JP2023033438A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suitably performing rotary control of a circulating body.

SOLUTION: A stepping motor 33 is connected with each reel, and a corresponding reel is rotated by excitation of the stepping motor 33. A main-side MPU executes predetermined excitation control for accelerating rotation of the reel. In predetermined drive control, the main-side MPU sets excitation data outputted to a motor driver 96 to perform drive control of the reel during a first acceleration period on the basis of a rotation initial table. The motor driver 96 excites the stepping motor 33 on the basis of excitation data received from the main-side MPU, and rotates a corresponding reel. The main-side MPU outputs non-excitation data to the motor driver 96 in the middle of predetermined drive control to generate a non-excitation period during which no excitation is performed to the stepping motor 33.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

A slot machine, for example, is an example of a gaming machine that utilizes a revolving body. The slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral portion thereof, and has a configuration in which a part of the symbols attached to each reel can be visually recognized through the display section. When the player inserts medals and operates the start lever, the reels start rotating, and after the reels start rotating, the reels are sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that medals are inserted and a start lever is operated, and the symbols in which the lottery result is winning and the player wins on the preset effective line are stopped. On the condition that the game is played, a predetermined number of medals are paid out, or a predetermined game that is advantageous to the player is played.

In addition, as a game machine using reels as a revolving body as described above, it is possible to play the same game as the above slot machine by using game balls instead of medals as a game medium other than the slot machine. Game machines are mentioned. In addition, there is a pachinko machine that utilizes the above-mentioned revolving body in order to provide a player with an effect according to the result of an internal lottery.

A stepping motor is generally used as a driving means for rotating the revolving body as described above. In this case, when the circulation start condition is satisfied, the driving by the stepping motor is started, and the acceleration period is followed by the constant speed period. After the constant speed period continues for a predetermined period, the rotation is stopped based on the satisfaction of the circulation stop condition.

JP 2014-195635 A

Here, in the game machines such as those exemplified above, it is necessary to appropriately control the rotation of the revolving body, and there is still room for improvement in this regard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably controlling the rotation of a revolving body.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a surrounding body,
a driving means for rotating the revolving body;
drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means;
with
The drive means is a stepping motor that rotates the revolving body by being excited,
The drive control means comprises a predetermined drive control means for performing a predetermined drive control for accelerating the rotation of the rotating body by exciting the drive means,
The predetermined drive control means generates a non-excitation period during which the drive means is not excited during an acceleration period during which the predetermined drive control is performed.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to perform rotation control of a circumference body suitably.

1 is a front view of a slot machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine showing a state in which a front door is opened; FIG. It is an assembly perspective view of a left reel. It is a figure which shows the pattern arrangement|sequence of each reel. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a pattern and a combination line that can be visually recognized through the display window; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the winning mode and the privilege to be given; 1 is an electrical configuration diagram of a slot machine; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the main MPU; 4 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing executed by the main MPU; 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing executed by the main MPU; It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process performed by main side MPU. It is an explanatory view for explaining a lottery table for normal mode. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the reel stop order and the winning mode established when the normal mode lottery table is selected; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a lottery table for the first RT mode; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the order of stopping reels and the winning mode established when the lottery table for the first RT mode is selected; It is an explanatory view for explaining a lottery table for the second RT mode. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the order of stopping reels and the winning mode established when the lottery table for the second RT mode is selected; It is a flowchart which shows the information control processing performed by main side MPU. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a corresponding process at the end of a game, which is executed by the main MPU; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing BB processing executed by the main MPU; FIG. (a) is a connection diagram showing a drive system of a stepping motor, and (b) is a diagram showing drive characteristics of the stepping motor. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of an excitation order table; FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining drive characteristics required for a stepping motor; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a table for initial rotation in a conventional slot machine; FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of excitation pattern A; 4 is a flowchart showing reel control processing executed by the main MPU; It is a flowchart which shows the rotation start processing performed by main side MPU. 4 is a flowchart showing stepping motor control processing executed by the main MPU; 4 is a flowchart showing motor control processing executed by the main MPU; 4 is a flowchart showing excitation data setting processing executed by the main MPU; 26 to 30 using the excitation order table as shown in FIG. 22 and the initial rotation table as shown in FIG. 25 for the reel unit produced in Example 1. It is a figure which shows the result of. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern B; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern C; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern D; FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern E; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern F; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern G; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern H; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern I; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern J; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern K; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern L; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern M; 5 is a diagram showing the results of various evaluations of excitation patterns A to M in the first acceleration period in Example 1. FIG. It is an explanatory view for explaining a rotation initial stage table for a comparison test. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing changes over time in rotational speed in second tests A to D; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing changes over time in rotational speed in comparative tests A to D; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern N; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern O; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern P; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern Q; FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern R; FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of an excitation pattern S; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of the excitation pattern T; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a table for initial rotation of the excitation pattern U; 5 is a diagram showing the results of various evaluations of excitation patterns A, N to U during a constant speed period in Example 1. FIG.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine, which is a type of game machine, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 opened.

As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 10 has a housing 11 forming its outer shell. A plurality of wooden panels are fixed to the housing 11 so that the housing 11 is formed into a box-like shape that is open forward as a whole.

A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11 . The front door 12 is supported by the housing 11 so as to be able to open and close the internal space of the housing 11 with its left side as a pivot shaft. The front door 12 is locked so that it cannot be opened by a locking device 13 provided on the rear side thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, a game panel 20 is provided near the upper center of the front door 12 to inform the player of the game state. The game panel 20 has three vertically long display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R arranged side by side. The display windows 21L, 21M and 21R are made of a transparent or translucent material, and the inside of the slot machine 10 can be viewed through the display windows 21L, 21M and 21R.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inside of the housing 11 is divided into upper and lower parts by a partition plate, and the reel unit 31 is attached to the upper part of the partition plate. The reel unit 31 includes a left reel 32L, a middle reel 32M, and a right reel 32R, which are each formed in a cylindrical shape. Each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is rotatably supported such that its center axis coincides with the rotation axis of the reel 32L, 32M, 32R. The rotation axes of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are arranged on the same axis extending substantially horizontally, and the reels 32L, 32M, 32R correspond to the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R one-to-one. there is Therefore, a part of the surface of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is visible through the corresponding display window portions 21L, 21M, 21R. Further, when the reels 32L, 32M, 32R rotate forward, the surfaces of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are projected through the respective display windows 21L, 21M, 21R as if they are moving from top to bottom.

Each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is connected to a stepping motor 33 (see FIG. 3), and driven by the stepping motor 33, the reels 32L, 32M, 32R rotate independently. It is configured to be drivable. Since these reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have the same structure, the left reel 32L will be described here as an example with reference to FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of the left reel 32L.

The left reel 32L includes a cylindrical frame member 34 forming a cylindrical cage, and a strip-shaped reel tape (not shown in FIG. 3) endlessly wound around the outer peripheral surface thereof. Then, it is attached to the cylindrical skeleton member 34 via a pair of seal portions formed along both sides of the long side of the reel tape so as to maintain the wound state. A large number of patterns as identification information are printed at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape. A central portion of the cylindrical frame member 34 is attached to the drive shaft of the stepping motor 33 . Therefore, when the drive shaft of the stepping motor 33 rotates, the cylindrical skeleton member 34 rotates about the drive shaft, and the left reel 32L rotates.

The stepping motor 33 is screw-fixed to the side surface of a motor plate 35 arranged in an upright state within the reel unit 31 . A motor plate 35 is provided with a reel index sensor 36 in which a light-emitting element 36a and a light-receiving element 36b are held at a predetermined interval. On the other hand, a radially extending sensor cut bang 37 is screwed to the cylindrical frame member 34 . A leading end portion 37a of the sensor cut bang 37 is bent at a substantially right angle and positioned so as to pass between the elements 36a and 36b of the reel index sensor 36. As shown in FIG. Each time the left reel 32L rotates once, the reel index sensor 36 detects the passage of the leading end 37a of the sensor cut bang 37, and each detection signal is output to the main controller 70, which will be described later. Therefore, main controller 70 can confirm and correct the angular position of left reel 32L for each rotation based on this detection signal.

The stepping motor 33 is set so as to make one rotation by applying an excitation signal of 504 pulses, for example, and progressing by 504 steps, and the rotational position of the stepping motor 33, that is, the rotational position of the left reel 32L is controlled by the number of steps. be done. On each reel tape of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, a plurality of patterns, specifically 21 patterns are drawn in the long side direction (circumferential direction). The main controller 70 recognizes which symbols are visible through the display window portion 21L, based on the number of steps (that is, the number of pulses) from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor 36 is output. Control can be performed to make any pattern visible from the display window portion 21L.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the lower left side of the game panel 20, there is provided a start lever 41 operated to start the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R. When the start lever 41 is operated while medals are being bet, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R start rotating all at once.

On the right side of the start lever 41, stop buttons 42, 43, 44 are provided to be operated to individually stop the rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R. The respective stop buttons 42, 43, 44 are arranged directly below the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be stopped, respectively. Each of the stop buttons 42, 43, 44 is in a state in which it can be stopped after a predetermined time has passed since the left reel 32L started rotating.

The reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are started to rotate based on the operation of the start lever 41, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop rotating based on the operation of the stop buttons 42, 43, and 44, and medals are awarded. Execution of various processes such as management of the game state and management of the game state corresponds to one game (game time).

A medal slot 45 for inserting medals as an investment value is provided on the lower right side of the display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R. As shown in FIG. 2, the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 45 are guided to the hopper device 53 by the selector 52 provided on the back of the front door 12 when reception is permitted, and are guided to the hopper device 53 when reception is prohibited. The medals are led from a medal discharge port 58 (FIG. 1) provided in the front lower portion of the front door 12 to a medal tray 59 (FIG. 1). The hopper device 53 has a function of paying out the medals stored in the storage tank to the medal receiving tray 59 through the medal discharge port 58 when a winning corresponding to the awarding of the game media is established on the activated line. there is

Below the medal slot 45, as shown in FIG. 1, a return button 46 is provided to be pushed when the medals inserted into the medal slot 45 are jammed in the selector 52 (FIG. 2). Further, on the lower left side of the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R, there is a first credit insertion button 47 for inserting the maximum amount of credited virtual medals that can be betted at once, and two virtual medals are inserted at once. and a third credit insertion button 49 for inserting one virtual medal at a time.

A settlement button 51 is provided on the left side of the start lever 41 . That is, the slot machine 10 has a credit function of storing and storing surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (equivalent to 50 medals) and payout medals at the time of winning as virtual medals. When the checkout button 51 is operated under the stored condition, the virtual medals are dispensed from the medal discharge port 58 as real medals.

A power supply device 54 is provided inside the housing 11 to the left of the hopper device 53 as shown in FIG. The power supply device 54 includes a power switch 55 operated when the power is turned on and off, a reset button 56 for resetting various states of the slot machine 10, and a setting state of the slot machine 10 from "setting 1" to "setting 1". A setting key insertion hole 57 is provided to be operated to change within the range of setting 6”.

<Designs attached to each reel 32L, 32M, 32R>
Next, the symbols attached to each reel 32L, 32M, 32R will be described.

FIG. 4 shows the pattern arrangement of the left reel 32L, middle reel 32M, and right reel 32R. As shown in the figure, 21 symbols are arranged in a line on each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. Numbers 0 to 20 are assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and these numbers are visible to the main controller 70 through the display windows 21L, 21M, and 21R. These are numbers for recognizing symbols, and are not actually attached to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. However, the numbers will be used in the following description.

The symbols include a “bell” symbol (eg, 20th on the left reel 32L), a “replay” symbol (eg, 19th on the left reel 32L), a “watermelon” symbol (eg, 18th on the left reel 32L), and “ Red 7" symbol (e.g., 15th on left reel 32L), "BAR" symbol (e.g., 10th on left reel 32L), "Cherry" symbol (e.g., 9th on left reel 32L), "White 7" symbol (for example, the 5th on the left reel 32L). The number and arrangement order of various symbols are completely different in each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the display windows 21L, 21M and 21R. Each of the display windows 21L, 21M and 21R is formed so that three of the 21 symbols attached to the corresponding reel are visible as a whole. Therefore, when all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped, 3×3=9 symbols are visible through the display windows 21L, 21M, 21R.

In this slot machine 10, one main line ML is set so as to connect positions where symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are visible. The main line ML is a line that connects the base positions of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Specifically, the main line ML connects the middle pattern of the left reel 32L, the middle pattern of the middle reel 32M, and the middle pattern of the right reel 32R. is the line. Spinning of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is started with a prescribed number of medals bet, and when a prize corresponding to the winning combination is established on the main line ML, a privilege of payout of medals and a replay are given. Either the privilege of the privilege or the privilege of transition of the game state is given.

That is, in the present slot machine 10, only one main line ML is set as a line on which winning can be established. The main line ML is set as a straight line. A subline SL1 connecting the upper pattern of the left reel 32L, the middle pattern of the middle reel 32M and the lower pattern of the right reel 32R, and the upper pattern of the left reel 32L, the upper pattern of the middle reel 32M and the upper pattern of the right reel 32R. A subline SL3 connecting a subline SL2, a lower pattern of the left reel 32L, a lower pattern of the middle reel 32M and a lower pattern of the right reel 32R, a lower pattern of the left reel 32L, a middle pattern of the middle reel 32M and an upper pattern of the right reel 32R. Even if a combination of symbols to be a winning target is established on a straight line such as a sub-line SL4 connecting the symbols, winning is not established. The number of main lines ML is not limited to one, and may be two, three, four, or five or more. The number of main lines ML to be activated may be different depending on the number of main lines ML. Further, the main line ML is not limited to a straight line, and may be a curved line.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the correspondence relationship between the combination of winning symbols and the privilege given when winning will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the correspondence relationship between the combination of winning symbols and the privilege given when winning.

Small winnings to which game media are awarded include first supplemental winnings, second supplemental winnings, third supplemental winnings, bell winnings, watermelon winnings, and cherry winnings. Specifically, on the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is a "bell" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is a "replay" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is a "bell" symbol. In that case, it will be the first compensation winning prize. Further, on the main line ML, when the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is a "watermelon" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is a "bell" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is a "bell" symbol, It will be the second supplementary prize. Further, on the main line ML, when the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "replay" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "bell" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "bell" symbol, 3rd Compensation Award. The number of game media to be given becomes “1” when any one of the first to third compensation winning prizes is achieved.

When the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "bell" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "bell" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "bell" symbol on the main line ML, the bell wins. becomes. When the bell wins, the number of game media to be given is “8”.

On the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is a "watermelon" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is either a "watermelon" symbol or a "cherry" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is a "watermelon" symbol. ” symbol or “white 7” symbol, watermelon wins. When the watermelon wins, the number of game media to be given is “8”.

When the stopped symbol of the left reel 32L on the main line ML is a "cherry" symbol, the cherry prize is won regardless of whether the stopped symbol of the middle reel 32M or the right reel 32R is. In the case of winning a cherry prize, the number of game media to be given is “2”.

Winnings that give the privilege of replaying the next game without betting a game medium include a normal replay winning prize, a first RT replay winning prize, a second RT replay winning prize, a first fall replay winning prize, and a second replay winning prize. There is a fall replay prize. Specifically, on the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "replay" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "replay" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "replay" symbol. , or when the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "replay" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "cherry" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "bell" symbol, the normal replay wins. Become. On the main line ML, the stopped symbol of the left reel 32L is the "bell" symbol, the stopped symbol of the middle reel 32M is the "replay" symbol, and the stopped symbol of the right reel 32R is the "replay" symbol, the first RT. Replay prize. On the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is a "watermelon" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is a "replay" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is a "replay" symbol, the second RT. Replay prize. On the main line ML, when the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "replay" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "cherry" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "replay" symbol, the first It will be a fall replay prize. When the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "replay" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "replay" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "bell" symbol on the main line ML, the second It will be a fall replay prize.

If any of the above replay wins, it is possible to play the next game while eliminating the need to bet new game media. Specifically, in a game in which three game media are betted, if one of the replay wins, it is possible to start the next game with three bets while eliminating the need to bet new game media. becomes.

Among the above various replay prizes, the first RT replay prize, the second RT replay prize, the first fall replay prize, and the second fall replay prize not only trigger the provision of the replay prize privilege, but also trigger the transition to the lottery mode. In this slot machine 10, a plurality of types of lottery modes are set so that the types of winnings to be selected by lottery and the winning probability of each winning combination differ in the winning lottery process (FIG. 11). Occurs when the replay winning that triggers the transition to the lottery mode is established. Details of each lottery mode and conditions for transition to each lottery mode will be described later in detail.

As state transition winning prizes in which only game state transition is performed, there are a first BB winning prize and a second BB winning prize. Specifically, on the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "Red 7" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "Red 7" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "Red 7" symbol. If it is a pattern, it becomes the first BB prize. On the main line ML, the stopped symbol on the left reel 32L is the "White 7" symbol, the stopped symbol on the middle reel 32M is the "White 7" symbol, and the stopped symbol on the right reel 32R is the "White 7" symbol. , 2nd BB winner. When the 1st BB prize or the 2nd BB prize is established, the game state shifts to the BB state.

In this slot machine 10, a BB state and a non-BB state other than the BB state are set as game states. The non-BB state includes a normal game state, an ART state which is more advantageous for the player than the normal game state, and a preparatory state which is a preliminary stage to the ART state. The BB state is a gaming state in which the expected number of game media to be awarded per unit number of games is higher than in the non-AT state in the normal mode, which will be described later. Furthermore, the BB state is a game state in which the expected number of game media to be awarded per unit game number is higher than in any game state other than the BB state.

Specifically, in the BB state, a winning combination that enables the establishment of a bell prize is won with a higher probability (for example, 1/2) than in other gaming states, and if the winning combination is won, each reel The bell prize is established regardless of the order of stopping the reels 32L, 32M and 32R and the stop operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44 with respect to the rotational positions of the respective reels 32L, 32M and 32R. In addition, a winning combination that enables establishment of a watermelon prize is won at a higher probability (for example, 1/4) than in other gaming states, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped when the winning combination is won. A watermelon win is established regardless of the order and the stop operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44 with respect to the rotational positions of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. As a result, even in the BB state, even if there are a plurality of types of prizes to which game media are awarded, if a winning combination corresponding to the prize awarded to which game media is awarded is won, the winning combination is dealt with. Winning a prize to do will be established surely.

The BB state continues over a plurality of games, and ends when an end condition is satisfied based on the occurrence of an event according to the content of game execution. The termination condition is arbitrary, but in the slot machine 10, the total number of game media given after the start of the BB state is equal to or greater than the termination reference number is set as the termination condition. A first BB state and a second BB state are set as the BB state, and the end criteria number differs between the first BB state and the second BB state. Specifically, the end criterion number for the first BB state is set to "41", and the end criterion number for the second BB state is set to "89".

<Device for executing various notifications and various effects>
Next, a device for executing various notifications and various effects will be described.

Above the front door 12, as shown in FIG. 1, an upper lamp 61, a speaker 62, and an image display device 63 are provided. When an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10, light emission of the upper lamp 61 is controlled in a manner corresponding to the abnormality, and light emission is controlled in a manner corresponding to the winning result. Further, the upper lamp 61 is controlled to emit light so that a light emission effect corresponding to the display effect on the image display device 63 is performed. The speakers 62 are provided as a pair of left and right speakers, and when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10, the sound output is controlled so that a sound or voice corresponding to the abnormality is output, and a sound or voice corresponding to the winning result is output. Sound output is controlled so that Further, the speaker 62 is controlled to output sound so that a sound output effect corresponding to the display effect on the image display device 63 is performed.

The image display device 63 has a display surface 63a, and when an abnormality occurs in the slot machine 10, display control is performed so that an image corresponding to the abnormality is displayed on the display surface 63a. Further, the image display device 63 is controlled to display on the display surface 63a an image corresponding to the result of winning a role in the internal lottery and the result of winning in each game.

Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

An MPU 72 is mounted on a main control board 71 of the main controller 70 . The MPU 72 includes a ROM 73 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 72, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 73. A RAM 74, a clock circuit for outputting a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency, an interrupt circuit, a data input/output circuit, a random number generation circuit, and the like are incorporated. It should be noted that it is not essential that the ROM 73 and the RAM 74 are integrated into one chip for the MPU 72, and they may be individually integrated into chips.

The MPU 72 is provided with an input port and an output port. The input side of the MPU 72 includes the reel unit 31, a start detection sensor 41a that detects the operation of the start lever 41, stop detection sensors 42a, 43a, and 44a that individually detect the operation of each of the stop buttons 42, 43, and 44, and a medal insertion sensor. A inserted medal detection sensor 45a for detecting medals inserted from the mouth 45; credit insertion detection sensors 47a, 48a, 49a for individually detecting the operation of each credit insertion button 47, 48, 49; A settlement detection sensor 51a, a payout detection sensor of the hopper device 53, a reset detection sensor that detects operation of a reset button 56 provided in the power supply device 54, and a setting that detects insertion of a setting key into a setting key insertion hole 57. Various sensors such as a key detection sensor are connected, and signals from these sensors are input to the MPU 72 .

