JP6889694B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a rotating cylinder in which a plurality of symbols are displayed along the rotation direction.

In a gaming machine equipped with a rotating cylinder such as a slot machine, the rotation of the rotating cylinder is performed by a player inserting a game value medium such as a medal into a predetermined insertion slot and performing a predetermined rotation start operation such as a start lever operation. It will be started. Then, when the player performs a predetermined rotation stop operation such as pressing the stop button, the rotation is stopped with a symbol corresponding to the timing.

The following Patent Document 1 can be mentioned as a related prior art.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-33743

Here, some gaming machines have a function of notifying an external device such as a hall computer of the number of payouts of the gaming value medium according to the winning. In order for managers such as hall managers to properly manage the number of payouts for each gaming machine, it is necessary to accurately notify the number of payouts.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to accurately notify an external device of the number of payouts.

The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a variable display means capable of changing the display mode of the symbol and a control means for controlling the progress of the game operation, and the number of bets can be set by inputting the game value medium. One game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets, and one game ends when the display result of the symbol is displayed on the variable display means, and a prize is generated according to the display result of the symbol. It is a possible game machine, and the winning includes a small winning combination accompanied by payout of the game value medium and a re-game in which a number of the game value media corresponding to the predetermined number of bets is automatically inserted. The control means includes, and controls the external device to notify the number of payouts of the game value medium according to the winning, including the number of the game value media automatically input in response to the re-game. It has a notification control means.
Then, the notification control means updates the payout signal counter in accordance with the payout, performs control to notify the number of payouts based on the value of the signal counter output該払, the payout signal the corresponding to replay The counter is updated in the automatic input processing of the re-game performed before the input acceptance start processing of the game value medium in the processing in one game, and the payout signal counter is updated according to the small winning combination. 1. Among the processes in one game, the process is performed in the game value medium payout process that is performed after the input reception start process .

As described above, as the update of the payout signal counter according to the re-game, instead of overwriting the automatic input number of the game value medium, the update that adds the automatic input number is performed, so that the update other than the re-game is performed. It is designed so that the payout signal output for the number of payouts according to the winning and the payout signal output for the number of automatic inputs of the re-game are properly performed.

According to the present invention, the number of payouts can be accurately notified to the external device.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a plan view (FIG. 2A) and a right side view (FIG. 2B) of the gaming machine. It is a rear view of the front panel provided in the gaming machine. It is a front view of the main body case provided in a gaming machine. It is a schematic block diagram of the control configuration inside a gaming machine. It is a figure which showed the circuit structure of the main control board provided in the gaming machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a medal selector. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the medal selector. It is a figure which showed typically the various sensors related to medal detection. It is explanatory drawing about the structure which concerns on origin detection. It is explanatory drawing about the stepping motor. It is explanatory drawing about the symbol formed on the rotary reel (rotary cylinder). It is explanatory drawing about the area set in the memory of a main control board. It is explanatory drawing about the regulation defined in each area. It is a flowchart of a start process. It is a flowchart of power return processing. It is a flowchart of a setting change process. It is a flowchart of power-off processing. It is a flowchart of a main process. Similarly, it is a flowchart of the main process. It is a flowchart of the automatic input process of the re-game in the main process. It is a flowchart of the stop processing in the main processing. It is the flowchart of the rotation cylinder stop control processing in the stop processing shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing about the stop processing possible position. It is a flowchart of the payout process of the winning medal in the main process. It is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of LED display data creation processing in timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of error cancellation determination processing in timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of medal payout processing in timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of input and payout signal output processing in timer interrupt processing. It is explanatory drawing of the payout signal (and the input signal). It is explanatory drawing about the output period of a payout signal. It is a flowchart of rotation rotation control processing in timer interrupt processing. It is a figure which showed the example of the start-up timetable.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in the following order. In the embodiment, a slot machine will be taken as an example.

<1. Mechanism configuration of pachinko and pachislot machines ＞
<2. Control configuration of pachinko machine>
<3. Configuration related to medal insertion>
<4. Configuration related to rotating cylinder rotation and rotating reel>
<5. Memory area>
<6. Start process>
<7. Power off processing>
<8. Power recovery process>
<9. Setting change process>
<10. Main processing>
[10-1. Main processing]
[10-2. Processing for stopping the rotation on the main processing side]
[10-3. Prize-winning medal payout processing]
<11. Timer interrupt processing>
[11-1. Timer interrupt processing]
[11-2. LED display data creation process]
[11-3. Error cancellation judgment processing]
[11-4. Medal payout process]
[11-5. Input and payout signal output processing]
[11-6. About payout signal output at the time of replay]
[11-7. Rotation control process]
<12. Summary of embodiments>
<13. Summary and modification examples>

<1. Mechanism configuration of pachinko and pachislot machines ＞

First, the appearance configuration of the slot machine of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.
1 is a front view of the slot machine, FIG. 2A is a plan view, FIG. 2B is a right side view, FIG. 3 is a rear view of the front panel 2, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the main body case 1.

In the slot machine of the present embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 2, a rectangular box-shaped main body case 1 and a front panel 2 to which various game members are mounted are connected via a hinge mechanism (not shown), and the front panel. 2 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body case 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, a symbol rotating unit 3 having three rotating reels (rotating reels) 4a, 4b, and 4c is arranged substantially in the center of the main body case 1. Further, a medal payout device 5 is arranged below the medal payout device 5.
On each of the rotating reels 4a, 4b, 4c, various symbols described later, for example, symbols for BB (big bonus) and RB (regular bonus), various fruit symbols, replay symbols, and the like are drawn.
The medal payout device 5 has a medal tank 5a for storing medals. Further, the payout motor 75, the payout connection board 73, the hopper board 74, the medal payout sensor 76, and the like, which will be described later in FIG. 5, are housed in the payout case 5b.
The medals stored in the medal tank 5a are led out from the payout outlet 5c toward the front of the drawing based on the rotation of the payout motor 75. The medals stored in excess of the limit amount are configured to fall into the auxiliary tank 6 through the excess medal lead-out unit 5d.
The auxiliary tank 6 is provided with an overflow sensor for detecting that the storage medals in the auxiliary tank 6 have reached the limit amount.

The power supply board 41 is arranged adjacent to the medal payout device 5. Further, the main control board 40 is arranged above the symbol rotation unit 3, and the rotating cylinder setting board 71 is arranged adjacent to the main control board 40.
Further, inside the symbol rotating unit 3, a rotating cylinder LED (Light Emitting Diode) relay board 56 and a rotating cylinder relay board 53 shown in FIG. 5 are provided, and an external centralized terminal plate 70 is adjacent to the symbol rotating unit 3. Have been placed.

Further, in the main body case 1, a door opening sensor 35 for detecting the opening of the front panel 2 (opening of the door) is provided on the side of the symbol rotating unit 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) unit 7 is arranged on the upper part of the front panel 2. Various characters are displayed on the LCD unit 7 in order to excite the game operation.
Further, at the lower part of the LCD unit 7, a display window 8 for displaying the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c is formed. Through the display window 8, about three symbols can be seen in each of the rotation directions of the rotary reels 4a, 4b, and 4c. Then, for example, a total of nine symbols in the horizontal direction (or three) and two in the diagonal direction serve as virtual stop lines.

Inside the symbol rotating unit 3, the rotating cylinder LED is arranged at a position where each of the nine symbols visually recognized when the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c are stopped can be irradiated from the inside (not). Illustrated). Each rotating cylinder LED is turned on and off according to the rotating state and the stopped state of each rotating reel 4, or various effects.

Below the display window 8, an LED group 9 indicating a game state, a payout display unit 10 for displaying the number of medals to be paid out as a game result, and a storage number display unit 11 are provided.
The LED group 9 includes, for example, an LED indicating the number of medals inserted in the game this time, an LED indicating the replay state (replay display LED), and an LED indicating that the rotating cylinder is ready to rotate (this time the game). It is composed of an LED indicating that a predetermined number of medals required for the game have been inserted (so-called start lamp), an LED indicating the acceptance status of the insertion of medals, and the like.

The payout display unit 10 is configured by connecting two 7-segment LEDs in succession, and functions as an error display for specifying the number of payout medals and displaying the contents of the abnormality when an abnormal situation occurs.
Further, in the case of this example, the payout display unit 10 also functions as a so-called instruction monitor. The instruction monitor means a display that displays push order information when a predetermined combination (hereinafter referred to as "push order combination") in which a push order is defined such as a push order bell or a push order replay is won during ART. To do.

The storage number display unit 11 displays the number of medals stored as credits.

LED effect units 15a, 15b, and 15c are provided above, left, and right of the display window 8. The LED effect units 15a, 15b, and 15c are provided with a predetermined pattern and design, and are configured so that the effect by light is executed by the LEDs arranged inside. The effects executed by the LED effect units 15a, 15b, and 15c include, for example, an effect indicating that the BB and RB have been won, an effect indicating the state of AT (assist time), ART (assist replay time), and the like, and during AT. And assist production during ART.
Although individual description will be omitted, various other LEDs are arranged on the front panel 2 as LEDs for presenting the effect and the operating state.

A medal insertion slot 12 for inserting medals is provided on the right side of the center of the front panel 2, and a return button 13 for returning medals packed in the medal insertion slot 12 is provided in the vicinity of the medal insertion slot 12. A keyhole for inserting a dedicated key is provided on the right side of the return button 13. With the front panel 2 closed with respect to the main body case 1, the front panel 2 is unlocked by turning the key inserted in the keyhole to the right (hereinafter referred to as "unlocking operation"), and the main body of the front panel 2 is unlocked. The case 1 can be opened and closed. In addition, by turning the key inserted in the keyhole to the left, the canceled state of the game due to a stop or an error is canceled (hereinafter referred to as "stop canceling operation").
Further, on the left side of the center of the front panel 2, there is a credit settlement button 14 for paying out medals in the credit state (medals stored as credits), and a max bet button 16 for inserting three pseudo medals in the credit state. Is provided.

Further, the front panel 2 has a start lever 17 for starting the rotation of the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c, and stop buttons 18a, 18b, 18c for stopping the rotating rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c. It is provided.
When the player operates the start lever 17, normally, the three rotary reels 4a, 4b, and 4c start rotating in the positive direction. However, in the case where all or part of the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c rotate irregularly (so-called "effect rotation") and then start rotating in the positive direction in order to produce a reel that announces the internal winning state. There is also.
Various specific contents can be considered as the reel production, for example.
・ Slow effect that rotates extremely slowly in the forward direction (forward rotation) and stands still ・ Reverse rotation effect that rotates in the reverse direction for a predetermined time and then stands still after repeating forward rotation and reverse rotation ・ Forward rotation for the first predetermined time First rocking effect that stops after repeating reverse rotation ・ Second rocking effect that stops after repeating forward rotation and reverse rotation for a second predetermined time ・ Forward rotation and reverse rotation for a second predetermined time Slow swing effect that stops after repeating forward rotation very slowly and then stops after repeating forward rotation and reverse rotation for a second time, then stops after repeating forward rotation and reverse rotation for a predetermined time, and then stops after rotating backward for a predetermined time. Swing reverse rotation effect ・ There are effects such as forward rotation or reverse rotation at a predetermined speed, and then the effect of aligning with a predetermined pattern and resting. At the time of such a reel effect, all or part of the character effect in the LCD unit 7, the lamp effect for blinking the LED lamp, and the sound effect for driving the speaker are appropriately selected and executed.

Below the front panel 2, a horizontally long saucer 19 for storing medals and a medal discharge port 20 communicating with the payout outlet 5c of the payout device 5 are provided.
Speakers 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d are arranged on the upper left and right and the lower left and right of the front panel 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the front panel 2, a medal selector 21 for selecting medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 12 shown in FIG. 1 and medals determined to be inappropriate by the medal selector 21 are medals. A return passage 22 that guides the discharge port 20 is provided.
A substrate case 23 is arranged on the upper part of the back side of the front panel 2. The substrate case 23 houses the effect control board 42, the effect interface board 43, the liquid crystal control board 44, the liquid crystal interface board 45, and the like described in FIG.
Further, on the side of the medal selector 21, a game relay board 60 (described later in FIG. 5) that relays signals between various game members shown in FIG. 1 and a main control board 40 is provided.

In the slot machine of the present embodiment, the number of bets can be set by inserting the game value medium, and one game can be started by setting the predetermined number of bets. The game value medium is a medium used for setting the number of bets that is a condition for starting the game, and in this example, a medal is applicable.
Then, in the slot machine of the present embodiment, one game is completed when the display result of the symbol is displayed on the variable display means (symbol rotation unit 3 in this example) capable of changing the display mode of the symbol. , It is said that a prize can be generated according to the display result of the symbol.

<2. Control configuration of pachinko machine>

Next, the configuration of the control system of the slot machine of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the control configuration inside the slot machine. The control configuration of the slot machine of the present embodiment is centered on the main control board 40.
The main control board 40 is equipped with a circuit for a microcomputer and an interface equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and is used for all game operations of the slot machine. Perform such comprehensive control. For example, the main control board 40 controls the operation of various gaming members including the rotary reels 4a, 4b, and 4c, and grasps the operation status. In addition, the production is executed according to the game operation.
The main control board 40 has various signals (commands) between the power supply board 41, the effect interface board 43, the rotating cylinder relay board 53, the game relay board 60, the external centralized terminal board 70, the rotating cylinder setting board 71, and the payout connection board 73. And detection signals, etc.) are exchanged.

The power supply board 41 receives AC24V and rectifies and smoothes it to obtain a DC voltage. Then, the power supply board 41 includes a converter circuit to generate a power supply voltage required for each part. The figure shows the main control power supply voltage V1 given to each part via the main control board 40 and the effect control power supply voltage V2 given to each part via the effect interface board 43.
Further, the power supply board 41 is also provided with a power supply monitoring circuit for detecting a power supply cutoff state, a backup power supply circuit for supplying a backup power supply voltage to the main control board 40, and the like.

The effect control board 42 is equipped with a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., a circuit for an interface, and the like, and controls the effect operation of the slot machine.
The effect control board 42 receives a command from the main control board 40 via the effect interface board 43. For example, the main control board 40 controls the effect control board 42 to realize a sound effect by the speaker 30 (30a to 30d), a lamp effect by an LED lamp or a cold cathode ray tube discharge tube, and a design effect by the LCD unit 7. A command is output, and the effect control board 42 performs an effect control process according to the control command.
Further, in the effect control board 42, when a control command (game start command) for specifying the internal lottery result is received from the main control board 40, an AT lottery for whether or not to enter the assist time winning state is executed in response to the internal lottery result. ..
In the game (during AT) a predetermined number of times after winning the AT lottery on the effect control board 42, the stop order of the three rotating reels 4 is played so that the symbols can be aligned with the stop line in the small winning combination winning state. Notify the person.
Further, when the effect control board 42 receives a control command indicating the reel effect execution from the main control board 40, the effect control board 42 starts the effect operation corresponding to the reel effect executed by the main control board 40.
For the effect control operation as described above, the effect control board 42 performs necessary communication with each part through the effect interface board 43.

The effect control board 42 is connected to the liquid crystal control board 44 via the effect interface board 43 and the liquid crystal interface board 45.
The liquid crystal control board 44 controls the effect of displaying an image on the LCD unit 7. The liquid crystal control board 44 is equipped with a VDP (Video Display Processor), an image ROM, a VRAM (Video RAM), a liquid crystal control CPU, a liquid crystal control ROM, a liquid crystal control RAM, and the like.
The VDP controls overall video output processing such as image development processing and image drawing.
The image ROM stores image data (effect image data) for which VDP performs image development processing.
The VRAM is an image memory area that temporarily stores the image data developed by the VDP.
The liquid crystal control CPU outputs control data necessary for the VDP to perform display control.
The liquid crystal control ROM stores a program that describes the display control operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU and various data necessary for the display control.
The liquid crystal control RAM functions as a work area or a buffer memory.
Such a liquid crystal control board 44 receives a command related to a display effect from the effect control board 42, and generates a display drive signal accordingly. Then, a display drive signal is supplied to the LCD unit 7 via the liquid crystal interface board 45 to execute image display.

Further, the effect control board 42 controls the speaker relay board 47 via the effect interface board 43, and causes the sound effect using the speakers 30a to 30d to be executed.
Further, the effect control board 42 realizes a lamp effect by various LEDs via the effect interface board 43 and the LED board 48 and the rotating cylinder LED relay board 56.
On the LED substrate 48, for example, LEDs as LED effect units 15a, 15b, 15c shown in FIG. 1 are arranged.
The rotating cylinder LED relay board 56 relays LED drive signals from the effect control board 42 for the first cylinder LED substrate 50a, the second cylinder LED substrate 50b, and the third cylinder LED substrate 50c.
On the first cylinder LED substrate 50a, a rotating cylinder LED that irradiates the design of the rotary reel 4a from the inside is arranged. On the second cylinder LED substrate 50b, a rotating cylinder LED that irradiates the design of the rotary reel 4b from the inside is arranged. Further, on the third cylinder LED substrate 50c, a rotating cylinder LED that irradiates the design of the rotary reel 4c from the inside is arranged.

The main control board 40 is connected to various game members of the slot machine as shown in FIG. 5 via the game relay board 60.
The game display board 61 is equipped with an LED group 9 indicating a game state, a payout display unit 10 having a 7-segment LED, and a storage number display unit 11 also having a 7-segment LED. The main control board 40 controls the game display board 61 to transmit a control command via the game relay board 60 to execute the display according to the game state.

The start switch board 62 is equipped with a start switch that is turned on in response to an operation of the start lever 17.
The stop switch board 63 is equipped with a stop switch that is turned on in response to the operation of the stop buttons 18a, 18b, and 18c. Further, although not shown, the stop switch board 63 of this example is provided with a stop button LED provided for each of the stop buttons 18a, 18b, and 18c to make the corresponding stop button 18 emit light. There is.
The storage medal insertion switch board 64 is equipped with an input switch that is turned on in response to an operation of the max bet button 16. Further, although not shown, the storage medal insertion switch board 64 of this example is also equipped with a max bet LED for causing the max bet button 16 to emit light.
The settlement switch board 65 is equipped with a settlement switch that is turned on in response to an operation of the settlement button 14.
The main control board 40 receives the detection signal of the player operation by the switches of these boards (61, 62, 63, 64, 65) via the game relay board 60.

