JP6581913B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a movable body (movable part) including a movable element used for production, such as a bar and a shutter, and a motor (stepping motor) for moving the movable element.

  2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine (a spinning machine, slot machine) having a plurality of spinning cylinders with symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface is known. This type of gaming machine gives a certain game value to a game medium (medal) and performs a game for acquiring such a game medium. In addition, this type of gaming machine has an internal lottery triggered by the player's rotation start operation and starts rotation of a plurality of spinning cylinders, and a mode according to the result of the internal lottery as a player's stop operation trigger. In order to stop multiple cylinders. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in a state where the plurality of spinning cylinders are stopped, and medals are paid out according to the game result.

  Various devices such as a liquid crystal display device, a display lamp for display (electric decoration), and a sound generator (sound device, speaker) are provided in the gaming machine as devices that play a role of enhancing the interest of the player. In addition, there may be provided a movable accessory (movable body) that includes a movable part and produces an effect by the movement of the movable part. In the following description, not only the liquid crystal display device, the electrical decoration, and the sound generation device itself but also their control devices may be referred to as “effect devices”.

Patent No. 5717683 Publication When playing a sound to the sound control unit and playing the sound, the sound playback may not be stopped even though the play stop command is issued. In a gaming machine equipped with an acoustic control unit (sound chip) having a problem (bug), the influence of the problem is suppressed. No special processing is performed for the one-shot playback command that generates sound once, and for the loop playback command that repeatedly generates sound, the stop command is acoustically controlled even after the stop command is sent to the sound control unit. Send to department. Even if the management state is the stop state, the stop command is repeatedly issued, so that it is possible to suppress the problem that the reproduction does not stop even if the stop command is issued. JP, 2011-183065, A The excitation state of each phase of a motor at the time of completing the 1st operation of a movable accessory is memorized. The excitation of each phase is released during the period from the end of the first operation of the movable accessory to the start of the second operation. Then, in a predetermined period before the movable accessory starts the second operation, the motor stator is excited in the excitation state of each phase at the time when the first operation is completed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the motor from stepping out when the second operation is started.

  The movable body includes a drive device such as a motor (stepping motor), and the movable body is moved by being driven by the drive device.

  An apparatus (motor control unit) for generating a motor drive signal (excitation signal) is known. Since a motor drive signal is automatically generated just by giving parameters such as drive time (number of steps, number of pulses) and motor speed to the motor controller, it is easy to use and is becoming popular. When the processing unit (CPU) sets predetermined parameters and gives an operation start command to the motor control unit, the state of the motor control unit is switched from initial speed operation → acceleration operation → constant speed operation → deceleration operation. Drive (see FIG. 9A and the description thereof).

  By the way, it has been found that when an operation start command is given to a part of the motor control unit at a specific timing, an abnormality occurs in the motor control unit and correct operation is not performed. When this problem occurs, the initial speed operation is canceled, and as a result, the motor does not operate normally (see FIG. 9B and its description).

  As described above, some motor control units have a defect that depending on the timing at which the operation start command is given, the initial speed operation is not executed by the operation start command, and thus the acceleration operation and the constant speed operation are not executed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the adverse effects of the defects and allowing the motor to operate as intended even when the defects are present.

The present invention relates to a motor that moves a movable part of a gaming machine, a motor control unit that generates a drive signal for the motor, and a processing unit (CPU) that gives a command (command) for controlling the motor to the motor control unit In a gaming machine comprising
The motor controller is
An initial speed operation in which the motor is driven at a predetermined first step number (initial step number, NUMIDLE) at a predetermined initial speed operation speed (LOWSPEED);
An acceleration operation in which the motor is driven by a second step number (ACCELTIME) so that the speed of the initial speed operation (LOWSPEED) is changed to a constant speed operation speed (TOPSPEED);
A constant speed operation in which the motor is driven in a third step number at the constant speed operation speed (TOPSPEED);
A decelerating operation in which the motor is driven by a fourth step number (BRAKETIME) so as to return from the constant speed operation speed (TOPSPEED) to the initial speed operation speed (LOWSPEED);
The processing unit is configured to set the constant speed operation speed (TOPSPEED), the second step number (ACCELTIME), the third step number, and the fourth step number (BRAKETIME) to the motor control unit. A parameter setting command (command, TOTALPULSE) is generated and given, and an operation start command (START_PRESET) for sequentially executing the initial speed operation, the acceleration operation, the constant speed operation, and the deceleration operation is given,
The motor control unit stores information for determining whether the operation state is at least the initial speed operation, and includes a status register that is updated according to the operation state,
The processor is
A first step of giving the operation start command after giving the parameter setting command to the motor control unit;
A second step of waiting for a predetermined time from when the operation start command is given;
A third step of reading the information from the status register;
A fourth step of determining whether the operation state of the motor control unit is the initial speed operation based on the information read out in the third step;
When the operation state of the motor control unit is not the initial speed operation, a fifth step of giving the operation start command again to the motor control unit is executed.

  Depending on the timing at which the operation start command is given, the motor control unit has a defect that the initial speed operation is not executed by the operation start command, and the acceleration operation and the constant speed operation are not executed. The second to fifth steps reduce the influence of malfunction caused by such defects.

The waiting time in the second step is determined based on the first step number (initial step number, NUMIDLE).
Since it is meaningless to check the status register after the initial speed operation has been completed normally, the waiting time is updated after the execution timing of the third step receives the operation start command. After that, it is determined to be before the initial speed operation ends normally (in the case of normal operation, the next acceleration operation is performed after the initial step number, NUMIDLE has elapsed). For example, the waiting time is longer than 0% of the first step number (initial step number, NUMIDLE) and less than 100%, preferably about 50% to 90% such as 75% and 80%.