The output side of the MPU 72 is connected to the reel unit 31, the selector drive section 52a provided in the selector 52, the payout motor of the hopper device 53, the credit display section 65, the given number display section 66, the effect control device 80, and the like. . In each game, the MPU 72 controls the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R of the reel unit 31. FIG. The selector 52 guides the medals inserted from the medal slot 45 to the hopper device 53 after being detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 45a if reception is permitted, and to the inserted medal detection sensor 45a if reception is prohibited. It has a function of ejecting to the medal receiving tray 59 without being detected by the The selector drive unit 52a has a function of switching the state of the selector 52 between the reception permission state and the reception prohibition state. and a position for prohibiting reception. The MPU 72 switches the state of the selector 52 between the reception permission state and the reception prohibition state by switching the output state and the stop state of the driving signal to the selector driving section 52a.

The MPU 72 controls the display of the credit display section 65 so that the number of stored virtual medals is displayed. Further, the MPU 72 executes drive control of the hopper device 53 when a small winning combination is established and medals are to be paid out. Furthermore, the MPU 72 controls the display of the given number display section 66 so that the number of game media to be given is displayed when game media are given. Moreover, MPU72 transmits a command to the production|presentation control apparatus 80 at each timing of each game.

An input side of the MPU 72 is connected to a power failure monitoring circuit provided in the power supply 54 (not shown). The power supply device 54 is equipped with a power supply unit that supplies driving power to each electronic device of the slot machine 10 including the main controller 70, and a power failure monitoring circuit. A power failure signal is output to the MPU 72 when the voltage is below the reference voltage. The MPU 72 executes power failure processing upon receiving the power failure signal, and after the power is restored, it is possible to return to the processing state before the power failure. Further, the power supply device 54 is provided with a power-off power supply unit for supplying backup power to the RAM 74 as power-off power when the supply of operating power from the external power supply is interrupted. As a result, even when the supply of operating power from the external power source is interrupted, data is stored and retained in the RAM 74 in a situation where backup power can be supplied to the power supply unit during a power failure (for example, for one or two days). be done. However, the data stored in the RAM 74 is initialized by turning on the slot machine 10 while pressing the reset button 56 provided on the power supply device 54 .

The performance control device 80 includes a performance control board 81 for controlling execution of various notifications and various performances. An MPU 82 is mounted on the performance control board 81 . The MPU 82 includes a ROM 83 storing various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 82, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 83. A RAM 84 is incorporated, and a clock circuit for outputting a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency, an interrupt circuit, a data input/output circuit, a random number generation circuit, and the like are also incorporated.

It should be noted that it is not essential that the ROM 83 and the RAM 84 are integrated into one chip for the MPU 82, and they may be individually integrated into chips. In addition, the RAM 84 is not supplied with backup power from the power supply section of the power supply unit 54 when the supply of operating power from the external power supply is interrupted, but the backup power is supplied to the RAM 84. good too.

The MPU 82 is provided with an input port and an output port. The MPU 72 of the main control device 70 is connected to the input side of the MPU 82 as already described, and various commands are received from the MPU 72 . An upper lamp 61 , a speaker 62 and an image display device 63 are connected to the output side of the MPU 82 . Based on commands received from the MPU 72 of the main control device 70, the MPU 82 executes light emission control of the upper lamp 61, sound output control of the speaker 62, and display control of the image display device 63, thereby performing various notifications and various effects. let it happen.

In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the MPU 72, ROM 73 and RAM 74 of the main control device 70 are referred to as the main MPU 72, main ROM 73 and main RAM 74 respectively, and the MPU 82, ROM 83 and RAM 84 of the effect control device 80 are respectively the effect side. It is called MPU82, production side ROM83, and production side RAM84.

Next, processing executed by the main MPU 72 will be described. First, the main processing executed by the main MPU 72 when the supply of operating power to the main MPU 72 is started will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the main process, first, an initialization process is executed (step S101). In the initialization processing, interrupts by the timer interrupt processing are permitted, and various initial settings are made for the registers and I/O devices in the main MPU 72 . After that, it is determined whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 57 and the power is turned on (step S102). If the power is turned on with the setting key inserted (step S102: YES), if the reset button 56 is not turned on when the power is turned on (step S103: NO), the probability of winning remains unchanged. A setting process is executed (step S105). On the other hand, if the reset button 56 is turned on when the power is turned on (step S103: YES), the winning probability setting process is executed (step S105) after executing the clear process (step S104).

In the clear processing, all areas in the main RAM 74 are initialized. In this case, in the main side RAM 74, an area for storing the setting values of the slot machine 10, an area for storing data indicating whether or not the BB state is stored, an area for storing data indicating the gaming state, and the end of the AT state. Each area of the main side RAM 74 is cleared to "0" including the area in which the data for specifying the condition is stored. When the clear process is executed, if the state before the power cutoff was a state in which the progress of the game was restricted due to the occurrence of an abnormality, the abnormal state is canceled.

In the winning probability setting process, the current set value is read and the current set value is displayed on the credit display section 65 on condition that the setting key is inserted and turned on. When the clearing process (step S104) of the main RAM 74 is executed, a display corresponding to "setting 1" is displayed on the credit display section 65 at the start of the winning probability setting process, and the clearing process (step S104) is performed. is not executed, a display corresponding to the setting value in the state before the power shutdown is performed. In the winning probability setting process, the set value is updated by 1 each time the reset button 56 is operated, and the updated set value is displayed on the credit display section 65 . If the reset button 56 is operated while the setting value is "setting 6", the setting value is updated to "setting 1". When the ON operation of the setting key is released after the start lever 41 is operated, the winning probability setting process is terminated. In this case, the display of the set value on the credit display section 65 is terminated.

After executing the winning probability setting process, the process shifts to the normal process (step S106). The normal processing will be explained later in detail. If the ON operation of the setting key is not performed in the main process (step S102: NO), the power recovery process from step S107 onwards is executed. The power restoration process is a process for restoring the state of the slot machine 10 to the state before the power shutdown. In the power restoration process, it is determined whether or not the setting values of the slot machine 10 are normal by checking the main RAM 74 (step S107). Specifically, if the setting value is any one of "setting 1" to "setting 6", it is determined to be normal, and if it is "0" or "7" or more, it is determined to be abnormal. If the set value is normal, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is set to "1" (step S108). A power failure flag is provided in the main side RAM 74, and when the predetermined power failure processing is normally executed when the supply of operating power to the main side MPU 72 is stopped, the power failure flag is set to "1". will be set. If the power failure flag is set to "1", it is checked whether the RAM determination value is normal (step S109). Specifically, the checksum value of the main RAM 74 is checked to confirm whether the value is normal.

If affirmative determination is made in all of steps S107 to S109, it means that the power failure processing at the time of the previous power failure was normally executed. In this case, the value of the stack pointer saved in the main RAM 74 is written to the stack pointer of the main MPU 72, and the data saved in the main RAM 74 is returned to the register of the main MPU 72. The state is restored to the state before the power was cut off (step S110). Also, the power failure flag in the main RAM 74 is cleared to "0" (step S111). After that, after transmitting a power recovery command for recognizing the execution of the power recovery process to the production side MPU 82 (step S112), it returns to the address before the power shutdown (step S113).

On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in any of steps S107 to S109, operation prohibition processing is executed. In the operation prohibition process, execution of the next timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) is prohibited (step S114), and all the output ports of the main MPU 72 are cleared to "0", thereby all actuators connected to the output ports are cleared. is turned off (step S115), and an error notification process is executed to notify the hall manager or the like of the occurrence of an error (step S116). And it becomes an infinite loop. The operation prohibition process is canceled by executing the clear process (step S104).

Next, timer interrupt processing executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Timer interrupt processing is started every 1.49 msec.

In the register saving process (step S201), the values of all the registers in the main MPU 72 used in the normal process described later are saved in the main RAM 74. FIG. In step S202, it is checked whether or not the power failure flag is set to "1", and if the power failure flag is set to "1", the process proceeds to step S203 to execute power failure processing.

The power failure flag is set when a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit of the power supply 54 is input to the main MPU 72 . In the power failure processing, first, it is determined whether or not the command transmission has been completed. If the transmission has not been completed, this processing is terminated, the timer interrupt processing is resumed, and the command transmission is terminated. When the command transmission is completed, the value of the stack pointer of the main MPU 72 is saved in the main RAM 74 . After that, the output state of the output port of the main MPU 72 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. Then, when the power failure is resolved, a judgment value for judging whether or not the data in the main RAM 74 is normal is calculated and stored in the main RAM 74, and subsequent access to the RAM is prohibited. After the above processing is performed, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power is completely cut off and the processing cannot be executed.

If the power failure flag is not set to "1" in step S202, various processes after step S204 are performed. In step S204, clearing processing of the watchdog timer for initializing the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction is performed. In step S205, the main MPU 72 performs an interrupt termination declaration process to enable the next timer interrupt to be set. In step S206, stepping motor control processing is performed to drive the stepping motors 33 provided for the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R in order to rotate the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R. Details of the stepping motor control process will be described later. In step S207, sensor monitoring processing is performed to read the states of various sensors connected to the input port and to monitor whether the read results are normal.

In step S208, timer subtraction processing is performed to subtract the value of each counter or timer. In step S209, counter processing for outputting the result of counting the number of bets of medals and the number of payouts to the outside is performed. In step S210, command output processing for transmitting various commands to the effect side MPU 82 is performed. In step S211, port output processing is performed to output data corresponding to the I/O device from the input/output port. In step S212, the values of each register saved in the main RAM 74 in the previous step S201 are returned to the corresponding registers in the main MPU 72, respectively. After that, in step S213, interrupt permission processing for permitting the next timer interrupt is performed, and this series of timer interrupt processing is terminated.

Next, normal processing executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, interrupt permission processing is performed to permit the next timer interrupt (step S301). After that, start waiting processing is executed (step S302). In the start waiting process, it is determined whether or not any replay winning has occurred in the previous game. If any of the replay winnings have occurred, automatic injection processing is performed to automatically insert the same number of virtual medals as the number of previous bets, and the start waiting processing ends. When no replay winning has occurred, it is determined whether or not the settlement button 51 has been operated, and when the settlement button 51 has been operated, the same number of medals as credited virtual medals are paid out. Perform medal return processing. After the completion of the medal return processing or when the settlement button 51 is not operated, whether or not the insertion of medals or the operation of the insertion of credit buttons 47 to 49 has been performed between the previous start waiting processing and the current start waiting processing. If either one is performed, a medal insertion process for changing the number of bets, etc. is performed, and the start waiting process is terminated. Also, if both the insertion of medals and the operation of the credit insertion buttons 47 to 49 have not been performed between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process, the start waiting process is terminated as it is.

After execution of the start waiting process in step S302, it is determined whether or not the number of bets on medals has reached a specified number (specifically, "3") (step S303), and if the number of bets has not reached the specified number Then, the process returns to the start waiting process (step S302). If the number of bets has reached the prescribed number, it is determined whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated (step S304). If the start lever 41 has not been operated, the process returns to the start waiting process (step S302). On the other hand, if the start lever 41 has been operated, after the main line ML is activated, reception prohibition processing is executed (step S305). By executing the reception prohibiting process, even if a medal is inserted into the medal slot 45, the medal is ejected to the medal receiving tray 59 without being detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 45a. After that, a lottery process for performing a lottery for a winning combination in the current game is executed (step S306), and a reel control process for driving and controlling the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R in a manner corresponding to the result of the current lottery process. (step S307). Details of the reel control process will be described later.

After that, medium application processing is executed (step S308). In the medium awarding process, when a minor winning combination has been established in the current game, a process for awarding the player with a number of game media corresponding to the winning of the minor winning combination is executed. Specifically, when virtual medals are awarded, a value corresponding to the current minor winning combination is added to a credit counter provided in the main RAM 74, and when the value of the credit counter reaches the maximum number of stored coins, drives and controls the hopper device 53 so that the number of medals exceeding the upper limit stored number is paid out to the medal receiving tray 59 .

After executing the medium giving process in step S308, a corresponding process at the end of the game is executed to enable the setting of the game state corresponding to the result of the current game (step S309). After that, an external output setting process for outputting the state of the slot machine 10 to the management computer of the game hall is executed (step S310), reception permission process is executed (step S311), and the process returns to step S301. By executing the acceptance permission process, the medals inserted from the medal slot 45 are collected by the hopper device 53 after being detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 45a.

<Lottery processing>
Next, the lottery process executed in step S306 of the normal process (FIG. 10) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the lottery process, first, a random number acquisition process for acquiring a random number to be used when judging whether a winning combination is right or wrong is executed (step S401). In the slot machine 10, when the start lever 41 is operated, the hardware circuit latches the value of the free-run counter at that time. The free-run counter generates a random number from 0 to 65535, and after confirming the operation of the start lever 41, the main MPU 72 stores the value latched by the hardware circuit in the main RAM 74. FIG. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to quickly obtain a random number at the timing when the start lever 41 is operated, and it is possible to avoid problems such as synchronization. The hardware circuit of the slot machine 10 is configured to latch the value of the free-run counter each time the start lever 41 is operated.

After obtaining the random number in step S401, the lottery table for judging the winning combination is read from the main ROM 73 (step S402). Here, in the slot machine 10, six levels of winning probabilities from a setting value of "1" to a setting value of "6" are prepared in advance for the non-BB state, and the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 57. It is possible to set the winning probability based on which the lottery process is to be executed by turning ON and performing a predetermined operation. The set value of "n+1" is higher than the set value of "n" because the probability of winning the BB role that triggers the transition to the BB state is higher than the set value of "n". The value favors the player. In addition, there are three types of lottery modes, a normal mode, a first RT mode, and a second RT mode, in which the main MPU 72 has different lottery tables even if the set values are at the same stage. In addition, as a game state, there is a BB state apart from the state of each lottery mode. In step S402, a lottery table corresponding to the combination of the current set value and the current gaming state is selected.

A lottery table corresponding to each of the normal mode, the first RT mode, and the second RT mode will be described using the case where the set value is "3" as an example. First, the normal mode lottery table selected in the normal mode will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the normal mode lottery table, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R and the types of wins that can be established in the normal mode lottery table. be.

As shown in FIG. 12, index values IV are set in the normal mode lottery table, and each index value IV is associated with a winning combination and set with a point value PV. The point value PV determines the winning probability of the corresponding lottery combination in relation to the maximum value ("65535") of the free run counter.

Specifically, the index value IV=1 is set with the bell winning data and the first complementary winning data. When winning with index value IV=1, as shown in FIG. A bell win is surely generated regardless of the kind of reel and the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44, and in other cases, a first compensation win is surely generated.

In the present slot machine 10, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are controlled so that the reels 32L, 32M and 32R can slide up to four symbols after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. In other words, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are controlled to be stopped within a specified time (190 msec) after the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. By performing such reel control, it becomes possible to facilitate establishment of a prize corresponding to a winning combination, and to avoid establishment of a prize corresponding to a non-winning combination. becomes possible. However, since the amount of rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R that can be slid is limited as described above, only one reel 32L, 32M, 32R constitutes a combination of symbols for establishing a prize. If there are 5 or more symbols between the constituent symbols, depending on the operation timing of the corresponding stop buttons 42 to 44, the constituent symbols may not stop on the main line ML (this phenomenon is also known as "dropout"). say). The first supplementary prize to the third supplementary prize, the bell prize, the watermelon prize, and various replay prizes are prize modes in which no loss occurs when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped in the corresponding order. The 1BB winning and the 2BB winning are prize modes in which the winning can be missed depending on the stop operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44 with respect to the rotational positions of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R.

As shown in FIG. 12, the index value IV=2 is set with bell winning data and second complementary winning data. When winning with index value IV=2, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the types of reels to be stopped and the reels to be stopped and each of the stop buttons 42 to 44 Winning of the bell is surely established regardless of the operation timing of , and in other cases, winning of the second supplementary prize is surely established.

As shown in FIG. 12, the index value IV=3 is set with bell winning data and third complementary winning data. When winning with index value IV=3, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the types of reels to be stopped and the reels to be stopped and respective stop buttons 42 to 44 are displayed. Winning of the bell is surely established regardless of the operation timing of , and in other cases, winning of the third supplementary prize is surely established.

As shown in FIG. 12, only the watermelon winning data is set to the index value IV=4. If a win is made with the index value IV=4, as shown in FIG. 13, the watermelon win is established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. In addition, when the winning is achieved with the index value IV=4, the watermelon winning is established without fail regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42-44.

As shown in FIG. 12, only cherry winning data is set for the index value IV=5. If a win is made with the index value IV=5, as shown in FIG. 13, a cherry win can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timing of the left stop button 42 with respect to the rotation position of the left reel 32L, there is a possibility that the cherry winning will not be established.

As shown in FIG. 12, the index value IV=6 is set with the first BB winning data. If a win is made with the index value IV=6, as shown in FIG. 13, the first BB win can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, there is a possibility that the first BB winning will not be established. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the second BB winning data is set to the index value IV=7. If a win is made with the index value IV=7, as shown in FIG. 13, the second BB win can be established regardless of the order in which the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are stopped. However, depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44, there is a possibility that the 2nd BB prize will not be established.

Here, the winning data other than the 1st BB winning data and the 2nd BB winning data are erased in the winning game regardless of whether or not the winning is established, and are retained in the games following the winning game. not passed. On the other hand, the 1st BB winning data and the 2nd BB winning data establish the corresponding BB winning even in the game following the winning game, except when the main side RAM 74 is cleared. stored until In this case, in a game in which the first BB winning data or the second BB winning data is carried over, the index value IV corresponding to the first BB winning data and the second BB winning data is excluded from the lottery. As a result, it is possible to prevent the BB winning data from being newly stored even though the first BB winning data or the second BB winning data are already stored, and a plurality of BB winning data are accumulated. It is possible to avoid being stored by

As shown in FIG. 12, normal replay winning data and first RT replay winning data are set to index values IV=8-11. In this case, when winning with index value IV=8, as shown in FIG. 13, the first stop is the middle reel 32M, and the second stop (the reel for which the second stop command is generated) is the left reel 32L. , and when the third stop (reel where the last stop command is generated) is the right reel 32R, the 1st replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44, otherwise , normal replay winning is established without fail regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 42-44. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=9, the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the left reel 32L. 1RT replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of 44, and normal replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44 in other cases. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=10, the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M. 1RT replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of 44, and normal replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44 in other cases. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=11, the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the left reel 32L. 1RT replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of 44, and normal replay winning is surely established regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44 in other cases.

When the normal mode lottery table of FIG. 12 is selected, the probability of winning when the index value IV=1, the probability of winning when the index value IV=2, and the winning when the index value IV=3 The probability of winning is about 1/5.0, the probability of winning when the index value IV=4 is about 1/77, and the probability of winning when the index value IV=5 is about 1. /423, the probability of winning when the index value IV=6 is about 1/131, the probability of winning when the index value IV=7 is about 1/655, and the probability of winning when the index value IV=8. , the probability of winning when the index value IV=9, the probability of winning when the index value IV=10, and the probability of winning when the index value IV=11 are respectively It is about 1/28.0.

Here, in the normal mode lottery table, as already described, 1RT replay winning data is set as winning data with index values IV=8 to 11 in addition to normal replay winning data (see FIG. 12). The probability of winning one of these index values IV=8 to 11 is about 1/7.0. If a win is made with any of the index values IV=8 to 11, the order of stopping the reels 32L, 32M, 32R: 1st stop, 2nd stop and 3rd stop corresponds to the winning combination. When the order is established, the first RT replay prize is established, and the lottery mode shifts from the normal mode to the first RT mode. When shifting to the first RT mode, the lottery table referred to in the lottery process (FIG. 11) becomes the lottery table for the first RT mode.

Next, the lottery table for the first RT mode, which is selected in the case of "setting 3" and the first RT mode, will be described. 14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the lottery table for the first RT mode.

In the first RT mode lottery table, as shown in FIG. 14, the winning combination data set to index values IV=1 to 7 and the winning probabilities of each index value IV are determined by the normal mode lottery table (see FIG. 14). 12). In this case, the index values IV=1 to 5 are set with combinations that allow game media to be awarded, and the winning combination data and the respective winning probabilities set for the index values IV=1 to 5 are respectively set. Since they are the same, the types of wins for which game media can be awarded and the winning probabilities of those wins are the same in both the normal mode and the first RT mode. Also, BB winning data is set to index values IV=6 to 7 in the same manner as in the normal mode lottery table, and the winning probability is the same as in the normal mode lottery table. That is, the probability of winning either BB combination is the same in the normal mode and the first RT mode.

