

  On the other hand, if the specific reel rotation is out, based on the reception of the specific reel rotation fluctuation stop command, the forcible stop control is performed to stop two or more reels at the reference position. The player is presented with the symbol arrangement of the effect symbol Z that constitutes a detachment (S46). Thereby, the first reel rotation after the power return can be surely stopped in a detachable manner. It should be noted that although one reel is in a step-out state in the forcible release stop control, since normal operation is assumed in this control, each reel may be stopped at the reference position. The remaining reels may be configured to stop when the two reels detect the reference position.

Here, in the former case, it takes a little time for the forcible detachment stop control, but it is difficult to give a sense of incongruity because the symbols are surely stopped on the effective line. On the other hand, in the latter case, the time required for forced release stop control can be minimized, so even when the time from power failure recovery to receiving the symbol stop command is extremely short, reel control by release stop control is realized. it can. Although the control is executed on the premise of the former control, the reference position is identified at that time even before the third identifies the reference position only when a stop command is received when the two reference positions are stopped. You may make it stop the reel which is not.

  If the reel is not changing (planned), it is determined that the symbol is not changing when the power is turned off, and then it is checked whether the reel is stopped (S47). Here, when the reel is stopped, it is determined that the symbol was stopped when the power was shut off. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the initialization process has been started (S48). If the initialization process has not been executed, the initialization process is executed (S49). Then, the process loops again to (S48) to check whether or not the initialization has been started.

  If the initialization process has already been started, a standby state for a change start command relating to the next reel rotation is entered (S50). When the change start command is received, it is confirmed whether or not the initialization process is in progress (that is, whether or not the initialization process is incomplete) (S51). Here, the change start command transmitted from the main control board 100 is a special change start command, and includes special change time information. In the case of initialization (incomplete), symbol variation control (that is, reel rotation control) is executed including a predetermined initialization process based on the special variation gaming state (S52). On the other hand, when the initialization is completed, the symbol variation control (that is, the reel rotation control) is executed based on the special variation gaming state (S53).

  If the reel is not stopped, it is confirmed whether or not the winning round is in progress (S54). If the winning round is in progress, it is determined that the jackpot has been a big hit when the power is shut off, and the process loops to S45 to execute the initialization process and the symbol display control relating to the winning game (S45). If the winning round is not in progress, the process loops again to (S42) to check whether the reel is changing (planned).

  FIG. 15 shows a time chart of control commands in the first embodiment. FIG. 15A shows a state in which the reference position stop process is executed after the power failure is restored, and then a change based on the special change pattern is performed, and a predetermined initialization process is executed within the change. Note that the reference position stop process in this time chart is a control process for quickly stopping the reel at the reference position, that is, forced release stop control. In FIG. 15A, when a power failure recovery command is received after power failure recovery (a1), the reel is moved to the reference position and stopped by receiving a change stop command (not shown). (A2).

  When a fluctuation start command (special fluctuation start command) relating to the next reel rotation is received (a3), a predetermined initialization process (a4) is performed within the special fluctuation pattern, and then the fluctuation process (a5). Is done. When the fluctuation stop command is received (a6), the reel rotation stops. Note that, after receiving the fluctuation stop command, a predetermined initialization process may be executed regardless of whether or not the fluctuation start command is received from when a predetermined stop display time has elapsed.

  Further, FIG. 15B shows that the reference position stop process is executed after the return from power interruption, and after that, a predetermined initialization process is waited for a variation pattern having a variation time in which the predetermined initialization process can be performed. Is shown. In FIG. 15B, when the power interruption return command is received after the power interruption recovery (b1), the reel is moved to the reference position (reference position stop processing), and the stop processing is performed by receiving the variable stop command (not shown). (B2).

  When a change start command related to the next reel rotation is received (b3), the reel normally changes according to the change time (b4), and upon receiving the change stop command, the reel is stopped (b5). If the variation time is short, the predetermined initialization process is not executed. Here, if the reel rotation is related to the deviation, the reference position stop process is executed again. In the reference position stop process in (b4), the fluctuation of fluctuation is executed after the reference position is detected until the change stop command is received.