The present invention relates to a motor that moves a movable part of a gaming machine, a motor control unit that generates a drive signal for the motor, and a processing unit (CPU) that gives a command (command) for controlling the motor to the motor control unit In a gaming machine comprising
The motor controller is
An initial speed operation in which the motor is driven at a predetermined first step number (initial step number, NUMIDLE) at a predetermined initial speed operation speed (LOWSPEED);
An acceleration operation in which the motor is driven by a second step number (ACCELTIME) so that the speed of the initial speed operation (LOWSPEED) is changed to a constant speed operation speed (TOPSPEED);
A constant speed operation in which the motor is driven in a third step number at the constant speed operation speed (TOPSPEED);
A decelerating operation in which the motor is driven by a fourth step number (BRAKETIME) so as to return from the constant speed operation speed (TOPSPEED) to the initial speed operation speed (LOWSPEED);
The processing unit is configured to set the constant speed operation speed (TOPSPEED), the second step number (ACCELTIME), the third step number, and the fourth step number (BRAKETIME) to the motor control unit. A parameter setting command (command, TOTALPULSE) is generated and given, and an operation start command (START_PRESET) for sequentially executing the initial speed operation, the acceleration operation, the constant speed operation, and the deceleration operation is given,
The motor control unit stores information for determining whether the operating state is at least the initial speed operation, and includes a status register that is updated in response to reading of the information,
The processor is
A first step of giving the operation start command after giving the parameter setting command to the motor control unit;
A second step of reading the information from the status register;
A third step of re-reading the information from the status register;
A fourth step of determining whether the operation state of the motor control unit is the initial speed operation based on the information read out in the third step;
When the operation state of the motor control unit is not the initial speed operation, a fifth step of giving the operation start command again to the motor control unit is executed.

The interval between the second step and the third step is determined based on the first step number (initial step number, NUMIDLE).
Similarly to the above, the interval is such that the execution timing of the third step is after the contents of the status register are updated after the operation start command is received and before the initial speed operation ends normally. Determined. For example, the second step is executed immediately after the first step, and the third step is longer than 0% of the first step number (initial step number, NUMIDLE) and less than 100%, preferably about 50%. It is. Since the status register is updated by the second step, the interval may be shorter than the waiting time.

  The processing unit may prohibit interruption by other processing while executing the second step to the fourth step.

  According to the present invention, depending on the timing at which the operation start command is given, the motor control unit having a defect that the initial speed operation is not executed by the operation start command, and thus the acceleration operation and the constant speed operation are not executed. In the gaming machine having the above, the second step to the fifth step can reduce the influence of the malfunction due to the defect. The motor can be driven as intended by the designer.

It is a perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state where the front door was closed. It is a perspective view of the slot machine showing a state where the front door is opened. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart of the gaming process of the slot machine. It is a block diagram of the control system of the motor which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the malfunction detection process (including the countermeasure) of the motor control part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is another flowchart of the malfunction detection process (including the countermeasure) of the motor control part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is another flowchart of the malfunction detection process (including the countermeasure) of the motor control part which concerns on embodiment of invention. FIG. 9A is an operation explanatory diagram (flowchart) of the motor control unit at a normal time, and FIG. 9B is an operation explanatory diagram (flowchart) of the motor control unit at the time of occurrence of a malfunction. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing (timing chart) of a motor control part.

<Structure of gaming machine>
FIG. 1 shows a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 shows a front view of the slot machine with the front door open. In the following description, the upward, downward, left, or right directions refer to directions viewed from the player facing the slot machine unless otherwise specified.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. The slot machine 100 includes a slot machine housing 120 and a front door that is attached to one side of the front surface of the slot machine housing 120 by a hinge or the like so as to be opened and closed. 130. The front door 130 includes an upper door 130U and a lower door 130L that can be opened and closed independently.

  A game display 131 is provided in the upper right corner of the front surface of the front door 130. The player can see three reels of the reel unit 203 through the game display unit 131.

  A medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided on the right side of the upper surface of the upper door 130U. On the left side of the medal insertion slot 132, a clogged medal is inserted into the slot machine. A reject button 133 is provided for forcibly discharging outside 100.

  A start switch 134 for starting a game is provided on the left side of the upper surface of the lower door 130L, and three stop buttons 140 are provided between the start switch 134 and the medal slot 132 corresponding to each of the three reels. Yes.

  A liquid crystal panel LCD1 is provided at the center of the upper door 130U, and a liquid crystal panel LCD2 is provided on almost the entire surface of the lower door 130L.

  A switch (cross key unit) SW as an operation unit is provided at the center of the upper surface of the lower door 130L, that is, above the stop button 140 and between the bet switch BET and the medal slot 132. The switch SW includes, for example, a cursor key (switch) for moving the cursor up / down / left / right, an operation confirmation button / cancel button, and the like.

  Illuminated DRU, DRL, DLU, and DLL are provided on the left and right ends of the slot machine 100, respectively. That is, an electric decoration DLU is provided at the left end of the upper door 130U, an electric decoration DRU is provided at the right end, an electric decoration DLL is provided at the left end of the lower door 130L, and an electric decoration DRL is provided at the right end. Each of the electrical decorations DRU, DRL, DLU, and DLL includes a light emitting element (LED).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine housing 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals in a payout opening provided at the lower front portion of the lower door 130 </ b> L. A hopper device 121 for paying out one by one is installed. A hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a large number of medals is provided at the top of the hopper device 121. Inside the slot machine housing 120, a reel unit 203 including three reels is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the upper door 130U is closed. The reel unit 203 includes three reels (first reel to third reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The game display unit 131 is provided with an opening through which a player can see the symbols of each rotating reel of the reel unit 203. A power supply unit 205 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 121.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal (coin) selector 1 is attached to the lower surface of the lower door 130L at the lower portion of the medal slot 132 on the upper surface of the lower door 130L. This medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron whose outer diameter is different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side of the medal selector 1 and communicates with the payout port at the lower part of the lower door 130L is provided. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port via the derivation path 136.

  The main board 10 is attached to the inside of the slot machine housing 120 and below the reel unit 203. The main board 10 is provided with a setting change switch SSW for performing an internal setting relating to a game (for example, which of a plurality of lottery tables is used). The sub-board 20 is attached to the lower center of the back surface of the upper door 130U.

  A low-frequency speaker SPL is provided in the upper left corner of the slot machine housing 120, and two speakers SP that cover a standard sound range are provided below the lower door 130L.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine 100.

  In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine includes a power supply unit (power supply unit 205 in FIG. 2) for generating a DC power supply (+5 V or the like) from a commercial power supply (AC 100 V).