The winning combination data set after the index value IV=8 are different from those in the normal mode. Specifically, in the first RT mode lottery table, as shown in FIG. 14, second RT replay winning data is set as winning data with index values IV=8 to 11 in addition to normal replay winning data. The probability of winning one of these index values IV=8 to 11 is about 1/10.1. When winning with index value IV=8, as shown in FIG. 15, the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the right reel 32R. A second RT replay prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, a normal replay prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=9, the 2nd RT replay wins when the 1st stop is the middle reel 32M, the 2nd stop is the right reel 32R, and the 3rd stop is the left reel 32L. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, normal replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=10, the 2nd RT replay wins when the 1st stop is the right reel 32R, the 2nd stop is the left reel 32L, and the 3rd stop is the middle reel 32M. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, normal replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=11, if the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, the second RT replay wins. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, normal replay winning is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. In the 1st RT mode, a win is made with any of the index values IV=8 to 11, and the stop order of the 1st stop, 2nd stop and 3rd stop of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R corresponds to the winning combination. If so, the second RT replay prize is established and the lottery mode shifts from the first RT mode to the second RT mode. When the mode is shifted to the second RT mode, the lottery table referred to in the lottery process (FIG. 11) becomes the lottery table for the second RT mode.

In the lottery table for the first RT mode, as shown in FIG. 14, as the winning data with index values IV=12 to 17, in addition to the normal replay winning data, the first falling replay winning data is set. The probability of winning one of these index values IV=12 to 17 is about 1/10.9.

When the lottery table for the first RT mode wins with the index value IV=12, as shown in FIG. 15, the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is When it is the right reel 32R, the normal replay winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning prize is generated according to the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. It definitely happens regardless. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=13, when the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M, the normal replay prize is won. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=14, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the right reel 32R, the normal replay prize is won. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=15, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, the normal replay winning prize is each. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=16, when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M, the normal replay prize is won. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=17, when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, the normal replay prize is awarded. It is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the first fall replay winning prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. When the first falling replay prize is established, the lottery mode shifts to the normal mode. When the normal mode is entered, the lottery table referred to in the lottery process (FIG. 11) is the normal mode lottery table.

In the lottery table for the first RT mode, only the normal replay winning data is set for the index value IV=18. The probability of winning with the index value IV=18 is set higher than the probability of winning other roles, specifically about 1/6.7. Then, when winning is achieved with this index value IV=18, the normal replay prize is established regardless of the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R and the stop operation timing of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. .

In the lottery table for the first RT mode, a combination that enables establishment of a replay prize is set for index values IV=8 to 18. Since the winning probabilities of these roles are set to the probabilities already explained, the winning probability of the winning role that enables establishment of a replay prize in the first RT mode (hereinafter also referred to as replay probability) is about 1. /2.9. On the other hand, the replay probability in normal mode is about 1/7.0. That is, the first RT mode is a game state with a higher replay probability than the normal mode.

Next, the lottery table for the second RT mode, which is selected in the case of "setting 3" and the second RT mode, will be described. 16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the lottery table for the second RT mode.

In the second RT mode lottery table, as shown in FIG. 16, the winning combination data set to index values IV=1 to 7 and the winning probabilities of each index value IV are determined by the normal mode lottery table (see FIG. 16). 12) and the first RT mode lottery table (FIG. 14). In this case, the index values IV=1 to 5 are set with combinations that allow game media to be awarded, and the winning combination data and the respective winning probabilities set for the index values IV=1 to 5 are respectively set. Since they are the same, the types of wins for which game media can be awarded and the winning probabilities of those wins are the same in the normal mode, the first RT mode, and the second RT mode. BB winning data is set to index values IV=6 to 7 in the same manner as in the normal mode lottery table and the first RT mode lottery table, and the winning probability is set in the normal mode lottery table and the first RT mode lottery table. same as the table. That is, the probability of winning one of the BB roles is the same in the normal mode, the first RT mode and the second RT mode.

The winning combination data set after the index value IV=8 are different from those in the normal mode and the first RT mode. Specifically, in the lottery table for the second RT mode, as shown in FIG. 16, in addition to the normal replay winning data, the second falling replay winning data is set as the winning data with index values IV=8 to 13. . The probability of winning any of these index values IV=8 to 13 is about 1/5.5.

When the lottery table for the second RT mode wins with the index value IV=8, as shown in FIG. 17, the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is In the case of the right reel 32R, the normal replay prize is surely generated regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 42-44, and in other cases, the second fall replay prize is generated at the operation timing of each stop button 42-44. It definitely happens regardless. Also, when winning with the index value IV=9, when the first stop is the left reel 32L, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M, the normal replay winning prize is each. It certainly occurs irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning prizes certainly occur irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=10, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the right reel 32R, the normal replay winning prize is each. It certainly occurs irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning prizes certainly occur irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=11, when the first stop is the middle reel 32M, the second stop is the right reel 32R, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, the normal replay prize is won. It certainly occurs irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning prizes certainly occur irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. In addition, when winning with the index value IV=12, when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the left reel 32L, and the third stop is the middle reel 32M, the normal replay winning prize is each. It certainly occurs irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning prizes certainly occur irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. Also, when winning with the index value IV=13, when the first stop is the right reel 32R, the second stop is the middle reel 32M, and the third stop is the left reel 32L, the normal replay prize is awarded. It certainly occurs irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44, and in other cases, the second fall replay winning prizes certainly occur irrespective of the operation timings of the stop buttons 42-44. When the second falling replay winning prize is established, the lottery mode shifts to the first RT mode. When shifting to the first RT mode, the lottery table referred to in the lottery process (FIG. 11) becomes the lottery table for the first RT mode.

In the lottery table for the second RT mode, only the normal replay winning data is set for the index value IV=14. The probability of winning with the index value IV=14 is set higher than the probability of winning other roles, specifically about 1/6.3. Then, when winning is achieved with this index value IV=14, the normal replay prize is established regardless of the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R and the stop operation timing of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. .

In the lottery table for the second RT mode, a combination that enables establishment of a replay prize is set for index values IV=8 to 14. Since the winning probabilities of these roles are set to the probabilities already described, the winning probability of the winning role that enables establishment of a replay prize in the second RT mode (hereinafter also referred to as replay probability) is about 1. /2.9. On the other hand, the replay probability in normal mode is about 1/7.0. That is, the second RT mode is a gaming state with a higher replay probability than the normal mode. On the other hand, the replay probability in the first RT mode is approximately 1/2.9. That is, the second RT mode has the same replay probability as the first RT mode. However, it is not limited to the configuration in which the replay probability in the first RT mode is the same as the replay probability in the second RT mode. A certain configuration may be used, the second RT mode may have a higher replay probability than the first RT mode, and the first RT mode may have a higher replay probability than the second RT mode.

The lottery table for normal mode, the lottery table for 1st RT mode, and the lottery table for 2nd RT mode are set in one-to-one correspondence with each of "setting 1" to "setting 6", and the set value is high. The probability of winning the BB role increases as the number increases, but the replay probability set in each lottery mode is the same or substantially the same regardless of the setting value. Also, if any BB role is won, the 1st BB role and the 2nd BB role are selected so that the BB role is not won in duplicate, regardless of whether the mode is the normal mode, the 1st RT mode or the 2nd RT mode. The role is excluded from the lottery. In addition to the normal mode lottery table, the 1st RT mode lottery table, and the 2nd RT mode lottery table, the main-side ROM 73 also stores a lottery table for the lottery process (FIG. 11) in the case of the 1BB state or the 2nd BB state. A BB lottery table is stored. In the lottery table for BB, only three types of bell role, watermelon role and normal replay role are set as the lottery target roles. The probability is set to about 1/4, and the winning probability of the normal replay combination is set to about 1/4. As a result, in the BB state, the expected number of game media to be awarded per unit number of games is higher than in other game states.

Returning to the description of the lottery process (FIG. 11), after selecting the lottery table in step S402, the index value IV is set to "1" in step S403, and the judgment value DV used when judging the winning combination is made in step S404. set. In this determination value setting process, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the current determination value DV to set a new determination value DV. In the initial determination value setting process, the random value obtained in step S401 is used as the current determination value DV, and the current index value IV "1" and the corresponding point value PV are added to this random value. A new judgment value DV is set.

After that, in step S405, it is determined whether the winning combination corresponding to the index value IV is correct. Whether or not the judgment value DV exceeds "65535" is judged in the winning judgment. If it exceeds "65535", the process advances to step S406 to execute winning data acquisition processing for setting the winning combination data corresponding to the index value IV at that time in the main RAM74.

On the other hand, if the determination value DV does not exceed "65535" in step S405, it means that the hand corresponding to the index value IV is lost. In such a case, 1 is added to the index value IV in step S407, and in the subsequent step S408, it is determined whether or not there is a hand corresponding to the index value IV, that is, whether or not there is a determination target to be determined. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV to which 1 has been added exceeds the maximum value of the index value IV set in the lottery table. If there is a determination target to be determined, the process returns to step S404 to continue the determination of the winning combination. At this time, in step S404, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the judgment value DV used for the judgment of the previous winning combination (that is, the current judgment value DV) to obtain a new judgment value DV, In step S405, it is determined whether the winning combination is correct based on the determination value DV.

If it is determined in step S408 that there is no determination target to be determined, it means that the lottery processing result of the current game is a losing result. If the process of step S406 is executed, or if a negative determination is made in step S408, it means that the determination of the winning combination has ended. In this case, a stop information first setting process for setting stop information for reel stop control is executed in step S409, and a game start command transmission process is executed in step S410.

In the process of transmitting the game start command (step S410), if any winning combination is won in the current lottery process (FIG. 11), the information of the winning number corresponding to the winning combination; Information corresponding to the current lottery mode and the current game state is set as a game start command, and the game start command is transmitted to the effect side MPU 82. - 特許庁A game start command is a command for making the effect-side MPU 82 recognize that a new game has started. The effect-side MPU 82 controls the light emission of the upper lamp 61, the sound output control of the speaker 62, and the image display device 63 based on the information on the winning number set in the received game start command, the information corresponding to the lottery mode and the game state. display control.

After executing the game start command transmission process in step S410, in step S411, the stop order for establishing a bell prize, the stop order for establishing promotion replays (first RT replay and second RT replay), or A notification control process for notifying the stopping order for avoiding establishment of the fall replay (the first fall replay and the second fall replay) is executed, and the lottery process ends.

Next, the notification control process executed by the main MPU 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the notification control process is executed in step S411 of the winning lottery process (FIG. 11).

In the notification control process, first, it is determined whether or not the lottery process (FIG. 11) for the winning combination executed in the non-BB state has been won with the index value IV=1 to 3 (step S501). As already explained, the index values IV=1 to 3 are set with the bell winning data and any of the supplementary winning data (the first supplementary winning data to the third supplementary winning data). If the index value IV=1 to 3 is won (step S501: YES), it is determined whether it is in either the ready state or the ART state (step S502). As already explained, the ART state is provided as a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state in the non-BB state, and the preparation state is provided as a game state preceding the ART state. . In step S502, if the state is neither the preparation state nor the ART state, the present notification control processing is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, if it is in either the preparation state or the ART state (step S502: YES), a stop order grasping process for bell winning is executed (step S503). In the stopping order grasping process, information on the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables the establishment of a bell prize is grasped according to the index value IV won in the winning lottery process (FIG. 11). After that, a command for winning a bell is set as an object to be transmitted to the effect-side MPU 82 (step S504), and this notification control process is terminated. The bell winning command is a command that enables the effect-side MPU 82 to specify the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables establishment of a bell winning in this game. The production side MPU 82 that has received the bell winning command executes display control of the image display device 63 and also executes sound output control of the speaker 62 in order to execute the bell winning stop order notification.

If the player has not won the index value IV=1 to 3 in step S501, it is determined whether or not any promotion replay (first RT replay or second RT replay) has been won (step S505). If any promotion replay has been won (step S505: YES), it is determined whether it is in either the preparation state or the ART state (step S506), and it is neither the preparation state nor the ART state. If so (step S506: NO), the notification control process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the state is either the preparation state or the ART state in step S506, a stop order grasping process for promoted replay is executed (step S507). In the stopping order grasping process for the promotion replay, the stopping order information of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables establishment of the first RT replay prize or the second RT replay prize corresponding to the winning result of this time is grasped. After that, a promotion command is set as an object to be transmitted to the effect side MPU 82 (step S508), and this notification control process is terminated. The promotion command is a command that enables the production-side MPU 82 to specify the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables establishment of RT replay winning (first RT replay winning or second RT replay winning) in this game. is. The production side MPU 82 that has received the promotion command executes display control of the image display device 63 and also executes sound output control of the speaker 62 in order to execute the stop order notification for promotion.

If the promotion replay is not won in step S505, it is determined whether or not any fall replay (first fall replay or second fall replay) is won (step S509). If the player has not won the replay (step S509: NO), the notification control process is terminated. Also, if any fall replay has been won in step S509 (step S509: YES), it is determined whether or not it is in the ART state (step S510), and if it is not in the ART state (step S510: NO) ), the notification control process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is in the ART state (step S510: YES), stop order grasping processing for avoiding fall replay is executed (step S511). In the fall replay avoidance stopping order grasping process, information on the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that can avoid establishment of the first fall replay winning prize or the second falling replay winning prize corresponding to the winning result of this time is grasped. do. After that, a fall avoidance command is set as a transmission target to the effect-side MPU 82 (step S512), and this notification control process is terminated. The fall avoidance command specifies the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that enables avoidance of the falling replay winning (first falling replay winning or second falling replay winning) in this game by the production side MPU 82. It is a command that enables The production-side MPU 82 that has received the fall avoidance command executes the display control of the image display device 63 and the sound output control of the speaker 62 in order to execute the fall avoidance stop order notification.

Although detailed explanation is omitted, when the game state is in the preparation state, the index value IV of the first RT mode lottery table (FIG. 14) is set to 12 to 17 in the winning lottery process (FIG. 11). In the case of winning, a process for notifying the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that makes it possible to avoid establishment of the first falling replay winning is executed. On the other hand, when the gaming state is in the ready state, even if the lottery process for the combination (FIG. 11) wins the index value IV=8 to 13 in the lottery table for the second RT mode (FIG. 16), the second drop replay is performed. The stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that makes it possible to avoid winning a prize is not reported. Since the transition condition from the preparation state to the ART state is the establishment of the second RT replay prize, if the transition to the preparation state occurs in the second RT mode, the establishment of the second fall replay prize is not avoided, so that the first RT It is possible to give an opportunity to establish the 2nd RT replay winning prize by once falling into the mode.

Next, referring to the flow chart of FIG. 19, a description will be given of the handling process at the end of the game executed by the main MPU 72. FIG. It should be noted that the corresponding processing at the end of the game is executed in step S309 in the normal processing (FIG. 10) after all the reels 32L, 32M and 32R have stopped rotating.

In the corresponding processing at the end of the game, if the BB winning data is set or the BB state (step S601: YES), the BB processing is executed (step S602). FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing BB processing.

In the BB process, first, it is determined whether or not it is in the BB state (step S701). As described above, this BB process is a process that is executed when any of the BB winning data is set or in the BB state. , means that any BB winning data is set in the main side RAM 74 . In this case, it is determined whether or not a BB prize has been won in the current game (step S702). is set to "1" to shift the game state to the BB state (step S703). As a result, the BB lottery table is referred to in the lottery processing (FIG. 11) in the next and subsequent games.

After that, by setting a BB transition command indicating that the transition to the BB state has been made as a transmission target to the effect control device 80, the upper lamp 61, the speaker 62 and the image display device 63 are caused to start the effect for the BB state (step S704). Then, the BB winning data set in the main RAM 74 is deleted (step S705), and this BB processing is terminated.

If it is determined in step S701 that it is in the BB state, the BB state processing is executed (step S706), and this BB processing ends. In the BB state processing, the subtraction processing of the BB counter provided in the main side RAM 74 is executed on the condition that game media have been awarded in the current game. The BB counter is a counter for the main MPU 72 to determine whether or not the total number of game media awarded since the BB state started has reached or exceeded the end reference number. When the first BB state is started, the BB counter is set to "41", which is the end reference number of the first BB state, and when the second BB state is started, the BB counter is set to the end reference number of the second BB state. Some "89" is set. In the BB counter subtraction processing, the number of game media provided in the current game is subtracted from the value of the BB counter. Then, if the value of the BB counter after the subtraction is not "0", the BB state processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the value of the BB counter after the subtraction is "0", BB termination processing for terminating the BB state is executed, and this BB state processing ends. In the BB end processing, the BB state is ended by clearing the BB state flag of the main side RAM 74 to "0". Also, by transmitting a command indicating that the BB state has ended to the effect control device 80, the effect for the BB state in the upper lamp 61, the speaker 62 and the image display device 63 is terminated. When the BB state ends, the lottery mode becomes the normal mode regardless of which mode the lottery mode was before the BB state started. Also, when the BB state is started in the AT state, after the BB state ends, regardless of the state before the start of the BB state, the ART preparation state processing (step S608 in the processing at the end of the game (FIG. 19)) will be described later. is executed.

Returning to the description of the corresponding processing at the end of the game (FIG. 19), when neither the winning state of the BB role nor the BB state (step S601: NO) and the AT state (step S603: NO), the RT mode Transition processing (step S604), game count release management processing (step S605), and transition chance management processing (step S606) are executed.

In the RT mode transition process (step S604), if it is specified that the first RT replay winning has occurred in the current game, the mode is shifted to the first RT mode, and if the second RT replay winning has occurred in the current game. When it is specified that the device is in the second RT mode, the mode is shifted to the second RT mode. In addition, in the RT mode transition processing, when it is specified that the second fall replay win has occurred in the current game, the mode is shifted to the first RT mode, and if the first fall replay win has occurred in the current game. If it is identified that the

In the number-of-games release management process (step S605), the AT state is entered when the number of games for the number of games to be released set when the AT state was previously terminated has been completed without causing a new transition to the AT state. Execute the process to make it possible. That is, every time one game ends, the value of the number of unlocked games is decremented by 1, and when the value of the remaining number of unlocked games becomes "0", the AT state counter of the main side RAM 74 is set to "1". . The main-side RAM 74 is provided with an AT state counter that makes it possible to specify whether or not it is in the AT state, and to specify the staying mode of the AT state if it is in the AT state. Numerical information of "0" to "3" is set in the AT state counter according to the game state. Specifically, the AT state counter is set to "0" in the non-AT state, "1" in the ART preparation state, "2" in the ART state, and "3" in the ART end branch state. ” is set. By setting "1" to the AT state counter in step S605, the ART preparation state process (step S608), which will be described later, will be executed in the next process in the process for dealing with the end of the game.

In the shift chance management process (step S606), when the game is played in the non-BB state and non-AT state and the game is won with the index value IV=5, a lottery process for shifting to the AT state is executed. do. Only the watermelon winning data is set to the index value IV=5 in the non-BB state, as already explained. In the lottery process for transition to the AT state, the AT transition lottery table during non-BB is read from the main ROM 73, and the value of the lottery counter updated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) is read from the main RAM 74, and the lottery counter is read. is checked against the AT transition lottery table in the non-BB read out. In the AT transition lottery table in non-BB, the AT transition is won with a probability of 1/2.

When the AT transition lottery process to the AT state is won, the ART game number counter provided in the main side RAM 74 is set to "50" as the number of initial continuous games, and the AT state counter of the main side RAM 74 is set. is set to "1". By setting "1" to the AT state counter, the ART preparation state process (step S608), which will be described later, will be executed in the next process in the process for dealing with the end of the game (FIG. 19).

Returning to the description of the corresponding processing at the end of the game (FIG. 19), when the value of the AT state counter of the main side RAM 74 is 1 or more, it means that it is in the AT state, so an affirmative determination is made in step S603. Then, the process proceeds to step S607. In step S607, the value of the AT state counter is grasped, and processing corresponding to the grasped value is executed. Specifically, if the AT state counter value is "1", ART preparation state processing is executed (step S608), and if the AT state counter value is "2", ART state processing is executed (step S609). ), and if the value of the AT state counter is "3", ART end branch processing is executed (step S610). When the process of step S602 is executed, when the process of step S606 is executed, or when the process of step S608 to step S610 is executed, the game end command is set as a transmission target to the effect control device 80. (Step S611), the process for dealing with the end of the game ends. The game end command is a command for making the effect control device 80 recognize that one game has ended. sent. Each process of steps S608 to S610 will be described below.

