Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of initializing pattern position information at an appropriate timing even when there is a deviation in the weight of rotary reels.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a plurality of rotary reels; one or more reel indexes provided to each of the rotary reels; a detection part capable of detecting whether irradiation light directed to the reel index is in a transmission state in which the irradiation light is transmitted or in a blocked state in which the light is blocked; and a pattern position management part capable of managing pattern position information on the rotary reels on the basis of a result of the detection by the detection part. The pattern position management part is capable of executing initialization processing for initializing the pattern position information in at least one of a case where the detection result of the detection part is from the blocked state to the transmission state, and a case where the detection result is from the transmission state to the blocked state, and is capable of making the number of times for executing initialization processing different when the number of times of rotations of the rotary reels is less than a predetermined number of times of rotations and when it is equal to or more than the predetermined number of times of rotations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a gaming machine including a plurality of rotating reels having a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, a reel index provided for managing the symbol position information of each of the plurality of rotating reels, a detection unit, and a symbol position management unit (see Patent Document 1). The detection unit detects whether the irradiation light directed at the reel index in each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state. The symbol position management unit manages the symbol position information of the rotating reels based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0003] When the irradiation light changes from the transmitted state to the blocked state, and when the irradiation light changes from the blocked state to the transmitted state, the symbol position management unit initializes the symbol position information. Thereby, the symbol position management unit can manage the position information of the symbols in the rotating reels.

[0004] When all the rotating reels are in a constant-speed rotation state and the symbol position information is initialized, an operation to a stop switch for stopping each rotating reel becomes possible.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, there is a weight bias between the portions where the reel index is provided and the portions where it is not provided on each rotating reel, and furthermore, there are individual differences in the bias among the rotating reels.

[0007] Due to such problems, in a conventional gaming machine, there is a risk that the timing at which the symbol position information is initialized will shift.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of initializing symbol position information at an appropriate timing even when there is a bias in the weight of the rotating reels.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The present invention a plurality of rotating reels having a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, a stepping motor for rotating each of the rotating reels, one or more reel indexes provided on each of the rotating reels for managing the symbol position information of each of the plurality of rotating reels, a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed at the reel index in each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state where it is transmitted or a blocked state where it is blocked, a determination unit capable of determining whether it is a normal state in which a predetermined event has not occurred based on the detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps, comprising a gaming machine.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of initializing symbol position information at an appropriate timing even when there is a bias in the weight of the rotating reels.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

[0012] [First Embodiment] The slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present invention. In the following description, "connection" includes both the case where the connection targets are directly connected and the case where the connection targets are indirectly connected via another board or device. In the following, with respect to the slot machine 1, the side surface (the surface shown in FIG. 1) that the player visually recognizes while playing the game on the slot machine 1 is defined as the front, and the upper, lower, left, and right in FIG. 1 are described as "upper, lower, left, and right with respect to the front view of the slot machine 1".

[0013] The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is a type of rotary gaming machine in which the quantity of game values is managed by electronic data (hereinafter referred to as "game value data") without using physically existing medals, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] [Configuration of the Card Unit 7] As shown in FIG. 2, the card unit 7 is communicably connected to the slot machine 1 outside the slot machine 1.

[0015] Further, the card unit 7 can store therein a card 70 that stores game value data as electronic data in place of real medals.

[0016] Note that since details of the card unit 7 are the same as those of a conventional medal-less machine, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0017] <Configuration of Slot Machine 1> As described above, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is a medal-less machine that can progress a game without using real medals. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is played using game value data as electronic data in place of real medals.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the slot machine 1 includes a housing 10. A front door 100 is provided on the front surface of the housing 10. This front door 100 is locked during the progress of the game. Note that FIG. 4 is a schematic view in which unnecessary devices and equipment are omitted for the sake of explaining the part related to the present invention.

[0019] A transparent reel window 200 is provided at the central portion of the front door 100. A player can visually recognize a plurality of symbols displayed on the surfaces of a plurality of rotating reels 20, which will be described later, through this reel window 200.

[0020] Above the reel window 200, a liquid crystal screen 3, a speaker 101, and a lighting decoration unit 102 for performing various effects during the game are provided.

[0021] The liquid crystal screen 3 includes a monitor LED and a backlight, and displays various effect videos (effect screens) during the game of the player.

