JP7446004B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a reel gaming machine (slot machine), an enclosed gaming machine, or a medalless slot machine.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game machine including a control means (IC, etc.) for a DC motor that drives a movable body has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2020-377 Publication

However, conventional game machines have room for improvement in controlling the DC motor.

An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine that is characterized by the control of a DC motor.

The game machine according to the present invention includes:
DC motor and
a rotating body that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of designs along the rotational direction;
DC motor control means for controlling the DC motor;
a game progress control means for controlling the game progress;
A game machine comprising:
The game progress control means is a means capable of periodically transmitting rotation instruction information instructing a predetermined amount of rotation to the DC motor control means,
The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting stop information instructing a stop to the DC motor control means,
The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the rotation of the DC motor by continuing to periodically receive the rotation instruction information,
The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the stop of the DC motor when the periodic reception of the rotation instruction information is finished ,
The DC motor control means is means for controlling the stop of the DC motor based on reception of the stop information.
It is characterized by

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game machine having a feature of controlling a DC motor.

1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 seen from the front side (player side). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a winning line of the slot machine 100. FIG. FIG. 3 shows a circuit block diagram of a control section. It is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) developed in a two-dimensional manner. It is a diagram showing types of winning combinations, names of condition devices, symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, number of payouts, and notes. (a) is an external perspective view of the reel unit 600 from the front with the left reel device 601 taken out; (b) is an external perspective view of the reel unit 600 with the left reel device 601 taken out, viewed from the back side. It is an exploded perspective view of the members constituting the reel device 601 as seen from the front side. It is an exploded perspective view of the members constituting the reel device 601 as seen from the back side. (a) It is an external perspective view of the left reel frame 684 seen from the front side. (b) is an external perspective view of the left reel frame 684 viewed from the back side. (a) It is a front view of the detected part 686. (b) It is a side view of the detected part 686. (c) It is an external perspective view of the detected part 686 seen from the front side. (d) It is an external perspective view of the detected part 686 seen from the back side. (a) A diagram showing the relationship between the light shielding piece 694a of the detected portion 686 and the reel band 680 of the left reel 110. (b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the light shielding piece 694a' of the detected portion 686' and the reel band 680' of the left reel 110 according to a modified example. (a) It is a front view of the backlight module 630. (b) It is a side view of the backlight module 630. (c) An exploded external perspective view of the members constituting the backlight module 630 as seen from the front side. (a) It is a front view of the reel drive part 610. (b) It is a side view of the reel drive part 610. (c) It is an external perspective view of the reel drive unit 610 seen from the front side. (d) It is an external perspective view of the reel drive unit 610 seen from the back side. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the members constituting the reel drive unit 610, viewed from the front side. It is an exploded perspective view of the members constituting the reel mounting part 610, viewed from the back side. (a) is a front view showing a state in which a reel motor unit 614 and a gear unit 616 are attached to a mounting plate 612; (b) is an external perspective view of a state in which the reel motor unit 614 and the gear unit 616 are attached to the mounting plate 612, as seen from the gear unit 616 side. (a) It is a side view of the reel drive part 610 with the gear unit cover 618 removed. (b) is a side view of the reel device 601 with the gear unit cover 618, reel band 680, and backlight module 630 removed. 3 is a circuit block diagram showing a main control unit 300 and a motor control board 606a. FIG. (a) is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the setting board 606d, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a register. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of main control unit main processing. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of main control unit timer interrupt processing. (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400, and (c) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. 5 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing by the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. (a) is a flowchart of the main process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the second sub-control unit 500, and (c) is a flowchart of the main process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. 3 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing changes in control information and status information over time. (a) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the relationship between the interval T and the rotation amount of the reel R collapses, and (b) is a diagram showing an example in which the reel R is rotated at the designated rotation speed after accelerating to a rotation speed faster than the designated rotation speed. It is a figure which shows an example when decelerating to speed and rotating at a constant speed. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the interval T is decreased in response to an increase in the designated rotational speed to maintain the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the interval T is increased in response to a decrease in the designated rotational speed to maintain the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation using rotation instruction information including rotation speed instruction information. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation|movement in the case of decelerating the rotational speed of a reel. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation using rotation instruction information including rotation speed instruction information. It is a figure which shows an example of a step. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the adjustment rotation amount. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the production operation of the reels 110 to 112. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the left reel 110 with respect to rotation instruction information. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the acceleration operation|movement of a reel after a reel action is executed. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a part of rotation instruction information transmitted while the left reel 110 is rotating and the actual positional relationship of the left reel 110. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example in which stop information is added to the rotation instruction information described in FIG. 28. FIG. (a) is a block diagram that transmits information from the main control unit 300 to the test machine 900 via the IF board 800, and (b) is an IF board that converts the control signal of the DC motor into the control signal of the stepping motor. 800 is a diagram showing an example of a signal when using the 800.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A gaming machine (slot machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The slot machine of the present embodiment described below starts rotating when a predetermined number of game media are inserted and a plurality of reels each having a plurality of types of symbols receive a predetermined rotation start instruction operation. At the same time, based on the acceptance of the rotation start instruction operation, the internal winning of multiple types of winning combinations is determined by lottery, and each of the plurality of reels individually rotates by receiving a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation. If the winning combination based on the lottery result and the combination of symbols when the plurality of reels stop match the predetermined payout conditions, the game media will be paid out and the game will end; if not, the game will end. This is a game machine that plays a series of games that end without paying out game media.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be explained using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 viewed from the front side (player side).

A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine of the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. .

A reel unit 600 (see FIG. 6) that accommodates three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) is disposed in the center of the main body 101. Although details will be described later, each of the reels 110 to 112 includes a reel band 680 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) on which a plurality of types of symbols (see FIG. 4) are printed at equal intervals.

From the player's perspective, the symbols on the reel band 680 of the reels 110 to 112 are approximately three displayed vertically from the symbol display window 113 provided in front of each reel 110 to 112, for a total of nine symbols. is now visible. By rotating each reel 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each reel 110 to 112 functions as a display device that variably displays combinations of a plurality of types of symbols.

Note that as such a display device, in addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be employed. Further, in this embodiment, three reels are arranged at the center of the main body 101, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

The notification lamp 123 indicates, for example, that a specific winning combination (specifically, special winning combination 1 or special winning combination 2) has been internally won in an internal lottery to be described later, or that a bonus game is being played (special winning combination 1 or 2 game). This is a lamp that informs the player that the game is currently in progress. The game medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp for informing the player that game medals can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no need to insert medals) when the player wins a replay that is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It's a lamp. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for performance.

The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, one coin is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed, up to a maximum of three coins, two coins are inserted when the bet button 131 is pressed, and three coins are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed. It has become so. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 will also be referred to as the MAX bet button. In addition, the game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps according to the number of inserted medals, and when a specified number of medals are inserted, a game start signal indicating that the game start operation is possible. Lamp 121 lights up.

The performance button 156 is an operation means that can be operated by the player. In this embodiment, the button is configured to be pressed and operated by the player, and is used for various effects. The operating means used for such effects are not limited to buttons, but may be configured with levers, touch panels, etc., or may include a plurality of operating means.

The medal slot 141 is an slot for the player to insert medals at the time of starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal slot 141, and the term "insertion" includes both. be.

The stored medal number display 125 is a display device for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for numerically displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game). The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning some winning combination, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing a push order effect. In this example, the stored coin count display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout coin count display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired number of medals is inserted into the medal slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start rotating. The operation on the start lever 135 is called a game start operation.

The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139, each of which includes a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-shaped switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each reel 110 to 112. More specifically, by operating the left stop button 137, the left reel 110 can be stopped, by operating the middle stop button 138, the middle reel 111 can be stopped, and by operating the right stop button 139, the middle reel 111 can be stopped. By operating the right reel 112, it is possible to stop the right reel 112.

Hereinafter, the operations on the stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation will be referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation will be referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation will be referred to as a third stop operation.

Further, the reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are referred to as a first stop reel, a second stop reel, and a third stop reel in this order. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are stopped in order to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is referred to as an operation order or a pressing order.

The operation order (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is when the left stop button 137 is represented by "left or R", the middle stop button 138 is represented by "middle or C", and the right stop button 139 is represented by "right or R". , (1) left → center → right operation order (left center right or LCR), (2) left → right → center operation order (left right center or LRC), (3) middle → left → right operation order ( (center left/right or CLR), (4) middle → right → left operation order (center right left or CRL), (5) right → left → middle operation order (right left center or RLC), (6) right → center → left There are six types of operation orders (right-center-left or RCL). Furthermore, the order of operations in which the first stop operation is an operation to stop the left reel 110 is called "order of push operations" or simply "push in order", and the order of operations in which the first stop operation is an operation to stop the right reel 112 is called "order of push operations" or simply "push in order". This is called "reverse push operation order" or simply "reverse push."

Note that a light emitting body may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitting body can be turned on to notify the player.

The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove the inserted medals when the medals are jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button for settling medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and bet medals, and discharging them from the medal payout port 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and pasting various certificate stamps. At the bottom of the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal receiving tray 161 are provided.

The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. Side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to enliven the game. A presentation device 160 is disposed at the top of the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided at the top of the presentation device 160.

This production device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (production image display device), and when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b open horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears in front of the slot machine 100 (on the player side). It becomes.

Note that the display device does not have to be a liquid crystal display device, but may be any display device that can display various performance images and various game information, such as a multi-segment display (7 segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, etc. , a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape, and the entire display screen is configured to be visible to the player. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. Furthermore, a decoration (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen so that a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen appear oddly shaped. Although the display screen is a flat surface in this embodiment, it may be a curved surface.

Additionally, inside the main body 101, there are setting keys that can be turned on and off by rotation, and operations for changing settings (setting value change operation) and checking settings by pressing. There is a setting switch that allows you to The setting key is an operation means for starting to change or check the setting values (in this example, settings 1 to 6), and the setting switch can set one of the multiple setting values. This is one of the settings methods.

<Winning line>
Next, the winning line will be explained using FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a winning line of the slot machine 100.

As explained using FIG. 1, when viewed from the player, approximately three symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed vertically from the symbol display window 113 provided in front of each reel 110 to 112. A total of nine patterns are visible.

Specifically, the symbols displayed on the upper row of the left reel 110 (position 1 shown in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 1) are the left reel upper row symbol and the middle row of the left reel 110 (position 2 shown in the figure; symbol position 1). The symbols displayed on the left reel 110 (position 3; also referred to as symbol position 3) are referred to as the left reel middle symbols, and the symbols displayed on the lower row of the left reel 110 (position 3 shown in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 3) are referred to as the left reel lower symbols.

In addition, the symbol displayed in the upper row of the middle reel 111 (position 4 shown in the diagram; also referred to as symbol position 4) is the middle reel upper row symbol, and the symbol displayed in the middle row of the middle reel 111 (position 5 shown in the diagram; also referred to as symbol position 5). ) is called a middle reel middle row symbol, and the symbol displayed at the lower row of the middle reel 111 (position 6 shown in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 6) is called a middle reel lower row symbol.

In addition, the symbols displayed in the upper row of the right reel 112 (position 7 shown in the diagram; also referred to as symbol position 7) are the right reel upper row symbols, and the symbols displayed in the middle row of the right reel 112 (position 8 shown in the diagram; also referred to as symbol position 8). ) is referred to as the right reel middle symbol, and the symbol displayed in the lower row of the right reel 112 (position 9 shown in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 9) is referred to as the right reel lower row symbol.

In the present embodiment, the winning line is a middle winning line L1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a winning line) consisting of a left reel middle symbol (symbol position 2), a middle reel middle symbol (symbol position 5), and a right reel middle symbol (symbol position 8). ) is provided.

Here, the winning line is a line set at the stop position of the symbols that can be visually recognized through the symbol display window 113, and whether the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination described using FIG. 5 is displayed or not. This is the line on which it is judged whether or not the lines are lined up. The valid winning line (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "valid line") is predetermined by the number of medals bet as gaming media.

The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a three-copy bet-only machine, and when the number of medals inserted is less than three, none of the winning lines become valid, and when three medals are bet, the winning line L1 becomes effective. When the winning line becomes valid, the game can be started by operating the start lever 135.

Hereinafter, in the symbol display window 113, symbol positions 2, 5, and 8 on the winning line L1 are "winning positions", and other symbol positions, that is, symbol positions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 are "non-winning positions". Sometimes referred to as "winning position". That is, the winning position refers to the position on the winning line where the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination stop.

Note that the number of winning lines is not limited to one line. For example, in addition to the winning line L1, there is an upper winning line consisting of left reel upper symbols, middle reel upper symbols, and right reel upper symbols, and a left reel lower symbol, middle reel lower symbols, and right reel lower symbols. A total of three winning lines, including the lower winning lines, may be set as valid winning lines, or a number of winning lines corresponding to the number of medals bet may be set as valid winning lines.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control section of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail using FIG. 3. Note that this figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control section.

The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be roughly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, and a main control unit 300 that controls the main performance according to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as “commands”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. The second sub-control unit 500 controls various devices based on commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400.

<Main control section>
First, the main control section 300 of the slot machine 100 will be explained. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300, and this basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in internal lottery for winning combinations, and reel symbols. A ROM 306 that stores arrays, stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 310 for controlling input/output of various devices, and a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc. It is equipped with a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and the same applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later.

The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is sent to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 uses this interrupt request as a trigger to monitor each sensor and transmit drive pulses. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the frequency division data of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time of the interrupt is 256 x 47 ÷ 8 MHz. =1.504ms.

The main control unit 300 includes a random value generation circuit 316 (this circuit has two built-in random value generation circuits) that derives a value in the range of 0 to 65535 every time it receives a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 315a. ) and a start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on, and when the start signal is input from the start signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 Start game control (start main control section main processing described later).

Random value generation circuit 316 generates random values used in basic circuit 302. There are two types of methods for generating random numbers in the random number generation circuit 316: a counter mode and a random number mode. In the counter mode, a numerical value that is counted up (down) at a predetermined time interval is obtained and the numerical value is derived as a random value. There are two additional methods for random number mode. The first method in the random number mode is to use a random value seed to perform an operation according to a predetermined function (for example, a modulus function), and derive the result of this operation as a random number value. The second method is to read a numerical value from a random number table in which numerical values in the range of 0 to 65535 are randomly arranged, and derive the read numerical value as a random numerical value. The random value generation circuit 316 uses white noise superimposed on signals input from various sensors 318 to the sensor circuit 320 to obtain irregular values. The random number generation circuit 316 uses the obtained value as the initial value of a counter that counts up (down) in counter mode, as a seed for a random number, or when determining the reading start position of the random number table. use

The main control unit 300 also includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 detects various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medals inserted from the medal slot 141) at each interrupt time. medal reception sensor, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, payment button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, reel device described below. The state of the photosensors 601 to 603 (photo sensors 642, etc.) is monitored.

Note that when the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random value generation circuit 316. The random number generation circuit 316 that receives this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random number used for the lottery.

Two medal reception sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal slot 141, and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect a start operation by a player. A left stop button 137 sensor, a middle stop button 138 sensor, and a right stop button 139 sensor are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect operations of the stop buttons by the player.

A bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, and a bet button 132 sensor are installed in each of the corresponding bet buttons 130 to 132, and are used to input medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 into a game. Detects the input operation when inputting. The payment button 134 sensor is provided on the payment button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored medals are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals paid out by the medal payout device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

Although the details will be described later, the photosensors 642 of the reel devices 601 to 603 are installed at predetermined positions of each reel device 601 to 603, and the light shielding pieces 694a of the detected portions 686 provided on the reels 110 to 112 (Fig. (see (a), etc.) becomes L level while passing. The CPU 304 determines the position of the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 in the rotational direction based on the detection result of the photosensor 642, and stops and displays the target symbol at a predetermined symbol position in the symbol display window 113. Brake control, stop control, etc. of the reels 110 to 112 are performed.

The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 324 that drives a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that selects the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives a motor provided in the medal payout device 180, and various lamps 336 (winning line display lamp). 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, stored number display 125, game information display 126, payout number display 127) are driven. A drive circuit 328 is provided.

Furthermore, a motor control board 606a for controlling a motor 614a (see FIG. 15, etc.) that rotates the reels 110 to 112 is connected to the basic circuit 302. The motor control board 606a is a control circuit that controls the rotation of the motor 614a based on the position of the rotor within the motor 614a detected by the encoder 614e, thereby rotating the reels 110 to 112. By using the motor control board 606a, the processing load of controlling the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 on the main control section 300 can be reduced. Note that details of the motor control board 606a will be described later.

Further, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 connects a slot to an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334. Outputs gaming information (for example, information indicating gaming status) of the machine 100.

The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from a power management unit (not shown). If the value is less than a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 302.

Further, the main control section 300 is provided with an output interface for transmitting commands to the first sub-control section 400, and enables communication with the first sub-control section 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400. However, the configuration is such that signals such as commands cannot be transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

<Sub-control unit>
Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be explained. The first sub-control unit 400 receives the control command sent by the main control unit 300 via the input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on this control command, and this basic circuit 402 is connected to a CPU 404 for temporarily storing data. It is equipped with a RAM 408, an I/O 410 for controlling input/output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling backlight lighting patterns, various displays, and the like.

The CPU 404 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

Further, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound source IC 418, and speakers 272 and 277 are provided with the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the audio output from the amplifier and speakers 272 and 277 in accordance with commands from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which audio data is stored, and the audio data acquired from this ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.

The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input/output interface. It is connected.

