U.S. patent application number 11/391677 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for gaming machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Corp.. Invention is credited to Yuichiro Suzuki.
Application Number | 20070238519 11/391677 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38576009 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070238519 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suzuki; Yuichiro |
October 11, 2007 |
Gaming machine
Abstract
A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
reel rotation start control means for starting the rotation of
plural reels based on the detection of a game start command signal;
winning combination determination means for determining a winning
combination from predetermined winning combinations based on the
detection of the game start command signal; stop command means for
outputting a stop command signal in accordance with player's
operations; reel stop control means for stopping the rotation of
the reels based on the detection of a stop command signal and on
the determined winning combination; and game value provision means
for providing a predetermined game value to the player when the
plural reels are stopped in a predetermined manner by the stop
control means. Herein, the reel rotation start control means
changes the speed state of the reels from a first speed state to a
second speed state faster than the first speed, through an inertial
force acting on the reels at the first speed state and a magnetic
force generated from the reel rotation start control means.
Inventors: |
Suzuki; Yuichiro; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEYDIG VOIT & MAYER, LTD
700 THIRTEENTH ST. NW
SUITE 300
WASHINGTON
DC
20005-3960
US
|
Assignee: |
Aruze Corp.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
38576009 |
Appl. No.: |
11/391677 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3213 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/022 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: game start command means for
outputting a game start command signal for commanding the start of
an unit game in accordance with player's operations; reel rotation
start control means for starting the rotation of plural reels based
on the detection of said game start command signal; winning
combination determination means for determining a winning
combination from predetermined winning combinations based on the
detection of said game start command signal; stop command means for
outputting a stop command signal in accordance with player's
operations; reel stop control means for stopping the rotation of
said reels based on the detection of said stop command signal and
on the determined winning combination; and game value provision
means for providing a predetermined game value to the player when
said plural reels are stopped in a predetermined manner by said
stop control means, wherein said reel rotation start control means
changes the speed state of said reels from a first speed state to a
second speed state faster than said first speed, through an
inertial force acting on said reels at said first speed state and a
magnetic force generated from said reel rotation start control
means.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to Japanese Application No.
.sub.2004-114708.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming machine.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Background
[0005] For example, a slot machine including stop buttons, which is
a so-called pachi-slot machine, is provided with a variation
display device including display windows at the front surface and
plural mechanical rotation reels arranged for displaying plural
symbols or an electrical variation display device for displaying
symbols on reels on the screen thereof. In accordance with player's
starting operations, control means drives the variation display
device to rotate the respective reels and, consequently, the
symbols are varyingly displayed. After a constant time period, the
rotations of the respective reels are stopped in order,
automatically or through player's stopping operations. At this
time, if a certain combination of symbols on the respective reels
(winning symbols) appears in the display windows, gaming media such
as coins or medals are paid out and, thus, a profit is provided to
the player.
[0006] Current mainstream machine models have plural types of
winning states. Particularly, if a predetermined winning
combination is established, this causes a gaming state which is
more advantageous than normal states to be continued for a
predetermined time period, in addition to paying out coins a single
time. As such winning combinations, there are a winning combination
which allows the player to play a predetermined number of games
which provide a relatively large profit to the player (which is
referred to as a "big bonus" and, hereinafter, abbreviated to as
"BB") and a winning combination which allows the player to play a
predetermined number of games which provide a relatively small
benefit to the player (which is referred to as a "regular bonus"
and, hereinafter, abbreviated to as "RB").
[0007] Further, in current mainstream machine models, in order to
cause a predetermined combination of symbols to be arranged along a
winning line which is made effective (hereinafter, referred to as
"an effective line") to establish winning for paying out coins,
medals or the like, a winning combination should be won
(hereinafter, referred to as "internal winning") as a result of an
internal lottery process (hereinafter, referred to as "internal
lottery") and further the player is required to perform stopping
operations at such timing that a combination of symbols indicative
of winning of the winning combination obtained from the internal
winning (hereinafter, referred to as "internal winning
combination") is stopped along the effective line.
[0008] Namely, even in the event of internal winning, if the player
performs the stopping operations at bad timing, the player can not
establish winning. Namely, current mainstream gaming machines
require players to have excellent techniques in terms of the timing
of stopping operations (such gaming machines are significantly
dependent on techniques such as "observation push") As such gaming
machines, there have been known gaming machines which drive reels
with pulse motors (for example, refer to JP-B 3-72313).
[0009] In the aforementioned gaming machines, generally, the reels
are driven through a stepping motor intervention process, and the
reels are rotated at a constant speed of about 80 rpm. Since
driving of the reels is controlled through this intervention
process, it is necessary to perform a large acceleration at a
final-stage acceleration (for example, acceleration from 40 rpm to
80 rpm) and, therefore, large-sized stepping motors capable of
generating large torque are employed to drive the rotations of the
reels.
[0010] However, since there is a need for large torque at the
aforementioned final-stage acceleration, it has been difficult to
realize size reduction and low voltage driving.
[0011] The contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-114708
and Japanese Kokoku Publication No. Hei-3-72313 (1991) are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming
machine capable of realizing size reduction and low voltage
driving.
[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the
aforementioned problems and is characterized in that, in a gaming
machine, reel rotation start control means changes the speed state
of reels from a first speed state to a second speed state faster
than the first speed, through an inertial force acting on the reels
at the first speed state and a magnetic force generated from the
reel rotation start control means.
[0014] More specifically, the present invention provides the
following gaming machine.
[0015] (1) A gaming machine comprising: game start command means
for outputting a game start command signal for commanding the start
of an unit game in accordance with player's operations; reel
rotation start control means for starting the rotation of plural
reels based on the detection of the game start command signal;
winning combination determination means for determining a winning
combination from predetermined winning combinations based on the
detection of the game start command signal; stop command means for
outputting a stop command signal in accordance with player's
operations; reel stop control means for stopping the rotation of
the reels based on the detection of the stop command signal and on
the determined winning combination; and game value provision means
for providing a predetermined game value to the player when the
plural reels are stopped in a predetermined manner by the stop
control means, wherein the reel rotation start control means
changes the speed state of the reels from a first speed state to a
second speed state faster than the first speed, through an inertial
force acting on the reels at the first speed state and a magnetic
force generated from the reel rotation start control means.