  The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate 10 and a sub substrate 20 that operates in response to a command from the main substrate 10 as main processing devices. Substrates including the main substrate 10 and the sub-substrate are accommodated inside the case so that they cannot be contacted from the outside, and are subjected to a sealing process so that traces remain when these substrates are removed. Specifically, the main board 10 and the sub board 20 are integrally attached by caulking, and are covered by an integral case that covers the entire main board 10 and the sub board 20.

  The main board 10 is used for performing an internal lottery in response to the player's operation, and for performing processing (game processing) such as rotation / stop of the spinning cylinder and payout of medals. The main board 10 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The sub board 20 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 10 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 20 includes a CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10. The sub-board 20 includes means for generating random numbers used for production.

  Hereinafter, the main board and the sub board will be described in detail.

<Main board>
The main board 10 includes the bet switch BET, the start switch 134, the stop button 140, the reel (rotating cylinder) unit 203, the setting change switch SSW, the hopper driving unit 80, the hopper 81, and the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. A medal detection unit 82 for counting (these constitute the hopper device 121 described above) is connected.

  Further, medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1 are connected to the main board 10.

  The medal selector 1 is provided with medal sensors S1 and S2 for counting medals. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are attached to the downstream side (near the exit) of a medal passage (not shown) provided in the medal selector 1 (the upstream side of the medal passage communicates with the medal insertion port 132). The two medal sensors S1 and S2 are provided side by side at a predetermined interval along the medal traveling direction. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are, for example, photointerrupters that have a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that face each other, are formed in a U-shaped cross section, and are positioned so that the detection optical axis faces the medal passage from above. . Each photo interrupter detects the passage of a medal sent without being blocked on the way. The reason why two photo interrupters are adjacent is not only to detect the number of medals but also to monitor whether or not the passage of medals is normal. That is, by providing two photo interrupters adjacent to each other, it is possible to detect the passing speed and passing direction of medals, thereby detecting not only the number of medals but also an illegal act moving in the reverse direction.

  The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c, stepping motors 155a to 155c that respectively rotate these, and spinning cylinder position detectors (index sensors) 159a to 159c that detect their positions, respectively (note that The stepping motors 155a to 155c may be simply referred to as a motor 155 or a motor).

  Based on the reference position signal detected by the index sensor 159 every time each of the rotating cylinders 40a to 40c makes one rotation, the rotating cylinder control means 1300 starts from the reference position (a frame specified by an index (not shown)) of the rotating cylinder 40. Is obtained (by counting the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor), the current rotation state of the drum 40 can be monitored. That is, the main substrate 10 can obtain the position of the rotating drum 40 when the stop button 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the rotating drum 40.

  In the following description, reference numeral 40 is used to indicate any one or a plurality of spinning cylinders, and reference numerals 40a to 40c are used to separately indicate three spinning cylinders.

  The hopper driving unit 80 rotates an unillustrated rotating disk of the hopper 81 and performs an operation of paying out medals of the payout number instructed by the main board 10. The gaming machine includes a medal detection unit 82 that operates every time a medal is paid out, and the main board 10 receives a medal actually paid out from the hopper 81 based on an input signal from the medal detection unit 82. You can manage the number.

  The insertion accepting unit (insertion accepting means) 1050 receives the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1, accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and based on the insertion of medals corresponding to the prescribed number of insertions. Then, a process of permitting the start operation of the first to third cylinders for the start switch 134 is performed. Note that the pressing operation of the start switch 134 is an opportunity to start the rotation of the first cylinder to the third cylinder, and is an opportunity to execute the internal lottery. Also, the specified number of insertions may be set according to the game state, the specified number of insertions is set to 3 in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, and the specified number of insertions is set to 1 to 3 in the bonus state.

  When medals are inserted, the inserted medals are set to the inserted state up to a specified number of insertions according to the gaming state. Alternatively, when the bet switch BET is pressed in a state where medals have been credited to the gaming machine, the credited medals are set to the inserted state by limiting the prescribed number of insertions according to the gaming state. The main board 10 controls whether or not to accept a medal. From the time when the start switch 134 is pressed and the rotation of each cylinder starts (game start time), when the three stop buttons 140 are pressed and the rotation of each cylinder stops (when the medal payout is completed when winning) (game) When the medal is not accepted (when it is not permitted), the medal sensor S1, S2 does not count the medal and is returned as it is. . Similarly, the main board 10 controls the validity / invalidity of the bet switch BET according to whether or not the medal insertion is accepted. In addition, the bet switch BET is valid from the end of the game to the start of the game, but during other periods (when pressing of the BET switch is not permitted), the bet switch BET is pressed. Even it is ignored.

  The main board 10 incorporates random number generating means 1100. The random number generation means 1100 is a means for generating a random number for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The internal lottery means 1200 performs an internal lottery in which the player determines whether or not the winning combination is based on a start signal from the start switch 134. That is, a lottery table selection process for selecting a lottery table (not shown) stored in a memory (not shown) of the main board 10, a random number determination process for determining the winning of a random number obtained from the random number generating means 1100, The lottery flag setting process for setting a flag to that effect when a big win or the like is won by the determination result is performed.

  In the lottery table selection process, a lottery table (not shown) stored in a storage unit (ROM) (not shown) is used to determine which lottery table is used for internal lottery. In the lottery table, for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535), replay, small role (bell, cherry), regular bonus (RB: bonus), and big bonus (BB :), etc., are associated with each other. In addition, a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state can be set as the gaming state, and a replay lottery state, a replay low probability state, and a replay high probability state can be set as replay lottery states.

  The lottery table selection process allows the contents of the lottery to be set within a predetermined range (the probability of winning can be increased or decreased), and the setting work is performed by the store in the hall where the gaming machine is installed. . The switch used in this setting operation is a setting change switch SSW.

  A normal gaming machine includes a plurality of (for example, six) lottery tables having different lottery probabilities such as BB, RB, and small roles in advance. In the lottery of gaming machines, one of the plurality of lottery tables is set, and the winning / losing determination by lottery is made based on the set lottery table. Changing a setting relating to which of a plurality of lottery tables is used is referred to as a setting change (hereinafter referred to as “setting change”).