The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 424 is provided with the shutter 163 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 426, and the sensor circuit 426 includes a shutter sensor 428 that can detect the position of the shutter 163 via an input interface, and a press operation of the production button 156. is connected to a production button sensor 430 that can detect. The CPU 404 monitors the states of the shutter sensor 428 and the effect button sensor 430 at each interrupt time.

Further, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to and from the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the effect device 160 including display control of the effect image display device 157 (hereinafter also referred to as "liquid crystal display device 157"). Note that the second sub-control unit 500 is, for example, a control unit that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157, a control unit that controls various production drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls motor drive of the shutter 163). It may be configured with a plurality of control units, such as.

The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on this control command. This basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 510 for controlling input/output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time, number of times, etc. It is equipped with 512. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, and the like.

The CPU 504 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 504 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

Further, the second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a VDP 516 (video display processor), and a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 are connected to the VDP 516 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads image data etc. stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

<Design arrangement>
Next, the symbol arrangement provided on each of the above-mentioned reels 110 to 112 will be explained using FIG. 4. Note that FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112).

On each reel 110 to 112, a predetermined number of symbols (in this embodiment, 20 symbols with numbers 0 to 19) of a plurality of types (in this embodiment, 9 types) shown on the right side of the figure are arranged. . Further, the numbers 0 to 19 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on each reel 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, the number 0 piece on the left reel 110 has a "watermelon symbol," the number 1 piece on the middle reel 111 has a "bell symbol," and the number 0 piece on the right reel 112 has a "replay symbol." ” are arranged respectively.

<Type of winning role>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be explained using FIG. 5. In addition, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations, the name of the condition device, the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, the number of payouts, and notes.

The winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include special prizes (special prize 1, special prize 2), general prizes (replayed prizes 1 to 3, small prizes 1 to 5), and the like. Note that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these winning combinations, and can be arbitrarily adopted, and some of the winning combinations are not shown in FIG. 5.

<Types of winning roles/special roles>
Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, special combination 1 and special combination 2 are combinations that shift to a special gaming state in which a predetermined profit is given to the player. Furthermore, the replay combination is a combination that allows replay without inserting new medals (a combination to which replay is granted). These winning combinations are sometimes called "actuation combinations."

In addition, "winning" in this embodiment includes cases where a symbol combination of an operating combination that does not involve a payout of medals (does not involve a payout of medals) is displayed on the winning line; for example, special winning combination 1, This includes winning the special winning combination 2 and the replay winning combination.

Special role 1 and special role 2 are winning roles in which the gaming state shifts to the special role 1/2 internal winning state (RT3) due to internal winning, and the gaming state changes to the special role 1/2 gaming state (RT4) due to winning. It is. In addition, when medals exceeding the prescribed number (for example, 200) are paid out in the special role 1/2 gaming state (RT4), the gaming state shifts to a low replay probability state (RT1).
Note that each gaming state (RT1 to RT4) will be described later.

The symbol combinations that correspond to Special Role 1 (BB) are "Seven 1 symbol - Seven 1 symbol - Seven 1 symbol" or "Seven 2 symbol - Seven 2 symbol - Seven 2 symbol", and for Special Role 2 (RB). The corresponding symbol combination is "BAR symbol-BAR symbol-BAR symbol".

When the special winning combination 1 or special winning combination 2 is internally won, the special winning internal winning flag corresponding to this internally winning winning combination is set to ON (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). This flag remains on until the internally won winning combination is won, and it becomes easier to win the internally winning winning combination in subsequent games. In other words, in a game where the special role 1 or 2 is internally won, even if the special role is not won, the special role will be internally won in the next game or later (RT3), and the symbols corresponding to the special role When the combinations are aligned, it is easy to win a prize.

<Types of winning roles/replaying roles>
Re-gaming combinations 1 to 3 are winning combinations (activation combinations) that allow players to play the next game without inserting medals (gaming media) by winning a prize, and no medals are paid out. The corresponding symbol combinations are as shown in FIG. Note that the replay combination may be any combination that allows the player to play the next game without inserting medals. Therefore, for example, when winning a re-game winning combination, medals may be automatically inserted in the next game (the number of inserted medals is reset in the storage area for the number of inserted medals), or when winning a re-gaming winning combination It may also be possible to carry over the medals inserted in the next game and use them as they are in the next game.

<Types of winning roles/small roles>
Small winning combinations 1 to 5 are winning winning combinations in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out (there is a number of medals to be paid out) upon winning.

Small winning combination 1 (watermelon) is a winning combination in which, upon winning, a symbol combination of "watermelon pattern - watermelon pattern - watermelon pattern" is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1, and five medals are paid out.

Small winning combination 2 (Cherry) is a winning winning combination in which the symbol combination "Cherry symbol-ANY-ANY" is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1 and two medals are paid out. The symbol combination "Cherry symbol - ANY-ANY" indicates that the symbol on the left reel 110 only needs to be the "cherry symbol", and the symbols on the middle reel 111 and right reel 112 can be any symbol. .

Hereinafter, these small roles 1 (Watermelon) and 2 (Cherry) may be collectively referred to as "rare roles," but rare roles are not limited to these winning roles, and may be It may be one of the winning combinations, or other winning combinations may be added.

The minor winning combination 3 (press order bell) is composed of six types of winning combinations: the minor winning combination 3a to the minor winning combination 3f. In this example, one of the winning combinations from small winning combinations 3a to 3f is internally won by a lottery with a predetermined probability (approximately 1/6 in this example, common to all settings), and the winning combination is stopped by pressing the stop buttons 137 to 139. If the order of operations (press order) matches the correct press order corresponding to the internally won winning combination, a prize is won and 12 medals are paid out.

For small winning combination 4 (common bell), the symbol combination "bell symbol - bell symbol - bell symbol" is placed on the winning line L1, regardless of the operation order (press order) or operation timing of the stop operations using the stop buttons 137 to 139. This is a winning combination that is stopped and displayed and 12 medals are paid out.

In the small role 5 (1-card role), the symbol combination of "Replay symbol - Replay symbol - Blank 1 symbol" is the winning line L1, regardless of the operation order (press order) or operation timing of the stop operation using the stop buttons 137 to 139. This is a winning combination that is stopped and displayed above and one medal is paid out.

<Types of RT-type gaming states>
Next, the types and transitions of RT-based gaming states in the slot machine 100 will be explained.

<Low replay probability state (RT1)>
The low replay probability state (RT1) is the default RT-type gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as "normal gaming state") that is initially set immediately after the slot machine 100 is powered on, and is a This is a gaming state that is relatively disadvantageous compared to other gaming states.

In this example, in this low re-gaming probability state (RT1), when re-gaming combination 2 (promotion replay 1) or re-gaming combination 3 (promotion replay 2) is won, the re-gaming high probability state (RT2) described below is entered. to move to. Further, in this re-gaming low probability state (RT1), if the special winning combination 1 or special winning combination 2 is won internally, the state shifts to the special winning combination 1 and 2 internal winning state (RT3), which will be described later.

<High replay probability state (RT2)>
The re-gaming high probability state is a gaming state in which the internal winning probability of re-gaming is higher than the re-gaming low probability state (RT1).

In this example, in this re-gaming high probability state (RT2), when special winning combination 1 or special winning combination 2 is internally won, the state shifts to special winning combination 1 and 2 internal winning state (RT3), which will be described later.

<Special role 1 and 2 internal winning status (RT3)>
The special prize 1/2 internal winning state (RT3) is a state in which the internal winning flag corresponding to special prize 1 or special prize 2 is set to ON, and when the player performs a stop operation at a predetermined timing, This is a gaming state in which a symbol combination corresponding to the special combination corresponding to this flag can be displayed.

In this example, when a special prize 1 or special prize 2 is won in this special prize 1/2 internal winning state (RT3), the state shifts to a special game state (RT4) to be described later.

<Special gaming state (RT4)>
The special gaming state (RT4) is the most advantageous gaming state for the player among all the gaming states. In this example, in the special gaming state (RT4), when a specified number of coins (for example, 200 coins) are paid out, the state shifts to the low re-gaming probability state (RT1).

In this example, the conditions for ending the special gaming state (RT4) are not particularly limited, and may include, for example, when a predetermined role is won internally, when a predetermined number of prizes (e.g., 8) are won, or when a predetermined prize is won. It may be the case that the game is played a number of times (for example, six times).

<Transition of AT system game state>
Next, the AT system game state will be explained.

The AT system gaming state is broadly divided into a low navigation state and a high navigation state. The low navigation state is a state in which the probability that operation navigation will be executed is low, and is also referred to as a normal mode, a non-advantageous section, or a normal section. The high navigation state is a state in which the probability of operation navigation being executed is higher than the low navigation state, and is also referred to as an AT mode or an advantageous section.

Here, the operation navigation refers to an effect that notifies the stop operation mode (for example, correct operation order and stop operation timing) of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in order to obtain medals and maintain an advantageous gaming state. , an effect that notifies the correct operation order of a push order combination (for example, small role 3 (press order bell LCR)) (for example, an effect that displays characters "left → middle → right"), etc.

A high navigation state is a gaming state more advantageous to the player than a low navigation state because an advantageous result is brought to the player when a stop operation is performed in accordance with the operation contents of the operation navigation. Here, advantageous means, specifically, the total number of gaming media paid out by the gaming machine compared to the total number of gaming media used by the player as the number of bets on the gaming machine when playing games for a predetermined period of time. It means that the ratio, so-called payout rate (ball output rate), is advantageous.

Note that in this example, the low navigation state is a state where the probability of executing operation navigation is low, and the high navigation state is a state where the probability of executing operation navigation is higher than the low navigation state. The state where operation navigation is not executed and the high navigation state may be changed to the state where operation navigation is executed.

Each AT system game state is subdivided and managed, and this is called a performance state. In detail, the performance states in the low navigation state include the normal gaming state, and the performance states in the high navigation state include the normal state, confirmed notification state, judge state, pullback state, AT1 state, AT2 state, and ED (ending) state. There is. Note that the AT1 state, AT2 state, and ED state are states in which the number of balls produced increases in principle.

In this embodiment, when a certain condition is satisfied in the normal gaming state of the low navigation state (for example, when winning a winning combination other than a loss), the game shifts to the normal gaming state of the high navigation state. After that, for example, the transition occurs in the order of confirmed notification state → AT1 state → Judge state, and from this judge state via the pullback state to the normal gaming state or AT2 state, or directly from the judge state, AT2 There are routes etc. to transition to the state.

The AT state (AT1 state, AT2 state) is a state in which AT games can be played a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 games in one set), and is more effective than the normal gaming state with low navigation state or the normal state with high navigation state. This is an advantageous situation for the player.

In this AT game, in the starting game of the AT game, a set continuation lottery (for example, a lottery with a winning probability of 1/4) is executed to determine whether or not to continue the AT game, and if this set continuation lottery is won, an additional number of predetermined times will be drawn. (In this example, one set of 30 games) AT games are provided, and the AT state is extended. Further, when the conditions for transition to the normal gaming state are satisfied in the AT state (in this example, when all games in the AT state are played), the next game will be shifted to the normal gaming state.

Furthermore, when the number of remaining games in the high navigation state becomes less than a predetermined number of games (for example, 20 games), the state shifts to the ED state, and in this ED state, an ED (ending) effect indicating the end of the high navigation state is executed. Ru. Note that the condition for transitioning to the ED state is not limited to the remaining games in the high navigation state being less than or equal to a predetermined number of games (for example, 20 games); for example, the predetermined number of games may be more than or less than 20 games. , "number of acquired coins + expected difference in number of acquired coins>2000".

<Reel unit>
Next, the reel unit 600 will be described in detail using FIG. 6.

FIG. 6(a) is an external perspective view of the reel unit 600 with the left reel device 601 taken out, as seen from the front side, and FIG. 6(b) is an external perspective view of the reel unit 600 with the left reel device 601 taken out. FIG.

The reel unit 600 includes a left reel device 601 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "reel device 601") that includes a left reel 110, and a middle reel device 602 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "reel device 602") that includes a middle reel 111. ), a right reel device 603 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "reel device 603") including the right reel 112, a reel frame 604 capable of accommodating these three reel devices 601 to 603, and this reel. It is configured to include a reel board unit 606 disposed above a frame 604.

Prior to explaining the reel devices 601 to 603, which are the features of the present invention, the reel frame 604 and the reel board unit 606 will first be explained.

<Reel unit/reel frame>
The reel frame 604 is a box-shaped member having an internal space capable of accommodating the reel devices 601 to 603, and an opening through which the reels 110 to 112 are visible is formed on the front side. Although the reel frame 604 in this example is made of plastic, the material of the reel frame 604 is not particularly limited, and may be metal, wood, or the like.

A reel board unit 606, which will be described later, is arranged above the reel frame 604, and a plurality of types of heat radiation holes 604a to 604c are formed on the back and side surfaces of the reel frame 604. The heat radiation holes 604a to 604c are all through holes for releasing heat generated by the reel devices 601 to 603, the reel board unit 606, etc. to the outside of the reel frame 604.

Specifically, in this example, three oblong elliptical heat radiation holes 604a are formed at predetermined intervals on the upper back surface of the reel frame 604 (below the reel board unit 606). Six elliptical heat dissipation holes 604b are formed at predetermined intervals in the rear direction of the reel devices 601 to 603), and slit-like holes are formed in both widthwise ends of the reel frame 604 (in the side direction of the reel devices 601 and 603). Four heat radiation holes 604c are formed on each side at predetermined intervals. It goes without saying that the location, shape, number, etc. of these heat radiation holes 604a to 604c are not limited to this example.

Further, in the opening of the reel frame 604, reel fixing parts 604d for fixing the reel side plates 650 of the reel devices 601 to 603 are provided on the upper and lower edges corresponding to the three reel devices 601 to 603. There are 6 locations in total, 3 locations each. With the reel devices 601 to 603 accommodated in the inner space of the reel frame 604, the reel side plates 650 of the reel devices 601 to 603 are screwed to the reel fixing portion 604d with screws 651a (only a portion is shown in FIG. 6). Thus, it is possible to fix the reel devices 601 to 603 to the reel frame 604.

<Reel unit/Reel board unit>
The reel board unit 606 arranged above the reel frame 604 includes a motor control board 606a, a relay terminal board 606b electrically connected to the motor control board 606a, a setting board 606d, and these motor control boards. 606a, a relay terminal plate 606b, and a reel board cover 606c disposed to cover a part of the setting board 606d.

The motor control board 606a is a board on which electronic components for controlling the reel devices 601 to 603 are mounted. Further, the relay terminal board 606b is a board equipped with a terminal (connector) to which a harness or the like for electrically connecting the motor control board 606a and the basic circuit 302 (see FIG. 3) of the main control unit 300 can be attached. be. The setting board 606d is connected to the motor control board 606a and is a board for performing various settings. These boards are protected by a reel board cover 606c.

<Reel device>
Next, the reel devices 601 to 603, which are the features of the present invention, will be described in detail using FIGS. 7 to 17.

Note that since the structures of the left reel device 601, middle reel device 602, and right reel device 603 of the slot machine 100 of this example are the same, only the left reel device 601 (reel device 601) will be described hereafter. The reel drive mechanism described in 2 may be applied only to some of the left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112, or in addition to (or instead of) the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, the right reel 112, and other auxiliary reels.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the members that make up the reel device 601 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the members that make up the reel device 601 as seen from the back side. be.

The reel device 601 includes a reel 110, a reel drive unit 610 that rotationally drives the reel 110, a backlight module 630 that illuminates the symbols on the reel 110 from the back, and a reel that detects the rotational position of the reel 110. The detection unit 640, the reel side plate 650 for attaching components such as the reel drive unit 610 and the backlight module 630, the bearing unit 660 disposed on the left side 684 of the reel frame of the reel 110, and the reel frame of the reel 110. A coil spring 670 is compressed between the left side 684 and the reel drive section 610.

<Reel device/reel>
Next, the reel 110 of the reel device 601 will be explained.

The reel 110 includes a reel band 680 on which a plurality of types of symbols are printed at equal intervals, a right reel frame 682 and a left reel frame 684 that support both sides of the reel band 680, and a cover fixed to the left reel frame 684. The detection unit 686 is configured to include a detection unit 686.

<Reel device/Reel/Reel band>
The reel band 680 of the reel 110 is a flat ring-shaped member formed by adhering longitudinal ends of rectangular band-shaped members. The reel band 680 in this example is made of transparent and colorless plastic, but the material of the reel band 680 is not particularly limited, and may be paper, wood, metal, rubber, etc., or a colored member. It's okay.

On the outer surface of the reel band 680, a predetermined number of frames (in this example, 20 frames with numbers 0 to 19) are printed at equal intervals of the plurality of types of symbols described using FIG. Note that the number of symbols printed on the reel band 680 is not limited to this example, and may be less than 20 frames, or may be 21 frames or more.

<Reel device/Reel/Reel frame right>
The right reel frame 682 of the reel 110 is a ring-shaped member that supports one side of the reel band 680 (the right side in front view), and is fixed to the right side of the reel band 680 in front view with adhesive or the like. .

The right reel frame 682 in this example is made of transparent and colorless plastic like the reel band 680, but the material of the right reel frame 682 is not particularly limited and may be paper, wood, metal, rubber, etc. Alternatively, it may be a colored member.

<Reel device/Reel/Reel frame left>
The left reel frame 684 of the reel 110 supports the side surface of the reel band 680 opposite to the side surface on which the right reel frame 682 is arranged (the left side surface in front view), and is a ring-shaped reel frame that is rotatably driven by the reel drive section 610. This member is fixed to the left side surface of the reel band 680 when viewed from the front with an adhesive or the like.

