JP5859479B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot machine.

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

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

  In such a gaming machine, after the stop button is operated, the reel is moved by the amount of movement (hereinafter referred to as “the number of sliding pieces”) based on the stop button operation timing and the internal winning combination, and the stop There is known a gaming machine that performs stop control by exciting an excitation phase with a current value smaller than a reference current value when the value of a pulse counter at a planned stop position that is a symbol position to be performed is less than a reference value. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). According to such a gaming machine, it is possible to smoothly and accurately stop the large-diameter reel while securing the conventional maximum number of sliding pieces.

  By the way, a so-called turning type gaming machine (pachi-slot) like Patent Document 1 has a restriction on the standard regarding the stop of the reel, and by complying with it, an appropriate turning type Amusement machines are supplied to the market.

  Specifically, when a reel that is rotating is stopped, it is necessary to stop the reel within a predetermined time (for example, 190 ms or 75 ms) after the player operates the stop button (stop operation). Therefore, the maximum number of sliding frames is naturally determined (for example, 4 frames) by the predetermined time and the processing time related to the stop control.

JP2012-024280A

  However, in the rotary gaming machine as described above, if the value of the pulse counter at the planned stop position is a predetermined stop value, the stop control is uniformly performed. If the stepping motor that rotates the reel is deteriorated over time, the reel cannot be stopped within a predetermined time without resisting the inertia force, and there may be a case where the standard cannot be observed. There were still challenges.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of reliably stopping a rotating reel within a predetermined time after pressing a stop button. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention has a plurality of reels (3L, 3C, 3R) having a plurality of types of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface, and a motor (stepping motor 49L, 49C, 49R), start command means (start switch 6S) for instructing rotation start of the plurality of reels, stop command means (stop switch 7S) for instructing stop of rotation of the plurality of reels, and the start command Or a reel control means (main CPU 31, motor drive circuit 39) that controls the drive of the reel by exciting two phases of the excitation phase of the motor based on a command from the means or the stop command means. An internal winning combination determining means (main CPU 31) for determining an internal winning combination based on a command from the start command means, The control means is configured to sequentially excite the excitation phase based on a command from the pulse output means (motor drive circuit 39) that outputs a pulse for exciting the excitation phase and the start command means, thereby The rotation control means (motor drive circuit 39) for rotating the reels and the rotation control means start specifying the positions of the symbols on the plurality of reels based on the rotation of the plurality of reels at a constant speed. The symbol position specifying start means (main CPU 31) and the pulse position means for counting the pulses output by the pulse output means based on the start of the specification of the position of the symbol by the symbol position specifying start means. (Main CPU 31) and the fact that the number of pulses counted by the pulse counting means becomes a predetermined value. When there is a command from the symbol position information updating means (main CPU 31) for updating the position information (symbol counter) and the stop command means, the current symbol position is determined based on the determination result of the internal winning combination determining means. Stop symbol position information determining means (main CPU 31) for determining stop symbol position information (scheduled stop position) to be stopped within a range of a movement amount (maximum number of sliding symbols) for a predetermined number of symbols, and the symbol position The symbol position information updated by the information updating means matches the stop symbol position information determined by the stop symbol position information determining means, and the number of pulses counted by the pulse counting means is a first stop start value ( "9"), stop control means (main CPU 31, motor drive circuit 39) for stopping the plurality of reels, the stop control means When there is a command from the stop command means, the number of pulses counted by the pulse count means is a specific value, and the symbol position to be stopped determined by the stop symbol position information determination means is the current The symbol position information updated by the symbol position information updating means and the stop symbol position information determined by the stop symbol position information determining means when a movement amount of a predetermined number of symbols from the symbol position is required. When the number of pulses coincident and the number of pulses counted by the pulse counting means reaches a second stop start value (“10”), the plurality of reels are stopped, and the second stop start value It is the number of pulses counted before the first stop start value by the counting means.

  With this configuration, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the number of pulses counted by the pulse count unit is a specific value, and the symbol position to be stopped determined by the stop symbol position information determining unit is determined from the current symbol position. When a movement amount corresponding to the maximum number of symbols is required, the number of pulses counted by the pulse counting means is not the first stop start value for starting the reel stop in the normal state but the first stop start value. When the second stop start value, which is the previous number of pulses, is reached, the reel stops.

  Therefore, if the value of the pulse counter at the scheduled stop position is a predetermined stop value as in the prior art, the pulse counted by the pulse counter when the stop button is pressed is compared with the case where the stop control is uniformly performed. The number of pulses that start the reel stop operation is changed to the number of pulses that are counted before the stop operation starts under normal conditions, depending on the number and amount of movement required from the current symbol position to the planned stop position. Therefore, the rotating reel can be reliably stopped within a predetermined time after the stop button is pressed, and the standard can be observed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of reliably stopping a rotating reel within a predetermined time after the stop button is pressed.

It is a figure which shows the functional flow of the pachislot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a front view of a pachislot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an overall perspective view of a pachislot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a reel of a pachislot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the reel of the pachi-slot machine concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure which shows the pattern arranged on the reel of the pachislot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the main control circuit of the pachislot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the excitation time excitation data table of the pachislot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the excitation data table at the time of a stop of the pachislot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the pulse output data table of the pachislot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the reel control data storage area for left reels of the pachislot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a main flowchart by control of main CPU of the pachislot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel stop control process performed in the main flowchart shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the interruption process by control of main CPU of the pachislot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel control process performed in the interruption process by control of the main CPU shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the reel control process performed in the interruption process by control of the main CPU shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the acceleration preparation process performed in the reel control process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process during acceleration performed in the reel control process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process during constant speed performed in the reel control process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the stop start position waiting process performed in the reel control process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process during a stop performed in the reel control process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the all-phase OFF process performed in the reel control process shown in FIG.

  A pachislot machine which is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Function flow of pachislot machine]
As shown in FIG. 1, the pachislot machine 1 as a gaming machine is a random number in a predetermined numerical range (for example, 0 to 65535) when a medal is inserted by a player and the start lever 6 is operated. One value (hereinafter, random value) is extracted from.

