JP6330826B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine.

  Conventionally, by operating the start lever while betting medals, the internal lottery that determines the winning combination by lottery is performed, the rotation of multiple reels is started, and the multiple reels are stopped by operating the stop button. There is known a slot machine in which a medal is paid as a payout for a winning combination when a winning combination determined by internal lottery wins.

JP 2013-126481 A JP 2010-246775 A

  A slot machine currently provided realizes a rotating operation of a reel by supplying a predetermined pulse to a stepping motor that rotates a rotating shaft fixed to a reel member formed in an annular shape. In such a slot machine, when the stop button is pressed during the rotation of the reel, the drawing combination control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined by the internal lottery is aligned on a predetermined winning line. Even during the rotation of the reel, the rotation operation of the reel is controlled while the CPU knows the rotation position of the reel at all times.

  The rotation position of the reel is grasped by the number of pulses supplied from the reference rotation position of the reel to the stepping motor. The reference rotation position of the reel is specified by detecting a detection plate attached to the reel member with a sensor. Since the detection plate is attached to the reel member so as to be detected by the sensor every time the reel rotates once, the reel rotation position at the timing when the detection plate is detected by the sensor is used as the reference rotation position of the reel. Yes.

  In addition, many of the currently offered slot machines are able to press a stop button at the timing to stop a specific symbol on the reel on the winning line, compared to pressing the stop button at an arbitrary timing. It is designed to obtain advantageous game results. Therefore, the player advances the game by repeating a game in which the stop button is pressed at a timing when the reel is at a specific rotation position.

  However, in the conventional slot machine, the period from the start of the reel rotation operation to the detection of the detection plate by the sensor is controlled not to allow the reel rotation operation to stop even if the stop button is pressed. . This is because the detection plate is detected by a sensor when the recognized reel rotation position deviates from the actual reel rotation position for some reason (hereinafter referred to as "rotation position mismatch"). This is because the CPU cannot correctly update the rotation position of the reel during the period up to.

  In a slot machine designed in this way, depending on the position of the reel that has been stopped immediately before, the rotation of the reel is stopped at the position of rotation of the reel that has been rotated approximately once after the start of the rotation of the reel (hereinafter referred to as “reel rotation”). “It is called“ pressing once ”” may not be possible. This is because it is necessary to press the stop button at a timing before the reel rotates once in order to stop the rotation operation of the reel at the rotation position of the reel that has rotated approximately once. That is, there may be a situation in which the detection plate is not detected by the sensor between the start of the reel rotation operation and the pressing of the stop button. In such a situation, the player must wait for the reel to make one more turn and wait for the reel to reach a specific rotation position before pressing the stop button, which significantly impairs the game tempo. It was.

  In view of this, a slot machine has been proposed that can stop the rotation of the reel when the stop button is pressed even before the detection plate is detected by the sensor. In such a slot machine, the player can press the stop button at an appropriate timing, so that it can always be pressed once, so that the game tempo is not impaired.

  However, in such a slot machine, if the rotational position does not match for some reason, the CPU cannot correctly update the rotational position of the reel, so it is determined according to the timing when the stop button is pressed. There is a problem that the rotational position of the reel cannot be stopped correctly at the rotational position of the target reel.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described background, and allows the reel to be stopped at the correct rotational position even when the rotational positions do not coincide with each other for some reason while allowing one-way pressing. It aims to provide a slot machine.

  Means employed by the present invention to solve the above problems will be described below. In order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the drawings and corresponding contents of the description are appended in parentheses for the sake of convenience, but the present invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated forms.

  The gaming machine of the present invention has a reel (reel R) having a plurality of kinds of symbols on the outer periphery and a detection piece (detection plate 57) that can be detected by a sensor (reel position detection sensor 55). And a motor (stepping motor 54) that drives the amount corresponding to the supplied pulse, and a reel position detection sensor (reel position detection sensor 55) that is provided corresponding to the reel and detects the detection piece. And a predetermined pulse (stepping motor drive signal) is supplied to the motor to rotate the reel, and based on the number of pulses supplied to the motor and detection of the detection piece by the reel position detection sensor. A rotation control means for managing the rotation position of the reel, and a predetermined stop condition when a stop signal corresponding to the reel is detected. In response to the establishment, stop control means for executing a process of stopping the rotation operation of the reel corresponding to the detected stop signal, and the rotation speed of the reel after the reel starts the rotation operation, a predetermined reference speed ( The first stop condition determining means for determining whether or not the first stop condition is satisfied for the reel, and the reel position detecting sensor after the reel starts rotating. Based on the detection of the detection piece corresponding to the reel, the second stop condition determining means for determining whether the second stop condition is satisfied for the reel, and the gaming machine is in a specific state (the front door 3 is opened). And a specific state detecting means for detecting that the stop control means responds to the detected stop signal when the stop control means detects the stop signal. When the specific state detecting means detects the specific state before the start of the reel rotation operation, the reel rotation is performed on condition that the first stop condition and the second stop condition are satisfied. If the specific state detection means does not detect the specific state before starting the rotation operation of the reel corresponding to the detected stop signal, regardless of the establishment of the second stop condition. The reel rotation operation is stopped on condition that the first stop condition is satisfied.

  In the above gaming machine, when the stop control means detects the stop signal, the reel rotation operation corresponding to the detected stop signal is stopped until the reel rotation operation first starts. When the specific state detecting means detects the specific state during the period, the rotation operation of the reel is stopped on condition that the first stop condition and the second stop condition are satisfied, When the specific state detection means does not detect the specific state during the period from the last stop of the reel rotation corresponding to the detected stop signal to the start of the reel rotation first. The rotation operation of the reel may be stopped on the condition that the first stop condition is satisfied, regardless of whether the second stop condition is satisfied.

  Further, in the gaming machine, the specific state detection unit detects a state in which the rotation position of the reel can be changed regardless of supply of a predetermined pulse to the motor by the rotation control unit as the specific state. May be.