The left reel frame 684 in this example is made of colorless and transparent plastic, similar to the reel band 680, but the material of the left reel frame 684 is not particularly limited and may be paper, wood, metal, rubber, etc. Alternatively, it may be a colored member.

FIG. 9A is an external perspective view of the left reel frame 684 viewed from the front side, and FIG. 9B is an external perspective view of the left reel frame 684 viewed from the back side.

The left reel frame 684 is supported by an elongated ring-shaped frame 684a, six rod-shaped frames 684b extending from this frame 684a toward the center of the left reel frame 684, and these six frames 684b. and a cylindrical flange 684c.

The flange 684c is a cylindrical member that protrudes toward the front side (in the direction in which the reel drive unit 610 is disposed) with the six frames 684b as its base end. An opening 690a of a detected portion 686, which will be described later, can be fitted into the outer circumference 684c1 of the flange 684c shown in FIG. 9(a), and as shown in FIG. 9(b), the three frames 684b A claw hole portion 684b1 is formed in which the claw portion 690b of the detected portion 686 can be locked.

With such a structure, by fitting the opening 690a of the detected part 686 into the outer peripheral part 684c1 of the flange 684c and locking the claw part 690b of the detected part 686 into the claw hole part 684b1 of the flange 684c, The detected portion 686 can be fixed to the front side of the left reel frame 684.

Further, an inner space 684c2 of the flange 684c shown in FIG. 9(b) can accommodate a bearing 662, which will be described later, and an insertion hole 684c3 formed in this inner space 684c2 can accommodate a reel drive unit 610, which will be described later. A reel shaft 616e can be inserted therethrough.

With this structure, after the bearing 662 is accommodated in the inner space 684c2 of the flange 684c, one end of the reel shaft 616e of the reel drive unit 610 is inserted into the bearing 662 from the front side of the flange 684c through the insertion hole 684c3 of the flange 684c. By doing so, it is possible to rotatably support the left reel frame 684 by the reel shaft 616e of the reel drive unit 610.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9(a), on the front side of the flange 684c, a power input portion 684c4 having a recess shape into which a power output portion 616c2 of an output gear 616c, which will be described later, can fit is provided at a predetermined interval. Three are formed.

With this structure, by fitting the power output part 616c2 of the output gear 616c to the power input part 684c4 of the flange 684c, the power of the output gear 616c is transmitted to the left reel frame 684, and the reel drive part 610 moves the reel frame. It is possible to drive the left 684 rotationally.

<Reel device/reel/detected part>
Next, the detected portion 686 of the reel 110 will be described using FIGS. 7, 8, and 10.

FIG. 10A is a front view of the detected portion 686, and FIG. 10B is a side view of the detected portion 686. Moreover, the same figure (c) is an external perspective view of the detected part 686 seen from the front side, and the same figure (d) is an external external perspective view of the detected part 686 seen from the back side.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), the detected portion 686 of the reel 110 includes a thin ring-shaped base portion 688 having a circular opening, and a portion of the base portion 688 with the opening of the base portion 688 as the base end. It is constituted by a thin cylindrical reel fixing part 690 integrally extending in the thickness direction.

Although the detected portion 686 in this example is made of black plastic, the material of the detected portion 686 is not particularly limited, and may be metal or the like, or may be a colorless member.

As shown in FIG. 10(a), the base portion 688 includes a small diameter portion 692 having a semicircular shape when viewed from the front, and a large diameter portion 694 having a slightly larger outer diameter than the small diameter portion 692 and having a semicircular shape when viewed from the front. Consisted of. The large diameter portion 694 includes a light shielding piece 694a that protrudes outward in the radial direction, and is configured so that the light shielding piece 694a is detected by a photosensor 642 of a reel detection unit 640, which will be described later.

Furthermore, three openings 694b are formed in the large diameter portion 694, and a portion of the large diameter portion 694 is hollowed out. With this configuration, in the detected part 686, the weight balance between the small diameter part 692 and the large diameter part 694, which have different outer diameters, is adjusted, and when the detected part 686 rotates together with the left reel frame 684, the weight balance is adjusted. It's getting harder to do. This prevents the detection accuracy of the detected portion 686 from decreasing and the rotational balance of the reels 110 to 112 from being disturbed.

Furthermore, in the detected portion 686, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(c), a plurality of reinforcing triangular ribs 696 are formed extending from the base portion 688 to the reel fixing portion 690. , the detected portion 686 is less likely to vibrate when rotating together with the left reel frame 684. This prevents the detection accuracy of the detected portion 686 from decreasing and the rotational balance of the reels 110 to 112 from being disturbed.

The reel fixing part 690 includes a circular opening 690a and three claws 690b integrally extending from the opening 690a as a base end. As described above, the opening 690a of the detected part 686 is fitted into the outer peripheral part 684c1 of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684, and the claw part 690b of the detected part 686 is fitted into the claw hole of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684. By being locked to the portion 684b1, the detected portion 686 can be fixed to the front side of the left reel frame 684.

FIG. 11A is a diagram showing the relationship between the light shielding piece 694a of the detected portion 686 and the reel band 680 of the left reel 110.

As mentioned above, on the outer surface of the reel band 680 of this example, the plurality of types of patterns explained using FIG. There is.

When such a 20-frame reel band 680 is adopted, the detected portion 686 is such that the position of the base end 694a1 of the light-shielding piece 694a is at the boundary position (symbol It is fixed to the left 684 of the reel frame so as to match the position indicated by A).

On the other hand, the terminal end 694a2 of the light-shielding piece 694a is approximately 180 mm wide with respect to the base end 694a1 so as to coincide with the boundary position (position indicated by the symbol B) between the symbols numbered 10 and number 11 on the reel band 680. It is formed in the direction of degree (=360 degrees x (10 frames/20 frames)).

According to this example, the range from the base end 694a1 to the terminal end 694a2 of the light shielding piece 694a corresponds to the symbol range arranged at numbers 11 to 19 and 0 on the reel band 680, and a plurality of light shielding pieces are provided. Compared to the case of In some cases, the control burden on the control unit that detects the signal from the photosensor 642 can be reduced.

Note that the positions of the base end 694a1 and the terminal end 694a2 of the light shielding piece 694a and the corresponding position of the reel band 680 are not particularly limited, and may vary depending on the rotational speed of the reels 110 to 112, the time required for stopping, etc. It may be determined as appropriate based on the following. For example, the range of the corresponding symbols may be different, or the position of the base end 694a1 and the terminal end 694a2 may be at a position that is about 1/3 of the symbol away from the boundary, rather than at the boundary between the symbols. It may be arranged to correspond to the central position.

FIG. 11B is a diagram showing the relationship between the light shielding piece 694a' of the detected portion 686' and the reel band 680' of the left reel 110 according to a modification.

On the outer surface of the reel band 680' of this modification, a plurality of types of symbols are printed at equal intervals for a predetermined number of frames (in this example, 21 frames with numbers 0 to 20).

When such a 21-frame reel band 680' is adopted, the position of the base end 694a1' of the light-shielding piece 694a' of the detected part 686' corresponds to the number 0 and number 1 of the reel band 680'. It is fixed to the left 684 of the reel frame so as to coincide with the boundary position (position indicated by symbol C).

On the other hand, the terminal end 694a2' of the light shielding piece 694a' is set with reference to the base end 694a1' so as to coincide with the boundary position (position indicated by symbol D) between the symbols numbered 11 and number 12 on the reel band 680'. It is formed in a direction of approximately 171 degrees (=360 degrees x (10 frames/21 frames)).

That is, in the detected portion 686' of this example, the length in the longitudinal direction of the light shielding piece 694a' is shorter than that in the case where the 20-frame reel band 680 described using FIG. 11(a) is adopted. In addition, the angle of the terminal end 694a2' is different from that of the base end 694a1', and is inclined slightly toward the base end 694a1' rather than vertically.

Note that the positions of the base end 694a1' and the terminal end 694a2' of the light shielding piece 694a' and the corresponding position of the reel band 680 are not limited to the above example, but may be similar to the example of FIG. 11(a). Similarly, it can be determined as appropriate.

<Reel device/backlight module>
Next, the backlight module 630 of the reel device 601 will be described using FIGS. 7, 8, and 12.

12(a) is a front view of the backlight module 630, FIG. 12(b) is a side view of the backlight module 630, and FIG. 12(c) shows the members constituting the backlight module 630. FIG. 3 is an exploded external perspective view seen from the front side.

The backlight module 630 of the reel device 601 is a component for illuminating the individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 from inside the reel band 680. In this example, the backlight module 630 includes a reflector 632 and a It is composed of a lighting board 634 that is detachably attached and a decorative plate 636 that is disposed on the side surface of the reflector 632.

The backlight module 630 in this example is made of white plastic, but the material of the backlight module 630 is not particularly limited, and may be metal or the like or may be a member of another color. .

In the reflector 632, three openings 632a to 632c are formed in a row in the vertical direction and communicate from the front side to the back side. Further, on the lighting board 634, six LEDs 634a are arranged at positions corresponding to the openings 632a to 632c.

The openings 632a to 632c and the LED 634a of the reflector 632 provided in the left reel device 601 are connected to the symbol position (symbol position 1 explained using FIG. 3)).

The openings 632a to 632c and the LED 634a of the reflector 632 provided in the middle reel device 602 are connected to the symbol position (symbol position 4 explained using FIG. 6)).

The openings 632a to 632c and the LED 634a of the reflector 632 included in the right reel device 603 are connected to the symbol position (symbol position 7 explained using FIG. 9)).

In this example, by arranging six LEDs 634a at positions corresponding to the openings 632a to 632c, the light emitted from one opening does not interfere with the light emitted from other openings. It is configured. Thereby, each of the plurality of symbol positions in the symbol display window 113 can be uniformly irradiated with light.

For example, by lighting all the LEDs 634a, all the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Further, by lighting a part of the LED 634a, some of the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Note that the number and position of the openings and LEDs are not limited to this example.

In this example, in the reflector 632, a plurality of slits (grooves) are formed at predetermined intervals on the lower surface of the upper opening 632a, the upper and lower surfaces of the central opening 632b, and the upper surface of the lower opening 632c. 632d to 632g are provided. Thereby, the light emitted from the LED 634a can be uniformly irradiated onto the symbols located in front, and the visibility of the symbols can be improved.

Furthermore, a slit 632d provided on the lower surface of the upper opening 632a, a slit 632e provided on the upper surface of the central opening 632b, a slit 632f provided on the lower surface of the central opening 632b, and a slit 632f provided on the lower surface of the central opening 632b. The slits 632g provided on the upper surface of the opening 632c are arranged in such a way that the areas where each slit is formed and the area where no slit is formed are alternated in the vertical direction (the positions of the slits are above and below the partition of the opening). ) so that they do not match. This structure prevents light emitted from adjacent openings through the slits from interfering with each other.

<Reel device/reel detection section>
Next, the reel detection section 640 of the reel device 601 will be explained using FIGS. 7 and 8.

The reel detection unit 640 of the reel device 601 includes a photosensor 642 and a sensor bracket 644 for fixing the photosensor 642 at a predetermined position.

The photosensor 642 of the reel detection section 640 is a member for detecting the light shielding piece 694a of the above-mentioned detected section 686, and in this example, it is a transmission type photosensor (with a light emitting element and a light receiving element arranged facing each other). photo interrupter). Note that the photosensor 642 is not limited to a photointerrupter, and other types of sensors may be applied.

One end of the sensor bracket 644 of the reel detection section 640 is fixed and supported by the reel side plate 650 with a screw 651b. On the other hand, a photosensor 642 is attached to the other end of the sensor bracket 644 facing upward, and a light-shielding section 686 arranged above the photosensor 642 is provided between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of this photosensor 642. The piece 694a is configured to pass through. That is, in this example, the photosensor 642 is mounted upward at the 6 o'clock position of the clock. Note that it goes without saying that the orientation and position of the photosensor 642 are not limited to this example.

The main control unit 300 determines the position of the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 in the rotational direction based on the signal output by the photosensor 642, and displays the target symbol stopped at a predetermined symbol position on the symbol display window 113. Brake control, stop control, etc. of the reels 110 to 112 are performed so that the reels 110 to 112 are controlled.

<Reel device/reel side plate>
Next, the reel side plate 650 of the reel device 601 will be described using FIGS. 7 and 8.

The reel side plate (first attachment means) 650 of the reel device 601 includes a base portion 650a made of a plate-like member, and integrally protrudes toward one surface of the base portion 650a with the upper end of the base portion 650a as the base end. The reel frame upper fixing portion 650b is formed, and the reel frame lower fixing portion 650c is integrally formed to protrude toward one surface of the base portion 650a with the lower end of the base portion 650a as the base end.

Although the reel side plate 650 in this example is made of metal, the material of the reel side plate 650 is not particularly limited, and may be plastic, wood, or the like.

One screw hole 650a1 to which the backlight module 630 can be fixed is formed in the base portion 650a of the reel side plate 650, and the backlight module 630 is screwed into this screw hole 650a1 with one screw 651a. It is fixed to the inner surface of the base portion 650a.

Moreover, one screw hole 650a2 to which the sensor bracket 644 of the reel detection section 640 can be fixed is formed in the base part 650a, and the sensor bracket 644 is screwed into this screw hole 650a2 with one screw 651b. , is fixed to the inner surface of the base portion 650a.

Further, the base portion 650a is formed with one screw hole 650a3 at the top and two screw holes at the bottom to which the mounting plate (second mounting means) 612 of the reel drive section 610 can be fixed. , is screwed into this screw hole 650a3 with three screws 651c, and fixed to the inner surface of the base portion 650a.

The base portion 650a also includes a reel shaft through hole 650a4 (see FIG. 8) through which the reel shaft 616e of the gear unit 616 is inserted and rotatably supports the reel shaft 616e, and a reel shaft through hole 650a4 (see FIG. 8) that prevents heat generated by the reel drive portion 610 and the like. A heat radiation hole 650a5 for discharging heat to the outside of the reel side plate 650, a reinforcing groove 650a6, and the like are formed.

Projecting pieces 650b1 and 650c1 each having a screw hole are formed on the reel frame upper fixing part 650b and the reel frame lower fixing part 650c of the reel side plate 650, and as shown in FIG. It is screwed to the reel fixing portion 604d of the reel frame 604 with a screw 651d (only a portion is shown in FIG. 6) via the protruding pieces 650b1 and 650c1.

<Reel device/bearing part>
Next, the bearing portion 660 of the reel device 601 will be explained using FIGS. 7 and 8.

The bearing section 660 includes a bearing 662, a washer 664, and a screw 666.

The bearing 662 of the reel device 601 is a ring-shaped member having a circular opening in the center, and is a bearing that supports one end of a reel shaft 616e of a reel drive unit 610, which will be described later.

The bearing 662 of this example does not include rolling elements such as balls or rollers, and is entirely composed of a resin bearing, but the structure and material of the bearing 662 are not particularly limited, and at least a portion may be made of metal. It may be a bearing, or other types of bearings such as a ball bearing or a roller bearing may be applied. Note that in this embodiment, the resin bearings are used in order to stop the reels 110 to 112, which are rotating at high speed driven by the DC motor, rather than using metal bearings or ball bearings. This is also to increase the friction between the internal space 684c2 of the flange 684c and the reel shaft 616e to make it easier to stop the reels 110-112.

As described above, after the bearing 662 is fixed to the inner space 684c2 (see FIGS. 8 and 9(b)) of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684 with the washer 664 and the screw 666, the reel shaft 616e of the reel drive unit 610 is fixed. By inserting one end into the opening of the bearing 662 through the insertion hole 684c3 of the flange 684c (see FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b)), the left reel frame 684 can be rotated by the reel shaft 616e of the reel drive unit 610. It is now possible to support

According to this example, even when the reels 110 to 112 are rotated at high speed in a reel production or the like, the bearings 662 suppress vibrations of the reel shaft 616e that supports the reels 110 to 112, so that the reels 110 -112 can be stably rotated at high speed. Furthermore, since the resin bearing 662 has a high coefficient of friction, it is possible to smoothly and quickly reduce the rotational speed of the reel shaft 616e when the reels 110 to 112 are stopped. , the performance effect of the reels 110 to 112 can be enhanced.

<Reel device/coil spring>
Next, the coil spring 670 of the reel device 601 will be explained using FIGS. 7 and 8.

The coil spring 670 of the reel device 601 is compressed between the left reel frame 684 of the reel 110 and the output gear 616c of the reel drive unit 610 (see FIGS. 8 and 14(a)). With this structure, the left reel frame 684 is urged in a direction away from the output gear 616c of the reel drive section 610.

Although the coil spring 670 of this example is formed of metal, the material of the coil spring 670 is not particularly limited, and may be rubber or the like. Furthermore, the biasing means for biasing the left reel frame 684 and the reel drive unit 610 in a direction away from each other is not limited to a coil spring, and other types of biasing means may be applied.

<Reel drive unit/overall configuration>
Next, the overall configuration of the reel drive section 610 of the reel device 601 will be described using FIG. 13.

FIG. 13A is a front view of the reel drive section 610, and FIG. 13B is a side view of the reel drive section 610. Further, FIG. 6C is an external perspective view of the reel driving section 610 seen from the front side, and FIG.

The reel drive unit 610 (driving means) mainly includes a mounting plate (second mounting means) 612 made of a plate-like member, and one side (first side) of this mounting plate 612.Hereinafter, referred to as "reel motor unit 614" A reel motor unit 614 that is attached to the other side of the mounting plate 612 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “gear unit 616 side”), It is constituted by a gear unit cover 618 disposed to cover a part of this gear unit 616.