[0016] With the present invention, it is possible to provide a
gaming machine capable of realizing size reduction and low voltage
driving.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according
to the present embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the
electric circuit according to the present embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols arranged on
reels;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a reel unit;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the relationship between
symbols and motor phases;
[0022] FIGS. 6A and 6B are views illustrating the change of the
reel rotation speed;
[0023] FIGS. 7A and 7B are views illustrating various types of
control tables;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a RESET intervention
process;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 8;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 9;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a gaming status
supervisory process;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a periodic intervention
process;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a reel controlling
process;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a stop controlling
process;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an acceleration
controlling process;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a rotation starting
process;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a constant speed
controlling process;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a pulse counter updating
process;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a pulse counter updating
sub;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a pulse outputting
process; and
[0037] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an acceleration timer
setting process.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the external view
of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called pachi-slot machine.
The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine which enables playing
games by using gaming media such as a card, storing information
about a game value which is provided to a player or is to be
provided to the player, as well as coins, medals, game balls or
tokens. Hereinafter, the gaming machine 1 will be described as a
gaming machine which enables using medals.
[0039] At the front surface of a cabinet 2 forming the entire
gaming machine 1, there is formed a panel display portion 2a having
a substantially vertical surface, and there are also provided
vertically longer rectangular display windows 4L, 4C and 4R, at the
center thereof. On the display windows 4L, 4C and 4R, there are
provided a horizontal top line 8b, a center line 8c, a bottom line
8d, a diagonal cross-up line 8a and a diagonal cross-down line 8e,
as winning lines.
[0040] Out of these winning lines, a single line, three lines or
five lines are made effective by operating a 1-BET switch 11, a
2-BET switch 12 or a maximum-BET switch 13, which will be described
later, or by inserting medals into a medal insertion slot 22. The
winning lines which are made effective are indicated by lighting
BET lamps 9a, 9b and 9c, which will be described later.
[0041] Within the cabinet 2, three reels 3L, 3C and 3R are provided
rotatably and laterally in a row, wherein each of the reels has a
row of symbols which is drawn on its outer peripheral surface and
is constituted by plural types of symbols. These reels form
variation display means. The symbols on the respective reels can be
observed through the display windows 4L, 4C and 4R. The respective
reels are rotated at a constant rotation speed (for example, 80
rpm).
[0042] At the left of the display windows 4L, 4C and 4R, there are
provided the 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, the maximum-BET lamp
9c and an information display portion 18. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the
2-BET lamp 9b and the maximum-BET lamp 9c are lighted in accordance
with the number of medals bet for playing a single game
(hereinafter, referred to as "the number of BETs".
[0043] The 1-BET lamp 9a is lighted when the number of BETs is 1
and a single winning line is made effective. The 2-BET lamp 9b is
lighted when the number of BETs is 2 and three winning lines are
made effective. The maximum-BET lamp 9c is lighted when the number
of BETs is 3 and all the winning lines (the five winning lines) are
made effective. The information display portion 18 is constituted
by 7-segment LEDs and indicates the number of medals being stored
(credited), the number of medals which will be paid out in the
event of winning, and the number of games in a BB normal gaming
state which will be described later.
[0044] Under the display windows 4L, 4C and 4R, there is formed a
base portion 10 having a horizontal surface. A liquid crystal
display device 5 is provided between the base portion 10 and the
display windows 4L, 4C and 4R. Various types of effects are
executed on a display screen 5a of the liquid crystal display
device 5 to notify the player of information about games and the
like, through effects. The medal insertion slot 22 is provided at
the right of the liquid crystal display device 5, while the 1-BET
switch 11, the 2-BET switch 12 and the maximum-BET switch 13 are
provided at the left of the liquid crystal display device 5.
[0045] By pushing the 1-BET switch 11a single time, a single medal,
out of medals being credited, is bet on a game. By pushing the
2-BET switch 12 a single time, two medals, out of medals being
credited, are bet on a game. The maximum-BET switch 13 enables
betting a maximum number of medals which can be bet on a single
game. As previously described, by operating these BET switches,
predetermined winning lines can be made effective.
[0046] At a leftwardly-biased position on the front surface of the
base portion 10, there is provided a C/P switch 14 which enables
switching between crediting and paying-out of medals which the
player acquired in games, by performing button-pushing operations
thereon. By switching therebetween using the C/P switch 14, medals
are paid out from a medal payout slot 15 at a lower portion of the
front surface, and the paid-out medals are stored on a medal
receiving portion 16. At the right of the C/P switch 14, a start
lever 6 is mounted such that it is rotatable over a predetermined
angle range. When the start lever 6 is operated by the player, the
above-mentioned reels rotate, to start variation display of symbols
within the display windows 4L, 4C and 4R.
[0047] On the front surface of the base portion 10, at the center
portion thereof under the liquid crystal display device 5, there
are provided three stop buttons (stopping operation means) 7L, 7C
and 7R for stopping the rotations of the three reels 3L, 3C and 3R,
respectively. Speakers 21L and 21R are provided at the left side
and the right side above the medal receiving portion 16.
[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit structure including a main
control circuit 71 for controlling the gaming processing operations
in the gaming machine 1, peripheral devices (actuators)
electrically connected to the main control circuit 71 and a sub
control circuit 72 for controlling the liquid crystal display
device 5, the speakers 21L and 21R, LEDs 101 and lamps 102, based
on control commands transmitted from the main control circuit
71.
[0049] The main control circuit 71 is constituted by a
microcomputer 30 as a main component which is placed on a circuit
board together with circuits for random number sampling. The
microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 for performing controlling
operations according to preset programs and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33
which are storage means.
[0050] A clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency dividing
circuit 35 for generating reference clock pulses, and a random
number counter 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating random
numbers to be sampled are connected to the CPU 31. Also, as means
for random number sampling, the microcomputer 30 may be structured
to execute random number sampling therewithin, namely within
operation programs executed by the CPU 31. In such a case, the
random number counter 36 and the sampling circuit 37 may be omitted
or may be left for backing up random number sampling
operations.