  Further, when the fluctuation start command related to the next reel rotation is received (b6), when the fluctuation time is sufficiently long (b7), the operation check and the fluctuation processing are performed within the fluctuation pattern. Then, the rotation of the reel is stopped by receiving the fluctuation stop command (b8).

[Embodiment 2]
Next, in the reel unit 11 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, control when power is cut off during reel rotation will be described. The reel unit 11 has the same configuration as the reel unit 11 in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the remaining time information is managed by the remaining time management means 110 in the main control board 100. Then, control for sending the remaining time information to the sub-control board 200 is executed.

  More specifically, after the main control board 100 determines winning in the start winning opening 29, a lottery of variation patterns related to the winning is executed. When the main control board 100 transmits a change start command to the sub control board 200, the remaining time management means 110 starts a timer count of the remaining time. The remaining time is the remaining time of the fluctuation time, and is the time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the transmission of the fluctuation start command from the fluctuation time.

  With the transmission of the change start command, the sub-control board 200 starts the reel rotation control. When the power interruption occurs during the rotation of the reel, the power processing means 106 stores the remaining time information in a storage means such as a RAM. When the power interruption is restored, the remaining time information is loaded from the storage means by the power interruption restoration processing means 107 and transmitted to the sub-control board 200.

  The sub-control board 200 is subjected to power-off and power-off recovery processing after receiving the change start command. The sub-control board 200 receives gaming state information indicating that the reel is rotating from the main control board 100 after the power interruption recovery process, and starts reel rotation control (specific reel rotation control). The sub control board 200 also receives the remaining time information from the main control board 100. The sub-control board 200 compares the remaining time related to the received remaining time information with the time required for a predetermined initialization process.

  If the remaining time is equal to or longer than the time required for the predetermined initialization process, it is determined that the predetermined initialization process can be performed during the specific reel rotation, and the predetermined initial process is performed during the specific reel rotation. Execute the conversion process. If the remaining time is less than the time required for the predetermined initialization process, it is determined that the predetermined initialization process cannot be performed during the specific reel rotation, and the predetermined initialization is performed during the specific reel rotation. Do not execute processing.

  When the sub control board 200 does not execute a predetermined initialization process during a specific reel rotation, for example, when the sub control board 200 receives a change stop command from the main control board 100, the specific reel rotation is changed to at least two reels. It is possible to stop at a position where becomes a reference position. Since the reel can be quickly stopped at the time when the light projecting / receiving sensor detects the detection piece, it is possible to promptly stop with a surely detached pattern.

  The sub-control board 200 receives a next reel rotation variation start command after the specific reel rotation is stopped. Then, the variation time included in the variation start command is compared with the time required for the predetermined initialization process, and when the variation time is equal to or longer than the time required for the predetermined initialization process, A predetermined initialization process is executed during reel rotation. Of course, when the fluctuation time is less than the time required for the predetermined initialization process, the predetermined initialization process is not executed during the reel rotation next to the specific reel rotation.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the sub-control board 200 determines whether or not the predetermined initialization process can be executed during the reel rotation based on the remaining time. If it is possible, a predetermined initialization process is executed during the reel rotation, and if it is not possible, it is not executed. If the predetermined initialization process is not executed, it is determined whether or not the predetermined initialization process can be executed during the next reel rotation based on the fluctuation time of the next reel rotation. If it is possible, a predetermined initialization process is executed during the next reel rotation, and if it is not possible, it is not executed.

  As described above, whether or not the predetermined initialization process is executable is determined based on the remaining time and the fluctuation time. If the predetermined initialization process cannot be executed, the reel fluctuation time is required for the predetermined initialization process. The comparison with the subsequent reel rotation fluctuation time is continued until the time is exceeded.

  In the first embodiment, a method of forcibly selecting a fluctuation pattern having a long fluctuation time on the main control board 100 at the time of power failure recovery is used. However, in the second embodiment, such a process is performed. Initialization can be performed at an appropriate timing even if it is not necessarily performed, so that the program capacity of the main control board 100 can be reduced.