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a slot machine, when changing a setting value (usually 1 to 6), the door of the gaming machine is opened, and a setting change key is set as a key switch of a setting change switch SSW provided on the main board 10. With the key inserted and the key switch turned on, the game machine is turned on so that the setting can be changed. Every time the setting change button (push button) of the setting change switch SSW is pressed, 7 segments The set value displayed on the display unit is incremented to cyclically change the values from 1 to 6, and the desired set value is operated by operating the start switch when the desired set value is displayed on the display unit. Is confirmed.

  In the random number determination process, on the basis of the start signal from the start switch 134, a random number value (lottery random number) is acquired for each game from random number generation means (not shown), and the lottery table is referred to for the acquired random number value. To determine whether or not they have won the role.

  In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag of the winning combination determined to be won based on the result of the random number determination process is changed from the non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to the winning state (second flag state, on Status). When two or more types of winning combinations are won, a lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning winning combinations is set to the winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in storage means (RAM).

  A lottery flag (possible carryover flag) that can carry over the winning state for the next game until winning, and a lottery flag that is reset to the non-winning state without bringing the winning state to the next game regardless of winning Carry-over impossible flag) may be provided. In this case, there are a regular bonus (RB) and a big bonus (BB) as a combination to which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, and other combinations (for example, small role, replay) correspond to the latter carry-over impossible flag. It is attached. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, when a regular bonus is won by internal lottery, the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over until the regular bonus is won, and when the big bonus is won by internal lottery, the big bonus lottery A process of carrying over the winning state of the flag until the big bonus is won is performed. At this time, the main board 10 determines whether or not a role other than the regular bonus and the big bonus (small role and replay) is used even in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus or big bonus lottery flag is carried over by the internal lottery function. An internal lottery is performed. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over, if a small role or replay is won in the internal lottery, the regular bonus lottery flag and the internal lottery already won In a game in which the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of winning combinations or replay lottery flags won in the win state are set to the winning state and the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over, it is small in the internal lottery When a winning combination or replay is won, a lottery flag corresponding to two or more kinds of winning combinations including a big bonus lottery flag that has already been won and a small bonus or replay lottery flag that has been won in an internal lottery is set to a winning state. Set.

  The spinning cylinder control means 1300 rotates the first to third cylinders by a stepping motor based on a start signal generated by the player pressing the start switch 134 (rotation start operation), and the first cylinder -Depressing (stopping) the three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the rotating cylinders in a state where the rotation speed of the third cylinder reaches a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotational speed of about 80 rotations per minute). In addition to performing control to permit the operation), control is performed to stop the first to third cylinders driven to rotate by the stepping motor in accordance with the lottery flag setting state (internal lottery result).

  In addition, when the player presses the three stop buttons 140 in a state where the pressing operation (stop operation) with respect to the three stop buttons 140 is permitted (validated), Based on the signal, the supply of the drive pulse (motor drive signal) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 203 is stopped, thereby controlling each of the first to third drums.

  That is, each time the three stop buttons 140 are pressed, the spinning cylinder control means 1300 determines the stopping position of the spinning cylinder corresponding to the pressed button among the first to third cylinders. Thus, control is performed to stop the spinning cylinder at the determined stop position. Specifically, referring to a stop control table (not shown) stored in the storage means (ROM), the first time corresponding to the pressing timing, pressing order, etc. of the three stop buttons (mode of stop operation) A stop position of the cylinder to the third cylinder is determined, and control is performed to stop the first cylinder to the third cylinder at the determined stop position.

  Here, in the stop control table, the positions of the first cylinder to the third cylinder (pressing detection position) at the time when the stop button 140 is operated, and the actual stop positions (or pressing detection of the first cylinder to the third cylinder). Correspondence with the number of sliding frames from the position) is set. The number of sliding symbols is a symbol that passes through the reference position between the operation of the stop button 140 and the rotation stop of the corresponding rotating cylinder when a specific symbol that can be visually recognized from the game display unit at the time of stopping the rotating drum is used as the reference position. The number of Since the turning cylinder control means 1300 stops each turning cylinder within 190 ms from the operation of each stop button 140, the number of sliding frames is in the range of 0 to 4 (however, 80 revolutions / minute, (In the condition of the number of symbols = 21). Depending on the setting state of the lottery flag, a stop control table for determining the stop positions of the first cylinder to the third cylinder may be prepared.

  As described above, the spinning cylinder control unit 1300 is based on the reference position signal (the frame detected by the reel index) of the spinning cylinder based on the reference position signal detected by the index sensor 159 every time the rotating cylinder makes one rotation. By obtaining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation shaft of the step motor), the current rotation state of the rotating drum can be monitored. That is, the main board 10 can obtain the position of the rotating cylinder when the stop button 140 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the rotating cylinder.

  The spinning cylinder control unit 1300 performs so-called pull-in processing and kicking processing as control for stopping the spinning cylinder. The pull-in process is a control for stopping the spinning cylinder so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state is stopped on a valid winning determination line (so that the winning combination can be won). It is processing. On the other hand, the kicking process means that the symbol corresponding to the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state does not stop on a valid winning determination line (so that a non-winning combination cannot be won) Is a control process for stopping the process. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the lottery flag setting state, the stop button 140 pressing timing, the pressing order, and the stop position of the spinning cylinder that has already stopped (in the display pattern) in order to realize the pull-in processing and kicking processing. The stop control table is set so that the stop position of each cylinder changes according to the type). In this way, the main board 10 can stop the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state in a winning form, while the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state is in the winning form. Control is performed to stop the first to third cylinders so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first to third drums are controlled to stop the rotating drum corresponding to the pressed stop button within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 140 is pressed. Is set to That is, in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating cylinder, the number of frames required from when the stop button 140 is pressed until each cylinder stops is in the range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). Is set in

  The winning determination means 1400 performs a process of determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopping modes of the first to third cylinders. Specifically, referring to the winning determination table stored in the storage means (ROM), the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line when all of the first to third cylinders are stopped. It is determined whether or not this is a predetermined winning combination form.