<Reel drive unit/components>
Next, the members constituting the reel driving section 610 will be described in detail using FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the members constituting the reel drive unit 610 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the members constituting the reel drive unit 610 as seen from the back side. It is a diagram.

<Reel drive unit/mounting plate>
The mounting plate (second mounting means) 612 of the reel drive unit 610 includes a base portion 612a made of a plate-like member, and one side (first side) of the base portion 612a with the upper end of the base portion 612a as the base end. An upper fixing plate 612b integrally formed to protrude toward one side (first side) of the base portion 612a with the lower end of the base portion 612a as the base end and the upper fixing plate 612b having an L-shape in side view. The lower fixing plate 612c is formed to protrude and has an L-shape when viewed from the side.

Although the mounting plate 612 in this example is made of metal, the material of the mounting plate 612 is not particularly limited, and may be plastic, wood, or the like.

As shown in the side view of FIG. 13(b), the height of the upper fixing plate 612b and lower fixing plate 612c of the mounting plate 612 is designed to be higher than the thickness of the motor 614a of the reel motor unit 614. , one side (first side) of the mounting plate 612 functions as a housing space in which the motor 614a can be housed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, two screw holes 612a1 to which the reel motor unit 614 can be attached are formed on the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) of the base portion 612a of the mounting plate 612. The reel motor unit 614 is screwed into this screw hole 612a1 with two screws 651e, and the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) is formed by an upper fixing plate 612b and a lower fixing plate 612c. Fixed within the inner space.

The base portion 612a is formed with a through hole 612a2 through which the drive gear 614b of the reel motor unit 614 can be inserted. It is fixed to the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) of the mounting plate 612 while protruding toward the second side.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the base portion 612a is formed with four screw holes 612a3 to which a gear unit cover 618, which will be described later, can be fixed. and is fixed to the gear unit 616 side (second side) of the base portion 612a.

Further, a rotating shaft 612a4 that rotatably supports the large idle gear 616a and the small idle gear 616b of the gear unit 616 is disposed on the base portion 612a, and a reel shaft through hole 612a5 through which the reel shaft 616e can be inserted. is formed.

Furthermore, two screw holes 612a6 are formed in the base portion 612a to which the reel holder 616f of the reel shaft 616e can be fixed, and the reel holder 616f is screwed into the screw hole 612a6 with two screws 651g. The reel shaft 616e is fixed to the base portion 612a via the reel holder 616f while being inserted into the reel shaft through hole 612a5.

<Reel drive unit/reel motor unit>
Next, the reel motor unit 614 of the reel drive section 610 will be described using FIGS. 14 and 15.

The reel motor unit 614 mainly includes a motor (power generation means) 614a housed in a case, and a drive gear (power transmission means) 614b attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 614a and driven by the motor 614a. .

The motor 614a is a device that serves as a power generation means (drive source) that generates power to rotate the reels 110 to 112, and the case has electronic components such as a control IC built in. The motor 614a in this example is constituted by a brushless DC motor, but the type of motor 614a is not particularly limited, and may be a DC motor, a stepping motor, or the like.

The drive gear 614b is a member serving as a power transmission means for transmitting the power of the motor (power generating means) 614a, and in this example, transmits the power of the motor 614a to a large idle gear 616a, which will be described later.

The drive gear 614b in this example is constituted by a spur gear, but the type of gear is not particularly limited, and may be a bevel gear, a helical gear, or the like. Further, in this example, lubricating oil is applied to the drive gear 614b in order to make the rotation of the drive gear 614b smooth. Note that if there is no problem with high-speed rotation of the reels 110 to 112, it is not necessary to apply lubricating oil to the drive gear 614b.

The reel motor unit 614 is configured such that the drive gear 614b is inserted through the through hole 612a2 of the mounting plate 612 from the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) to the gear unit 616 side (second side). The bottom of the case 614a is screwed into the screw hole 612a1 on the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) of the mounting plate 612, and the top surface of the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) of the mounting plate 612. heat welded to.

According to this example, the motor 614a is fixed to the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) of the mounting plate 612, and the case of the motor 614a is thermally welded to the mounting plate 612, so that the reels 110 to 112 can be moved at high speed. Even when rotated, various gears (in this example, drive gear 614b, large idle gear 616a, small idle gear 616b, output gear 616c) arranged on the gear unit 616 (second side) of the mounting plate 612 ) The lubricating oil applied to the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) will not scatter onto the electronic components inside the case of the motor 614a, and the motor 614a will not malfunction or deteriorate. It is possible to prevent such situations from occurring.

<Reel drive section/gear unit>
Next, the gear unit 616 of the reel drive section 610 will be explained using FIGS. 14 to 17.

16(a) is a front view showing a state in which the reel motor unit 614 and gear unit 616 are attached to the mounting plate 612, and FIG. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the attached state viewed from the gear unit 616 side.

The gear unit 616 mainly includes a large idle gear (driven gear) 616a that meshes with the drive gear 614b of the reel motor unit 614, a small idle gear (driven gear) 616b that forms a stepped gear with the large idle gear 616a, and a small idle gear (driven gear) 616b that forms a stepped gear with the large idle gear 616a. An output gear (driven gear) 616c that meshes with the small idle gear 616b, a reel shaft 616e that fits into the output gear 616c via a bearing 616d, a reel holder 616f that fixes the reel shaft 616e to the mounting plate 612, and a gasket. 616g.

<Reel drive unit/gear unit/large idle gear, idle gear>
The large idle gear 616a of the gear unit 616 and the small idle gear 616b, which has a smaller diameter than the large idle gear 614a, are coaxially arranged via a common rotating shaft 612a4, and constitute a two-stage stepped gear. are doing.

The large idle gear 616a and the small idle gear 616b are members that serve as power transmission means for transmitting the power of the motor (power generation means) 614a. ) 614a is transmitted to the output gear 616c at a predetermined reduction ratio.

According to this example, since a two-stage stepped gear consisting of a large idle gear 616a and a small idle gear 616b is adopted, it is possible to save space in the reel drive unit 610, and also to The rotational speed of the reels 110 to 112 can be increased by increasing the reduction ratio to increase the rotational speed of the reels 110 to 112, or by decreasing the reduction ratio of both to lower the rotational speed of the reels 110 to 112. Adjustment can be made easily.

Although the large idle gear 616a and the small idle gear 616b of this example are configured by spur gears, the type of gear is not particularly limited, and may be a bevel gear, a helical gear, or the like. Further, in this example, lubricating oil is applied to the large idle gear 616a and the small idle gear 616b in order to smooth the rotation of the large idle gear 616a and the small idle gear 616b. Note that if there is no problem with high-speed rotation of the reels 110 to 112, it is not necessary to apply lubricating oil to the large idle gear 616a and/or the small idle gear 616b.

<Reel drive unit/gear unit/output gear>
As shown in FIG. 16, the output gear 616c of the gear unit 616 has external teeth 616c1 that mesh with the small idle gear 616b, and a power input portion 684c4 of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684 (see FIG. 9(a)). A power output section 616c2 having a possible convex shape is provided.

Although the output gear 616c in this example is constituted by a spur gear, the type of gear is not particularly limited, and may be a bevel gear, a helical gear, or the like. Furthermore, in this example, lubricating oil is applied to the output gear 616c in order to make the rotation of the output gear 616c smooth. Note that if there is no problem with high-speed rotation of the reels 110 to 112, it is not necessary to apply lubricating oil to the output gear 616c.

According to this example, the output gear 616c includes external teeth 616c1 that mesh with the small idle gear 616b, so by increasing the reduction ratio of the small idle gear 616b and the external teeth 616c1, the rotational speed of the reels 110 to 112 is increased. It becomes possible to easily adjust the rotational speed of the reels 110 to 112, such as lowering the rotational speed of the reels 110 to 112 by reducing the reduction ratio of both.

In this example, the power of the motor 614a is transmitted to the reels 110 to 112 using four gears: a drive gear 614b, a large idle gear 616a, a small idle gear 616b, and an output gear 616c. The number of gears and the reduction ratio are not particularly limited, and the rotation speeds of the reels 110 to 112 may be changed as appropriate by changing the number of gears and the reduction ratio.

Therefore, for example, the reels 110 to 112 may be configured to be rotationally driven by only two gears, the drive gear 614b and the output gear 616c, or the drive shaft of the motor 614a may be directly connected to the reels 110 to 112 to rotate the reels 110 to 112. .about.112 may be rotationally driven.

<Reel drive unit/gear unit/bearing>
The bearing 616d of the gear unit 616 is a ring-shaped bearing having a circular opening in the center, and is a bearing that supports the reel shaft 616e.

As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 14, the bearing 616d of this example includes an outer ring 616d1 and an inner ring 616d2 made of a metal flat ring shape, and a resin donut disposed between the outer ring 616d1 and the inner ring 616d2. It is constituted by an annular portion 616d3 having a shape.

According to this example, even when the reels are rotated at high speed in a reel presentation, etc., the output gear 616c can be smoothly rotated by the bearing 616d, and the reels 110 to 112 rotationally driven by the output gear 616c. can be rotated stably at high speed. Furthermore, by disposing an annular portion 616d3 made of a resin member between the outer ring 616d1 and the inner ring 616d2, the rotation speed of the output gear 616c is reduced when the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, compared to a metal bearing. It is possible to lower the reels smoothly and quickly, and by smoothly stopping the reels 110 to 112, the performance effect of the reels can be enhanced.

Note that the material of the bearing 616d is not particularly limited, and the outer ring 616d1 or the inner ring 616d2 may be made of resin, the annular portion 616d3 may be made of metal, or the outer ring 616d1, inner ring 616d2, and A part or all of the annular portion 616d3 may be made of ceramic, stainless steel, glass, or the like. Furthermore, the type of bearing is not particularly limited, and other types of bearings such as ball bearings and roller bearings may be applied.

<Reel drive unit/gear unit/reel shaft, reel holder>
FIG. 17(a) is a side view of the reel drive unit 610 with the gear unit cover 618 removed, and FIG. 17(b) is a side view of the reel drive unit 610 with the gear unit cover 618, reel band 680, and backlight module 630 removed. FIG. 6 is a side view of the reel device 601 of FIG.

The reel shaft (reel rotation axis) 616e is made of a rod-shaped member, and is capable of rotating the reels 110 to 112 through members such as the bearing 616d, the output gear 616c of the gear unit 616, the detected portion 686, and the left reel frame 684. This is the rotating shaft to support.

The reel holder 616f is a member for fixing the reel shaft 616e to the mounting plate 612, and the reel shaft 616e is fixed to the base portion 612a of the mounting plate 612 via the reel holder 616f.

The end of the reel shaft 616e on the gear unit 616 side (the left side in FIGS. 17A and 17B) is fitted to the output gear 616c of the gear unit 616 via a bearing 616d, and the output gear 616c and A left reel frame 684 is rotatably supported via a detected portion 686 that is engaged with the output gear 616c.

On the other hand, the end of the reel shaft 616e on the reel motor unit 614 side (the right side in FIGS. 8 and 17(b)), the reel shaft 616e is supported by both the mounting plate 612 and the reel side plate 650.

According to this example, since the reel shaft 616e is supported by both the mounting plate 612 and the reel side plate 650, the reel shaft 616e can be supported at at least two points, and the reels 110 to 112 can be moved at high speed during reel performances, etc. Even when the reels 110 to 112 are rotated, the reels 110 to 112 can be stably rotated at high speed by suppressing vibrations of the reel shaft 616e that supports the reels 110 to 112.

<Reel drive section/gear unit/gasket>
The gasket 616g of the gear unit 616 prevents the lubricating oil applied to the various gears included in the gear unit 616 (in this example, the drive gear 614b, the large idle gear 616a, the small idle gear 616b, and the output gear 616c) from leaking to the outside. It is a sealing material for

A gasket (sealing material) 616g is placed between the gear unit cover 618 and the mounting plate 612 in order to close the gap between the gear unit cover 618 and the mounting plate 612. It is fixed in a pressed state on the 612 side.

The gasket 616g in this example is composed of a flexible member (rubber packing), but the material of the gasket 616g is not particularly limited, and a sealing material made of other materials such as metal or tape may be applied. .

<Reel drive section/gear unit cover>
Next, the gear unit cover 618 will be explained using FIGS. 14 and 15.

The gear unit cover (cover member) 618 of the reel drive section 610 is composed of a plate-shaped attachment part 618a and a box-shaped cover body 618b integrally formed to extend upward from the attachment part 618a as a base end. Ru.

The gear unit cover 618 in this example is made of black plastic, but the material of the gear unit cover 618 is not particularly limited, and may be wood, metal, rubber, etc., or it may be a colorless member. Good too.

Four screw holes 618a1 are formed in the mounting portion 618a of the gear unit cover 618, and the gear unit cover 618 connects to the screw hole 612a3 of the mounting plate 612 through these four screw holes 618a1 (see FIG. 14). is fixed with four screws 651f.

The cover body 618b of the gear unit cover 618 has an inner space 618b1 that can accommodate at least various gears included in the gear unit 616 (in this example, a drive gear 614b, a large idle gear 616a, a small idle gear 616b, and an output gear 616c). and an output gear insertion hole 618b2 into which the flange 684c of the output gear 616c can be inserted.

The gear unit cover 618 houses various gears of the gear unit 616 (in this example, a drive gear 614b, a large idle gear 616a, a small idle gear 616b, and an output gear 616c) in an inner space 618b1 of the cover body 618b, and the output gear With the flange 684c of the output gear 616c exposed to the outside from the insertion hole 618b2 and the gasket 616g sandwiched between the mounting plate 612 and the mounting plate 612 by the mounting portion 618a, the gear unit 616 side (second side) of the mounting plate 612 is ) is fixed to the top surface of the

In conventional game machines, there was no need to apply lubricant to the various gears that drive the reels because the reels were not rotated at high speed during performances using reels. Nowadays, it is desired to have the reel rotate at a high speed, and by rotating the reel at a higher speed than before, there is a risk that new problems such as lubricating oil that allows the various gears to operate smoothly may be scattered. be.

In this regard, according to this example, since the gear unit cover 618 that can accommodate various gears (drive gear 614b, large idle gear 616a, small idle gear 616b, and output gear 616c) of the gear unit 616 is provided, it is possible to Even when the reel is rotated at high speed, the lubricating oil applied to the various gears can be prevented from scattering onto surrounding members, electronic components, etc.

In addition, in this example, the reduction ratio (gear diameter, number of teeth, number, etc.) of various gears (in this example, drive gear 614b, large idle gear 616a, small idle gear 616b, and output gear 616c) can be changed as appropriate. As such, the volume of the inner space 618b1 of the cover body 618b is made larger than the minimum required volume to accommodate various gears (in this example, the drive gear 614b, the large idle gear 616a, the small idle gear 616b, and the output gear 616c). It is designed to.

<Operation of reel drive unit>
Next, the operation of the reel drive unit 610 will be described mainly using FIG. 16(a).

When the motor 614a of the reel drive unit 610 rotates in the first direction (for example, forward direction, clockwise), the drive gear (power transmission means) 614b driven by the motor 614a rotates as indicated by the symbol X in FIG. 16(a). Rotate in the direction shown (counterclockwise).

When the drive gear 614b rotates, a large idle gear (driven gear) 616a that meshes with the drive gear 614b and is driven by the drive gear 614b forms a stepped gear with the large idle gear 616a and is driven by the drive gear 614b. The small idle gear (driven gear) 616b rotates in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the drive gear 614b, that is, in the direction indicated by symbol Y in FIG. 16(a) (clockwise).

When the small idle gear 616b rotates, the output gear (driven gear) 616c that meshes with the small idle gear 616b and is driven by the small idle gear 616b rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the small idle gear 616b, that is, in FIG. In (a), it rotates in the direction indicated by symbol Z (counterclockwise).

When the output gear 616c rotates, the power of the output gear 616c is transmitted to the left reel frame 684 via the power output part 616c2 of the output gear 616c and the power input part 684c4 of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684. As a result, the left reel frame 684 rotates in the same direction as the output gear 616c, that is, in the direction indicated by Z in FIG. 16(a) (counterclockwise).

When the left reel frame 684 rotates, the detected part 686 fixed to the left reel frame 684, the reel band 680, and the right reel frame 682 rotate together, and the reels 110 to 112 move in the forward direction (when viewed from the front). (from top to bottom), that is, in the rotation direction shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the motor 614a of the reel drive unit 610 rotates in a second direction (for example, in the opposite direction, counterclockwise), the drive gear 614b, the large idle gear 616a, the small idle gear 616b, and the output gear 616c rotate as shown in FIG. By rotating in a direction opposite to the rotation direction indicated by symbols X, Y, and Z in (a), the reels 110 to 112 are rotated in the opposite direction (from the bottom to the top when viewed from the front), that is, in the rotation direction shown in FIG. rotates in the opposite direction.

Therefore, during a game, the reels 110 to 112 can be rotated in the forward direction by rotating the motor 614a in the first direction (for example, forward, clockwise) when the start lever 135 is pressed. In addition to this, by switching the rotation direction of the motor 614a, the reels 110 to 112 can be rotated in the forward direction and the reverse direction, and performances using the reels 110 to 112 (reel performances) can be performed.

In this example, the reels 110 to 112 are attached to the reel shaft 616e via resin bearings 662, so even when the reels are rotated at high speed during reel performances, the reel shaft that supports the reels By suppressing vibration etc. of 616e, the reel can be stably rotated at high speed. In addition, since the resin bearing has a high coefficient of friction, it is possible to smoothly and quickly reduce the rotational speed of the reel shaft 616e when the reel is stopped, and by stopping the reel smoothly, the performance effect of the reel is enhanced. be able to.