  In the above gaming machine, a main body in which a reel unit (reel unit RL) including at least the reel, the motor, and the reel position detection sensor is disposed, and a front surface of the main body can be opened and closed. The specific state detecting means may detect the specific state based on the opening of the front door.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a slot machine capable of stopping a reel at a correct rotation position even when the rotation position does not match for some reason while allowing one-round pushing.

2 is a perspective view showing an overview of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the reel unit RL. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the symbol printed on the reel belt | band | zones 58a-58c, (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the position of the symbol displayed in the reel window 20, and the winning line L. FIG. . 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which concerns on one game. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the lottery table utilized in (A) normal game state, and the (B) bonus game operation | movement state. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a reel rotation process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a stop table. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the reel stop process including an exception determination process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a combination structure table.

<1. Definition of terms>
Terms used in this specification will be described below.

  The “reel” is a cylindrical display row having a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface, and the symbols in the display row can be variably displayed by a rotating operation of the reel. A “reel unit” refers to a display device including at least one reel and a drive device that rotates each reel.

  The “reel window” means that a player can visually recognize a part of a plurality of symbols arranged on each surface of one or more reels included in the reel unit.

  The “stop symbol” refers to a symbol that can be visually recognized by the player through the reel window among a plurality of symbols on the reel when the rotation operation of the reel is stopped. Stopping the symbol in the reel window is called “stop display”.

  “Game media” refers to medals or game balls used in gaming machines. Information indicating the number of game media electrically or magnetically stored in the gaming machine is called “credit”, and the number is called “credit number”.

  “Bet” refers to setting a game medium necessary to start a game. The betting game medium is consumed at the start of the game. The number of game media set to start the game is called “the number of bets”. The “bet button” refers to a device that a player operates to set a game medium necessary for starting a game.

    “Game” refers to a series of processes from the start of variable display of symbols on each reel of a reel unit triggered by operation of the start lever to the end of processing based on the result of winning determination. “One game” and “one game” refer to one time of the series of processes.

  The “start lever” refers to a device that a player operates to instruct the start of a game.

  The “stop button” refers to a device that is operated by a player to instruct stop of variable display of symbols on each reel of the reel unit. One or more stop buttons corresponding to each reel are provided in the gaming machine.

  “Internal lottery” refers to determining by lottery the winning of one or more winning combinations from a plurality of predetermined winning combinations or a winning that does not win any winning combination from the start of the game.

  “Combination” refers to a symbol combination pattern associated with a predetermined privilege. When the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is stopped and displayed on the winning line, a privilege corresponding to the winning combination is given. The “winning” of the combination means that the symbol combination corresponding to the combination is stopped and displayed on the winning line. “Winning” of a winning combination means that winning of a winning combination is allowed as a result of an internal lottery. The role is roughly classified into a bonus role, a small role, and a replay role according to the type of privilege. The small role is a role in which medals are paid out in accordance with winning. The re-gamer is a role that allows the game to be started again without additional betting according to the winning. The bonus combination is a combination that triggers a transition to an advantageous state with respect to the payout of medals.

  The “winning line” refers to a combination of predetermined symbol positions that are targets for determining a winning combination. The winning determination changes from an invalid state to an effective state according to the bet.

  “Stop table” is a table that defines how to stop and display symbols on the reel according to the timing when the stop button is operated. Used for control.

  The “combination composition table” refers to a table in which a symbol combination corresponding to a combination and a privilege are defined, and is used for processing after winning determination processing.

  “RB” refers to a “first class special feature” in the game rules. In accordance with the winning combination of the RB combination, the game state (RB game state) in which the probability of winning the small combination is changed. The RB game state is ended by a predetermined number of winnings or the end of the BB game state.

  “BB” refers to a “actual accessory continuous actuating device relating to a first type special accessory” in the game rules. In accordance with the winning combination of the BB combination, the game state (BB game state) that continuously shifts to the RB game state is entered. The BB game state is ended by acquiring more game media than a predetermined number.

  Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described by taking a slot machine as an example.

<2. Appearance configuration of gaming machine>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 includes a box-shaped main body 2 having an open front surface and a front door 3 disposed on the front surface of the main body 2. The main body 2 and the front door 3 can be opened and closed by a hinge on one side. The front door 3 displays an operation unit OP on which buttons for players to play games, a reel window 20 through which symbols of the reels R1 to R3 provided in the reel unit RL are visually recognized, and information related to the progress of the game. For example, a display panel TP on which display devices are arranged, a liquid crystal display device for displaying information relating to the progress of the game, and an effect display unit TP in which an illumination device is arranged, and a saucer unit BP.

  In the operation unit OP, a medal slot 10 is disposed on the right side of the upper surface of the operation unit OP, and a bet button 11 is disposed on the left side of the upper surface. A bet can be placed on the slot machine 1 by inserting a medal into the medal slot 10 or operating the bet button 11. A start lever 12 for instructing the start of the rotation operation of each of the reels R1 to R3 of the reel unit RL is arranged on the front side of the lower position of the bet button 11, and the rotation operation of the left reel R1 is stopped on the right side thereof. A left stop button 13a for instructing a stop, a middle stop button 13b for instructing a stop of the rotation operation of the middle reel R2, and a right stop button 13c for instructing a stop of the rotation operation of the right reel R3. It is easy to perform a series of operations of the bet button 11, the start lever 12, the left stop button 13a, the middle stop button 13b, and the right stop button 13c.

  On the left side of the start lever 12, a payment button 14 for paying out credits and paying out medals to the medal tray 40 is arranged. This checkout button 14 is used when the game is stopped, and is arranged at a position out of the flow of the above series of operations so that the operation frequency is low and the operation is not mistaken during the game. Further, the operation unit OP includes a lending button 15 used when a medal lending machine is connected to the slot machine 1, a return button 16 for returning a prepaid card or cash inserted in the medal lending machine, and a lending of the medal lending machine. A frequency indicator 17 is provided to display possible frequencies. In this way, when a medal lending machine is connected to the slot machine 1, the operation of the medal lending machine by the operation of the lending button 15 and the return button 16 of the slot machine 1 and the frequency by the frequency display 17. The display is performed by controlling the medal lending machine.

