JP6112181B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs variable display of a pattern through a circuit of a circuit body.

  An example of a gaming machine that displays a variation of a picture through a circuit of a circuit body is a slot machine. The slot machine includes a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols provided on the outer peripheral portion, and a part of the symbols provided to each reel can be visually recognized through the display unit. Then, when the player inserts medals and operates the start lever, each reel starts rotating, and after each reel starts rotating, each reel is sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. Inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that the medal is inserted and the start lever is operated, and the result of the lottery is winning and the symbol that the player has won on the preset active line is stopped. The player is given a privilege such as paying out a predetermined number of medals or generating a predetermined game advantageous to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition to the slot machine, the gaming machine includes a gaming machine that can play a game similar to the slot machine using a game ball instead of a medal as a game medium. Moreover, what uses the said surrounding body as a display part for providing the player according to the result of the internal lottery in the pachinko machine is also mentioned.

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

JP 2003-180936 A

  Here, in the gaming machine such as the above-described example, a configuration capable of suitably accelerating the circulating body is required, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides a gaming machine capable of suitably accelerating the circuit body in a configuration in which the circuit body is rotated using a stepping motor. It is for the purpose.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a circuit body in which a plurality of kinds of patterns are attached in the circumferential direction;
Drive means for rotating the circuit body;
Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means;
With
The drive means includes a stator and a rotor, and is a stepping motor that rotates the rotating body by switching the excitation phase of the drive means and rotating the rotor.
The drive control means includes
Initial drive control means for initial drive control of the drive means so as to start rotation of the rotating body and achieve a predetermined rotational speed;
A constant speed drive control means for performing constant speed drive control of the drive means so that the predetermined rotational speed is maintained after execution of the initial drive control by the initial drive control means;
With
The initial drive control means includes
In the period in which the initial drive control is being performed, a length setting unit that has a period in which the excitation phase switching interval is longer than before and a period in which the excitation phase switching interval is shorter than before are provided.
After the drive control by the long / short setting means, the stage setting means for shortening the switching interval stepwise so that the rotational speed of the orbiting body becomes the predetermined rotational speed;
With
The switching interval is set to the last by the length setting means, Ri longest switching interval der of switching interval that is set during the drive control of the length setting means,
The long / short setting means is characterized in that the control for increasing or decreasing the switching interval is started from the start of the initial drive control .

  According to the present invention, in a configuration in which a circulating body is circulated using a stepping motor, the circulating body can be preferably accelerated.

It is a front view of the slot machine in one embodiment. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing a state where the front door is opened. It is an assembly perspective view of a left reel. It is an expanded view of the belt-shaped belt which comprises each reel. It is an electrical block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a reel control process. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation principle of a stepping motor. (A) It is a connection diagram which shows the drive system of a stepping motor, (b) It is a figure which shows the drive characteristic of a stepping motor. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between excitation data and an excitation order pointer. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the excitation pattern in the conventional slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the excitation pattern in this slot machine. It is a figure for showing the time change of the number of steps with respect to one interruption when the excitation pattern of Drawing 12 and Drawing 13 is applied. It is a flowchart which shows a reel rotation process. It is a flowchart which shows a stepping motor control process. It is a flowchart which shows a motor control process. It is a figure which shows the result at the time of measuring the vibration waveform in a constant speed state about the reel unit produced by Example 1 and Example 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the result of having marked the predetermined location on the surface of a left reel, and measuring the variation | change_quantity of the position of the said mark accompanying execution of an acceleration process. It is a figure which expands and shows a part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating another example of the excitation pattern in this slot machine. (A) It is a figure which shows the result of having performed various evaluation about Example 1, (b) It is a figure which shows the result of having performed various evaluation about Example 2. FIG.

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

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

  A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11. The front door 12 is supported by the housing 11 so that the inner space of the housing 11 can be opened and closed with the left side portion as a rotation axis. Note that the front door 12 is locked so as not to be opened by a locking device 13 provided on the rear surface thereof, and this locked state is released by an unlocking operation with a predetermined key on the key cylinder 14.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a game panel 20 for notifying the player of the game state is provided on the upper side of the central portion of the front door 12. The gaming panel 20 is formed with three vertically long display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R arranged side by side. The display window portions 21L, 21M, and 21R are made of a transparent or translucent material, and the inside of the slot machine 10 is visible through the display window portions 21L, 21M, and 21R.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inside of the housing 11 is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition plate 30, and a reel unit 31 is attached to the upper part of the partition plate 30. The reel unit 31 includes a left reel 32L, a middle reel 32M, and a right reel 32R each formed in a cylindrical shape. Each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is rotatably supported so that the central axis thereof is the rotation axis of the reel. The rotation axes of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are arranged on the same axis extending in the substantially horizontal direction, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R correspond to the display window portions 21L, 21M, and 21R on a one-to-one basis. Yes. Therefore, a part of the surface of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R can be visually recognized through the corresponding display window 21L, 21M, 21R. Further, when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are rotated forward, the surfaces of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are projected as if moving from top to bottom through the display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R.

  Each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is connected to a stepping motor 33, and each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R can be individually rotated, that is, independently driven by the stepping motor 33. It has become. Since these reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have the same configuration, the left reel 32L will be described as an example here with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of the left reel 32L.

  The left reel 32L includes a cylindrical skeleton member 41 that forms a cylindrical cage, and a belt-like belt (not shown in FIG. 3) wound endlessly on the outer peripheral surface thereof. And it is affixed on the cylindrical frame | skeleton member 41 through a pair of seal part formed along the long side both sides of the belt so that the wound state may be maintained. A large number of symbols as identification information are printed at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the belt. A boss portion 42 is formed at the center of the cylindrical skeleton member 41, and is attached to the drive shaft of the stepping motor 33 via a disk-like boss reinforcing plate 43. Accordingly, when the drive shaft of the stepping motor 33 is rotated, the cylindrical skeleton member 41 is rotated around the drive shaft, and the left reel 32L is rotated.

  The stepping motor 33 is fixed by screws 45 to the side surface of the motor plate 44 arranged in an upright state in the reel unit 31. The motor plate 44 is provided with a reel index sensor 46 in which a light emitting element 46a and a light receiving element 46b are held at a predetermined interval. On the other hand, a base end portion 47b of a sensor cut bun 47 extending in the radial direction is fixed to the boss reinforcing plate 43 integrated with the left reel 32L with a screw 48. The tip 47a of the sensor cut bun 47 is bent at a substantially right angle and is positioned so that it can pass between the elements 46a and 46b of the reel index sensor 46. Each time the left reel 32L makes one rotation, the reel index sensor 46 detects the passage of the tip 47a of the sensor cut bun 47, and a detection signal is output to the main controller 70 described later each time the detection is made. Therefore, main controller 70 can confirm and correct the angular position of left reel 32L for each rotation based on this detection signal.

  For example, the stepping motor 33 is set to rotate once by applying an excitation signal of 504 pulses, and the rotation position of the stepping motor 33, that is, the rotation position of the left reel 32L is controlled by this excitation signal.

  On each belt of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, a plurality of, specifically, 21 symbols are drawn in the long side direction (circumferential direction). Therefore, 24 pulses (= 504 pulses / 21 symbols) are required to switch from one symbol to the next symbol at a predetermined position. Based on the number of pulses from when the detection signal of the reel index sensor 46 is output, it is recognized which symbols are visible from the display window portion 21L, or arbitrary symbols are displayed from the display window portion 21L. It is possible to perform control to make the state visible.

  Of the symbols attached to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, the number of symbols that can be visually recognized through the display window portions 21L, 21M, and 21R is mainly the vertical length of the display window portions 21L, 21M, and 21R. Is limited to a predetermined number determined by In this embodiment, three reels are provided. For this reason, when all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols are visible to the player.

  Here, the symbols attached to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R will be described. FIG. 4 shows a symbol arrangement drawn on the belt wound around each of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M, and the right reel 32R. As shown in the figure, each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is provided with 21 symbols in a row. Numbers 1 to 21 are assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, but these are given for convenience of explanation, and are not actually attached to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. . However, in the following description, the number is used for explanation.