The door sensor 66 is a sensor provided for the above-mentioned keyhole on the front panel 2. The door sensor 66 makes it possible to recognize the above-mentioned cancellation / canceling operation of the game.
The selector sensor 67 and the insertion medal-related sensor 68 are provided to detect medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 12. The selector sensor 67 and the input medal-related sensor 68 will be described later.
The main control board 40 receives the detection signals of these sensors (66, 67, 68) via the game relay board 60. Further, the main control board 40 detects the insertion time and the passing direction of the inserted medals by the detection signal of the received sensor, and accepts the inserted medals as the inserted medals only when the predetermined regulations are met, and inserts the medals in other cases. Treat as a medal error.
The blocker solenoid 69 drives the blocker ON / OFF to prevent the passage of illegal medals. The main control board 40 controls the blocker solenoid 69 via the game relay board 60.

Further, the main control board 40 has three stepping motors 54 (1st cylinder stepping motor 54a, 2nd cylinder stepping motor 54b, etc.) that rotate the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c via the rotating cylinder relay board 53. It is connected to the third body stepping motor 54c).
Further, the main control board 40 has three index sensors 55 (first cylinder index) for detecting the origin positions (origin positions 101 described later) of the rotary reels 4a, 4b, and 4c via the rotating cylinder relay board 53. It is connected to the sensor 55a, the second cylinder index sensor 55b, and the third cylinder index sensor 55c).
The main control board 40 realizes the rotation operation of the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c and the stop operation at the target position by driving or stopping the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c. Further, the main control board 40 can detect the origin position of the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c based on the detection signals of the index sensors 55a, 55b, 55c.

The main control board 40 is also connected to a device unit for paying medals via the payout connection board 73. As a device unit for medal payout, a hopper board 74 for controlling medal payout, a payout motor 75, and a medal payout sensor 76 are provided.
The hopper board 74 rotates the payout motor 75 based on a control command from the main control board 40 to pay out a predetermined amount of medals.
The medal payout sensor 76 detects the passage of the payout medal. The detection signal by the medal payout sensor 76 is used to detect an abnormal payout state such as an insufficient number of medal payouts or a payout operation not being performed.

Further, the main control board 40 is connected to the external centralized terminal board 70. The external centralized terminal board 70 is connected to, for example, a hall computer, and the main control board 40 outputs the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out to the hall computer through the external centralized terminal board 70.

The main control board 40 is also connected to the rotating cylinder setting board 71. The rotating cylinder setting board 71 is provided with a setting key switch 72a that is turned ON / OFF according to the operation of the setting key and a reset switch 72b that is turned ON / OFF according to the operation of the reset button. The rotating cylinder setting board 71 outputs a signal indicating a set value vd set by a staff member using the above setting key or reset button.
Here, the set value vd is a value indicating a stage regarding the winning probability of the lottery process executed in the slot machine, in other words, the probability of winning the gaming state advantageous to the player. It is set appropriately based on the sales strategy of the game hall. In this example, the winning probability stages are set to 6 stages, and the set value vd can be set to a value representing any stage among the 6 stages from the setting "1" to the setting "6". At this time, "0" to "5" are assigned as the value of the set value vd itself.
In this example, the winning probability is increased in the order of setting "1" to setting "6".

The staff in the hall can change the set value vd by a predetermined operation. Specifically, when changing the set value vd, first, open the front panel 2 and turn on the power while keeping the setting key switch 72a ON (in this example, keep turning the setting key to the right). To do. Then, the setting value (any of "1" to "6") indicating the stage currently set is displayed on the display provided for the rotating cylinder setting board 71, and the reset button is pressed in this state. The display value is incremented by 1 each time (the reset switch 72b is turned on) (the display value "6" is then returned to "1"). Further, after selecting the value by such a reset button, by operating the start lever 17, the set value vd is fixed to the value corresponding to the selected value, and then the setting key switch 72a is turned off (in this example). By turning the setting key to the left), the change of the set value vd is completed.

Subsequently, the circuit configuration of the main control board 40 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, the main control board 40 includes a controller 80 by a one-chip microcomputer, an I / O port circuit 83 for inputting / outputting 8-bit parallel data, a counter circuit 81, and an interface unit between each unit. ing.

The controller 80 includes an interrupt controller 80d, a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) 80e, and the like, in addition to the CPU 80a, ROM 80b, and RAM 80c.
The CTC80e is a circuit that integrates an 8-bit counter and a timer, and provides a periodic interrupt in the processing of the CPU 80a, a pulse output creation function (bit rate generator) of a fixed period, and a time measurement function. In this example, the CTC80e is used to interrupt the CPU80a at a time interval of 1.49 ms (milliseconds).

The counter circuit 81 is a circuit that generates a random number value in terms of hardware. The controller 80 (CPU 80a) performs a lottery process using a random number value generated by the counter circuit 81.

The main control board 40 is provided with an interface between the controller 80 and each board shown in FIG.
The power supply interface 82 is an interface with the power supply circuit of the power supply board 41.
The game interface 84 is an interface with the game relay board 60. The controller 80 inputs detection signals of various switches and sensors via the game interface 84, and transmits commands for LED control and blocker solenoid control.
The rotating cylinder motor drive unit 85 is an interface with the rotating cylinder relay board 53. The controller 80 outputs motor drive signals (excitation data φ1 to φ4 described later) to the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c by the rotating cylinder motor driving unit 85, and is input via the rotating cylinder motor driving unit 85. The detection signals from the index sensors 55a, 55b, 55c are acquired.
The effect control interface 86 is an interface for the controller 80 to transmit a command to the effect control board 42 via the effect interface board 43. Specifically, for example, it is an 8-bit parallel port.
The payout connection interface 87 is an interface with the payout connection board 73.

The external interface 88 is an interface with the hall computer via the external centralized terminal plate 70.
The rotating cylinder setting interface 89 is an interface with the rotating cylinder setting board 71.

<3. Configuration related to medal insertion>

Subsequently, the configuration related to medal insertion will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
7A and 8A are cross-sectional views showing the structure of the medal selector 21 provided in the slot machine of this embodiment, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 7A, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 8A. It is a figure.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the medal selector 21 has an insertion flow path 21a through which medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 12 flow down and a take-in side flow path that guides medals flowing down the insertion flow path 21a to the medal tank 5a. 21b is formed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, below the input flow path 21a, the flow path switching plate 21d and the input flow path 21a that swing around the shaft 21da as a fulcrum due to the excitation of the blocker solenoid 69 described above have fallen. A discharge side flow path 21c for guiding the medal to the medal discharge port 20 is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the flow path switching plate 21d has an upper end portion 21db housed in a recess 21e provided in the medal selector 21 main body in a state where the blocker solenoid 69 is not excited. Then, since the input flow path 21a and the discharge side flow path 21c are in communication with each other, the medal flowing down the input flow path 21a falls into the discharge side flow path 21c and is discharged from the medal discharge port 20.
Further, in the flow path switching plate 21d, in a state where the blocker solenoid 69 is excited, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the upper portion of the flow path switching plate 21d is in the left direction (arrow direction) in the drawing with the shaft 21da as a fulcrum. Since the upper end portion 21db of the flow path switching plate 21d protrudes from the recess 21e, the medal flowing down the input flow path 21a is taken in along the upper end portion 21db of the flow path switching plate 21d. It flows down into the side flow path 21b and is guided to the medal tank 5a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, the intake side flow path 21b is provided with a first insertion medal sensor 68a and a second insertion medal sensor 68b for detecting the passage of medals flowing down the intake side flow path 21b. Has been done. The first inserted medal sensor 68a and the second inserted medal sensor 68b are provided as the above-mentioned inserted medal-related sensor 68 (see FIG. 5).
As shown in the figure, the first insertion medal sensor 68a is provided on the intake side flow path 21b on the upstream side of the second insertion medal sensor 68b, and passes through the disk-shaped medal flowing down the intake side flow path 21b. It is possible to detect in the order of 1 inserted medal sensor 68a → 2nd inserted medal sensor 68b.
In these first inserted medal sensor 68a and second inserted medal sensor 68b, only the first inserted medal sensor 68a is ON when one medal passes, and both the first inserted medal sensor 68a and the second inserted medal sensor 68b are turned on. Is ON, and only the second inserted medal sensor 68b is arranged in close proximity so that the state changes in the order of ON.
Further, since the first inserted medal sensor 68a and the second inserted medal sensor 68b are arranged so as to detect the end portion of the medal (the upper end portion of the medal in this example), one medal is inserted when the medals are continuously inserted. After the eye medal passes through the second inserted medal sensor 68b and the second inserted medal sensor 68b is turned off, the subsequent medals pass through the first inserted medal sensor 68a and the first inserted medal sensor 68a It is set to be ON, which makes it possible to reliably detect individual medals that have been continuously inserted.

FIG. 9 schematically shows various sensors related to medal detection provided in the flow path from the medal insertion slot 12 to the medal tank 5a, including the first insertion medal sensor 68a and the second insertion medal sensor 68b. There is.
Although not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a selector sensor 67 is provided in the insertion flow path 21a of the medal selector 21. Further, a post-passing sensor 68c is provided as one of the above-mentioned inserted medal-related sensors 68 in the medal flow path that communicates the take-in side flow path 21d and the medal tank 5a in the medal selector 21.

The selector sensor 67, the post-passing sensor 68c, the first input medal sensor 68a, and the second input medal sensor 68b are composed of, for example, a photo sensor, and each includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit, and the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are provided. The passage of the medal is detected by the light receiving unit detecting the blocking of light from the light emitting unit when the medal passes between the and.
In the following description, the first inserted medal sensor 68a and the second inserted medal sensor 68b may be referred to as "sensor 1" and "sensor 2", respectively.

<4. Configuration related to rotating cylinder rotation and rotating reel>

The configuration for rotating the rotary reel 4 and the relationship between the symbol formed on the rotary reel 4 and the step position will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration related to origin detection for the rotary reels 4a, 4b, and 4c. The origin detection is the detection of a specific position defined on each rotary reel 4a, 4b, 4c, that is, the origin position 101.
Since the configuration related to the origin detection is the same for each of the rotary reels 4a to 4c, only one rotary reel (denoted as the rotary reel 4) is shown here as a representative. FIG. 10A shows a configuration related to origin detection by a perspective view, and FIG. 10B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the relationship between the detected portion 410d formed on the rotary reel 4 and the origin position 101.

In FIG. 10A, the central axis (denoted as “rotary axis Ra”) of the rotor 54r included in the stepping motor 54 that rotationally drives the rotary reel 4 is shown by a alternate long and short dash line. The rotary reel 4 has a reel drum 401 that is rotationally driven around the axis of the rotary shaft Ra, a backlight portion 402 arranged inside the reel drum 401, and a base that directly or indirectly supports the reel drum 401. It has a body 403 and.

The base body 403 has, for example, a base plate 403b made of synthetic resin and formed in a substantially plate shape, and a protruding portion 403t protruding from the base plate 403b in a direction along the rotation axis Ra. The base plate 403b is arranged along one side (here, the right side) in the left-right direction of the reel drum 401. The stepping motor 54 is fixed to one side (here, the left side) of the base body 403 in a state where the rotor 54r (rotation axis Ra) is directed to one side (here, the left side) in the left-right direction.
In this case, the protruding portion 403t protrudes from the base plate 403b in the leftward direction.

The reel drum 401 includes two reel frames 410 and 411 and a strip-shaped reel sheet 420 mounted on the outer circumference of the reel frames 410 and 411 in a cylindrical shape. The reel frames 410 and 411 are made of, for example, a black synthetic resin having no light transmittance or extremely low light transmittance, and their outer peripheral portions are formed as rim portions 410r and 411r, respectively. The rim portion 410r of the reel frame 410 and the rim portion 411r of the reel frame 411 are formed in an annular shape along the left and right edges of the reel seat 420, respectively.
The reel frame 410 has a hub portion 410h that is detachably fixed to the rotor 54r of the stepping motor 54, and a plurality of spoke portions 410s that connect the rim portion 410r and the hub portion 410h in the radial direction. ..

Here, in the case of this example, the reel frame 411 is not directly connected to the reel frame 410, and the rim portion 411r of the reel frame 411 is connected to the rim portion 410r of the reel frame 410 via the reel seat 420. (Of course, the rim portion 411r and the rim portion 410r can be integrally connected, for example, at one or a plurality of points in the circumferential direction).

The reel sheet 420 is formed in a strip shape having a constant width by, for example, a colorless and transparent synthetic resin sheet, is wound around the rim portions 410r and 411r of the reel frames 410 and 411, and is attached by an adhesive, for example. Although not shown in this figure, a plurality of symbols are printed on the reel sheet 420.
The symbol forming region of the reel sheet 420 has a relatively high light transmittance, and when the LED in the backlight portion 402 is turned on, the light emitting region emits bright light.

The index sensor 55 is composed of, for example, a transmissive photo sensor, and is attached to the tip of a protruding portion 403t protruding from the base plate 403b to the reel drum 401 in this example as shown in the figure. The index sensor 55 has a light emitting unit 551 and a light receiving unit 552 arranged so that the light emitting surface and the light receiving surface face each other in the radial direction of the reel frame 410.

In the case of this example, the predetermined spoke portion 410s of the reel drum 410 is formed with a detected portion 410d that protrudes in a direction facing the index sensor 55. The detected portion 410d is formed at a position where it passes through the space between the light emitting portion 551 and the light receiving portion 552 of the index sensor 55 as the reel drum 401 rotates.

With such a configuration, depending on the index sensor 55 as a transmissive photo sensor, the detected unit 410d is placed between the light emitting unit 551 and the light receiving unit 552 once for each rotation of the reel drum 401 (rotary reel 4). A detection signal in which an ON pulse appears as the reel passes is obtained.

Here, as shown in FIG. 10B, the detected portion 410d has one edge of both edges (ends) in a direction parallel to the rotation direction R (normal rotation direction) positioned at the same rotation angle as the origin position 101. It is positioned to do so. Specifically, the detected portion 410d of this example is positioned so that the edge on the rotation traveling direction side in the forward rotation direction (R) is located at the same rotation angle as the origin position 101.

The configuration for detecting the origin is not limited to that described above. For example, instead of the protrusion-shaped detected portion 410d, a notched portion to be detected may be provided. In this case, if the light emitting unit 551 and the light receiving unit 552 of the index sensor 55 are arranged so that the light emitted by the light emitting unit 551 is received by the light receiving unit 552 when the notch portion arrives with the rotation of the rotating reel 4. Good.
As the index sensor 55, not only a transmissive photo sensor but also a reflective photo sensor can be used.

Subsequently, the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c for rotationally driving the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c will be described.
In the present embodiment, the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c are unipolar driven stepping motors, and each has two center-tapped drive windings. In the case of the present embodiment, the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c are driven by 1-2 phase excitation in which 1-phase excitation and 2-phase excitation are alternately repeated.

FIG. 11A is a diagram showing the relationship between the two stators of the stepping motors 54a, 54b, and 54c, the drive winding wound around each stator, and the rotation position (arrow) of the rotor. .. As shown in the figure, in a unipolar drive stepping motor, the drive winding is center-tapped, and in one drive winding, each winding portion formed separately with the center tap as a boundary is divided into a winding portion A and a winding portion A bar. Notated as. Further, each winding portion formed separately with the center tap as a boundary in the other drive winding is referred to as a winding portion B and a winding portion B bar.

FIG. 11B shows the drive signal φ (drive current) given to the winding portions A, A bar, B, and B bar in the 1-2 phase excitation. As shown in the figure, the drive signal of the winding portion B bar is referred to as φ1, the drive signal of the winding portion A bar is referred to as φ2, the drive signal of the winding portion B is referred to as φ3, and the drive signal of the winding portion A is indicated as φ4.
As shown in FIG. 11B, in the 1-2 phase excitation, eight steps 0 to 7 in the figure are repeated for the driving mode by the driving signals φ1 to φ4. In particular,

・ 0th step: φ1 = on, φ2 = off, φ3 = off, φ4 = off
・ First step: φ1 = on, φ2 = off, φ3 = off, φ4 = on
・ Second step: φ1 = off, φ2 = off, φ3 = off, φ4 = on
・ Third step: φ1 = off, φ2 = off, φ3 = on, φ4 = on
・ Fourth step: φ1 = off, φ2 = off, φ3 = on, φ4 = off
・ Fifth step: φ1 = off, φ2 = on, φ3 = on, φ4 = off
・ Sixth step: φ1 = off, φ2 = on, φ3 = off, φ4 = off
・ 7th step: φ1 = on, φ2 = on, φ3 = off, φ4 = off

Is repeated. Thus, in 1-2 phase excitation, the step (0, 2, 4, 6) in which the two drive windings are simultaneously driven (that is, the two stators are simultaneously excited) and one drive winding The steps (1, 3, 5, 7) in which only one is driven (only one stator is excited) are repeated alternately.

Due to the 1-2 phase excitation as described above, the rotor intermittently moves to the position of 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 0 as shown in FIG. 11A. The step angle can be halved as compared with the case of two-phase excitation, that is, the intermittent movement to the position of 0 → 2 → 4 → 6 → 0. Specifically, the step angle of the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c is 360 ° ÷ 8 = 45 °.

As can be understood from the above description, the "step" referred to here can be rephrased as the minimum rotational drive amount of the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c.

FIG. 11C is an explanatory diagram of an excitation data table referred to for realizing 1-2 phase excitation as described above.
In the excitation data table, 0 to 7 of the excitation pointer (excitation phase pointer) PT correspond to the above steps 0 to 7, respectively, and for each of the excitation pointer PT 0 to 7, the drive signals φ1 to φ1 4-bit excitation data representing φ4 on / off is associated with it. Note that FIG. 11C also shows the hexadecimal notation of each excitation data and the distinction between 2-phase excitation and 1-phase excitation corresponding to each of the excitation pointers PT 0 to 7. In this example, the excitation pointer PT is 4-bit information.
Hereafter, with respect to each of the drive signals φ1 to φ4, each 1-bit data representing on / off of each drive signal φ is referred to as “excitation data”. Further, the excitation data for the drive signal φ1 is referred to as “excitation data φ1”, and the excitation data for the drive signal φ2 is referred to as “excitation data φ2”. Similarly, the excitation data for the drive signal φ3 is referred to as “excitation data φ3”, and the excitation data for the drive signal φ4 is referred to as “excitation data φ4”.