  The winning determination means 1400 executes a winning process based on the determination result. As a process at the time of winning a prize, for example, when a small role wins, the hopper 81 is driven to perform a medal payout control process, or a credit is increased (a predetermined maximum number is increased to 50, for example, When the replay is won, a replay process is performed. When a big bonus or a regular bonus is won, a game state transition control process for shifting the game state is performed.

  The payout control means 1500 performs payout control processing relating to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a payout predetermined for each combination, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are determined by the hopper driving unit 80. Then, the hopper 81 is driven to pay out. At this time, a current flows through a motor (not shown) built in the hopper 81.

  When medal credits (internal storage) are permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper 81, the number of credits stored in a credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means (RAM) (not shown) A credit addition process for adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals is performed to virtually pay out medals.

  When the replay is won, the replay processing means 1600 performs a replay process (regame process) for setting the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals owned by the player for the next game. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the previous game is automatically set to the insertion state without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The game machine is set in a state of waiting for a rotation start operation (pressing operation of the start switch 134 by the player) in the next game in a state where the same winning determination line as the previous game is validated.

  The replay processing unit 1600 may perform control to change the winning probability of replay in the internal lottery under a predetermined condition. For example, when a predetermined turn is displayed when the spinning cylinder is stopped by operating the stop button 140, the winning probability of replay varies. The replay lottery states include a replay no lottery state in which replay is excluded from the internal lottery, a replay low probability state in which the replay winning probability is set to about 1 / 7.3, and a replay winning probability of about 1 / A plurality of lottery states such as a high replay probability state set to 6 can be set.

  The error processing unit 1700 determines an error of the gaming machine based on the outputs of a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), the medal sensors S1 and S2, and the medal detection unit 82, and notifies that when it determines that there is an error. To a predetermined state (for example, a state in which no operation is accepted).

  A door open / close detection sensor (not shown) is a sensor that detects that the front door 130 (the upper door 130U and the lower door 130L) is closed, and is an electrical switch such as a micro switch or a contact. When the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is closed, the switch is turned on (or turned off) by the action part of the switch contacting the back side of the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L). When the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is opened, the action part is separated and turned off (or turned on). The door opening / closing detection sensor may be an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter. The medal sensors S1 and S2 and the medal detection unit 82 have been described above.

Specifically, the error processing unit 1700 performs the following operation.
When an opening of the front door 130 (upper door 130U, lower door 130L) is detected based on the output of a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown), error processing is performed.
-Based on the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2, the reverse flow of the medals (the detection order of the sensors S1 and S2 is reversed), the medal retention (the detection times of the sensors S1 and S2 are longer than a predetermined threshold) When error is detected, error processing is performed.
Based on the output of the medal detection unit 82, the medal clogging (the detection time of the medal detection unit 82 is longer than a predetermined threshold), hopper empty (the medal detection unit despite operating the hopper driving unit 80) When 82 detects no medal), error processing is performed.

  When the error processing unit 1700 determines that an error has occurred as described above, the error processing unit 1700 notifies the fact and sets the gaming machine to a predetermined state (error state). This state is canceled by a reset switch (not shown). The reset switch is provided on the panel of the power supply unit 205, for example.

  There are also errors that occur in the sub-board 20. Although this error does not result in an inoperable state, the liquid crystal display device or the like can notify that an error has occurred due to the processing of the sub-board 20 itself. The error occurs, for example, when an invalid command is received (including when the encrypted command cannot be correctly decrypted), and the error is canceled by the reset switch (from the main board 10 to the sub board 20). Reset command).

  Further, the main board 10 may perform control to shift the gaming state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state (gaming state transition control function). As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are established, transitioning the gaming state to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied or all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied Can do.

  The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and a transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state is possible. The bonus establishment state is a gaming state that shifts when a big bonus or a regular bonus is won in the internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, when the big bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and the regular bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state Until the regular bonus is won, the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus is maintained in the winning state. In the bonus state, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game, and medals exceeding a predetermined payout limit number are paid out according to the type of bonus won. The bonus state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the normal state.

  The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c, and one stepping motor 155a to 155c is attached to each of the three spinning cylinders 40a to 40c. The stepping motor 155 includes a gear-shaped iron core or permanent magnet as a rotor (rotor), a plurality of windings (coils) as a stator (stator), and is rotated by switching windings through which current flows. It is. That is, a current is passed through the windings of the stator to generate a magnetic force, and the rotor is rotated by attracting the rotor. Since the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle, it is used to drive the rotation of the slot machine. A plurality of windings constitute one phase. As the number of phases, for example, there are two (two phases), four (four phases), and five (five phases).

  The stepping motor can change its characteristics (excitation mode changes) by changing the way of applying current to the windings of each phase. The two-phase type is as follows.

• Single-phase excitation Always allow current to flow through only one phase of the winding. Positioning accuracy is good.

・ Two-phase excitation
Current flows in two phases. An output torque approximately twice that of single-phase excitation can be obtained. The positioning accuracy is good and the stationary torque is large when stopped, so that the stop position can be held reliably.

・ One-two-phase excitation
A current is passed by alternately switching between one phase and two phases. Since the step angle can be halved in the case of one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation, smooth rotation can be obtained.

  Note that “driving” a stepping motor includes rotating the motor by the above-described excitation and exciting each phase in order to stop at a desired position and hold the position.

  Regarding driving of the spinning cylinders 40a to 40c of the slot machine, for example, a four-phase stepping motor having a basic step angle of 1.43 degrees is used, and one-two-phase excitation is adopted as a pulse output method.

  10CG is a command transmitter that transmits a command to be sent to the sub-board 20. This command includes a command related to winning combination information, a command related to information on the number of inserted medals and the number of credits (stored number). Specifically, the command transmission unit 10CG is realized by the CPU executing a program written in advance in a ROM mounted on the main board 10. The command transmission will be described later.

<Sub-board>
Connected to the sub-board 20 are liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, LED boards 202B, 202U and 202L, speaker SP, bass speaker SPL, solenoid SN, motors MU and ML, sensors SENU and SENL, and switch SW. The LED boards 202B, 202L, and 202U incorporate a latch that acquires and holds data and an LED that is an electric decoration (the LED may be provided outside the board). These components are controlled by the sub-board 20, and are an output device that produces effects by video, light, sound, and movement of the movable body, or an input device or player for detecting the movement of the movable body. It is an input device which receives operation by.