  As the symbols, there are a “7” symbol (for example, the left belt 20th) and a “youth” symbol (for example, the left belt 19th) as the first special symbol for shifting to the big bonus game. In addition, there is a “BAR” symbol (for example, the 14th left belt) as the second special symbol for shifting to the regular bonus game. Further, there is a “replay” symbol (for example, the eleventh left belt) as a third special symbol for shifting to the replay game. In addition, a “watermelon” symbol (for example, the left belt ninth), a “bell” symbol (for example, the left belt eighth), and a “cherry” symbol (for example, left) as the small character symbols from which the small character is paid out. Belt 4th). As shown in FIG. 4, in the belt wound around each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, the number and arrangement order of various symbols are completely different.

  The game panel 20 is provided with a total of five combination lines, with three display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R connected to each other, three in parallel in the horizontal direction and two in diagonal directions.

  Here, the payout number regarding each symbol when winning is explained. Regarding the small role design, when the “Watermelon” design is aligned with the left, middle and right on the active line, 15 medals are paid out. When the “Bell” design is aligned with the left, middle and right on the effective line Pays out 8 medals, and when the “cherry” symbol on the left reel 32L stops on the active line, 2 medals are paid out. That is, the “cherry” symbols of the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R are irrelevant to the medal payout. In addition, for the “cherry” symbol, medals are paid out regardless of the combination with other symbols, and therefore, a plurality of effective lines of the left reel 32L overlap with each other (specifically, at the upper or lower level). When the “cherry” symbol is stopped, medals are paid out by multiplying the number of overlapping active lines. As a result, in this embodiment, four medals are paid out.

  When the “7” symbol or “youth” symbol, which is a combination of the first special symbol (big bonus symbol), is aligned with the left, middle and right on the active line in the same symbol, the second special symbol (regular bonus symbol) When the “BAR” symbol, which is a combination of the above, is aligned with the left, middle, and right on the active line, the medal payout is not executed. Even if the “replay” symbol, which is the combination of the third special symbol, is aligned with the left, middle and right on the active line, no medal payout will be made, but a new game will be started without any medal being inserted. It becomes possible. In other cases, that is, when the “cherry” symbol of the left reel 32L does not stop on the active line and the same symbols as the left, middle, and right are not aligned on the active line, no medal is paid out.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a start lever 51 that is operated to start rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is provided on the lower left side of the game panel 20. When the start lever 51 is operated while a medal is inserted, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate all at once.

  On the right side of the start lever 51, button-like stop buttons 52, 53, and 54 that are operated to individually stop the rotating reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are provided. Each stop button 52, 53, 54 is arranged directly below the display window portions 21L, 21M, 21R corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be stopped. Each of the stop buttons 52, 53, and 54 is in a state that can be stopped when a predetermined time elapses after the left reel 32L starts to rotate.

  On the lower right side of the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R, there is provided a medal insertion slot 55 for inserting medals as investment values. As shown in FIG. 2, the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 55 is guided to the hopper device 64 by the selector 61 provided on the back surface of the front door 12 when it can be inserted, and when it cannot be inserted. The medal discharge port 17 provided at the lower front of the front door 12 leads to the medal tray 18. The hopper device 64 has a function of paying out medals stored in the storage tank to the medal tray 18 through the medal discharge port 17 when a winning corresponding to the medal grant is established on the effective line. Yes.

  Below the medal slot 55, as shown in FIG. 1, a return button 56 that is pressed when a medal inserted into the medal slot 55 is jammed in the selector 61 is provided. In addition, on the lower left side of the display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R, first credit insertion buttons 57 to 59 for inserting a credited virtual medal as an investment value are provided.

  On the left side of the start lever 51, a button-like switching button 60 is provided. When the switch button 60 is in the ON state, the “credit mode” is set so that surplus inserted medals until reaching a predetermined maximum value (for example, 50 medals) and winning medals are stored and stored as credit medals. " When the switching button 60 is in the OFF state, the “direct mode” is set in which the surplus inserted medals and the winning medals at the time of winning are set as payouts as actual medals.

  A procedure for betting medals will be described. When one medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 55 or when one virtual medal is inserted by operating the credit insertion buttons 57 and 59, the central line becomes an effective line. When two medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 55 or when two virtual medals are inserted by operating the credit insertion buttons 58 and 59, a total of three including the center line, the upper line, and the lower line Each combination line becomes an effective line. When three medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 55 or when three virtual medals are inserted by operating the credit insertion button 59, a center line, an upper line, a lower line, and a pair of diagonal lines are included. A total of five combination lines are valid lines.

  When four or more medals are inserted into the medal slot 55, the surplus medals exceeding three are returned to the medal tray 18 by the selector 61 if the current mode is the direct mode. On the other hand, in the credit mode, it is stored as a virtual medal inside the slot machine. An upper limit number is determined for the number of stored sheets (for example, 50 sheets), and when the number of medals exceeding that number is inserted, it is returned to the medal tray 18.

  On the upper part of the front door 12, an upper lamp 22 that lights or flashes as the game progresses, and a pair of left and right sounds that make various sound effects as the game progresses and inform the player of the gaming state Speaker 23 and an auxiliary display unit 24 such as a liquid crystal display for giving various information to the player.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a power supply device 65 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 64 inside the housing 11. The power unit 65 includes a power button 66 that is operated when the power is turned on or off, a reset button 67 for resetting various states of the slot machine 10, and the setting state of the slot machine 10 from “setting 1” to “setting”. And a setting key insertion hole 68 operated to change within the range of “setting 6”.

  A main controller 70 is attached to the back plate of the housing 11 above the reel unit 31. The main control device 70 includes a main substrate, and the main substrate is housed in a substrate box as an encapsulating means made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other so as not to be opened by a sealing unit as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box is sealed.

<Electrical Configuration of Slot Machine 10>
Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a microcomputer centering on a CPU 71 which is an arithmetic processing means. In addition to the power supply device 65, the CPU 71 is connected to a clock circuit 74 that outputs a rectangular wave having a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 75, and the like via an internal bus. The main control device 70 functions as a main base incorporated in the slot machine 10.

  On the input side of the main controller 70, there are a start detection sensor 51a that detects the operation of the start lever 51, stop detection sensors 52a, 53a, and 54a that individually detect the operations of the stop buttons 52, 53, and 54, and a medal slot. 55, an inserted medal detection sensor 55a that detects a medal inserted from 55, a credit insertion detection sensor 57a, 58a, 59a that individually detects an operation of each credit insertion button 57, 58, 59, and a switch that detects an operation of the switching button 60. A detection sensor 60a, a reel index sensor 46 that individually detects the rotational positions (origin positions) of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, a payout detection sensor 64a that detects medals paid out from the hopper device 64, and an operation of the reset button 67 are detected. Reset detection sensor 67a and setting key insertion hole 68 Key is connected to various sensors such as setting the key detection sensor 68a that detects that it has been inserted, the signals from these various sensors are outputted to the CPU71 via the input-output port 75.

  Further, a power failure monitoring circuit 65 b provided in the power supply device 65 is connected to the input side of the main control device 70 via an input / output port 75. The power supply device 65 includes a power supply unit 65a that supplies driving power to the electronic devices of the slot machine 10 including the main control device 70, the power failure monitoring circuit 65b described above, and the like.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 65b monitors the power-off state and generates a power failure signal not only at the time of a power failure but also when the power switch 66 powers off. Therefore, the power failure monitoring circuit 65b monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 24 VDC in this example output from the power supply unit 65a, and determines that the power is shut off when the drive voltage drops below, for example, 10 volts. Power outage signal is output. The power failure signal is supplied to the CPU 71, and the CPU 71 recognizes this power failure signal and executes the power failure process.

  To the output side of the main control device 70, each stepping motor 33 for rotating the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, a hopper device 64, a display control device 80, and the like are connected via an input / output port 75.

  The display control device 80 is a control device for driving the upper lamp 22, the speaker 23, and the auxiliary display unit 24, and includes a substrate in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like for driving these are integrated. Then, after receiving a signal from the main control device 70, the display control device 80 independently drives and controls the upper lamp 22, the speaker 23, and the auxiliary display unit 24.

  The CPU 71 described above stores various control programs executed by the CPU 71 and ROM 72 storing fixed value data, and temporarily stores various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 72. In addition to the RAM 73 for securing the area, although not shown, various processing circuits necessary for the slot machine 10 such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit, as well known, and a credit counter for counting the number of credits. Various counters such as are built-in. The ROM 72 and the RAM 73 constitute a main memory as storage means, and a program for executing the processes shown in various flowcharts shown in FIG. 6 and subsequent figures is stored in the ROM 72 described above as a part of the control program.