As will be described later, the CPU 80a of the main control board 40 performs drive control of the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c based on the result of referring to such an excitation data table. Specifically, stepping is performed based on the excitation data φ1 to φ4 corresponding to the current value of the excitation pointer PT while circulating the excitation pointer PT in the order of 0 → 1 → 2 → ... → 7 → 0 → ... Control is performed so that the motors 54a, 54b, 54c are driven.
The shortest update cycle of the excitation pointer PT is a cycle for each timer interrupt process (FIG. 26) that is activated every 1.49 ms.
The excitation data table is stored in a storage means such as a ROM 80b that can be read by the CPU 80a.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the symbols formed on the rotary reels 4a, 4b, and 4c.
In this example, 21 frames of symbols are arranged along the rotation direction on the surfaces of the rotary reels 4a, 4b, and 4c. In each of the rotary reels 4a, 4b, and 4c, there are, for example, 10 types of symbols (red 7, white 7, bar, character, cherry, watermelon, bell, replay, off 1, off 2), and these are predetermined. They are arranged in order. In the figure, the 21 frames of the symbols formed on the rotary reel 4a are represented as symbols 4a1, 4a2, ..., 4a21, respectively. Similarly, the 21-frame symbols formed on the rotary reel 4b are represented as symbols 4b1, 4b2, ..., 4b21, and the 21-frame symbols formed on the rotary reel 4c are represented as symbols 4c1, 4c2, ..., 4c21. ing. The number added to the end of the code of each symbol represents the number of the symbol.

In the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c, the symbols are arranged at equal intervals, and the break positions of the symbols are indicated by broken lines in the drawing. In the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c, a predetermined symbol cut position is set as the origin position 101. The origin position 101 in this example is set at a symbol break position between the first symbol, the symbol 4a1, 4b1, 4c1, and the 21st symbol, the symbols 4a21, 4b21, 4c21, respectively.

The arrow R in the figure represents the rotation direction of the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c during steady rotation (during forward rotation). As can be understood from this, the numbers assigned to each symbol represent the order in which the symbols transition during steady rotation starting from the origin position 101.

Here, in this example, the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c and the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c rotate 1/63, respectively, when the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c make one rotation. The rotation ratio between and is set. In other words, in order to rotate the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c once, it is necessary to rotate the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c 63 times.
Therefore, in this example, the number of drive steps of the stepping motors 54a, 54b, 54c required to rotate the rotary reels 4a, 4b, 4c once is 8 × 63 = 504.

Since 21 frames of symbols are formed at equal intervals on the rotary reels 4a, 4b, and 4c in this example, the number of steps per symbol frame is 504/2=24 steps.
In response to this, a total of 24 positions can be detected as step positions for each symbol. Here, the step position in the symbol can be detected by decrementing (-1) the number of symbol steps for each timer interrupt by the processing of steps S1512 and S1520 described later in FIG. 33. That is, the number of step positions that can be detected in each symbol is 24 from No. 24 (first step position) to No. 1 (final step position). At this time, in the process of FIG. 33, the number of symbol steps = 0, that is, when the final step position of the symbol is reached, the number of symbol steps = "24" is immediately set in the process of steps S1514 and S1522. Therefore, the 0th step position is synonymous with the 24th step position in the next symbol.

Further, for each symbol, a predetermined step position among the step positions 24 (0) to 1 is defined as a position (stop permission step position) for permitting the stop of the symbol. Specifically, the 7th step position is defined as the stop permission step position of the symbol (see FIG. 24). When the rotary reel 4 is stopped, the stop symbol is determined, and the rotary reel 4 is stopped at the stop symbol. However, at this time, the position where the rotary reel 4 is stopped may not be any step position in the stop symbol, and is number 7. It is stipulated to allow the stop when the step position of is reached.

<5. Memory area>

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an area (memory area) set in the memory on the main control board 40. Specifically, it is explanatory drawing about the area set in the memory accessible by CPU 80a as ROM 80b and RAM 80c.

A first memory area and a second memory area are set in the memory accessible to the CPU 80a. The first memory area is defined as an area for arranging a predetermined program and data used by the CPU 80a in the progress of the game operation (game). The second memory area is defined as an area for arranging programs and data permitted to be arranged outside the first memory area.
In this example, the allocation to the second memory area is permitted for the program and data for taking measures against fraudulent acts (so-called goto). Specifically, for example, there are programs and data for detecting illegal insertion and withdrawal of medals, programs and data for detecting abnormalities of set values vd and random numbers, and the like.
Each of the first memory area and the second memory area has a control area for storing a program, a data area for storing data used by the program, and various flags and timer values generated in the process of processing by the program. An R / W area (Read / Write area) for rewritably storing the data and the like is set.
The first memory area and the second memory area can retain the stored information even after the power is cut off by the common backup power supply provided on the power supply board 41.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of regulations defined for a first memory area and a second memory area.
In each of the first and second memory areas, the program in the control area is permitted to refer to and update (record) the data in the R / W area in its own area. On the other hand, in each of the first and second memory areas, the program in the control area is only allowed to refer to the data in the R / W area in the other memory area, and is not allowed to update. For example, regarding the flag recorded in the R / W area in the second memory area by the program in the second memory area, the program in the first memory area can only be referred and updated. Can not.
Although not shown, only programs in the same memory area are allowed to refer to the data in the data area. That is, the program in the first memory area refers to the data in the data area in the second memory area, and the program in the second memory area refers to the data in the data area in the first memory area. Is not allowed.

<6. Start process>

Hereinafter, various processes executed by the CPU 80a of the main control board 40 will be described.
First, the start process executed in response to the start-up (power-on) of the slot machine will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
This start process is executed by the CPU 80a in response to a reset signal generated at each of the time when the power is turned on and the time when the watchdog timer (WDT) in the controller 80 times out. That is, the start process is executed at the time of starting the controller 80 when the power of the slot machine is turned on and at the time of restarting when the operation of the controller 80 is stagnant for a predetermined time or more due to some trouble.

In FIG. 15, the CPU 80a executes a process of setting the built-in register in step S101. That is, the value to be set in the built-in register at the time of start processing is read from, for example, ROM 80b and set in the built-in register.

In the following step S102, the CPU 80a sets the stack initial value in the stack pointer, and in step S103, confirms the state (ON / OFF state) of the power failure signal from the power supply board 41. If the power failure signal is ON, the CPU 80a returns to step S101 to set the built-in register and the stack pointer again.
On the other hand, if the power failure signal is OFF, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S104, sets to allow access to the RAM 80c, and then in step S105, whether the power failure keyword is a predetermined value (for example, "5AA5h"). Judge whether or not. The power failure keyword is set in the process of step S404 (FIG. 18) described later at the time of power failure. When the power failure keyword is a predetermined value, it means that the data is surely saved in the RAM 80c at the time of power failure (see step S402 in FIG. 18).

If the power failure keyword is a predetermined value, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S106 and confirms the state (ON / OFF state) of the setting key switch 72a. If the setting key switch 72a is OFF, the CPU 80a shifts to the power recovery process (FIG. 16) described later.
On the other hand, when the setting key switch 72a is ON, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S107 and determines whether or not the door (front panel 2) is in the open state based on the detection signal by the door open sensor 35. If the door is not in the open state, the CPU 80a shifts to the power restoration process.
If the door is in the open state, the CPU 80a shifts to the setting change process described later.
As understood from the above description, even if the setting key switch 72a is ON in step S106, the setting change process is not performed unless the door is in the open state in step S107. That is, the setting key operation in this case is treated as invalid. By invalidating the setting key operation when the door is not opened in this way, fraudulent acts of falsifying the set value vd are prevented (the same applies to steps S109 and S110 described later).

Further, in the previous step S105, if the power interruption keyword is not a predetermined value, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S108, and performs a process of initializing all the storage areas of the RAM 80c, for example, as a RAM clear process. Since the RAM is cleared in the setting change process (see FIG. 17) when the power is turned on next, the RAM clear process in step S108 can be omitted.
When the RAM clear process of step S108 is executed, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S109, confirms the state of the setting key switch 72a in the same manner as in the previous step S106, and if the setting key switch 72a is ON, the previous step in step S110. Similar to S107, it is determined whether or not the door is in the open state. If the door is in the open state, the CPU 80a shifts to the setting change process.

On the other hand, in each of the case where the setting key switch 72a is OFF in step S109 and the case where the door is not in the open state in step S110, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S111 and performs a process of setting a RAM error, and is in an infinite loop state. Move to. When a RAM error is set in this RAM error set processing, processing for error notification is performed on the timer interrupt processing side, which will be described later. From the infinite loop state, the game can be started by setting a new set value vd after turning the power on again.

<7. Power recovery process>

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the power recovery process.
In FIG. 16, the CPU 80a executes a process of clearing the power failure keyword in step S201, and performs a process of returning the stack pointer at the time of power failure in step S202. That is, the value of the stack pointer (see step S403 in FIG. 18) stored in the work area of the RAM 80c at the time of power interruption is read out and reset (this setting) to the stack pointer.

In the following step S203, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the rotary reel 4 is accelerating or rotating. That is, it is determined whether or not at least one of the acceleration flag FG2 and the constant speed rotation flag FG3 (each set in the process of FIG. 33), which will be described later, is "1" indicating acceleration or constant speed rotation. To do. The process of step S203 is sequentially performed on one of the three rotating reels 4 (4a to 4c), which is the target. When a negative result is obtained in step S205, which will be described later, the target rotary reel 4 is switched.

In step S203, when the rotary reel 4 is accelerating or rotating, the CPU 80a sets the reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt and the acceleration preparation flag FG1 in step S204 (“1” indicating that they have not passed, respectively. After setting "1" indicating that acceleration is being prepared), the process proceeds to step S205. The reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt is a flag for indicating whether or not the origin position 101 has not been detected by the index sensor 55 described above. Further, the acceleration preparation flag FG1 is a flag related to the execution of the acceleration process for accelerating the rotary reel 4 from the stopped state, and specifically, indicates whether or not the acceleration process should be started. It is a flag. By setting the reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt and the acceleration preparation flag FG1 in step S204, the rotary reel 4 is restarted by the timer interrupt process described later.
On the other hand, if the rotary reel 4 is not accelerating or rotating, the CPU 80a passes step S204 and proceeds to step S205.

In step S205, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the determination process of step S203 (and the flag setting process of step S204 if necessary) has been executed for all the rotary reels 4, and has not been executed for all the rotary reels 4. If so, the process returns to step S203, and if executed, the process proceeds to step S206.

In step S206, the CPU 80a executes a process of setting a power return command in a predetermined area in the RAM 80c as a power return command set process. This power return command is a command indicating that the state has returned to the state when the power was turned off, and the set command is output to the effect control board 42 side in the timer interrupt process of FIG. 26, which will be described later (see step S1014).

In the following step S207, the CPU 80a performs a process of returning the register state to the state immediately before the power cutoff process (FIG. 18) is executed as a process of returning all registers. That is, a process of reading the value of each register (see step S402) stored in the register save area in the RAM 80c at the time of power interruption and resetting to each register is performed.
Then, in the following step S208, the CPU 80a sets the interrupt permission and ends the power recovery process shown in FIG.
After that, as a result of the CPU 80a executing the control program based on the stack pointer and the register after the resetting, the slot machine returns to the state when the power is turned off.

<8. Setting change process>

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the setting change process.
In FIG. 17, the CPU 80a executes the RAM clear process when the setting is changed in step S301. That is, the process of clearing the area (excluding the storage area of the set value vd) defined corresponding to the setting change in the RAM 80c is performed.
In the following step S302, the CPU 80a sets a setting flag to indicate whether or not the setting is being changed (sets "1" indicating that the setting is being changed), and is stored in the RAM 80c in the subsequent step S303. Get the set value vd that is set.

When the set value vd is acquired in step S303, the CPU 80a performs a process of clearing the set value vd to 0 in step S304 if the set value vd is out of the range of "0" to "5". This is because when the set value vd exceeds "5" due to the set value vd being incremented by 1 in response to the reset button operation in step S309 described later, the set value vd becomes "0" (set to "1"). It is a process to be returned to the corresponding value).

In the following step S305, the CPU 80a executes a process for displaying the set value vd in 7-segment display. That is, for displaying a value (any of "1" to "6") corresponding to the current set value vd on the display (7-segment display) provided for the rotating cylinder setting board 71 described above. Perform processing. The current set value vd referred to here means a set value vd acquired in step S303 and after undergoing the process of step S304.

In the next step S306, the CPU 80a performs standby processing (1.49 ms × 2) for two timer interrupts. Interrupt processing is permitted during this standby processing.

In the following step S307, the CPU 80a confirms the state (ON / OFF state) of the start lever 17 (start switch). This corresponds to confirming the presence or absence of the confirmation operation of the set value vd.
If the start lever 17 is OFF, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S308 to check the state of the reset switch 72b (ON / OFF state), that is, the presence or absence of the feed operation of the set value vd, and if the reset switch 72b is OFF, the step. The process returns to the 2-interrupt standby process of S306.
As a result, the standby process of step S306 is repeated until either the confirmation operation of the set value vd by the start lever 17 or the feed operation of the set value vd by the reset button is performed.

If the reset switch 72b is ON in step S308, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S309, increments (+1) the set value vd, and then returns to the previous step S304.

If the start lever 17 is ON in step S307, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S310 to store (store) the current set value vd in a predetermined area of the RAM 82c.

When the set value vd is stored in the RAM 82c in step S310, the CPU 80a turns on the set value confirmation LED in step S311, that is, turns on the LED for indicating the set value confirmation provided on the rotating cylinder setting board 71. Perform processing.

Then, in the following step S312, the CPU 80a executes a process for waiting for the change end operation of the set value vd. That is, the state of the setting key switch 72a is confirmed, and if it is ON, the process returns to step S312.

If the setting key switch 72a is OFF, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S313 and performs a process of setting a setting value command. The set value command is a command for notifying the effect control board 42 side of the set value vd saved in the RAM 80c in step S310. The set command is output to the effect control board 42 side in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 26) (step S1014).
The CPU 80a ends the setting change process shown in FIG. 17 in response to executing the command set process in step S313.
The CPU 80a shifts to the main process shown in FIG. 19 in response to the completion of the setting change process.

<9. Power off processing>

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the power off processing.
This power off processing is an interrupt processing that occurs in response to an input of a power off signal (so-called INT interrupt). The priority of interrupts is "timer interrupt> INT interrupt".

In FIG. 18, the CPU 80a confirms the state of the power cutoff signal from the power supply board 41 in step S401. When the power off signal is OFF, the CPU 80a ends the power off process.

If the power off signal is ON, the CPU 80a executes a process of saving the values of all the registers to the register save area in the RAM 80c in step S402, and in step S403, the stack pointer (see the previous step S102) is moved to the work of the RAM 80c. It is set in the area, and the predetermined value described above is set as the power interruption keyword in step S404.

Further, the CPU 80a is set to prohibit access to the RAM 80c in the following step S405, clears all the output ports in the step S406, and shifts to the infinite loop state.

<10. Main processing>

19 and 20 are flowcharts of the main process.
The main process is an infinite loop process that is repeatedly executed for each game. In this example, the period of one game includes at least the period until the rotary reel 4 is rotated and stopped in a stop mode based on the lottery result.

In the main process, the CPU 80a sets the game state command in step S501. The game state command is a command for notifying the effect control board 42 of the current game state such as the RB state and the RT state.

In the following step S502, the CPU 80a confirms the state (ON / OFF state) of the overflow sensor provided for the auxiliary tank 6, and if the overflow sensor is ON, an error indicating that the stored medal is in the overflow state. The flag is set and the process returns to step S502. That is, as long as it is in the overflow state, the process loops in steps S502 → S503 → S502 ... And the progress of the main process is interrupted.

On the other hand, if the overflow sensor is OFF, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S504, performs various setting processes corresponding to the start of the game as the initial setting at the start of the game, and then confirms the re-game flag in step S505. The re-game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the re-game has been won (winning) in the immediately preceding game.
When the re-game flag is ON (for example, "1") indicating winning of the re-game, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S506 and executes the automatic input process of the re-game. This automatic insertion process of the re-game can be rephrased as an automatic medal insertion process (pseudo insertion process) for setting a predetermined number of bets.

The automatic input process of the replay game in step S506 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S601, the CPU 80a executes a process of turning on the replay display LED. The re-game display LED is an LED for notifying the player that the current game is a game as a re-game (that is, a re-game state).

Next, the CPU 80a executes a process of acquiring the number of medals inserted in the previous game (previous game) in step S602 and adding the number of medals inserted in the previous game to the payout signal counter in step S603.
The payout signal counter is a counter used to notify the hall computer of the number of medals paid out to the player according to the winning through the external centralized terminal plate 70. Here, the winning includes the re-game, and the number of medals paid out according to the winning includes the number of medals automatically inserted according to the re-game (the number of medals for the maximum bet number: "3" in this example. ") Is also included. Therefore, the number of medals automatically inserted according to the replay is notified to the hall computer as the number of medals to be paid out.
As will be described later, the number of medals to be paid out to the hall computer is output by outputting a pulse signal a number of times corresponding to the value of the payout signal counter (input and payout signal output processing in step S1007: see FIG. 30). ..
Here, in this example, as the payout signal counter update process (S603) corresponding to the replay, a process of adding the value of the number of automatically input sheets to the payout signal counter is executed, but the significance thereof will be described again. ..

In step S604 following step S603, the CPU 80a sets the number of medals inserted in the previous game to the number of inserted medals in the current game, and ends the automatic insertion process in step S506.
Here, the information on the number of inserted medals in this game is used when confirming the number of inserted medals in this game in step S510 (FIG. 19) described later.

The description returns to FIG.
In response to the execution of the automatic closing process in step S506, the CPU 80a proceeds to the process in step S507.
Further, when the CPU 80a determines in the previous step S505 that the re-game flag is not ON (that is, it is OFF (for example, "0") indicating that the re-game is not won), the CPU 80a is automatically turned on in step S506. The process is passed and the process proceeds to step S507.

In step S507, the CPU 80a executes an interrupt standby process for a predetermined time (for example, 1.49 ms), and in a subsequent step S508, executes a setting confirmation process. The setting confirmation process is performed on the display for confirming the set value vd according to the fact that the reset button is operated while the door is opened and the setting key is ON while the power of the slot machine is ON. This is a process for displaying a value corresponding to the set value vd. Specifically, in the setting confirmation process, the CPU 80a sets a value corresponding to the current set value vd when the confirmation conditions (in this example, the door sensor 66, the setting key switch 72a, and the reset switch 72b are ON) are satisfied. Set the information to be displayed on the above display. Specifically, the setting confirmation flag is turned ON. In response to the setting confirmation flag being turned ON, the process for displaying the set value vd is performed in the LED data creation process (step S1002: see FIG. 27) in the timer interrupt process described later.