  The internal winning combination determining means (main CPU 31 described later) performs lottery based on the extracted random number value and determines the internal winning combination. That is, the internal winning combination determining means is based on the detection of the unit game start operation on the start lever 6 by the start switch 6S (see FIG. 7) (establishment of a predetermined start condition) with a predetermined probability from a plurality of combinations. Determine the internal winning role.

  By determining the internal winning combination, a combination of symbols that permits display along a winning determination line described later is determined. Note that the types of symbol combinations include those related to “winning” in which benefits such as payout of medals, replay (replay) operation, bonus operation, etc. are given to the player, and other so-called “losing” Such a thing is provided.

  Subsequently, after the plurality of reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated, when the player presses stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R as stop operation means, stop control means (a main CPU 31 and a motor described later) The drive circuit 39) performs control to stop the rotation of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R based on the internal winning combination and the timing when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are pressed.

  Here, in the pachi-slot machine 1, basically, control for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, 3R within a predetermined time (190 msec or 75 ms) from when the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is pressed is performed. Done. In the present embodiment, the number of symbols that move with the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R within the specified time is referred to as “the number of sliding symbols”, and the maximum number is the number of four symbols (the maximum number of sliding symbols). ).

  However, in the MB (a continuous action device for type 2 special feature) gaming state, the corresponding reel is within a predetermined time of 75 ms from when at least one of the plurality of stop buttons is pressed. Control to stop the rotation of is performed.

  The stop control means displays the symbol combination as much as possible along the winning determination line using the specified time when an internal winning combination allowing the display of the symbol combination related to winning is determined. Thus, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped.

  On the other hand, for combinations of symbols that are not permitted to be displayed by the internal winning combination, within the range of the maximum number of sliding symbols so that they will not be displayed along the winning determination line using the specified time. The rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped.

  In particular, in the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that are rotating at a constant speed, the stop control means matches the updated symbol position information (a symbol counter described later) with the determined stop symbol position information (a scheduled stop position described later). In this case, the reel stop control is performed, so that the constant speed rotation can be performed until the stop control start time of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Therefore, the pachi-slot machine 1 can perform the stop control of the large-diameter reel while securing the maximum number of sliding pieces as before.

  Further, the stop control means controls the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to stop when the number of pulses counted by a pulse counter described later reaches a specific value, so that the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are accurately controlled to stop. be able to.

  Thus, when the rotation of the plurality of reels 3L, 3C, 3R is all stopped, the winning combination determination means (main CPU 31 described later) relates to the winning combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line. It is determined whether or not.

  That is, the winning determination means determines whether the winning combination is established or not based on the combination of symbols stopped on the winning line, based on the fact that the change of the symbols is stopped by the reel stop control means.

  When it is determined that the prize is related to a prize, a bonus such as a medal payout is given to the player. A series of flows as described above is performed as one game (unit game) in the pachislot machine 1.

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

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

  When the content of the effect is determined, the effect execution means (the liquid crystal display device 5 described later, the speakers 9L and 9R described later, and the lamp 14 described later) starts the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. When the rotation of 3C and 3R is stopped, the execution of the performance is advanced in conjunction with each opportunity such as when the determination of the presence / absence of a prize is made.

  In this way, in the pachislot machine 1, the player has an opportunity to know or predict the determined internal winning combination (in other words, the combination of symbols to be aimed at) by executing the production contents associated with the internal winning combination. To improve the player's interest.

[Pachislot structure]
The functional flow of the pachislot machine 1 has been described above. Next, the pachislot machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

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

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

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

  That is, the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R function as display windows, and the player can visually recognize the rotation and stop operation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind them. Become. In the present embodiment, the entire display screen 5a including the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R is used to display an image and execute an effect.

  When the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R provided behind the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R is stopped, among the plural types of symbols arranged on the surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, One symbol (three in total) is displayed in each of the upper, middle and lower areas in the frame. Further, it is determined whether or not a prize is awarded to a pseudo line that is a combination of any of the three areas including the upper, middle, and lower stages of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R. It is defined as the target line (winning determination line).

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Side view of reel]
FIG. 5A shows the right side surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the mounting plate 80 (not shown) has a reel position for detecting the rotational position of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R within the rotational radius r1 of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. A detection circuit 50 (see FIG. 7) is provided.

  The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotatably supported by reel posts (not shown) that extend vertically from the surface of the mounting plate 80 at the centers of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are composed of six arms 24 that extend radially from the center, and a cylindrical member 16 that is integrally formed so that the distal ends of the extending directions of the arms 24 extend.

  One of the arms 24 is provided with a detection piece 28 as a reference position at a position detectable by the reel position detection circuit 50. The detection piece 28 is arranged so as to pass through the reel position detection circuit 50 every time the reels 3L, 3C, 3R make one rotation.

  The reel position detection circuit 50 is configured to output a detection signal each time the detection piece 28 passes and detects the detection piece 28.

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

  A reduction transmission mechanism is disposed between the drive shafts of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R and the rotation shafts of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The deceleration transmission mechanism transmits the rotation of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R to a rotating shaft that rotates the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with a predetermined reduction ratio.

  The deceleration transmission mechanism is in contact with the output side gear 26 provided on the drive side of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R and the output side gear 26, and has the same axis as the support shaft of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Thus, two gears including an input side gear 27 disposed on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided.

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

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

  The stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R employ a two-phase excitation method. The two-phase excitation method is, for example, a method in which two phases are sequentially excited at a time in a cycle of combinations of phase 1-phase 2, phase 2-phase 3, phase 3-phase 4, phase 4-phase 1 and order. is there. The motor drive circuit 39 performs excitation once by one pulse signal supplied to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R.

  The stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R rotate the rotor in the direction of the arrow d4 when each phase is excited in the cycle of phase 1-phase 2, phase 2-phase 3, phase 3-phase 4, phase 4-phase 1. When each phase is excited in the cycle of phase 1-phase 4, phase 4-phase 3, phase 3-phase 2, phase 2-phase 1, the rotor rotates in the direction of arrow d3. When the rotor rotates in the direction of the arrow d3, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated in the direction of the arrow d1 by transmitting rotational torque from the output side gear 26 to the input side gear 27, and the rotor is rotated in the direction of the arrow d4. Then, the reel 3 rotates in the direction of the arrow d2.