  The RAM 73 is configured to be able to hold data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 65 even after the power of the slot machine 10 is cut off. The RAM 73 temporarily stores various data and the like. In addition to the memory and area, a backup area is provided.

  The backup area is an area for storing the stack pointer, registers, I / O, etc. when the power is cut off when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure. Based on the area information, the state of the slot machine 10 can be restored to the state before power-off. Writing to the backup area is executed when the power is cut off by the power failure process, and restoration of each value written to the backup area is executed in the main process when the power is turned on. Note that a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 65b is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 71 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. NMI interrupt processing as flag generation processing is immediately executed.

<Processing executed by CPU 71 of main controller 70>
Next, each control process executed by the CPU 71 in the main controller 70 will be described.

  Such processing of the CPU 71 is roughly classified into a normal process that is repeatedly executed after execution of the main process started upon power-on, and a timer interrupt process that is started by periodically interrupting the normal process. For convenience of explanation, timer interrupt processing will be described first, followed by normal processing.

<Timer interrupt processing>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a timer interrupt process periodically executed by the main controller 70. A timer interrupt is generated by the CPU 71 of the main controller 70 every 1.49 msec, for example.

  First, in the register saving process shown in step S101, the values of all the registers in the CPU 71 used in the normal process described later are saved in the backup area of the RAM 73. In step S102, it is confirmed whether or not a power failure flag is set. If the power failure flag is set, the process proceeds to step S103, and a power failure process is executed. The power failure flag is set based on the reception of a signal indicating that a power failure has occurred from the power failure monitoring circuit 65b. In the power failure process, it is possible to return to the state before the power cut off after the power failure. Execute the process.

  When the power failure flag is not set in step S102 or after execution of step S103, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, a watchdog timer clearing process for initializing a watchdog timer value for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S105, an interrupt end declaration process for giving an interrupt permission to the CPU 71 itself is performed. In step S106, a stepping motor control process for driving the respective stepping motors 33 is performed to rotate the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. In step S107, sensor monitoring processing for monitoring the state of various sensors (see FIG. 5) connected to the input / output port 75 is performed. In step S108, timer calculation processing for subtracting the value of each counter or timer is performed.

  In step S109, command output processing for transmitting a command or the like to the display control apparatus 80 is performed. In step S110, port output processing for outputting data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port 75 is performed. In step S111, the value of each register saved in the backup area in the previous step S101 is returned to the corresponding register in the CPU 71, respectively. Thereafter, in step S112, an interrupt permission process for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed, and this series of timer interrupt processes is terminated.

<Normal processing>
Next, normal processing for performing main control related to the game will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S201, it is determined whether or not a medal is bet. If a medal is bet, it is subsequently determined in step S202 whether or not the start lever 51 has been operated. If both step S201 and step S202 are YES, the lottery process of step S203 is executed.

  In the lottery process, a random number table for determining success / failure is selected based on the current setting state of the slot machine 10, the number of medals bet, the level of small role probability, etc., and the random number table thus selected is started. When the lever 51 is operated, a lottery is performed in light of the random number latched by the random number counter. And when any winning combination is won, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set. Also, a reel table for reel stop control corresponding to the lottery result is determined and stored in the slip table storage area of the RAM 73. Here, the slip table is a predetermined symbol to be stopped when the symbol on the predetermined effective line at the timing when the stop buttons 52 to 54 are pressed differs from the symbol to be stopped on the effective line. It is a table that defines how much the reel slides so as to stop on the active line.

  As the lottery role, a small role corresponding to the medal payout such as a watermelon role, a bell role, and a cherry role, a replay role, a big bonus role, and a regular bonus role are set.

  After the lottery process is executed in step S203, the reel control process is executed in step S204.

  In the reel control process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, first, a wait process is performed in step S301. This wait process is a process of waiting without starting the reel rotation in the current game until a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the time when the reel rotation is started in the previous game. Therefore, even if the player bets a medal and operates the start lever 51, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R may not immediately rotate.

  Following the wait process, the reel rotation process in step S302 is performed to rotate the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S303, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 8 seconds) has elapsed since the left reel 32L started to rotate. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S304, and one of the stop buttons 52 to 54 is pressed to generate a reel stop command, more specifically from the stop detection sensors 52a to 54a. It is determined whether an ON signal is received. If no stop command has been generated, the process returns to step S304.

  In step S304, when any stop button 52 to 54 is pressed to generate a stop command, the process proceeds to step S305 to perform a reel stop process. In this reel stop process, the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped. If a winning combination is won in the winning lottery and the winning flag is set, the reel is stored in the smooth table storage area of the RAM 73. With reference to the sliding table, control is performed so that the winning combinations are arranged on a predetermined effective line as much as possible. For example, if the “watermelon” symbol is lined up on the lower line and the stop button is pressed at the timing when the “watermelon” symbol stops on the upper line, the symbol 2 will stop on the lower line. Slide the reel as much as you can. However, since the range that can be slid is predetermined (for example, up to four symbols), the “watermelon” symbol may not stop on the lower line depending on the timing of pressing the stop button.

  Subsequently, in step S306, it is determined whether or not the current stop command is the first stop command, that is, whether or not the stop button has been pressed when all three reels are rotating. In the case of the first stop command, the process proceeds to step S307, and the slip table changing process is performed. In this slide table change process, for example, it is determined whether or not a combination of combinations occurs when trying to align a combination on the selected active line, and when a combination of combinations does not occur, the process proceeds to the next step as it is. When a combination of combinations is generated, the selected effective line is changed to another effective line, and after changing to a sliding table suitable for the changed effective line, the process proceeds to the next step. Here, “combination of combinations” means that, for example, when a “watermelon” symbol is arranged on the upper line, a “cherry” symbol appears on the lower line at the left reel 32L. If you do.

  If a negative determination is made after step S307 or in step S306, it is determined in step S308 whether all rotations of the left, middle, and right reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have stopped. If step S308 is NO, the process returns to step S304. If YES, the payout determination process is performed in the subsequent step S309, and then this process ends.

  In the payout determination process, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is arranged on the effective line. When the winning combination is not aligned on the effective line, 0 is set in the payout number storage area of the RAM 73, and the winning combination is aligned on the effective line. When it is, it is determined whether or not the winning combination matches the winning combination, and if not, an error is displayed by the upper lamp 22 and the like, and 0 is set in the scheduled payout number storage area. If they match, the number of payouts corresponding to the combinations arranged in the payout amount storage area is set.

  Returning to the description of the normal process (FIG. 7), after the reel control process is executed in step S204, a medal payout process is executed in step S205. In the medal payout process, the number of medals or virtual medals set in the payout amount storage area in step S309 are given to the player.

  Thereafter, special game state processing is executed in step S206. In the special game state process, a special combination (big bonus combination or regular bonus combination) is won in the base game, and the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is established on any active line. A transition is made to the corresponding bonus game, and when the end condition is satisfied, the bonus game is ended and a process of returning to the normal game is executed. During the bonus game, the winning probability of the small role is higher than that during the normal game, and in particular, when winning the lottery, the bell role where the winning is achieved regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 52 to 54 is the most. Win with high probability. Also, the bonus game ends when the number of medals paid out during the bonus game reaches a predetermined number. The predetermined number is set more in the big bonus game than in the regular bonus game. For example, the former is 350 and the latter is 120. After executing the special game state process in the normal process, the process returns to step S201.

<Operation Principle of Stepping Motor 33>
Next, the stepping motor 33 for rotating the reels 32L, 32M, 32R will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the operation principle of the stepping motor 33. FIG. 10A is a connection diagram showing a drive system of the stepping motor 33, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing drive characteristics of the stepping motor. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between excitation data and excitation order pointers.

  In the present embodiment, a hybrid (HB) type two-phase stepping motor employing a 1-2 phase excitation method is used as the stepping motor 33. Note that the stepping motor is not limited to a hybrid type or two-phase, and various stepping motors such as a four-phase or five-phase stepping motor can be used.

  The hybrid type stepping motor 33 includes a rotor 91 disposed in the center and a stator 90 having first to fourth poles 92 to 95 disposed around the rotor 91.