First, the ART preparation state processing (step S608) will be described. The ART preparation state is a state in which the player stays before transitioning to the ART state when a condition enabling transition to the ART state is satisfied. As already explained, in the ART preparation state, the stop order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is notified in order to enable establishment of a bell prize when winning with any of the index values IV=1 to 3. . Also, as already explained, in the ART preparation state, either the index value IV = 8 to 11 in the normal mode lottery table (Fig. 12) or the 1st RT mode lottery table (Fig. 14) (hereinafter also referred to as the role to be promoted) ), the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R for establishing the first RT replay winning prize or the second RT replay winning prize (stopping order for generating promotion) is notified. The transition to the ART state is achieved by winning the promotion target role in the 1st RT mode and stopping the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in the stop order for promotion occurrence in the situation where the ART preparation state processing or the ART end branch processing is being executed. It occurs when the lottery mode is changed to the second RT mode.

In the ART preparation state process, if the player wins the index value IV=4 in the non-BB state in the current game, the extra lottery process is executed. As already explained, only the watermelon winning data is set to the index value IV=4 in the non-BB state. In the additional lottery process, the additional lottery table is read from the main ROM 73, the value of the lottery counter updated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) is read from the main RAM 74, and the value of the lottery counter is read as above. Match against a table. In the add-on lottery table, the add-on win is made with a probability of 1/2. When an additional lottery is won in the additional lottery process, an additional process of adding "50" to the number of ART games counter of the main side RAM 74 as the number of additional games is executed. As a result, the number of games to be continued in one execution in the ART state after shifting to the ART state is increased.

In the ART preparation state process, when it is specified that the second RT replay winning has occurred in the current game, the AT state counter of the main side RAM 74 is set to "2". As a result, the main MPU 72 executes the ART state process (step S609) in the next process in the process for dealing with the end of the game (FIG. 19), and the game state shifts from the ART ready state to the ART state. Also, in order to set the lottery mode to the second RT mode, the data setting of the main side RAM 74 is performed. Thereafter, on condition that the value of the ART game number counter of the main side RAM 74 is "0", the value of the ART game number counter of the main side RAM 74 is incremented by 20. As a result, when the state is shifted to the BB state at the timing when the number of remaining games in the ART state becomes "0", the BB state ends even if the ART game number counter is not increased in the BB state. It is possible to ensure that the ART state is executed to some extent later.

In the ART preparation state processing, other RT mode transition processing is executed. In other RT mode shift processing, when it is specified that the first RT replay winning has occurred, the mode is shifted to the first RT mode, and when it is specified that the first fall replay winning has occurred, the mode is shifted to the normal mode. , when it is specified that the second fall replay winning has occurred, the mode is shifted to the first RT mode.

Next, the ART state processing (step S609) in the corresponding processing (FIG. 19) at the end of the game will be described. In the ART state processing, if the index value IV=4 in the non-BB state is won in the current game, the same additional lottery processing as the additional lottery processing in the ART preparation state processing (step S608) is executed. As already explained, in the additional lottery process, the additional lottery is won with a probability of 1/2. In the case of an additional winning, "50" is added to the number of ART games counter of the main side RAM 74 as the number of additional games. As a result, the number of continuous games in one execution in the ART state is increased.

In the ART state process, 1 is subtracted from the value of the ART game number counter in the main RAM 74 . Then, if the value of the ART game number counter after subtracting 1 is "0", it is determined whether or not the game is in the normal mode. If it is not the normal mode, the AT state counter of the main side RAM 74 is set to "3". As a result, the main MPU 72 executes the ART end branching process (step S610) in the next process in the game end corresponding process (FIG. 19), and the game state shifts from the ART state to the ART end branching state. . On the other hand, in the normal mode, the AT state counter of the main side RAM 74 is cleared to "0". This ends the AT state.

In the ART state processing, RT mode transition processing is executed. In the RT mode transition processing, when it is specified that the first RT replay win has occurred, the mode is switched to the first RT mode, and when it is specified that the second RT replay win has occurred, the process is switched to the second RT mode. When it is specified that the first fall replay win has occurred, the mode is shifted to the normal mode, and when it is specified that the second fall replay win has occurred, the mode is shifted to the first RT mode.

Next, the ART end branching process (step S610) in the corresponding process at the end of the game (FIG. 19) will be described. The ART end branch state is a game state in which the game stays when one execution of the ART state is completed. As already explained, in the ART end branch state, the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R is notified in order to enable establishment of the bell prize when winning with any of the index values IV=1 to 3. be. On the other hand, in the ART end branch state, even if winning a combination that enables the occurrence of the first falling replay winning prize or the second falling replay winning prize, the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to avoid the occurrence of these falling replay winning prizes is not reported. Then, when the first falling replay winning occurs in the ART end branch state and the game shifts to the normal mode, the value of the AT state counter is cleared to "0". This ends the AT state.

<Reel control processing>
Next, the reel control process executed in step S307 of the normal process (FIG. 10) will be described. Before describing the reel control process, the stepping motor 33 for rotating the reels 32L, 32M, 32R will be described in more detail.

FIG. 21(a) is a connection diagram showing the driving system of the stepping motor 33, FIG. 21(b) is a diagram showing the driving characteristics of the stepping motor 33, and FIG. It is an explanatory view for explaining a sequence table.

A hybrid (HB) two-phase stepping motor is used as the stepping motor 33 . Note that the stepping motor is not limited to the hybrid type, and various stepping motors can be used.

As shown in FIG. 21(a), the hybrid stepping motor 33 includes a rotor 91 disposed in the center and a stator 90 having first to fourth poles 92 to 95 disposed around the rotor 91. and The rotor 91 is composed of a front side rotor 91a magnetized to N poles and a back side rotor 91b magnetized to S poles. It is attached to the rotating shaft in a state in which it is relatively shifted by 1/2 pitch so that the teeth provided around the back side rotor 91b are positioned between them. A cylindrical magnet (not shown) is attached between the front side rotor 91a and the back side rotor 91b.

As shown in FIG. 21(b), the excitation coil L0 and the excitation coil L2 are bifilar-wound around the first pole 92 and the third pole 94, and the end of the winding of the excitation coil L0 and the beginning of the winding of the excitation coil L2 are connected to each other. is connected, and a predetermined DC power supply +B (for example, +24 volts) is applied here. Similarly, the excitation coil L1 and the excitation coil L3 are also bifilar-wound around the second pole 93 and the fourth pole 95, and the end of the winding of the excitation coil L1 and the beginning of the winding of the excitation coil L3 are connected. Power supply +B is applied.

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

An excitation signal for the stepping motor 33 is applied as excitation data to the motor driver 96 shown in FIG. 21(b). This excitation data is stored in the main-side RAM 74, and appropriate excitation data is output by timer interrupt processing. An excitation phase for the stepping motor 33 is determined by this excitation data, and an excitation signal (current) is supplied to the excitation phase.

When the stepping motor 33 is of the one-phase excitation drive system, the rotor 91 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by sequentially applying excitation signals to the A-phase, B-phase, reverse A-phase, and reverse B-phase. It can be driven to rotate. That is, for example, when the phase A is energized first, the projection of the first pole 92 having the S pole and the teeth of the rotor 91a on the front side, the projection of the third pole 94 having the N pole and the teeth of the rotor 91b on the back side. are facing each other due to their attractive forces, and when the B-phase is energized next, the projection of the second pole 93 that has become the S pole and the teeth of the rotor 91a on the front side, the projection of the fourth pole 95 that has become the N pole and the back side rotation When the teeth of the child 91b face each other due to the attraction force, and then the reverse A phase is energized, the protrusion of the first pole 92 that has become the N pole, the teeth of the inner rotor 91b, and the third pole 94 that has become the S pole. and the teeth of the rotor 91a on the front side face each other due to the attractive force. The protrusions of the curved fourth pole 95 and the teeth of the front rotor 91a face each other due to the attraction force. By exciting in this order, the rotor 91 rotates clockwise in FIG. 21(a).

In the present slot machine 10, during the acceleration period until the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate at a constant speed and the constant speed rotation period for maintaining the constant speed rotation, one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation are performed. A 1-2 phase excitation drive is adopted in which . 1-2 phase excitation drive is performed based on an excitation order table (FIG. 22).

As shown in FIG. 22, in the excitation order table, the types of phase excitation are set in association with the excitation order pointers 0-7. During the acceleration period and the constant speed rotation period, the main MPU 72 outputs an excitation signal to the motor driver 96 to excite the phase corresponding to the current excitation order pointer each time the excitation signal is switched. The excitation order pointer is updated by "1" from "0" to "7" each time the excitation signal is output, and is updated to "0" when the excitation order pointer is "7". ”.

As shown in FIG. 22, the 1-2 phase excitation drive includes 1-phase excitation in which the A phase is energized (excitation order pointer 0), 2-phase excitation in which both the A phase and the B phase are energized (excitation order pointer 1), One-phase excitation that energizes the B phase (excitation order pointer 2), two-phase excitation that energizes both the B phase and the reverse A phase (excitation order pointer 3), one-phase excitation that energizes the reverse A phase (excitation order pointer 4 ), 2-phase excitation that energizes both the reverse A phase and the reverse B phase (excitation order pointer 5), 1-phase excitation that energizes the reverse B phase (excitation order pointer 6), and energizes both the reverse B phase and the A phase. 2-phase excitation (excitation order pointer 7) is performed, and then returns to (excitation order pointer 0).

As described above, in this embodiment, since the reel is rotated once by 504 pulses of the excitation signal, the angle change based on the excitation signal of 1 pulse, that is, the angle change per step is approximately 0.714°.

When using the stepping motor 33 configured as described above, drive characteristics as shown in FIG. 23 are required.

This drive characteristic is roughly divided into an acceleration period TA and a constant speed period TB from when the start lever 41 is operated until the stepping motor 33 starts rotating and reaches a constant constant speed. The acceleration period TA is divided into an initial first acceleration period TA1 and a subsequent second acceleration period TA2. The constant speed period TB consists of a constant speed rotation period TB1 in which the rotation speed is maintained until the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated, and a stop in which the rotation speed is stopped with a predetermined slippage based on the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44. It is divided into a period TB2.

While there is no regulation regarding the length of the acceleration period TA, there is a regulation that the total time of the acceleration period TA and the constant speed rotation period TB1 must be 30 seconds or more when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are not operated. there is As for the stop period TB2, it is required that the stepping motor 33 be stopped within a maximum of about 190 msec after the stop buttons 42-44 are operated.

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

As already explained, the stepping motor 33 transitions to a state of constant-speed rotation after the acceleration period TA (FIG. 23). It is desirable to make the transition from the acceleration state to the constant speed rotation state as soon as possible. To this end, the excitation phase of the stepping motor 33 should be switched quickly, but this may cause step-out or unstable rotation.

In particular, in the stepping motor 33, when the teeth of the rotor 91 are attracted to the protrusions of the poles 92-95 in the initial excitation, the rotor 91 initially rotates (micro-vibration accompanied by reciprocating motion). Although it differs depending on the specifications of the reel unit 31, for example, about 5 to 6 reciprocating motions occur with one reciprocating motion in 30 msec. Therefore, it is necessary to set the mode of switching the excitation phases in the acceleration period TA while taking into account such initial rotational fluctuation.

As a method of accelerating the stepping motor 33 while suppressing the influence of the initial rotation fluctuation, the initial excitation state of the two-phase excitation is maintained to some extent and the switching interval between the two-phase excitation and the one-phase excitation is set. A method of gradually shortening the distance can be considered. For example, a configuration is conceivable in which the excitation phase is switched at timings as shown in FIG. In this case, after the state set to 2-phase excitation as the initial excitation is held for 130 interrupts (that is, 130 times of timer interrupt processing (FIG. 9)), it is switched to 1-phase excitation, and the state is changed to 8 interrupts. It is set so that the excitation phase is switched to the two-phase excitation after the excitation is held for a long period of time, and then the switching interval between the excitation phases is gradually shortened. With this configuration, 193.7 msec (=1.49 msec.times.130 interrupts) is set as the initial excitation period, during which the initial rotation fluctuation can be eliminated. However, in this configuration, the acceleration period TA becomes long.

On the other hand, in the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, instead of securing a long initial excitation period by the two-phase excitation as described above, the stepping motor 33 is subjected to two-phase excitation as the initial excitation, After a non-excitation period in which no excitation is performed on the stepping motor 33, the stepping motor 33 is again subjected to the same two-phase excitation as the initial excitation, thereby accelerating while suitably suppressing the initial rotation fluctuation. The period TA is shortened.

An excitation pattern that enables such acceleration processing will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a rotation initial table in which an excitation pattern is set when starting rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

The initial rotation table (FIG. 25) is pre-stored in the main ROM 73 at the manufacturing stage of the slot machine 10 . The initial rotation table is commonly used for all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. That is, when starting the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, there is only one common initial rotation table so that it can be used for each of the left reel 32L, the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R. to the main side RAM 74, and the entire period of the acceleration period TA (FIG. 23) and the initial period of the constant speed rotation period TB1 (FIG. 23) of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R using the common table for initial rotation drive control is performed during the period of

As shown in FIG. 25, the initial rotation table includes an excitation period during which the stepping motor 33 is subjected to one-phase excitation, an excitation period during which two-phase excitation is performed, and a non-excitation period during which no excitation is performed. and are set. When comparing the one-phase excitation and the two-phase excitation, the one-phase excitation has a smaller rotational torque (that is, the excitation force is weaker) than the two-phase excitation.

In the drive control of the stepping motor 33 performed using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25), the acceleration control of the first acceleration period TA1 is performed based on the excitation data set in the switching orders 1-3. As shown in FIG. 25, in the first acceleration period TA1, the same two-phase excitation is set as the first (switching order 1) excitation target and the third (switching order 3) excitation target. A non-excitation period is set between the excitation periods of the 3rd and 3rd two-phase excitations. For example, when the first excitation phase is the AB phase, the AB phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation, and then the same AB phase excitation as the initial excitation is performed again after a non-excitation period.

When two-phase excitation is set as the initial excitation and the excitation period of the two-phase excitation is long, as in the table for initial rotation in FIG. becomes large, and the initial rotational vibration becomes large. Specifically, the amplitude and period of the rotational vibration in the initial stage become large. In this case, it becomes necessary to set the excitation period of the two-phase excitation longer in order to eliminate the initial rotational oscillation, and as shown in FIG. put away.

On the other hand, in the initial rotation table (FIG. 25) used in the present embodiment, the excitation period of the first (switching order 1) two-phase excitation and the excitation period of the third (switching order 3) two-phase excitation By providing a non-excitation period between the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, it is possible to prevent the rotational torque applied to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R from becoming excessively large at the initial stage of rotation, and to reduce the initial rotation fluctuation. is possible. By suppressing the amplitude and period of the initial rotational oscillation, it is possible to eliminate the initial rotational oscillation early and smoothly start the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

As the second (switching order 2) non-excitation period and the third (switching order 3) excitation period of two-phase excitation, a period longer than the period necessary for suppressing the initial rotation oscillation is set, whereby the reel 32L, 32M and 32R can be smoothly accelerated. As the second non-excitation period and the third excitation period of the two-phase excitation, a short period is set within a range in which the initial rotation fluctuation can be suppressed, thereby smoothing the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. It is possible to shorten the acceleration period TA while enabling stable acceleration.

Here, in the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, after the 4-phase excitation with the smallest braking force is maintained for 100 interrupts (149 msec), the 1-phase excitation is maintained for 34 interrupts (50.66 msec). By doing so, the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are stopped. The target of initial excitation in the initial rotation table (FIG. 25) is the two-phase excitation set next to the one-phase excitation performed when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped in the excitation order table (FIG. 22). Loss of synchronism is prevented by the continuous relationship between the one-phase excitation performed when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R were stopped last time and the two-phase excitation performed when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R started rotating this time. , the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be smoothly accelerated.

As shown in FIG. 25, the excitation period of the two-phase excitation, which is the target of initial excitation, corresponds to two interrupts of timer interrupt processing (FIG. 9). As already explained, the activation cycle of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) is 1.49 msec, and the excitation phase is switched by executing the stepping motor control process (step S206) in the timer interrupt process. Therefore, the switching timing of the excitation phase depends on the start cycle of timer interrupt processing, and the shortest holding period is one interrupt (that is, 1.49 msec) of timer interrupt processing. Since two-phase excitation, which has a stronger excitation force than one-phase excitation, is set as an initial excitation target, it is possible to apply the rotational torque necessary for starting rotation to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in the initial stage of rotation. ing. Since the period set as the excitation period of the two-phase excitation is as short as two interruptions, the rotation torque applied to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R at the start of rotation is prevented from becoming too large. It is

The excitation period of the two-phase excitation, which is the target of initial excitation, is not limited to two interruptions, and may be a period shorter than two interruptions or a period longer than two interruptions. . The excitation period of the two-phase excitation, which is the target of initial excitation, is preferably a period of 1 to 4 interrupts, more preferably a period of 1 to 2 interrupts. By setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation, which is the object of initial excitation, to the period of one to four interruptions, the reel 32L is prevented from becoming too large in rotational torque applied at the initial stage of rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. , 32M, and 32R can be supplied with the required rotational torque.

After the excitation period of the two-phase excitation, which is the object of initial excitation, a non-excitation period is set in which no excitation is performed on the stepping motor 33 as described above. This non-excitation period is equivalent to 7 interrupts (10.43 msec) of timer interrupt processing (FIG. 9). After the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are started to rotate by two-phase excitation as the initial excitation, the stepping motor 33 is brought into a non-excited state, thereby changing the rotational position of the rotor 91 (FIG. 21(a)) to the initial rotation position. The rotation speed of the rotor 91 can be suppressed while approaching a stable rotation position in the first and third two-phase excitations of the table (FIG. 25). As a result, it is possible to start the third two-phase excitation in a state in which the rotational position of the rotor 91 is approaching the rotational position at which the rotor 91 is stabilized in the third two-phase excitation and the rotational speed of the rotor 91 is decreasing. As a result, it is possible to reduce the initial amplitude and period of rotational oscillation.

The non-excitation period set in the second (switching order 2) of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is not limited to 7 interrupts, and may be shorter than 7 interrupts. The period may be longer than 7 interrupts. The non-excitation period of switching order 2 is preferably a period of 1 to 15 interrupts, more preferably a period of 4 to 10 interrupts. Since the non-excitation period of the switching order 2 is set to a period of one interruption or more, the initial rotation fluctuation can be suppressed. In addition, since the non-excitation period of switching order 2 is set to a period of four interruptions or more, the rotation speed of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be slowed sufficiently to reduce the initial rotation fluctuation. .

After the non-excitation period set second in the initial rotation table (FIG. 25), the excitation period of the same two-phase excitation as the initial excitation target is set as described above. The excitation period of this two-phase excitation is 17 interrupts (25.33 msec) of timer interrupt processing (FIG. 9). As described above, in the third (switching order 3) two-phase excitation, the rotational position of the rotor 91 approaches the stable rotational position in the third two-phase excitation, and the rotational speed of the rotor 91 is suppressed. is started. Therefore, the amplitude and period of the initial rotational oscillations of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are small, and the period for maintaining the two-phase excitation can be shortened in order to eliminate the initial rotational oscillations. This makes it possible to shorten the first acceleration period TA1 while allowing the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be smoothly accelerated.

It should be noted that the excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the third (switching order 3) of the table for initial rotation (FIG. 25) is not limited to the period for 17 interrupts, and is shorter than the period for 17 interrupts. It may be a period of time or a period longer than the period of 17 interrupts. The excitation period of the two-phase excitation in switching order 3 is preferably a period of 10 to 25 interrupts, more preferably a period of 14 to 20 interrupts. Since the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the switching order 3 is set to 10 interruptions or more, the initial rotation fluctuation can be suppressed. Further, by setting a period of 14 interrupts or more as the excitation period of the two-phase excitation of the switching order 3, it is possible to eliminate the initial rotation fluctuation.

As described above, after the two-phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation, the same two-phase excitation is performed again with a non-excitation period interposed therebetween. The first acceleration period TA1 can be shortened while allowing the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be smoothly accelerated, as compared with a configuration in which the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are continuously accelerated. As a result, the acceleration period TA, which is the total period of the first acceleration period TA1 and the second acceleration period TA2, can be shortened.

After the first acceleration period TA1 ends, one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation are alternately performed in the second acceleration period TA2. As shown in FIG. 25, in the second acceleration period TA2, one-phase excitation is set for even-numbered switching order, and two-phase excitation is set for odd-numbered switching order.