  Although not shown, the model-specific block BB and the lower door block BL include a video controller (VDC) for controlling the liquid crystal panel LCD2, a sound controller for generating sound by driving the speaker SP, and a solenoid. A drive circuit for driving the SN, motors MU and ML is incorporated.

  The components such as the liquid crystal panel described above, except for the bass speaker SPL, correspond to the model-specific block BB and the upper door block BU and the lower door 130L provided corresponding to the upper door 130U built in the slot machine housing 120. The lower door block BL is provided in a distinguishable manner.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the model-specific block BB includes a solenoid SN, a speaker SP, and an LED board 202B, and the upper door block BU includes a liquid crystal panel LCD1, an LED 202U, a motor MU, and a sensor SENU that detects the operation of the movable body. The lower door block BL includes a liquid crystal panel LCD2, a speaker SP, an LED substrate 202L, a motor ML, a sensor SENL for detecting the operation of the movable body thereby, and a switch SW such as a cursor key. The entire liquid crystal panel LCD2 is configured to be slightly movable back and forth by the motor ML, and the player may be able to perform an operation of pushing the liquid crystal panel LCD2 in a state where the liquid crystal panel LCD2 is moved forward. In this case, the switch SW of the lower door block BL includes a switch for detecting depression of the liquid crystal panel LCD2.

<Command transmission from main board to sub board>
The sub-board 20 receives a command from the main board 10 and performs processing such as rendering according to the command. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  The sub board 20 generates a command (display command, drawing command) for displaying a predetermined screen on the liquid crystal panels LCD1 and LCD2, for example, in accordance with a command from the main board 10. For example, when performing an effect by animation or the like, a large number of commands are continuously transmitted one after another.

  In FIG. 3, 20 CR is a command receiving unit that receives a command received from the main board 10. Specifically, the command receiving unit 20CR is realized by the CPU executing a program written in advance in a ROM mounted on the sub-board 20.

  As the above-mentioned command, there is a command for performing an effect suggesting the winning contents by the software on the sub-board 20 side. For example, as shown in the following AT, a suggestion for obtaining a ball is displayed on a liquid crystal display device so as to provide (assist) the player with the convenience of operation. The suggestion is not always issued, but in specific cases.

  The gaming machine includes an effect display device including a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, a display lamp, and the like. This effect display device is controlled by the sub-board 20 to notify the player of a prize or the like, or in a so-called assist time (AT), the base itself teaches the user with some action during a certain game with some action. It is for doing. (Assist time (AT): Even if a specific small role is established, the player will not be refunded if the reels are not aligned. After the big bonus ends (or at the time of establishment) to ensure payout by the small role) Alternatively, a lottery of assist time is drawn at any other opportunity, and if this is won, the player is instructed to perform an operation with some action for aligning specific small roles during a certain game)

  The command receiving unit 20CR receives a command received from the main board 10. For example, a command received as serial data is input to a serial-parallel converter (shift register), and is output every certain data (for example, 8 bits). The output data is transferred to the CPU of the sub-board 20 as a command, and is interpreted and executed.

Next, the game processing in the main board 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
Generally, in a gaming machine, one game is started from the insertion of medals (insertion of credits) until the end of payout (or until the increase in the number of credits is completed). There is a rule that it is not possible to proceed to the next game until one game is finished.

  First, when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the start switch 134 is activated, and the processing of FIG. 4 is started.

  In step S1, the start switch 134 is turned on by operating the start switch 134. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S2.

  In step S2, a lottery process is performed by the main board 10. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S3.

  In step S3, the rotation of the first reel to the third reel starts. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S4.

  In step S4, when the stop button 140 is operated, the stop button 140 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S5.

  In step S5, rotation stop processing is performed on the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button 140 among the first to third reels. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S6.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop button 140 corresponding to the three reels has been performed. If it is determined that all three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the three reels have been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S7.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the lottery flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the lottery flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. If it is determined that the winning is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S8. If the winning is not confirmed, no medals are paid out even if the lottery flag is established.

  In step S8, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out.

  One game is from the insertion of the medal to the completion of the execution of step S8. When the standby process in step S8 ends, the process returns to the beginning of the flowchart. In other words, the next game is possible (transition to the next game).

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system of a motor (stepping motor). FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a motor control system extracted from the block diagram of FIG. 3.

  The control device IC includes a processing unit CPU and a motor control unit MCONT. The motor control unit MCONT generates a motor drive signal, and the processing unit CPU generates a command (command) for controlling the motor and supplies the command to the motor control unit MCONT.

  The motor control unit MCONT stores information for determining its own operation state (initial speed operation, acceleration operation, constant speed operation, and deceleration operation, which will be described later), and is updated according to the operation state. Status register SR and a remaining step register RPR in which the remaining motor driving time (number of steps, number of pulses) is set.

  The motor drive driver DRV receives a signal (motor excitation pattern) from the motor control unit MCONT and generates drive signals for the motors MU and ML.

  The processing unit CPU and the motor control unit MCONT are included in the control device IC.

  The processing unit CPU sets the number of acceleration / constant speed / deceleration steps (driving time) and speed necessary for the motor operation to the motor control unit MCONT and instructs the operation start. In response to this, the motor control unit MCONT automatically generates an excitation pattern for driving the motor based on the set parameters and sends it to the driver DRV for driving the motor.

  Fig.9 (a) is explanatory drawing (flowchart) of operation | movement (operation | movement) of the motor control part MCONT.

  The motor control unit MCONT performs the following operations (operations) in order.

(A) Initial speed operation in which the motor is driven at a predetermined first step number (initial step number, NUMIDLE) at a predetermined initial speed operation speed (LOWSPEED).

(B) Accelerated operation that drives the second step number (ACCELTIME) so that the motor changes from the initial speed (LOWSPEED) to the constant speed (TOPSPEED).

(C) Constant speed operation in which the motor is driven in the third step number at the constant speed (TOPSPEED).