  The panel display portion DP is provided with a reel window 20 made of a transparent acrylic plate, in which three consecutive symbols can be seen for each reel, and nine symbols can be viewed with three reels. A winning line is formed. On the left side of the reel window 20, a winning line indicator 21 corresponding to the winning line is provided, and when three medals are inserted, the winning line indicator 21 corresponding to the winning line is turned on.

  If a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is established on the winning line as a result of the game, the winning combination is won, and the winning line indicator 21 corresponding to the winning line blinks to notify the player. Yes. Further, on the right side of the reel window 20, a game guide display 22 in which a plurality of LEDs such as an indicator that lights up when a winning combination is won and an LED that lights up according to the gaming state is arranged. Further, on the lower side of the reel window 20, a credit number display 23a for displaying the number of credits, an acquired number display 23b for displaying the number of acquired medals in a specific gaming state, and a medal given when a winning combination is won. It has a game value information display unit 23 comprising a payout number display 23c for displaying the number.

  The effect display unit TP has a liquid crystal display device 30 that displays the progress of the game as an image, an electric LED 31 that changes the color and lighting pattern according to the progress of the game, and changes according to the progress of the game. A speaker 32 for outputting an operation sound corresponding to the BGM to be performed and a button operation and a guide sound is disposed.

  The medal tray BP is provided with a medal tray 40 for storing medals discharged from the medal payout opening 40a when the medal payout device is driven, and an ashtray is provided on the left side of the medal tray 40.

(1) Configuration of Reel Unit FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the structure of the reel unit RL of the slot machine 1. 2A shows the entire structure of the reel unit RL, and FIG. 2B shows the detailed structure of the right reel R3.

  The reels R1 to R3 are made of transparent ABS resin or the like, and are affixed to the reel frames 56a to 56c composed of a plurality of spoke portions and an annular frame extending radially from the shaft portion, and the peripheral surfaces of the reel frames 56a to 56c. It consists of reel bands 58a to 58c on which 20 various symbols (symbol numbers PN: 1 to 20) are printed. The reels R1 to R3 are fixed to the stepping motors 54a to 54c and rotate. For the rotation operation of the reels R1 to R3, stepping motors 54a to 54c that rotate once by supplying a pulse of 400 steps (stepping motor driving signal described later) are used, and an arbitrary pattern is supplied by supplying a predetermined pulse. Can be stopped and displayed on the reel window 20. Further, backlight devices 53a to 53c provided with LEDs (not shown) are provided so that light can be irradiated from the inside of the reel bands 58a to 58c. In this way, by irradiating light from the inside of the reel bands 58a to 58c by the backlight devices 53a to 53c, the player can make the symbols on the reel bands 58a to 58c stand out.

  In addition, the detection plates 57a to 57c are attached to one of the spoke portions, and the reel position detection sensors 55a to 55c can output one pulse of the reel position detection signals 155a to 155c for each rotation of the reels R1 to R3. ing. When 10 steps are advanced after detecting the reel position detection signals 155a to 155c, the symbol number PN = 1 is positioned on the center line formed by the symbol position of the middle stage of each reel in the reel window 20. The positions of the detection plates 57a to 57c and the reel bands 58a to 58c are set.

  In the reel unit RL, the reels R1 to R3, the stepping motors 54a to 54c to which the reels R1 to R3 are fixed, the backlight devices 53a to 53c, and the reel position detection sensors 55a to 55c are fixed to the base plates 52a to 52c, respectively. One unit configuration. Further, the reel unit RL is configured such that the base plates 52a to 52c are inserted along the guide rails 51a to 51c provided on the case body 50 of the reel unit RL and accommodated in the case body 50.

  FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of symbols printed on the reel bands 58a to 58c. Twenty symbols are printed at equal intervals on each of the left, middle, and right reels. Since stepping motors 54a to 54c that rotate once by supplying a pulse of 400 steps are used, when 20 symbols are arranged, the interval between symbols becomes 20 steps. Further, since the symbol number PN = 1 is positioned on the center line in the reel window 20 when 10 steps are advanced after the reel position detection signals 155a to 155c are detected, the reel position detection signals 155a to 155a If 30 steps are advanced after detecting 155c, symbol number PN = 2 is positioned on the center line. If 50 steps are advanced, symbol number PN = 3 is positioned on the center line. If 390 steps are advanced, symbol number PN. = 20 is located on the center line. When the processing proceeds beyond step 390, reel position detection signals 155a to 155c are detected again. Thereby, an arbitrary symbol can be positioned on the center line by the number of steps to be advanced with the timing at which the reel position detection signals 155a to 155c are detected as a base point.

  FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram showing a winning line of the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 has one pay line L. Of the symbols displayed in the reel window 20, the winning line L is formed by the middle symbol position on the left reel R1, the middle symbol position on the middle reel R2, and the middle symbol position on the right reel R3. . When it is determined that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is stopped and displayed on the winning line L, the slot machine 1 determines that the winning combination has been won.

<3. Electrical configuration of slot machine>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 includes a main control board 100A that performs the main control of the game, a display control board 100B that performs display control on the liquid crystal display device 30 and displays an image, and the LEDs and sound of the panel display unit DP or the effect display unit TP. There is provided an illumination control board 100C for effect control. The main control board 100A includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a clock generation circuit a102, a clock generation circuit b103, a read-only memory (ROM) 104, a random-access memory (RAM) 105, a data transmission circuit 106, and an input / output port. 107. Note that a CPU 101 incorporating a ROM or RAM can be employed. In that case, the external ROM 104 and RAM 105 need not be provided.