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

[Reel design]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “00” to “20”, and is stored in a main ROM 32 (see FIG. 7) described later as a data table. On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, "blue 7" (design 91), "red 7" (design 92), "BAR" (design 93), "bell" (design 94), "watermelon" (design) 95), “Cherry” (symbol 96), and “Replay” (symbol 97).

  Each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in either the arrow d1 direction or the d2 direction. In the embodiment, each of “Bell” (symbol 94), “Watermelon” (symbol 95), and “Cherry” (symbol 96) is stopped along with the activated pay line, and the winning combination is “small role”. "

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

<Main control circuit>
FIG. 7 shows a configuration of the main control circuit 71 of the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

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

  The main ROM 32 has a control program (see FIGS. 12 to 22 described later) executed by the main CPU 31, a data table (see FIGS. 8 to 10 described later), and various control commands (commands) for the sub-control circuit 72. The data for transmitting is stored. The main RAM 33 is provided with a storage area (see FIG. 11 described later) for storing various data determined by execution of the control program.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Here, in the present embodiment, the main CPU 31 includes a reel control means, an internal winning combination determining means, a symbol position specifying starting means, a pulse counting means, a symbol position information updating means, and a stop symbol position information determining means. And stop control means and signal output means. The motor drive circuit 39 constitutes reel control means, pulse output means, rotation control means, and stop control means.

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

[Excitation data table for acceleration]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an acceleration excitation data table. The acceleration excitation data table is a table that is referenced from immediately before the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R to a constant speed, and is referred to in step S82 of FIG. According to FIG. 8, in the acceleration excitation data table, the value and content of the excitation timer are associated with the value of the excitation data index.

  The value of the excitation timer has one interrupt time as one unit. In the acceleration preparation process, which will be described later, the main CPU 31 performs a “static hold” for which the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R are not operated for a time corresponding to 192 interrupts in order to stably start the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Thereafter, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are accelerated over 16 stages.

[Excitation data table at stop]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a stop excitation data table. The stop excitation data table is a table that is referred to after the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop until the stop of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is stabilized, and will be described later in step S119 of FIG. And is referenced in step S132 of FIG. According to FIG. 9, in the excitation data table at the time of stop, the value and content of the excitation timer are associated with the value of the excitation data index.

  The value of the excitation timer has one interrupt time as one unit. The main CPU 31 performs stop stabilization in three stages by stabilizing the stop of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R by maintaining the excitation phases excited by the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R. Here, the third stage stop stabilization is the “pre-static hold” just before the “stop static hold” which maintains the excitation phase excited by each stepping motor 49L, 49C, 49R for 210 interrupts. "

[Pulse output data table]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a pulse output data table. The pulse output data table stores the contents of the pulse data to be output according to the value of the pulse code counter and is output in step S70 of FIG. The value of the pulse code counter is updated in step S69 of FIG.

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

[Reel control data storage area for left reel]
FIG. 11 is a data table showing the configuration of the reel control data storage area for the left reel. In the present embodiment, the main RAM 33 is a data table having the same configuration for the reel control data storage area for the middle reel and the reel control data storage area for the right reel, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the reel control data storage area for the left reel includes reel control information, excitation timer, excitation data index, reel sensor information, pulse counter, symbol counter as symbol position information, and stop as stop symbol position information. It consists of an area for storing the planned position and the stop control position.

  The reel control information stores data consisting of 1 byte. Various contents of the reel control information correspond to each bit, and when the bit is set to “1”, the contents of the corresponding reel control information are valid. The same applies to the reel sensor information. In the present embodiment, the data “FFH” of the planned stop position is an initial value given in step S75 of FIG.

  In the reel sensor information, when a reel index is detected in the constant-speed processing (described later with reference to FIG. 19), “1” is stored in bit 0 corresponding to sensor ON, and “1” is stored once. Even if the reel index is not detected, “1” is continuously stored in bit 0. Bit 0 stores “0” when a designated storage area initialization process (see step S2 in FIG. 12) of the main flowchart described later is executed.

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

[Main flowchart by control of main CPU of main control circuit]
FIG. 12 is a main flowchart showing main processes executed by the main CPU 31.

  First, when the pachislot machine 1 is powered on, the main CPU 31 executes an initialization process (S1). In this initialization process, it is checked whether the main RAM 33 is normal or the input / output port is initialized.

  Next, the main CPU 31 executes designated storage area initialization processing (S2). In this designated storage area initialization process, for example, data stored in the internal winning combination storage area, the expected display combination storage area, or the like is cleared.

  Next, the main CPU 31 executes a medal acceptance / start check process (S3). In the medal acceptance / start check process, a process for detecting whether or not the player has inserted a number of medals that can be played and a process for detecting whether the start lever 6 has been operated are performed. Further, when the main CPU 31 wins a replay role in the previous unit game, medals are automatically inserted in the current game.

  Next, the main CPU 31 extracts the random number for lottery and stores it in the random value storage area (S4). Next, the main CPU 31 executes an internal lottery process using the random number for lottery extracted in the process of step S4 (S5). In this internal lottery process, for example, one or two or more bonus combinations for shifting to an advantageous gaming state, a small combination for paying out medals, a replay combination capable of replaying, etc. are determined by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 31 executes a reel stop initial setting process (S6). In this reel stop initial setting process, various data used for control to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is set based on the result of the internal lottery process (internal winning combination) executed in step S5.

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores start command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 33 (S7). The start command data includes information such as a gaming state and an internal winning combination, and is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 in a communication data transmission process (step S44 in FIG. 14) of an interruption process described later. Thereby, the sub-control circuit 72 can perform processing according to the start operation.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the game time management timer is 0 (S8). In this determination process, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the previous game (start of the previous unit game).

  When the main CPU 31 determines that the gaming time management timer is not 0 (NO), the main CPU 31 digests the waiting time until the gaming time management timer becomes 0 (S9). Thereby, the main CPU 31 starts the current game after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous game start.