(D) Deceleration operation that drives the fourth step number (BRAKETIME) so that the motor returns from the constant speed operation speed (TOPSPEED) to the initial speed operation speed (LOWSPEED).

  In order to perform the operations (A) to (D), the processing unit CPU instructs the motor control unit MCONT to operate at a constant speed (TOPSPEED), a second step number (ACCELTIME), a third step number, A parameter setting command (command, TOTALPULSE) for setting the fourth step number (BRAKETIME) is generated and given.

  Then, an operation start command (START_PRESET) for sequentially executing initial speed operation, acceleration operation, constant speed operation, and deceleration operation is given.

  (A) In the initial speed operation, the remaining step is set in the remaining step register RPR. This remaining step is the total number of steps (TOTALPULSE) of (B) acceleration operation, (C) constant speed operation, and (D) deceleration operation. The processing unit CPU sets the second step number (ACCELTIME), the third step number, and the fourth step number (BRAKETIME) for the motor control unit MCONT. When setting the total number of steps, It is not necessary to give all of the step number to the fourth step number. For example, instead of giving the third step number, the motor control unit MCONT may obtain a calculation such that the third step number = total step number−second step number−fourth step number.

  FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram (timing chart) of the motor according to the flowchart of FIG.

  When receiving the operation start command, the motor control unit MCONT drives the motors MU and ML at a predetermined initial speed V1 (LOWSPEED). The drive time is the first step number T1 (initial step number, NUMIDLE).

  When the driving of the first step number T1 is finished, the motor control unit MCONT increases the frequency of the driving signal (PPS) from the initial speed operation speed V1 to the constant speed operation speed V2 (TOPSPEED). Drive ML. The driving time is the second step number T2 (ACCELTIME).

  When the constant speed operation speed V2 is reached, the motor control unit MCONT drives the motors MU and ML with the third step number T3 while maintaining the speed. As described above, the third step number can also be obtained by calculation. In this case, deceleration is started at the timing when the total number of steps coincides with the total number of steps at the time of stop ((D) at the end of deceleration operation).

  When the third step number T3 is driven, the motor control unit MCONT drives the motors MU and ML while reducing the frequency (PPS) of the drive signal so as to return from the constant speed operation speed V2 to the initial speed operation speed V1. To do. The driving time is the fourth step number T4 (BRAKETIME). At this end, the number of drive steps becomes zero.

  As described above, when the processing unit CPU gives an operation start command to the motor control unit MCONT, the state of the motor control unit MCONT is switched from initial speed operation → acceleration operation → constant speed operation → deceleration operation.

  By the way, in the motor control unit MCONT, when an operation start command was given at a specific timing, an abnormality occurred in the motor control unit MCONT, and a problem was found that the operation as shown in FIG. 9A was not performed. When this problem occurs, (A) the initial speed operation is canceled, and as a result, the motor does not operate normally (does not rotate).

  The influence of this defect (defect) will be described with reference to FIG.

  Although the operation start command is given, the initial speed operation is canceled due to a malfunction (reference a). In the initial speed operation, a remaining step is set in the remaining step register RPR, but since this is not performed, the remaining step in the remaining step register RPR remains zero.

  Although the operation shifts to acceleration operation, since the remaining steps are zero, the operation immediately shifts to deceleration operation. The acceleration operation is substantially canceled. Along with this, the constant speed operation is also canceled (symbol A).

  Although decelerating operation is performed, the motor is not rotating because acceleration operation is not canceled.

  Therefore, the rotation of the motor is hindered by the above-described defect (defect).

  In order to prevent malfunction of the motor due to the above malfunction (defect), it is necessary to check whether the initial speed operation has been canceled by the motor control unit MCONT, and if it is canceled, it is necessary to give an operation start command again. It has been found that the above-mentioned problem (defect) occurs when an operation start command is given at a specific timing based on the internal period of the motor control unit MCONT. For this reason, it can be expected that the motor control unit MCONT operates normally by the second operation start command with different timing. If the time from the first operation start command to the second operation start command is short, the influence on the operation timing of the movable body on the production can be reduced.

  The status register SR is used to know whether the initial speed operation has been canceled by the motor control unit MCONT. The status register SR stores information on the operation state (initial speed operation, acceleration operation, constant speed operation, deceleration operation) of the motor control unit MCONT. Since this information is updated according to the operation state, it is determined whether or not the initial speed operation has been canceled by reading the information in the status register SR after the operation start command, that is, at the timing when the initial speed operation will be performed. be able to.

  Specifically, there are the following two methods for knowing whether or not the initial speed operation has been canceled.

(1) The status register SR is read after a certain time interval, and it is confirmed whether or not “initial speed operation” has been entered.

  There is a slight time lag before the current operating state is reflected in the status register SR. If the check is performed immediately after the operation start command, there is a possibility that the information in the status register SR is not yet “initial speed operation”. For this reason, it waits for a fixed time. This standby time is determined based on the first step number (initial step number, NUMIDLE) of “initial speed operation”. For example, the waiting time is in the range of more than 0% and less than 100% of the first step number (initial step number, NUMIDLE). If the first step number is about 75% to 80% such as 80%, the content of the status register SR is considered to be “initial speed operation” during normal operation.

(2) Dummy reading of the status register SR, and then reading the status register SR again. Dummy reading is reading that does not intend to use information. The read information is discarded without being used. If it is normal, it shifts to “initial speed operation” by the second reading.

  When information is read from the status register SR, the status register SR is updated to the latest state immediately after that. (2) uses this. The interval between the dummy reading and the subsequent reading is determined based on the first step number (initial step number, NUMIDLE). Similar to (1), the interval is set to be after the content of the status register SR is updated after receiving the operation start command and before the “initial speed operation” is completed. For example, the dummy reading is executed immediately after the operation start command, and the subsequent reading is in the range of more than 0% and less than 100% of the first step number (initial step number, NUMIDLE). For example, it is about 50%. Since the status register is updated by dummy reading, the interval may be shorter than the waiting time of (1).

  FIG. 6 is a process flowchart of the method (1). FIG. 7 is a process flowchart of the method (2).

  Description will be added to the processing of FIG.