  FIG. 16 shows a time chart of control commands in the second embodiment. FIG. 16A shows the case where the remaining time is confirmed after the power failure recovery, and the remaining time is equal to or longer than the time required for the predetermined initialization process (that is, the predetermined initialization process is possible immediately after the power interruption recovery). This is the state of the control process. In FIG. 16 (a), after power failure recovery, the power failure recovery command and the remaining time information are received (c1). When the remaining time is compared with the time required for the predetermined initialization process and it is determined that the time required for the predetermined initialization process can be secured, the predetermined initialization process is executed within the reel rotation control (c2). At the same time, the fluctuation processing time is shortened as necessary, and the fluctuation time as a whole is kept unchanged. If the reel rotation is related to the deviation, the reference position stop process may be performed in the variation process.

  When the fluctuation stop command is received after the fluctuation time has elapsed (c3), the reel rotation stops. A variation start command related to the next reel rotation is received (c4), normal variation is performed according to variation time information included in the variation start command (c5), and rotation of the reel is stopped by receiving the variation stop command (c6). .

  FIG. 16B shows the case where the remaining time is confirmed after the power failure recovery, and the remaining time is less than the time required for the predetermined initialization process (that is, the predetermined initialization process is impossible immediately after the power interruption recovery). ) Of the control process. In FIG. 16 (b), after power interruption recovery, the power interruption recovery command and the remaining time information are received (d1). When the remaining time is compared with the time required for the predetermined initialization process and it is determined that the time required for the predetermined initialization process cannot be secured, the reel rotation is subjected to a reference position stop process (forced stop stop control) (d2). .

  The reel rotation is stopped by receiving the fluctuation stop command (d3). When the next reel rotation fluctuation start command is received (d4), the reel rotation starts, but the fluctuation time is the fluctuation time related to the shortening fluctuation, and if the predetermined initialization process cannot be executed, A reference position stop process (forced disengagement stop control) is executed (d5).

  Then, the reel rotation is stopped by receiving the fluctuation stop command (d6). Instead of this reference position stop process, reel rotation control using a special variation pattern may be performed. As a result, a time for executing a predetermined initialization process within the reel rotation control is secured, and at this point, the predetermined initialization process can be executed.

  Further, when a variation start command relating to the next reel rotation is received (d7) and the variation time is equal to or longer than the time required for the predetermined initialization processing, predetermined initialization processing and variation processing ( Is shortened if necessary) (d8). When a change stop command is received after the change time has elapsed (d9), the reels stop rotating.

  Although the control for managing the remaining time on the main control board 100 side has been described above, the remaining time may be managed on the sub control board 200 side. If the sub-control board 200 has its own timer, the fluctuation time information is received together with the reception of the fluctuation start command. Therefore, the remaining time can be managed by subtracting from the fluctuation time by the timer.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, even when one of the plurality of reels is out of rotation due to out-of-step or the like, the remaining reels can be removed quickly and reliably. It can be stopped with the symbol arrangement. When the position where the light projecting / receiving sensor detects the detection piece / the position where the detection piece is not detected is set as the reference position, the two symbols are surely separated when the two reels are stopped at the reference position. Rather than ignoring the change stop command and performing a predetermined initialization process, it is possible to perform a quick stop after receiving the change stop command.

  In addition, when power interruption occurs during reel rotation and power failure is restored, a special fluctuation pattern is extracted and the reel rotation fluctuation pattern to be selected first after restoration is made a fluctuation based on the special fluctuation pattern. A predetermined initialization process can be surely executed in the variation pattern. In this case, if the fluctuation start command has been transmitted before the power is shut off and the result of the fluctuation is out of the range after the return, the reel stop process at the reference position (<4) is performed in order to quickly and surely remove and stop the reel. (1) Control when one reel is out of step>

  In addition, a comparison is made between the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern after power interruption recovery and the time required for the predetermined initialization process until the fluctuation pattern has a fluctuation time sufficient to execute the predetermined initialization process. It is also possible to perform control to sequentially postpone execution of the initialization processing. It is not necessary to extend the fluctuation time or to separately secure a predetermined initialization process time for executing the predetermined initialization process, and the reel fluctuation process can be steadily proceeded without delay. .