[0051] The ROM 32 in the microcomputer 30 stores a probability
sortition table for use in random number sampling determination
performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (starting
operation), a stop table used for determining the reel stopping
state according to the operation of the stop buttons, various types
of control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control
circuit 72, and various types of tables and the like. The sub
control circuit 72 can not input commands, information and the like
to the main control circuit 71, and communication only in a single
direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control
circuit 72 can be conducted. The RAM 33 stores various types of
information such as flags, information about the gaming state and
the like.
[0052] In the circuit of FIG. 2, as main actuators whose operations
are under the control of control signals from the microcomputer 30,
provided are BET lamps (the 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b and
the maximum-BET lamp 9c), the information display portion 18, a
hopper (including a driving portion for paying out) 40 for storing
medals and paying out a predetermined number of medals in response
to commands from a hopper driving circuit 41, and stepping motors
49L, 49C and 49R for driving the rotations of the reels 3L, 3C and
3R.
[0053] Further, a motor driving circuit 39 for driving and
controlling the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R, the hopper
driving circuit 41 for driving and controlling the hopper (game
value provision means) 40, a lamp driving circuit 45 for driving
and controlling the BET lamps 9a, 9b and 9c and a display portion
driving circuit 48 for driving and controlling the information
display portion 18 are connected to the output portion of the CPU
31. Each of these driving circuits control the operations of the
respective actuators in response to control signals such as driving
commands output from the CPU 31.
[0054] For example, the motor driving circuit 39 outputs excitation
signals to the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R (the motor driving
circuit 39 drives the stepping motors with magnetic forces), based
on an output pulse data output from the CPU 31. Further, the motor
driving circuit 39 is provided separately from the main control
circuit 71, includes a dedicated LSI for controlling the motors and
is capable of controlling the sequence, the pulse period and the
like, in a hardware manner. Therefore, processing with the CPU 31
may be limited to only "start of rotation", "request for stop" and
"detection of positions".
[0055] Further, a start switch 6S, the 1-BET switch 11, the 2-BET
switch 12, the maximum-BET switch 13, the C/P switch 14, a medal
sensor 22S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a reel position
detecting circuit 50 and a payout completion signal circuit 51 are
provided as main input signal generation means which generate input
signals required to cause the microcomputer 30 to generate control
commands.
[0056] The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever
6. The medal sensor 22S detects medals inserted into the medal
insertion slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates stop
signals in accordance with the operations of the respective stop
buttons 7L, 7C and 7R. The reel position detecting circuit 50
sends, to the CPU 31, signals for detecting the positions of the
respective reels 3L, 3C and 3R, on receiving pulse signals from
reel rotation sensors. The payout completion signal circuit 51
generates signals for detecting the completion of payout of medals,
when the count value of a medal detection portion 40S (the number
of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches a value equal to a
specified number of medals data.
[0057] In the circuit of FIG. 2, the value of the random number
counter 36 is updated by incrementing the value by one at 0.25-msec
intervals. The sampling circuit 37 samples a single random number
at proper timing within a constant speed rotation attaining time.
On the basis of the sampled random number and the probability
sortition table stored in the ROM 32, a winning combination is
determined (hereinafter, the winning combination thus determined is
also referred to as "determined winning combination").
[0058] After the rotations of the reels 3L, 3C and 3R are started,
the number of driving pulses supplied to the respective stepping
motors 49L, 49C and 49R are counted, and the counted numbers are
written in a predetermined area of the RAM 33. Reset pulses are
generated (so-called indexes are detected) from the respective
reels 3L, 3C and 3R every time they have completed a single
rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 31 through the reel
position detecting circuit 50.
[0059] Based on the reset pulses thus generated, the respective
driving pulse count values, which are counted within the RAM 33,
are cleared to zero. Accordingly, the count values corresponding to
the rotational positions of the respective reels 3L, 3C and 3R
within a single rotation range are stored in the RAM 33.
[0060] The stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R employ a two-layer
excitation system. The excitation pattern is realized by
predetermined pulse signals generated from the CPU 31. The pulse
signals (pulse data) are input to the motor driving circuit 39, and
the motor driving circuit 39 outputs excitation signals according
to the pulse signals to the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R for
driving them.
[0061] In the present embodiment, four pulse data 09 (H), 0C (H),
06(H) and 03(H) (FIG. 7A) is output in this order to rotate the
reels 3L, 3C and 3R.
[0062] The pulse data control period (the period of intervention)
is 2.2346 msec (a first period), after the reels 3L, 3C and 3R
reach a constant speed rotation (during constant speed control).
After their rotations are started and before they reach constant
speed rotations (during acceleration control), the period is 4.4692
msec (a second period).
[0063] In order to associate the aforementioned rotational
positions of the reels 3L, 3C and 3R with the symbols drawn on the
reel outer peripheral surfaces, a symbol table (not shown) is
stored in the ROM 32. In the symbol table, based on the rotational
positions generated from the aforementioned reset pulses, code
numbers sequentially attached to the respective reels 3L, 3C and 3R
at respective constant rotation pitches are associated with symbol
codes indicative of symbols provided in correspondence with the
respective code numbers.
[0064] Further, the ROM 32 stores a winning symbol combination
table (not shown). In the winning symbol combination table, winning
symbol combinations, the numbers of medals to be paid in the event
of winning, and winning determination codes indicative of winning
are associated with one another. Reference is made to the
aforementioned winning symbol combination table, in performing the
stop control on the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C and the right
reel 3R and in performing winning confirmation after all the reels
3L, 3C and 3R are stopped.
[0065] In the event that winning occurs as a result of a lottery
process (probability sortition process) based on the aforementioned
random number sampling, the CPU 31 sends, to the motor driving
circuit 39, signals for performing stop control on the reels 3L, 3C
and 3R, based on operation signals, which are transmitted from the
reel stop signal circuit 46 at the timing when the player operates
the stop buttons 7L, 7C and 7R, and on the selected stop table.
[0066] When the reels show a stopped manner in which the winning
combination determined appears, the CPU 31 sends payout command
signals to the hopper driving circuit 41 to cause the hopper 40 to
pay out a predetermined number of medals. At this time, the medal
detection portion 40S counts the number of medals paid out from the
hopper 40 and, when the count value reaches a specified value, the
medal detection portion 40S inputs a medal payout completion signal
to the CPU 31. Thus, the CPU 31 stops the driving of the hopper 40
through the hopper driving circuit 41 to complete the medal payout
process.