  The CPU 101 reads out the program stored in the ROM 104 based on the timing of the CLK signal generated by the clock generation circuit a102, and sequentially executes the program. When the power is turned on, the CPU 101 executes the main program from a predetermined address, and a predetermined address at the timing of the INTR signal generated by the clock generation circuit b103 different from the cycle of the clock generation circuit a102. Run the interrupt program starting with. Here, the timing of the INTR signal is, for example, 2 milliseconds. The CPU 101 stores various game information such as flags and counters in the RAM 105 in accordance with the execution of the program. Even when the power supplied from the outside is cut off, the RAM 105 retains stored information by the battery, and when the power is restored after that, the RAM 105 resumes from the state immediately before the occurrence of the power cut. The CPU 101 reads the state of various buttons and sensors via the input / output port 107 and drives various motors and LEDs.

  The bet operation instruction signals 111a to 111c, the start operation instruction signal 112, the stop operation instruction signals 113a to 113c, and the settlement operation instruction signal 114 are respectively a bet button 11, a start lever 12, and stop buttons 13a to 13c provided in the operation unit OP. , A signal output in response to the player operating the checkout button 14, and is detected by being input to the CPU 101 via the input / output port 107.

  The display control signals 123a to 123c are display signals to be displayed on the credit number display 23a, the earned number display 23b, and the payout number display 23c provided in the panel display unit DP, respectively, via the input / output port 107. Driven by the CPU 101. Each of the reel position detection signals 155a to 155c corresponds to each reel of the variable display device RL, and is detected once every time the reel rotates once, and is input to the CPU 101 via the input / output port 107. Each of the reel driving signals 154a to 154c is a stepping motor driving signal for driving the reels R1 to R3 of the variable reel display device RL, and is driven by the CPU 101 via the input / output port 107.

  The medal insertion signal 160 is a signal that is output when the medal insertion sensor provided in the medal detection device provided inside the front door 3 communicating from the medal insertion slot 10 detects the inserted medal. The data is input to the CPU 101 via the output port 107. The medal block signal 161 is a signal for driving a solenoid provided in the medal detection device, and is driven by the CPU 101 via the input / output port 107. The medal payout signal 162 is a signal output when a medal payout sensor provided in the medal discharge unit of the medal payout device detects a medal paid out by the medal payout device, and is output via the input / output port 107. Sent to the CPU 101. The payout drive signal 163 is a signal for driving a motor provided in the medal payout device, and is driven by the CPU 101 via the input / output port 107.

  The front door opening detection signal 170 is a signal output when the front door opening detection sensor 70 detects the opening of the front door 3, and is input to the CPU 101 via the input / output port 107.

  The CPU 101 outputs various commands to the display control board 100B and the illumination control board 100C via the data transmission circuit 106. The illumination control board 100C receives various commands from the main control board 100A, turns on the illumination device by the winning line display 21, the game guide display 22, and the illumination LED 31, and the back provided in the variable display RL. Sounds such as lighting control of the light devices 53a to 53c and BGM are output from the speaker 32.

  The display control board 100B includes a CPU (central processing unit) 191, a clock generation circuit c192, a clock generation circuit d193, a ROM (read-only memory) 194, a RAM (random-access memory) 195, a data input circuit 196, and a graphic LSI. A display circuit 197 including the peripheral circuits is provided. The CPU 191 reads the program stored in the ROM 194 based on the timing of the CLK signal generated by the clock generation circuit c192, and sequentially executes the program. When the power is turned on, the CPU 191 executes the main program from a predetermined address, and a predetermined address at the timing of the INTR1 signal generated by the clock generation circuit b193 different from the cycle of the clock generation circuit c192. Run the interrupt program starting with. Here, the timing of the INTR1 signal is, for example, 2 milliseconds. The strobe signal of the CPU 191 stores various game information such as various flags and various counters in the RAM 195 in accordance with the execution of the program. Further, an INTR2 signal is generated based on a strobe signal transmitted in synchronization with the data transmission timing from the data transmission circuit of the main control board 100A, and an interrupt program starting from a predetermined address is generated at the timing of the INTR2 signal. Run.

<4. Basic game processing>
A flow of processing related to one game in the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

<4-1. Process flow>
(1) Medals Accepting Process When a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 10, the slot machine 1 accepts the inserted medal and takes it into the slot machine 1 or accepts the inserted medal in the medal tray 40. (Sa501).

  Specifically, when the bet number is 3 and the credit number is less than 50, when a medal is inserted into the medal slot 10, the CPU 101 takes the inserted medal into the slot machine 1 and inserts it. Add credits by the number of medals. When the bet number is 3 and the credit number is 50, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 10, the CPU 101 drives a solenoid provided in the medal detection device to insert the inserted medal into the medal tray 40. Return to

(2) Bet processing The slot machine 1 sets the number of bets necessary for starting the game in accordance with the insertion of medals into the medal insertion slot 10, the operation of the bet button 11, or the winning of the re-gamer (Sa502). .

  Specifically, when a bet is less than 3, when a medal is inserted into the medal slot 10, the CPU 101 adds the bet number by the number of inserted medals. When the bet button 11 is operated when the bet number is less than 3, the CPU 101 subtracts the credit number and adds the bet number. When the re-gamer wins, the CPU 101 executes an automatic bet process for betting again the bet number bet on the game without subtracting the credit amount.

(3) Lever Acceptance Processing The slot machine 1 starts the game when the operation of the start lever 12 is accepted with three medals bet (Sa503). Specifically, when the start lever 12 is operated with the bet number set to 3, the CPU 101 executes a game process after an internal lottery process described later. On the other hand, when the start lever 12 is operated with the bet number set to less than 3, the CPU 101 does not execute the game process after the internal lottery process.

(4) Internal lottery process With the start of the game, the slot machine 1 determines by lottery the winning of one or more roles from a plurality of predetermined roles or a loss that does not win any of the roles (Sa504). When the start lever 12 is operated with the bet number set to 3, the CPU 101 executes an internal lottery process. Details of the internal lottery process will be described later.