  After executing the process of step S9 or when it is determined in step S9 that the gaming time management timer is 0 (YES), the main CPU 31 sets an initial value in the gaming time management timer (S10). Thus, the main CPU 31 can start the next game after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the current game. Here, the processes in steps S8 to S10 are so-called wait wait processes.

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores the initial value “1” in the excitation timer storage area of the reel control data storage area (see FIG. 11) of the main RAM 33 and updates the information stored in the reel control information to prepare for acceleration. (S11). In this process, in order to rotate the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that have been stopped by the reel control process (see FIG. 15) described later, bit 0 corresponding to the acceleration preparation of the reel control information in the reel control data storage area is set to “ Update to “1”.

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores the reel rotation start command data in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 33 (S12). The stored reel rotation start command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 in the communication data transmission process of an interrupt process described later.

  Next, the main CPU 31 executes a drawing priority order storage process (S13). In this drawing priority order storing process, for each symbol of the spinning reel, the combination that is drawn with the highest priority among the combinations that can be displayed for each symbol code storage area is based on the internal winning combination determined in step S5. The drawing priority data based on the determined drawing combination is stored in the drawing priority data storage area.

  Next, the main CPU 31 executes a reel stop control process (S14). In this reel stop control process, when the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are pressed, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the pressed stop buttons are stopped.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a winning action search process (S15). In this winning action search process, after all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, it is determined whether or not a winning is made, and the medal payout number is determined and the replay operation is performed based on the winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a winning check / medal payout process (S16). In this winning check / medal payout process, when it is determined in step S15 that the winning is determined, the payout number of medals determined based on the winning combination is paid out.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a game state transition control process (S17). In the gaming state transition control process, control is performed to transition the gaming state when the starting condition or ending condition of the gaming state is satisfied.

[Reel stop control process]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the reel stop control process executed in step S14 of the main flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the valid stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R are pressed (S21). This process is a process for determining whether or not a signal is output from the stop switch 7S. If the main CPU 31 determines that a valid stop button has not been pressed (NO), the main CPU 31 repeatedly executes the process of step S21.

  On the other hand, if the main CPU 31 determines that a valid stop button has been pressed (YES), the main CPU 31 invalidates the pressed stop button (S22), and determines a reel to be stopped from the pressed stop button (S23). . Specifically, when the pressed stop button is the left stop button 7L, the main CPU 31 determines the left reel 3L as a stop target reel, and the pressed stop button is the middle stop button 7C. In some cases, the middle reel 3C is determined as the stop target reel, and when the pressed stop button is the right stop button 7R, the right reel 3R is determined as the stop target reel.

  Next, the main CPU 31 updates the reel control information of the reel to be stopped stored in the reel control data storage area (see FIG. 11) of the main RAM 33 to a stop start waiting state (S24). In the reel control information update process for the reel to be stopped, bit 0 corresponding to the stop start waiting state of the reel control information in the reel control data storage area is updated to “1”.

  Next, the main CPU 31 executes port output processing (S25). In this port output process, a stop operation signal corresponding to the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R pressed by the player is determined to the outside as to which of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R the stop target reel determined in step S23 is. Output. Here, the stop operation signal is a signal indicating that the player has pressed an effective stop button.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the pulse counter in the reel control data storage area is “6” (S26).

  Here, the main CPU 31 determines that the symbols shown on the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated by one symbol when the stepping motor is excited for 16 pulses in the program. That is, the main CPU 31 recognizes the current symbol position by adding 1 to the symbol counter value every time the pulse counter value changes from “16” to “0”.

  When determining that the value of the pulse counter is “6” (YES), the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the value stored in the stop start position check data in the reel control data storage area (S27). In this addition process, 1 is added to the value stored in the stop start position check data referred to in step S114 of the stop start waiting process (see FIG. 20) described later.

  After executing the process of step S27 or when determining in step S26 that the pulse counter is not “6” (NO), the main CPU 31 determines whether the value of the pulse counter is “7” or more. If it is determined that the value of the pulse counter is less than “7” (NO), the value of the symbol counter in the reel control data storage area of the main RAM 33 is corrected (S29).

  Here, when the value of the pulse counter when the stop button is pressed is equal to or greater than “7”, the main CPU 31 sets a maximum of 4 on the basis of the symbol position to which the pulse counter value belongs, that is, the symbol counter value. The number of sliding pieces is determined within the range of pieces.

  Further, when the value of the pulse counter when the stop button is pressed is a specific value less than “7” (“6” in the present embodiment), the main CPU 31 displays the symbol position to which the value of the pulse counter belongs. The number of sliding symbols is determined within a range of a maximum of four frames based on the next symbol position, that is, the value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the symbol counter when the stop button is pressed.

  That is, the main CPU 31 executes a correction process of adding 1 to the symbol counter value when the value of the pulse counter is less than “7” in the processes of step S28 and step S29. When the value of the symbol counter before correction is “20”, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the symbol counter value to “21”, and then corrects it to “0”.

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores the stop start position based on the symbol counter (S30). Next, the main CPU 31 refers to the reel stop initial setting data and the drawing priority data, and determines the number of sliding pieces based on the internal winning combination and the stop position (S31).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the number of sliding frames determined in step S31 is the maximum number of sliding frames (4 frames) (S32). When the main CPU 31 determines that the determined number of sliding symbols is the maximum number of sliding symbols (YES), the main CPU 31 stores it in stop start position check data referred to in step S114 of a stop start waiting process (see FIG. 20) described later. Add 1 to the current value.

  After executing the processing of step S23 or when determining that the number of sliding symbols determined in step S22 is not the maximum number of sliding symbols (NO), the main CPU 31 stores the reel stop command data in the communication data of the main RAM 33. Store in the area (S34). Here, the reel stop command includes information on the operation stop button and the like, and is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 in the communication data transmission process of the interrupt process described later. Thereby, the sub-control circuit 72 can perform processing according to the stop operation.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines a planned stop position based on the stop start position and the number of sliding pieces, and stores it in the reel control data storage area (S35). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a valid stop button (S36). When determining that there is no effective stop button (NO), the main CPU 31 ends the reel stop control process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a valid stop button (YES), the main CPU 31 performs the pull-in priority storage process (S37) because it is not at the third stop when the last valid stop button was pressed (S37). The process returns to S21.