  In particular, by managing the remaining time in the reel fluctuation immediately after the power interruption recovery and comparing the remaining time with the time required for the predetermined initialization process, the predetermined initialization process is performed within the reel fluctuation immediately after the electric power interruption recovery. Can be determined.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is needless to say that some of the embodiments presented in the present specification may be appropriately selected and discarded, and the present invention is not limited thereto. However, various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist.

C: Card unit L1: Upper line L2: Center line L3: Lower line L4: Right upward line L5: Right downward line R: Presentation area X: Arrows Z, Z1a to Z1c, Z2a to Z2c, Z3a to Z3c: Symbol 2: Pachinko machine (game machine)
3: Gaming machine frame unit 4: Outer frame 5: Game board unit 6: Game board 6a: Game board surface (surface of the game board)
7: Center character 7d: Opening 8: Speaker 9: Front frame 10: Glass 11: Reel unit (effect display device)
12: Glass frame 14: Ball tray 14a: Upper ball tray 14b: Lower ball tray 14c: Ball release member 15: Launcher handle 16: Game area 17: Special symbols 18-20: Reels 18a-20a: Circumferential surface 21a: Upper end Part 21b: Lower end part 22: Hinge 23: Game ball 25: Prize opening sensor 26: Rail decoration 26a: Outer rail 27: Game nail 28: Normal prize opening (winning area)
29: Start prize opening (winning area)
30: Out entrance 31: Grand prize exit (winning area)
32: Decoration member 33: Gate 34: Windmill 35: Main control board case 36: Sub control board case 40: Game ball storage tanks 41 to 43: Drive motor (drive means)
41a to 43a: Motor bases 51 to 53: Light emitting / receiving sensors (sensors)
54: Hold lamp 55: Effect lamp 60: Prize ball payout devices 61-63, 61b, 61c: Detection pieces 61a-63a: Detection member 100: Main control board (first control means)
101: winning determination means 102: special symbol fluctuation control means 102a: fluctuation control means 102b: fluctuation pattern determination means 102c: fluctuation hold means 102d: gaming state judgment means 102e: winning judgment means (profit granting judgment means)
103: Special game execution means 103a: Unit game execution means 104: Probability variation game execution means 104a: Symbol variation number counting means 105: Variation time shortening game execution means 105a: Symbol variation number counting means 106: Power interruption processing means (power supply processing) Means, backup means)
107: Power failure recovery processing means (power supply recovery processing means)
108: Command transmission means 109: Fluctuation time management means 110: Remaining time management means 111: Payment control device Command transmission means 120: Special symbol display device 122: Fluctuation pattern table 123: Game state information 124: Appropriate information 125: Holding information 126 : Variation pattern information 130: Game state display device 200: Sub control board (second control means)
201: Command receiving means 202: Command analyzing means 203: Reel control content determining means 204 Stop symbol determining means 205: Reel control means 206: Abnormality determining means 207: Lamp control means 208: Voice control means 300: Dispensing control board 400: Power supply Substrate 500: Game control means

Claims (5)