Further, in the following step S509, the CPU 80a turns on both the settlement button valid flag Fas and the input enable flag Fai. The settlement button valid flag Fas is a flag for indicating whether or not the acceptance of the settlement button 14 is valid, and the insertion possible flag Fai indicates whether or not the acceptance of medals via the medal insertion slot 12 is possible / impossible. It is a flag to represent. The reception of the inserted medal and the reception of the settlement button 14 are performed by the timer interrupt processing described later.

In the next step S510, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the number of inserted medals (number of bets) is the maximum number of inserted medals (predetermined number: "3" in this example as described above). For example, if the automatic charging process in step S506 is performed, it is determined in step S510 that the maximum number of sheets is charged. Further, even when three medals are inserted through the medal insertion slot 12 or when the max bet button 16 is operated while the number of credits is 3 or more, the maximum number of inserted medals is obtained in step S510. Is determined to be.
When the CPU 80a determines in step S510 that the number of sheets is not the maximum number of inserted sheets, the CPU 80a returns to the previous step S507 and re-executes the standby process of S507, the confirmation process of S508, and the flag setting process of S509. That is, these processes are repeated until the maximum number of sheets is determined.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the maximum number of sheets is input, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S511 to execute the process for lighting the start lamp (LED in the LED group 9) described above, and confirms the state of the start lever 17 in step S512. To do. Specifically, the state of the detection signal by the start switch provided on the start switch board 62 described above and turned on in response to the operation of the start lever 17 is confirmed. The ON edge detection of the detection signal of the start switch is executed by the timer interrupt process (see S804).
If the detection signal of the start switch is in the OFF state, the CPU 80a returns to step S511, and if the detection signal is an ON edge, the acquisition of a random number (random number value generated by the counter circuit 81) is completed in step S513. Judge whether or not.
If the acquisition of the random number is not completed in step S513, the CPU 80a returns to step S507. That is, even if the ON of the start lever 17 is detected, if the acquisition of the random number is not completed, the process is returned to step S507 again, and the process is waited until the start lever 17 is turned ON. The random value of the counter circuit 81 is latched each time the start lever 17 is turned on. The random number value latched when the latest start lever 17 is turned on is used for the winning combination lottery in the winning combination lottery process (S517) described later.

On the other hand, if the random number acquisition is completed in step S513, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the medal is being inserted in step S514. Whether or not the medal is being inserted is determined by whether or not, for example, either the first inserted medal sensor 68a (sensor 1) or the second inserted medal sensor 68b (sensor 2) described above is detecting a medal. Can be determined based on. If the medal is being inserted, the CPU 80a returns to step S507. That is, even if the start lever 17 is turned on while the medal is being inserted, the ON operation is treated as invalid, and the player waits until the start lever 17 is turned on again.

On the other hand, when the medal is not being inserted, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S515 to turn off both the settlement button valid flag Fas and the insertable flag Fai. By turning off these flags, the acceptance of the settlement button 14 and the acceptance of inserted medals on the timer interrupt processing side is prohibited.
Further, in the following step S516, the CPU 80a executes a process of setting a game start command for giving a notification corresponding to the start of the game to the effect control board 42 side, and proceeds to the process in step S517 shown in FIG.

In step S517 shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 80a executes a winning combination lottery process (design lottery process) based on the above-mentioned random number value. In this combination lottery process, it is determined whether or not the bonus symbol is won, whether or not the small winning combination symbol is won, and whether or not the replay symbol indicating the replay is won, and a control command indicating the determined lottery result is shown. Is set in the transmission buffer of the effect control interface 86, and is transmitted to the effect control board 42 side by the timer interrupt process described later. Examples of small role symbols include "cherry symbol" (4a10, 4b3, 4c9), "bell symbol" (4a4, 4b5, 4c3, etc.), "watermelon symbol" (4a9, 4b12, 4c1, etc.). can do.

In step S518 following step S517, the CPU 80a executes the instruction monitor output process. As described above, in this example, the payout display unit 10 is also used as an instruction monitor, and in step S518, the CPU 80a corresponds to the case where the push order bell, push order replay, or other push order combination is won during ART. Then, the payout display unit 10 executes a process of displaying the push order information of the push order combination.

In step S519 following step S518, the CPU 80a sets the number of input signals in the input signal counter. The input signal counter is a counter used to notify the hall computer of the number of inserted medals (set number of bets) through the external centralized terminal plate 70.
The output of the number of inserted medals to the hall computer is performed by outputting the pulse signal of the number of times corresponding to the value of the counter, as in the case of the output of the number of paid medals described above (the insertion and withdrawal signal output processing in step S1007). reference).

In step S520 following step S519, the CPU 80a executes a reel effect lottery process for determining whether or not to execute the reel effect. The effects that can be selected in the reel effect lottery process are determined according to the result of the internal lottery process. For example, if a predetermined symbol such as "watermelon symbol" is internally won, a predetermined reel effect such as "slow effect that rotates extremely slowly in the positive direction and stands still" can be selected based on the predetermined winning probability. Become.

Further, the CPU 80a executes a reel effect corresponding process in the next step S521. In the reel effect corresponding process, various setting processes for rotating the rotating reels 4a, 4b, and 4c are executed in response to the case where the reel effect lottery is won. If the reel effect is not won, the setting process is passed.

It can be inferred that when the reel effect is executed, the player has internally won a predetermined symbol according to the type of the reel effect. The player performs a stop operation so that the target symbols are aligned on the stop line based on such reasoning. Only when the reasoning is correct and the stop timing is appropriate, the internal winning state is activated and the player is given the game value.

In response to the execution of the reel effect corresponding process, the CPU 80a executes a weight standby process of waiting for the elapse of a predetermined weight time such as 4.1 seconds in step S522, and a weight timer (this) in the subsequent step S523. In the example, the set process of 4.1 seconds) is executed. Here, the weight time (4.1 seconds) is the minimum time length that should be left as an interval between games. By setting the minimum interval as the interval between games in this way, it is possible to prevent the player from consuming excessive medals.
In the standby process of step S522, the wait process is waited until the value of the weight timer for 4.1 seconds set by the set process of step S523 executed one game before becomes “0”. The value of the weight timer is sequentially decremented (subtracted) by the timer interrupt process described later.
Here, 4.1 seconds is an example, and the minimum time interval between games can be changed as appropriate.

In response to the execution of the set process of step S523, the CPU 80a performs a process of setting the rotation start command in the transmission buffer of the effect control interface 86 in step S524. The rotation start command is a command for notifying the effect control board 42 side of the information corresponding to the rotation start of the rotation reels 4a to 4c.

In the following step S525, the CPU 80a executes the start setting process for the rotary reels 4a to 4c. The start setting process is a process of setting information required for starting the rotary reels 4a to 4c in the rotation cylinder control process (see FIG. 33) in the timer interrupt process. Specifically, in the start setting process, at least the reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt and the acceleration preparation flag FG1 are set for all the rotating reels 4 (“1” indicating ON is set).
The acceleration preparation flag FG1 functions as a flag for requesting the timer interrupt processing (rotation control processing) side to start the rotation of the rotating reel 4.

In step S526 following step S525, the CPU 80a executes a process of setting stop control data.
Here, the stop control data is data used for determining the sliding piece (see S802 in FIG. 23), which will be described later, and is at least the result of the winning combination lottery (combination of symbols to be stopped on the stop line) and the present. Is the data that is appropriately created (updated) according to which of the first stop to the third stop is the rotation stop situation. The first stop to the third stop identify the number of stops in one game regarding the stops of the rotary reels 4a to 4c.
In this example, the stop control data includes information on the rotary reel 4 (target reel) on which an effective stop button operation (described later) has been performed, and a symbol (effective stop button operation) at the time of the stop operation of the target reel. It is created as data that specifies the number of sliding frames of the target reel, using the information of the design when it is broken) as the original information. Specifically, in this example, according to the result of the winning combination lottery in step S517 and the current rotation stop status (any of the first stop to the third stop), all the symbols are for each unstopped rotating reel 4. Create a slip frame number table that defines the number of slip frames in the above as stop control data.

In the setting process of step S526 (that is, at the start of rotation of each rotating reel 4a), as the above-mentioned sliding frame number table, a table in which the number of sliding frames for all the symbols is specified for each of the rotating reels 4a to 4c is created and created. The sliding frame number table is stored (set) in a predetermined area of the RAM 80c.
As an example, when the winning combination is the first stop = the push order bell of the left reel (the bell specified that the stop operation of the rotary reel 4a is performed first), the sliding frame number table is, for example, as follows. Create like this. That is, as the table for the left reel, a table is created in which the number of sliding frames for each symbol is specified so as to pull in nine bells. As for the tables of the middle reel (rotary reel 4b) and the right reel (rotary reel 4c), since the pushing order has failed, a table is created in which the number of sliding frames for each symbol is specified so as to draw in one piece.

In response to executing the set process of step S526, the CPU 80a executes a standby process of 759.9 ms in step S527. This standby process corresponds to 510 timer interrupt wait processes.
When the acceleration preparation flag FG1 is set as described above, the start processing (acceleration processing) of the rotating reels 4a to 4c is started by the rotating cylinder control processing in the timer interrupt processing. The standby process in step S527 functions as a process for waiting until the rotary reels 4a to 4c are in the rotating state by such a rotating cylinder control process on the timer interrupt side. The waiting time in step S527 is not limited to the above time.

In step S528 following step S527, the CPU 80a executes a process of waiting until it is turned off if either the reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt or the error flag is ON, and in the next step S529, the stop button LEDs for all reels are executed. (That is, each LED for causing the stop buttons 18a to 18c to emit light) is executed.
Here, in the slot machine, after the rotary reel 4 starts rotating, the corresponding stop button 18 is permitted on condition that the origin position 101 of the rotary reel 4 is detected by the corresponding index sensor 55. Is being done. Therefore, when the reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt is ON in step S528, the process does not proceed to the ON processing of the stop button LED in step S529, and the process waits until the reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt is turned OFF. Has been done.

Further, as can be understood from the above description, at the time when the process of step S528 is executed, the rotation of the rotary reels 4a to 4c is started (the rotation state before the operation of the stop button 18 is performed). The standby process in step S528 also functions as a process for dealing with an error that occurs while the rotary reels 4a to 4c are rotating. That is, in the standby process of step S528, when an error is recognized while the rotary reels 4a to 4c are rotating (when the error flag is ON), the game operation is performed while the rotation of the rotary reels 4a to 4c is maintained. It functions as a process for stopping the progress of the game and restarting the progress of the game operation when the error is cleared.
The error flags targeted in step S528 include at least a main board error (error of the main control board 40), an RWM error (error related to RAM 80c), an insertion medal error (error related to medal insertion), and no payout medal. There are flags related to error, payout sensor error (error of medal payout sensor 76), unfair winning error, overflow error, and door open error.

In step S530 following step S529, the CPU 80a executes the stop process. In the stop process of step S530, the operation of the stop button 18 is accepted, and the process for stopping the corresponding rotary reel 4 is performed in response to the effective stop operation.
The details of the stop processing in step S530 will be described later.

In response to the execution of the stop processing in step S530, the CPU 80a executes the winning determination process after the stop in step S531. In the winning determination process, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols (winning combinations) are aligned on the stop line, and the number of winnings (the number of medals to be given to the player according to the winning) is calculated according to the determination result. To do.
In the winning determination process, the winning information command is transmitted on the effect control interface 86 in order to transmit the control command (winning information command) indicating the determination result of whether or not the winning symbols are aligned on the stop line to the effect control board 42. The process of setting in the buffer is also performed.

In step S532 following step S531, the CPU 80a executes a winning medal payout process. The details of the payout process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In response to the execution of the payout process in step S532, the CPU 80a performs the information management process corresponding to the RB state, the CB (chance bonus) state, and the RT (replay time) state as the state management process in step S533 as necessary. Execute.

The CPU 80a returns to step S101 shown in FIG. 19 in response to executing the state management process of step S533. In this way, the main process is a loop-shaped process.

[10-2. Processing for stopping the rotation on the main processing side]

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the stop process in step S530.
First, the CPU 80a executes a standby process for one interrupt in step S701, and performs a stop button determination process in step S702. That is, it is determined whether or not there is a pressing operation for each of the stop buttons 18a to 18c. Then, in the following step S703, the CPU 80a determines whether or not an effective stop button operation is being performed. That is, it is determined whether or not an effective stop button operation of pressing one of the stop buttons 18a to 18c is performed.
If no valid stop button operation has been performed, the CPU 80a returns to step S701. That is, this causes the device to wait until a valid stop button operation is performed.

On the other hand, if a valid stop button operation is performed, the CPU 80a executes the pressing information creation process in step S704. The pressing information is information used when determining the sliding frame in step S802 (see FIG. 23), which will be described later, or when updating the stop control data in step S809 (see FIG. 23). Create each information of reel, push order information, rotation state flag, and number of symbol stops. The stop target reel is information representing the rotary reel 4 instructed to stop by the operation of the stop button this time, and the push order information is information representing the push order of the stop button 18 in the game this time. Further, the rotation state flag is a flag indicating the status of each rotating reel 4 (whether it is rotating, stopped, etc.), and the number of symbol stops is information indicating the number of rotating reels 4 that are stopped.

In step S705 following step S704, the CPU 80a executes the rotation cylinder stop control process. In this rotating cylinder stop control process, a process for determining the stop position (determining the number of sliding frames) of the rotary reel 4 on which the stop button operation has been performed and a process for stopping the rotary reel 4 at the determined stop position are performed. Will be.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the rotating cylinder stop control process in step S705.
In FIG. 23, in step S801, the CPU 80a confirms whether it is within the stoptable range, and if it is within the impossible range, executes a process of waiting until the next symbol position is reached.

Here, in this example, when the symbol step position is the symbol step position of No. 5 or less, the current symbol is not set as the symbol at the time of the stop operation (the symbol when the stop operation is performed), and is as follows. The symbol is set as the symbol during the stop operation. Therefore, in step S801, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the current symbol step position is the 24th to 6th stop processing possible step position (hereinafter referred to as “stop processing possible position”), and the stop processing possible position. If not, wait until the next symbol step position is reached. If it is a stop processing possible position, the CPU 80a proceeds to the process in step S802.
The current symbol step position (number of symbol steps) is acquired based on the value of the step counter described later. The value of the step counter is counted by the rotation control process (see FIG. 33) in the timer interrupt process.

For confirmation, the concept of the stop processing possible position will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in the figure, in this example, the 24th to 6th step positions are defined as the stop processing possible positions, and the 5th to 1st step positions are defined as the stop processing impossible positions. If the symbol step position when the stop button operation is detected by the process of step S801 described above is the stop processable position, the current symbol is set as the stop operation symbol, and if the stop button operation is not possible, the current symbol is the current symbol. The symbol next to is set as the symbol at the time of stop operation.
In this example, when the current step position is the 5th to 1st non-stop processing position, the current symbol is not used as the symbol during the stop operation and the next symbol is used as the symbol during the stop operation, as described below. This is to prevent a situation in which an unintended symbol may be stopped when the processing for determining the number of sliding frames (S802) to be performed takes a relatively long processing time.

In this example, the 7th step position is the above-mentioned stop permission step position. On the timer interrupt processing side, when the current symbol reaches the stop symbol described below (the symbol specified by "the symbol at the time of stop operation + the number of sliding frames"), the step position reaches No. 7. Brake control is permitted (see the rotating cylinder control process in FIG. 33).

Returning to FIG. 23, in step S802, the CPU 80a performs a process for determining the number of sliding frames. That is, slipping is performed based on the reel to be stopped (see the pressing information of S704), the current symbol position (symbol at the time of stop operation), and the stop control data (sliding frame number table in this example) stored in the RAM 80c. Determine the number of frames. The symbol specified by adding the number of sliding frames determined here to the symbol number of the symbol during the stop operation is the symbol (stop symbol) at which the target rotating reel 4 should be stopped.
The current symbol position is acquired based on the value of the symbol counter described later. The value of the symbol counter is also counted by the rotation control process in the timer interrupt process.

In step S803 following step S802, the CPU 80a executes a process of storing the information on the number of slip frames calculated in step S802 in a predetermined area of the RAM 80c, and further adds the number of slip frames to the current frame number in the next step S804. Update the current frame number.
Then, in step S805 following step S804, the CPU 80a executes a process of storing the scheduled stop position. That is, the information of the current frame number updated in step S804 is stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 80c as the information indicating the scheduled stop position (the scheduled stop position of the rotary reel 4 on which the stop button operation is performed).

In step S806 following step S805, the CPU 80a turns on the stop request flag FG4 of the target reel (sets “1”). As will be described later, on condition that the stop request flag FG4 is turned ON, the brake control of the target reel (rotary reel 4 in which the stop button operation is performed) is started in the rotation cylinder control process in the timer interrupt process. Will be done.

Next, the CPU 80a executes the stop command set process in step S807. This process is a process of transmitting a stop command for notifying the stop position (stop symbol position) of the target reel to the effect control board 42 side. As the stop position, the information of the planned stop position stored in step S805 is notified.

In step S808 following step S807, the CPU 80a determines whether or not after the first and second stops, that is, whether or not the current effective stop button operation is the third valid stop button operation in the game this time. To do.
After the first and second stops, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S809, executes a process of updating the stop control data used at the next stop based on the stop position and the pressing order, and performs the rotation cylinder stop control process of step S705. To finish.
Here, as the update of the stop control data in step S809, a slide frame number table that defines the number of slide frames for all the symbols is created for the remaining unstopped rotating reels 4 according to the stop result this time. ..
For example, if the stop this time is the first stop and the winning combination is the push order, 9 bells should be pulled in for the table of the rotating reel 4 that corresponds to the correct push order of the second stop. A table that specifies the number of sliding frames for all symbols is created, and for the table of the rotating reel 4 that corresponds to a push order failure, a table that specifies the number of sliding frames for all symbols is created so as to draw in one piece. By storing the table created in this way in the RAM 80c, the sliding frame number table (stop control data) stored in the RAM 80c up to that point is updated.
If the concept of push order or the winning combination is not missed, the sliding frame number table may not be updated and the sliding frame number table created at the start of rotation (S526 in FIG. 20) may be used as it is. it can.