In the second acceleration period TA2, the excitation period of the two-phase excitation is set to be shortened step by step as the acceleration of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R progresses. Specifically, the 2-phase excitation set to the 5th (switching order 5) is held for 8 interrupts, and the 2-phase excitation set to the 7th (switching order 7) is held for 5 interrupts. 9th (switching order 9), 11th (switching order 11), 13th (switching order 13), 15th (switching order 15), 17th (switching order 17) and 19th (switching order 19) The two-phase excitation set in the excitation order for acceleration is held over three interrupts, and the 21st (switching order 21), 23rd (switching order 23), 25th (switching order 25) and The two-phase excitation set in the 27th (switching order 27) excitation order for acceleration is held for two interruptions. In this way, the period during which the two-phase excitation with large rotational torque is maintained is initially lengthened and then gradually shortened, thereby suppressing the occurrence of step-out and unstable rotation, while gradually increasing the rotational speed. It becomes possible to go.

The excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the odd-numbered switching order in the second acceleration period TA2 is not limited to the above. The timing of switching to 1 may be later than the timing described above, and the timing of switching from the excitation period for 5 interrupts to the excitation period for 3 interrupts may be later than the above timing. In addition, the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the second acceleration period TA2 is changed such as the excitation period for 8 interrupts→the excitation period for 5 interrupts→the excitation period for 3 interrupts→the excitation period for 2 interrupts. There is no limitation, and the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the second acceleration period TA2 may be changed, for example, the excitation period for 10 interrupts→the excitation period for 3 interrupts→the excitation period for 2 interrupts. Alternatively, the excitation period of the first two-phase excitation (fifth two-phase excitation) in the second acceleration period TA2 may be 15 interrupts.

On the other hand, the excitation period of the one-phase excitation in the second acceleration period TA2 is constant, and the excitation period is one interruption (1.49 msec) which is the shortest period during which the stepping motor 33 can be excited. As already explained, the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the second acceleration period TA2 is at least two interruptions. This period is shorter than the excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the order immediately after. Since 1-phase excitation has a smaller rotational torque than 2-phase excitation, faster switching to 2-phase excitation makes it possible to increase the rotational torque applied to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, thereby completing acceleration earlier. becomes possible. On the other hand, if the one-phase excitation does not exist, the rotational torque becomes too large, and there is concern about the occurrence of step-out and unstable rotation. On the other hand, by making the excitation period of each one-phase excitation shorter than the excitation period of the two-phase excitation which is set in the order immediately after, the occurrence of step-out and unstable rotation can be suppressed. Acceleration can be completed early. In particular, the acceleration period TA can be shortened as much as possible by setting the excitation period of each one-phase excitation to one interruption, which is the shortest period during which excitation is possible.

In the second acceleration period TA2, the excitation period of the one-phase excitation set in the even-numbered switching order is not limited to a constant configuration. A configuration in which the excitation period of the phase excitation is shortened step by step may be employed. Specifically, in the first half of the second acceleration period TA2, the excitation period of one-phase excitation is set to two interruptions, and in the second half of the second acceleration period TA2, the excitation period of one-phase excitation is set to one interruption. The configuration may be set. Further, for example, the excitation period of one-phase excitation is basically set for one interruption, but the one-phase excitation in the tenth switching order, which is the intermediate timing, may be set for two interruptions. . Further, for example, 1-phase excitation, which is the fourth switching order, requires 4 interrupts, 1-phase excitation, which is the 6th switching order, requires 3 interrupts, and 1-phase excitation, which is the 8th switching order, requires 2 interrupts. In the fourth and subsequent switching orders, the excitation period of one-phase excitation is gradually shortened until it becomes one interrupt period. It is good also as a structure which becomes. However, in any of these configurations, the excitation period of each one-phase excitation is shorter than the excitation period of the two-phase excitation that is set in the order immediately after. As a result, the acceleration period TA can be shortened compared to the configuration in which the excitation period of the one-phase excitation is longer than the excitation period of the two-phase excitation which is set in the order immediately after.

Even when the initial rotation table is used, the specific contents of 1-phase excitation and 2-phase excitation are determined according to the excitation order pointer in the excitation order table (FIG. 22). When 2-phase excitation of the initial excitation in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is performed, a predetermined excitation order pointer for which 2-phase excitation is set in the excitation order table is selected as a control start pointer. After the initial excitation (first) two-phase excitation is performed, the excitation order pointer is not updated in the third two-phase excitation, which is performed with a non-excitation period, and is the same as the initial excitation two-phase excitation. 2-phase excitation is performed. After the two-phase excitation set in the third excitation order is completed, every time the switching order is changed in the table for initial rotation, the excitation order pointer to be controlled in the excitation order table changes to the next excitation order. Switch to forward pointer. As a result, in the switching order in which 1-phase excitation is set in the table for initial rotation, data corresponding to 1-phase excitation is also selected in the excitation order table, and 2-phase excitation is set in the table for initial rotation. Data corresponding to the two-phase excitation are selected in the excitation order table in the switching order of the order in which they are present.

After the drive control for the second acceleration period TA2 ends, the drive control for the constant speed period TB (FIG. 23) is performed. In the drive control of the constant speed period TB, one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation are alternately repeated as in the second acceleration period TA2. Further, the excitation period of the 1-phase excitation and the excitation period of the 2-phase excitation in the constant speed period TB are the same as those of the stepping motor except for the 33rd (switching order 33) of the 2-phase excitation in the table for initial rotation (FIG. 25). 33 can be excited for one interrupt.

During the constant speed period TB, basically, the stepping motor 33 is alternately subjected to one-phase excitation for one interruption and two-phase excitation for one interruption, so that the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are 1-phase excited. It rotates at a constant speed of 80 rpm at 80 revolutions per minute. At the initial stage of the constant-speed rotation period TB1 (FIG. 23) of the constant-speed period TB, the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are accelerated from a state slower than the set value (80 rpm) to reach the set value, and the reel 32L reaches the set value. , 32M, and 32R overshoot the set value. When all the excitation periods of the 1-phase excitation and the excitation period of the 2-phase excitation in the constant-speed rotation period TB1 are for one interruption, the rotation speed of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R takes the maximum value when overshoot occurs, and then It converges to the set value of 80 rpm while damping and oscillating.

The maximum value of the rotational speed of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R when overshooting occurs increases as the acceleration gradient of the immediately preceding reels 32L, 32M, 32R is steeper. Further, the greater the maximum value of the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, the greater the amplitude of the damped vibration, and the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R converge to the set value after the acceleration period TA ends. The convergence time required to

In the present embodiment, the acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R immediately before the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R first reach the set value (80 rpm) after the end of the second acceleration period TA2 is reduced. As the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation in the rotation initial stage table (FIG. 25), a period of two interruptions is set instead of one interruption.

The drive control in the constant speed period TB is performed based on the table for initial rotation (FIG. 25) until the 33rd two-phase excitation ends. In switching order 28 to switching order 32 of the rotation initial stage table (FIG. 25), one-phase excitation for one interruption and two-phase excitation for one interruption are alternately repeated. After the two-phase excitation is performed for two interruptions in the switching order 33 of the initial rotation table, one-phase excitation for one interruption and two-phase excitation for one interruption are performed until the constant speed period TB ends. and excitation are alternately repeated. That is, in the constant speed period TB, basically one-phase excitation for one interruption and two-phase excitation for one interruption are repeated, and the excitation of the 33rd two-phase excitation in the table for initial rotation (FIG. 25) is repeated. Only the period is for two interrupts.

The timing of making the excitation period of the two-phase excitation equal to or longer than two interrupts in order to alleviate the acceleration gradient of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in the constant-speed rotation period TB1 is the 33rd timing of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25). It is not limited to the timing of (switching order 33). The timing may be earlier than the 33rd timing, or may be later than the 33rd timing. In the constant speed rotation period TB1, the timing of setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation to a period of two interrupts or more in order to alleviate the acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is the 31st (switching order 31) to 41st (switching order 41), preferably at the 31st (switching order 31) or 33rd (switching order 33) timing.

As shown in FIG. 25, the 31st (switching order 31) timing is the timing at which the second two-phase excitation is performed after the second acceleration period TA2 ends. Further, when the excitation period of the 1-phase excitation and the excitation period of the 2-phase excitation in the constant-speed rotation period TB1 are configured to be one interrupt period, the timing of the 33rd (switching order 33) is the reel 32L. , 32M, and 32R first reach the set value (80 rpm), and the 41st timing (switching order 41) is when the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R reach their maximum values. It is known as an experimental result in comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47) to be described later that the timing is immediately before the operation. By setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at any of the 31st to 41st timings to be a period of two interrupts or more, the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are maximized after the end of the second acceleration period TA2. At the timing when it increases toward the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, the acceleration slope can be relaxed. By reducing the rotational speed at a timing before the timing when the rotational speed of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R reaches the maximum value to reduce the amplitude of damping vibration of the rotational speed, the rotational speed can be quickly reached to the set value (80 rpm). It is possible to converge. Among these, by setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at the 31st or 33rd timing to a period of 2 to 5 interrupts, the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R first reach the set value (80 rpm). It is possible to decelerate the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R at the timing immediately before the arrival, and to effectively reduce the amplitude of the damped vibration of the rotation speed.

After the drive control using the rotation initial stage table (FIG. 25) is completed, the drive control for the continuation of the constant speed period TB is performed using the excitation order table (FIG. 22). In the constant speed period TB after the end of the drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25), the one-phase excitation for one interruption and the two-phase excitation for one interruption are alternately repeated.

At the first switching timing of the excitation phase after the end of the drive control using the table for initial rotation (FIG. 25), the excitation phase set as the last switching order in the table for initial rotation is followed. The excitation phase becomes the excitation target. Specifically, since the last switching order (switching order 33) in the initial rotation table (FIG. 25) is set to 2-phase excitation, it is the next excitation phase to the 2-phase excitation. One-phase excitation is the excitation target. In addition, since the excitation order pointer in the excitation order table (FIG. 22) is taken over even after the drive control using the table for initial rotation is completed, the first pointer is reached after the drive control using the table for initial rotation is completed. At the switching timing of the excitation phase, data corresponding to the next excitation order pointer is used for the excitation order pointer selected last in the drive control using the table for initial rotation.

When the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are to be stopped, a stop table pre-stored in the main ROM 73 at the manufacturing stage of the slot machine 10 is read out to the main RAM 74 and used. Specifically, the stop table is used when a stop command is generated in a situation where one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation are alternately repeated. In the stop table, data is set to maintain 4-phase excitation for 100 interrupts and then 1-phase excitation for 34 interrupts. The phase to be subjected to this one-phase excitation is the one corresponding to the target stop angle position.

In four-phase excitation, all of the A phase, reverse A phase, B phase and reverse B phase are excited. When two opposite phases are excited, the magnetic fluxes cancel each other out. During the rotation of the stepping motor 33, the induced voltage causes a back electromotive force, and for example, the torque of the difference between the currents flowing in the A phase and the reverse A phase. occurs. In the case of four-phase excitation, the torque is generated between the two opposite phases. Therefore, it is possible to generate a braking force even with four-phase excitation. In addition to the already explained one-phase excitation, two-phase excitation, and four-phase excitation, three-phase excitation exists as the type of excitation phase. Of these, the excitation force (or rotational torque) is strongest in two-phase excitation, next in three-phase excitation, next in one-phase excitation, and weakest in four-phase excitation.

As described above, the rotor 91 of the stepping motor 33 can be smoothly stopped by using the four-phase excitation with the weakest braking force at the start of braking. However, when the four-phase excitation is performed due to the weak braking force, the rotor 91 advances to some extent due to inertia from the timing when the four-phase excitation is started. The number of steps advanced by this inertia differs depending on the specifications of the reel unit 31. Although the number of steps can be grasped to some extent at the design stage through experiments using the reel unit 31, it is not constant. Some variability can occur. On the other hand, after four-phase excitation is performed for a predetermined period, one-phase excitation for one phase corresponding to the target stop angle position is performed for a predetermined period. It is possible to set the designed position.

When a stop command is issued during the constant speed period TB, the 4-phase excitation for stopping is started after the 2-phase excitation is executed for one interruption. It should be noted that the excitation period of the 4-phase excitation performed based on the generation of the stop command is not limited to 100 interrupts, and may be shorter than 100 interrupts or longer than 100 interrupts. . Further, the excitation period of 1-phase excitation performed after 4-phase excitation is continued for 100 interrupts is not limited to 34 interrupts, and may be shorter than 34 interrupts, or shorter than 34 interrupts. can be longer.

Next, specific processing contents executed by the main side MPU 72 for controlling the driving of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R will be described.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing reel control processing executed in the main MPU 72 . Incidentally, the reel control process is executed in step S307 of the normal process (FIG. 10). In the reel control process, first, a rotation start process for starting rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is performed (step S801). The rotation start processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 27 .

In the rotation start process, first, the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is read from the main ROM 73 to the main RAM 74 (step S901). After that, "33" is set in the initial rotation counter 74a corresponding to each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R (steps S902 to S904). The rotation initial counter 74a is provided in the main-side RAM 74 so that the main-side MPU 72 can specify the switching order data to be referred to at the switching timing of the excitation phase during drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25). is a counter that is The initial rotation counter 74a is provided in one-to-one correspondence with each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. When the excitation phase switching timing of the stepping motor 33 comes during drive control using the rotation initial stage table (FIG. 25), the main MPU 72 sets switching order data to be referred to based on the value of the rotation initial stage counter 74a. Identify.

After that, the control required flag provided in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S905), and the rotation start process is terminated. The control required flag is a flag for specifying in the main side MPU 72 that it is necessary to perform drive control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. The state in which the control required flag is set to "1" is canceled by clearing the control required flag to "0" when the stop control based on the stop table is completed for all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. be. The control required flag is cleared to "0" in step S1011 of the stepping motor control process (FIG. 28) to be described later.

Returning to the description of the reel control process (FIG. 26), after executing the rotation start process (step S801), the acceleration period TA (the first acceleration period TA1 and the second acceleration period TA2) in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is completed (step S802). Specifically, the rotation initial counter 74a in the main RAM 74 is referred to, and if the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is equal to or greater than "7", it is determined that the acceleration period TA has not ended, and the rotation initial counter 74a is determined. is less than or equal to "6", it is determined that the acceleration period TA has ended. If the acceleration period TA has not ended (step S802: NO), the process of step S802 is repeated until the acceleration period TA ends. Then, when the acceleration period TA has ended (step S802: YES), the process proceeds to step S803.

In step S803, it is determined whether or not all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped. It is determined whether or not the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated (step S804). Since the determination process in step S804 is not executed until the acceleration period TA ends, even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the acceleration period TA, the corresponding reels 32L, 32M, 32R are stopped based on the operation. never do. When the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is disabled including the acceleration period TA, the main MPU 72 turns off lamps (not shown) of the stop buttons 42 to 44 to indicate that the operation is disabled. A stop command is generated by notifying the player and lighting up the lamps of the stop buttons 42 to 44 for which the stop command is not generated when the operation of each stop button 42 to 44 is validated. to notify the player that

If any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated (step S804: YES), it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop button 42 to 44 is valid (step S805). Specifically, when the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 detected in step S804 is performed with respect to the rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R and triggers the generation of the stop command, Determine that the operation is valid.

If the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 is valid in step S805, the processing of steps S806-S810 is performed for the reels 32L, 32M, 32R corresponding to the effectively operated stop buttons 42-44. Specifically, the braking target flag in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S806). The braking target flag is a flag that enables the main MPU 72 to identify that a valid operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 corresponding to the rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R is detected. 32M and 32R are provided in one-to-one correspondence. After that, a stop instruction command is set as an object to be transmitted to the effect side MPU 82 (step S807). A stop instruction command is a command sent to the production side MPU 82 to grasp the type of the stop buttons 42 to 44 for which a valid operation has been detected.

After that, at the timing when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated, the symbol numbers of the arrival symbols that have reached the base position are grasped (step S808), and the sliding number is grasped based on the stop information stored in the main side RAM 74. Then, the number of slips to be grasped is executed (step S809). The stop information is read from the main ROM 73 to the main RAM 74 in the stop information first setting process (step S409) in the lottery process (FIG. 11), and is read out in the stop information second setting process (reel control process (FIG. 26) to be described later). (step S813), the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are changed as appropriate according to the stop mode. In the slip number grasping process, any value from "0" to "4" is specified as the slip number. After that, the symbol number of the symbol to be stopped that is actually stopped at the reference point position is determined based on the number of slips specified in the slip number grasping process (step S809) and the reached symbol number (step S810).

When the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not detected in step S804, when it is determined that the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not a valid operation in step S805, or in step S810 the design to be stopped is determined. If so, the process proceeds to step S811. In step S811, it is determined whether or not the stop information update flag provided in the main RAM 74 is set to "1". The stop information update flag is changed according to the symbol to be stopped at the base position by the current stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. It is a flag that enables the main side MPU 72 to specify that the slide table stored in the main side RAM 74 should be updated in the second setting process (step S813 in the reel control process (FIG. 26)). The stop information update flag is set to "1" in step S1114 of the motor control process (FIG. 29), which will be described later.

If the stop information update flag is not set to "1" (step S811: NO), the process returns to step S803. On the other hand, if the stop information update flag is set to "1" (step S811: YES), the stop information update flag is cleared to "0" (step S812), and the second stop information setting process is executed. (step S813) and returns to step S803. In the second stop information setting process, the first stop information setting process (step S409 in the lottery process (FIG. 11)) or the previous In the stop information second setting process (step S813), the sliding table stored in the main RAM 74 is updated. As a result, in the next sliding number grasping process (step S809), based on the set winning data, the stopping order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and the sliding table corresponding to the stopping symbols of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. It becomes possible to calculate the number of slips. Note that the configuration for calculating the number of slips is not limited to the configuration using the slip table. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is led out to the middle or the like.

When it is determined in step S803 that all the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, winning determination processing is executed (step S814). In the winning determination process, the types of symbols stopped at the base positions of the respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R are grasped. Then, if the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the main line ML of each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination in the lottery process for the current combination, the winning combination is selected. Winning correspondence processing is executed as the establishment of winning. In the winning handling process, if the winning is a minor win, the number of medals to be paid out is stored in the main RAM 74 so as to enable the giving of game media in the medium giving process (step S308 of normal processing (FIG. 10)). set to On the other hand, if the winning is a replay winning, a flag setting process is executed in the next start waiting process (step S302 of the normal process (FIG. 10)) so that the automatic insertion process is executed.

After that, a winning result command is set as an object to be transmitted to the effect side MPU 82 (step S815), and this reel control process is terminated. The winning result command includes data indicating whether or not the current winning has been established, and, if the winning has been established, data indicating the type of the winning.

Next, stepping motor control processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The stepping motor control process is executed in step S206 of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9).

In the stepping motor control process, when the control required flag of the main side RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1001: YES), the detection result of the reel index sensor 36 for the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time. and the number of times the excitation data is output (step S1002). After that, it is determined whether or not the braking target flag in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1003).

When "1" is set in the braking target flag corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time (step S1003: YES), the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R grasped in step S1002 Based on the position and the symbols to be stopped determined in step S810 of the reel control process (FIG. 26), it is determined whether or not it is time to start braking the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be braked this time (step S1004). When it is time to start braking (step S1004: YES), the braking target flag is cleared to "0" (step S1005), and the stop start flag provided in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1005). S1006). The stop start flag is a flag that enables the main MPU 72 to specify the reels 32L, 32M, 32R for which stop control should be started, and is provided in one-to-one correspondence with each of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R. ing. When the stop start flag is set to "1", the braking setting process is executed in step S1112 of the motor control process (FIG. 29) to be described later, and stop control of the corresponding reels 32L, 32M, 32R is started. .

If it is determined in step S1003 that the braking target flag is not set to "1", if it is determined that it is not the timing to start braking in step S1004, or if "1" is set to the stop start flag in step S1006 , motor control processing is executed (step S1007). FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing motor control processing.

As shown in FIG. 29, in the motor control process, when the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time are not being braked (step S1101: NO), the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time are Under the condition that the value of the switching counter 74b is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted from the value of the switching counter 74b (step S1102). The switching counter 74 b is a counter provided in the main side RAM 74 so that the main side MPU 72 can grasp the switching timing of the excitation phase in the stepping motor 33 . The switching counter 74b is provided in one-to-one correspondence with each of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R.

After subtracting 1 from the value of the switching counter 74b in step S1102, if the value of the switching counter 74b after the subtraction of 1 becomes "0" (step S1103: YES), it means that it is time to switch the excitation phase. , the process proceeds to step S1104. In step S1104, it is determined whether or not the value of the rotation initial counter 74a in the main RAM 74 is 1 or more. 1 is subtracted (step S1105). As a result, when the next excitation phase switching is executed for the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be controlled this time, the excitation period data corresponding to the value of the initial rotation counter 74a after this subtraction is set. .