[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates the rows of symbols (the rows of symbols
drawn on symbol sheets) consisting of plural types of symbols
represented on the respective reels 3L, 3C and 3R, wherein 21
symbols are arranged in the respective rows.
[0068] Code numbers of 00 to 20 are attached to the respective
symbols and are stored (recorded), as a data table, in the ROM 32
(FIG. 2) which will be described later. On the respective reels 3L,
3C and 3R, there are provided the rows of symbols consisting of a
red-7 symbol (symbol 91), a white-7 symbol (symbol 92), a BAR
symbol (symbol 93), a bell symbol (symbol 94), a watermelon symbol
(symbol 95), a Replay symbol (symbol 96) and a cherry symbol
(symbol 97). The respective reels 3L, 3C and 3R are driven to be
rotated such that the rows of symbols are moved in the direction of
an arrow shown in FIG. 3.
[0069] FIG. 4 illustrates one of the reels (3L), a lamp case 50L
provided inside the reel 3L and the stepping motor 49L.
[0070] The reel 3L is constituted by a cylindrical frame
construction made of two identically shaped annular frames 51 and
52 spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval (the
reel width) and plural coupling members 53 coupling the frames 51
and 52 to each other, and a transfer member 54 for transferring the
driving force from the stepping motor 49L provided at the center
portion of the frame construction to the annular frames 51 and
52.
[0071] A reel sheet 56, which is mounted along the outer peripheral
surface of the reel 3L, is made of a semitransparent film member,
and symbols are printed on the surface thereof with light
permeability color inks. As for the region other than the symbols,
masking treatment is applied thereto with a light shield ink.
[0072] The lamp case 50L placed within the reel 3L includes three
rooms Z1, Z2 and Z3, each housing six three-colored LED lamps 55.
The lamp case 50L is installed such that, when the rotation of the
reel 3L is stopped, the three rooms Z1, Z2 and Z3 are positioned at
the back side of a symbol (a total of three symbols) appearing
within the display window 4L.
[0073] While the reels 3C and 3R are not illustrated, they have the
same construction as that of the reel 3L and include a lamp case
SOC and a lamp case 50R therein, respectively.
[0074] FIG. 5 illustrates phases assigned to the regions in which
the respective symbols are represented. Sixteen phases are assigned
to each symbol (the region corresponding to each symbol) (by
outputting pulse data 16 times, the reel is rotated by an amount
corresponding to a single symbol).
[0075] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the change of the reel rotation
speed, according to the pulse data (pulse signals) output period.
The time intervals designated by (1) to (6) correspond to the
output period of pulse data.
[0076] FIG. 6A illustrates the change of the reel rotation speed,
in the case where the pulse data output period is set to 4.4692
msec. The rotation speed of the reels is oscillated due to the
inertia, wherein the greatest rotation speed is about 80 rpm and
the smallest rotation speed is about 20 rpm.
[0077] FIG. 6B illustrates the change of the reel rotation speed,
in the case where the pulse data output period is set to 4.4692
msec during the acceleration control while the pulse data output
period is set to 2.2346 msec (which is one-half of the output
period during the acceleration control) during the constant speed
control.
[0078] When the pulse data output period is set to 4.4692 msec, the
reel rotation speed is increased due to the inertia. After the
pulse corresponding to (5) is output, the pulse data output period
is updated to 2.2346 msec and, thereafter, the reel rotation speed
is maintained at about 80 rpm.
[0079] At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the mechanism and
the acceleration profile are configured to make large oscillations
occur in the rotation of reels and, at the time when the
oscillation component in the direction of acceleration reaches
around a peak, the frequency is switched to a next frequency (the
driving frequency is aimed to be raised at the time when the
oscillation component in the direction of acceleration reaches
around a peak, while the oscillations during the activation is not
suppressed). With this method, it is possible to overcome the
limitation on the control which is imposed by the intervention
process, even with a small motor capable of generating small
torque. Further, the stepping motors 49L, 49C and 49R according to
the embodiment have such a spec that they are not activated to 80
rpm after the oscillation is limited to 40 rpm.
[0080] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate tables (control information)
stored in the main control circuit 71.
[0081] FIG. 7A illustrates a pulse data table. This table stores
information on pulse data to be output according to the value of
the pulse code counter and is used in step S174 in FIG. 20 which
will be described later. The value of the pulse code counter is
incremented by one each time a pulse outputting process (FIG. 20)
which will be described later is conducted and is information used
for identifying pulse data to be output.
[0082] FIG. 7B illustrates an acceleration table. This table stores
information about an acceleration timer which is set according to
the value of the acceleration counter and, this table is used in
step S181 in FIG. 21, which will be described later. The
acceleration counter is information indicative of the progress (the
control state) of the acceleration control or the stop control for
the reels. The acceleration timer is a value which defines the
pulse data output period during acceleration or deceleration of the
reels.
[0083] The value of the acceleration timer is acquired in
accordance with the value of the acceleration counter and, after
the acquiring process, the value of the acceleration counter is
incremented by one (FIG. 21 which will be described later). When
the value of the acceleration counter is updated to 5 or more, the
control state is switched from the acceleration control conducting
state to the constant speed control conducting state (FIG. 15 which
will be described later).
[0084] Since the acceleration timer is set to 2 in correspondence
with the acceleration counter values of 1 to 4, the pulse data
output period during the acceleration control is set to 4.4692
msec. Further, during the constant speed control, pulse data is
output at a period at which the determination in step S55 in FIG.
12 which will be described later results in YES.
[0085] With reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, a RESET
intervention process in the main control circuit 71 will be
described.
[0086] First, the CPU 31 executes initialization at power-up (step
S1). More specifically, the CPU 31 initializes the content of
storage in the RAM 33 and also initializes communication data and
the like. Then, it erases a predetermined content of storage in the
RAM 33 which was stored at the time of the completion of games
(step S2) and then the process proceeds to step S3. More
specifically, it erases data in the writable area of the RAM 33
used for the previous game, writes parameters required for the next
game in the writing area of the RAM 33 and specifies the starting
address for a sequence program for the next game.
[0087] In step S3, a medal insertion supervisory/start checking
process is conducted on the basis of input signals from the start
switch 6S, the BET switches 11 to 13 and the medal sensor 22S and
then the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, a random number
for lottery is extracted and then the process proceeds to step S5.