  As described above, in the pachislot machine 1, before the process of stopping the rotation of the next reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed, the drawing priority order data is stored for each symbol position of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R that are still rotating. The storing process is performed. On the other hand, if there is no effective stop button, it is determined that the time is the third stop, and the reel stop control process is terminated.

[Interrupt processing controlled by main CPU]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an interrupt process under the control of the main CPU 31. The interrupt process is executed every 1.1172 milliseconds.

  First, the main CPU 31 saves the register (S41). Next, the main CPU 31 performs an input port check process (S42). In this input port check process, the presence or absence of a signal transmitted to the microcomputer 30 is confirmed. For example, the main CPU 31 stores the on-edge and off-edge of the start switch 6S, the stop switch 7S, etc. for each interrupt process. Further, the main CPU 31 stores an input state command including information on the on-edge and off-edge of various switches in the communication data storage area of the main RAM 33. The stored input state command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 in a communication data transmission process of an interrupt process described later. Thereby, the sub-control circuit 72 can execute various effects using operation means such as the start lever 6 and the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs timer update processing (S43). Next, the main CPU 31 performs communication data transmission processing (S44). In this communication data transmission process, the command stored in the communication data storage area is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel control process (S45). In this reel control process, for example, the main CPU 31 controls the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. More specifically, the main CPU 31 starts the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in response to a request for starting the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, that is, in response to the start operation. Control is performed so that 3L, 3C, and 3R rotate. Further, the main CPU 31 performs control so that the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R corresponding to the stop operation stops in response to the stop operation.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a lamp and 7SEG driving process (S46). In the lamp / 7SEG driving process, for example, the main CPU 31 displays the number of credited medals, the number of payouts, etc. on various display units. Next, the main CPU 31 restores the register (S47) and ends the interrupt process.

[Reel control processing]
15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the reel control process executed in step S45 of the interrupt process under the control of the main CPU 31.

  First, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the excitation timer is “0” (S51). If it is determined that the excitation timer is 0 (YES), the main CPU 31 ends the reel control process. On the other hand, when determining that the excitation timer is not “0” (NO), the main CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the excitation timer (S52).

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the excitation timer is “0” (S53). If it is determined that the excitation timer is not “0” (NO), the main CPU 31 ends the reel control process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the excitation timer is “0” (YES), the main CPU 31 extracts the reel sensor information and sets the reel sensor information corresponding to the target reel (S54). In this process, the main CPU 31 checks whether the sensor of the target reel is valid, that is, whether the reel index of the target reel is detected.

  Next, the main CPU 31 acquires reel control information (S55). In this process, reel control information stored in the reel control data storage area of the main RAM 33 is acquired.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is preparation for acceleration (S56). In this process, it is determined whether or not bit 0 corresponding to acceleration preparation is “1” in the reel control information in the reel control data storage area of the main RAM 33.

  Here, when it is determined that the reel control information is preparation for acceleration (YES), the main CPU 31 executes acceleration preparation processing (S57). In this acceleration preparation process, initial data necessary for rotation is set to rotate the stopped reel.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the reel control information is not ready for acceleration (NO), the main CPU 31 determines whether the reel control information is being accelerated (step S58). In this processing, it is determined whether or not the bit 1 corresponding to the acceleration is “1” in the reel control information in the reel control data storage area of the main RAM 33.

  If it is determined that the reel control information is accelerating (YES), the main CPU 31 executes an accelerating process (S59). In this acceleration process, the stopped reel is rotated until the reel rotates at a constant rotational speed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the reel control information is not accelerating (NO), the main CPU 31 determines whether the reel control information is at a constant speed (S60). In this process, it is determined whether or not bit 2 corresponding to the constant speed is “1” in the reel control information in the reel control data storage area of the main RAM 33.

  If it is determined that the reel control information is at a constant speed (YES), the main CPU 31 executes a process at a constant speed (S61). In this acceleration processing, the reel is rotated at a constant speed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the reel control information is not at a constant speed (NO), the main CPU 31 determines whether the reel control information is waiting for a stop start position (S62). In this process, it is determined whether or not bit 3 corresponding to the stop start position waiting is “1” in the reel control information in the reel control data storage area of the main RAM 33.

  If it is determined that the reel control information is waiting for the stop start position (YES), the main CPU 31 executes a stop start position waiting process (S63). In this stop start position waiting process, the rotation of the reel is stopped when the symbol position becomes the planned stop position.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the reel control information is not waiting for the stop start position (NO), the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is stopped (S64). In this process, it is determined whether or not the bit 4 corresponding to the stop state is “1” in the reel control information in the reel control data storage area of the main RAM 33.

  If it is determined that the reel control information is stopped (YES), the main CPU 31 executes a stopped process (S65). In the stop process, the excitation phase in which the stepping motor is excited is maintained for 210 interruption times in order to stably stop the stepping motor.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the reel control information is not stopped (NO), the main CPU 31 executes all-phase off processing (S66). In this all-phase off process, since the stepping motor can be stably stopped by the stop process (see FIG. 21) executed in step S65, all the excitation phases of the stepping motor are turned off.

  After executing the process of step S57, the process of step S59, the process of step S61, the process of step S63, the process of step S65 or the process of step S66, the main CPU 31 executes a port output process (S67). This port output process outputs the stop state holding port output data if there is stop state holding port output data, which will be described later, and the stepping motor phase signal if there is no stop state holding port output data. To output the reel rotation state to the outside. Here, the phase signal is a signal indicating an excitation phase in which the stepping motor is currently excited.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel control information is all-phase off (S68). If it is determined that the reel control information is not all-phase off (NO), the main CPU 31 updates the pulse code counter based on each excitation output data (S69).

  After executing the process of step S69 or when it is determined that the reel control information is all-phase off (YES), the main CPU 31 outputs pulse data (S70) and ends the reel control process. In this pulse data output process, pulse data corresponding to the value of the pulse code counter is output.