After subtracting 1 from the value of the initial rotation counter 74a in step S1105, if the value of the initial rotation counter 74a after the subtraction of 1 is 1 or more (step S1106: YES), a switching counter setting process is executed. (Step S1107). In the switching counter setting process, the excitation period set in the switching order corresponding to the current value of the rotation initial counter 74a in the initial rotation table (FIG. 25) is switched to correspond to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be controlled. Set in counter 74b. Specifically, when the value of the initial rotation counter 74a is "33", it means that the first acceleration period TA1 (FIG. 25) is started. In this case, "2" corresponding to the excitation period 2 interrupt set first (switching order 1) in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) is switched to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled. Set in counter 74b. Further, when the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is "32", "7" corresponds to the 7 interrupt set in the second (switching order 2) non-excitation period in the rotation initial table (FIG. 25). ” are set in the switching counters 74b corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1104 that the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is "0", it means that the drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) has already ended. If it is determined in step S1106 that the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is "0", it means that the drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) has ended. If a negative determination is made in step S1104 or step S1106, "1" is set in the switching counter 74b (step S1108). As a result, in the constant speed period TB (FIG. 23) after the end of the drive control using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25), 1-phase excitation over 1 interruption and 2-phase excitation over 1 interruption are alternately performed. Repeated.

When the process of step S1107 is performed, or when the process of step S1108 is performed, an excitation data setting process is performed (step S1109). FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the excitation data setting process.

In the excitation data setting process, first, an excitation order pointer update process (steps S1201 to S1204) is executed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the initial rotation counter 74a in the main RAM 74 is equal to or greater than "31" (step S1201). If the value of the initial rotation counter 74a is not equal to or greater than "31" (step S1201: NO), it means that it is the second acceleration period TA2 or the constant speed period TB (see FIG. 25). 22) is added to the value of the excitation order pointer (step S1202). If the value of the excitation order pointer after the addition of 1 is equal to or less than the maximum value of "7" (step S1203: YES), the process proceeds to step S1205. On the other hand, when the value of the excitation order pointer after adding 1 becomes larger than the maximum value ("7") (step S1203: NO), the value of the excitation order pointer is cleared to "0" (step S1204). ), and the process proceeds to step S1205.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1201 that the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is greater than or equal to "31", this means that it is the first acceleration period TA1 (see FIG. 25), so the process proceeds to step S1205. As described above, since the excitation order pointer is not updated during the first acceleration period TA1, the same two-phase excitation as switching order 1 (initial excitation) is performed in switching order 3 of the table for initial rotation (FIG. 25). done.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1203, or if the process of step S1204 is performed, the value of the rotation initial counter 74a in the main RAM 74 is "1" or more. It is determined whether or not there is (step S1205). If the value of the rotation initial counter 74a is equal to or greater than "1" (step S1205: YES), it means that drive control is being performed using the rotation initial table (FIG. 25). The table (FIG. 25) is referenced to determine whether or not it is the non-excitation period (step S1206). As already described, the non-excitation period is set second (switching order 2) in the rotation initial stage table (FIG. 25) in this embodiment. If it is the non-excitation period (step S1206: YES), non-excitation data is set in the main RAM 74 for the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time. The non-excitation data is data for setting the stepping motor 33 to a non-excitation state in which no excitation is performed. The non-excitation data set in the main RAM 74 is output to the motor driver 96 at step S1009 in the stepping motor control process (FIG. 28) to be described later. When receiving the non-excitation data, the motor driver 96 brings the corresponding stepping motor 33 into the non-excitation state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1205 that the value of the initial rotation counter 74a is not "1" or more, or if it is determined in step S1206 that it is not the non-excitation period, the current excitation order table (FIG. 22) The excitation data set corresponding to the value of the forward pointer is read, and the read excitation data is set in the main RAM 74 as the current excitation data for the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be controlled this time (step S1208), this excitation data setting process is terminated.

Returning to the description of the motor control process (FIG. 29), if it is determined in step S1103 that the value of the switching counter 74b is not "0", or if the excitation data setting process (FIG. 30) is executed in step S1109, It is determined whether or not the stop start flags corresponding to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to be controlled this time are set to "1" (step S1110). If the corresponding stop start flag is not set to "1" (step S1110: NO), the motor control process ends. On the other hand, if the corresponding stop start flag is set to "1" (step S1110: YES), it means that it is time to start braking the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to be controlled this time. . In this case, the stop start flag is cleared to "0" (step S1111), and the braking setting process is executed (step S1112). In the braking setting process, the stop table is read from the main ROM 73 to the main RAM 74, and control according to the stop table is started. Specifically, excitation data for four-phase excitation is set in the main RAM 74 .

After that, it is determined whether or not the stop control this time is the stop control of the third stop which is performed in a situation where the other two reels 32L, 32M and 32R are already stopped (step S1113). Then, if the current stop control is the stop control of the third stop (step S1113: YES), the motor control processing is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, if there are rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R other than the reels 32L, 32M, 32R for which the current stop control is started, and the current stop control is not the third stop (step S1113: If NO), the stop information update flag in the main RAM 74 is set to "1" (step S1114), and the motor control process ends. As already described, by setting the stop information update flag to "1", the second stop information setting process is executed in step S813 of the reel control process (FIG. 26).

If it is determined in step S1101 that the vehicle is being braked, a process during braking is executed (step S1115), and the motor control process ends. In the braking process, if the excitation period (for 100 interrupts) of the four-phase excitation has not ended based on the stop table, the excitation data of the four-phase excitation is stored in the main RAM 74 as the excitation data to be output to the motor driver 96. memorize to When the excitation period of the 4-phase excitation has ended, it is determined whether or not the excitation period of the 1-phase excitation (for 34 interrupts) has ended, and the excitation period of the 1-phase excitation has not ended. In this case, the excitation data for one-phase excitation is stored in the main RAM 74 as the excitation data to be output to the motor driver 96 . On the other hand, when the excitation period of the one-phase excitation ends, the drive control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that are currently controlled is ended.

Returning to the description of the stepping motor control process (FIG. 28), after executing the motor control process in step S1007, it is determined whether or not the motor control process has been completed for all the rotating reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. (Step S1008), if not completed (step S1008: NO), the processing of steps S1002 to S1008 is executed for the remaining reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

On the other hand, if the motor control processing has been completed for all the spinning reels 32L, 32M, 32R (step S1008: YES), the excitation data for the spinning reels 32L, 32M, 32R is output. (Step S1009). Thereby, excitation data is supplied to the motor driver 96 . As a result, the stepping motor 33 immediately energizes the excitation phase designated by the excitation data, and the rotor 91 is excited.

After that, it is determined whether or not drive control has been completed for all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R (step S1010). ), the stepping motor control process is terminated. On the other hand, when the drive control of all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is completed (step S1010: YES), the control required flag in the main side RAM 74 is cleared to "0" (step S1011), and this stepping motor control process exit.

<Example>
Hereinafter, the configuration for executing drive control using the rotation initial stage table as described above will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these.

<Example 1>
A cylindrical skeleton member 34 made of ABS resin having an outer diameter of 230 mm, a thickness of 1.5 mm, and a weight of 49.7 g was used. A 7-g belt is wound, and as shown in FIG. 3, the cylindrical skeleton member 34 is supported by a motor plate 35 to which a stepping motor 33 (BH252574608 manufactured by Brother Enterprise Co., Ltd.) is fixed, thereby producing one reel. bottom. Also, three reels 32L, 32M, and 32R were produced by the same production method and installed in the housing 11. As shown in FIG.

<Evaluation of acceleration period TA>
For Example 1, the first test in which the control processing shown in FIGS. 26 to 30 is performed using the excitation order table shown in FIG. 22 and the initial rotation table shown in FIG. 25 was performed 10 times. . In each first test, the presence or absence of apparent shaking and the presence or absence of step-out at the start of rotation were visually evaluated. The results are shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 31, it was confirmed that no apparent shaking occurred at the start of rotation in any of the 10 first tests. It was also confirmed that step-out did not occur at the start of rotation in any of the 10 first tests.

<Evaluation when changing the excitation pattern of the first acceleration period TA1>
25 and 32 to 43 are set for the first embodiment, and in each case, the excitation order table shown in FIG. was performed 10 times each, and the "smoothness of acceleration" was visually evaluated. The results are shown in FIG. In FIG. 44, excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation corresponds to the case of using the table for initial stage of rotation shown in FIG. Initial excitation pattern C corresponds to the initial rotation table shown in FIG. 33, and initial rotation excitation pattern D corresponds to the initial rotation table shown in FIG. E corresponds to the case of using the initial rotation table shown in FIG. 35, the excitation pattern F at the initial stage of rotation corresponds to the case of using the initial rotation table shown in FIG. 36, and the excitation pattern G at the initial stage of rotation is shown in FIG. 38 corresponds to the initial rotation table shown in FIG. 38, and the excitation pattern I in the initial rotation corresponds to the initial rotation table shown in FIG. The excitation pattern J at the beginning of rotation corresponds to the case of using the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. 40, and the excitation pattern K at the beginning of rotation corresponds to the case of using the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. The excitation pattern L at the initial stage of rotation corresponds to the case of using the initial rotation table shown in FIG. 42, and the excitation pattern M at the initial stage of rotation corresponds to the case of using the initial rotation table shown in FIG. do.

The initial rotation table of FIG. 32 corresponding to the excitation pattern B in the initial rotation is the excitation pattern A in the initial rotation in that the excitation period of the first (switching order 1) two-phase excitation is not two interruptions but one interruption. 25, and other points are the same as the table for initial rotation of FIG. The initial rotation table of FIG. 33, which corresponds to the excitation pattern C at the initial stage of rotation, differs from the initial rotation table of FIG. are different. The excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the first acceleration period TA1 in the rotation initial table of FIG. 33 is the first (switching order 1) and the third of the first acceleration period TA1 in the rotation initial table of FIG. This is 32 interrupts longer than the total excitation period set in (switching order 3). The excitation pattern in the second acceleration period TA2 and constant-speed rotation period TB1 in the table for initial rotation of FIG. 33 is the same as the excitation pattern in the second acceleration period TA2 and constant-speed rotation period TB1 in the table for initial rotation of FIG. . 34 corresponding to the excitation pattern D at the beginning of rotation, the excitation period set for the first (switching order 1) two-phase excitation is not two interruptions but four interruptions. 25 corresponding to the excitation pattern A of FIG. 25, and other points are the same as the table for initial rotation of FIG.

The initial rotation table of FIG. 35, which corresponds to the excitation pattern E at the initial stage of rotation, corresponds to the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation in that the second (switching order 2) non-excitation period is not for seven interruptions but for four interruptions. It is different from the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. 25, and the other points are the same as the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. The initial rotation table of FIG. 36, which corresponds to the excitation pattern F at the initial stage of rotation, corresponds to the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation in that the second (switching order 2) non-excitation period is for one interruption instead of seven interruptions. It is different from the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. 25, and the other points are the same as the table for initial rotation shown in FIG.

37, which corresponds to excitation pattern G at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation period of the third (switching order 3) two-phase excitation is not 17 interruptions, but 14 interruptions. 25, and other points are the same as the table for initial rotation of FIG. 38, which corresponds to excitation pattern H at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation period of the third (switching order 3) two-phase excitation is not 17 interruptions, but 10 interruptions. 25, and other points are the same as the table for initial rotation of FIG.

39, which corresponds to excitation pattern I at the beginning of rotation, the type of excitation set first (switching order 1) is 1-phase excitation instead of 2-phase excitation. 25 corresponding to A, and other points are the same as the table for initial rotation of FIG. 40, which corresponds to the excitation pattern J at the beginning of rotation, the type of excitation set in the first (switching order 1) is 1-phase excitation instead of 2-phase excitation, and the third (switching order 25 corresponding to the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation in that the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in 3) is not 17 interruptions but 40 interruptions. It is the same as the initial table.

In the initial rotation table of FIG. 41 corresponding to the excitation pattern K at the initial rotation, the excitation type set in the first (switching order 1) and third (switching order 3) is not two-phase excitation but one-phase excitation. be. The fourth (switching order 4) and subsequent excitation patterns in the initial rotation table of FIG. 41 are the same as the fifth (switching order 5) and subsequent excitation patterns in the initial rotation table of FIG. 42 corresponding to the excitation pattern L at the initial stage of rotation, the type of excitation set in the first (switching order 1) and third (switching order 3) is not two-phase excitation but one-phase excitation. be. In addition, two-phase excitation over a period of 100 interrupts is set in the fourth (switching order 4) of the initial rotation table of FIG. The fifth (switching order 5) and subsequent excitation patterns in the initial rotation table of FIG. 42 are the same as the fourth (excitation order 4) and subsequent excitation patterns in the initial rotation table of FIG.

The initial rotation table of FIG. 43, which corresponds to the excitation pattern M at the initial stage of rotation, corresponds to the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation in that two non-excitation periods are set in the first acceleration period TA1. different from the table. In the initial rotation table of FIG. 43, the same two-phase excitation as the first (switching order 1) is set for the third (switching order 3) and fifth (switching order 5), and the second (switching order 2) and the fourth (switching order 4) are provided with non-excitation periods. The excitation period of the first and third two-phase excitation is one interruption, and the excitation period of the fifth two-phase excitation is seventeen interruptions. The second non-excitation period is for three interrupts, and the fourth non-excitation period is for four interrupts. The total excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the first acceleration period TA1 in the table for initial rotation of FIG. 43 is the first (switching order 1) and This is the same as the total excitation period of the two-phase excitation set in the third (switching order 3), specifically 19 interrupts. Further, the sum of the non-excitation periods set in the second (switching order 2) and fourth (switching order 4) of the first acceleration period TA1 in the rotation initial table of FIG. It is the same as the non-excitation period set in the second (switching order 2) of the first acceleration period TA1 in , specifically, it is for seven interruptions. The excitation pattern in the second acceleration period TA2 and constant-speed rotation period TB1 in the initial rotation table of FIG. 43 is the same as the excitation pattern in the second acceleration period TA2 and constant-speed rotation period TB1 in the initial rotation table of FIG. is.

As shown in FIG. 44, the excitation pattern C at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern I at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern K at the initial stage of rotation are confirmed to have apparent fluctuations at the initial stage of rotation, and the acceleration smoothness is "poor". there were. As for the excitation pattern C at the beginning of rotation, the non-excitation period is not set in the first acceleration period TA1, and the two-phase excitation is maintained for 32 interrupts as the initial excitation. It is considered that the 32-interrupt excitation period cannot sufficiently suppress the initial rotation fluctuation. In the excitation pattern I at the initial stage of rotation, the initial excitation (switching order 1) is set to 1-phase excitation, which has a weaker excitation force than 2-phase excitation. It is a thing. After the initial excitation is performed, the third (switching order 3) phase excitation performed after the non-excitation period is switched from the same one-phase excitation as the initial excitation to the two-phase excitation. It is considered that the initial rotation fluctuation cannot be sufficiently suppressed in the set excitation period of 17 interrupts. As for the excitation pattern K at the initial stage of rotation, the first (switching order 1) and third (switching order 3) one-phase excitations having weaker excitation forces than the two-phase excitation across the non-excitation period in the first acceleration period TA1. Since the excitation period of the fourth (switching order 4) two-phase excitation that is performed after is performed is as short as 8 interrupts, it is considered that the initial rotation fluctuation cannot be sufficiently suppressed.

On the other hand, the smoothness of acceleration was "normal" for the excitation pattern F at the initial stage of rotation, the excitation pattern H at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern M at the initial stage of rotation. Specifically, almost no apparent shaking is observed at the initial stage of rotation, and the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in the excitation pattern F at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern H at the beginning of rotation, and the excitation pattern M at the beginning of rotation is It did not cause a sense of incongruity in appearance. Also, the excitation pattern A at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern B at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern D at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern E at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern G at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern J at the beginning of rotation, and the excitation pattern at the beginning of rotation. In the case of L, no visible shaking was observed at the initial stage of rotation, and smoothness of acceleration was "good."

Two-phase excitation is performed as initial excitation (switching order 1), and the same two-phase excitation (switching order 3) as the initial excitation is performed with a non-excitation period of switching order 2 intervening. A, excitation pattern B at the beginning of rotation, excitation pattern D at the beginning of rotation, excitation pattern E at the beginning of rotation, excitation pattern F at the beginning of rotation, excitation pattern G at the beginning of rotation, and excitation pattern H at the beginning of rotation. A period of 1 to 4 interrupts is set as the excitation period of the 2-phase excitation of , and a period of 1 to 7 interruptions is set as the non-excitation period. It was found that by setting a period of 10 interrupts to 17 interrupts as the excitation period, the initial rotation fluctuation can be suppressed regardless of the stop positions of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. From the results of excitation pattern A at the beginning of rotation, excitation pattern B at the beginning of rotation, excitation pattern D at the beginning of rotation, excitation pattern E at the beginning of rotation, and excitation pattern G at the beginning of rotation, two-phase excitation of initial excitation A period of 1 to 4 interrupts is set as the period, a period of 4 to 7 interrupts is set as the non-excitation period, and 14 interrupts are set as the excitation period of the two-phase excitation of switching order 3. It has been found that by setting a period of up to 17 interrupts, the initial rotation fluctuation can be sufficiently suppressed regardless of the stop positions of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

In the case of a configuration in which 1-phase excitation is performed as initial excitation (switching order 1) and two-phase excitation is performed in switching order 3 with a non-excitation period in switching order 2 interposed, switching It has been found that by setting a period of 40 interrupts or more as the excitation period of the two-phase excitation of the order 3, the initial rotation fluctuation can be sufficiently suppressed regardless of the stop positions of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. .

In the case of a configuration in which one-phase excitation is performed as initial excitation (switching order 1) and one-phase excitation of switching order 3 is performed with a non-excitation period of switching order 2 interposed, switching It has been found that by setting a period of 100 interrupts or more as the excitation period of the two-phase excitation of the order 3, the initial rotation fluctuation can be sufficiently suppressed regardless of the stop positions of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. .

Further, from the result of the excitation pattern M (FIG. 43) at the initial stage of rotation, the two-phase excitation of the switching order 1 is performed as the initial excitation, and the switching order 3 of 2 is the same as the initial excitation with the non-excitation period of the switching order 2 interposed. Even with a configuration in which phase excitation is performed and two-phase excitation in switching order 5 is performed with a non-excitation period in switching order 4 interposed, initial rotational oscillation can be suppressed regardless of the stop positions of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. I found it possible.

<Initial Evaluation of Constant Speed Rotation Period TB1>
For Example 1, second tests A to D were conducted in which the control processes shown in FIGS. 26 to 30 were performed using the excitation order table shown in FIG. 22 and the acceleration table shown in FIG. . Further, with respect to Example 1, comparative tests A to D were carried out in which the control processes shown in FIGS. 26 to 30 were performed using the excitation order table shown in FIG. carried out. In the second tests A to D and the comparative tests A to D, the rotation speed of the left reel 32L was measured by performing image shooting and image analysis on the left reel 32L, and the size of the overshoot at the beginning of the constant speed rotation period TB1, Also, the length of the convergence time required from the end of the acceleration period TA until the rotation speed of the left reel 32L converges to the set value (80 rpm) was evaluated. In the second test A and the comparative test A, the stepping motor 33 stopped by the A-phase excitation (one-phase excitation) was subjected to the AB-phase excitation (two-phase excitation) as the initial excitation. AB-phase excitation (two-phase excitation) was performed as initial excitation for the stepping motor 33 stopped by B-phase excitation (one-phase excitation). AB-phase excitation (two-phase excitation) was performed as the initial excitation for the stepping motor 33 stopped by , and in the second test D and comparison test D, the stepping motor 33 stopped by reverse B-phase excitation (one-phase excitation) was subjected to AB phase excitation (two-phase excitation) was performed as the initial excitation. The results of the second tests AD are shown in FIG. 46, and the results of the comparative tests AD are shown in FIG.

The rotation initial table of FIG. 45 is different from the rotation initial table of FIG. 25 in that the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is set not for two interruptions but for one interruption. , and other points are the same as those of the initial rotation table of FIG. In comparison tests A to D conducted using the table for initial rotation of FIG. Two-phase excitation is alternately repeated. As shown in FIG. 47, in comparative tests A to D, an overshoot occurred in which the rotation speed of the left reel 32L increased to approximately 1.31 times (105 rpm) the set value (80 rpm) at the beginning of the constant speed rotation period TB1. . As shown in FIG. 47, the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is changed to At a certain timing of t=125 to 131 msec, the set value (80 rpm) is reached, and after the acceleration period TA ends, the 7th two-phase excitation (41st (switching order 41) two-phase excitation) excitation period ends. After that, the maximum value was reached at the timing of t=138 to 141 msec. The convergence time TC required from the end of the acceleration period TA until the damped vibration of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L subsides and the rotation speed converges to the set value is approximately 246 msec (approximately 167 interrupts).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 46, in the second tests A to D conducted using the initial rotation table of FIG. The speed was suppressed to about 1.04 times (83 rpm) of the set value (80 rpm). Also, the convergence time TC required for the rotation speed of the left reel 32L to converge to the set value after the end of the acceleration period TA is shortened to approximately 111 msec (approximately 74 interrupts). When using the table for initial rotation of FIG. 25, the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase Since the excitation period of the excitation is longer than one interruption but two interruptions, the acceleration gradients of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R are relaxed immediately before the overshoot occurs. As a result, it is possible to suppress the maximum value of the rotation speed that is reached when overshoot occurs. In addition, it is considered that the difference between the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L and the set value (80 rpm) of the rotation speed is small, so that the rotation speed can quickly converge from the maximum value to the set value. This shortened the convergence time TC.