In step S808 described above, the CPU 80a passes the update process of step S809 and ends the rotation cylinder stop control process of step S705 unless it is after the first and second stops. That is, if the current stop is the third stop, the next stop in the game this time does not exist, so the stop control data update process is not performed.

Here, in this example, regarding the creation (update) of the stop control data used for determining the number of sliding frames (stop symbol position) for the rotary reel 4 on which the effective stop button operation has been performed, after the first stop, After the second stop, after creating the stop control data to be used at the next stop, the acceptance of valid stop button operations is enabled (see S809 and S703), but the significance will be revisited later. explain.

The description returns to FIG.
The CPU 80a executes the freeze process after the stop in step S706 in response to the execution of the rotation stop control process in step S705, and then whether or not all reels are stopped in step S707, that is, the stop buttons 18a to the stop buttons 18c. It is determined whether or not a valid stop button operation has been performed for all of the above.
In the post-stop freeze process in step S706, it is determined whether or not the post-stop freeze effect has been won, and only when the process is won, a process for realizing the operation of the reel effect as the post-stop freeze effect is performed. Execute.

If it is determined in step S707 that all reels are not stopped, the CPU 80a returns to step S701. As a result, for the rotary reel 4 for which an effective stop button operation has not been performed, a process for waiting for an effective stop button operation is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined that all reels are stopped, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S708 and executes a process of clearing the instruction monitor display. The instruction monitor display is started in the previous step S518 (see FIG. 20) in response to the winning of the push order combination, and the CPU 80a performs a process for clearing the instruction monitor display in the step S708.

In response to the execution of the clearing process in step S708, the CPU 80a determines in step S709 whether or not the all stop buttons are OFF, that is, whether or not all the stop buttons 18a to 18c are in the non-operation state (non-pressed state), and all stop. If the button is not OFF, the process of step S709 is executed again.

On the other hand, if the all stop button is OFF, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S710 and determines whether or not all reels have been stopped. Whether or not all the rotating reels 4 have been stopped can be determined by whether or not the reel status of each rotating reel 4 is cleared. The reel status here means at least the states of the acceleration preparation flag FG1, the acceleration flag FG2, the low speed rotation flag FG3, the stop request flag FG4, and the stop operation flag FG5. The reel status of each rotating reel 4 is cleared when the rotation stop is completed by the process of step S1531 in FIG. 33 (rotating cylinder control process) described later. Therefore, in step S710, whether or not the reel status of each rotating reel 4 is cleared, that is, the acceleration preparing flag FG1, the accelerating flag FG2, the low speed rotating flag FG3, the stop requesting flag FG4, and the stop operation flag. By determining whether or not all of the FG5s are OFF (for example, "0"), it is determined whether or not all reels have been stopped.

In step S710, if the stop of all reels is not completed, the CPU 80a returns to step S709, and if the stop of all reels is completed, the stop process of step S530 is completed. That is, the stop process of step S530 is completed on condition that the all stop buttons are OFF and all reels have been stopped.

Here, as can be understood from the above description, in the main process of this example, when a valid stop button operation is performed (S703: Yes), the number of sliding frames of the rotating reel 4 on which the operation is performed is increased. After executing the determination (S802) and the ON process (S806) of the stop requesting flag FG4, if the rotary reel 4 is not the third stop reel (S707: No), the next valid stop button operation is accepted. Is enabled.
At this time, there is a process of waiting for the stop of the rotary reel 4 on which the effective stop button operation has been performed, between the time when the stop requesting flag is turned ON and the time when the acceptance of the next valid stop button operation is enabled. do not. That is, in the main process in this example, after determining the number of sliding frames of the rotary reel 4 on which the effective stop button operation has been performed (that is, determining the stop symbol position), the next step is performed without waiting for the rotary reel 4 to stop. The acceptance of valid stop button operations is enabled.

When the stop request flag FG4 is turned on on the main processing side, the drive control of the stepping motor 54 for stopping the rotation of the target reel is performed in the rotation cylinder control process of FIG. 33 on the condition that the flag FG4 is turned ON. This stops the rotation of the target reel.

Here, as described above, in this example, regarding the creation (update) of the stop control data used for determining the number of sliding frames, the stop control used at the next stop after the first stop and after the second stop, respectively. After creating the data for, it is supposed to enable the acceptance of valid stop button operations. In other words, before the next effective stop button operation is performed, the stop control data to be used at the next stop is created in advance.

In this example, when the rotary reel 4 is stopped, it is determined whether or not it is in the stop processing possible position (see FIG. 24), and when it is in the stop processing possible position, the stop operation symbol is set as "stop operation symbol = current symbol". The number of sliding frames is determined based on the above, and if it is not in the position where stop processing is possible, the number of sliding frames is determined based on the symbol at the time of stop operation as "the symbol at the time of stop operation = the symbol next to the current symbol". (See S801 and S802).

On the other hand, the rotation of the rotary reel 4 is performed so as to proceed one step at a time for each timer interrupt in the rotation cylinder control process (FIG. 33) of the timer interrupt process, as will be described later. Therefore, if a timer interrupt occurs between the time when the symbol is determined during the stop operation and the time when the number of sliding frames is determined, the step position referred to when the symbol during the stop operation is determined and the actual step position are used. Since the step position is actually in the unstoppable range, the next symbol should be the symbol during the stop operation, but the current symbol is used as the symbol during the stop operation and the number of sliding frames is increased. It can happen that the decision is made. That is, as a result, there is a risk that the target reel cannot be stopped at an appropriate stop position.

Regarding the creation (update) of the stop control data, the processing time varies depending on the type of winning combination and the game situation such as the rotation stop state, and it may take a maximum of 10 ms or more. Therefore, if the stop control data creation process is performed after the stop button operation, multiple timer interrupts may occur from the stop button operation to the determination of the number of slip frames, and the actual stop operation may occur. There is a risk that the target reel cannot be stopped at an appropriate stop position due to a discrepancy between the time symbol and the original stop operation symbol.

Therefore, in this example, after the first stop and after the second stop, after creating the stop control data to be used at the next stop, the acceptance of the effective stop button operation is enabled. In other words, after determining the number of sliding frames (stop symbol position) for the rotary reel 4 on which the effective stop button operation has been performed, after creating the stop control data for the next rotary reel 4, the next It is intended to enable acceptance of valid stop button operations.

As a result, the stop control data used for determining the number of slip frames for the second stop and the third stop can be created in advance before the stop button operation, and the actual stop operation symbol as described above can be created. It is possible to prevent the deviation from the original symbol during the stop operation.
Therefore, the target reel can be stopped at an appropriate stop position, and the accuracy of the rotating cylinder stop control can be improved.

[10-3. Prize-winning medal payout processing]

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of the winning medal payout process (step S532).
First, in step S901, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the number of winnings is "0". As described above, the number of winnings is set in the winning determination process of step S531. If the number of winning medals is "0", the CPU 80a ends the process of paying out the winning medals.

If the number of winnings is not "0", the CPU 80a proceeds to step S902 and determines whether or not an error is occurring. The errors targeted in step S902 are various errors that can be detected by the slot machine, and at least the above-mentioned main board error, RWM error, inserted medal error, no payout medal error, payout sensor error, and unfair winning error. , Overflow error, door open error included.
If it is determined in step S902 that an error is occurring, the CPU 80a executes the determination process of step S902 again. That is, the progress of the main process (progress of the game) is interrupted until the error is cleared.

On the other hand, if it is determined that an error is not occurring, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S903 and executes a process of setting a payout start command in the transmission buffer for notifying the effect control board 42 side of the start of payout.

In the following step S904, the CPU 80a performs the execution wait processing of the timer interrupt processing. This wait process is intended to prevent the timer interrupt process from being inserted during the credit addition process described below.

In response to the execution of the wait process in step S904, the CPU 80a determines in step S905 whether or not the credit value is MAX (maximum value: "50" in this example). If the credit value is not MAX, the CPU 80a increments the credit value (+1), increments the payout signal counter value, and increments the payout display number by the processes of steps S906, S907, and S908, respectively.
Then, the CPU 80a performs a standby process of 80 ms in the next step S909, and then performs a process of decrementing (-1) the value of the number of winning sheets in the step S910.

Here, in step S907, the payout signal counter is a counter used for notifying the hall computer of the number of payouts as described above. In the main processing, the value of the payout signal counter is sequentially incremented within the range of the number of winning sheets as described above, while in the “input and payout signal output processing” (step S1007) on the timer interrupt processing side described later, the payout signal counter A process for decrementing the value of the payout signal counter and outputting the payout signal bit (pulse signal) to the hall computer is performed corresponding to the case where the value is other than "0". In the hall computer, the number of slot machines to be paid out can be managed based on the number of times the payout signal bits are output.
Further, in step S908, the payout display number means the payout number in the current game to be displayed on the payout display unit 10 described above. In this example, since the number of sheets displayed in the payout display unit 10 is performed in a manner of incrementing the value each time the winning number is given in units of one, the value of the payout display number is sequentially incremented in step S908. ing. Although the description by illustration is omitted, the CPU 80a resets the value of the number of payout display sheets to "0" at a predetermined timing until the next game starts, such as when a medal is inserted or the start lever 17 is turned on (that is, the payout display). The number display in part 10 is sequentially incremented from "0" to "winning number" and then cleared by the next game start timing). It should be noted that the value of the number of payout display sheets may be reset to 0 according to the passage of a predetermined time without inserting medals or turning on the start lever 17.

The standby process in step S909 is a process for determining the update interval of the payout signal counter until the credit value reaches MAX (that is, while the winning number is added to the credit). Regarding the update interval, 80 ms is only an example, and is not limited to the numerical value. As will be described later, since the output cycle of the payout signal (payout signal bit) is 125.16 ms in this example (FIG. 31), the update interval of the payout signal counter defined in step S909 may be set shorter than this. desirable.

In response to decrementing the value of the number of winnings in step S910, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the number of winnings is "0" in step S911. If the value of the number of winning sheets is not "0", the CPU 80a returns to the previous step S904. That is, if the medal granting process for the number of winning medals is not completed, the execution waiting process of the timer interrupt process is performed, and then the credit MAX determination process of step S905 is executed again. If the credit value is not MAX, the above steps S906 to S911 are executed again.

On the other hand, if the value of the number of winnings is "0" in step S911, the CPU 80a executes a process of setting a payout end command in the transmission buffer for notifying the effect control board 42 side of the payout end in step S915, and wins a prize. The medal payout process (S532) is completed.

Further, in the previous step S905, if the credit value is MAX, the CPU 80a turns on the payout request in step S912.
Here, when the value of the credit is MAX, the medal is paid out using the medal payout device 5 (medal payout through the medal discharge port 20) instead of adding the credit. The control process for medal payout using such a medal payout device 5 is executed on the timer interrupt process side (see the medal payout process in FIG. 29), and the payout request requests the execution of the control process. is there.

In the following step S913, the CPU 80a executes the execution waiting process of the timer interrupt process, and in step S914, determines whether or not the value of the number of winning sheets is "0". As will be understood from the later description, in the medal payout process in the timer interrupt process, the value of the number of winning medals is decremented each time one medal is paid out.

If the value of the number of winnings is not "0" in step S914, the CPU 80a returns to step S912.
On the other hand, if the value of the number of winning medals is "0", the CPU 80a executes the command set processing of the previous step S915 and finishes the processing of paying out the winning medals.

<11. Timer interrupt processing>
[11-1. Timer interrupt processing]

Subsequently, the timer interrupt processing that is started every predetermined time (every 1.49 ms in this example) will be described.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing.
In FIG. 26, the CPU 80a first saves the register value in step S1001 (register save processing), and then executes the LED data creation process in step S1002. The LED data creation process involves a 7-segment LED as a payout display unit 10 and a stored number display unit 11 mounted on the game display board 61, and various LEDs provided as the LED group 9, that is, the number of inserted medals. Information display by LED indicating, LED indicating the replay status, LED as a start lamp, LED indicating the acceptance status of inserting medals (permission / disapproval of insertion), and 7-segment LED for displaying the set value. It is a process to create the data required to realize. The details of the creation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 27.

In the following step S1003, the CPU 80a executes a process of creating data of various commands and setting them in the transmission buffer of the effect control interface 86 as a command creation process. The set command is output to the effect control board 42 side in the output process (S1014) described later.

Further, the CPU 80a performs the input port reading process in the next step S1004. That is, the data of the input port that receives various switch signals and sensor signals is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of, for example, the RAM 80c. The sensor signals include the selector sensor 67, the input medal-related sensor 68, the index sensor 55 of the first cylinder index sensor 55a, the second cylinder index sensor 55b, the third cylinder index sensor 55c, the door sensor 66, and the like. The detection signal from is included.
In the reading process of step S1004, ON edge and OFF edge data of the switch signal and the sensor signal are created and stored in the RAM 80c.

In the following step S1005, the CPU 80a subtracts the value of a predetermined timer such as a demo timer or a weight timer as the timer subtraction process, and executes the medal payout process in step S1006. The medal payout process is a process for paying out medals in response to a settlement request (turned on in step S1012 described later based on the operation of the settlement button 14) and a payout request (see step S912 above) described later. However, the details will be described later with reference to FIG. 29.

In response to executing the medal payout process in step S1006, the CPU 80a executes the input and payout signal output process in step S1007. This input / payout signal output process is a process for outputting information (input signal bit, payout signal bit) for notifying the number of inserted medals and the number of paid out medals in the slot machine to the hall computer. Will be described later with reference to FIG.

The error release determination process in step S1008 following step S1007 is for determining whether or not the error state has been released in response to the occurrence of various errors such as a throw-in medal error, a payout sensor error, and a door open error. It is the processing of. The details of the error cancellation determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. 28.

In response to the execution of the error release determination process in step S1008, the CPU 80a performs error flag set processing and external output terminal output processing according to the error type in step S1009 and subsequent step S1010, respectively. Specifically, in step S1009, the CPU 80a sets the door open error flag when the generated error is a door open error, and outputs a signal via the corresponding external output terminal on the external centralized terminal plate 70. Executes the processing of. Further, in step S1010, when the generated error is any one of the main board error, the RWM error, the inserted medal error, the payout sensor error, and the unfair winning error, the CPU 80a sets the corresponding error flags and concentrates on the outside. A process for outputting a signal via the corresponding external output terminal on the terminal plate 70 is executed.

In response to executing the process of step S1010, the CPU 80a executes the medal insertion process in step S1011. The medal insertion process is a process of updating the number of inserted medals and the value of credits in response to the insertion of medals through the medal insertion slot 12 and the operation of the max bet button 16.

In the following step S1012, the CPU 80a executes the settlement process of the stored medals. The settlement process of the stored medals is a process of turning on the settlement request by determining various conditions such as whether or not the settlement button 14 is operated.

In step S1013 following step S1012, the CPU 80a executes the rotation cylinder control process. In the rotating cylinder control process, a process related to drive control of the stepping motor 54 for rotating / stopping the rotary reel 4 is performed, and the details will be described later with reference to FIG. 33.

The CPU 80a executes the output process in step S1014 in response to the execution of the rotation control process in step S1013. In this output process, processing for outputting various set data to the corresponding output destination is performed. The data to be output includes various commands (commands for the effect control board 42) described above and data for driving the stepping motor 54 (excitation data φ1 to φ4 described above).

In response to the execution of the output process of step S1014, the CPU 80a executes a process of restoring the value of the register saved in the previous process of step S1001 as the register return process of step S1015, and ends the timer interrupt process.

[11-2. LED display data creation process]

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the LED display data creation process (S1002).
As described above, the process of creating the LED display data includes the 7-segment LEDs of the payout display unit 10 and the stored number display unit 11, the LEDs provided as the LED group 9, which indicate the number of inserted medals, and the replay state. This is a process for creating data for displaying an LED indicating the above, an LED as a start lamp, an LED indicating permission / non-permission of inserting a medal, and a 7-segment LED for displaying a set value.

In this example, these LEDs are lit and controlled by so-called dynamic control. Specifically, in this example, the first-digit 7-segment LED (hereinafter, "the number of payouts, first digit") and the second-digit 7-segment LED (hereinafter, "the number of payouts, second digit") in the payout display unit 10 are stored. The 1st digit 7-segment LED (hereinafter "credit 1st digit"), the 2nd digit 7 segment LED (hereinafter "credit 2nd digit"), and 3 LEDs (hereinafter "credit 2nd digit") on the number display unit 11 "Number of inserted displays 1 to 3"), LED indicating the re-game status (hereinafter "re-game"), LED as a start lamp (hereinafter "start LED"), LED indicating permission / non-permission of medal insertion (hereinafter "start LED") The "INSERT") and the 7-segment LED for displaying the set value (hereinafter, "setting display") are classified as common 0 to common 6 as follows.

Common 0 ... Number of payouts 1st digit Common 1 ... Number of payouts 2nd digit Common 2 ... Credit 1st digit Common 3 ... Credit 2nd digit Common 4 ... Number of inserts displayed 1-3
Common 5 ... INSERT, replay, start LED
Common 6 ... Setting display

Then, a control method is adopted in which the display data is output in common to the commons 0 to 6 while the commons 0 to 6 are turned on in order in the timer interrupt cycle. That is, only the common LED that is turned on is lit and controlled according to the common output display data.

Based on the above assumptions, the process of FIG. 27 will be described.
In FIG. 27, the CPU 80a first determines whether or not an error is occurring in step S1101. If an error is occurring, the CPU 80a sets the error display code corresponding to the error type in the set area for displaying the number of payouts in the work of the RAM 82c in step S1102, and proceeds to step S1103.
On the other hand, if no error is occurring, the CPU 80a passes the set process of step S1102 and proceeds to step S1103.

In step S1103, the CPU 80a sets the data for which the common is designated this time in a predetermined area (common designation data set area) in the work of the RAM 82c. That is, for example, if the common to be the target of the lighting control this time is common 0, the data for designating the common 0 as the common this time is set.

In the following step S1104, the CPU 80a sets the output data corresponding to the common number this time in a predetermined area (output data set area) in the work of the RAM 82c.
If the common number is common 0 or common 1 (the first or second digit of the number of payouts) and the determination result that an error is in progress is obtained in the previous step S1101, the set process of step S1104 is performed. Then, the output data corresponding to the error display code set in the previous step S1102 is set.