  The rotor 91 is composed of a front side rotor 91a magnetized to the N pole and a back side rotor 91b magnetized to the S pole, and teeth and teeth provided around the front side rotor 91a. In between, it is attached to a rotating shaft in the state shifted relatively by 1/2 pitch so that the tooth | gear provided around the back side rotor 91b may be located. A cylindrical magnet (not shown) is attached between the front side rotor 91a and the back side rotor 91b.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the exciting coil L0 and the exciting coil L2 are bifilar wound around the first pole 92 and the third pole 94, and the winding end end of the exciting coil L0 and the winding start end of the exciting coil L2 are formed. A predetermined DC power source + B (for example, +24 volts) is applied thereto. Similarly, the excitation coil L1 and the excitation coil L3 are also bifilar wound around the second pole 93 and the fourth pole 95, and the winding end of the excitation coil L1 and the winding start end of the excitation coil L3 are connected. Power supply + B is applied.

  Here, an excitation signal is applied to the excitation coil L0 of the first pole 92 to excite the first pole 92 to the S pole and the phase to excite the third pole 94 to the N pole. A phase in which an excitation signal is applied to the excitation coil L2 of the third pole 94 to excite the first pole 92 to the N pole and the third pole 94 to the S pole is referred to as a reverse A phase. Similarly, an excitation signal is applied to the excitation coil L1 of the second pole 93 to excite the second pole 93 to the S pole and the phase to excite the fourth pole 95 to the N pole. The phase in which the excitation signal is applied to the excitation coil L3 of the fourth pole 95 to excite the second pole 93 to the N pole and the fourth pole 95 to the S pole is referred to as an inverted B phase.

  When the stepping motor 33 is a one-phase excitation drive system, the rotor 91 is moved clockwise or counterclockwise by sequentially applying excitation signals to the A phase, B phase, reverse A phase, and reverse B phase. It can be rotated.

  That is, for example, when the A phase is first energized, the protrusion of the first pole 92 that is the S pole and the teeth of the front rotor 91a, the protrusion of the third pole 94 that is the N pole, and the teeth of the back rotor 91b Facing each other by the attractive force, and then energizing the B phase, the projection of the second pole 93 and the teeth of the front rotor 91a that become the S pole, the projection of the fourth pole 95 that becomes the N pole and the rear side rotation When the teeth of the child 91b face each other by suction force and then the reverse A phase is energized, the protrusion of the first pole 92 that becomes the N pole, the tooth of the back rotor 91b, and the third pole 94 that becomes the S pole And the teeth of the front side rotor 91a face each other by suction force, and then when the reverse B phase is energized, the projection of the second pole 93, which is the N pole, the teeth of the back side rotor 91b, and the S pole The protrusion of the fourth pole 95 and the teeth of the front rotor 91a are respectively Face by the suction force. By exciting in this order, the rotor 91 rotates clockwise in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, 1-2 phase excitation drive that alternately performs one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation is employed. In the 1-2 phase excitation drive, excitation is performed according to the following excitation sequences (excitation order) (1) to (8).

  That is, only one set of excitation is one-phase excitation, and two-phase excitation is to excite two phases at the same time. Therefore, as shown in FIG. (1 phase excitation), (2) Energize both A phase and B phase (2 phase excitation), (3) Energize B phase, and (4) Both B phase and reverse A phase Energize, (5) Energize reverse A phase, (6) Energize both reverse A phase and reverse B phase, (7) Energize reverse B phase, (8) Both reverse B phase and A phase Is driven, and then returns to (1). In the present embodiment, since the reel makes one round by the excitation signal of 504 pulses, the angle change based on the excitation signal of 1 pulse, that is, the angle change per step is about 0.714 °.

  An excitation signal for the stepping motor 33 is given to the motor driver 96 as excitation data shown in FIG. This excitation data is stored in the RAM 73 of the main controller 70, and appropriate excitation data is output to the input / output port 75 by timer interrupt processing. The excitation phase for the stepping motor 33 is determined by this excitation data, and an excitation signal (current) is applied to the excitation phase.

  The excitation phase at the initial excitation of the stepping motor 33 is two-phase excitation. In the case of one-phase excitation, a sufficient initial speed may not be obtained because the rotational torque generated is smaller than that in two-phase excitation. Since the possibility of step-out increases if sufficient initial speed cannot be obtained, initial excitation is preferably two-phase excitation. In addition, after applying the brakes (braking) to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R based on the pressing operation of the stop buttons 52 to 54, it slides by a predetermined step angle and stops. When slipping and stopping, it is necessary to perform the next acceleration process while absorbing the deviation of this angle, and it is preferable that the electromagnetic attraction force in the initial excitation is as large as possible.

  On the other hand, when the stepping motor 33 is stopped, four-phase excitation is performed immediately after performing two-phase excitation. When the braking process is performed only with the two-phase excitation, the rotational speed is abruptly reduced by a strong braking force, and there is a concern that the player may feel uncomfortable with the movement of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R during braking. The On the other hand, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be smoothly stopped by performing the four-phase excitation immediately after the two-phase excitation.

  When the stepping motor 33 is used, drive characteristics as shown in FIG. 10B are required.

  This drive characteristic can be broadly divided into an acceleration period Ta and a constant speed period from when the start lever 51 is operated until the stepping motor 33 starts rotating and reaches a constant constant speed rotation. It is divided into a maintenance period Tb in which the rotation speed is continuously maintained until 54 is pressed, and a stop period Tc in which the stop is stopped with a predetermined slip based on the pressing operation of the stop buttons 52 to 54.

  While there is no restriction on the length of the acceleration period Ta, there is a restriction that the time including the acceleration period Ta and the maintenance period Tb when the stop buttons 52 to 54 are not operated must be 30 seconds or more. ing. Also for the stop period Tc, it is required to stop the stepping motor 33 within a maximum of about 190 msec after the stop buttons 52 to 54 are operated.

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

  As already described, the stepping motor 33 transitions to a constant speed rotation state after an acceleration period. However, since the acceleration period becomes a compulsory waiting time of the game, the stepping motor 33 is determined as soon as possible from the acceleration state. It is desirable to make a transition to the fast rotation state. For this purpose, the switching of the excitation phase of the stepping motor 33 may be performed quickly, but doing so may cause a step-out or unstable rotation.

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

  As a method of accelerating the stepping motor 33 while suppressing the influence of the initial rotational fluctuation, a method of maintaining the initial excitation state to some extent can be considered. For example, a configuration in which the excitation phase is switched at a timing as shown in FIG. In this case, after the state set to the two-phase excitation as the initial excitation is held for 130 interrupts (that is, 130 times of timer interrupt processing), it is switched to the one-phase excitation and the state is held for eight interrupts. Switching to two-phase excitation is performed, and thereafter, the excitation phase switching interval is gradually shortened. With this configuration, 193.7 msec (= 1.49 msec × 130 interrupt) is set as the initial excitation period, and during this time, the initial rotational fluctuation can be eliminated. However, in this configuration, the acceleration period becomes long.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the initial excitation period is not secured long as described above, but before the excitation phase switching interval is shortened step by step in order to achieve a constant speed state, the excitation phase By setting a period for gradually increasing the switching interval, the initial rotational fluctuation is eliminated early. A specific excitation pattern that enables such acceleration processing varies depending on the specifications of the reel unit 31, but for example, an excitation pattern as shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the excitation pattern will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 14 in addition to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the excitation pattern in the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the case where the excitation pattern of FIG. 12 is applied and the case where the excitation pattern of FIG. 13 is applied. It is a figure for demonstrating the time change of the step number with respect to interruption. In FIG. 14, the case where the excitation pattern shown in FIG. 13 is applied is indicated by a solid line, and the case where the excitation pattern shown in FIG. 12 is applied is indicated by a broken line.

  An acceleration table for realizing the excitation pattern as shown in FIG. 13 is stored in the ROM 72 in advance. In this acceleration table, at least acceleration counter data and switching interval data corresponding to the acceleration counter data on a one-to-one basis are set.

  In the excitation pattern shown in FIG. 13, a long / short period T1 in which the excitation phase switching interval is long or short is set from the timing of initial excitation. Specifically, first, two-phase excitation is maintained for two interruptions as initial excitation. The period during which the initial excitation is held is not longer than the longest period (7 interrupts) held in the predetermined excitation phase in the long / short period T1, and more specifically, the shortest period held in the predetermined excitation phase in the long / short repetition period. It is a period.