<Evaluation when initial excitation pattern of constant speed rotation period TB1 is changed>
25 and 48 to 55 are set for the first embodiment, and in each case, the excitation order table shown in FIG. , the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L and the convergence time TC required for the rotation speed of the left reel 32L to converge to the set value (80 rpm) after the acceleration period TA ends. Evaluate the length. The results are shown in FIG. In FIG. 56, the excitation pattern A at the beginning of rotation corresponds to the case of using the table for initial rotation shown in FIG. The initial excitation pattern O corresponds to the initial rotation table shown in FIG. 49, and the initial excitation pattern P corresponds to the initial rotation table shown in FIG. Q corresponds to the case of using the initial rotation table shown in FIG. 51, the excitation pattern R at the initial stage of rotation corresponds to the case of using the initial rotation table shown in FIG. 52, and the excitation pattern S at the initial stage of rotation is shown in FIG. 54 corresponds to the initial rotation table shown in FIG. 54, and the excitation pattern U in the initial rotation corresponds to the initial rotation table shown in FIG. This applies when using a table for

The excitation pattern of the drive control using the table for initial rotation of FIG. 48 corresponding to the excitation pattern N at the initial stage of rotation is such that the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is not two interruptions but three interruptions. 25, which corresponds to the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern of drive control using the table for initial stage rotation in FIG. 25 is different in other respects. is identical to The excitation pattern of drive control using the table for initial rotation of FIG. 49, which corresponds to excitation pattern O at the beginning of rotation, has an excitation period of 5 interrupts instead of 2 interrupts for the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation. 25, which corresponds to the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern of drive control using the table for initial stage rotation in FIG. 25 is different in other respects. is identical to The excitation pattern of the drive control using the table for initial rotation of FIG. 50 corresponding to the excitation pattern P at the initial stage of rotation is such that the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is 12 interruptions instead of 2 interruptions. 25, which corresponds to the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern of drive control using the table for initial stage rotation in FIG. 25 is different in other respects. is identical to

The excitation pattern of the drive control using the table for initial rotation of FIG. 51 corresponding to the excitation pattern Q at the initial stage of rotation is such that the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is not two interruptions but one interruption. 25 corresponds to the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation in that the excitation period of the 32nd (switching order 32) one-phase excitation is not one interruption but two interruptions. Other points are the same as the excitation pattern of drive control using the table for initial rotation of FIG. The excitation pattern of the drive control using the table for initial rotation of FIG. 52 corresponding to the excitation pattern R at the initial stage of rotation is such that the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is not two interruptions but one interruption. 25 corresponds to the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation in that the excitation period of the 31st (switching order 31) two-phase excitation is not one interruption but two interruptions. Other points are the same as the excitation pattern of drive control using the table for initial rotation of FIG. The excitation pattern of the drive control using the table for initial rotation of FIG. 53 corresponding to the excitation pattern S at the initial stage of rotation is such that the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is not two interruptions but one interruption. 25 corresponds to the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation in that the excitation period of the 41st (switching order 41) two-phase excitation is not one interruption but two interruptions. Other points are the same as the excitation pattern of drive control using the table for initial rotation of FIG.

The excitation pattern of the drive control using the table for initial rotation in FIG. 54 corresponding to the excitation pattern T at the initial stage of rotation is such that the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is not two interruptions but one interruption. 25 corresponds to the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation in that the excitation period of the 67th (switching order 67) two-phase excitation is not one interruption but two interruptions. Other points are the same as the excitation pattern of drive control using the table for initial rotation of FIG. The excitation pattern of the drive control using the table for initial rotation of FIG. 55 corresponding to the excitation pattern U at the initial stage of rotation has the excitation period of the 47th (switching order 47) two-phase excitation for two interruptions instead of one interruption. 25, which corresponds to the excitation pattern A at the initial stage of rotation, and the excitation pattern of drive control using the table for initial stage rotation in FIG. 25 is different in other respects. is identical to

As shown in FIG. 56, for the excitation pattern P at the initial stage of rotation, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L was not reduced, and the convergence time TC was not shortened. Specifically, the maximum value of the rotational speed of the left reel 32L is the maximum value of the rotational speed of the left reel 32L in comparison tests A to D (see FIG. 47) conducted using the initial rotation table of FIG. The values were comparable, and the convergence time TC was as long as the convergence time TC in comparative tests AD (see FIG. 47). In the test using the excitation pattern P at the initial stage of rotation, the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation was maintained for 12 interrupts, and after the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R significantly decelerated, the rotation speed was reduced again. It is considered that the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L at the time of overshoot was not reduced because the acceleration gradient of the left reel 32L became steep toward the set value (80 rpm) of . In addition, the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation was maintained for 12 interrupts, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R decelerated significantly, and the timing at which the overshoot occurred was delayed. It is considered that the convergence time TC was not shortened because the maximum value of the rotation speed at time was not sufficiently suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 56, for the excitation pattern T at the initial stage of rotation, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is not reduced, and the effect of shortening the convergence time TC is moderate. Specifically, the maximum rotational speed of the left reel 32L was approximately the same as the maximum rotational speed of the left reel 32L in Comparative Tests A to D (see FIG. 47). In addition, the convergence time TC is shorter than the convergence time TC in the comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47), and This time was longer than the convergence time TC. The timing at which the 67th (switching order 67) two-phase excitation in the excitation pattern T (FIG. 54) at the initial stage of rotation is performed is the timing corresponding to t=173 msec in FIG. With regard to the excitation pattern T at the initial stage of rotation, the timing at which the excitation period of the two-phase excitation becomes two interrupts is after the occurrence of the overshoot, so the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L at the time of the occurrence of the overshoot is not reduced. rice field. On the other hand, after the overshoot occurs, the two-phase excitation occurs at the timing during the damping vibration in which the rotation speed of the left reel 32L converges to the set value (80 rpm) and the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is increasing. It is considered that the convergence time TC is shortened because the excitation period of the left reel 32L is reduced by two interruptions and the acceleration inclination of the left reel 32L is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 56, for the excitation pattern Q at the initial stage of rotation, the maximum value of the rotational speed of the left reel 32L is moderately reduced, and the effect of shortening the convergence time TC is moderate. rice field. Specifically, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is smaller than the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L in the comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47), and the second tests A to D (see FIG. 46). ) was greater than the maximum value of the rotational speed of the left reel 32L. Also, the convergence time TC was shorter than the convergence time TC in the comparative tests AD (see FIG. 47) and longer than the convergence time TC in the second tests AD (see FIG. 46). As for the excitation pattern Q at the beginning of the rotation, the excitation period of the one-phase excitation becomes two interrupts at the timing immediately before the rotational speed of the left reel 32L first reaches the set value (80 rpm), so that the acceleration inclination of the left reel 32L is reduced. has been alleviated. However, since the excitation period of the one-phase excitation, which has a smaller rotational torque than the two-phase excitation, is two interruptions, the effect of alleviating the acceleration slope of the left reel 32L is limited. It is considered that the maximum value of the rotation speed of the reel 32L is moderately reduced. Also, it is believed that the convergence time TC was shortened because the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L was moderately reduced and the difference between the maximum value and the set value (80 rpm) became smaller. be done.

As for the excitation pattern O at the initial stage of rotation, the result was that the maximum value of the rotation speed was reduced, and the effect of shortening the convergence time TC was moderate. Specifically, the maximum rotational speed of the left reel 32L was approximately the same as the maximum rotational speed of the left reel 32L in the second tests AD (see FIG. 46). Also, the convergence time TC was shorter than the convergence time TC in the comparative tests AD (see FIG. 47) and longer than the convergence time TC in the second tests AD (see FIG. 46). Further, with respect to the excitation pattern S at the initial stage of rotation, the maximum value of the rotational speed of the left reel 32L is moderately reduced, and the convergence time TC is shortened. Specifically, the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is smaller than the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L in the comparative tests A to D (see FIG. 47), and the second tests A to D (see FIG. 46). ) was greater than the maximum value of the rotational speed of the left reel 32L. Also, the convergence time TC was about the same length as the convergence time TC in the second tests AD (see FIG. 46). In the case of the excitation pattern A at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern N at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern R at the beginning of rotation, and the excitation pattern U at the beginning of rotation, the maximum value of the rotation speed is reduced, and the convergence time TC was shortened. Specifically, the maximum rotational speed of the left reel 32L was approximately the same as the maximum rotational speed of the left reel 32L in the second tests AD (see FIG. 46). Also, the convergence time TC was about the same length as the convergence time TC in the second tests AD (see FIG. 46).

From the results of the excitation pattern A at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern N at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern O at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern R at the beginning of rotation, and the excitation pattern S at the beginning of rotation, the 31st (switching order 31) to 41st ( The rotation speed of the left reel 32L can be quickly converged to the set value (80 rpm) by setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at any timing of the switching order 41) to a period of 2 to 5 interruptions. I found it possible. After the end of the second acceleration period TA2, at the timing when the rotation speed of the left reel 32L increases toward the maximum value, the acceleration slope of the left reel 32L is eased and the amplitude of the damped vibration of the rotation speed is reduced. It is considered that the convergence time TC is shortened.

Of these, from the results of excitation pattern A at the beginning of rotation, excitation pattern N at the beginning of rotation, excitation pattern R at the beginning of rotation, and excitation pattern S at the beginning of rotation, the 31st (switching order 31) to 41st (switching order 41) It has been found that the convergence time TC can be effectively shortened by setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at any one of the timings of 2 to 3 interruptions.

Further, from the results of the excitation pattern A at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern N at the beginning of rotation, the excitation pattern O at the beginning of rotation, and the excitation pattern R at the beginning of rotation, the 31st (switching order 31) or 33rd (switching order 33) By setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at the timing to the period of 2 to 5 interruptions, it is possible to effectively reduce the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L and shorten the convergence time TC. rice field. After the end of the acceleration period TA, the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is reduced at the timing just before the rotation speed of the left reel 32L first reaches the set value (80 rpm), so that the maximum value of the rotation speed is effectively increased. considered to have been reduced. It is considered that the convergence time TC is shortened because the maximum value of the rotational speed of the left reel 32L is reduced and the difference between the maximum value and the set value is reduced.

From the result of the excitation pattern U (FIG. 55) at the initial stage of rotation, even if a plurality of (two) timings are set such that the excitation period is longer than the period for one interruption, the maximum rotational speed of the left reel 32L can be reduced. It has been found that the convergence time TC can be shortened as well as can be reduced. In the excitation pattern U at the initial stage of rotation, it is considered that the excitation period of the 33rd (switching order 33) two-phase excitation is two interruptions, so that the maximum value of the rotation speed of the left reel 32L is reduced. In addition, since the excitation period of the 47th (switching order 47) two-phase excitation is two interruptions, the acceleration gradient of the rotation speed is eased at the timing when the rotation speed is increasing during damping oscillation of the rotation speed. , the convergence time TC is considered to be shortened.

According to this embodiment detailed above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

A non-excitation period in which the stepping motor 33 is in a non-excitation state is set in the first acceleration period TA1. As a result, it is possible to prevent the rotational torque applied at the start of rotation from becoming too large.

Two-phase excitation is performed as initial excitation (switching order 1) before the non-excitation period (switching order 2). By performing two-phase excitation, which has a stronger exciting force than one-phase excitation, as the initial excitation, it is possible to give the rotational torque required to start the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

After the non-excitation period (switching order 2), the same two-phase excitation as the initial excitation (switching order 1) is performed. As a result, while the excitation period of the two-phase excitation of the switching order 3 is shortened, the initial rotation fluctuation is eliminated during the excitation period of the two-phase excitation (switching order 3), and the next one-phase excitation (switching order 4) is performed. It is possible to move to

The excitation period of the two-phase excitation as the initial excitation is preferably a period of 1 to 4 interrupts, more preferably a period of 1 to 2 interrupts. By setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation, which is the object of initial excitation, to the period of one to four interruptions, the reel 32L is prevented from becoming excessively large in rotational torque applied at the initial stage of rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. , 32M, and 32R can be supplied with the required rotational torque.

The non-excitation period (switching order 2) after the initial excitation (switching order 1) is preferably a period of 1 to 15 interrupts, more preferably a period of 4 to 10 interrupts. By setting a period longer than one interruption as the non-excitation period, initial rotation fluctuation can be suppressed. In addition, by setting a period of four interrupts or more as the non-excitation period, the rotational speed of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be slowed sufficiently to reduce the initial rotational fluctuation. By setting a period of 4 interrupts to 10 interrupts as the non-excitation period, the first acceleration period TA1 can be shortened while making it possible to reduce the initial rotation fluctuation.

The excitation period of two-phase excitation (switching order 3) after the non-excitation period (switching order 2) is preferably a period of 10 to 25 interrupts, more preferably a period of 14 to 20 interrupts. is. Since the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the switching order 3 is set to 10 interruptions or more, the initial rotation fluctuation can be suppressed. Further, by setting a period of 14 interrupts or more as the excitation period of the two-phase excitation of the switching order 3, it is possible to eliminate the initial rotation fluctuation. Since the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the switching order 3 is suppressed to a period of 20 interrupts or less, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be accelerated early by shortening the first acceleration period TA1. It's becoming

In the first acceleration period TA1, two-phase excitation is set as the initial excitation, the same two-phase excitation as the initial excitation is set for the third (switching order 3) and fifth (switching order 5), and the second (switching order By setting the non-excitation periods in the order 2) and the fourth (switching order 4), the rotation speed of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is prevented from increasing excessively during the first acceleration period TA1, and the initial rotation fluctuation is reduced. can be This makes it possible to smoothly accelerate the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

In the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, 1-phase excitation is performed after 4-phase excitation is performed. In the acceleration control of the reels 32L, 32M and 32R, two-phase excitation following the last one-phase excitation of the stop control is performed as initial excitation. The continuous relationship between the one-phase excitation performed at the end of the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R and the two-phase excitation performed in the next acceleration control causes step-out to occur at the initial stage of rotation. The reels 32L, 32M and 32R can be smoothly accelerated.

Basically, 1-phase excitation for 1 interruption and 2-phase excitation for 1 interruption are alternately repeated to rotate the reels 32L, 32M, 32R at a constant speed during a constant speed rotation period TB1. By making the excitation period of some of the phase excitations of the excitation period longer than the period of one interruption, the acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be relaxed and the rotation speed can be maximized. value can be reduced. As a result, the convergence time TC required from the end of the second acceleration period TA2 until the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R converge to the set value can be shortened, and the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be shortened. can be made smooth.

In the constant-speed rotation period TB1, the excitation period of a part of the two-phase excitation, which has a larger rotational torque than the one-phase excitation, is set to a period longer than one interruption, so that the acceleration gradients of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be effectively controlled. , and the maximum value of the rotational speed of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be reduced.

In the constant speed rotation period TB1, the timing of setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation to a period of two interrupts or more in order to alleviate the acceleration inclination of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is the 31st (switching order 31) to 41st (switching order 41), preferably at the 31st (switching order 31) or 33rd (switching order 33) timing. By setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at any of the 31st to 41st timings to a period of 2 to 5 interrupts, the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R after the end of the second acceleration period TA2 increases toward the maximum value, the rotational speed can be decreased to reduce the amplitude of the damped oscillation of the rotational speed. This makes it possible to converge the rotation speed to the set value (80 rpm) at an early stage. Also, by setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation at the 31st or 33rd timing to the period of 2 to 5 interrupts, the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R first reach the set value (80 rpm). The reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be decelerated immediately before the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to reduce the maximum rotational speed. As a result, the transition from the acceleration period TA of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R to the constant speed period TB can be made smooth, and the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be quickly converged to the set value. can be done.

The excitation period of the two-phase excitation performed at any of the 31st (switching order 31) to 41st (switching order 41) timing is preferably a period of 2 to 5 interrupts, more preferably 2 interrupts. minutes to 3 interrupts. The convergence time TC is effectively reduced by setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation performed at any of the 31st (switching order 31) to 41st (switching order 41) to a period of 2 interrupts to 3 interrupts. can be shortened to

<Other embodiments>
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it may be changed as follows. Incidentally, the configurations of the following different forms may be applied individually or in combination with the configuration of the above-described embodiment.

(1) A configuration may be provided in which the timing of setting the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the constant-speed rotation period TB1 to a period of two interruptions instead of one interruption can be grasped. Only the excitation pattern of the stepping motor 33 in the acceleration period TA (the first acceleration period TA1 and the second acceleration period TA2) is set in the initial rotation table in this configuration. Specifically, only the excitation patterns of switching order 1 to switching order 27 of the rotation initial table (FIG. 25) in the first embodiment are set in the rotation initial table in this configuration.

In steps S902 to S904 of the rotation start process (FIG. 27), "27" is set in the rotation initial counter 74a of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. The main-side RAM 74 is provided with a period change counter that makes it possible to specify the timing for setting the period for two interruptions as the excitation period of the two-phase excitation in the constant-speed rotation period TB1. The period change counters are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the respective reels 32L, 32M and 32R. The main MPU 72 sets the period change counter to "6" when the value of the rotation initial counter 74a becomes "0" and the second acceleration period TA2 ends.

In the motor control process (FIG. 29), the main MPU 72 subtracts 1 from the value of the period change counter each time it is time to switch phase excitation in the stepping motor 33, and the value of the period change counter becomes "0". , it is determined that it is time to set a period of two interruptions as the excitation period of the two-phase excitation. The main MPU 72 sets "1" to the switching counter 74b when the value of the period change counter is 1 or more, or when the value of the period change counter is already "0". On the other hand, the main MPU 72 sets "2" to the switching counter 74b when the value of the period change counter after subtracting 1 becomes "0". As a result, the excitation period of the two-phase excitation performed at the same timing as the switching order 33 in the initial rotation table of FIG. 25 can be set to the period of two interruptions.

In this configuration, the excitation pattern of the stepping motor 33 set in the initial rotation table can be set to only the excitation pattern during the acceleration period TA. Capacity can be reduced.

(2) In the first embodiment described above, the rotation torque is increased by one-phase excitation instead of the non-excitation period between the first (switching order 1) and the third (switching order 3) of the table for initial rotation (FIG. 25). It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which an excitation period of four-phase excitation in which the voltage is weak is set. In the first acceleration period TA1, after the two-phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation, the same two-phase excitation as the initial excitation is performed again with an excitation period of the four-phase excitation. It is possible to prevent the torque from becoming too large.

(3) In place of the configuration in which two-phase excitation is set as the initial excitation of the initial rotation table in the first embodiment, the rotational torque is smaller than that of two-phase excitation but larger than that of one-phase excitation. A configuration in which three-phase excitation is set may also be used. For example, in the first acceleration period TA1, three-phase excitation may be performed as the initial excitation, and then the same three-phase excitation as the initial excitation may be performed again with a non-excitation period interposed. In the first acceleration period TA1, after three-phase excitation is performed as initial excitation, three-phase excitation identical to the initial excitation is performed again after an excitation period of four-phase excitation in which the rotational torque is smaller than that of one-phase excitation. It may be configured to be

(4) In the first embodiment, the phase excitation performed before and after the non-excitation period of the first acceleration period TA1 is not limited to the same two-phase excitation. For example, after two-phase excitation is performed as initial excitation, three-phase excitation may be performed with a non-excitation period interposed therebetween. A configuration in which phase excitation is performed may be employed.

(5) In the first embodiment, the configuration for reducing the maximum value of the rotational speed of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in the constant speed period TB is a one-phase excitation over a period longer than one interrupt period. Alternatively, the configuration is not limited to a configuration in which two-phase excitation is performed. Four-phase excitation with weaker rotational torque than one-phase excitation may be performed at the timing before the rotational speeds of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R reach their maximum values to reduce the acceleration gradient of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. At this timing, the stepping motor 33 may be temporarily de-excited so that the acceleration gradient of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is reduced.

(6) When controlling the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in the first embodiment, instead of the two-phase excitation, the rotation torque is smaller than that of the two-phase excitation but larger than that of the one-phase excitation. A configuration in which three-phase excitation is performed may be employed.

(7) An excitation period of 3-phase excitation or 4-phase excitation may occur sporadically in the middle of the second acceleration period TA2 in which 1-phase excitation and 2-phase excitation are alternately performed. Alternatively, a non-excitation period in which the stepping motor 33 is not excited at all may occur sporadically in the middle of the second acceleration period TA2.