(5) Reel Rotation Process The slot machine 1 rotates each of the reels R1 to R3 in order to variably display the symbols arranged on the reel R along with the execution of the internal lottery process (Sa505). Specifically, the CPU 101 rotates each of the reels R1 to R3 by continuously supplying pulses to each of the stepping motors 54a to 54c. Details of the reel rotation processing will be described later.

(6) Reel Stop Processing When the stop button 13 is operated while the reel R is rotating, the slot machine 1 stops the rotation operation of the reel R (Sa506). When the stop button 13 is operated while the reel R is rotating, the CPU 101 supplies a predetermined pulse to the stepping motor 54 to which the reel R corresponding to the operated stop button 13 is fixed, so that the corresponding reel R Stop rotating operation. Details of the reel stop process will be described later.

(7) Symbol Determination Process The slot machine 1 determines the symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on the winning line L after all of the reels R1 to R3 are stopped (Sa507). After all of the reels R1 to R3 are stopped, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the winning line L is a predetermined symbol combination determined in advance. At this time, if it is determined that the re-game player has won, the CPU 101 executes an automatic bet process for betting again the bet number bet on the game without subtracting the credit number (Sa502). Details of the symbol determination process will be described later.

(8) Medal payout process When the slot machine 1 determines that the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination is stopped and displayed on the winning line L, the slot machine 1 executes a medal payout process (Sa508). In the medal payout process, the credit number is added until the credit number is less than 50, and the medal is paid out to the medal tray 40 for the credit amount exceeding 50.

(9) State Transition Processing When the slot machine 1 wins a bonus combination, the gaming state is shifted from the normal gaming state to the bonus game state (Sa509). Further, when the bonus game end condition is satisfied, the gaming state is shifted from the bonus game state to the normal gaming state. After executing the state transition process, the slot machine 1 ends the process related to one game.

<4-2. Detailed explanation of each processing>
Details of each process relating to the above-described one-time game will be described.

(1) Details of Internal Lottery Processing Details of the internal lottery processing in the slot machine 1 will be described. The internal lottery process is a process for determining, through a lottery table, a lottery in which one or a plurality of roles are won or no win is won from any of a plurality of predetermined roles.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a lottery table used in the internal lottery process in the slot machine 1. In the lottery table, lottery values corresponding to the winning combinations are defined. The lottery value indicates the winning probability of the combination.

The slot machine 1 has six types of roles, “RB” role, “BB” role, “Watermelon” role, “Bell” role, “Cherry” role, and “Replay” role, and each winning probability is It is defined as a lottery value.

  In the slot machine 1, different lottery tables are used depending on the gaming state. In the slot machine 1, the gaming state includes a normal gaming state where the bonus game (RB game or BB game) is not operating and a bonus game operating state where the bonus game (RB game or BB game) is operating, The lottery tables shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B are used.

  In the lottery table used in the bonus game operating state, the lottery value related to the small role is set higher than the lottery table used in the normal gaming state, and the lottery advantageous to the player compared to the normal gaming state To be done.

  The internal lottery process using the lottery table will be specifically described. The CPU 101 acquires one random value from a range of 0 to 65535 by a random number generator (not shown). Next, the acquired random number value is sequentially compared with a plurality of lottery values defined in the lottery table. Specifically, the CPU 101 compares the random value acquired from the random number generator with the first lottery value in the lottery table. As a result of the comparison, if the random value is less than the lottery value, the winning of the combination associated with the first lottery value is determined. If the random value is greater than or equal to the lottery value, the random value is compared with a value obtained by adding the second lottery value to the first lottery value. As a result of the comparison, if the random value is less than the total value of the first and second lottery values, the winning of the combination associated with the second lottery value is determined.

  In this way, the combination associated with the Nth lottery value when the random number value is repeated until the random value becomes less than the total value of the first to Nth lottery values is determined as the winning combination. For example, when the random number value acquired from the random number generator is 754 in the normal gaming state, the CPU 101 has a random number value equal to or greater than the first lottery value (168), and thus the second lottery value (436 ). Since the random number value (754) is equal to or greater than the total value (604) of the first and second lottery values, the third lottery value (873) is added to this. Since the random value (754) is less than the total value (1477) of the first to third lottery values, the winning of the combination associated with the third lottery value is determined. That is, it is determined that the “watermelon” role is won.

  As described above, in the internal lottery process in the slot machine 1, the winning combination is determined based on the random value acquired from the random number generator with reference to the lottery table appropriately selected according to the gaming state. Information about the winning combination is stored in the RAM 105 as winning information.

(2) Details of Reel Rotation Processing Details of the reel rotation processing in the slot machine 1 will be described. As described above, the slot machine 1 rotates the reel R by supplying pulses to the stepping motor 54.

  The main control board 100A (CPU 101) holds the number of steps of pulses supplied to each reel R in the RAM 106, and updates each time the pulses are supplied to each reel R by adding the number of steps. When the reel position detection signal 155 output from the reel position detection sensor 55 is input, the CPU 101 resets the number of steps for the corresponding reel R to zero.

  As described above, the CPU 101 can determine that the reel rotation position is at the reference rotation position at the time when the reel position detection signal 155 is input. Therefore, by managing the number of steps supplied from the reference rotation position, The rotational position of the reel can always be grasped.

  The flow of the reel rotation process of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process executed in the interrupt program executed by the CPU 101 described above, and is executed every time an interrupt occurs periodically after the reel R rotation operation is started. This process is a process executed for one reel R. When a plurality of reels R is rotating, the process is executed for each reel R that rotates.

  In the reel rotation process, the CPU 101 supplies a pulse (stepping motor drive signal) to the stepping motor 54 corresponding to the reel R that is the target of the rotation operation (Sa701). As a result, the reel R rotates by one step. In response to supplying the pulse to the stepping motor 54, the CPU 101 adds 1 to the number of steps (Sa702). Thereby, the CPU 101 can grasp the cumulative number of pulses supplied to the stepping motor 54.

  Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the reel position detection signal 155 is input (Sa703). If the reel position detection signal 155 is not input (Sa703: NO), it is determined whether the current number of steps exceeds 400 (Sa704). If the current number of steps does not exceed 400 (Sa704: NO), the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the reel position detection signal 155 is input (Sa703: YES), it is determined whether or not the current number of steps is less than 400 (Sa705). If the current number of steps is not less than 400 (Sa705: NO), the number of steps is reset to 0 (Sa706). Thereby, the CPU 101 can grasp the cumulative number of pulses supplied to the stepping motor 54 from the time when the rotational position of the reel R reaches the reference rotational position.

  On the other hand, when the current number of steps is less than 400 (Sa705: YES), the CPU determines that the rotation operation of the reel R is in an abnormal state, and executes predetermined error processing (Sa707). This is because the rotation position of the reel R is set to the reference rotation before the 400 pulses necessary to rotate one revolution from the time when the rotation position of the reel R reaches the reference rotation position is supplied to the stepping motor 54. It means that the position has been reached. That is, it means that the reel has stepped out for some reason, and there is a deviation between the rotational position of the reel R recognized by the CPU 101 and the actual rotational position of the reel R.

  Further, when it is determined whether or not the current number of steps exceeds 400 (Sa704), even when the current number of steps exceeds 400 (Sa704: YES), the CPU performs the rotation operation of the reel R. It is determined that the state is abnormal, and predetermined error processing is executed (Sa707). This is because the reel R has supplied more pulses to the stepping motor 54 than the 400 pulses necessary to rotate one revolution from the time when the rotation position of the reel R reaches the reference rotation position. It means that the rotational position of R has not reached the reference rotational position. That is, as in the case described above, the reel has stepped out for some reason, and there is a deviation between the rotational position of the reel R that the CPU 101 knows and the actual rotational position of the reel R. means.

  Thus, in the reel rotation process of the slot machine 1, the CPU 101 controls the rotation operation of the reel R while always grasping the current rotation position of the reel. Further, it is possible to accurately grasp that the reel R has stepped out.

(3) Details of Reel Stop Processing Details of the reel stop processing in the slot machine 1 will be described.

(3-1) Basic Processing When the CPU 101 receives an operation of the stop button 13 corresponding to the rotating reel R, the CPU 101 stops the corresponding reel R. This is repeated until all of the reels R1 to R3 are stopped. At this time, the CPU 101 stops the corresponding reel R within the range of the reel rotation amount for a maximum of four symbols from the time when the stop button 13 is operated. At this time, if the winning of any combination is determined by the internal lottery process, the CPU 101 selects the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination within the range of the reel rotation amount for the maximum number of symbols described above. The reel R is stopped so that the constituent symbol is drawn on the winning line L.

  The reel stop control in the slot machine 1 is realized using a stop table. The stop table shows the symbol number PN corresponding to the symbol position on the center line at the timing when the stop button 13 is operated, and the number of sliding symbols indicating the rotation amount of the rotating operation to be continued until the corresponding reel R stops. Is defined.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a stop table used in the reel stop process in the slot machine 1. FIG. 8 shows, as an example of the stop table, the contents of the stop table used when the winning of the “bell” role (design combination “bell-bell-bell”) is determined by the internal lottery process.

  For example, in a situation where the reels R1 to R3 are rotating in the normal gaming state and the winning of the “bell” role (the symbol combination “bell-bell-bell”) is determined by the internal lottery process, For example, when the left stop button 13a is operated at the timing when the “red 7” symbol of symbol number PN = 16 on the left reel R1 is located on the center line, the symbol number PN = 16 of the left reel R1 is referred to the stop table. The number of sliding symbols corresponding to 4 is acquired, and the rotation of the left reel R1 is continued by the number of 4 symbols that is the acquired number of sliding symbols, and the “bell” symbol of symbol number PN = 20 is placed on the center line. The left reel R1 is stopped so as to stop display.

  Next, for example, when the middle stop button 13b is operated at the timing when the “cherry” symbol of symbol number PN = 12 on the middle reel R2 is positioned on the center line, the symbol number PN of the middle reel R2 is referred to the stop table. = 2 is acquired as the number of sliding symbols corresponding to 12, and the rotation operation of the middle reel R2 is continued by 2 symbols corresponding to the acquired number of sliding symbols, and the “bell” symbol of symbol number PN = 14 is centerlined. The middle reel R2 is stopped so as to stop display above.

  Next, for example, when the right stop button 13c is operated at the timing when the “plum” symbol of symbol number PN = 9 on the right reel R3 is positioned on the center line, the symbol number PN of the right reel R3 is referred to with reference to the stop table. = 1 which is the number of sliding symbols corresponding to 9 is acquired, and the rotation operation of the right reel R3 is continued by one symbol corresponding to the acquired number of sliding symbols, and the “bell” symbol of symbol number PN = 10 is centerlined. The right reel R3 is stopped so that it is stopped and displayed.

  As a result of stopping all of the reels R1 to R3 in this way, the symbol combination “bell-bell-bell” is stopped and displayed on the center line. In the slot machine 1, since the center line and the winning line L are set as the same symbol position, as a result, the symbol combination “BELL-BELL-BELL” corresponding to the “BELL” role is stopped and displayed on the winning line L. Will be.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1, by referring to the stop table corresponding to the winning combination determined by the internal lottery process, the reel R is stopped and controlled up to four symbols from the time when the stop button 13 is operated. Within the range of the amount of rotation of the reel R, the reel R is stopped so that the symbol combination of the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is drawn on the winning line L.

(3-2) Operation invalid period
As described above, the slot machine 1 realizes the rotation operation of the reel R by supplying a pulse (stepping motor drive signal) to the stepping motor 54 corresponding to the reel R that is the target of the rotation operation. Yes. However, since the reel member forming the reel R has a predetermined weight, even if pulses are supplied to the stepping motor 54 at regular intervals by periodic interruption, the reel member has a constant weight immediately after starting the rotation operation of the reel R. The reel R cannot be rotated at a speed. Actually, when pulses are supplied to the stepping motor 54 at regular intervals, the rotation speed of the reel R gradually increases after starting the rotation operation of the reel R, and after a predetermined period, After reaching this rotational speed, the rotational operation is performed at a constant rotational speed.