Further, in the next step S1105, the CPU 80a confirms the state of the setting checking flag (see the previous step S508), and if the setting checking flag is ON, proceeds to step S1106 and outputs the output corresponding to the current set value vd. The data is set in the output data set area in the work of the RAM 82c, and the LED data creation process is completed.
On the other hand, if the setting confirmation flag is OFF, the CPU 80a passes the process of step S1106 and finishes the LED data creation process.

The signal output to the LED side based on the common designation data and the output data (display control data) set in the work in the above process is performed in the output process (step S1014) shown in FIG.

Here, when an error occurs, an error display (error notification) is performed using the 7-segment LED as the first and second digits of the number of payouts, based on the above-mentioned LED data creation process. At this time, error detection (ON edge detection of the detection signal) is executed by timer interrupt processing (see step S1004 “input port reading processing”), and timer interrupt processing (LED data) is also used as error notification in response to error detection. It is done based on the creation process of. Therefore, the error notification is executed immediately when an error occurs.

[11-3. Error cancellation judgment processing]

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the error release determination process (S1008).
In FIG. 28, the CPU 80a determines in step S1201 whether or not an error is occurring based on the error flag. If no error is occurring, the CPU 80a ends the error release determination process.

On the other hand, if an error is occurring, the CPU 80a determines in step S1202 whether or not the error has been cleared. As described above, the types of errors include main board error, RWM error, inserted medal error, payout medal no error, payout sensor error, unfair winning error, overflow error, and door opening error. In step S1202, an error release determination is made for these errors based on the following release conditions.

Main board error ... Replacement of main control board 40 RWM error ... Execution of setting change process (Fig. 17) Input medal error ... ON of reset switch 72b
Error without payout medal ... ON of reset switch 72b and door sensor 66 (detection of stop release operation described above)
Payout sensor error ... Reset switch 72b ON
Unjust winning error ... Reset switch 72b ON
Overflow error: ON of reset switch 72b and door sensor 66 (detection of stop release operation described above)
Door open error ... Door sensor 66 (Detection of stop release operation described above)

Regarding the main board error and the RWM error, it is impossible to cancel the error based on the reset switch 72b and the door sensor 66.

If the error is not cleared in step S1202, the CPU 80a ends the error clearing determination process.

On the other hand, if the error is cleared, the CPU 80a executes a process for clearing the error display in step S1203. Specifically, a process for clearing (for example, not lighting) the error display using the 7-segment LED as the first digit of the number of payouts and the second digit of the number of payouts described above is executed.

In the following step S1204, the CPU 80a executes a process for clearing the error flag, and in a subsequent step S1205, executes a process for restoring the payout number display, and ends the error release determination process.

[11-4. Medal payout process]

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the medal payout process (S1006).
The medal payout process is performed by the payout motor in the medal payout device 5 in response to the above-mentioned payout request (request for medal payout by winning a prize: see FIG. It is a process for driving and controlling the 75.
Here, the payout request is turned on in the "payment process of winning medals (FIG. 25)" in step S532 described above, corresponding to the case where the credit is MAX (see step S912). Further, the settlement request is turned ON in the "settlement process of stored medals (FIG. 26)" in step S1012 in response to the operation of the settlement button 14.

In FIG. 29, the CPU 80a determines in step S1301 whether or not the timer passing through the medal sensor = “0”. The medal sensor passing timer is a timer that measures the time for detecting the error that the medal payout sensor 76 keeps turning on, and is described later in step S1312 according to the change of the medal payout sensor 76 to ON. The predetermined value is set with. The initial value of the medal sensor passing timer is "0", and therefore, before the payout motor 75 is driven in response to the payout request or the settlement request, the medal sensor passing timer = "0".

If the medal sensor passing timer = "0", the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1302 to determine whether or not the payout request or settlement request is ON, and if the payout request or settlement request is ON, in step S1303. Determine if an error is occurring (other than a door error). That is, it is determined whether or not any of the various errors other than the door error is occurring.
If it is determined in step S1303 that no error is occurring, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1305 and confirms ON / OFF of the medal payout sensor 76. When it is determined that the payout request or the settlement request is ON, the medal payout sensor 76 is OFF because the payout control signal (signal instructing the drive of the payout motor 75) to be described later is not yet turned ON. Is.

If the medal payout sensor 76 is OFF in step S1305, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1306 and confirms ON / OFF of the payout busy flag Fbe. Since the payout busy flag Fbe is a flag that is turned on in conjunction with the ON of the payout control signal (see step S1307), the payout busy flag Fbe is OFF in the timer interrupt immediately after the payout request or the settlement request is changed to ON. ..

When the payout busy flag Fbe is OFF in step S1306, the CPU 80a turns on the payout control signal and turns on the payout busy flag Fbe in step S1307. Then, in the following step S1308, a predetermined value (the number of timer interrupts corresponding to 2.5 seconds in this example) is set in the timer without the hopper medal, and the process proceeds to step S1309.
The hopper medal-less timer is a timer for measuring the time when the payout control signal is turned on and the payout motor 75 is driven but the medal is not paid out, and the medal is placed in the medal tank 5a. It functions as a timer to detect the absence. Specifically, as will be described below, the error without a payout medal is set when the value of the hopper medalless timer is consumed up to "0" (see step S1311).

If the payout busy flag Fbe is ON in step S1306, the CPU 80a passes the above steps S1307 and S1308 and proceeds to step S1309.

In step S1309, the CPU 80a decrements (-1) the value of the hopper medalless timer, and in the following step S1310, determines whether or not the hopper medalless timer = "0". If the timer without hopper medal = "0", the CPU 80a finishes the medal payout process.
On the other hand, if the hopper medalless timer = "0", the CPU 80a sets the payout medalless error in step S1311.

In response to the setting of the no payout medal error in step S1311, the CPU 80a turns off the payout control signal in step S1326, turns off the payout busy flag Fbe in step S1327, and clears the medal sensor passing timer in step S1328. And finish the medal payout process.
In the medal payout process executed by the timer interrupt after the payout medal no error is set, the process goes through steps S1301 → S1302 → S1303, and it is determined in S1303 that an error is occurring. Therefore, the CPU 80a is set to step S1304. Check the ON / OFF of the payout busy flag Fbe with. Since the payout busy flag Fbe is turned OFF (S1327) in response to the setting of the payout medal no error as described above, the payout busy flag Fbe is determined to be OFF in step S1304, and the process proceeds to step S1326. .. As can be understood from this point, after the payout medal no error is set, the process for driving the payout motor 75 is passed, and the medal payout process is stopped.
If the payout busy flag Fbe is ON in step S1304, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1305 described above.

In the above, it has been explained that the payout control signal is turned ON (S1307) in response to the payout request or the settlement request, but when one medal is paid out by the payout motor 75 in response to the payout control signal ON, the medal is paid out. The sensor 76 is turned on.
If it is determined in step S1305 that the medal payout sensor 76 is ON, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1312, sets a predetermined value (in this example, the number of timer interrupts equivalent to 98.34 ms) in the timer passing through the medal sensor, and steps S1313. Proceed to.
In step S1313, the CPU 80a confirms ON / OFF of the medal payout sensor 76 (that is, confirms whether the payout medal is passing / completed passing the sensor), and if the medal payout sensor 76 is ON (passing), the process proceeds to step S1323. To proceed.

Here, by setting a predetermined value in the medal sensor passing timer, in the medal payout process executed by the subsequent timer interrupt, it is determined in the previous step S1301 that the medal sensor passing timer is not "0". The process proceeds to step S1313. At this time, if the medal payout sensor 76 continues to be ON, the process proceeds to step S1323.

The processes of steps S1323 to S1325 are processes for detecting an error in which the medal payout sensor 76 continues to be ON for a predetermined time or longer.
Specifically, in step S1323, the CPU 80a decrements (-1) the value of the medal sensor passing timer, and in the following step S1324, determines whether or not the medal sensor passing timer = "0". If the medal sensor passing timer = "0", the payout sensor error is set in step S1325, and the process proceeds to step S1326 described above.
In this case as well, the flow of processing after the error is set is the same as the flow after the error without payout medal is set, so duplicate explanation is avoided.

On the other hand, if the timer passing through the medal sensor is not "0", the CPU 80a finishes the medal payout process. That is, while the ON duration of the medal payout sensor 76 is within the normal range, the error set process of step S1325 is not executed, and in the next timer interrupt, if the medal payout sensor 76 continues to be ON, the process is S1301. → S1313 → S1323 → S1324, and it is determined again whether or not the value of the timer passing through the medal sensor after subtraction is “0”. According to the flow of such processing, the ON duration (time detected as passing the medal) of the medal payout sensor 76 is monitored.

When there is no abnormality in the medal payout sensor 76 and the payout medal has passed through the medal payout sensor 76, it is confirmed in the previous step S1313 that the medal payout sensor 76 is OFF, and the process proceeds to step S1314.
The processing of steps S1314 to S1321 is when the type of request is a payout request (when the credit is MAX and the winning medal is paid out from the medal payout device 5), or when it is a settlement request (according to the operation of the settlement button 14). This is a process for updating the value to be updated according to the payout of medals in response to each of the cases (when paying out from the medal payout device 5).
First, in step S1314, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the request confirmed in step S1302 above is a payout request. If it is a payout request, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1315, and if it is not a payout request (that is, if it is a settlement request), it proceeds to step S1318.

In step S1315, the CPU 80a increments the value of the payout signal counter, increments the value of the payout display number, and decrements the value of the winning number. The processing of incrementing the value of the payout signal counter, incrementing the value of the number of payout display sheets, and decrementing the value of the number of winning sheets is the same as the processing of steps S907, S908, and S910 in FIG. 25 above. Therefore, avoid duplicate explanations.

In response to the execution of the process of step S1315, the CPU 80a determines in step S1316 whether or not the payout is completed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the number of winnings = "0".
If the payout is not completed, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1320 to determine whether or not an error is occurring (other than a door error). After clearing 0, the medal payout process is completed.
When one medal is paid out and the corresponding value is updated in this way, the payout busy flag Fbe is turned off and the timer passing through the medal sensor is cleared. As a result, in the next timer interrupt, the process proceeds in steps S1301 → S1302 → S1303 → S1305 → S1306, the payout busy flag Fbe is determined to be OFF in the S1306, and the payout control signal and the payout busy flag Fbe are turned ON in S1307. Will be done. As a result, the payout of medals and the update of the corresponding value in step S1315 are repeated until the number of winnings = "0".

Here, with respect to each value of the payout signal counter, the number of payout displays, and the number of winnings updated in step S1315, these update cycles coincide with the cycle in which the medal passes through the medal payout sensor 76 (steps S1314 → S1315). reference). That is, each value of the payout signal counter, the number of payout displays, and the number of winning medals is updated by 1 for each medal payout.

If it is determined in step S1320 that an error is occurring, the process proceeds to step S1326. Since the processing flow after proceeding to step S1326 according to the error being in progress has already been explained, duplicate explanations will be avoided.

On the other hand, if the payout is completed in step S1316, the CPU 80a turns off the payout request in step S1317 and proceeds to step S1326.
By turning off the payout request and proceeding with the process to step S1326 in this way, in the next timer interrupt, the process proceeds from step S1301 to S1302, and it is determined in step S1302 that the payout request or the settlement request is not ON. Then, the CPU 80a proceeds to the process in step S1322 and confirms ON / OFF of the medal payout sensor 76.
If the medal payout sensor 76 is ON in step S1322 (that is, the medal payout sensor 76 is ON even though the payout request and the settlement request are OFF), the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1325 to set the payout sensor error. , Step S1326.
On the other hand, when the medal payout sensor 76 is OFF in step S1322, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1326 without setting the payout sensor error. That is, in this case, in the timer interrupt from the next time onward, the processing is executed in steps S1301 → S1302 → S1322 → S1326 to S1328 until the payout request or the settlement request is turned ON.

Further, when it is determined in step S1314 that it is not a payout request (that is, when it is determined that it is a settlement request), the CPU 80a decrements (-1) the value of the credit or the number of inserted sheets in step S1318. That is, for example, if the number of inserted sheets ≠ "0", the value of the number of inserted sheets is decremented, and if the number of inserted sheets = "0", the value of the credit is decremented.
Since the number of input sheets due to the re-game is not subject to settlement, the number of input sheets is not decremented after the re-game even if the number of input sheets is ≠ "0".

In step S1319 following step S1318, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the settlement has been completed, that is, whether or not the settlement of the number of medals that can be settled has been completed. If the settlement is not completed, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1320 described above. Since the flow of each process when it is determined in step S1320 that an error has occurred or when it is determined that an error has not occurred has already been explained, duplicate explanation is avoided. If it is not determined in S1320 that an error is occurring, in the case of a settlement request, the payout of medals and the update of the corresponding value in step S1318 are repeated until the settlement is completed.

When it is determined in step S1319 that the settlement is completed, the CPU 80a turns off the settlement request in step S1321 and sets the settlement end command, and proceeds to the process in step S1326. That is, even when the payout by settlement is completed, the processing is subsequently executed in steps S1301 → S1302 → S1322 → S1326 to S1328 until the payout request or the settlement request is turned ON.
The settlement end command is a command for notifying the effect control board 42 side that at least the payout process by settlement has been completed.

[11-5. Input and payout signal output processing]

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of the input / output signal output process (S1007).
This input / payout signal output process is a process for causing the hall computer to output the input signal and the payout signal through the external centralized terminal plate 70 according to the values of the input signal counter and the payout signal counter described above.
As can be understood from the above description, the insertion signal counter is a counter whose value is updated according to the insertion of medals, and the number of inserted medals (set) is set in step S519 (see FIG. 20) described above for each game. A value is set according to the number of bets).
The payout signal counter is a counter whose value is updated according to the number of winnings and the number of automatic replays. The payout signal counter is updated according to the number of winnings in step S907 (when the credit is less than MAX: see FIG. 25) and step S1315 (when the credit is MAX: see FIGS. 25 and 29). The update of the input signal counter according to the number of automatically input sheets of the re-game is performed in step S603 (see FIG. 21) described above.
In the input and payout signal output processing of step S1007, the input signal bit and the payout signal bit are output while outputting the input signal counter, the number of times corresponding to the values of the payout signal counter, the input signal bit by the pulse signal, and the payout signal bit. The values of the input signal counter and the payout signal counter are decremented for each.

In this example, a timer interrupt counter (a counter whose value is updated for each timer interrupt) is used to output the input signal and the payout signal.
As shown in FIG. 31, in this example, by using the timer interrupt counter, the input signal and the payout signal are oscillating signals that repeat OFF / ON with 84 interrupts (1.49 ms × 84 = 125.16 ms) as one cycle. Output. The ON period of this oscillating signal is an input signal bit or a payout signal bit, and in this example, the ON duty of the oscillating signal is 50%. Therefore, the output period of the input signal bit and the output signal bit is set to a period of 42 interrupts (1.49 ms × 42 = 62.58 ms).
Here, in this example, both the input signal and the output signal are signals in which the first half period (timer interrupt counter = period of 83 to 42) in one cycle is turned off.

Based on the above assumptions, the process of FIG. 30 will be described.
First, the CPU 80a executes the process of decrementing (-1) the timer interrupt counter in step S1401, and determines whether or not the timer interrupt counter is "-1" in the subsequent step S1402. The initial value of the timer interrupt counter is "0". Therefore, in the timer interrupt process executed for the first time, a determination result that the timer interrupt counter is "-1" can be obtained in step S1402.

If the timer interrupt counter is "-1", the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1403, sets the timer interrupt counter to the initial value "83", and clears the input signal and the payout signal in the following step S1404 (that is, turns OFF). The process of (clearing to "0") is executed to complete the input and payout signal output processes of step S1007.

In the next timer interrupt process in which the timer interrupt counter = 83 is set in step S1403, the process proceeds from step S1401 to S1402, and it is determined in step S1402 that the timer interrupt counter is not "-1". The result is obtained. When it is determined that the timer interrupt counter is not "-1" in this way, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1405 and determines whether or not the timer interrupt counter is "41". If the timer interrupt counter is not "41", the CPU 80a ends the input and payout signal output processing of step S1007. As a result, “0” (OFF) set in step S1404 is output as an input signal and a payout signal during the first half period of the timer interrupt counters 83 to 42.

On the other hand, when the timer interrupt counter is "41" in step S1405, the CPU 80a outputs the input signal bit and the payout signal bit according to the values of the input signal counter and the payout signal counter by executing the processes after step S1406. Perform the process to make it.
Specifically, in step S1406, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the input signal counter is other than "0". If the input signal counter is other than "0", the CPU 80a decrements (-1) the input signal counter in step S1407, and sets the input signal in the subsequent step S1408, that is, "1" (ON) is set as the input signal. After executing the setting process, the process proceeds to step S1409.
If the input signal counter is not "0" in step S1406, the CPU 80a passes the processes of steps S1407 and S1408 and proceeds to step S1409. That is, if the input signal counter is "0", the input signal bit is not output.

In steps S1409 to S1411, the payout signal is subjected to the same processing as in steps S1406 to S1408 described above. That is, in step S1409, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the payout signal counter is other than "0", and if the payout signal counter is other than "0", decrements (-1) the payout signal counter in step S1410. In the following step S1411, the payout signal setting process, that is, the process of setting "1" (ON) as the payout signal is executed.
In response to the execution of the set processing in step S1411, the CPU 80a finishes the input and payout signal output processing in step S1007.
If the payout signal counter is not other than "0" in step S141409, the CPU 80a passes the processes of steps S1409 and S1410 and ends the input and payout signal output processes of step S1007.

By executing the set processing of steps S1408 and S1411, the input signal and the payout signal are in the ON state from the timer interrupt processing in which the timer interrupt counter = 41 to the timer interrupt processing in which the timer interrupt counter = 0. Is continued. Then, in the timer interrupt processing following the timer interrupt processing in which the timer interrupt counter = 0, the timer interrupt counter = -1, the timer interrupt counter = 83 is set in step S1403, and the clear processing in step S1404 is executed. Will be done. As a result, the input signal and the payout signal continue to be in the OFF state during the first half period when the timer interrupt counter is 83 to 42.