  Thereafter, a first lengthening period T11 in which the excitation phase switching interval is gradually increased, a shortening period T12 in which the excitation phase switching interval is gradually shortened, and a second lengthening in which the excitation phase switching interval is gradually increased. The period T13 is set in this order. In each of the lengthening periods T11 and T13, as shown in FIG. 14, the number of steps for one interrupt decreases with time, so that the excitation phase switching speed gradually decreases. On the other hand, in the shortening period T12, as shown in FIG. 14, the number of steps for one interrupt increases with time, so that the excitation phase switching speed gradually increases.

  These lengthening periods T11 and T13 and the shortening period T12 are set by using three or more types of excitation phase switching intervals as shown in FIG. Specifically, it is set by using switching intervals of five types of excitation phases. In detail for each of the periods T11 to T13, the first lengthening period T11 is set using four types of switching intervals of 2 interrupts, 3 interrupts, 4 interrupts, and 7 interrupts. Further, the shortening period T12 subsequent to the first lengthening period T11 is set by using three kinds of switching intervals so that the interrupts are gradually reduced from the state of 7 interrupts to 4 interrupts and 3 interrupts. . In addition, the second lengthening period T11 subsequent to the shortening period T12 is set using three types of switching intervals so as to gradually increase from three interrupt states to five interrupts and seven interrupts. . Thus, by using the switching interval of three or more types of excitation phases, it becomes easy to set the long and short period T1 to a desired mode, and the design can be facilitated. Note that the switching intervals to be used are not limited to five, and may be four or six or more. Moreover, although each length of each period T11-T13 is different, you may make it the same length.

  Since excitation phase switching is executed by timer interrupt processing as described above, the shortest switching interval is one interrupt, and when the constant speed state is reached, excitation phase switching is performed at the one interrupt interval. However, each switching interval in the long and short period T1 is set to an interval longer than the shortest switching interval, that is, an interval of 2 interrupts or more. This makes it possible to prevent step-out from occurring when an external force for eliminating rotational fluctuation is actively applied through switching of the excitation phase. Further, the switching intervals in the long and short period T1 are set so as not to be continuously the same, but there may be a range that is continuously the same.

  In the long / short period T1, as described above, the switching interval becomes longer or shorter, and thus vibrates. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, in the long and short period T1, the number of steps for one interrupt decreases or increases with the passage of time. Thereby, the force applied to the rotor 91 increases or decreases more than before.

  Here, when a vibration sensor is mounted on one of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R and the relationship between the vibration intensity and the frequency is measured while the reel is rotating at a constant speed, “predetermined frequency × n (n : Natural number) ”, the vibration intensity increased, and the frequency was found to correspond to the initial rotational vibration frequency. However, this rotational shaking is such that the player cannot recognize it. The value of “predetermined frequency” varies depending on the torque of the stepping motor 33 to be used, the moment of inertia of the reel to be used, and the like.

  The frequency when the switching interval is increased or decreased in the long / short period T1 (hereinafter, also referred to as “long / short frequency”) is equal to the “predetermined frequency × n” as compared with the case where the long / short period T1 is not set. Thus, it is possible to suppress the initial rotational fluctuation at an early stage, but it is preferable to make the “long / short frequency” different from the “predetermined frequency × n”.

  For example, in the configuration to which the excitation pattern shown in FIG. 13 is applied, the same switching interval is used in the fourth acceleration order and the eighth acceleration order, so this range can be regarded as one period. The time for one period is the product of 19 interrupts, which is the sum of the switching intervals of the fifth acceleration order to the eighth acceleration order, and the timer interrupt period (1.49 msec), which is 28.31 msec. It becomes. Then, the “long / short frequency” is about 35 Hz. On the other hand, the “predetermined frequency” in the reel unit 31 to which the excitation pattern shown in FIG. 13 is applied was found to be 20 Hz by experiment, and therefore the “long / short frequency” is different from the “predetermined frequency”. Become.

  For example, by making the “long and short frequency” the same as the “predetermined frequency × n”, the initial rotational fluctuation can be suppressed early by making the phase different from that of the initial rotational fluctuation. . However, a sensor for detecting the rotation stop position of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is not provided, and the stop position is not strictly controlled when the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is stopped. The guided rotation stop position and the actual rotation stop position will deviate. In particular, when the rotation is stopped, as already described, four-phase excitation is performed in order to smooth the movement of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R during braking. In this case, the rotation stop position is easily shifted. There are four types of rotation stop position deviation patterns set as one-phase excitation types. After rotation stops, even if braking is performed by two-phase excitation or four-phase excitation, the one-phase excitation position is stable. Therefore, there are four types. On the other hand, by making the frequencies different from each other as described above, it is not necessary to grasp the phase, and the initial rotational fluctuation can be reliably and quickly suppressed.

  When the two frequencies are thus made different, the “long / short frequency” is preferably different from the “predetermined frequency × n” by “predetermined frequency” × 0.1 or more, and “predetermined frequency” × It is preferable that the difference is 0.2 or more. Further, in order to suppress the occurrence of step-out while allowing the player to recognize that the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are rotating smoothly in the long and short period T1, the “long and short frequency” is 10 Hz to 50 Hz. Preferably, 15 Hz or more and 45 Hz or less is more preferable. In addition, by setting the frequency range, step out occurs when driving at low voltage, step out occurs when torque changes, and step out occurs when drive voltage fluctuates. It becomes possible to suppress suitably.

  The long and short period T1 is set to 35 interrupts, that is, 52.15 msec (= 1.49 msec × 35 interrupts). This is a period shorter than the period (for example, 150 msec to 180 msec) required for disappearance of the initial rotational fluctuation when the initial excitation state by the two-phase excitation is maintained. Further, the long / short period T1 is a period longer than the period of one cycle when the excitation phase switching interval is lengthened. However, the period is shorter than the period of two cycles. Thus, by making the long and short period T1 longer than the period of one cycle, it becomes possible to suppress the initial rotational fluctuation at an early stage. Moreover, it becomes possible to shorten an acceleration period by making it shorter than the period for 2 periods.

  Even when the long and short period T1 has elapsed, the initial rotational fluctuation has not completely disappeared. However, since the initial rotational fluctuation is suppressed to some extent (for example, about 50%) at the timing when the long and short period T1 has passed, the switching interval is shortened stepwise thereafter. The initial rotational vibration can be eliminated while making the acceleration of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R look good in the process. In this way, the acceleration period can be shortened by ending the long / short period T1 before the initial rotational fluctuation completely disappears. It is also possible to reduce the data capacity.

  In the acceleration period, as shown in FIG. 13, after the long and short period T1, a step shortening period T2 is set in which the excitation phase switching interval is shortened step by step to obtain a constant speed state. That is, in the stepwise shortening period T2, the number of steps for one interrupt increases stepwise as shown in FIG.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the last switching interval in the long / short period T1 is set to 7 interrupts, which is the longest switching interval, and in the gradual shortening period T2, one interrupt from the longest switching interval. The switching interval is shortened so that the switching interval is shortened. When the switching interval is 4 interrupts and 3 interrupts, the same switching interval is set over 6 excitation phase switchings. When the switching interval is 2 interrupts, the same switching interval is set over 7 excitation phase switchings. Thereafter, the switching interval becomes one interrupt, and the acceleration period ends. After the acceleration period ends, the switching interval is maintained with one interrupt, and a constant speed state is set.

  By setting the excitation pattern as described above, it is possible to prevent the out-of-step and rotation from becoming unstable, and to improve the appearance of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R at the time of acceleration. It is possible to reduce the shaking early and to shorten the acceleration period. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the excitation pattern as shown in FIG. 12 takes 300 msec or more to reach the constant speed state, whereas the excitation pattern as shown in FIG. 13 becomes the constant speed state. It takes about 160 msec by the time.

  Next, specific processing contents executed by the CPU 71 will be described.

  First, the reel rotation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The reel rotation process is executed in step S302 of the reel control process (FIG. 8).

  In the reel rotation processing, first, timer interrupt processing is prohibited in step S401, and in subsequent steps S402 to S404, “30” is set in the acceleration counter of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. The acceleration counter is provided in the RAM 73, and the CPU 71 grasps the excitation phase switching timing in the acceleration period of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R based on the numerical information of the acceleration counter. Thereafter, in step S405, after permitting the timer interruption process, the reel rotation process is terminated.