  In addition, the test apparatus for a spinning cylinder type gaming machine that inspects the stop performance of the pachislot machine 1 receives a stop operation signal transmitted in step S25 of the reel stop control process (see FIG. 13), and then receives a predetermined time (190 ms). In step S67, it is determined whether or not the standard is complied with, depending on whether the phase signal of the stepping motor is not output within step S67.

[Acceleration preparation process]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the acceleration preparation process executed in step S57 of the reel control process.

  First, the main CPU 31 updates the reel control information during acceleration (S71). In this process, “0” is stored in bit 0 corresponding to acceleration preparation in the reel control data storage area (see FIG. 11) of the main RAM 33, and “1” is stored in bit 1 corresponding to acceleration. Is stored.

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores 0 in the excitation data index (S72). In this process, “0” is stored in the excitation data index of the reel control data storage area of the main RAM 33.

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores an excitation timer “192” for static definite hold at startup (S73). In this process, in order to start rotation of the stepping motor stably, “192” is stored in the excitation timer, and a start-up static hold that does not move the stepping motor for a certain interruption time at the time of startup is executed.

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores the pulse counter value at the time of sensor passage in the pulse counter (S74), and stores the initial value (FFH) at the scheduled stop position (S75). Next, the main CPU 31 sets start-up hold excitation output data (S76), and ends the acceleration preparation process. Here, the startup hold excitation output data is data for adding a tension for starting the stepping motor.

[Processing during acceleration]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the acceleration process executed in step S59 of the reel control process.

  First, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the excitation data index (S81). In this process, 1 is added to the excitation data index stored in the reel control data storage area (see FIG. 11) of the main RAM 33.

  Next, the main CPU 31 refers to the acceleration excitation data table (see FIG. 8) and stores an excitation timer based on the excitation data index (S82). In this process, the excitation timer based on each excitation data index is stored, so that the excitation of the stepping motor based on the excitation data index is executed until the excitation timer becomes “0”.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the excitation data index is an end code (S83). If it is determined that the excitation data index is an end code (YES), the main CPU 31 updates the reel control information in the reel control data storage area during constant speed (S84). In this process, “0” is stored in bit 1 corresponding to the acceleration during the reel control information in the reel control data storage area, and “1” is stored in bit 2 corresponding to the constant speed.

  After executing the process of step S84 or when determining that the excitation data index is not an end code (NO), the main CPU 31 sets the normal excitation output data (S85) and ends the acceleration process. Here, the normal excitation output data is data for causing the main CPU 31 to change the excitation phase excited by the stepping motor at every predetermined interruption time.

[Processing at constant speed]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the constant speed process executed in step S61 of the reel control process.

  First, the main CPU 31 stores an excitation timer based on the constant speed excitation data (S91). In this process, “2” is stored in the excitation timer in the reel control data storage area (see FIG. 11) of the main RAM 33 based on the constant speed excitation data.

  Next, the main CPU 31 checks the reel sensor information (S92). In this process, the reel sensor information of the target reel is checked, and if a reel index of the target reel is detected, “1” is stored in bit 0 corresponding to sensor ON of the reel sensor information.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the reel sensor information is updated and is on (S93). In this process, when the bit 0 corresponding to the sensor ON of the reel sensor information is “0” in the previous check process in step S92, and the bit 0 is “1” in the current check process in step S92, the reel It is determined that the sensor information has been updated, and when bit 0 is “1”, it is determined that the reel sensor information is on.

  If it is determined that the sensor information of the target reel has been updated and is ON (YES), the main CPU 31 stores the pulse counter value when the sensor passes in the pulse counter of the reel control data storage area ( S94).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the sensor information of the target reel has not been updated or is OFF (NO), the main CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the value stored in the pulse counter in the reel control data storage area ( In S95, it is determined whether or not the pulse counter is “0” as a predetermined value (S96).

  Here, if it is determined that the pulse counter is “0” (YES), the reel is rotated by one frame, so the main CPU 31 is stored in the symbol counter in the reel control data storage area. 1 is added to the existing value (S97). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the symbol counter is “21” or more (S98).

  After executing the process of step S94 or when determining in the process of step S98 that the symbol counter is “21” or more (YES), the main CPU 31 stores an initial value “0” in the symbol counter (S99). ). In this process, when the reel starts rotating at a constant speed and the reel index is detected for the first time, or when the reel makes one revolution, the symbol counter value is set to the initial value “0”, so that the main CPU 31 receives the initial value of the reel. Recognize that the position or reel has made one turn.

  After executing the process of step S99 or when determining that the symbol counter is less than 21 in the process of step S98 (NO), the main CPU 31 stores the initial value “16” in the pulse counter (S100). In this process, the initial value “16” is stored in the pulse counter, so that the main CPU 31 recognizes that the reel has rotated to become a new symbol.

  After executing the process of step S100 or when determining that the pulse counter is not “0” in the process of step S96 (NO), the main CPU 31 sets the normal excitation output data (S101).

  Next, the main CPU 31 acquires the planned stop position (S102), and determines whether or not the acquired planned stop position is the initial value “FFH” (S103). If the acquired planned stop position is not the initial value “FFH” (NO), the main CPU 31 determines the planned stop position in the process of step S35 of the reel stop control process (see FIG. 13). Therefore, the reel control information is updated to wait for the stop start position (S104). If the main CPU 31 determines that the scheduled stop position acquired in step S104 after the process in step S104 is the initial value “FFH” (YES), the main CPU 31 ends the constant speed process.

[Stop start position wait processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the stop start position waiting process executed in step S63 of the reel control process.

  First, the main CPU 31 stores an excitation timer based on the constant speed excitation data (S111). In this process, “2” is stored in the excitation timer in the reel control data storage area (see FIG. 11) of the main RAM 33 based on the constant speed excitation data.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the symbol scheduled to be stopped on the winning line is at the planned stop position (S112). In this process, the value stored in the symbol counter in the reel control data storage area and the process in step S35 of the reel stop control process (see FIG. 13) are determined and stored in the planned stop position in the reel control data storage area. It is determined whether or not the value is the same.

  If the main CPU 31 determines that the symbol to be stopped on the winning line is at the planned stop position (YES), is the value stored in the pulse counter in the reel control data storage area “10”? It is determined whether or not (S113).