In addition, in this example, the output gear 616c is attached to the reel shaft 616e via the bearing 616d, so even when the reels are rotated at high speed in reel production etc., the output gear 616c can be rotated smoothly. Therefore, the reel rotationally driven by the output gear 616c can be stably rotated at high speed. Furthermore, by disposing a resin member between the outer ring and the inner ring of the output gear 616c, the rotational speed of the output gear 616c can be reduced smoothly and quickly when the reel is stopped, compared to a metal bearing. By allowing the reels to stop smoothly, the performance effect of the reels can be enhanced.

<Motor control board>
FIG. 18 is a circuit block diagram showing the main control section 300 and the motor control board 606a. One motor control board 606a is provided for one motor 614a. In the case of this embodiment, since three motors 614a are provided corresponding to the reels 110 to 112, three motor control boards 606a are also provided.

Motor control board 606a includes a control IC 621 and a driver 622. The control IC 621 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, input/output interface, counter/timer, signal processing circuit, etc. The ROM stores a control program related to the control of the motor 614a, and the CPU The motor 614a is controlled by executing the control program. The driver 622 includes a plurality of switching elements such as transistors and FETs, and supplies power to the motor 614a. The control IC 621 outputs a drive signal to the driver 622 based on the signal from the encoder 614e of the motor 614a, and controls the rotation amount, rotation direction (forward rotation/reverse rotation), and rotation speed of the motor 614a. Further, the control IC 621 corrects the relationship between the rotation amount of the reel R rotated by the motor 614a and the control amount to the driver 622 based on the signal from the photosensor 642. Note that the control IC 621 may be an IC that does not include a CPU or the like and is configured with a plurality of types of registers.

The setting board 606d is an electric circuit board for presetting setting information regarding the rotation of the reel R in the control IC 621 by outputting a setting signal, and is configured to be detachably attached to the motor control board 606a via the connector 623. ing. It is also possible to incorporate the setting information into the control program of the control IC 621. However, this method is disadvantageous in that if it is desired to use the control IC 621 between different types of game machines, a control program for the control IC 621 must be created for each type of game machine. It is also possible to adopt a method in which the setting information is incorporated into a control program executed by the main control section 300 and set by the main control section 300 in the control IC 621 when the power is turned on. However, this method increases the capacity of the control program of the main control unit 300, which is disadvantageous when a small capacity ROM 306 is used. According to this embodiment, such problems can be solved by setting information using the setting board 606d.

FIG. 19(a) shows an example of the circuit configuration of the setting board 606d. In this embodiment, multiple types of setting information can be set, and FIG. 19(a) shows a circuit example for setting information 1, but for other types of setting information 2 to N. The circuit has a similar configuration.

The circuit for setting information 1 is a circuit that can output 2-bit information to the control IC 621. In the illustrated example, there is a pull-down resistor that pulls down the wiring connected to the input port of the control IC 621 via the connector 623 (outputs an L setting signal), and a pull-up resistor that pulls up the wiring (outputs an H setting signal). It is a relatively simple circuit. For example, the control IC 621 can set setting information by reading a signal from an input port connected to the setting board 606d when the power is turned on and storing it in a register. FIG. 19(b) shows an example of a register, and illustrates the information stored in each register (2 bits) of setting information 1 to 3. Regarding the setting information 1, information of LH (01) is stored corresponding to the example of the setting information 1 circuit in FIG. 19(a).

In the case of this embodiment, the output information of the setting information of the setting board 606d is fixed. Instead of the example of one setting information circuit in FIG. 19(a), it is also possible to adopt a method in which the output information is easily changed by using a DIP switch or the like. However, if the setting information on the setting board 606d is information unique to the model of the game machine, there is a risk that the setting information may be set to incorrect information that is changeable. By employing a circuit configuration in which the output information of the setting board 606d is fixed as in this embodiment, such erroneous settings can be reliably avoided.

Examples of various setting information employed in this embodiment will be described below. First, setting information 1 is information on the total number of symbols (total number of symbols) on reel R. In this embodiment, it is assumed that 20 frames are set, but for example, 21 frames can also be set, and a 21 frame reel R may be used.

Setting information 2 is information on the number of steps, which will be described later. The number of steps corresponds to the resolution of rotation for one frame, and one step is the minimum unit of rotation amount of the reel R controlled by the control IC 621. When the reel R is rotated by the set number of steps, the reel R rotates by one frame. In the example described later, the number of steps is 5, but 7 or 9 may also be settable.

Setting information 3 is the reference speed of the rotation speed of the reel R. This reference speed is, for example, the maximum rotation speed. The reference speed may be the minimum rotation speed or an intermediate rotation speed. Based on the reference speed, a controllable rotational speed range of the reel R is set. Setting information 4 is information on the adjustment rotation amount, which will be described later. The adjustment rotation amount is information for adjusting the reference stop position.

Assuming that the circumference of the reel R is the same between different models, the control IC 621 calculates the total number of steps for one rotation of the reel R from the setting information 1 and setting information 2, and calculates the total number of steps = total number of frames × Calculate by the number of steps. The control IC 621 determines the minimum controllable rotation amount as: minimum rotation amount=360 degrees/total number of steps. From the relationship between the total number of steps and the resolution of the encoder 614e, the detected value of the rotation amount by the encoder 614e per step (for example, the number of output pulses) can be specified, and the rotation control in units of one step is performed based on this detected value. It becomes possible. The control IC 621 can manage the rotational position of one rotation of the reel R by the number of steps. For example, each time the detected value of the encoder 614e for one step is output, the control IC 621 adds one to the rotational position counter and When the sensor 642 detects the light shielding piece 694a, the rotational position counter is reset.

<Slot machine control processing>
The processing of the main control section 300, the first sub-control section 400, and the second sub-control section 500 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Main control unit main processing>
First, the main control section main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control section 300 will be explained using FIG. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing by the main control section. The main control unit main processing is processing related to control of game progress.

As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a startup signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input is reset-started by the reset interrupt and executes the main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 20 according to the control program stored in the ROM 306 in advance.

When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are performed in step S101. In this initial setting, the stack initial value is set to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, interrupts are disabled, the I/O 310 is initialized, various variables are initialized to be stored in the RAM 308, and the WDT 314 is enabled and initialized. Configure values, etc.

In step S102, a game start process is performed. In this game start process, it is checked whether the operation using the start lever 135 or the operation using the bet buttons 130 to 132 (bet number setting operation) has been accepted, whether the number of bets has reached a specified number, and the number of bets When a setting operation is accepted, preparations are made to transmit a bet number setting command and a start lever acceptance command to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that if the player wins a replay combination in the previous game, the process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so there is no need for the player to insert medals. If the start lever 135 is operated, the process advances to step S103.

In step S103, a winning line determination process is performed to determine the number of inserted medals and to determine a valid winning line. In step S104, a random number acquisition process is performed to acquire the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316.

In step S105, a winning combination internal lottery process is performed. In the winning combination internal lottery process, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read out according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random number value acquired in step S104. Preparations are made for transmitting an internal lottery command indicating the result to the first sub-control unit 400. As a result of the internal lottery, if any winning combination (including the activation combination) is internally won, the flag for that winning combination is turned on.

In step S106, a reel stop data selection process is performed to select candidates for reel stop data based on the internal lottery result of the winning combination internal lottery process. Note that this reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control section 300. Further, in step S106, preparations are made to transmit a reel stop data command including information regarding the selected reel stop data to the first sub-control unit 400.

In step S107, reel rotation/stop control processing is executed, and rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started. In addition, stop buttons 137 to 139 can be accepted, and when any stop button is pressed, the stop table of reel stop data is referred to and any of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped. let

In this reel stop control, so-called pull-in control (piece slipping control) may be performed. Pull-in control is control that shifts the stop positions of the reels 110-112 within a certain number of frames (number of symbols) (pull-in range; for example, 4 frames maximum) after the player operates each of the stop buttons 137-139. means. The reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control section 300. Each reel stop data includes a permission control that allows symbol combinations of a predetermined winning combination to be displayed on the winning line, and a prohibition control that prevents symbol combinations of any winning combination from being displayed on the winning line. It is broadly divided into .

Examples of permissible control include when a certain winning combination is internally won, or when a special winning combination is internally won (the flag is being carried over), and the timing when the player operates each of the stop buttons 137 to 139. Even if the numbers are bad, control is performed so that the symbol combinations of winning combinations are displayed within the range of the above-mentioned number of frames. However, since it is only "allowed", the symbol combinations may not be aligned depending on the timing of operating each of the stop buttons 137 to 139. However, depending on the arrangement of symbols on the reels 110 to 112 and the number of symbols drawn, there may be cases where 100% alignment is possible.

On the other hand, an example in which the prohibition control is performed is, for example, when the internal lottery result is a loss and the special winning combination is not internally won (the flag is being carried over), and the timing when the player operates each of the stop buttons 137 to 139. At best, control is performed so that the symbol combinations of winning combinations are not displayed together within the range of the above-mentioned number of frames.

As a result of the above control, when all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process advances to step S108. In addition, in this step S107, for each stop operation, a stop button reception command related to the stop button 137 to 139 that has been stopped (in detail, for the first stop operation, a stop button reception 1 command, a second stop operation command, (for the stop button reception 2 command, for the third stop operation, the stop button reception 3 command) is prepared to be sent to the first sub-control unit 400, and for the stop of each reel, the reel Reel stop command regarding the stop position (in detail, for the first stop reel, reel stop 1 command, for the second stop operation, reel stop 2 command, for the third stop operation, reel stop command) 3 command) to the first sub-control unit 400.

In step S108, display determination processing is performed. In this display determination process, when a symbol combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line L1, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. Further, in this step S108, preparations are made for transmitting a winning determination command indicating the winning determination result to the first sub-control unit 400.

In step S109, medal payout processing is performed. In the medal payout process, if a winning combination for which medals are awarded is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out.

In step S110, a game state control process is performed. In the game state control process, processing related to transition of each game state is performed, and the game state is transitioned when the start condition or end condition is satisfied. Also, preparations are made for transmitting a gaming status command including information indicating the current gaming status to the first sub-control unit 400.

With the above, one game ends. Thereafter, the game progresses by returning to step S102 and repeating the above-described process.

The various commands prepared in each of the above steps are transmitted in the command setting transmission process (step S1006 in FIG. 21) of the main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later.

<Main control unit timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be explained using FIG. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main control section timer interrupt processing.

The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined period (approximately once every 2 ms in this embodiment). Start processing at a predetermined cycle.

In step S1001, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start processing, processing for temporarily saving the values of each register of the CPU 304 in the stack area is performed.

In step S1002, the WDT 314 is periodically (maintained) so that the count value of the WDT 314 does not exceed the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and a WDT interrupt occurs (so that an abnormality in processing is not detected). In the embodiment, the restart is performed (once every 2 ms, which is the cycle of the main control unit timer interrupt).

In step S1003, input port status update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input through the input ports of the I/O 310, the presence or absence of the detection signals is monitored, and the RAM 308 is partitioned for each type of sensor 318. The signal state is stored in the provided signal state storage area.

In step S1004, various game processing is executed, and processing according to the interrupt status is executed.

In step S1005, timer update processing is performed. More specifically, various timers are updated in respective time units.

In step S1006, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands that have been prepared for transmission are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. In the first sub-control unit 400, depending on the command type included in the received output schedule information, it becomes possible to determine performance control according to changes in game control in the main control unit 300, and also to determine the performance control according to the change in game control in the main control unit 300. Based on the information of the command data, it becomes possible to determine the content of production control.

In step S1007, external output signal setting processing is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is outputted to the information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

In step S1008, reel control processing is performed. In this control process, control information is output to the motor control board 606a.

In step S1009, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, in step S1003, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area are read out, and the presence or absence of errors related to medal insertion abnormalities, medal payout abnormalities, etc. is monitored, and if an error is detected, (Illustration omitted) Executes error handling. Furthermore, settings are made for the medal selector 170 (a medal blocker operated by a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170), various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators according to the current gaming state. Furthermore, when the signal from the photosensor 642 changes from H level to L level, the rotational position information is reset to zero.

In step S1010, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. If the low voltage signal is on (if power cutoff is detected), the process advances to step S1012, and if the low voltage signal is off (if power cutoff is not detected), the process goes to step S1011.

In step S1011, various processes are performed to terminate the timer interrupt termination process. In this timer interrupt termination process, the values of each register temporarily saved in step S1001 are set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main control section main processing shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in step S1012, specific variables and stack pointers for returning to the state at power outage upon power restoration are saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 as recovery data, and power outage processing such as initialization of input/output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main control section main processing shown in FIG.

<Processing of the first sub-control unit>
Next, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using FIG. 22. Note that FIG. 22A is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 22(b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing by the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 22(c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing by the first sub-control unit 400.

First, the main processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using FIG. 22(a).

When the power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S3001. In this initialization process, initialization of input/output ports, initialization of the storage area in the RAM 408, etc. are performed. Through this process, an area for storing internal winning information, which is information representing the result of internal winning, and an area for storing RT update information, which is information representing the gaming state, are provided in the RAM 408, respectively.

In step S3002, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process moves to step S3003.

In step S3003, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step S3004, command processing, which is processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300, is executed.

In step S3005, effect control processing is performed. Here, preparations for the performance are made in accordance with the performance reservation information in the performance reservation area provided in the RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, performing processing such as reading the effect data from the ROM 406, and performing an update process of the effect data if it is necessary to update the effect data.

In step S3006, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S3005. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the performance data read in step S3005, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

In step S3007, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S3005. For example, if there is a command for the various lamps 420 in the performance data read in step S3005, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

In step S3008, information output processing is performed to perform settings for transmitting a command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S3005. For example, if there is a command to be sent to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read in step S3005, settings are made to output this control command, and the process returns to step S3002.

Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using FIG. 22(b). This command reception interrupt process is a process that is executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step S3101 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

Next, the first sub-control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. 22(c). The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and uses this timer interrupt as a trigger to perform timer interrupt processing in a predetermined manner. Execute at the cycle of

In step S3201, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S3002 in the first sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 22(a), and the value is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S3002, it is determined that the value of the timer variable is 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms×10).

In step S3202, the commands set in step S3008 are sent to the second sub-control unit 500, and the random value for effect is updated. In step S3203, production interruption processing is executed. The performance interruption process is a process that is executed when an interruption reason such as a power outage occurs, and is a process that interrupts the performance that is currently being executed. Specifically, when the power is restored, specific variables and stack pointers for returning to the state at the time of the power outage are saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 408 as recovery data, and power outage processing such as initialization of input/output ports is performed. .

<Processing of second sub-control unit>
Next, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using FIG. 23. Note that FIG. 23A is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 23(b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing by the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 23(c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing by the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 23(d) is a flowchart of image control processing by the second sub-control unit 500.

When the power is turned on, initial settings are first performed in step S5001 in FIG. 23(a). In this initial setting processing, input/output port initial settings, initialization processing of the storage area in the RAM 508, initialization processing of the storage area in the VRAM 518, etc. are performed. When initializing the RAM, "0" is generally stored in the storage area.

In step S5002, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process moves to step S5003.

In step S5003, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step S5004, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 .

In step S5005, effect control processing is performed. Specifically, if there is a new command in step S5004, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, a process of reading out effect data for controlling an image related to a background image from the ROM 506 is executed. It also includes performing processes such as reading out performance data other than this from the ROM 506, and performing update processing of the performance data when it is necessary to update the performance data.

In step S5006, image control processing (described in detail later) is performed based on the processing result of step S5005. For example, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step S5005, image control corresponding to this command is performed. For example, image control regarding display images (notification images, background images) is performed. When this image control processing ends, the process returns to step S5002.

Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using FIG. 23(b). This command reception interrupt process is a process that is executed when the second sub-control unit 500 detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400.

In step S5101 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

Next, the second sub-control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using FIG. 23(c). The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and uses this timer interrupt as a trigger to perform timer interrupt processing in a predetermined manner. Execute at the cycle of

In step S5201, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S5002 in the second sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 23(a), and the value is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S5002, it is determined that the value of the timer variable is 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms×10). In step S5202, processing for updating the random number value for effect, etc. is performed.

Next, the image control process of step S5006 in the main process of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using FIG. 23(d). This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

In step S5301, an image data transfer instruction is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the drawing area designations of the display area A and the display area B of the VRAM 518. As a result, one frame of the image stored in the display area that is not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of VRAM 518), etc. in the attribute register of VDP 516 based on the position information table, and then transfers the image from ROM 506 to VRAM 518. Set the command to start data transfer. The VDP 516 transfers image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518 based on instructions set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 516 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

In step S5302, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 516. If the transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process advances to step S5303; otherwise, the transfer end interrupt signal is input. wait until

In step S5303, parameters are set based on the performance scenario configuration table, attribute data, and the like. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 518 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 518 in step S5301, the CPU 504 displays information on image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes of the VRAM 518, image size , VRAM coordinates (location coordinates), transparency, etc.) to the VDP 516. The VDP 516 performs parameter settings according to attributes based on instructions stored in the attribute register.

In step S5304, a drawing instruction is given. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to start drawing an image. The VDP 516 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer according to instructions from the CPU 504.

In step S5305, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 516 based on the end of image drawing has been input. If the generation end interrupt signal has been input, the process advances to step S5306; otherwise, the generation end interrupt signal is input. Wait for input.