  Next, the stepping motor control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The stepping motor control process is executed in step S106 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 6).

  First, in step S501, it is determined whether or not any stepping motor 33 needs to be controlled. In step S501, an affirmative determination is made in step S202 of the normal process (FIG. 7), and then an affirmative determination is made until all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop rotating. If a negative determination is made in step S501, the present control process is terminated, and if an affirmative determination is made in step S501, the process proceeds to step S502.

  In step S502, based on the detection result of the reel index sensor 46 and the number of times of excitation data output, a process of grasping the rotational position of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be processed is executed. In step S503, the brake start timing of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be processed is set based on the operation timing of the stop buttons 52 to 54 corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be processed and the slip table. Execute the process to grasp.

  In subsequent step S504, motor control processing is executed. In the motor control process, excitation data generation processing for rotation control on the stepping motor 33 is performed, and the generated excitation data is stored in the RAM 73.

  In the subsequent step S505, it is determined whether or not the motor control process has been completed for all the rotating reels. If not completed, the processes in steps S502 to S504 are executed for the remaining reels. If completed, the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, excitation data for the rotating reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is output to the input / output port 75, and then this control process is terminated. Since the output to the input / output port 75 is a data writing process to the corresponding output port of the input / output port 75, the excitation data is supplied to the motor driver 96 simultaneously with the writing of the excitation data to the input / output port 75. become. As a result, the stepping motor 33 immediately performs energization processing for the excitation phase designated by the excitation data, and excitation processing for the rotor 91 is performed.

  Next, the motor control processing in step S504 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the motor control process, a switching interval counter, an acceleration counter, and an excitation order pointer provided in the RAM 73 are used. The acceleration counter is as already described. In the switching interval counter, the number of timer interrupts corresponding to the excitation phase switching interval is set. The excitation order pointer is a pointer used when determining the excitation phase for the stepping motor 33. When the stepping motor 33 for 1-2 phase excitation is used, 1-phase excitation and 2-phase excitation are performed alternately, and the phase excitation pattern at that time is 8 patterns as shown in FIG. Which excitation data is acquired as output excitation data at which phase excitation and which is temporarily stored in the RAM 73 is designated by the value (0 to 7) of this excitation order pointer.

  In the motor control process, first, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the target reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are being braked. If not, the numerical value information of the switching interval counter is decremented by 1 on the condition that the numerical value information of the switching interval counter is “1” or more in step S602, and after the subtraction in step S603 It is determined whether or not the numerical information of “0” is “0”. When the numerical information is not “0”, the motor control process is terminated as it is, and when it is “0”, the process proceeds to step S604 and subsequent steps.

  In step S604, an acceleration table as shown in FIG. 13 is read from the ROM 72. In step S605, the switching interval data corresponding to the current acceleration counter value in the acceleration table is set in the switching interval counter. For example, when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate, the reel rotation process (FIG. 15) is executed, so that the numerical information of the acceleration counter is “30” corresponding to the first acceleration order in the acceleration table. It has become. In this case, in step S605, the numerical information “2” is set in the switching interval counter.

  In the subsequent step S606, an excitation order pointer update process is executed. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical information of the excitation order pointer, and when the numerical information after the addition exceeds “7” which is the maximum value of the excitation order pointer, the numerical information is cleared to “0”. To do. Thereafter, in step S607, an excitation data table as shown in FIG. 11 is read from the ROM 72, and excitation data corresponding to the numerical information of the current excitation order pointer is read. Then, the read excitation data is stored in the RAM 73 as current excitation data for the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that have been subjected to the motor control process.

  In subsequent step S608, 1 is subtracted from the numerical information of the acceleration counter on condition that the numerical information of the acceleration counter is “1” or more. As a result, when the next excitation phase switching is executed for the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that are to be processed this time, switching interval data corresponding to the numerical information of the acceleration counter after this subtraction is set. In this case, as described above, the process of step S608 is executed on condition that the numerical information of the acceleration counter is “1” or more. Therefore, when the numerical information of the acceleration counter is already “0”. The state is maintained. Further, when the numerical information of the acceleration counter is “0”, the switching interval is 1 interrupt as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the numerical information of the acceleration counter once becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S603 every time the timer interrupt process is executed, and the excitation phase switching is numerical information of the excitation order pointer. Follow the instructions. This state is a constant speed state.

  After executing the process of step S608, it is determined in step S609 whether or not it is the braking start timing of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that are the processing targets. If it is not the braking start timing, this motor control process is terminated as it is, and if it is the braking start timing, this motor control process is terminated after executing the braking setting process in step S610.

  In the braking setting process, the control data for braking is read from the ROM 72 so that the four-phase excitation is performed immediately after the two-phase excitation is performed. By executing the braking setting process, in the next motor control process for the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be processed, an affirmative determination is made in step S601, and the process during braking in step S612 is executed. Thereby, in the stepping motor 33 corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be processed, two-phase excitation is performed for one interrupt, and then four-phase excitation is performed over a braking period (for example, ten interrupts). Do.

  As described above, the stepping motor 33 is driven and controlled using the acceleration table, so that the switching interval, that is, the number of steps for one interrupt can be controlled in the manner shown by the solid line in FIG. It becomes possible to reduce the initial rotational fluctuation at an early stage.

<Example>
Hereinafter, although the structure which performs the process for the above accelerations is demonstrated in detail by an Example, this invention is not limited to them.

<Example 1>
A cylindrical skeleton member 41 made of ABS resin with an outer diameter of 230 mm, a wall thickness of 1.5 mm, and a weight of 49.7 g is made of polycarbonate resin, a belt length of 754.5 mm, a wall thickness of 0.35 mm, and a weight of 16. By winding a 2 g belt and further supporting the cylindrical skeleton member 41 on a motor plate 44 to which a stepping motor 33 (BH25257608 manufactured by Brother Enterprise Co., Ltd.) is fixed as shown in FIGS. A reel was produced. Further, three reels 32L, 32M, and 32R were manufactured by the same manufacturing method, and installed in the housing 11 as shown in FIG.

<Example 2>
A cylindrical skeleton member 41 made of ABS resin with an outer diameter of 250 mm, a wall thickness of 1.5 mm, and a weight of 53.9 g is made of polycarbonate resin, a belt length of 822.3 mm, a wall thickness of 0.35 mm, and a weight of 19. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cylindrical skeleton member 41 is wound on a motor plate 44 to which a stepping motor 33 (BH25254714 made by Brother Enterprise Co., Ltd.) is fixed as shown in FIGS. A reel was produced. Further, three reels 32L, 32M, and 32R were manufactured by the same manufacturing method, and installed in the housing 11 as shown in FIG.

<Measurement of vibration waveform>
With respect to the reel unit 31 manufactured in Example 1 and Example 2, a vibration sensor was attached to the left reel 32L, and the vibration waveform in a constant speed state was measured. The result is shown in FIG. As a result, for Example 1, it was found that the vibration acceleration increased at about 20 Hz × n (n = 1, 2, 4). Moreover, about Example 2, it turned out that vibration acceleration becomes large at about 35 Hz xn (n = 1, 2, 4). The same result as that of the left reel 32L is obtained for the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R.

<Evaluation during acceleration>
For Example 1, control processing as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 was performed using an excitation data table as shown in FIG. 11 and an acceleration table as shown in FIG. In this case, a mark was provided at a predetermined position on the surface of the left reel 32L, and the amount of change in the position of the mark accompanying the execution of the acceleration process was measured by performing image capturing and image analysis. The results are shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. In the long and short period T1, when the excitation phase switching interval is long and short, the time for one cycle is 28.31 msec, and the “long and short frequency” is about 35 Hz.

  FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the range of 0 to 80 msec in FIG. Further, the “theoretical position” is a fluctuation amount of the left reel 32L theoretically derived based on the acceleration table, and “measurement position 1” to “measurement position 4” are the left reels actually measured using the above marks. The fluctuation amount is 32L. In this case, as already explained, four types of rotation stop position deviation patterns are set as one-phase excitation types, and after rotation stop, braking is performed by two-phase excitation or four-phase excitation. Since it becomes stable at the one-phase excitation position, there are four types. Therefore, by performing one-to-one correspondence with each rotation stop position so that the position of the mark before the start of the acceleration process is different and performing the acceleration process in each case, “measurement position 1” to “measurement position 4”. 4 results were obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, for any of “measurement position 1” to “measurement position 4”, the above-described period of time until the long and short period T1 passes (specifically, until 52.15 msec passes). It was confirmed that the initial rotational fluctuation was suppressed to some extent and disappeared completely in the subsequent stepwise shortening period T2.