In step S5, a gaming status supervisory process which will be
described later with reference to FIG. 11 is conducted and then the
process proceeds to step S6.
[0088] In step S6, a probability sortition process is conducted for
determining an internal winning combination and then the process
proceeds to step S7. In step S7, a reel-stop winning combination
determining process is conducted for determining a winning
combination for reel stop and then the process proceeds to step S8.
The internal winning combination and the winning combination for
reel stop are both included in winning combinations. The winning
combination for reel stop is determined on the basis of the
internal winning combination, and the states of reel stop control
is defined for the respective winning combinations for reel
stop.
[0089] In step S8, a table line selecting process is conducted and
then the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, a start command
including information about an internal winning combination and the
like is set and the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, a
game shortest time lapse waiting process is conducted and then the
process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, a game shortest time
measuring counter is set and the process proceeds to step S12.
[0090] In step S12, an all-reel rotation starting request is
generated and then the process proceeds to step S13. With the
all-reel rotation starting request, the determination in step S71
in FIG. 13 which will be described later results in YES, thereby
starting the acceleration control for the reels. In step S13, a
reel stop permission command is set and the process proceeds to
step S14.
[0091] In step S14, it is determined whether or not stop permission
flags for all the reels are ON. If this determination results in
YES, the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG. 9. The reel stop
permission flags are updated to ON, when indexes are detected at
first in the constant speed control process (step S139 in FIG. 17
which will be described later). When the reel stop permission flags
are ON, the operation of the stop buttons becomes effective.
[0092] In step S15 in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not a
stop button has been turned ON, namely whether or not there has
been an input from the reel stop signal circuit 46. If this
determination results in YES, a correction prohibition flag for the
target reel is set to ON (step S16) and the process proceeds to
step S17. The target reel is the reel corresponding to the operated
stop button. The correction prohibition flag is information used
for the determination in step S81 in FIG. 13 which will be
described later.
[0093] In step S17, it is determined whether or not the value of
the pulse counter for the target reel is smaller than 14. If the
determination results in YES, the process proceeds to step S18 and,
if the determination results in NO, the process proceeds to step
S19. The value of the pulse counter is information basically for
identifying the rotational angle of the reel during the constant
speed control and is decremented by one in a later-described step
S151 in FIG. 18, when the pulse data is output.
[0094] In step S18, it is determined whether or not the symbol
counter has been changed and, if the determination results in YES,
the process proceeds to step S19. The value of the symbol counter
is information for identifying the symbol position (rotational
angle) and is incremented by one when the value of the pulse
counter is updated to 0. The value of the pulse counter is varied
within the range of 0 to 16.
[0095] In step S19, a sliding-symbol-number determining process is
conducted for the target reel and then the process proceeds to step
S20. In step S20, the completion of the rotation of the target reel
by an amount corresponding to the number of sliding symbols is
waited and then the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, a
stop request flag for the target reel is set to ON and the process
proceeds to step S22. The stop request flag is information used for
the determination in step S83 in FIG. 13, which will be described
later.
[0096] In step S22, a reel stop command is set and the process
proceeds to step S23. In step S23, it is determined whether or not
all the reels have been stopped. If the determination results in
YES, the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG. 10 and, if the
determination results in NO, the process proceeds to step S15.
[0097] In step S24 in FIG. 10, an all-reel stop command is set and
the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, winning retrieval is
conducted and the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, an
erroneous winning checking process is conducted and the process
proceeds to step S27. In step S27, it is determined whether or not
the determined winning combination is a regular bonus (RB). If the
determination results in YES, the process proceeds to step S28. If
the determination results in NO, the process proceeds to step
S30.
[0098] In step S28, the carried-over winning combination (internal
carryover winning combination) is cleared and the process proceeds
to step S29. In step S29, medals are paid out and an RB is
generated and then the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30,
it is determined whether or not the gaming state is an RB gaming
state. If the determination results in YES, the process proceeds to
step S31. If the determination results in NO, the process returns
to step S2 in FIG. 8.
[0099] In step S31, a number-of-RB-games checking process is
conducted and the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, it is
determined whether or not the RB has been completed. If the
determination results in YES, the process proceeds to step S33. If
the determination results in NO, the process returns to step S2 in
FIG. 8. In step S33, an RB completing process is conducted and the
process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. 8.
[0100] With reference to FIG. 11, a gaming status supervisory
process will be described.
[0101] First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the current
gaming state is a normal gaming state (step S41). If the
determination results in YES, the process proceeds to step S42. If
the determination results in NO, the process returns to step S6 in
FIG. 8. In step S42, it is determined whether or not the determined
winning combination of the previous unit game (game) was an RB. If
the determination results in YES, the process proceeds to step S43.
If the determination results in NO, the process proceeds to step
S44.
[0102] In step S43, an RB is set as an internal carryover winning
combination and the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, it
is determined whether or not there is an internal carryover winning
combination. If the determination results in YES, the process
proceeds to step S45. If the determination results in NO, the
process proceeds to step S6 in FIG. 8. In step S45, the gaming
state is set to a carryover state, and the process proceeds to step
S6 in FIG. 8
[0103] With reference to FIG. 12, a periodical intervention process
in the main control circuit 71 will be described. The periodical
intervention process is conducted at 1.1173-msec intervals.
[0104] First, the CPU 31 saves the register (step S51) and proceeds
to step S52. In step S52, an input port checking process is
conducted and the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, a
communication data transmitting process is conducted and the
process proceeds to step S54. In step S54, an intervention counter
is incremented by one and the process proceeds to step S55.
[0105] In step S55, it is determined whether or not the value of
the intervention counter is an even number. If the determination
results in YES, the process proceeds to step S56. If the
determination results in NO, the process proceeds to step S57. In
step S56, a 7-SEG drive controlling process is conducted and the
process proceeds to step S63.
[0106] In step S57, information indicative of the right reel 3R is
set as a reel identifier and the process proceeds to step S58. In
step S58, a reel controlling process, which will be described later
with reference to FIG. 13, is conducted and the process proceeds to
step S59.