In step S5306, a scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scenes of images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Reel rotation control>
As shown in FIG. 18, the main control unit 300 (basic circuit 302) and the control IC 621 are communicably connected, and the main control unit 300 controls the control IC 621 regarding the rotation control of the reels 110 to 112. The control IC 621 controls the motor 614a based on the received control information. Further, the control IC 621 transmits the state of the motor 614a as state information to the main control section 300, and the main control section 300 can control the progress of the game based on the received state information.

Examples of control information and status information and examples of rotation control of the reel R will be described below with reference to FIG. 24. This figure is a timing chart showing changes over time in control information and status information.

In the example of FIG. 24, rotation instruction information, rotation speed instruction information, and rotation direction instruction information are illustrated as control information. The rotational speed instruction information is a command that instructs the rotational speed of the reel R at a constant speed, and in the illustrated example, it instructs the reel R to rotate at 80 rpm at a constant speed. The control IC 621 accelerates the reel R to the rotational speed instructed by the rotational speed instruction information and controls the motor 614a to maintain the rotational speed. The main control unit 300 can select the rotational speed at constant speed from among a plurality of types of rotational speed, and when it transmits speed instruction information indicating the selected rotational speed to the control IC 621, the control IC 621 reels at the rotational speed. Rotate R at a constant speed.

The rotation direction instruction information is a command that instructs the rotation direction of the reel R, and in the illustrated example, it instructs to rotate in forward rotation (normal rotation). Forward rotation is the direction in which the symbols move in the order indicated by the "rotation direction" and arrows in FIG. 4, and the opposite direction of movement is reverse rotation (reverse rotation). The rotation direction instruction information can also instruct reverse rotation. The control IC 621 switches the rotation direction of the motor 614a in accordance with the rotation direction instructed by the rotation direction instruction information.

The rotation speed instruction information and rotation direction instruction information may be transmitted by the main control section 300 to the control IC 621 when starting rotation control of the reel R, or may be transmitted by the main control section 300 to the control IC 621 together with the rotation instruction information. It's okay.

The rotation instruction information is a command that instructs the amount of rotation of the reel R, and is information that instructs the rotation of the reel R by one frame. The control IC 621 rotates the reel R by one frame each time it receives rotation instruction information. When the total number of frames is 20 frames, the control IC 621 controls the motor 614a so that the reel R rotates 360 degrees/20=18 degrees based on one rotation instruction information.

In the case of this embodiment, the rotation instruction information is a periodic pulse signal transmitted at a predetermined time interval T, and the control IC 621 rotates the reel R by one frame using the rising edge (OFF→ON) of the signal as a trigger. . The interval T is an interval equal to or less than the time required to rotate one frame when the reel R is rotating at a constant speed. When rotating the reel R for two frames or more, the main control unit 300 can continue rotating the reel R by transmitting rotation instruction information every interval T. Note that a configuration in which the falling edge (ON→OFF) of a signal is used as a trigger may be adopted.

For example, if the rotational speed of the reel R at constant speed is Nrpm, the time t0 (ms) required for one revolution of the reel R is t0=60000/N. When the total number of frames is 20, the time t1 (ms) required to rotate one frame is t1=t0/20. For this time t1, the value of T is set to T≦t1. Preferably, T<t1 and T≈t1. For example, 0.95×t1≦T≦0.99×t1. When the reel R is rotated at 100 rpm, the interval T can be set to about 29 ms. Since the interval T is close to the time t1, the transmission of the rotation instruction information and the frame number of the symbol displayed at the reference stop position can be synchronized, making it easier to control the symbol stop. The reference stop position is, for example, the middle position (symbol positions 2, 5, and 8) in FIG.

The control IC 621 rotates the reel R by one frame each time it receives the rotation instruction information, so if the next rotation instruction information is received within the interval T after receiving the rotation instruction information, the control IC 621 continues to rotate the reel R. , the reel R is further rotated by one frame. If the next rotation instruction information is not received within the interval T after receiving the rotation instruction information, the reel R is stopped. In the example of FIG. 24, after the rotation instruction information has been received four times, since no rotation instruction information has been received, the rotation of the reel R is stopped.

The main control unit 300 can manage the interval T in the timer update process of S1005 of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 21, and can transmit control information such as rotation instruction information in the reel control process of S1008. The main control unit 300 adds one piece of rotational position information each time rotation instruction information is transmitted, and resets the rotational position information to zero upon detecting a change from the H level to the L level of the photosensor 642. (Processing of S1009 in FIG. 21). Thereby, the symbols (frame numbers) located at the reference stop position can be managed. When the rotational position information is zero, the design is such that, for example, a frame with frame number 0 is located at the reference stop position.

The status information is information transmitted from the control IC 621 to the main control unit 300, and is information indicating the status of rotation control of the reel R. The status information is transmitted, for example, to a predetermined input port of the main control unit 300, and the main control unit 300 confirms it in the device monitoring process in S1009 of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 24, the state information includes an accelerated state, a constant speed state, and a stopped state of the reel R. For example, when the main control unit 300 acquires state information indicating a constant speed state, it enables a stop operation, and when it acquires state information indicating a stopped state, for example, it determines the symbol combination.

When the control IC 621 receives rotation instruction information while the reel R is stopped, the control IC 621 controls the reel R so that the reel R rotates at the rotation speed and rotation direction specified by the rotation speed instruction information and rotation direction instruction information. Start rotating. By performing the acceleration control of the reel R according to the control program of the control IC 621, the main control unit 300 does not require an acceleration control program, and the capacity of the control program can be reduced.

When the reel R is accelerating, the amount of rotation of the reel R in the interval T is smaller than when the reel R is rotating at a constant speed. If the difference in the amount of rotation is large, the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R may collapse. FIG. 25(a) is an explanatory diagram thereof. In the figure, the reel R (that is, the motor 614a) is accelerated within the first two intervals T at a predetermined acceleration up to the rotation speed instructed by the rotation speed instruction information (or rotation speed if instructed). . The amount of rotation of the reel R after reaching the specified rotational speed is expressed as interval T×indicated rotational speed, but during the acceleration period before that, the amount of rotation decreases by the area R1. That is, the relationship between the interval T from the start of rotation of the reel R and the amount of rotation of the reel R becomes interval T×instructed rotation speed−R1 after reaching the designated rotation speed.

Therefore, when accelerating to the rotation speed instructed by the rotation speed instruction information (instruction rotation speed), the control IC 621 of this embodiment accelerates the reel R to the instruction rotation speed after accelerating to a rotation speed faster than the instruction rotation speed. Decrease speed and rotate at constant speed. FIG. 25(b) is an explanatory diagram thereof. In the figure, within the first two intervals T, the reel R is accelerated to a rotational speed higher than the specified rotational speed, then decelerated to the specified rotational speed, and then rotated at a constant speed at the specified rotational speed. The area R1 indicates the amount of rotation of the reel R that is smaller than when rotating at a constant speed, and the area R2 indicates the amount of rotation of the reel R that is larger than when rotating at a constant speed. By controlling the acceleration, maximum speed, and deceleration so that the area R1 and the area R2 are equal, the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R can be maintained.

Note that even when the reel R is rotating at a constant speed, there may be a deviation between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R. By decelerating, the control IC 621 can match the rotational position of the reel R with the ON timing of the rotation instruction information.

Next, an example will be described in which the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R is maintained by increasing or decreasing the interval T in accordance with the increase or decrease in the instructed rotational speed. FIGS. 26 and 27 show an example thereof. In the example of FIG. 26, the designated rotation speed is twice that of the example of FIG. 24. In this case, the interval T is 1/2 of the interval T in FIG. 24. In the example of FIG. 27, the designated rotational speed is 1/2 that of the example of FIG. 24. In this case, the interval T is twice the interval T in FIG. 24.

Note that in the above example, the rotation instruction information and the rotation speed instruction information are separate pieces of information, but the rotation instruction information can also include the rotation speed instruction information. Hereinafter, an example of a configuration in which rotation speed instruction information is included in rotation instruction information will be described using FIG. 28. This figure is a diagram showing an example of an operation using rotation instruction information including rotation speed instruction information.

In FIG. 28(a), the rotation instruction information is a periodic pulse signal transmitted at a predetermined time interval T1, and the control IC 621 uses the falling edge (ON→OFF) of the signal as a trigger to rotate the reel R for one frame. Rotate. As in the example of FIG. 24, the interval T1 is an interval shorter than the time t1 required for one frame of rotation when the reel R is rotating at a constant speed. The pulse width H1 of this rotation instruction information is the rotation speed instruction information. By setting this pulse width H1 to a predetermined time (here, half the time t1 required for one frame of rotation), the rotation speed required for one frame of rotation can be specified. It is configured as follows. Note that if the next rotation instruction information is not received within the interval T1 after receiving the rotation instruction information, the reel R is stopped. In addition, in the above configuration, the reel R is rotated by one frame after waiting for the fall of the signal (ON → OFF), but if the signal does not fall while it is once turned ON (the rotation instruction information is not received) Even if the reel R is not completed yet, the reel R is in a stopped state.

In the above example, when the reel R is rotating at a constant speed, the interval T1 is almost the same as the time t1 required for one frame of rotation, and as shown in FIG. 28(a), the first half of the time interval T1 is A pulse that is OFF and the latter half is ON (a pulse with a ratio of OFF to ON of 1:1) will be transmitted. In addition, in the example of FIG. 26, the case was explained in which the rotational speed of reel R was doubled compared to the example of FIG. 24, but in the example of FIG. 28(a), the pulse period and pulse width were halved. By doing so, the rotational speed of the reel R can be doubled. FIG. 28(b) shows a pulse period T2 (=T1/2) and a pulse width H2 (=H1/2) which are half of the pulse period T1 and pulse width H1 in FIG. 28(a). It is shown that the rotational speed of reel R is doubled. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 27, the rotation speed of reel R is halved compared to the example of FIG. 24, but in the configuration of FIG. 28(a), the pulse period and pulse width are doubled. By doing so, the rotational speed of the reel R can be halved. FIG. 28(c) shows a pulse period T3 (=T1×2) and a pulse width H3 (=H1×2), which are twice the pulse period T1 and pulse width H1 in FIG. 28(a). ) indicates that the rotational speed of reel R is halved.

Here, an example of the operation in the case of decelerating the rotational speed of the reel will be described using FIG. 29. FIG. 29(a) shows an example in which the pulse period and pulse width are doubled midway in order to halve the rotational speed of the reel. In this example, it is assumed that pulses are first transmitted at a period T and a rotational speed A is maintained. Note that the period T is approximately the same as the time required for one frame of rotation. In FIG. 29(a), two pulses Pa1 and Pa2 are shown among the pulses for maintaining this rotational speed A. After transmitting pulse Pa2, the period and pulse width of the next pulse are determined. Suppose you double it. The combined period of periods A1 and A2 in FIG. 29(a) corresponds to one period (2T) including the doubled pulse width, and in period A2, the pulse Pa3 with the doubled pulse width is shown to have been sent.

Here, the rotation (rotation for one frame) executed by the pulse Pa2 will be completed in time T (period A1), but at this time the transmission of the pulse Pa3 has not yet been completed. . That is, at the time when time T has elapsed since the transmission of pulse Pa2 (at the end of period A1), the rotation according to the previously received rotation instruction information (pulse Pa2) has been completed, but when the new rotation instruction information ( Since the pulse Pa3) is not being received, the control IC 621 stops the reel R. In FIG. 29(a), it is shown that the reel R is stopped during the period A2. Further, FIG. 29(a) shows that the reel R rotates at the rotational speed A/2 in the subsequent period A3 due to the reception of new rotation instruction information (pulse Pa3).

In Fig. 28, we explained that the pulse period and pulse width correspond to the reel rotational speed, but if the pulse period and pulse width are changed uniformly during deceleration, the result of Fig. 29(a) As in the example, the reel stops once and it becomes impossible to smoothly decelerate the reel. That is, during deceleration, it is necessary to be able to receive new rotation instruction information while executing rotation according to previously received rotation instruction information. An example of operation taking this point into consideration will be described below with reference to FIG. 29(b). FIG. 29(b) is a diagram showing an example of the operation when the rotational speed of the reel is reduced by half.

In FIG. 29(b), it is assumed that pulses are transmitted at a period T and the rotational speed A is maintained as in FIG. 29(a). In FIG. 29(b), two pulses Pb1 and Pb2 among the pulses for maintaining this rotational speed A are shown. Here, consider increasing the width of the next pulse after transmitting the pulse Pb2 in order to decelerate the reel. In this case, the rotation executed by pulse Pb2 (rotation for one frame) is completed in time T (period B1), so it is necessary to receive new rotation instruction information by the end of period B1. be. However, if the pulse width is doubled as shown in FIG. 29(a), the pulse width is too long to fit within the period B1 (time T), so here the pulse width is adjusted to 1.5 times. . Furthermore, in order to fit the rotation instruction information within the period B1, it is necessary to shorten the OFF time by the length of the pulse width. In FIG. 29(b), after pulse Pb2, after an OFF time shorter than the OFF time when the rotational speed A was maintained, pulse Pb3 with a pulse width 1.5 times larger is received. is shown (period B1). Note that in the above example, the pulse width was adjusted to 1.5 times, but it may be 1.2 times as long as it is a pulse width that allows the rotation instruction information to fall within the period B1. Further, in the above example, the fall of the pulse of the rotation instruction information within the period B1 is aligned with the cycle T, but the fall of the pulse of the rotation instruction information may occur at a timing earlier than this.

The rotational speed of the reel R is reduced from the rotational speed A to the rotational speed A/1.5 by the pulse Pb3 having a pulse width of 1.5 times. Further, the time until the rotation by this pulse Pb3 is completed becomes 1.5T (period B2). In period B2, rotation instruction information can be stored even if the pulse width is twice as large as shown in FIG. 29(a). FIG. 29B shows that after the pulse Pb3, a pulse Pb4 with twice the pulse width is received after an OFF period (period B2). Furthermore, after that, it is shown that the reel R is decelerated to the rotational speed A/2 by this pulse Pb4 (period B3).

As in the example in FIG. 29(b), when increasing the pulse width to decelerate the rotational speed of the reel, at least once the OFF time is shorter than the OFF time in the rotation instruction information before deceleration. Just use it. By doing so, the reel can be decelerated within a certain range, and if further deceleration is required, a period for transmitting an even longer pulse width can be secured. In addition, in FIG. 29(b), an example of operation in which the pulse width is lengthened twice and decelerated stepwise was explained, but depending on the degree of deceleration, the pulse width may be lengthened only once, or twice. It is also possible to make it longer by dividing it into more parts.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the pulse width time is half of the time required for the next frame of rotation, during deceleration, the next pulse width is and the previous OFF time (previous pulse width×2>next pulse width+previous OFF time). In Figure 29(a), this relationship is not satisfied and the reel has stopped temporarily, and in Figures 29(b) and (c), this relationship is satisfied and the reel decelerates smoothly. are doing.

Furthermore, when decelerating the pulse width in stages by dividing the pulse width into a plurality of times, only the pulse width may be lengthened in stages while using the same OFF time during deceleration. FIG. 29(c) shows an example of operation when the same OFF time during deceleration as in FIG. 29(b) is used. Specifically, in FIG. 29(b), the OFF time before pulse Pb3 in period B1 is different from the OFF time before pulse Pb4 in period B2, but in FIG. 29(c), these OFF times are different. The times are the same. With this configuration, the process for deriving the OFF time during deceleration can be simplified.

Since the rotational speed of the reel is set according to the pulse width, for example, even if the pulse width is lengthened without changing the pulse signal period and the OFF time is shortened (the ON time ratio is increased). , the rotational speed of the reel can be reduced (see period B1 in FIG. 29(b)). However, in this case, the rotation speed of the reel (movement per frame) becomes slower, which increases the time required for rotation control, but the transmission cycle of rotation instruction information remains the same, so rotation control based on rotation instruction information There will be a gradual delay. However, for example, if the reel is decelerating until it stops, the configuration is such that rotation instruction information for deceleration is sent in advance, and instead, the rotation instruction information (deceleration instruction) is not received in time and the reel stops without decelerating. You can avoid it. Of course, the deceleration configuration is not limited to this example, and when decelerating by increasing the pulse width, the period of the pulse signal may also be lengthened according to the degree of deceleration of the reel. In this case, the pulse period may be lengthened while maintaining the ratio of the ON time and OFF time of the pulse signal.

In addition, in the example of FIG. 28, the rotation speed increases when the ON time of the pulse signal of the rotation instruction information is shortened, and the rotation speed becomes slower when the ON time is lengthened. In this case, it may be configured to be slower. Alternatively, the rotation speed may be controlled using the OFF time of the pulse signal instead of the ON time of the pulse signal.

Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 28, a configuration has been described in which the rotation speed is determined according to the ON time of the pulse signal of the rotation instruction information, but a configuration is described in which the rotation speed is determined using the ratio of the OFF time and the ON time of the pulse signal. You can also use it as For example, if the ratio of the OFF time and ON time of the pulse signal is 1:1, the rotation speed at constant speed (for example, 80 rpm) is set, and the ratio of the ON time becomes higher, such as 1:2 or 1:3. It may also be configured such that as the ON time ratio decreases, such as 2:1 or 3:1, the speed becomes slower than when the speed is constant. Alternatively, as the ratio of ON time increases, the speed becomes faster than when the speed is constant, and as the ratio of ON time decreases, the speed becomes slower than when the speed is constant.

Also, taking into consideration the upper and lower limits of the rotational speed of the reel, a limit is set on the pulses that can be accepted as rotational speed, and rotation instructions will not be accepted unless the pulse is within this limit (for example, it will stop without rotating) You can do it like this.