  For Example 2, the above test was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the acceleration table shown in FIG. 21 was used instead of the acceleration table shown in FIG. . Although illustration of the test results is omitted, as in FIGS. 19 and 20, the initial rotational fluctuation is suppressed to some extent until the long and short period T1 elapses (specifically, 68.54 msec elapses). It was confirmed that it disappeared completely in the subsequent step shortening period T2. In the long and short period T1, when the excitation phase switching interval is long and short, the time for one cycle is 34.27 msec, and the “long and short frequency” is about 29 Hz.

  Incidentally, although illustration is omitted, without setting the shortening period T12, the step shortening period T2 including the long and short periods T1 is set, and the time from the initial excitation to the end of the step shortening period T2 is described above. When set to the same level as in the case of Example 1 or the above Example 2, step-out occurred with a high probability.

<Evaluation when changing "Long and Short Frequency">
For the first embodiment, each acceleration table is set so that the “long and short frequencies” are about 10 Hz, about 20 Hz, about 35 Hz, about 40 Hz, and about 50 Hz, respectively. As shown in FIG. A control process as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 was performed 10 times using each excitation data table, and “smoothness of acceleration” was visually evaluated. The result is shown in FIG.

  In the case of 10 Hz, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R sometimes seem to stop due to the excitation phase switching interval being too long. For 20 Hz and 40 Hz, there were cases where acceleration was performed smoothly and acceleration was not performed smoothly. This is because, depending on the stop positions of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R when the drive control is started, setting the long and short period T1 acts to positively suppress the initial rotational fluctuation, and its action. It is presumed that this is caused by the fact that there is a case where this does not occur properly. On the other hand, 50 Hz was good, and 35 Hz was particularly good.

  In addition, for each of the above frequencies, an evaluation of “low voltage start”, which is an evaluation of whether or not a step-out occurs when starting at a voltage (10 V) lower than the normal drive voltage (24 V), and torque The evaluation of “torque and voltage fluctuation tolerance”, which is an evaluation as to whether or not a step-out occurs when the voltage is varied, was performed 10 times. This result is also shown in FIG.

  In the case of 10 Hz, 20 Hz, and 50 Hz, a step-out occurred for “low voltage start”. Further, in the case of 50 Hz, a step-out occurred with respect to “torque and voltage fluctuation tolerance”. On the other hand, in the case of 35 Hz and 40 Hz, no step-out occurred in any of “low voltage start” and “torque and voltage fluctuation tolerance”.

  For the second embodiment, each acceleration table is set so that the “long and short frequencies” are about 10 Hz, about 29 Hz, about 35 Hz, and about 50 Hz, respectively. Each evaluation of “smoothness”, “low voltage starting” and “torque and voltage fluctuation resistance” was performed. The result is shown in FIG.

  In the case of 10 Hz and 50 Hz, the evaluation was the same as in the case of Example 1. In the case of 35 Hz, the evaluation of “low voltage start” and “torque and voltage fluctuation tolerance” is good, but with respect to “smooth acceleration”, acceleration is performed smoothly and acceleration is performed smoothly. There was a case where it was not. In the case of 29 Hz, the evaluation of “low voltage start” and “torque and voltage fluctuation resistance” was good, and “smoothness of acceleration” was particularly good.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to the above-described embodiment, or a part or all of the configurations may be combined and applied to the above-described embodiment.

  (1) In order to suppress the initial rotational fluctuation of the stepping motor 33, the excitation voltage is increased or decreased instead of the configuration in which the force applied to the rotor 91 is increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the excitation phase switching interval during the acceleration period. It is good also as a structure which increases / decreases the force provided to the rotor 91 by doing. In this case, the excitation voltage may be increased or decreased in a process of gradually reducing the switching interval, and the excitation phase switching is repeated at one switching interval that is longer than in the constant speed state. May be set and performed during that period.

  (2) You may combine the structure which lengthens the switching interval of an excitation phase in an acceleration period like the said embodiment, and the structure which increases / decreases an excitation voltage like said (1). In this case, the force applied to the rotor 91 can be finely controlled.

  (3) The length of the excitation phase switching interval is not limited to a configuration that starts from the initial excitation timing, and the excitation phase is changed to a predetermined excitation phase over a longer time than the longest interval when the switching interval is increased or decreased. A configuration may be adopted in which the length of the excitation phase switching interval is started after the holding. In this case, although the acceleration period is longer than in the case of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to increase the initial rotational fluctuation reduction efficiency.

  (4) It is limited to a configuration in which 1 / T, where T is the period for increasing or decreasing the switching interval, is different from the frequency F at which the vibration intensity of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R increases in the constant speed state. However, both may be the same. In this case, by controlling so that the stop rotation positions of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R always correspond to a predetermined one phase, the phase when the switching interval is increased or decreased is different from the initial rotation fluctuation phase. It is preferable to be in phase. As a method of controlling the stop rotation position, a method of braking the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R by only two-phase excitation instead of four-phase excitation can be considered. In addition to this, a sensor capable of detecting the rotation stop position of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is provided, and the reels 32L, 32M, and after the rotation stop so that the stop rotation position becomes a position corresponding to a predetermined one phase. A method of slightly rotating 32R is conceivable.

  (5) The period in which the switching interval is lengthened or shortened is not limited to a configuration that is equal to or longer than one cycle of the long and short cycle and less than two cycles, and may be two cycles or more or three cycles or more.

  In addition, the period in which the switching interval is lengthened or shortened is not limited to a configuration that is terminated before the initial rotational shake completely disappears, and may be configured to be terminated after the initial rotational shake completely disappears. .

  (6) When the switching interval is lengthened or shortened, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the lengthening period is initially set, and may be configured in which the lengthening period is initially set.

  (7) In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is embodied for the slot machine 10 has been shown, but the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are fused. That is, in the slot machine, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine having a ball insertion and ball payout function such as a pachinko machine in place of the medal insertion and medal payout functions.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a configuration in which a reel unit is used as a picture display device that teaches a player the result of an internal lottery in a pachinko machine.

<Invention Group Extracted from the Embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiment will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses and the like, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses and the like.

Features 1. A rotating body (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) having a plurality of kinds of patterns attached in the circumferential direction;
Drive means (stepping motor 33) for rotating the rotating body;
Drive control means for controlling the drive means (function of executing reel control processing and stepping motor control processing in the CPU 71);
With
The driving means is a stepping motor having a stator (stator 90) and a rotor (rotor 91), and rotating the rotating body when the driving means is excited and the rotor rotates.
The drive control means includes
Initial drive control means for initial drive control of the drive means so as to start rotation of the rotating body to reach a predetermined rotational speed (when the acceleration counter is 1 or more in the CPU 71, processing in steps S602 to S608 is executed. Function)
After execution of the initial drive control by the initial drive control means, constant speed drive control means for controlling the drive means at a constant speed so that the predetermined rotational speed is maintained (when the acceleration counter is “0” in the CPU 71). The function of executing the processing of step S602 to step S608),
With
The initial drive control means is configured to change a factor different from the number of excitation phases during the period in which the initial drive control is being performed, so that the force to rotate the rotor is more than before. Increase / decrease setting means for causing a period to be increased and a period to be decreased more than before (a function of executing the processes of steps S602 to S608 when the acceleration counter is "30" to "23" in the CPU 71) A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

  According to the feature 1, since the force for rotating the rotor is actively increased or decreased during the period in which the initial drive control is being performed, the rotational fluctuation that occurs when the initial drive control is started is prevented. It is possible to apply a canceling force to the rotor, and it is possible to positively reduce the rotational shaking. As a result, it is possible to shorten the period required to reach the predetermined rotation speed while suppressing the occurrence of step-out and unstable rotation.