  If it is determined that the value stored in the pulse counter is “10” (YES), the main CPU 31 determines that the value stored in the stop start position check data in the reel control data storage area is “ 2 ”is determined (S114).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the value stored in the pulse counter is not “10” (NO), the main CPU 31 determines whether the value stored in the pulse counter is “9”. (S115).

  When it is determined that the value stored in the stop start position check data is “2” in the process of step S114 (YES), or the value stored in the pulse counter is “9” in the process of step S115. If it is determined (YES), the main CPU 31 updates the reel control information in the reel control data storage area while it is stopped (S116). In this process, the stop execution value at which the value stored in the symbol counter matches the value stored in the planned stop position and the number of pulses starts to stop (in this embodiment, “9” or “10”). In the reel control information, “0” is stored in bit 3 corresponding to waiting for the stop start position, and “1” is stored in bit 4 corresponding to the stop, and the reel is stopped.

  Next, the main CPU 31 turns on the stop state holding port output data as the spinning cylinder stop signal (S117). In this process, since the rotation of the reel is stopped by the process of step S114, the stop state holding port output data indicating that the stepping motor is stopped is turned on. Thus, the main CPU 31 outputs the stop state holding port output data to the outside instead of the phase signal of the stepping motor in step S67 of the reel control process (see FIG. 15). Note that the stop state holding port output data is kept on until the process in step S137 of the stop process described later (see FIG. 21) is executed, so that the excitation data index at the time of stop becomes an end code. The on state continues.

  Next, the main CPU 31 stores “17” in the excitation data index (S118), refers to the stop excitation data table (see FIG. 9), and stores an excitation timer based on the excitation data index (S119). In this process, the excitation timer based on the excitation data index 17 is stored, so that the excitation of the stepping motor based on the excitation data index 17 is executed until the excitation timer becomes “0”.

  Next, the main CPU 31 sets stop excitation output data (S120), and ends the stop start position waiting process. Here, the stop excitation output data is data to be controlled by the main CPU 31 so that the stepping motor can be stably stopped.

  If it is determined in step S112 that the reel is not at the planned stop position (NO), if it is determined in step S114 that the value stored in the stop start position check data is not “2” (NO) or step If it is determined in step S115 that the value stored in the pulse counter is not “9” (NO), the main CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the value stored in the pulse counter (S121). Is determined to be “0” (S122).

  Here, when it is determined that the pulse counter is “0” (YES), since the reel is rotated by one symbol, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the value stored in the symbol counter. (S123). Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the symbol counter is “21” or more (S124).

  Here, when it is determined in the process of step S124 that the symbol counter is “21” or more (YES), the main CPU 31 stores an initial value “0” in the symbol counter (S125). In this process, when the reel makes one turn, the value of the symbol counter is set to the initial value “0” so that the main CPU 31 recognizes that the reel has made one turn.

  After executing the process of step S125 or when determining in the process of step S124 that the symbol counter is less than “21” (NO), the main CPU 31 stores the initial value “16” in the pulse counter (S126). ). In this process, the initial value “16” is stored in the pulse counter, so that the main CPU 31 recognizes that the reel has rotated to become a new symbol.

  After executing the process of step S126 or when determining that the pulse counter is not “0” in the process of step S122 (NO), the main CPU 31 sets the normal excitation output data (S127) and starts to stop. Ends the position wait process.

  In this way, the main CPU 31 matches the value stored in the symbol counter with the value stored in the scheduled stop position, and the number of pulses stored in the pulse counter is equal to the first stop start value (in this embodiment). If "9"), the reel is stopped.

  Further, when there is a command from the stop switch 7S, the main CPU 31 determines that the value stored in the pulse counter is a specific value (“6” in the present embodiment) and the slip determined by the main CPU 31. When the number of frames is the maximum number of sliding frames (4 frames), 1 is added to the value stored in the stop start position check data. That is, when the above two conditions are satisfied, the main CPU 31 sets the value stored in the stop start position check data to “2”.

  When the value stored in the stop start position check data is “2”, the main CPU 31 determines that the value stored in the symbol counter matches the value stored in the planned stop position, and the pulse counter When the stored number of pulses reaches the second stop start value (“10” in the present embodiment) counted before the first stop start value, the reel is stopped.

  For this reason, if the value of the pulse counter at the planned stop position is a predetermined stop value as in the prior art, it is stored in the pulse counter when the stop button is pressed, compared to the case where the stop control is uniformly performed. The number of pulses that start the reel stop operation according to the number of pulses that are present and the number of sliding frames required from the current symbol position to the planned stop position is counted before the number of pulses that normally start the stop operation. Since the number is changed to the number, the rotating reel can be surely stopped within a predetermined time after the stop button is pressed, and the standard can be observed.

  Further, the main CPU 31 matches the value stored in the symbol counter with the value stored in the scheduled stop position, and the number of pulses stored in the pulse counter is the stop execution value (in this embodiment, “9” or “ 10 "), the stop state holding port output data is turned on, and the stop state holding port output data is output to the outside in step S67 of the reel control process (see FIG. 15).

  For this reason, even when the reel is stopped at the position where it should be stopped as in the prior art, the phase of the stepping motor with the stop of the reel is compared with that in which the phase signal of the stepping motor is still output to the outside. Since the output of the signal is stopped, it is recognized that the reel is stopped within a predetermined time after the stop button is pressed by the player in the inspection by the test apparatus for the revolving type gaming machine. You can comply with the restrictions of the standard.

[Processing while stopped]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the in-stop process executed in step S65 of the reel control process.

  First, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the value stored in the excitation data index in the reel control data storage area (see FIG. 11) of the main RAM 33 (S131), and refers to the stop excitation data table (see FIG. 9). The excitation timer based on the excitation data index is stored (S132). In this process, the excitation timer based on each excitation data index is stored, so that the excitation of the stepping motor based on each excitation data index is executed until the excitation timer becomes “0”.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the excitation data index is an end code (S133). Here, if it is determined that the excitation data index is an end code (YES), the main CPU 31 stores “210” in the excitation timer of the reel control data storage area for holding at a stationary time (S134). Then, the excitation output data for holding at the time of stop is set (S135). In this process, in order to stabilize the stop of the stepping motor, excitation output data for stationary stationary hold for maintaining the excitation phase excited by the stepping motor is set until 210 interruption time elapses.