In addition, in the example of FIG. 28, the configuration in which the rotation speed is specified using the pulse width has been explained, but the rotation speed is specified using the period of the pulse signal rather than the length of the pulse width or the ratio of the OFF time and ON time of the pulse signal. It may also be configured to specify a speed. Specifically, a configuration may be adopted in which the longer the period from rise to rise (or the period from fall to fall) becomes slower, and the shorter the period becomes faster.

Further, the above configuration may be configured such that ON/OFF of the pulse signal is inverted. FIGS. 30(a) to 30(c) show examples of configurations in which ON/OFF of the pulse signals in FIGS. 28(a) to 28(c) are inverted. In this configuration, the control IC 621 rotates the reel R by one frame using the rise of the signal (OFF→ON) as a trigger.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 30, the number of signal lines can be reduced by using one pulse signal for rotation instruction information and rotation speed instruction information.

Next, the control of the control IC 621 when the reel R is stopped will be explained. As already mentioned, if the rotation instruction information is not received, the control IC 621 stops the rotation of the reel R. At this time, the control is performed so that the target symbol is stopped at the reference stop position, but it is desirable that the stop position can be finely adjusted in the rotational direction. This is advantageous when reusing the reel drive unit 10 and motor control board 606a between models. Because the configuration of the reel window 113 differs depending on the model, there may be cases where it is better for the middle symbol position (symbol positions 2, 5, and 8 in Figure 2) to be slightly higher or slightly lower. It is.

In this embodiment, as setting information 4, an adjustment rotation amount, which is the rotation amount of the reel R for one frame or less, can be set, and the position of the symbol at the reference stop position can be finely adjusted by this adjustment rotation amount. . In other words, the reference stop position can be finely adjusted. Specifically, if no rotation instruction information is received, the control IC 621 rotates the reel R by the adjusted rotation amount and then stops. In the case of this embodiment, the adjustment rotation amount can be set in units of steps obtained by equally dividing the rotation amount for one frame. This step is also information that can be set as the number of steps in the setting information 2.

FIG. 31 shows an example of the steps. The example in the figure illustrates an example in which the amount of rotation per frame is divided into five steps. In other words, the total number of steps for one rotation of the reel R is 5 steps x 20 frames = 100 steps, and the stop position of the reel R can be selected in 100 steps.

FIG. 32 shows an example of setting the adjustment rotation amount. FIG. 32(a) in the center shows an example in which the amount of adjustment rotation is set to three steps, which is a standard amount of adjustment rotation. FIG. 32(b) on the left is an example in which the adjustment rotation amount is set to one step. Compared to the example of FIG. 32(a), the pattern shifts upward and stops. FIG. 32(c) is an example in which the amount of adjustment rotation is set to five steps. Compared to the example of FIG. 32(a), the pattern shifts downward and stops. In both cases, it is assumed that the reel R is rotated in the forward direction.

A specific example of stop control will be explained. Assume that the main control unit 300 determines to stop the rotation of the reel R three frames ahead due to a stop operation while the reel R is rotating. The third frame stop is performed by adjusting the amount of rotation. Therefore, the main control unit 300 transmits the rotation instruction information to the control IC 621 twice (3-1=2). The control IC 621 rotates the reel R by two frames upon receiving the rotation instruction information twice, and rotates the reel R by the adjusted rotation amount and stops when the rotation instruction information is not received. This is the third rotation. As a result, the desired symbol can be stopped at a reference stop position corresponding to the structure of the model.

The same applies when there is no stop operation during the rotation of the reel R and the rotation of the reel R is stopped after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the main control unit 300 determines the number of frames to be rotated thereafter, and transmits rotation instruction information for a number one less than the determined number of frames to the control IC 621. The control IC 621 rotates the reel R by the number of frames specified in the rotation instruction information, then rotates the reel R by the adjusted rotation amount, and then stops the reel R.

Next, an example of the effect on the reels 110 to 112 will be explained with reference to FIG. 33. FIG. 33(a) shows a state in which the reels 110 to 112 are stopped before the start lever 135 is operated. At symbol positions 2, 5, and 8 (see Fig. 2), which are the standard stop positions, the symbol of frame number 2 (left reel 110), the symbol of frame number 16 (middle reel 111), and the symbol of frame number 19 ( The right reel 112) is stopped.

Triggered by the operation of the start lever 135, the main control unit 300 starts the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 (FIG. 33(b)). As an example of the effect, the main control unit 300 determines a temporary stop position, and calculates the number of moving symbols (number of frames) from the current position to the temporary stop position. Rotation instruction information is transmitted to the control IC 621 for the calculated number of frames.

For example, when moving the symbols on the left reel 110 by six frames, rotation instruction information is transmitted six times. Note that the reel R may be stopped at a desired position after rotating once. It is possible to make the player look forward to where the game will stop for a longer period of time. For example, if you want to move 6 symbols after rotating the reel R once, you only need to transmit the rotation instruction information 26 times. Note that it is also possible to make the amount of rotation (number of moving frames) different among the three reels 110 to 112.

The main control unit 300 stops transmitting the rotation instruction information. Then, the reels 110 to 112 can be temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. 33(c). In the example shown in the figure, the left reel 110 has rotated 9 frames, the middle reel 111 has rotated 3 frames, and the right reel 112 has rotated 5 frames from the state shown in FIG. 33(a). This completes the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 as a performance. No stop operations will be accepted during this performance period.

Then, as shown in FIG. 33(d), the rotation for the game is started. At this time, when shifting the rotation start timing of the reels 110 to 112, the main control unit 300 counts the delay time for shifting the rotation start timing of each reel, and controls the rotation start timing of the second and third reels. The instruction information is transmitted on the condition that the corresponding delay time has elapsed. Thereafter, each reel 110 to 112 is stopped in response to a stop operation by the player or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Note that the rotation control of the reels 110 to 112 described in this embodiment may be applied to rotation control for performance. In other words, in the rotation control for game progress, it is not possible to know in advance when the player will perform the stop operation, so by transmitting rotation instruction information for each frame at intervals T, the rotation will occur randomly. It is possible to respond to a stop operation, but in the case of rotation control for performance, the amount of rotation and the stop position can be determined in advance. For this reason, in the rotation control for production, for example, a configuration is adopted in which rotation instruction information is sent to the control IC 621 without an interval T, or control information that instructs the total amount of rotation is used instead of rotation instruction information for each frame. The configuration may be such that the control IC 621 performs corresponding control by transmitting once, or by transmitting control information for the number of symbols to be moved (number of symbols to be moved) (for example, control information for moving 5 symbols) once and controlling the IC 621 accordingly. The IC 621 may be configured to perform corresponding control. This may reduce the load on the main control unit 300 in some cases.

<Example of operation during reel acceleration (1)>
An example of the operation when the reels are accelerated will be described below with reference to FIG. 34. This figure is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the left reel 110 with respect to rotation instruction information. Although this diagram will be described using the rotation instruction information of FIG. 24, the same configuration can be used with other rotation instruction information.

The upper part of FIG. 34 shows the period from position P01, where the number 2 symbol (replay) is displayed in the middle row, to position P10, where the number 19 symbol (blank 1) is displayed in the middle row, on the left reel 110. location is shown. For example, position P04 is a position where the symbol number 1 (bell) is displayed in the middle row, and position P07 is a position where the symbol number 0 (watermelon) is displayed in the middle row.

For example, consider a case where the symbols on the reels after the power is turned on are in a state where the symbols are stopped at each position of the symbol display window 113 (see FIG. 2) (a state in which no positional shift has occurred). In this case, by receiving rotation instruction information from the main control unit 300 and moving the symbols one frame at a time, normal reel rotation control is executed. In FIG. 34(a1), the image is rotated from position P01 in FIG. 34 to position P04 in FIG. 34 by one frame of rotation instruction information, rotated to position P07 in FIG. 34 by one frame of rotation instruction information, and continues. The rotation instruction information for one frame indicates that the image should be rotated to position P10 in FIG.

However, the symbol positions on the reels after the power is turned on may be deviated from each position of the symbol display window 113 (see FIG. 2) due to external factors such as maintenance work. In this case, if the symbols are moved one frame at a time in response to rotation instruction information from the main control unit 300, the reel rotation control will be executed while this positional shift is maintained. FIG. 34 (a2) shows that rotation instruction information for one frame from position P02 in FIG. 34 causes the rotation to exceed position P04 in FIG. It remains in the same condition. This positional shift can be resolved by rotating the light shielding piece 694a to a position where no positional shift occurs when it is detected. For example, FIG. 34(a2) shows that when rotation instruction information for one frame is received from position P05 in FIG. 34, the rotation has been made to position P07 where no positional deviation occurs. The position when rotated by one frame from position P05 is position P08, but since the light shielding piece 694a was detected in the middle (between position P05 and position P06), the rotation is made to position P07 in FIG. 34. This eliminates the misalignment. Subsequent rotations are performed in a state in which the positional deviation has been resolved. FIG. 34(a2) shows rotation from position P07 to position P10 in FIG. 34 through rotation according to rotation instruction information for one frame.

According to the above operation, the positional deviation can be eliminated, but as in the case of FIG. 34(a2), when the rotation instruction information for one frame is rotated by less than one frame, Despite the rotation instruction, the reel may reach the target position and stop sooner than originally intended, causing the reel to wobble and causing a new problem. In order to prevent such a problem, when the light shielding piece 694a is detected, it may be rotated to a position where no positional shift occurs, and the amount of rotation is one frame or more. For example, when the light shielding piece 694a is detected, by rotating it to the second closest position where no positional deviation occurs, it is possible to eliminate positional deviation while ensuring a rotation amount of one frame or more. .

For example, in FIG. 34(b1), when the rotation instruction information for one frame is rotated from position P01 in FIG. 34 to position P04 in FIG. 34, and the subsequent rotation instruction information for one frame is received, no position shift occurs. It is shown that it has rotated to position P10. The position when rotated by one frame from position P04 is position P07, but here, because the light shielding piece 694a was detected halfway (between position P05 and position P0-6), a positional shift occurs after position P07. The rotation is being performed to position P10, which is a position where there is no rotation. Note that even if the rotation is made to the position P07, no positional deviation occurs and the amount of rotation of one frame is secured, so in this case, the rotation may be made to the position P07.

Next, in FIG. 34(b2), when the rotation instruction information for one frame is rotated from position P02 in FIG. 34 to position P05 in FIG. It is shown that the camera has rotated to a position P10 where the camera is located. The position when rotated by one frame from position P05 is position P08, but here, since the light shielding piece 694a was detected halfway (between position P05 and position P06), the next position after position P07 where no positional deviation occurs is position P08. By rotating to position P10, the positional shift is eliminated.

Note that if the configurations shown in FIGS. 34(b1) and (b2) are adopted, the amount of rotation will be one frame or more for one frame of rotation instruction information, and there will be a delay in the state of the reel relative to the rotation instruction information. . This delay is recovered by the control IC 621 adjusting the speed, and is eliminated by the time the reel reaches a state of constant speed rotation. Note that in view of the fact that this speed adjustment is performed, the timing at which the stop button is activated may be delayed. Further, in a case where a motor whose speed can be adjusted in a short period of time is used, the stop button may be activated at the same timing regardless of whether or not the speed adjustment is performed. In other words, when starting the reel for the first time after turning on the power, in order to take into account the wobbling caused by shifting the reel stop position due to contact with the reel during maintenance, the reel will be moved more than the rotation instruction information at the timing of the first light shielding piece detection. This prevents rattling by using special control to drive the Then, the rotation instruction information and the reel drive amount become inconsistent due to the reel being driven more than the rotation instruction information, but from the time when the light shielding piece is first detected until the operation on the stop button becomes effective. The discrepancy is resolved by adjusting the speed. Note that the above-mentioned special control may be performed by determining whether or not a positional shift has occurred when detecting a light-shielding piece. In some cases, special control may be performed across the board.

Note that the above configuration is an example of an operation for eliminating positional deviation that occurs before power is turned on. For example, if a positional shift occurs after the power is turned on, the movement can be determined based on the signal from the encoder 614e, so in this case the above operation will not be executed, but it is possible to perform the above operation even after the power is turned on. good.

<Example of operation during reel acceleration (2)>
An example of the operation when the reel accelerates will be described below with reference to FIG. 35. This figure is a diagram showing an example of an acceleration operation of the reels after execution of the reel action. Although this diagram will be described using the rotation instruction information of FIG. 24, the same configuration can be used with other rotation instruction information.

Some slot machines execute a pseudo-game similar to a normal game, and in this pseudo-game, the reels rotate and vibrate slightly to simulate stopping. In addition to normal games, there are games in which the reels are rotated so that a specific combination of symbols is displayed. In this way, a series of operations may be performed, such as executing a reel action using reels for game progression, and then accelerating the reels to a constant speed in order to start the game. For example, if rotation in the opposite direction to acceleration was performed in the previous reel action, there is a possibility that the reel will not reach a constant speed or position deviation will occur even if normal acceleration processing is performed. be. Therefore, in such a case, a longer acceleration period may be ensured on the main control unit 300 side. In adopting such a configuration, for example, the acceleration state may be maintained until a predetermined time period longer than the normal acceleration time has elapsed, or the period from the start of acceleration to the effective stop operation may be made longer; A configuration may be adopted in which the rotation instruction information described above is transmitted more than usual. In FIG. 35, as an example of the above configuration, it is shown that by transmitting rotation instruction information for four frames immediately after the reel action, a longer acceleration period as a whole is ensured. In particular, there is a high possibility that positional deviation will occur during reel action immediately after power is turned on, so by employing the above configuration, such problems can be made less likely to occur. Taking a pseudo-game as an example, the pseudo-game is as follows: "Start operation → Reel rotation (pseudo game) → Pseudo stop operation → Pseudo stop (slight vibration) → Pseudo start operation → Reel rotation → Stop operation → Stop" The game progresses according to the flow, but the time it takes for the stop operation to become effective in the flow of "pseudo start operation → reel rotation → stop operation" is the same as that of "start operation → reel rotation → stop operation" in a normal game. This is longer compared to the time it takes for the stop operation to become effective in the flow. The reel rotation in "pseudo start operation → reel rotation → stop operation" accompanying a pseudo game and the reel rotation in "start operation → reel rotation → stop operation" in a normal game are different from each other in acceleration control and/or constant speed control. uses a common drive control, but in "pseudo start operation → reel rotation → stop operation", by rotating an extra few frames before the common drive control, the above problem can be solved while using the common drive control. It can be resolved. It should be noted that it is applicable not only to pseudo-games but also to the period until a stop operation becomes effective after a reel action such as reverse rotation or high-speed rotation. In this way, the above-mentioned problem can be solved by adding rotation for several frames after the reel action and before the normal acceleration process.

In addition, when a fixed symbol stops after a reel action, the timing of stopping from there is learned and it becomes easier to stop the target symbol, which may help the player to keep an eye on the target symbol. To solve this problem, there is a configuration in which the rotation of each reel is randomly started (hereinafter referred to as random delay). For such a configuration, if a longer acceleration period is to be ensured, the acceleration period may be added after the random delay.

Further, in the above example, an acceleration period corresponding to four frames is provided immediately after the reel action, but the acceleration period is not limited to this. It should be noted that since the player always sees the rotation of the maximum number of symbols to be drawn in, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling strange even if the acceleration period is added at this level. This acceleration period may be determined by lottery from a plurality of periods, or a different period may be set for each reel. For example, a longer acceleration period may be set for a reel that starts rotating earlier due to the random delay than for a reel that starts rotating later.

Note that although this embodiment has been described with reference to an example using a DC motor, a configuration using a stepping motor may be used, for example, and the type of motor is not limited.

<Handling of position information during normal rotation of the reels>
In this embodiment, the main control unit 300 transmits rotation instruction information to the control IC 621 of the motor control board 606a, and updates the reel position information. An example of this operation will be described below using FIG. 36. This figure is a diagram showing an example of a part of the rotation instruction information transmitted while the left reel 110 is rotating and the actual positional relationship of the left reel 110.

When the rotation instruction information for one symbol is transmitted, the position information is updated to the number of the middle symbol displayed by the rotation. Further, the control IC 621 moves the symbol corresponding to this position information to the middle stage of the reels. The middle part of FIG. 36 shows that the reel position information is updated in the order of numbers 1→0→19 as the rotation instruction information is transmitted three times.

The upper rows (a1) to (a6) of FIG. 36 show changes in the left reel 110 depending on the rotation instruction information. Among these, the change from the bell symbol with number 1 to the watermelon symbol with number 0 shown in (a2) to (a5) corresponds to the second rotation instruction information, and in this example, it is updated by the rotation instruction information. The positional information displayed matches the actual positional relationship of the reels. Note that at this time, the light shielding piece 694a is detected at the timing when the boundary between number 1 and number 0 passes the middle line (FIG. 36(a3)), but the position information does not change due to this detection.

On the other hand, depending on the control of the control IC 621, there may be a delay in controlling the reels in response to the rotation instruction information, and a discrepancy may occur between the reel position information updated by the main control unit 300 and the actual positional relationship of the reels. The lower rows (b1) to (b7) of FIG. 36 show changes in the left reel 110 due to rotation instruction information. Among these, the change from the bell symbol with number 1 to the watermelon symbol with number 0 shown in (b4) to (b7) corresponds to the second rotation instruction information, but in this example, the change from the bell symbol with number 1 to the watermelon symbol with number 0 corresponds to the second rotation instruction information. It is shown that the actual reel position is delayed by one symbol with respect to the updated position information, and this change occurs at the timing when the third rotation instruction information is transmitted.