[0107] In step S59, information indicative of the center reel 3C is
set as a reel identifier and the process proceeds to step S60. In
step S60, the reel controlling process, which will be described
later with reference to FIG. 13, is conducted and the process
proceeds to step S61.
[0108] In step S61, information indicative of the left reel 3L is
set as a reel identifier and the process proceeds to step S62. In
step S62, the reel controlling process, which will be described
later with reference to FIG. 13, is conducted and the process
proceeds to step S63.
[0109] The reel controlling process illustrated in step S58, step
S60 and step S62 is conducted when the value of the intervention
counter is updated to an odd number, and the value of the
intervention counter is updated at 1.1173-msec intervals.
Therefore, the reel controlling process is conducted at 2.2346-msec
intervals.
[0110] In step S63, a various-counter subtracting process is
conducted and the process proceeds to step S64. In step S64, an
electromagnetic counter controlling process is conducted and the
process proceeds to step S65. In step S65, the register is restored
and the periodic intervention process is completed.
[0111] With reference to FIG. 13, the reel controlling process will
be described.
[0112] First, the CPU 31 refers to the reel identifier set in step
S57, step S59 or step S61 before calling up the reel controlling
process to determine whether or not the concerned reel is being
subjected to rotation control (step S71). If the determination
results in YES, the process proceeds to step S72. If the
determination results in NO, the process proceeds to step S59, step
S61 or step S63 in FIG. 12.
[0113] If the concerned reel is being subjected to the rotation
control, this means that the reel is being subjected to one of the
stop control, the acceleration control and the constant speed
control. For example, if the value at the region of the stop
control conducting state flag provided in the RAM 33 is ON, it is
determined that the target reel is being subjected to the stop
control and, therefore, being subjected to the rotation control. If
the value is OFF, it is determined that the target reel is not
being subjected to the stop control and, therefore, is not being
subjected to the rotation control. This is similarly applied to the
cases of the acceleration control conducting state and the constant
speed control conducting state.
[0114] Further, in the reel controlling process, reference is made
to the reel identifier set in step S57, step S59 or step S61 before
this process is called up, and then a process suitable for the
state of the concerned reel is conducted. For example, in the case
where the right reel 3R is controlled, information indicative of
the right reel 3R is set as a reel identifier in step S58 and,
during the reel controlling process conducted subsequently to step
S58, reference is made to information relating to the right reel 3R
such as the stop control conducting state flag, the acceleration
control conducting state flag and the constant speed control
conducting state flag while setting of such information is
performed. Further, during the reel controlling process, reception
of signals and outputting of excitation signals relating to the
right reel 3R are performed. Further, in the case of the left reel
3L and the center reel 3C, similarly, reference is made to
information about the concerned reel while setting of such
information is performed.
[0115] In step S72, an index flag is set to OFF and then the
process proceeds to step S73. In step S73, it is determined whether
or not a reel index signal input from the IN port is ON. If the
determination results in YES, the process proceeds to step S74. If
the determination results in NO, the process proceeds to step
S75.
[0116] In step S74, the index flag is set to ON and then the
process proceeds to step S75. The index flag is information for
identifying whether or not an index has been detected (whether or
not a reset pulse has been obtained). When an index has been
detected, the index flag is ON.
[0117] In step S75, it is determined whether or not the stop
control is being conducted. If the determination results in YES,
the process proceeds to step S76. If the determination results in
NO, the process proceeds to step S77. The setting to the stop
control conducting state is performed in step S85 which will be
described later. In step S76, the stop controlling process, which
will be described later with reference to FIG. 14, is conducted and
then the process proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG.
12.
[0118] In step S77, it is determined whether or not the
acceleration control is being conducted. If the determination
results in YES, the process proceeds to step S78. If the
determination results in NO, the process proceeds to step S79. The
setting to the acceleration control conducting state is performed
in step S121 in FIG. 16 which will be described later. In step S78,
the acceleration controlling process, which will be described later
with reference to FIG. 15, is conducted and then the process
proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG. 12.
[0119] In step S79, it is determined whether or not the constant
speed control non-conducting state is being conducted. If the
determination results in YES (the constant speed control not being
conducted), the process proceeds to step S80. If the determination
results in NO (the constant speed control being conducted), the
process proceeds to step S81. The setting to the constant speed
control conducting state is performed in step S115 in FIG. 15 which
will be described later. In step S80, a rotation starting process,
which will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, is
conducted and then the process proceeds to step S59, step S61 or
step S63 in FIG. 12.
[0120] In step S81, it is determined whether or not the correction
prohibition non-conducting state is being conducted (whether or not
the correction prohibition flag is ON). If the determination
results in YES (the correction prohibition flag not turned ON), the
process proceeds to step S82. If the determination results in NO
(the correction prohibition flag turned ON), the process proceeds
to step S83. In step S82, a constant speed controlling process,
which will be described later with reference to FIG. 17, is
conducted and then the process proceeds to step S59, step S61 or
step S63 in FIG. 12.
[0121] In step S83, it is determined whether or not there is a stop
request (whether or not the stop request flag is ON). If the
determination results in YES, the process proceeds to step S85. If
the determination results in NO, the process proceeds to step S84.
In step S84, a pulse counter updating process, which will be
described later with reference to FIG. 18, is conducted and then
the process proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG.
12.
[0122] In step S85, setting to the stop control conducting state is
performed. For example, the regions of the constant speed control
conducting state flag and a stop request flag provided in the RAM
33 are set to OFF while the region of the stop control conducting
state flag provided in the RAM 33 is set to ON (in the cases of
setting to the acceleration control conducting state and the
constant speed control conducting state, the corresponding flags
may be configured to be set similarly). Thereafter, the process
proceeds to step S86. In step S86, a stop controlling process,
which will be described later with reference to FIG. 14, is
conducted and then the process proceeds to step S59, step S61 or
step S63 in FIG. 12.
[0123] With reference to FIG. 14, the stop controlling process will
be described.
[0124] First, the CPU 31 decrements the value of the acceleration
timer by one (step S91) and the process proceeds to step S92. In
step S92, it is determined whether or not the value of the
acceleration timer is 0. If the determination results in YES, the
process proceeds to step S93. If the determination results in NO,
the process proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG.
12.