S20: The processing unit CPU gives an operation start command to the motor control unit MCONT. In response to this, the motor control unit MCONT sequentially performs a predetermined initial speed operation, preset acceleration operation, constant speed operation, and deceleration operation.

S21: The processing unit CPU starts timing.

S22: The processing unit CPU determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation start command was given. The predetermined time is determined based on the initial speed operation time as described above. The contents of the status register SR of the motor control unit MCONT are updated to the latest operating state between S21 and S22.

S23: When the measurement of the predetermined time is completed (YES in S22), the processing unit CPU reads the contents of the status register SR of the motor control unit MCONT.

S24: Based on the information read from the status register SR, the processing unit CPU determines whether or not the motor control unit MCONT is performing the initial speed operation. If the motor control unit MCONT is performing the initial speed operation, the waiting time of S22 is determined in advance so that the information read from the status register SR is always the initial speed operation. Whether or not a failure has occurred can be determined. When the initial speed operation is being performed (YES in S24), since the motor control unit MCONT is operating normally, the process of FIG. 6 is terminated.

S25: When the initial speed operation is not performed (NO in S24), a malfunction has occurred, and therefore an operation start command is given to the motor control unit MCONT again. Since this problem occurs only when the operation start command is given at a specific timing, the motor control unit MCONT can be operated normally by giving the operation start command at another timing. The probability that a problem will occur in both S20 and S25 is low. In addition, in order to make defect removal more reliable, S21 to S25 may be repeated after S25.

  Description will be added to the processing of FIG. In FIG. 7, the same or corresponding processes as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. S21 'in FIG. 7 corresponds to S21 and S22 in FIG.

S21 ': The processing unit CPU reads the contents of the status register SR of the motor control unit MCONT. As a result, the contents of the status register SR are updated to the latest state. Note that the information in the status register SR read here is discarded without being used. This processing corresponds to so-called dummy reading.

  6 and 7 need to be performed with the highest priority without being disturbed by other processes. Since the operating state changes with the passage of time, if it is obstructed by other processing, the status register SR may be checked after the initial speed operation is normally completed. With this, it is not possible to correctly detect the occurrence of a problem.

  For this reason, it is preferable to set the interrupt disabled state in both the processes of FIGS. 6 and 7 and release the interrupt after the process is completed. FIG. 8 shows the processing for this. 8, processes that are the same as or correspond to those in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

S20.5: The processing unit CPU prohibits interrupts so that it can concentrate on the processing of FIG. 6 or FIG. S20.5 is performed between S20 and S21, S21 ', but may be performed before S20.

S23.5: The processing unit CPU cancels the prohibition of interrupt. S23.5 may be performed after S24 and S25.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a failure and perform an operation as intended for an unexpected stop of the motor operation.

  That is, depending on the timing at which the operation start command is given, in the gaming machine including the motor control unit having the defect that the initial speed operation is not executed by the operation start command and the acceleration operation and the constant speed operation are not executed thereby, The influence of malfunction can be reduced. The motor can be driven as intended by the designer.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

20 Sub-board (processing section)
CPU processing part
DRV Motor drive driver IC controller
MCONT motor controller
MU, ML motor (stepping motor)
RPR Remaining step register SR Status register

Claims (5)

In a gaming machine comprising: a motor that moves a movable part of a gaming machine; a motor control unit that generates a drive signal for the motor; and a processing unit that provides a command for controlling the motor to the motor control unit.
The motor controller is
An initial speed operation for driving the motor at a predetermined first step number at a predetermined initial speed;
Accelerating operation in which the motor is driven by a second number of steps such that the speed of the initial speed operation is changed to the speed of constant speed operation;
A constant speed operation for driving the motor at a third step number at the speed of the constant speed operation;
A decelerating operation in which the motor is driven by a fourth step number so as to return from the speed of the constant speed operation to the speed of the initial speed operation;
The processing unit generates and gives a parameter setting command for setting the speed of the constant speed operation, the second step number, the third step number, and the fourth step number to the motor control unit. And giving an operation start command for sequentially executing the initial speed operation, the acceleration operation, the constant speed operation and the deceleration operation,
The motor control unit stores information for determining whether the operation state is at least the initial speed operation, and includes a status register that is updated according to the operation state,
The processor is
A first step of giving the operation start command after giving the parameter setting command to the motor control unit;
A second step of waiting for a predetermined time from when the operation start command is given;
A third step of reading the information from the status register;
A fourth step of determining whether the operation state of the motor control unit is the initial speed operation based on the information read out in the third step;
When the operation state of the motor control unit is not the initial speed operation, the game machine is configured to execute a fifth step in which the operation start command is again given to the motor control unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the waiting time in the second step is determined based on the first step number. In a gaming machine comprising: a motor that moves a movable part of a gaming machine; a motor control unit that generates a drive signal for the motor; and a processing unit that provides a command for controlling the motor to the motor control unit.
The motor controller is
An initial speed operation for driving the motor at a predetermined first step number at a predetermined initial speed;
Accelerating operation in which the motor is driven by a second number of steps such that the speed of the initial speed operation is changed to the speed of constant speed operation;
A constant speed operation for driving the motor at a third step number at the speed of the constant speed operation;
A decelerating operation in which the motor is driven by a fourth step number so as to return from the speed of the constant speed operation to the speed of the initial speed operation;
The processing unit generates and gives a parameter setting command for setting the speed of the constant speed operation, the second step number, the third step number, and the fourth step number to the motor control unit. And giving an operation start command for sequentially executing the initial speed operation, the acceleration operation, the constant speed operation and the deceleration operation,
The motor control unit stores information for determining whether the operating state is at least the initial speed operation, and includes a status register that is updated in response to reading of the information,
The processor is
A first step of giving the operation start command after giving the parameter setting command to the motor control unit;
A second step of reading the information from the status register;
A third step of re-reading the information from the status register;
A fourth step of determining whether the operation state of the motor control unit is the initial speed operation based on the information read out in the third step;
When the operation state of the motor control unit is not the initial speed operation, the game machine is configured to execute a fifth step in which the operation start command is again given to the motor control unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the interval between the second step and the third step is determined based on the number of the first steps.   5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit prohibits interruption by another process while executing the second step to the fourth step.

Images