If such a delay occurs, the control IC 621 adjusts the reel speed to match the timing with the rotation instruction information, but in the meantime, the boundary between number 1 and number 0 passes through the middle line and is blocked from light. There are cases where the piece 694a is detected (FIG. 36(b5)). At this time, although the rotation of the reel lags behind the rotation instruction information, since the rotation is executed by the control IC 621, it will eventually match the reel position information in the main control unit 300. Become. Therefore, if the position information is updated to 0 by the detection of the light shielding piece 694a, a problem arises in that the reel position information of the main control unit 300 does not match the actual reel position. Therefore, when the rotation of the reel reaches a constant speed, the position information is maintained even if the light shielding piece 694a is detected. Note that the reel position information is updated by the detection of the light shielding piece 694a when the reel accelerates and reaches a constant speed.

<Example using stop information>
In the examples shown in FIGS. 24 to 30, a configuration has been described in which the rotation instruction information is used to instruct the reels to rotate, and when there is no rotation instruction information, the reels are brought to a halt state. Here, in order to more reliably stop the rotation of the reels, a configuration may be adopted in which information instructing to stop the reels (stop information) is transmitted separately from the rotation instruction information. FIG. 37 shows an example in which stop information is added to the rotation instruction information described in FIG. 28. In this example, the stop information is a signal that controls the reels to be in a stopped state in an ON state, and FIG. 37 shows that the reels are in a stopped state in response to this stop information. Note that, for example, the signal may be a signal that controls the reels to be in a stopped state in an OFF state, and the form of the signal is not limited. Further, although FIG. 37 is explained using the rotation instruction information of FIG. 28, a configuration may be adopted in which other rotation instruction information explained using FIGS. 24 to 30 is applied. By using such stop information, it is possible to reliably stop the rotation of the reels. Note that in order to more reliably stop the rotation of the reels, a configuration may be adopted in which the rotation instruction information is not transmitted for a predetermined period after the stop information is transmitted. Furthermore, if the control IC 621 determines that some kind of abnormality has occurred, the rotation control may not be executed. One example is a configuration in which, if rotation instruction information is received within a predetermined period after receiving stop information, it is determined that the rotation instruction is not a normal rotation instruction, and rotation control is not performed.

Note that the example in FIG. 37 uses the rotation instruction information explained in FIG. 28, and in this rotation instruction information, the pulse width corresponds to the rotation speed of the reel. Here, in FIG. 37, the pulse of the rotation instruction information remains ON even while the reel is controlled to the stopped state based on the stop information, and the pulse width is longer than during normal rotation. If the rotational speed is set based on such a longer pulse width, the rotational speed may become too fast or too slow, which may cause unexpected problems for the game machine. In the explanation of FIG. 28, a configuration was described in which the acceptable pulse width is limited by taking into account the upper and lower limits of the rotational speed of the reel. can be prevented from occurring. In the example of FIG. 37, there is a fall of the pulse (rotation instruction) after the stop information is transmitted, but in this example, the pulse width is too long, so rotation control is not performed and the state remains in the stopped state. has been done. In addition to this configuration, for example, the pulse width during the period when stop information is being transmitted is not used when deriving the rotation speed, or the rotation control is not performed based on the pulse width during the time when stop information is being transmitted. (Rotation control may be performed on the pulse transmitted after the transmission of the stop information is completed).

<Sending rotation information to external device>
Conventionally, some game machines transmit internal information to external devices such as hall computers, lending machines, and testing machines. The status of the motor 614a described above is also such internal information, and a configuration may be adopted in which this information is transmitted to an external device. FIG. 38(a) shows a block diagram in which information is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the testing machine 900 via the IF board 800.

The main control unit 300 controls the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 by transmitting rotation instruction information and the like to the control IC 621 as described above. The information sent to this control IC 621 may be configured to be sent separately to an external device. However, since the signals that can be received differ depending on the external device, the signals may be processed separately depending on the type of external device and then output. The IF board 800 in FIG. 38(a) is provided to process signals transmitted from the main control unit 300 in accordance with the testing machine 900.

FIG. 38(b) shows the signal when using the IF board 800 that converts the DC motor control signal into the stepping motor control signal when the tester 900 is capable of receiving the stepping motor control signal. It is a figure showing an example. The rotation instruction information shown at the top of this figure is sent to the control IC 621, but it is assumed that it is also sent to the IF board 800 at the same time. The IF board 800 that receives this signal converts it into a stepping motor control signal and outputs it to the testing machine 900. The middle part of FIG. 38(b) shows that the rotation instruction information is converted into signals with more waveforms than the pulse signal. The testing machine 900 that receives this signal can grasp the control state of the motor 614a.

Note that if the configuration using the stop information shown in FIG. 37 is adopted, the reels 110 to 112 may be in a stopped state while the rotation instruction information is being sent to the control IC 621. In such a configuration, the main control unit 300 also sends stop information to the IF board 800, and while this information is being sent, a signal for controlling the stepping motor to stop is sent. You can do it like this. FIG. 38(b) shows that the pulse signal of the stepping motor is stopped while the stop information is being transmitted. The present invention is not limited to this example, and a configuration may be adopted in which the IF board 800 outputs information corresponding to stop information depending on the external device. At the bottom of FIG. 38(b), an example of a signal is shown when the IF board 800 directly outputs stop information to an external device.

The above example is just an example, and any configuration may be used as long as it is capable of outputting a signal converted to match the external device. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the main control unit 300 executes the above processing without separately providing the IF board 800. By adopting such a configuration, information can be transmitted without placing a burden on the external device.

<Others>
Note that the rotation control of the reel R and its circuit configuration of the present embodiment can also be applied to other rotating bodies, such as a rotating body for performance that is not related to the symbol display for winning a prize determination. Further, the present invention is not limited to slot machines, but can also be applied to various types of rotating bodies provided in pachinko machines.

<Technical idea corresponding to the embodiment>
Hereinafter, the technical idea described in the above description will be described with reference to the corresponding configuration.

In the above explanation,
a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a);
A rotating body (for example, reels 110 to 112) that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction;
DC motor control means (for example, control IC 621) that controls the DC motor;
A game progress control means (for example, main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game;
A game machine comprising:
The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting rotation instruction information (for example, FIG. 37, etc.) that instructs rotation by a predetermined amount (for example, the rotation amount for one frame) to the DC motor control means,
The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting stop information (for example, FIG. 37) instructing a stop to the DC motor control means,
The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the predetermined amount of rotation of the DC motor when receiving the rotation instruction information,
The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the stop of the DC motor when the rotation instruction information is not received and the stop information is not received.
The DC motor control means is a means for controlling the stop of the DC motor based on reception of the stop information (see description in <Example using stop information>),
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Further, the game machine described above,
The predetermined amount is the amount of movement of one symbol,
The game progress control means is a means capable of periodically transmitting the rotation instruction information to the DC motor control means.
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Further, the game machine described above,
The DC motor control means does not control the DC motor with respect to the rotation instruction information received while controlling the stop of the DC motor based on the reception of the stop information. Example using stop information>),
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Also, in the above explanation,
a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a);
A rotating body (for example, reels 110 to 112) that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction;
DC motor control means (for example, control IC 621) that controls the DC motor;
A game progress control means (for example, main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game;
A game machine comprising:
The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting rotation instruction information (for example, FIG. 37, etc.) that instructs rotation by a predetermined amount (for example, the rotation amount for one frame) to the DC motor control means,
The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting stop information (for example, FIG. 37) instructing a stop to the DC motor control means,
The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the predetermined amount of rotation of the DC motor when receiving the rotation instruction information,
The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the stop of the DC motor when the rotation instruction information is not received and the stop information is not received.
The DC motor control means is a means for controlling the stop of the DC motor based on reception of the stop information (see description in <Example using stop information>),
The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting information corresponding to the stop information transmitted to the DC motor control means to an external device (see the description of <Transmission of rotation information to an external device>);
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Further, the game machine described above,
The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting information corresponding to the rotation instruction information transmitted to the DC motor control means to the external device (see description of <Transmission of rotation information to external device>);
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Further, the game machine described above,
The game progress control means is a means for not transmitting information corresponding to the rotation instruction information to the external device during a period when the DC motor control means is not rotating the rotating body (<Transmission of rotation information to an external device). >),
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Also, in the above explanation,
a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a);
A rotating body (for example, reels 110 to 112) that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction;
DC motor control means (for example, control IC 621) that controls the DC motor;
A game progress control means (for example, main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game;
A game machine comprising:
The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting rotation instruction information (for example, FIG. 37, etc.) that instructs rotation by a predetermined amount (for example, the rotation amount for one frame) to the DC motor control means,
The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting stop information (for example, FIG. 37) instructing a stop to the DC motor control means,
The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the predetermined amount of rotation of the DC motor when receiving the rotation instruction information,
The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the stop of the DC motor when the rotation instruction information is not received and the stop information is not received.
The DC motor control means is a means for controlling the stop of the DC motor based on reception of the stop information (see description in <Example using stop information>),
The game progress control means is a means for not transmitting the rotation instruction information to the DC motor control means for a predetermined period after transmitting the stop information to the DC motor control means (<Example using stop information> ),
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Further, the game machine described above,
The DC motor control means is a means that may not control the rotation of the rotating body even if the game progress control means transmits the rotation instruction information (see description in <Example using stop information>) ),
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Also, in the above explanation,
a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a);
A rotating body (for example, reels 110 to 112) that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction;
DC motor control means (for example, control IC 621) that controls the DC motor;
A game progress control means (for example, main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game;
A game machine comprising:
The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting rotation instruction information (for example, FIGS. 24 to 30) that instructs rotation by a predetermined amount (for example, the rotation amount for one frame) to the DC motor control means. ,
The DC motor control means rotates the DC motor by the predetermined amount based on receiving the rotation instruction information, so that one of the symbols is placed at a predetermined position (for example, at the middle of the symbol display window 113). It is an executable means of controlling the state in which the object has moved to
The DC motor control means sets a rotation amount larger than the predetermined amount based on a predetermined condition (for example, detection of the light shielding piece 694a) being satisfied during the first rotation control after power is turned on. A means capable of executing control to move one of the symbols to the predetermined position (see description in <Example of operation during reel acceleration (1)>);
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Due to reasons such as maintenance during a power outage, the reel may be misaligned when the power is turned on. Such positional deviation cannot be detected when the power is turned on, but is determined when the index (light-shielding piece) of the reel is detected, and the position of the reel is corrected based on this determination. At this time, if the reel rotates less than one frame in response to an instruction to rotate one frame, there is a possibility that the reel will malfunction. The game machine described above can prevent such problems from occurring.

Further, the game machine described above,
A stop button (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139) that accepts a stop operation for stopping the rotation of the rotating body,
The game progress control means is a means for advancing the game by accelerating the rotating body to a state where it rotates at a constant speed and then stopping the rotation of the rotating body by a stop operation of the stop button,
The DC motor control means is a means that may cause a delay in controlling the rotation instruction information subsequently received by the amount of rotation of the DC motor exceeding the predetermined amount;
The DC motor control means is a means that can eliminate the delay before the stop button becomes effective by adjusting the rotational speed of the DC motor (<Example of operation during reel acceleration (1)>) (see description),
I explained about the game machine which is characterized by this.

Further, the game machine described above,
Detection means (for example, reel detection unit 640) for detecting that the rotating body is at a predetermined rotational position (for example, the boundary between the number 0 symbol and the number 1 symbol is in the middle of the symbol display window 113) and,
The predetermined condition is a condition that is satisfied when the detection means first detects that it is at the predetermined rotational position during the first rotation control after the power is turned on (<during reel acceleration). Operation example (1) (see description),
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Also, in the above explanation,
a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a);
DC motor control means (for example, control IC 621) that controls the DC motor;
Reels (for example, reels 110 to 112) that are rotationally driven by the DC motor and have a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction;
a stop button (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139) that accepts a stop operation to stop the rotation of the reel;
A game progress control means (for example, main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game;
A game machine comprising:
The game progress control means is means for rotating the reels by transmitting rotation instruction information (for example, FIGS. 24 to 30) to the DC motor control means,
The game progress control means is a means for advancing the game by accelerating the reels to a state where they are rotating at a constant speed and then stopping the rotation of the reels by a stop operation of the stop button,
The game progress control means is a means that can execute reel actions using the reels, apart from the progress of the game;
The time from accelerating the reels until the stop button becomes effective when the reel action is executed is the time from when the reels are accelerated until the stop button becomes effective when the reel action is not executed. (Refer to <Example of operation during reel acceleration (2)>),
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

If the slight vibrations of the reels in reel actions such as pseudo-games conflict with the timing of the start of rotation of the reels, problems such as misalignment of the reels may occur. With the above game machine, it is possible to provide a game machine in which such problems are unlikely to occur.

Further, the game machine described above,
The number of times the rotation instruction information is transmitted from when the reel is accelerated until the stop button is activated when the reel action is executed is the same as from when the reel is accelerated when the reel action is not executed. The number of times the rotation instruction information is transmitted is greater than the number of times the rotation instruction information is transmitted until the stop button becomes effective (see description in <Example of operation during reel acceleration (2)>);
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Further, the game machine described above,
When the reel action is not executed after the power is turned on and the game is executed for the first time, the game progress control means controls the time from when the reel is accelerated until the stop button is activated when the reel action is executed. When executing a game after the first game without being played, the time from when the reels are accelerated until the stop button becomes effective is longer than the time (<Example of operation when accelerating the reels (2)>). (see description),
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Also, in the above explanation,
a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a);
A rotating body (for example, reels 110 to 112) that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction;
DC motor control means (for example, control IC 621) that controls the DC motor;
A game progress control means (for example, main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game;
A game machine comprising:
The game progress control means transmits a rotation control signal (for example, FIGS. 28 to 30) consisting of a first state and a second state (for example, an ON state and an OFF state) to the DC motor control means. is a possible means,
The DC motor control means executes control to rotate the DC motor by a predetermined rotation amount (for example, a rotation amount for one frame) when the rotation control signal changes from the first state to the second state. is a possible means,
The DC motor control means is a means capable of executing control to rotate the DC motor at a speed corresponding to the duration of the first state (for example, see operation examples in FIGS. 28 to 30);
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Further, the game machine described above,
The DC motor control means is a means for executing control to reduce the speed of the rotating body when the duration of the first state becomes longer (for example, see operation examples in FIGS. 28 to 30);
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Further, the game machine described above,
In decelerating the speed of the rotating body, the game progress control means may make the duration of the second state shorter than before deceleration (for example, see the operation example in FIG. 29);
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

When controlling a reel equipped with a DC motor, if the width of the speed change is large when the reel is decelerated, it may cause wobbling, making it impossible to achieve suitable reel control or making the reel operation look bad. In the game machine described above, these problems can be solved when the reels are decelerated.

Further, the game machine described above,
In decelerating the speed of the rotating body, the game progress control means reduces the duration of the second state to a shorter time than before deceleration, and then reduces the duration of the second state to a shorter time than before the speed is reduced. The duration of the first state may be gradually lengthened (for example, see the operation example in FIG. 29),
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Also, in the above explanation,
a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a);
A rotating body (for example, reels 110 to 112) that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction;
DC motor control means (for example, control IC 621) that controls the DC motor;
A game progress control means (for example, main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game;
A game machine comprising:
The game progress control means transmits a rotation control signal (for example, FIGS. 28 to 30) consisting of a first state and a second state (for example, an ON state and an OFF state) to the DC motor control means. is a possible means,
The DC motor control means executes control to rotate the DC motor by a predetermined rotation amount (for example, a rotation amount for one frame) when the rotation control signal changes from the first state to the second state. is a possible means,
the ratio of the duration of the first state to the duration of the second state varies depending on the speed (see, for example, FIG. 28 and applicable variations);
A game machine characterized by the following has been described.

Further, the functions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable functions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the functions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what has been done. Furthermore, by applying the content described in one of the plurality of configurations described in the embodiment to another configuration, the range of games may be further expanded.

The game machine according to the present invention can be applied to a game machine represented by a pinball game machine (pachinko machine), a reel game machine (slot machine), an enclosed game machine, or a medalless slot machine. can.

100 Slot machine 110-112 Reel 113 Symbol display window 130-132 Bet button 135 Start lever 137-139 Stop button 156 Production button 157 Production image display device (liquid crystal display device)
300 Main control section 400 First sub-control section 500 Second sub-control section 600 Reel unit 601 Left reel device 602 Middle reel device 603 Right reel device 604 Reel frame 610 Reel drive section 612 Mounting plate 614 Reel motor unit 614a Motor 614b Drive gear 616 Gear unit 616a Large idle gear 616b Small idle gear 616c Output gear 616d Bearing 616e Reel shaft 618 Gear unit cover 621 Control IC
630 Backlight module 632 Reflector 634 Lighting board 640 Reel detection part 642 Photo sensor 644 Sensor bracket 650 Reel side plate 660 Bearing part 670 Coil spring 680 Reel band 682 Reel frame right 684 Reel frame left 686 Detected part

Claims (2)

DC motor and
a rotating body that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of designs along the rotational direction;
DC motor control means for controlling the DC motor;
a game progress control means for controlling the game progress;
A game machine comprising:
The game progress control means is a means capable of periodically transmitting rotation instruction information instructing a predetermined amount of rotation to the DC motor control means,
The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting stop information instructing a stop to the DC motor control means,
The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the rotation of the DC motor by continuing to periodically receive the rotation instruction information,
The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the stop of the DC motor when the periodic reception of the rotation instruction information is finished ,
The DC motor control means is means for controlling the stop of the DC motor based on reception of the stop information.
A game machine characterized by: The game machine according to claim 1,
The predetermined amount is the amount of movement of one symbol,
A game machine characterized by:

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