[0125] In step S93, it is determined whether or not the value of
the acceleration counter is 9 or more. If the determination results
in YES, the process proceeds to step S94. If the determination
results in NO, the process proceeds to step S99. In step S94, the
pulse code signal which has been output to the OUT port is turned
OFF (all phase OFF) and then the process proceeds to step S95. In
step S95, setting to rotation-not-controlled state is performed
(for example, the region of the stop control flag in the RAM 33 is
set to OFF and, as a matter of course, the flags for stop control
conducting state, acceleration control conducting state and
constant speed control conducting state may be all set to OFF) and
then the process proceeds to step S96.
[0126] In step S96, the value of the pulse code counter is
decremented by one and then the process proceeds to step S97. In
step S97, it is determined whether or not the value of the pulse
code counter is 0 or more. If the determination results in YES, the
process proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG. 12. If
the determination results in NO, the process proceeds to step S98.
In step S98, the value of the pulse code counter is set to 3 and
then the process proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG.
12.
[0127] In step S99, an acceleration timer setting process, which
will be described later with reference to FIG. 21, is conducted and
then the process proceeds to step S100. In step S100, a pulse
outputting process, which will be described later with reference to
FIG. 20, is conducted and then the process proceeds to step S59,
step S61 or step S63 in FIG. 12.
[0128] With reference to FIG. 15, an acceleration controlling
process will be described.
[0129] First, the CPU 31 decrements the value of the acceleration
timer by one (step S111) and then the process proceeds to step
S112. In step S112, it is determined whether or not the value of
the acceleration timer is 0. If the determination results in YES,
the process proceeds to step S113. If the determination results in
NO, the process proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG.
12.
[0130] In step S113, an acceleration timer setting process which
will be described later with reference to FIG. 21 is conducted and
then the process proceeds to step S114. In step S114, it is
determined whether or not the value of the acceleration counter is
smaller than 5. If the determination results in YES, the process
proceeds to step S116. If the determination results in NO, the
process proceeds to step S115. In step S115, setting to the
constant speed control conducting state is performed (for example,
the region of the acceleration control flag in the RAM 33 may be
set to OFF and the region of the constant speed control flag in the
RAM 33 may be set to ON) and then the process proceeds to step
S116. In step S116, a pulse outputting process which will be
described later with reference to FIG. 20 is conducted and then the
process proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG. 12.
[0131] With reference to FIG. 16, the rotation starting process
will be described.
[0132] First, the CPU 31 sets the acceleration control conducting
state (for example, the region of the acceleration control flag in
the RAM 33 may be set to ON) (step S121) and the process proceeds
to step S122. In step S122, the pulse counter is set to 16 and then
the process proceeds to step S123. In step S123, the error counter
is set to 0 and then the process proceeds to step S124.
[0133] In step S124, the symbol counter is set to 0 and then the
process proceeds to step S125. In step S125, the acceleration
counter is set to 0 and then the process proceeds to step S126. In
step S126, the acceleration timer is set to 1 and then the process
proceeds to step S127. In step S127, the acceleration controlling
process illustrated in FIG. 15 is conducted and then the process
proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG. 12.
[0134] With reference to FIG. 17, the constant speed controlling
process will be described.
[0135] First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the value of the
error counter is 0 (step S131). If the determination results in
YES, the process proceeds to step S135. If the determination
results in NO, the process proceeds to step S132. In step S132, the
value of the error counter is decremented by one and then the
process proceeds to step S133.
[0136] In step S133, it is determined whether or not the value of
the error counter is 0. If the determination results in YES, the
process proceeds to step S134. If the determination results in NO,
the process proceeds to step S135. In step S134, the rotation
starting process illustrated in FIG. 16 is conducted and then the
process proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG. 12.
[0137] Namely, the error counter is set to a value other than 0
(for example, it is set in step S164 which will be described later)
and then is proceeded to countdown at every other intervention and
then the process proceeds to the rotation starting process in step
S134 at the timing of intervention which changes the value of the
error counter from 1 to 0. Namely, after a single rotation of the
reel, which is recognized when the after-mentioned symbol counter
and the pulse counter are updated, if no reel index is detected
until the excitation position of the stepping motor has been
changed five times, more specifically, if the determining process
in step S135 which will be described later results in YES, and the
determining process in step S136 which will be described later does
not result in NO, it is determined that the reel is at an error
state where the reel is not rotated a single time at a constant
speed of 80 rpm. Then, the rotation starting process step S134 is
conducted so that the reel is reactivated (reaccelerated) from the
stop state.
[0138] In step S135, it is determined whether or not the index flag
is ON, wherein the index flag is set to OFF or ON in step S72 or
step S74. If the determination results in YES, the process proceeds
to step S136. If the determination results in NO, the process
proceeds to step S141. In step S136, it is determined whether or
not the index flag has been ON prior to the previous checking. If
the determination results in YES, the process proceeds to step
S141. If the determination results in NO (if the index is detected
in the current process), the process proceeds to step S137.
[0139] More specifically, since the reel controlling process is
called up for controlling the right reel 3L, the center reel 3C and
the left reel 3R at every other intervention, if it is determined
that the reel index signal is OFF from the determining process in
step S73 in the reel controlling process called up from the second
last intervention process and also if it is determined that the
reel index signal is ON from the determining process in step S73 in
the reel controlling process called up from the current
intervention process, this means the reel has been rotated a single
time at a constant speed of 80 rpm and the process proceeds to step
S137. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S141.
[0140] In step S137, the symbol counter is set to 0 and the process
proceeds to step S138. In step S138, the error counter is set to 0
and then the process proceeds to step S139. In step S139, the stop
permission flag is set to ON and then the process proceeds to step
S140. In step S140, a pulse counter updating sub which will be
described later with reference to FIG. 19 is conducted and then the
process proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG. 12. In
step S141, a pulse counter updating process which will be described
later with reference to FIG. 18 is conducted and then the process
proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG. 12.
[0141] With reference to FIG. 18, the pulse counter updating
process will be described. This process is conducted at the timing
of step S84 in FIG. 13 and step S141 in FIG. 17.
[0142] First, the CPU 31 decrements the value of the pulse counter
by one (step S151) and then proceeds to step S152. In step S152, it
is determined whether or not the value of the pulse counter is 0.