  The slot machine 1 controls the rotation operation of the reel R not to stop before the rotation speed of the reel R reaches a predetermined rotation speed. More specifically, the CPU 101 processes the operation of the stop button 13 corresponding to the reel R as invalid until the rotation speed of the reel R reaches a predetermined rotation speed. This is data set on the assumption that the number of sliding frames defined in the stop table used for the reel stop process described above is rotating at a predetermined rotation speed. At the same time, it is a restriction that is set because it is also a requirement in the game rules.

  As described above, the slot machine 1 controls the reel R so that the rotation operation of the reel R is not stopped regardless of the operation of the corresponding stop button 13 until the rotation speed of the reel R reaches a predetermined rotation speed. After the rotation speed of R reaches a predetermined rotation speed, control is performed to stop the rotation operation of the reel R according to the operation of the corresponding stop button 13.

(3-3) Exception Determination Processing As described above, the CPU 101 appropriately manages the number of pulses supplied to the stepping motor 54, so that the rotation operation of the reel R can be performed while always grasping the current rotation position of the reel. I have control.

  However, if a deviation occurs between the rotation position of the reel R that the CPU 101 knows for some reason and the actual rotation position of the reel R, the CPU 101 cannot correctly grasp the rotation position of the reel. For example, when the front door 3 is opened for the purpose of replenishing medals to the medal payout device, the reel member may be inadvertently contacted. When the rotational position of the reel R changes in this way regardless of the control of the CPU 101, the CPU 101 cannot recognize the change. For this reason, the CPU 101 cannot update the number of pulses managed as the rotation position of the reel R to an appropriate number of pulses corresponding to the changed rotation position of the reel R, and as a result, the CPU 101 grasps it. Deviation between the rotational position of the reel R and the actual rotational position of the reel R occurs.

  In order to prevent such a situation, in the first game started after the front door 3 is opened, the slot machine 1 keeps the reel R until the reel position detection signal 155 is input for the first time. Is controlled so as not to stop the rotation operation. More specifically, in the first game started after the front door 3 is opened, the CPU 101 stops the stop button 13 corresponding to the reel R until the reel position detection signal 155 is input for the first time. Process to handle the operation as invalid.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the flow of the reel stop process including the above-described exception determination process in the slot machine 1 will be described. This process is a process executed in the interrupt program executed by the CPU 101, similar to the reel rotation process described above, and is executed for each reel.

First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the stop operation instruction signal 113 has been input (Sa901). If the stop operation instruction signal 113 has not been input (Sa901: NO), the processing is terminated as it is. When the stop operation instruction signal 113 is input (Sa901: YES), it is determined whether or not the rotation speed of the corresponding reel R has reached a predetermined rotation speed (Sa902). Various methods such as the number of pulses supplied to the corresponding stepping motor 54 and the time elapsed since the start of the rotation operation of the reel R are applied to determine whether or not the rotation speed of the reel R has reached a predetermined speed. obtain. If the rotation speed of the reel R has not reached the predetermined rotation speed (Sa902: NO), the process is terminated as it is. If the rotation speed of the reel R has reached the predetermined rotation speed (Sa902: YES), it is determined whether 1 is set in the front door opening flag (Sa903). The opening flag is information stored in the RAM 105, and is set to 1 when the CPU 101 receives the front door opening detection signal 170 in a state where the rotation operation of the reel R is stopped, and the reel R Is reset to 0 when the rotation operation of is effectively stopped. If 1 is set in the front door opening flag (Sa903: YES), it is determined whether 1 is set in the reel position detection flag (Sa904).
The reel position detection flag is information stored in the RAM 105, and is set to 1 when the CPU 101 receives an input of the reel position detection signal 155, and is set to 0 when the rotation operation of the reel R is effectively stopped. Reset. When 1 is set in the reel position detection flag (Sa904: YES), the reel stop process using the stop table described above is executed (Sa905). If 1 is not set in the reel position detection flag (Sa904: NO), the processing is ended as it is. On the other hand, if 1 is not set in the front door opening flag (Sa903: NO), the reel stop process using the stop table described above is executed without performing the determination of the reel position detection flag (Sa904) ( Sa905).

  Thus, in the first game started after the front door 3 is opened, the slot machine 1 does not stop the rotation operation of the reel R until the reel position detection signal 155 is input for the first time. Therefore, even when the rotational position of the reel R changes without the control of the CPU 101 when the front door 3 is opened, the reel R is in a state where the CPU 101 does not correctly grasp the rotational position of the reel R. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unintended symbol on the reel R from being stopped and displayed.

(4) Details of Symbol Determination Processing FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a hand composition table used in symbol determination processing or the like in the slot machine 1. In the combination composition table, symbol combinations and privileges corresponding to combinations are defined.

  As described above, the slot machine 1 has six types of winning combinations that can be won by the internal lottery process, and symbol combinations and privileges corresponding to the respective winning combinations are defined. Specifically, the symbol combination “red 7-red 7-red 7” or the symbol combination “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” from the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 on the winning line L by the symbol determination process. Is displayed in a stopped state, a winning combination of “BB” is determined, and the state transition process shifts to the BB game state.

Similarly, when the symbol combination “BAR-BAR-BAR” is stopped and displayed on the winning line L, a winning combination of “RB” is determined, and the state transition process shifts to the RB game state. Further, when the symbol combination “watermelon-watermelon-sky” is stopped and displayed on the winning line L, a winning combination of “watermelon” is determined, and six medals are paid by the medal payment process. Also,
When the symbol combination “bell-bell-bell” is stopped and displayed on the winning line L, a winning combination of “bell” is determined and 15 medals are paid by the medal payment process. Further, when the symbol combination “Cherry-ANY-ANY” is stopped and displayed on the winning line L, the winning of the “Cherry” role is determined, and two medals are paid by the medal payment process. “ANY” indicates that any symbol may be used. Further, when the symbol combination “Plum-Plum-Plum” is stopped and displayed on the winning line L, the winning of the “re-game” combination is determined, and the automatic betting process is executed.