  Next, the main CPU 31 updates the reel control information in the reel control data storage area to OFF for all phases (S136). In this process, “0” is stored in bit 4 corresponding to the stop state in the reel control information, and “1” is stored in bit 5 corresponding to all-phase off.

  Next, the main CPU 31 turns off the stop state holding port output data (S137), and ends the stop processing.

  If it is determined in step S133 that the excitation data index is not an end code (NO), the main CPU 31 sets stop excitation output data (S138) and ends the stop process.

[All-phase OFF processing]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the all-phase off process executed in step S66 of the reel control process.

  First, the main CPU 31 sets all-phase off excitation output data (S141) and ends the all-phase off processing. Here, the all-phase off excitation output data is data that makes the main CPU 31 not to excite all the excitation phases of the stepping motor.

  As described above, in the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the number of pulses stored in the pulse counter in the reel control data storage area of the main RAM 33 is “6”, and the design to be stopped determined by the main CPU 31 When the position requires the maximum number of sliding frames (4 frames) from the current symbol position, the number of pulses counted by the main CPU 31 is “10” instead of “9” which starts the stop of the reel in normal times. If it does, the reel stops.

  Therefore, if the value of the pulse counter at the scheduled stop position is a predetermined stop value as in the prior art, the pulse when each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is pressed is compared with the case where the stop control is uniformly performed. The number of pulses that start the stop operation of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is started according to the number of pulses stored in the counter and the number of sliding frames required from the current symbol position to the planned stop position. In order to change to the number of pulses counted before the number of pulses to be performed, each reel 3L, 3C, 3R that is rotating can be stopped reliably within a predetermined time after pressing each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R, Standards can be observed.

  Further, in the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the value stored in the symbol counter updated by the main CPU 31 matches the value stored in the planned stop position determined by the main CPU 31 and the main CPU 31. When the number of pulses counted by “9” becomes “9” or “10”, not the phase signals of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R but the stop state holding port output data is output.

  Therefore, even when the reel is stopped at a position where it should be stopped as in the prior art, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped as compared with the case where the phase signal of the stepping motor is still output to the outside. As a result, the output of the phase signals of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is stopped. Therefore, within the predetermined time after the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is pressed by the player in the inspection by the test apparatus for the revolving game machine It is recognized that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped, and it is possible to comply with the restrictions on the standards in the reel stop operation.

  In this embodiment, stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R are two-phase excitation type stepping motors. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one-phase excitation type or 1-2 phase excitation type is used. Any stepping motor may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the main CPU 31 performs a pulse counter in the reel control data storage area (see FIG. 11) of the main RAM 33 in the constant speed process (see FIG. 19) and the stop start position waiting process (see FIG. 20). 1 is added to the value stored in the symbol counter in the reel control data storage area when the value stored in the pulse counter becomes “0”. For example, when the value stored in the pulse counter is added and the value stored in the pulse counter becomes “16”, the value stored in the symbol counter may be incremented by one. In this case, the second stop start value is smaller than the first stop start value.

  In the present embodiment, the main CPU 31 adds the value stored in the symbol counter in the reel control data storage area in the constant speed process (see FIG. 19) and the stop start position wait process (see FIG. 20). When the value stored in the symbol counter becomes “21”, the initial value “0” is stored in the symbol counter. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the value stored in the symbol counter is subtracted. When the value stored in the counter becomes “−1”, “20” may be stored as an initial value in the symbol counter.

1 Pachislot machine (game machine)
3L, 3C, 3R reel 6 start lever 6S start switch (start command means)
7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 7S Stop switch (stop command means)
30 microcomputer 31 main CPU (reel control means, internal winning combination determination means, symbol position specifying start means, pulse count means, symbol position information update means, stop symbol position information determination means, stop control means, signal output means)
32 Main ROM
33 Main RAM
39 Motor drive circuit (reel control means, pulse output means, rotation control means, stop control means)
49L, 49C, 49R Stepping motor (motor)
71 Main control circuit

Claims (1)

A plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols on the outer peripheral surface;
A motor for driving the plurality of reels;
Start command means for commanding rotation start of the plurality of reels;
Stop command means for commanding stop of rotation of the plurality of reels;
A gaming machine comprising reel control means for controlling the driving of the reel by exciting two phases of the excitation phase of the motor based on a command from the start command means or the stop command means,
An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on a command from the start command means,
The reel control means includes
Pulse output means for outputting a pulse for exciting the excitation phase;
Rotation control means for rotating the plurality of reels by sequentially exciting the excitation phase based on a command from the start command means;
A symbol position specifying start unit that starts specifying the positions of the symbols on the plurality of reels based on the rotation control unit rotating the plurality of reels at a constant speed;
A pulse counting means for counting pulses output by the pulse output means based on the start of the specification of the position of the symbol by the symbol position specifying start means;
Symbol position information updating means for updating symbol position information based on the fact that the number of pulses counted by the pulse counting means has reached a predetermined value;
When there is a command from the stop command means, based on the determination result of the internal winning combination determination means, the stop symbol position to be stopped within the range of the movement amount for a predetermined number of symbols from the current symbol position Stop symbol position information determining means for determining information;
The symbol position information updated by the symbol position information updating means matches the stop symbol position information determined by the stop symbol position information determining means, and the number of pulses counted by the pulse counting means is the first stop. Stop control means for stopping the plurality of reels when a start value is reached,
The stop control means should stop when the number of pulses counted by the pulse count means is a specific value when the command from the stop command means is given, and the stop symbol position information determination means determines The symbol position updated by the symbol position information updating means and the stop determined by the stop symbol position information determining means when the symbol position needs a movement amount for a predetermined number of symbols from the current symbol position. When the symbol position information coincides and the number of pulses counted by the pulse counting means becomes a second stop start value, the plurality of reels are stopped,
The gaming machine, wherein the second stop start value is a pulse number counted before the first stop start value by the pulse counting means.

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