Feature 2. A rotating body (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) having a plurality of kinds of patterns attached in the circumferential direction;
Drive means (stepping motor 33) for rotating the rotating body;
Drive control means for controlling the drive means (function of executing reel control processing and stepping motor control processing in the CPU 71);
With
The drive means has a stator (stator 90) and a rotor (rotor 91), and is a stepping motor that rotates the rotating body when the excitation phase of the drive means is switched and the rotor rotates. Yes,
The drive control means includes
Initial drive control means for initial drive control of the drive means so as to start rotation of the rotating body to reach a predetermined rotational speed (when the acceleration counter is 1 or more in the CPU 71, processing in steps S602 to S608 is executed. Function)
After execution of the initial drive control by the initial drive control means, constant speed drive control means for controlling the drive means at a constant speed so that the predetermined rotational speed is maintained (when the acceleration counter is “0” in the CPU 71). The function of executing the processing of step S602 to step S608),
With
The initial drive control means is a long / short setting means for causing a period during which the excitation phase switching interval is longer than before and a period during which the excitation phase switching interval is shorter than before during the period during which the initial drive control is being executed. (A function for executing the processing of steps S602 to S608 when the acceleration counter is "30" to "23" in the CPU 71).

  According to the feature 2, since the excitation phase switching interval is increased or decreased during the period in which the initial drive control is being executed, the force for rotating the rotor is positively increased or decreased. As a result, it is possible to apply a force to the rotor to cancel the rotational shake that occurs when the initial drive control is started, and it is possible to actively reduce the rotational shake. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the period required to reach the predetermined rotation speed while suppressing occurrence of step-out and unstable rotation.

  Furthermore, according to the present configuration, it is only necessary to adjust the excitation phase switching interval. Therefore, for example, the configuration is simplified and the design is facilitated as compared with the configuration in which the drive voltage is increased or decreased. It is possible to achieve excellent operational effects.

Feature 3. A period when the drive control by the long / short setting means is executed and the switching interval becomes long / short is T,
When F is a frequency at which the strength of vibration increases in the orbiting body rotating at the predetermined rotation speed,
The gaming machine according to Feature 2, wherein 1 / T ≠ F.

  Since there are a plurality of stop rotational positions of the rotor, there are a plurality of types of rotation fluctuation phases when the initial drive control is started. In this case, assuming that the frequency when the switching interval is increased or decreased is the same as the frequency of the rotation fluctuation, the rotation fluctuation is increased when the phase is the same, or the rotation fluctuation is continued. It is assumed that the period for which data is to be extended will be lengthened. On the other hand, according to the feature 3, since the frequency when the switching interval is shortened and the frequency of the rotational shake are different, the occurrence of the inconvenience as described above is suppressed, and the early reduction of the rotational shake is suppressed. This can be performed more reliably.

  Feature 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the 1 / T is larger than 10 Hz and smaller than 50 Hz.

  According to the feature 4, it is possible to achieve the excellent effects as described above while making the characteristics at the time of low voltage start, the resistance to torque fluctuation, the resistance to voltage fluctuation, etc. good.

  Note that the configuration of the feature 3 or 4 is more effective when applied to a configuration in which “the drive control means excites all phases when the rotation of the rotating body is stopped”. That is, in the case of a configuration in which all phases are excited at the time of stop, the rotating body can be smoothly stopped, but the rotation stop position becomes irregular. On the other hand, according to the configuration of the feature 3 or 4 described above, it is possible to reduce rotational vibration regardless of the rotation stop position of the rotating body.

  Feature 5. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein three or more types of switching intervals are set as the switching intervals set by the long / short setting means.

  According to the feature 5, it is possible to finely set the mode when the switching interval is lengthened and shortened, and the work when designing the drive control pattern for reducing the rotation swing can be facilitated.

  Feature 6 6. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the length setting means starts control for increasing or decreasing the switching interval from the start of the initial drive control.

  According to the feature 6, it becomes possible to reduce the rotational fluctuation at an early stage, and it is possible to facilitate the design of the switching interval when the rotational speed is subsequently set to a predetermined rotational speed.

Feature 7. The constant speed drive control means sets the switching interval to a specific interval so that the rotational speed of the orbiting body becomes the predetermined rotational speed,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the switching interval set by the long / short setting means is longer than the specific interval.

  According to the feature 7, it is possible to reliably apply the force for reducing the rotational shake to the rotor during the period in which the switching interval is increased or decreased.

  Feature 8 The initial drive control means, after the drive control by the long / short setting means, reduces the switching interval stepwise so that the rotational speed of the orbiting body becomes the predetermined rotational speed (in the CPU 71). 8. The gaming machine according to any one of features 2 to 7, further comprising a function of executing the processing of steps S602 to S608 when the acceleration counter is “22” to “1”.

  According to the feature 8, since the period for setting the predetermined rotation speed is clearly distinguished from the period for actively reducing the rotational shake, the rotational shake can be achieved by increasing or decreasing the switching interval as described above. In the configuration in which the rotation is reduced, it is possible to set the rotation speed of the rotating body to a predetermined rotation speed while suppressing occurrence of step-out and unstable rotation.

  Feature 9 The game according to claim 8, wherein the switching interval last set by the long / short setting means is the longest switching interval among the switching intervals set during the drive control period by the long / short setting means. Machine.

  According to the feature 9, when the rotational speed of the orbiting body is increased stepwise so as to achieve a predetermined rotational speed in the configuration in which the rotational fluctuation is reduced by increasing or decreasing the switching interval as described above. It is possible to reduce the rotation speed at the start. As a result, it is possible to set the rotation speed of the rotating body to a predetermined rotation speed while suppressing occurrence of step-out and unstable rotation.

  Feature 10 The gaming machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a period during which the drive control by the long / short setting means is executed is shorter than a period during which the drive control by the stage setting means is executed.

  According to the feature 10, it is possible to secure a certain period for obtaining a predetermined rotational speed while shortening the period for reducing the rotation fluctuation. As a result, it is possible to shorten the period required to reach the predetermined rotation speed while suppressing the occurrence of step-out and unstable rotation.

  Feature 11. The drive control by the long / short setting means is terminated before the rotational fluctuation of the rotor that occurs when the initial drive control is started is terminated. Gaming machine.

  By reducing the rotational fluctuation of the rotating body to some extent during the period in which the switching interval is lengthened or shortened, the rotational fluctuation disappears in the period in which the subsequent switching interval is shortened stepwise. In this case, according to the feature 11, the period in which the switching interval is lengthened and terminated before the rotational shake of the rotating body disappears, and thus it is possible to shorten the period required to reach the predetermined rotational speed. Become.

Feature 12. Start operation means (start lever 51) operated to start rotation of the rotating body,
Stop operation means (stop buttons 52 to 54) operated to stop the rotation of the rotating body,
With
The drive control means starts the rotation of the circulating body based on the operation of the start operation means, and stops the rotation of the circulating body based on the operation of the stop operation means. 12. The gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 11, wherein the gaming machine is driven and controlled.

  In the gaming machine, it is possible to achieve the excellent effects as described above.

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

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

  A spinning machine such as a slot machine: the rotation of the circulating body is started based on the operation of the start operation means, the rotation of the circulating body is stopped based on the operation of the stop operation means, and the player is made according to the pattern after the stop. A gaming machine that grants bonuses.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine, 31 ... Reel unit, 32L, 32M, 32R ... Reel, 33 ... Stepping motor, 51 ... Start lever, 52-54 ... Stop button, 70 ... Main controller, 71 ... CPU, 72 ... ROM, 73 ... RAM, 90 ... stator, 91 ... rotor, 96 ... motor driver.

Claims (1)

A circling body with multiple kinds of patterns attached in the circumferential direction;
Drive means for rotating the circuit body;
Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means;
With
The drive means includes a stator and a rotor, and is a stepping motor that rotates the rotating body by switching the excitation phase of the drive means and rotating the rotor.
The drive control means includes
Initial drive control means for initial drive control of the drive means so as to start rotation of the rotating body and achieve a predetermined rotational speed;
A constant speed drive control means for performing constant speed drive control of the drive means so that the predetermined rotational speed is maintained after execution of the initial drive control by the initial drive control means;
With
The initial drive control means includes
In the period in which the initial drive control is being performed, a length setting unit that has a period in which the excitation phase switching interval is longer than before and a period in which the excitation phase switching interval is shorter than before are provided.
After the drive control by the long / short setting means, the stage setting means for shortening the switching interval stepwise so that the rotational speed of the orbiting body becomes the predetermined rotational speed;
With
The switching interval is set to the last by the length setting means, Ri longest switching interval der of switching interval that is set during the drive control of the length setting means,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the length / shortness setting means starts control for lengthening the switching interval from the start of the initial drive control .

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