<5. Modification>
Each of the above-described embodiments can be variously modified. Specific modifications are exemplified below. Two or more modes arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict each other.

(1) Modification 1
In the above-described embodiment, the reel position detection signal is first set on condition that the front door 3 is opened after the rotation operation of the reel R is stopped in the immediately preceding game and before the rotation operation of the reel R is started. Until 155 is input, control is performed so that the rotation operation of the reel R is not stopped. Although this considers the possibility that the rotational position of the reel R will change due to the opening of the front door 3, it may be configured to determine the possibility that the rotational position of the reel R will change due to other conditions. Good.

  For example, the slot machine 1 may include a vibration detection sensor, and the rotation position of the reel R may change when the vibration detection sensor detects a predetermined amount or more of vibration. That is, in this case, on the condition that the vibration detection sensor detects a vibration of a predetermined amount or more, control is performed so that the rotation operation of the reel R is not stopped until the reel position detection signal 155 is first input. May be.

Further, for example, a sensor that directly detects a change in the rotational position of the reel R may be provided. In this case, on the condition that the change of the rotational position of the reel R is detected,
Until the reel position detection signal 155 is input for the first time, the rotation operation of the reel R may be controlled not to stop.

(2) Modification 2
In the above embodiment, as the reel rotation processing, the rotation speed of the reel R gradually increases after starting the rotation operation of the reel R, and after reaching a predetermined rotation speed after a predetermined period, Control is performed such that the stop of the rotation operation of R is allowed.

  In addition to such a normal reel rotation process, an effect operation by changing the rotation position of the reel R may be executed. More specifically, prior to the normal reel rotation process, the reel R is controlled to produce an effect. Since the production operation of the reel R is for the purpose of production, the rotation direction is opposite to the normal rotation, the rotation position of the reel is shifted little by little, and the reel R can be operated arbitrarily. .

However, such an irregular operation of the reel R may cause a deviation between the rotational position of the reel R grasped by the CPU 101 and the actual rotational position of the reel R.
For this reason, on the condition that the CPU 101 performs the irregular operation of the reel R, it is possible to control so that the rotation operation of the reel R is not stopped until the reel position detection signal 155 is first input. .

In this case, the period until the reel position detection signal 155 is input for the first time is
It may be the input of the first reel position detection signal 155 in the normal reel rotation process started after the end of the irregular operation of the reel R, or the first in the next game started after the end of the irregular operation of the reel R The reel position detection signal 155 may be input.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine, 3 ... Front door, 11 ... Bet button, 12 ... Start lever, 13a-13c ... Stop button, R1-R3 ... Reel, RL ... Reel unit, 20 ... Reel window , L1 ... winning line, 30 ... liquid crystal display device, 54a to 54c ... stepping motor, 70 ... front door opening detection sensor, 100A ... main control board, 101 ... CPU, 104 ... ROM, 105 ... ... RAM, 100B ... Display control board, 170 ... Front door opening detection signal, 191 ... CPU, 194 ... ROM, 195 ... RAM.

Claims (4)

A reel having a plurality of types of symbols on the outer periphery, and a detection piece that can be detected by a reel position detection sensor described later,
A motor provided corresponding to the reel and driving by an amount corresponding to the supplied pulse;
Provided corresponding to said reel, a reel position detecting sensor that detects the detection piece,
The reel is rotated by supplying predetermined pulses to the motor, and the rotational position of the reel is managed based on the number of pulses supplied to the motor and detection of the detection piece by the reel position detection sensor. Rotation control means to
A stop control means for executing a process of stopping the rotation operation of the reel corresponding to the detected stop signal in response to establishment of a predetermined stop condition when a stop signal corresponding to the reel is detected;
First stop condition determining means for determining whether the first stop condition is satisfied for the reel based on the fact that the rotation speed of the reel has reached a predetermined reference speed after the reel starts rotating;
A second stop condition for determining whether the second stop condition is satisfied for the reel based on the detection of the detection piece corresponding to the reel by the reel position detection sensor after the reel starts rotating. A determination means;
A gaming machine comprising specific state detecting means for detecting that the gaming machine has entered a specific state,
The stop control means includes
When detecting the stop signal,
When the specific state detecting means detects the specific state before the reel rotation operation corresponding to the detected stop signal is started, the first stop condition and the second stop condition are satisfied. On condition that the reels stop rotating,
If the specific state detection means has not detected the specific state before the reel rotation operation corresponding to the detected stop signal is started, the first stop condition is satisfied regardless of whether the second stop condition is satisfied. The reels are stopped from rotating on the condition that the stop condition is satisfied.
A gaming machine characterized by that. The stop control means includes
When detecting the stop signal,
When the specific state detecting means detects the specific state during the period from the last stop of the reel rotation corresponding to the detected stop signal to the start of the reel rotation first. Stops rotation of the reel on condition that the first stop condition and the second stop condition are satisfied,
When the specific state detection means does not detect the specific state during the period from the last stop of the reel rotation corresponding to the detected stop signal to the start of the reel rotation first. Is to stop the rotation of the reel on condition that the first stop condition is satisfied, regardless of whether the second stop condition is satisfied.
The gaming machine according to claim 1. The specific state detecting means includes
The state in which the rotational position of the reel can be changed regardless of the supply of a predetermined pulse to the motor by the rotation control means is detected as the specific state. Gaming machine. A game composed of a main body in which a reel unit including at least the reel, the motor, and the reel position detection sensor is disposed, and a front door connected to the front surface of the main body so as to be opened and closed. Machine,
The specific state detecting means includes
The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the specific state is detected based on the opening of the front door.