If the determination results in YES (namely, it is determined that
the excitation position has been changed the times corresponding to
a single symbol), the process proceeds to step S153. If the
determination results in NO, the process proceeds to step S155.
[0143] In step S153, the symbol counter is incremented by one and
then the process proceeds to step S154. In step S154, a pulse
counter updating sub which will be described later with reference
to FIG. 19 is conducted and then the process proceeds to step S155.
In step S155, a pulse outputting process which will be described
later with reference to FIG. 20 is conducted and then the process
proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG. 12.
[0144] With reference to FIG. 19, the pulse counter updating sub
will be described. This process is conducted at the timings of step
S140 in FIG. 17 and step S154 in FIG. 18.
[0145] First, the CPU 31 sets the pulse counter to 16 (step S161)
and the process proceeds to step S162. In step S162, it is
determined whether or not the value of the symbol counter is
smaller than 21. If the determination results in YES, the process
proceeds to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG. 12, or step S155
in FIG. 18.
[0146] If the determination in step S162 results in NO, the value
of the symbol counter is decremented by 21 (for setting it to 0)
(step S163) and then the process proceeds to step S164. In step
S164, the error counter is set to 5 and then the process proceeds
to step S59, step S61 or step S63 in FIG. 12, or step S155 in FIG.
18.
[0147] With reference to FIG. 20, the pulse outputting process will
be described. This process is conducted at the timings of step S100
in FIG. 14, step S116 in FIG. 15 and step S155 in FIG. 18.
[0148] First, the CPU 31 increments the value of the pulse code
counter by one (step S171) and the process proceeds to step S172.
In step S172, it is determined whether or not the value of the
pulse code counter is greater than 3. If the determination results
in YES, the process proceeds to step S173. If the determination
results in NO, the process proceeds to step S174. In step S173, the
pulse code counter is set to 0 and then the process proceeds to
step S174.
[0149] In step S174, on the basis of the pulse data table (FIG. 7A)
and the value of the pulse code counter, pulse data is acquired and
then the process proceeds to step S175. In step S175, it is
determined whether or not the value of the acceleration counter is
9. If the determination results in YES (after the completion of 12
interventions for the control for reducing the speed to 40 rpm (the
deceleration control based on the acceleration counter values of 5,
6 and 7)), the process proceeds to step S176. If the determination
results in NO, the process proceeds to step S177.
[0150] In step S176, the bit 4 of the pulse data is set to ON (the
chopping output bit is set to ON) in order to complete the chopping
electric current control for the stepping motors by the next reel
activation. Then, the process proceeds to step S177. In step S177,
the pulse data is output from the OUT port and then the process
proceeds to step S59, step S61, or step S63 in FIG. 12.
[0151] With reference to FIG. 21, the acceleration timer setting
process will be described. This process is conducted at the timings
of step S99 in FIG. 14 and step S113 in FIG. 15.
[0152] First, the CPU 31 acquires the value of the acceleration
timer, on the basis of the acceleration table (FIG. 7B) and the
value of the acceleration counter (step S181) and then the process
proceeds to step S182. In step S182, the value of the acceleration
counter is incremented by one and then the process proceeds to step
S100 in FIG. 14 or step S114 in FIG. 15.
[0153] While an embodiment has been described hereinbefore, the
present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
[0154] For example, the motor driving circuit 39 may be designed as
a control LSI. There are exemplary LSI designs as follows; (1)
three-axes controls can be performed (a three-axes concurrent
starting function, an independent stopping function), (2)
acceleration, constant speed and deceleration operations through
external inputs or CPU commands, (3) a position information reading
function (output pulses can be internally counted and read by the
CPU), (4) a two-phase stepping motor excitation distribution
function (unipolar, bipolar), (5) acceleration, deceleration and
the rotation speed and the like are programmable.
[0155] Such an LSI may be mounted to the gaming machine to enable
controlling the reel motors. There is an exemplary processing flow
as follows. When the CPU 31 generates an activation command, the
LSI activates the three axes at the same time and generates a stop
permission signal after a constant speed rotation is attained. The
CPU 31 receives operations on the stop buttons 7L, 7C and 7R, reads
position information, determines the stopping positions and then
generates a stopping position specification command. Then, the LSI
conducts deceleration/stop control.
[0156] As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the
embodiment is a gaming machine having the following
configuration.
[0157] (1) A gaming machine comprising: game start command means
(for example, the start switch 6S) for outputting a game start
command signal for commanding the start of an unit game (for
example, a single game), in accordance with a player's operations
(for example, the operation on the start lever 6); reel rotation
start control means (for example, the motor driving circuit 39) for
starting the rotations of plural reels on the basis of the
detection of the game start command signal; winning combination
determination means (for example, the main control circuit 71) for
determining a winning combination (for example, an internal winning
combination) from predetermined winning combinations (for example,
bonuses, minor winning combinations, replays) based on the
detection of the game start command signal; stop command means (for
example, the reel stop signal circuit 46) for outputting a stop
command signal in accordance with player's operations (for example,
operations on the stop buttons 7L, 7C and 7R); reel stop control
means (for example, the main control circuit 71, the reel stop
signal circuit 46) for stopping the rotations of the reels based on
the detection of the stop command signal and on the determined
winning combination; and game value provision means (for example,
the main control circuit 71, the hopper 40) for providing a
predetermined game value (for example, a predetermined number of
medals) to the player when the plural reels are stopped by the stop
command means at a predetermined manner (for example, a state
indicative of winning, symbol stop states corresponding to winning
combinations), wherein the reel rotation start control means
changes the speed state of the reels from a first speed state (for
example, the acceleration control conducting state) to a second
speed state (for example, a constant speed control conducting
state) faster than the first speed through an inertial force acting
on the reels at the first speed state and a magnetic force
generated from the reel rotation start control means (for example,
in the case where the pulse data output period is a second period,
the output period is changed to a second period smaller than the
second period at the timing when the reel rotation speed becomes
largest).
[0158] With the gaming machine described in (1), it is possible to
realize size reduction and low voltage driving. Further, it may be
possible to provide a lower-cost gaming machine. Further, it may be
possible to reduce the time until the reels reach a constant speed
rotation after the rotation of the reels is started.
[0159] Also, the present invention may be applied to other gaming
machines other than pachinko gaming machines, as well as the gaming
machine 1 according to the present embodiment.
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