(8) The timing for starting four-phase excitation when a stop command is generated is not limited to the timing after two-phase excitation is performed. For example, when a stop command is generated, the 4-phase excitation for stopping may be started after 1-phase excitation is performed in the constant speed period TB. A configuration in which four-phase excitation is started regardless of the type of phase excitation may be employed.

(9) The stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is not limited to the configuration of ending the stop control by performing 1-phase excitation after performing 4-phase excitation. For example, when a stop command is generated, only the four-phase excitation is performed for a predetermined period to terminate the stop control of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

(10) The contents of the rotation control of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R may be applied to rotating bodies other than the reels 32L, 32M, 32R of the slot machine 10. For example, it may be applied as the content of acceleration control of a rotating body such as a drum provided in a pachinko machine. may be applied as the content of

(11) The contents of the acceleration control for the reels 32L, 32M and 32R may be used as the contents of the acceleration control when the reels 32L, 32M and 32R stop once after starting rotation and then start rotating. Further, it may be used as the contents of the acceleration control when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are not completely stopped and are slightly swinging before starting to rotate.

(12) The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the effective line is only one main line ML, and the configuration may be such that the effective line is two, three, or four or more. In this case, the number of activated lines may increase as the number of betted game media increases, or the maximum number of activated lines may be set regardless of the number of betted game media.

(13) The type of information transmitted from the main side MPU 72 to the effect side MPU 82 is not limited to that in the first embodiment. Information on the number of game media given by is transmitted from the main side MPU 72 to the effect side MPU 82 . In this case, the information on the number of game media to be provided by winning can be notified on the image display device 63 or the like. Further, even if all the reels 32L, 32M, 32R are not stopped, if the rotation of some of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R is stopped or stopped, the information corresponding to that is sent to the main side. It may be configured to be transmitted from the MPU 72 to the effect side MPU 82 . In this case, the image display device 63 or the like can perform an effect corresponding to the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

(14) In the above-described first embodiment, the privilege of paying out medals is awarded when a small winning combination is established. It is sufficient if the configuration is For example, it may be configured such that prizes other than medals are paid out when a minor win is established. In addition, in a slot machine that does not have actual medal insertion and medal payout functions and that manages the medals owned by the player as credits, an increase in the number of credited medals corresponds to the granting of benefits.

(15) The present invention may be applied to a so-called B-type slot machine, a C-type, a combination of A and C types, a combination of B and C types, and RT games, CT games, or AT machines. The present invention may be applied to any slot machine, such as a type equipped with games.

(16) The symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are not limited to pictures, numbers, letters, etc., and may be geometric lines, graphics, or the like. Also, it is possible to compose a pattern with light, color, etc., and a pattern can be configured with a three-dimensional shape, etc., or a composite of these can compose a pattern. In other words, the pattern may be anything as long as it functions as identifiable information.

(17) In the above-described first embodiment, a specific example of the slot machine 10 has been shown, but the present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine in which games are played using game balls as game media. and a pachinko machine.

<Invention groups extracted from the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the group of inventions extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described, showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following description, for ease of understanding, configurations corresponding to the above-described embodiments are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but are not limited to the specific configurations shown in parentheses or the like.

<Characteristic group A>
Feature A1. revolving bodies (reels 32L, 32M, 32R);
a driving means (stepping motor 33) for rotating the revolving body;
Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means (function for executing rotation start processing (FIG. 27) and stepping motor control processing (FIG. 28) in the main MPU 72);
with
The drive means is a stepping motor that rotates the revolving body by being excited,
The drive control means performs a predetermined drive control (drive control of the acceleration period TA) to accelerate the rotation of the circulator by exciting the drive means (steps S1101 to S1107 and steps a function of executing the processing of S1109, a function of executing the processing of steps S1201 to S1208 in the main MPU 72),
The predetermined drive control means generates a non-excitation period during which the drive means is not excited during an acceleration period during which the predetermined drive control is performed.

According to feature A1, by generating the non-excitation period in the middle of the acceleration period during which the predetermined drive control is performed, it is possible to prevent the excitation force applied to the drive means from becoming too strong in the initial stage of rotation. As a result, it is possible to reduce the initial rotational vibration of the revolving body and to smoothly accelerate the revolving body.

Feature A2. The game machine according to feature A1, wherein the predetermined drive control means generates the non-excitation period after performing predetermined phase excitation (two-phase excitation) on the drive means as initial excitation.

According to the feature A2, the non-excitation period is set at an early timing following the initial excitation, so that it is possible to early avoid the excitation force applied to the driving means at the initial stage of rotation from becoming too strong. .

Feature A3. The period during which the predetermined drive control means performs the predetermined phase excitation on the driving means as the initial excitation is a period of four times or less of the shortest period of the period in which the driving means can be excited (a period of four interruptions or less). and a period of about 6.0 msec or less).

According to the characteristic A3, the excitation period of the predetermined phase excitation performed as the initial excitation is set to be four times or less the shortest period of the excitable period, so that the rotational torque applied to the rotating body at the initial stage of rotation becomes too large. In addition, the time required for the predetermined drive control can be shortened.

Feature A4. The predetermined drive control means performs predetermined phase excitation (two-phase excitation) on the drive means over a first period as initial excitation, and then generates the non-excitation period over a second period. The game machine according to any one of features A1 to A3, wherein the same predetermined phase excitation as the initial excitation is applied to the drive means over a third period.

According to the feature A4, the non-excitation period is set between the predetermined phase excitation performed over the first period and the predetermined phase excitation performed over the third period as the initial excitation. Compared to the configuration in which the predetermined phase excitation is continuously performed over the total period of the third period and the third period, the initial rotational fluctuation of the orbiting body can be reduced and the initial rotational fluctuation can be eliminated. can shorten the time required for

Further, since the same predetermined phase excitation as the initial excitation is performed after the non-excitation period, the initial rotation fluctuation is eliminated while the predetermined phase excitation is performed over the third period, and the next rotation is performed. You can move on to phase excitation. As a result, the revolving body can be smoothly accelerated.

Feature A5. The second period is four times or more the shortest period of the period in which the drive means can be excited (a period of four interrupts or more and a period of about 6.0 msec or more). A gaming machine described in A4.

According to feature A5, by setting the non-excitation period to be four times or more the shortest period of the excitable period, the predetermined phase excitation is started over the third period while the rotation speed of the circulator is sufficiently suppressed. can do. As a result, the initial rotational vibration of the orbiting body can be reduced, and the orbiting body can be favorably accelerated.

Feature A6. The third period is ten times or more the shortest period of the period in which the driving means can be excited (a period of ten interrupts or more and a period of about 14.9 msec or more). The game machine described in A4 or A5.

According to feature A6, by setting the excitation period of the predetermined phase excitation that is performed after the non-excitation period to be ten times or longer than the shortest period of the excitable period, the initial rotational oscillation of the orbiting body is caused during the third period. can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of apparent shaking at the initial stage of rotation of the circulating body, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of step-out. Therefore, the initial acceleration of the orbiting body can be made smooth.

Feature A7. The game machine according to any one of features A2 to A6, wherein the predetermined phase excitation is two-phase excitation.

The excitation force of 2-phase excitation is stronger than the excitation force of 1-phase excitation, 3-phase excitation and 4-phase excitation. In this case, any one of the above features A2 to A6 is provided, and two-phase excitation with a relatively strong excitation force is performed as the initial excitation, thereby generating a sufficient strength to start the rotation of the revolving body. An excitation force can be applied to the drive means during initial rotation. Further, by generating a non-excitation period after the two-phase excitation is performed as the initial excitation, it is possible to prevent the excitation force applied to the driving means in the initial stage of rotation from becoming too strong, thereby preventing the initial rotational oscillation from becoming large. can.

Feature A8. The drive control means is
For the driving means, predetermined rotation control (drive control for constant speed period TB) in which specific phase excitation (single-phase excitation) having an exciting force weaker than that of the predetermined phase excitation and the predetermined phase excitation are alternately performed is performed. Rotation control means (the function of executing the processing of steps S1101 to S1109 in the main MPU 72, the function of executing the processing of steps S1201 to S1208 in the main MPU 72);
Based on the occurrence of a predetermined trigger during the predetermined rotation control, a special phase excitation (four-phase excitation) having a weaker exciting force than the predetermined phase excitation and the specific phase excitation is performed, and then the specific phase excitation is performed. Predetermined braking means for performing predetermined braking control (stop control) (function for executing the processing of steps S1110 to S1115 in the main MPU 72);
The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A7, comprising:

According to feature A8, the initial excitation in the predetermined drive control can be the predetermined phase excitation that is in a continuous relationship with the specific phase excitation last performed in the predetermined braking control. As a result, it is possible to smoothly accelerate the circulating body at the initial stage of rotation while preventing out-of-step at the initial stage of rotation of the circulating body.

Feature A9. The drive control means is
After the predetermined drive control, a predetermined phase excitation (two-phase excitation) with a relatively strong excitation force and a specific phase excitation (one-phase excitation) with a relatively weak excitation force are applied to the drive means, respectively. Predetermined rotation control means for performing predetermined rotation control (driving control of constant speed period TB) so that the period is alternately set to a predetermined period (function for executing the processing of steps S1101 to S1109 in the main MPU 72 , a function of executing the processing of steps S1201 to S1208 in the main MPU 72);
Specific setting means for setting at least one excitation period to a specific period longer than the predetermined period while the predetermined rotation control is being performed by the predetermined rotation control means (the main MPU 72 executes the process of step S1107). function) and
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A8, characterized by comprising:

According to feature A9, in the predetermined rotation control in which the predetermined phase excitation over the predetermined period and the specific phase excitation over the predetermined period are alternately performed, the specific period is set as at least one excitation period. The rotation speed of the revolving body can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the rotational speed of the orbiting body in a situation where the rotational speed of the orbiting body is increasing or exceeds the set value. It is possible to converge.

Feature A10. The gaming machine according to feature A9, wherein the predetermined period is the shortest period (a period of one interruption and a period of about 1.5 msec) in a period in which the driving means can be excited.

According to feature A10, since the predetermined period is the shortest period in the period in which excitation is possible, the rotation speed of the revolving body can be quickly converged in the predetermined rotation control.

Feature A11. After the start of the predetermined rotation control, the specific setting means performs the seventh predetermined phase excitation (the 41st (41st ( The game machine according to feature A9 or A10, characterized in that at least one excitation period until the timing at which switching order 41) of two-phase excitation) is performed is set to the specific period.

According to feature A11, it is possible to reduce the maximum value of the rotational speed by reducing the rotational speed of the orbiting body before the timing at which the rotational speed of the orbiting body reaches the maximum value. As a result, it is possible to prevent the rotational speed of the revolving body from increasing excessively, and to smoothly rotate the revolving body. Moreover, it is possible to shorten the time required for the rotation speed of the orbiting body to converge.

Feature A12. The game machine according to any one of features A9 to A11, wherein the target for which the specific setting means sets the specific period as the excitation period is the predetermined phase excitation.

According to the feature A12, by setting the specific period as the excitation period of the predetermined phase excitation having a stronger excitation force than the specific phase excitation, compared with the structure in which the specific period is set as the excitation period of the predetermined phase excitation. , the rotation speed of the revolving body can be effectively reduced in a short time. As a result, it becomes possible to quickly converge the rotation speed while continuing the smooth rotation of the revolving body.

Feature A13. Characteristic A9 characterized in that the specific period is a period that is five times or less the shortest period (a period that is equal to or less than 5 interrupts and is equal to or less than about 7.5 msec) in the period during which the driving means can be excited. The game machine according to any one of A12.

According to feature A13, the rotation speed of the circulator is reduced by setting a period five times or less than the shortest period of the excitable period as the excitation period of at least one of the specific phase excitation and the predetermined phase excitation. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the rotation speed of the circulating body from being excessively decreased and the time required for the rotation speed to converge from being extended.

Feature A14. The game machine according to any one of features A9 to A13, wherein the predetermined phase excitation is two-phase excitation, and the specific phase excitation is one-phase excitation.

According to feature A14, in predetermined rotation control in which basically one-phase excitation over a predetermined period and two-phase excitation over a predetermined period are alternately performed, phase excitation is performed at least once out of one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation. A specific period longer than the predetermined period can be set as the excitation period of to reduce the rotation speed of the revolving body. As a result, it is possible to quickly converge the rotation speed of the orbiting body.

Note that any one or more of features A1 to A14 and features B1 to B6 may be applied to the features A1 to A14. As a result, it is possible to obtain a synergistic effect due to the combined configuration.

According to the invention according to the characteristic group A, the following problems can be solved.

A slot machine, for example, is an example of a gaming machine that utilizes a revolving body. The slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral portion thereof, and has a configuration in which a part of the symbols attached to each reel can be visually recognized through the display section. When the player inserts medals and operates the start lever, the reels start rotating, and after the reels start rotating, the reels are sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that medals are inserted and a start lever is operated, and the symbols in which the lottery result is winning and the player wins on the preset effective line are stopped. A predetermined number of medals are paid out, or a predetermined game advantageous to the player is played, etc., on the condition that the game is played.

In addition, as a game machine using reels as a revolving body as described above, it is possible to play the same game as the above slot machine by using game balls instead of medals as a game medium other than the slot machine. Game machines are mentioned. In addition, there is a pachinko machine that utilizes the above-mentioned revolving body in order to provide a player with an effect according to the result of an internal lottery.

A stepping motor is generally used as a driving means for rotating the revolving body as described above. In this case, when the circulation start condition is satisfied, the driving by the stepping motor is started, and the acceleration period is followed by the constant speed period. After the constant speed period continues for a predetermined period, the rotation is stopped based on the satisfaction of the circulation stop condition.

Here, in the game machines such as those exemplified above, it is necessary to appropriately control the rotation of the revolving body, and there is still room for improvement in this respect.

<Characteristic group B>
Feature B1. revolving bodies (reels 32L, 32M, 32R);
a driving means (stepping motor 33) for rotating the revolving body;
Drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means (function for executing rotation start processing (FIG. 27) and stepping motor control processing (FIG. 28) in the main MPU 72);
with
The drive means is a stepping motor that rotates the revolving body by being excited,
The drive control means is
With respect to the drive means, the excitation period of the predetermined phase excitation (two-phase excitation) with a relatively strong excitation force and the specific phase excitation (one-phase excitation) with a relatively weak excitation force are set so that each excitation period is a predetermined period. predetermined rotation control means for performing predetermined rotation control (driving control for the constant speed period TB) alternately performed by ~ a function to execute the processing of step S1208);
Specific setting means for setting at least one excitation period to a specific period longer than the predetermined period while the predetermined rotation control is being performed by the predetermined rotation control means (the main MPU 72 executes the process of step S1107). function) and
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to feature B1, in the predetermined rotation control in which the predetermined phase excitation over the predetermined period and the specific phase excitation over the predetermined period are alternately performed, the specific period is set as at least one excitation period. The rotation speed of the revolving body can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the rotational speed of the orbiting body when the rotational speed of the orbiting body is increasing or exceeds the set value, and the rotational speed of the orbiting body can be quickly reduced. It is possible to converge to the set value.

Feature B2. The gaming machine according to feature B1, wherein the predetermined period is the shortest period (a period of one interruption and a period of about 1.5 msec) in a period in which the driving means can be excited.

According to feature B2, the predetermined period is the shortest period in the period in which excitation is possible, so that the rotational speed of the revolving body can be quickly converged in the predetermined rotation control.

Feature B3. The drive control means performs a predetermined drive control (drive control of the acceleration period TA) to accelerate the rotation of the circulator by exciting the drive means (steps S1101 to S1107 and steps a function of executing the processing of S1109, a function of executing the processing of steps S1201 to S1208 in the main MPU 72),
The predetermined rotation control means performs the predetermined rotation control after the predetermined drive control,
After the start of the predetermined rotation control, the specific setting means performs the seventh predetermined phase excitation (the 41st (41st ( The gaming machine according to feature B1 or B2, characterized in that at least one excitation period up to the timing at which switching order 41) of two-phase excitation) is performed is set to the specific period.

According to feature B3, it is possible to reduce the maximum value of the rotational speed by reducing the rotational speed of the orbiting body before the timing at which the rotational speed of the orbiting body reaches the maximum value. As a result, it is possible to prevent the rotational speed of the revolving body from increasing excessively, and to smoothly rotate the revolving body. Moreover, it is possible to shorten the time required for the rotation speed of the orbiting body to converge.

Feature B4. The game machine according to any one of features B1 to B3, wherein the target for which the specific setting means sets the specific period as the excitation period is the predetermined phase excitation.

According to the feature B4, by setting the specific period as the excitation period of the predetermined phase excitation having a stronger excitation force than the specific phase excitation, compared to the configuration in which the specific period is set as the excitation period of the predetermined phase excitation, , the rotation speed of the revolving body can be effectively reduced in a short time. As a result, it becomes possible to quickly converge the rotation speed while continuing the smooth rotation of the revolving body.

Feature B5. Characteristic B1, wherein the specific period is a period of five times or less the shortest period (a period of five interrupts or less and a period of about 7.5 msec or less) of the shortest period in which the driving means can be excited. The game machine according to any one of B4.

According to feature B5, the rotation speed of the circulator is reduced by setting a period five times or less than the shortest period of the excitable period as the excitation period of at least one of the specific phase excitation and the predetermined phase excitation. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the rotation speed of the circulating body from being excessively decreased and the time required for the rotation speed to converge from being extended.

Feature B6. The game machine according to any one of features B1 to B5, wherein the predetermined phase excitation is two-phase excitation and the specific phase excitation is one-phase excitation.

According to feature B6, in predetermined rotation control in which basically one-phase excitation over a predetermined period and two-phase excitation over a predetermined period are alternately performed, phase excitation is performed at least once out of one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation. A specific period longer than the predetermined period can be set as the excitation period of to reduce the rotation speed of the revolving body. As a result, it is possible to quickly converge the rotation speed of the orbiting body.

Note that any one or more of the features A1 to A14 and the features B1 to B6 may be applied to the features B1 to B6. As a result, it is possible to obtain a synergistic effect due to the combined configuration.

According to the invention according to the characteristic group B, the following problems can be solved.

A slot machine, for example, is an example of a gaming machine that utilizes a revolving body. The slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral portion thereof, and has a configuration in which a part of the symbols attached to each reel can be visually recognized through the display section. When the player inserts medals and operates the start lever, the reels start rotating, and after the reels start rotating, the reels are sequentially stopped by operating the stop button. In addition, inside the slot machine, a lottery is performed on condition that medals are inserted and a start lever is operated, and the symbols in which the lottery result is winning and the player wins on the preset effective line are stopped. A predetermined number of medals are paid out, or a predetermined game advantageous to the player is played, etc., on the condition that the game is played.

In addition, as a game machine using reels as a revolving body as described above, it is possible to play the same game as the above slot machine by using game balls instead of medals as a game medium other than the slot machine. Game machines are mentioned. In addition, there is a pachinko machine that utilizes the above-mentioned revolving body in order to provide a player with an effect according to the result of an internal lottery.

A stepping motor is generally used as a driving means for rotating the revolving body as described above. In this case, when the circulation start condition is satisfied, the driving by the stepping motor is started, and the acceleration period is followed by the constant speed period. After the constant speed period continues for a predetermined period, the rotation is stopped based on the satisfaction of the circulation stop condition.

Here, in the game machines such as those exemplified above, it is necessary to appropriately control the rotation of the revolving body, and there is still room for improvement in this regard.

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

Pachinko machine: an operation means operated by a player, a game ball shooting means for shooting game balls based on the operation of the operation means, a ball passage for guiding the shot game balls to a predetermined game area, and a game This game machine is provided with game parts arranged in an area, and gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passing part of the game parts.

A game machine such as a slot machine: equipped with a pattern display device for variably displaying a plurality of patterns, the variable display of the plurality of patterns is started by the operation of the start operation means, and the operation of the stop operation means is caused by the operation of the stop operation means. The game machine stops the variable display of the plurality of pictures after a predetermined period of time has passed, and gives a privilege to the player according to the pictures after the stop.

10... slot machine, 32L, 32M, 32R... reel, 33... stepping motor, 72... main side MPU, TA1... first acceleration period, TA2... second acceleration period, TB... constant speed period.

Claims (1)

an orbital body;
a driving means for rotating the revolving body;
drive control means for driving and controlling the drive means;
with
The drive means is a stepping motor that rotates the revolving body by being excited,
The drive control means comprises a predetermined drive control means for performing a predetermined drive control for accelerating the rotation of the rotating body by exciting the drive means,
The predetermined drive control means generates a non-excitation period during which the drive means is not excited during an acceleration period during which the predetermined drive control is performed.

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