[11-6. About payout signal output at the time of replay]

Here, as described above, with respect to the payout signal, the payout signal bits corresponding to the number of automatically input sheets are output at the time of re-game, but conventionally, the payout signal output corresponding to the number of automatically input sheets of such re-game is output. If the game before the replay is a winning game and the number of payouts due to the winning is large, there is a risk that accurate notification of the number of payouts cannot be made.
Specifically, conventionally, as the update of the payout signal counter according to the number of automatically input sheets of the re-game (step SS603: see FIG. 21), the update is performed by overwriting the number of automatically input sheets (that is, the payout signal in this example). Update to overwrite the counter with "3"). Therefore, when the number of winnings in the game two times before the replay is large, the value of the payout signal counter is set before the payout signal output for the number of winnings is completed (that is, before the payout signal counter becomes "0"). There is a possibility that it will be updated to "3", and there is a risk that it will not be possible to accurately notify the hall computer of the number of payouts.

This point will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 32.
As shown in the figure, it is assumed that the re-game was won in the previous game, the game is the re-game this time, and the number of winnings = the maximum number (“15” in this example) was won in the game two times before.
As can be understood from the above description, the update of the payout signal counter according to the number of winnings is started with the "payment processing of winning medals" in step S532 in the above-mentioned main processing (FIGS. 19 to 20) as an opportunity. Moreover, when the payout signal counter becomes 1 or more, the output of the payout signal bit is started in the timer interrupt process. Since the "payment process of winning medals" in step S532 is started in response to the stoppage of the third rotary reel 4 in one game (third stop), it depends on the number of winning medals in the previous game. The output of the payout signal bit is started after the third stop of the game two times before.
In the figure, the output period of the payout signal bit according to the number of winnings is represented as the period Th.

On the other hand, the update of the payout signal counter according to the replay is executed after the third stop of the previous game and before the lever of this game is turned on (see FIG. 19).
For this reason, if the operation from the lever ON to the third stop of the previous game is performed quickly after the third stop of the game two times before the winning, the replay game is performed before the payout signal output for the number of winning numbers is completed. There is a possibility that the payout signal counter is updated according to the above, specifically, the payout signal counter is updated by overwriting "3" in the conventional case.
Here, when the number of winnings = the maximum number, the period Th requires 125.16ms (84 timer interrupts) × 15 = 1877.4ms, and the third from the lever ON of the previous game in a shorter time than this. It is quite possible that the operation up to the stop will be performed.
In the slot machine, the shortest game interval (4.1 s) is specified, but this does not specify the interval between the third stops.

As described above, in the conventional method, the value of the payout signal counter may be overwritten with "3" before the payout signal output for the number of winning sheets is completed, and the hall computer is accurately notified of the number of payouts. I was afraid that I couldn't do it.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as a process of updating the payout signal counter (step SS603) according to the number of automatically inserted regames, the process of adding the number of medals inserted in the previous game (“3”) to the payout signal counter as described above. Is supposed to be executed. That is, the process of adding the number of automatically input sheets of the re-game to the payout signal counter is performed.
By making such an addition update, it is possible to properly output the payout signal for the number of payouts according to the winnings other than the re-game and the payout signal output for the number of automatically input pieces of the re-game. It is possible to accurately notify the hall computer of the number of payouts.

[11-7. Rotation control process]

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of the rotation control process (S1013) in the timer interrupt process.
First, various flags indicating the status of the rotary reel 4 used in the rotating cylinder control process of this example will be described. Specifically, there are the following six flags.

・ Preparing for acceleration Flag FG1
・ Acceleration flag FG2
・ Flag FG3 during constant speed rotation
・ Stop requesting flag FG4
・ Stop operation flag FG5
・ Reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt

These six flags are provided for each rotary reel 4, and the CPU 80a can grasp the status of each rotary reel 4.

In FIG. 33, the CPU 80a first confirms the status of the target reel (rotating reel 4 to be processed) in step S1501. That is, the status of the target reel is in the state of preparation for acceleration (acceleration preparation flag FG1 = "1"), the state of acceleration (acceleration flag FG2 = "1"), and the state of constant speed rotation (constant speed rotation flag FG3 =). "1"), stop requesting state (stop requesting flag FG4 = "1"), stop operation state (stop operation flag FG5 = "1"), all flags (FG1 to FG5) are OFF ("0"). ) Is in any of the states.
Here, the acceleration preparation flag FG1 is set after the reel start setting process (step S525) in the main process described above, after the winning combination lottery corresponding to the lever ON (specifically, after the weight time of 4.1 seconds has elapsed). At the start of rotation), it is turned on together with the reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt. Further, the acceleration preparation flag FG1 is turned on together with the reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt corresponding to the case where it is determined that the rotating reel 4 is accelerating or rotating in the power return processing (FIG. 16) described above (FIG. 16). See S204).
Further, the accelerating flag FG2 is a flag updated to ON in step S1503 described later, and the constant speed rotation flag FG3 is a flag updated to ON in step S1509 described later.
The stop requesting flag FG4 is a flag that is turned ON in response to a valid stop button operation in the stop process (step S530) in the main process described above (see FIGS. 22 and 23).
The stop operation flag FG5 is a flag that is updated to ON in step S1526 described later.
The reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt is used to determine the start timing of the step position count (and the symbol position count) in the constant speed rotation state.

In step S1501, it is determined in order whether or not the flag = "1" in the order of the stop operation flag FG5, the stop requesting flag FG4, the constant speed rotation flag FG3, the accelerating flag FG2, and the acceleration preparing flag FG1. When it is determined to be "1" in the determination, the status corresponding to the flag determined to be "1" is set as the current status. Then, if the last determined acceleration preparation flag FG1 is "0", a determination result is obtained that the status corresponds to the status of all flags OFF.

As described above, the flags are checked in the reverse order of the processing order from the acceleration to the stop operation of the rotating cylinder, and the status corresponding to the flag confirmed to be ON is determined as the current status. This has the following advantages.
As a status determination method, for example, a method of confirming whether or not only the target flag is "1" (for example, determining whether or not it is in the accelerating state is "1" only for the accelerating flag FG2. However, in that case, it is necessary to clear the flag of the previous status according to the transition of the status. According to the above-mentioned status determination method, there is an advantage that the sequential clearing process of the previous status flag corresponding to such a status transition can be omitted.

If all the flags are OFF in step S1501, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1533. As a result, the stepping motor 54 is maintained in the OFF state for the rotary reel 4 in the status of all flags OFF.

Further, in step S1501, if the status of the target reel is in the state of preparing for acceleration (“1)” in the figure), the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1502 and executes the initialization process at the start of startup. Specifically, the symbol counter is cleared, and the initial value "24" is set in the step counter. Further, the timetable pointer (described later) is cleared, and bit 0 of the excitation pointer PT is updated to "1". The excitation pointer PT is 4-bit information as described above. The significance of updating bit 0 of the excitation pointer PT to "1" will be described later.

In response to the initialization process of step S1502, the CPU 80a updates the reel status to "accelerating" in step S1503, that is, executes the process of turning on the accelerating flag FG2 ("1"). The process proceeds to step S1507.

In step S1507, the CPU 80a sets the value of the phase update timer based on the startup timetable. The start-up time table is a table that stores time information for realizing the start-up rotation of the rotary reel 4.

FIG. 34 shows an example of a startup timetable.
As shown in the figure, the start-up time table is set as table information in which timer values to be set in the phase update timer are stored for each index value. The CPU 80a sequentially acquires timer values in ascending order of index values (acquired each time the phase update timer value becomes "0": see S1505 and S1506), and sets the acquired timer values in the phase update timer.
Here, the pointer for pointing to the index being referenced among the indexes is hereinafter referred to as "timetable pointer Ptl". The initial value of the value of the timetable pointer Ptl is "0".

In FIG. 33, the process of step S1507 acquires the corresponding timer value from the start timetable according to the index value pointed to by the current timetable pointer Ptl for the target reel, and uses the acquired timer value as the phase update timer. It is a process to set.

Here, the phase update timer is set in step S1504 after the accelerating flag FG1 is set in step S1503 and the timer value corresponding to the index = "0" is set from the start time table in step S1507 as described above. Is decremented at. That is, the phase update timer value is sequentially decremented for each timer interrupt.
As can be understood from this point, the timer value stored in the start time table represents the time information in the timer interrupt unit (1.49 ms unit in this example).

In the start-up time table, the time information in such timer interrupt units stored for each index functions as information that defines the maintenance time of each of the two-phase excitation state and the one-phase excitation state of the stepping motor 54 at the time of start-up. ..
Specifically, as described with reference to FIG. 11 above, the stepping motor 54 of this example is driven by 1-2 phase excitation, and the specific excitation mode is an excitation pointer (excitation phase pointer). ) It is indicated cyclically by the value of PT. As will be clarified later, the value of the excitation pointer PT is a timer interrupt in which the accelerating flag FG1 is turned ON in step S1503 (that is, "1" corresponding to the index = "0" in the startup timetable in step S1507. In the timer interrupt in which is set), the value for one-phase excitation (any of 0, 2, 4, and 6) is first set in step S1524. After that, in the timer interrupt during acceleration (acceleration flag FG1 is ON), the value of the excitation pointer PT is sent to the next value every time the value of the phase update timer becomes "0" in step S1505 (S1524). .. That is, every time the value of the phase update timer becomes "0" in step S1505, the excitation data φ1 to φ4 are alternately set as data for 2-phase excitation → data for 1-phase excitation → data for 2-phase excitation. Will be done.

As can be understood from this point, the timer value corresponding to the even index (including "0") in the startup timetable represents the maintenance time of the one-phase excitation state, and the timer value corresponding to the odd index is It represents the maintenance time of the two-phase excited state.

In FIG. 33, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the acceleration is completed in step S1508 according to the execution of the timer value setting process in step S1507. Whether or not the acceleration is completed can be determined by whether or not the value of the timetable pointer Ptl is a value indicating the final index (“19” in this example) in the start-up timetable. Alternatively, it can be determined by whether or not the value of the phase update timer matches the timer value (“134” in this example) corresponding to the final index in the startup timetable.

If the acceleration is not completed in step S1508, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1524, increments (+1) the excitation pointer PT to acquire excitation data φ1 to φ4, and sets excitation data φ1 to φ4 in the output buffer in subsequent step S1532. To do.
By increasing the excitation pointer PT by +1 in step S1524, the acceleration of the rotary reel 4 can be started from the one-phase excitation state. Specifically, at the start of acceleration, the bit 0 of the excitation pointer PT is set to "1" in the previous step S1502. Therefore, by increasing the excitation pointer PT by +1 in step S1524, the value of the excitation pointer PT becomes "0, 2, 4". , 6 ”is updated to the value for one-phase excitation, whereby the acceleration of the rotary reel 4 can be started from the one-phase excitation state.

In response to the execution of the setting processing of the excitation data φ1 to φ4 in step S1532, the CPU 80a determines in step S1533 whether or not all reels are finished. That is, in this timer interrupt, it is determined whether or not the processing from step S1501 has been executed for all the rotating reels 4 (4a to 4c). If not all reels are finished, the CPU 80a sets the target reel to the next rotating reel 4 and returns to step S1501. If all reels are finished, the rotating cylinder control process ends.

According to the processing flow described above, the accelerating flag FG2 is turned ON according to the accelerating preparation flag FG1 being turned ON, and the timer value corresponding to the start timetable index = "0" is set in the phase update timer in step S1507. In the timer interrupt, the excitation data φ1 to φ4 corresponding to the one-phase excitation are set, and the start of the target reel is started from the one-phase excitation state.

In the timer interrupt immediately after the acceleration flag FG2 is turned ON, in the status confirmation process of step S1501, it is confirmed that the acceleration is in progress, and the process proceeds to step S1504. In step S1504, the CPU 80a decrements (-1) the value of the phase update timer, and in the following step S1505, determines whether or not the phase update timer value = "0".
Since the phase update timer value = "1" is set in the timer interrupt in which the acceleration flag FG2 is turned ON, it is determined in step S1505 that the phase update timer value = "0" in the timer interrupt immediately after that.
When it is determined in step S1505 that the phase update timer value = "0", the CPU 80a increments the value of the timetable pointer Ptl in step S1506 and then proceeds to step S1507. As a result, the timer value corresponding to the value of the next index in the start-up time table is newly set in the phase update timer.

In step S1508 following step S1507, it is determined whether or not acceleration is completed as described above, and if acceleration is not completed, the process proceeds to step S1524 as described above. As a result, in the timer interrupt immediately after the acceleration flag FG2 is turned on, the excitation state of the stepping motor 54 is changed from the one-phase excitation state to the two-phase excitation state.

Further, in the subsequent timer interrupt during acceleration, the process transitions in steps S1501 → S1504 → S1505 → S1533 until the phase update timer value after decrementing in step S1504 becomes “0”. That is, as a result, the excited state of the stepping motor 54 is maintained in the excited state corresponding to the excitation data φ1 to φ4 set in step S1532 for a time length corresponding to the timer value set in the phase update timer.
Further, when the phase update timer value = "0" is determined in step S1505 in the timer interrupt after the excitation state is maintained for a long time corresponding to the set timer value in this way, the process proceeds to step S1506. The timer value corresponding to the value of the next index is set in the phase update timer, and thereafter, the stepping motor 54 corresponds to the set timer value according to the new excitation state of the 1-phase excitation state and the 2-phase excitation state. Driven over a long period of time.
In this way, the acceleration rotation of the target reel is realized by alternately repeating the one-phase excitation state / two-phase excitation state of the stepping motor 54 a predetermined number of times according to the stored information in the start-up timetable.

At the end of the acceleration rotation of the target reel, the process proceeds in steps S1501 → S1504 → S1505 → S1506 → S1507 → S1508, and it is determined in the S1508 that the acceleration has ended.
When it is determined in step S1508 that the acceleration is completed, the CPU 80a sets the reel status of the target reel to "constant speed rotation" in step S1509, that is, turns on the constant speed rotation flag FG3, and proceeds to step S1510.

The processes after step S1510 (S151 to S1516, S1524, and S1532 to S1533) are processes corresponding to the constant speed rotation.
First, in step S1510, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the reel sensor ON edge is detected, that is, whether or not the ON edge of the index sensor 55 (for the target reel) is detected.
When the ON edge of the index sensor 55 is detected and it is determined that the reel sensor ON edge is detected, the CPU 80a clears the reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt, clears the symbol counter, and moves to the step counter in step S1511. The initial value "24" is set. As a result, after the acceleration of the rotary reel 4 is completed, the reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt is turned off according to the detection of the origin position 101, and the step counter and the symbol counter are set to the values corresponding to the origin position 101. It is set (that is, the 24th symbol step position of the 1st symbol is pointed to).
In step S1512 following step S1511, the CPU 80a decrements (-1) the value of the step counter. As a result, after passing the origin position 101, the value of the step counter is updated to 23 immediately after reaching 24 (that is, 24 steps from 23 to 0 can be cyclically counted).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the ON edge of the index sensor 55 has not been detected and the reel sensor ON edge has not been detected, the CPU 80a passes step S1511 and proceeds to step S1512 to decrement the value of the step counter.

In step S1513 following step S1512, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the value of the step counter = "0". That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the step counter set as “24” → “23” according to the passage of the origin position 101 is subtracted in step S1512 for each timer interrupt and reaches “0”. ..

In step S1513, if the value of the step counter is not "0" (that is, it is not the symbol break position), the CPU 80a executes the processes after step S1524 described above. As a result, the stepping motor 54 is driven in a mode in which the one-phase excitation state and the two-phase excitation state are alternately repeated even during constant speed rotation. However, during constant speed rotation, the switching cycle of the one-phase excitation state and the two-phase excitation state is the timer interrupt cycle (switching for each timer interrupt).

On the other hand, if the value of the step counter = "0" in step S1513, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1514, sets "24" to the step counter, increments the value of the symbol counter (+1), and then increments (+1). In step S1515, it is determined whether or not the value of the symbol counter is larger than "22". This corresponds to determining whether or not the symbol counter shows an abnormal value (the number of symbols in the rotating reel 4 is "21").
If the value of the symbol counter is larger than "22", the CPU 80a performs a process for restarting the rotary reel 4 in step S1516. Specifically, the reel sensor non-passing flag Fmt and the acceleration preparation flag FG1 for the target reel are set, and the constant speed rotation flag FG3 and the acceleration flag FG2 are cleared. As a result, in the next timer interrupt, the processing is executed via steps S1501 → S1502, and the target reel is restarted (acceleration processing is executed again).
In response to the execution of the process of step S1516, the CPU 80a proceeds to the process of step S1524.

If the value of the symbol counter is not larger than "22" in step S1515, the CPU 80a passes the process of step S1516 corresponding to the abnormality and executes the processes of step S1524 and subsequent steps.

Here, in this example, the initial values of the step counter and the symbol counter are set at the start of acceleration of the target reel (step S1502 described above) (“24” and “0”, respectively). Further, after the acceleration is completed, until the origin position 101 is detected, the process is advanced from step S1510 to 1512, and the decrement of the step counter and the symbol corresponding to the step counter = "0" are obtained. The counter is incremented (S1514). That is, in this example, the number of symbol steps and the number of symbols (number of frames) are counted even in the period after the acceleration of the target reel is completed and before passing through the origin position 101.
As a result, the rotating cylinder can be restarted according to the error of the symbol counter (symbol counter> 22) even between the end of the acceleration rotation and the detection of the origin position 101. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the rotating cylinder control.

Subsequently, the processing executed after the stop request flag FG4 is set on the main processing side will be described. In other words, an effective stop button operation was detected (see step S703 in FIG. 22), and the number of sliding frames (scheduled stop position: stop symbol position) for the target reel was determined (steps S801 to S806 in FIG. 23). It is a process executed according to (see).

In the timer interrupt immediately after the stop requesting flag FG4 is set on the main processing side, the status of the target reel is determined to be in the stop requesting state in step S1501, and the processing after step S1517 is executed.

First, in step S1517, the CPU 80a acquires the value of the slip frame counter, and in the subsequent step S1518, determines whether or not the value of the slip frame counter = "0". The sliding frame counter is a counter for grasping the number of sliding frames from the time when the number of sliding frames is determined, and when the stop request flag FG4 is turned ON, the number of sliding frames determined on the main processing side (see S802). ) Is set, and thereafter, every time the symbol counter is incremented, it is decremented in step S1523 described later on the timer interrupt side.

In step S1518, if the value of the slip frame counter is not "0", the CPU 80a executes the processes of steps S152 to S1522 to decrement the step counter (S1520), and the step counter and the symbol counter according to the value of the step counter. Is updated (S1521, S1522).
Here, in the update process of step S1522, when the value of the symbol counter becomes "21" (that is, when it becomes the value representing the 22nd symbol), the process of clearing (returning to "0") is performed. In the processes after step S1517 corresponding to the reel status = stop request, the process of determining whether or not the reel sensor ON edge is detected as in the case of constant speed rotation is not provided. During the stop request, the symbol counter is not cleared according to the reel sensor ON edge as in the case of constant speed rotation, but is cleared when the value of the symbol counter becomes "21".