A plurality of reels, on which a plurality of symbols are formed on the circumferential surface and at least a part of the circumferential surface is arranged so as to be presented to the player, can be rotated and stopped around the rotation center axis on the same axis. A reel unit having driving means capable of being individually driven;
Game control means for displaying hit or miss according to the arrangement of the symbols presented to the player when all reels are stopped;
With
A gaming machine capable of executing a predetermined initialization process for detecting a reference position of the reel at power-on,
The game control means includes first control means including profit grant determination means for determining whether or not to give profit to the player;
Second control means capable of controlling the reel unit based on a control request signal from the first control means,
The first control means includes
Backup means capable of storing a gaming state for a predetermined period when power supply to the first control means is stopped;
Return processing means for returning to the gaming state stored in the backup means when the power supply is resumed, and
As a control request signal,
A rotation start command including rotation time information indicating rotation times of the plurality of reels based on a determination result of the profit grant determination means;
A rotation stop command including information indicating that it is time to stop rotation of all of the plurality of reels;
A power return command indicating that the power has been restored when the power is restored after the power to the gaming machine is cut off, and can be transmitted.
The second control means includes
Drive control of the plurality of reels based on reception of the rotation start command and stop control of the plurality of reels based on reception of the rotation stop command can be performed,
The first control means includes
A rotation time management means capable of managing whether or not the reel is rotating by managing a rotation time of the reel from transmission of the rotation start command to transmission of the rotation stop command;
When the return by the return processing means is during a specific reel rotation, the special rotation time information that is a time longer than the time required for the predetermined initialization process is used as the first rotation start command after the transmission of the power return command Is sent as a special rotation start command including
The second control means includes
When the return by the power recovery processing means is during the specific reel rotation, the control relating to the specific reel rotation is executed without performing the initialization process, and the reel rotation next to the specific reel rotation is performed. A gaming machine that performs control of the reel unit based on the special rotation start command after performing the predetermined initialization processing based on reception of the special rotation start command. In the case where the rotation start command related to the specific reel rotation is based on a determination that the player is profited,
The first control unit does not transmit the special rotation start command, and the second control unit performs the predetermined initialization process at an appropriate timing regardless of reception of the special rotation start command. The gaming machine according to claim 1. When the gaming state at the time when the power is turned off is a winning gaming state,
The first control unit does not transmit the special rotation start command, and the second control unit performs the predetermined initialization process at an appropriate timing regardless of reception of the special rotation start command. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The symbol has a symbol arrangement capable of presenting a symbol constituting a disengagement based on the stop position of the two reels regardless of the symbol of the other reels,
All reels are provided with detection pieces that rotate in synchronization with each reel, and a sensor is provided at an appropriate position of the reel unit, and configured to detect the presence or absence of detection pieces provided for each reel by the sensors,
The game control means includes
The position where the detection piece is detected by the sensor or the position where the detection piece is not detected is configured to be able to virtually determine the stop position of each reel based on an operation control signal from the reference position.
In the reel unit,
When the reference position is detected in at least any two reels of the plurality of reels, the symbol arrangement that constitutes the disengagement is presented to the player regardless of the display symbols of the other reels. Each symbol, sensor, and detection piece are arranged in a corresponding position,
The second control means includes
When the rotation start command related to the specific reel rotation is based on a determination that no profit is given to the player,
In the drive control related to the specific reel rotation after receiving the power return command, the reels are stopped when triggered by the determination that at least two of the plurality of reels are in the reference position. Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a symbol arrangement that constitutes a disengagement is presented to the player even if a reel that has not been determined to be in position stops at any symbol. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The symbol has a symbol array capable of presenting symbols constituting a disengagement based on the stop position of one reel regardless of the symbols of the other reels,
All reels are provided with detection pieces that rotate in synchronization with each reel, and a sensor is provided at an appropriate position of the reel unit, and configured to detect the presence or absence of detection pieces provided for each reel by the sensors,
The game control means includes
The position where the detection piece is detected by the sensor or the position where the detection piece is not detected is configured to be able to virtually determine the stop position of each reel based on an operation control signal from the reference position.
In the reel unit,
When the reference position is detected in at least one of the plurality of reels, the symbol arrangement constituting the disengagement is presented to the player regardless of the display symbols of the other reels. Each symbol, sensor, and detection piece are arranged in a corresponding position,
The second control means includes
When the rotation start command related to the specific reel rotation is based on a determination that no profit is given to the player,
In the drive control related to the specific reel rotation after receiving the power return command, the reel is stopped when triggered by the determination that at least one of the plurality of reels is in the reference position. Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a symbol arrangement that constitutes a disengagement is presented to the player even if a reel that has not been determined to be in position stops at any symbol. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

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