In response to updating the values of the step counter and the symbol counter in step S1522, the CPU 80a decrements the values of the sliding frame counter in step S1523.
The CPU 80a proceeds to step S1524 in each of the case where the decrement processing in step S1523 is executed and the case where it is determined in the previous step S1521 that the value of the step counter is not "0". As a result, the 1-2 phase excitation of the target reel is continued even in the state of requesting stop (state of slipping top), and the constant speed rotation is maintained.

Further, in the previous step S1518, when the value of the slip frame counter = "0", that is, when the arrival at the stop symbol position (scheduled stop position) is detected, is the CPU 80a the stop permission step position in step S1519? Judge whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the step counter matches the value representing the stop permission step position (7th step position in this example) described with reference to FIG. 24.
If it is not the stop permission step position, the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1520. That is, in this case, the step counter is updated until the stop permission step position is reached.

On the other hand, if it is the stop permission step position, the CPU 80a executes the processes after step S1525 to stop the rotation of the target reel.
First, in step S1525, the CPU 80a executes a process of setting data corresponding to all phases ON as excitation data φ1 to φ4, and updates the reel status to “stop operation” in subsequent step S1526. That is, the stop operation flag FG5 is turned ON. Then, the CPU 80a proceeds to the process in step S1532 described above. As a result, the excitation data φ1 to φ4 corresponding to all-phase ON is set in the output buffer, and the stop drive of the target reel to the stepping motor 54 is started.

In the timer interrupt after the reel status is updated to "stop operation" in step S1519, the processing for the target reel proceeds in steps S1501 → S1527.
In step S1527, the CPU 80a decrements the phase update timer value, and in step S1528 determines whether or not the phase update timer value = "0". If the phase update timer value is not "0", the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1533. That is, the all-phase ON state is maintained until the phase update timer value = "0".
Here, since the phase update timer for the target reel is set to "134" at the end of acceleration (see FIG. 34), the brake control for all phases ON is continued for 1.49 ms × 134 = 199.66 ms. To.

If the phase update timer value = "0", the CPU 80a proceeds to step S1529 and adds a predetermined value to the value of the excitation pointer PT. Specifically, in this example, "4" is added. The significance of adding a predetermined value to the value of the excitation pointer PT after the brake control by all-phase excitation is completed will be described again.

Then, the CPU 80a sets the data corresponding to all-phase OFF as excitation data φ1 to φ4 in step S1530, and clears the reel status in step S1531, specifically, the acceleration preparation flag FG1, the acceleration flag FG2, The process of clearing the constant speed rotation flag FG3, the stop request flag FG4, and the stop operation flag FG5 is executed, and the excitation data set process of step S1532 is executed. As a result, the excitation state of the stepping motor 54 is shifted to the all-phase OFF state according to the end of the brake control by all-phase excitation, and various flags related to the rotation / stop of the rotary reel 4 are switched to OFF. By turning off these various flags, the excited state of the stepping motor 54 is maintained in the state where all phases are turned off (see the path of S1501 → S1533).

Here, even if the brake control for the stepping motor 54 is started, the rotary reel 4 does not stop at the step position where the brake is applied, but stops at a step position advanced to some extent. Specifically, in the slot machine of this example, the rotary reel 4 stops at a step position four steps ahead of the step position where the brake is applied (the step position where all phases are turned ON) (when stopped from the steady rotation).
Therefore, in this example, the value of the excitation pointer PT is set to "+4" after the rotary reel 4 is stopped in response to the brake control. Specifically, according to the process of step S1527 described above, the value of the excitation pointer PT is set to "+4" at the timing when the all-phase ON hold for a predetermined time is completed.

As a result, the position of the excitation pointer PT can be advanced according to the deviation between the step position where the brake is applied and the step position where the rotary reel 4 is actually stopped, and accurate reel control can be realized.

In the above example, the timing for updating the position of the excitation pointer PT to the position advanced by a predetermined number is set as the end time of the all-phase ON hold, but the timing is the timing after the next start rotation of the target reel is updated. The timing may be set so as to start with reference to the position of the excitation pointer PT, and other timings such as the timing of step S1502 may be used.

By the rotation cylinder control process (S1013) as described above, the CPU 80a controls acceleration → constant speed rotation and counts the symbol step position and the symbol position for each rotary reel 4. Then, after shifting to the constant speed rotation, in response to the effective stop button operation after passing the origin position 101 (reel sensor non-passing flag = OFF) (stop requesting flag FG4 = ON), the target The number of sliding frames is monitored (S1518) and stop control (S1525 or later) is performed on the reel.
At this time, in step S1533, it is determined whether or not all reels are finished, and if not all reels are finished, the process from step S1501 is executed for the next rotating reel 4. As can be understood from this point, in the rotating cylinder control process, it is possible to monitor the number of sliding frames at the same time for each of the rotating reels 4a to 4c. In other words, with respect to the rotary reels 4a to 4c, it is possible to simultaneously monitor the frame slip from the stop operation symbol to the stop symbol.

This eliminates the need for the main processing side to monitor the number of sliding frames of the rotary reel 4 on which the stop button operation has been performed. That is, the main processing side waits for the arrival of the stop symbol position of the rotary reel 4 operated by the stop button after the stop button operation of a certain rotary reel 4 is enabled until the acceptance of the next stop button operation is enabled. (See FIGS. 22 and 23). Therefore, the main processing side can enable the acceptance of the next stop button operation immediately after the stop symbol position is determined.
Therefore, it is not necessary to make the player aware of the stop operation interval of each rotating reel 4, so that the hitting comfort of the gaming machine can be improved.

Further, as can be understood from the above description, in the slot machine of this example, the timer interrupt processing side determines the arrival of the stop symbol position for the target reel which is the rotary reel 4 whose stop symbol position (number of sliding frames) is determined. It is supposed to be monitored in (S1518).
As a result, it is no longer necessary for the main processing side to monitor the arrival of the stop symbol position for the target reel, and the main processing side operates after the stop button operation of the target reel until the acceptance of the next stop button operation is enabled. In addition, it is not necessary to wait for the arrival of the stop symbol position for the target reel. Therefore, the main processing side can enable the acceptance of the next stop button operation immediately after the stop symbol position is determined.
Therefore, it is not necessary to make the player aware of the stop operation interval of each rotating reel 4, so that the hitting comfort of the gaming machine can be improved.

<12. Summary of embodiments>

As described above, the first gaming machine (slot machine) of the embodiment is a gaming machine having a plurality of rotating cylinders (rotating reels 4a to 4c) on which a plurality of symbols are displayed along the rotation direction, and a plurality of gaming machines. Rotational driving means (stepping motors 54a to 54c) for rotationally driving the rotating cylinder, and control means (controller 80:) for controlling the rotating driving means to stop the rotating cylinder based on the rotating cylinder stop operation for instructing the rotation of the rotating cylinder to stop. In particular, the CPU 80a) is provided, and the control means includes a main processing means (FIGS. 19 and 20) that executes a main process that is repeated for each game, and a timer interrupt process that interrupts the main process at regular intervals. (FIG. 26), and includes a timer interrupt processing means (FIG. 26) for executing the above.
Then, the main processing means includes a stop operation enabling means (see steps S528, S530, and S703) that activates the acceptance of the rotating cylinder stop operation on condition that the origin position (101) of the rotating cylinder is detected. It has a stop symbol position determining means (see steps S703, S705, S802) for determining the stop symbol position within the maximum sliding frame range on condition that the body stop operation is detected, and the stop operation enabling means stops. The acceptance of the next rotation stop operation is enabled without waiting for the arrival of the stop symbol position determined by the symbol position determining means.
Further, the timer interrupt processing means includes a stop symbol position monitoring means for monitoring the arrival of the stop symbol position for the target rotating cylinder whose stop symbol position is determined (see step 1518).

By monitoring the arrival of the stop symbol position for the target rotating cylinder on the timer interrupt processing side as described above, it is no longer necessary for the main processing side to monitor the arrival of the stop symbol position, and the main processing side can use it. It is possible to enable the acceptance of the next rotation stop operation without waiting for the arrival of the stop symbol position as described above. That is, the main processing side can enable the acceptance of the next rotation cylinder stop operation immediately after the stop symbol position of the rotation cylinder on which the rotation cylinder stop operation is performed is determined.
Therefore, it is not necessary to make the player aware that the stop operation interval of each rotation cylinder is set, so that the hitting comfort of the gaming machine can be improved.

Further, in the first gaming machine described above, the stop symbol position determining means obtains the stop symbol position from the stop operation symbol which is the detection symbol when the rotating cylinder stop operation is performed among the symbols in the rotating cylinder. Based on the stop control data created in, the stop symbol position of the rotating cylinder for which the rotating cylinder stop operation was performed was determined, and the stop symbol position determining means performed the rotating cylinder stop operation as the stop operation enabling means. After determining the stop symbol position for the rotating cylinder, creating stop control data for the next rotating cylinder, the acceptance of the next rotating cylinder stop operation is enabled.

As a result, after determining the stop symbol position for the rotating cylinder on which the rotating cylinder stop operation has been performed, the acceptance of the next rotating cylinder stop operation is enabled by using the stop control data to be used when the next rotating cylinder is stopped. It is possible to create it in advance.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent a discrepancy between the actual stop operation symbol and the original stop operation symbol due to the protracted process of determining the stop symbol position after the rotating cylinder stop operation. It can be stopped at an appropriate stop position. That is, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the rotating cylinder stop control.

Further, the second gaming machine of the embodiment is a gaming machine having a plurality of rotating cylinders (rotating reels 4a to 4c) on which a plurality of symbols are displayed along the rotation direction, and rotationally drives the plurality of rotating cylinders. The rotation driving means (stepping motors 54a to 54c) and the control means (controller 80: particularly CPU 80a) that controls the rotation driving means based on the rotation cylinder stop operation for instructing the rotation cylinder to stop and stops the rotation cylinder. The control means includes a main processing means (FIGS. 19 and 20) that executes a main process that is repeated for each game, and a timer interrupt process that executes a timer interrupt process that is performed by interrupting the main process at regular intervals. Means (FIG. 26) and.
Then, the main processing means includes a stop operation enabling means (see steps S528, S530, and S703) that activates the acceptance of the rotating cylinder stop operation on condition that the origin position (101) of the rotating cylinder is detected. It has a stop symbol position determining means (see steps S703, S705, S802) for determining the stop symbol position within the maximum sliding frame range on condition that the body stop operation is detected, and the stop operation enabling means stops. The acceptance of the next rotation stop operation is enabled without waiting for the arrival of the stop symbol position determined by the symbol position determining means.
Further, the timer interrupt processing means can simultaneously monitor the frame slip from the symbol position during the stop operation to the stop symbol position, which is the detection symbol position when the rotation stop operation is performed, for a plurality of rotating cylinders. It has a coma slip monitoring means (see step S1518).

As described above, the timer interrupt processing side can monitor multiple spinning tops in parallel at the same time, so that the spinning spinning tops that have been stopped on the main processing side can be monitored. This is no longer necessary, and the main processing side can enable the acceptance of the next spinning top stop operation without waiting for the arrival of the stop symbol position as described above. That is, the main processing side can enable the acceptance of the next rotation cylinder stop operation immediately after the stop symbol position of the rotation cylinder on which the rotation cylinder stop operation is performed is determined.
Therefore, it is not necessary to make the player aware that the stop operation interval of each rotation cylinder is set, so that the hitting comfort of the gaming machine can be improved.

Further, in the second gaming machine described above, the stop symbol position determining means obtains the stop symbol position from the stop operation symbol which is the detection symbol when the rotating cylinder stop operation is performed among the symbols in the rotating drum. Based on the stop control data created in, the stop symbol position of the rotating cylinder for which the rotating cylinder stop operation was performed was determined, and the stop symbol position determining means performed the rotating cylinder stop operation as the stop operation enabling means. After determining the stop symbol position for the rotating cylinder, creating stop control data for the next rotating cylinder, the acceptance of the next rotating cylinder stop operation is enabled.

As a result, after determining the stop symbol position for the rotating cylinder on which the rotating cylinder stop operation has been performed, the acceptance of the next rotating cylinder stop operation is enabled by using the stop control data to be used when the next rotating cylinder is stopped. It is possible to create it in advance.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent a discrepancy between the actual stop operation symbol and the original stop operation symbol due to the protracted process of determining the stop symbol position after the rotating cylinder stop operation. It can be stopped at an appropriate stop position. That is, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the rotating cylinder stop control.

Further, the third gaming machine of the embodiment includes a rotating cylinder (rotating reel 4) in which a plurality of symbols are displayed along the rotation direction, a rotating driving means (stepping motor 54) for rotationally driving the rotating cylinder, and a rotating cylinder. The origin detecting means (index sensor 55) for detecting the origin position (101) of the body and the control means (controller 80: particularly CPU80a) for controlling the progress of the game operation are provided, and the control means rotates the rotating body. Acceleration control means (steps S1502 to S1507, S1524, S1532, etc.) for accelerating and rotating the rotating cylinder based on the rotation start operation for instructing the start, and constant speed control means (step S1509) for rotating the rotating cylinder at a constant speed after the acceleration rotation. , S1524, S1532, etc.) and the symbol counting means (steps S151 to S1514, etc.) that counts the number of passing symbols as the symbol count value for the rotating cylinder during constant speed rotation, and when an abnormality is found in the symbol count value. It also has restart control means (steps S1515, S1516, etc.) that perform restart control for accelerating and rotating the rotating cylinder again by the acceleration control means, and the symbol counting means has the origin by the origin detection means after the acceleration rotation is completed. The symbol count value is also counted during the period until the position is detected (see the route of steps S1510 → S1502).

As a result, it is possible to restart the rotating cylinder according to the abnormality of the symbol count value even between the end of the acceleration rotation and the detection of the origin position.
Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the rotating cylinder control.

Further, the fourth gaming machine of the embodiment has a variable display means (symbol rotation unit 3) capable of changing the display mode of the symbol and a control means (controller 80: particularly CPU 80a) for controlling the progress of the game operation. The number of bets can be set by inputting the game value medium, one game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets, and one game is displayed by displaying the display result of the symbol on the variable display means. Is a gaming machine in which a prize can be generated according to the display result of the symbol, and the prize includes a re-game in which a number of game value media corresponding to a predetermined number of bets are automatically inserted. The control means is a notification control means (step S506) that controls to notify the external device of the number of game value media to be paid out according to the winning, including the number of game value media automatically input in response to the re-game. , S532, S1006, S1014), and the notification control means updates the payout signal counter according to the number of payouts, controls to notify the number of payouts based on the value of the payout signal counter, and replays the game. When updating the payout signal counter accordingly, the number of automatically input game value media corresponding to the re-game is added to the value of the payout signal counter (step S603).

As described above, as the update of the payout signal counter according to the re-game, instead of overwriting the automatic input number of the game value medium, the update that adds the automatic input number is performed, so that the update other than the re-game is performed. It is designed so that the payout signal output for the number of payouts according to the winning and the payout signal output for the number of automatic inputs of the re-game are properly performed.
Therefore, the number of payouts can be accurately notified to the external device.

<13. Summary and modification examples>

By the processing of the CPU 80a described above, the progress of the game operation can be efficiently realized while reducing the control load. In addition, the memory capacity required for the progress of the game operation can be reduced.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the examples given in the embodiments, and various modifications and application examples can be considered.
For example, in the above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine is shown, but the present invention can be widely and suitably applied to a gaming machine.

Further, in the above, the max bet button 14 is illustrated as an operation means for instructing the setting of the bet number, but a bet button capable of instructing the setting of the bet number in units of one may be provided. The invention is suitably applicable.

1 ... Main body case 2 ... Front panel 3 ... Design rotating unit 4a-4c ... Rotating reel (rotating reel)
5 ... Medal payout device 5a ... Medal tank 5b ... Payout case 5c ... Payout exit 5d ... Excess medal lead-out unit 6 ... Auxiliary tank 9 ... LED group 10 ... Payout display unit 11 ... Stored number display unit 12 ... Medal slot 13 ... Return Button 14 ... Settlement button 16 ... Max bet button 17 ... Start lever 18a-18c ... Stop button 19 ... Recipient 20 ... Medal discharge port 21 ... Medal selector 21a ... Input flow path 21b ... Intake side flow path 21c ... Discharge side flow path 21d ... Flow path switching plate 21da ... Shaft 21db ... Upper end 21e ... Recessed 22 ... Return passage 40 ... Main control board 54a ... 1st cylinder stepping motor 54b ... 2nd cylinder stepping motor 54c ... 3rd cylinder stepping motor 54r ... Rotor 55a ... 1st cylinder index sensor 55b ... 2nd cylinder index sensor 55c ... 3rd cylinder index sensor 67 ... Selector sensor 68 ... Inserted medal related sensor 68a ... 1st inserted medal sensor 68b ... 2nd inserted medal sensor 68c ... After passing sensor 69 ... Blocker solenoid 75 ... Payout motor 76 ... Medal payout sensor 80 ... Controller 80a ... CPU
80b ... ROM
80c ... RAM
85 ... Rotating cylinder motor drive unit 101 ... Origin position

Claims (1)

Variable display means that can change the display mode of the design,
It is equipped with a control means for controlling the progress of the game operation.
The number of bets can be set by inputting the game value medium, one game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets, and one game ends when the display result of the symbol is displayed on the variable display means. , A gaming machine in which a prize can be generated according to the display result of the symbol.
The winning includes a small winning combination accompanied by payout of the game value medium and a re-game in which a number of the game value media corresponding to a predetermined number of bets is automatically inserted.
The control means
It has a notification control means for controlling to notify an external device of the number of payouts of the game value medium according to the winning, including the number of the game value media automatically input in response to the re-game.
The notification control means
The payout signal counter is updated according to the number of payouts, and control is performed to notify the number of payouts based on the value of the payout signal counter .
The updating of the payout signal counter corresponding to the replay, one of the processing in the game conducted in the automatic input process of re-game played before the charged acceptance start processing of the game value medium,
A gaming machine that updates the payout signal counter according to the small winning combination in the payout process of the game value medium, which is performed after the input acceptance start process in the process in one game.

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