[0022] Speaker 101 outputs predetermined BGM (background music), SE (sound effect), and voice.

[0023] The lighting decoration part 102 is composed of LEDs or the like, and lights up or goes out in a predetermined pattern when, for example, a highly anticipated production screen is displayed or a role wins a prize.

[0024] Below the reel window 200, an operation unit 4, a lower panel 103, a front bottom 104, etc. are provided. On the lower panel 103, the title of the slot machine 1 and the like are displayed. Also, LED lighting is arranged on the back side of the lower panel 103. The front bottom 104 can be used to place personal belongings of the player.

[0025] The operation unit 4 includes a plurality of stop switches 40 (40a, 40b, 40c), a bet switch 41, a lever 42, a digital counter 43, a count button 44, a cancel button 45, and an effect button 46.

[0026] Near each switch of the operation unit 4, a sensor is provided to detect the operation of the player and output an operation signal to the control unit 6.

[0027] Each of the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c is provided corresponding to each rotating reel 20 (20a, 20b, 20c). The stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c receive an operation to stop the rotation of the corresponding rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c while the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c are rotating.

[0028] Inside the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c, lamps are provided. The lamps can indicate, for example, in a light emission color (e.g., red), that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an inoperative state from when the lever 42 is operated until each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reaches a steady rotation state. Further, the lamps can indicate, in a light emission color different from the above light emission color (e.g., blue), that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an operative state from when each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reaches a steady rotation state until the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are operated.

[0029] The bet switch 41 is used when a player bets game values. Note that the quantity of the credited game values and the bet game values is managed by the slot machine 1 (media management unit 620). Further, a lamp that lights up when the operation is valid and goes out when the operation is invalid is provided inside or around the bet switch 41.

[0030] The lever 42 functions as a start switch that receives an operation for rotating the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0031] In the digital counter 43, the credit number of game values, the payout number (winning number) of game values, etc. are digitally displayed. The player can also check during the game how much the quantity of the held game values is by checking the digital counter 43.

[0032] The counting button 44 can receive an operation by the player for transferring game value data from the media management unit 620 to the card unit 7. When the counting button 44 receives the player's operation, a transfer signal is generated by the counting button 44. Further, the counting button 44 is provided with a lamp whose light emission color or on / off state of light emission changes between when it is not operated and when it is operated, inside or around it.

[0033] The cancel button 45 can accept an operation by the player to change a gaming value that has been bet (betting state) to a non-betting state (non-betting state). When the cancel button 45 accepts an operation by the player, a cancel signal is generated by the cancel button 45. After that, the media management unit 620, which receives the cancel signal, manages the gaming value data in the betting state as a non-betting state. In addition, the cancel button 45 is provided with a lamp inside or around it that changes the light color or turns on / off depending on whether it is not being operated or is being operated.

[0034] The effect button 46 is a button used by the player to set the light intensity of the LEDs of the illumination unit 101, set the volume of the speaker 102, check game data, and set various other menu settings related to the game on the menu screen when playing a game. The effect button 46 may also be operated by the player during a game depending on the effect. When the effect button 46 is operated during a game, a change occurs in the effect.

[0035] In addition, the effect button 46 is provided with a lamp capable of emitting light in various colors and patterns inside or around it. The lamp is turned on when the effect button 46 is in an operationally valid state, and is turned off when the effect button 46 is in an operationally invalid state.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, a reset button 51 and a setting change button 52 are provided inside the housing 10.

[0037] The reset button 51 is operated to clear various errors and initialize the RAM that constitutes the control unit 6. For example, when the power of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on while the reset button 51 is being operated, the quantity of game value managed by the media management unit 620 is cleared to "0," and the second game state of the slot machine 1 is set to the "general game state," and the game zone is set to the "normal zone."

[0038] The setting change button 52 is a button operated by a store staff member when any one of a plurality of levels of setting values is set in the slot machine 1. For example, when the power supply of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on while the slot machine 1 is set in the setting change mode, the setting change button 52 becomes in an operable state, and when the setting change button 52 is operated in this state, setting of the setting value becomes possible.

[0039] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the slot machine 1 includes a rotary reel unit 2 and a control unit 6 (including a main control unit 61 mounted on the main control board P1, a game value control unit 62 mounted on the game value control board P2, and a sub control unit 63 mounted on the sub control board P3). The rotary reel unit 2 and the control unit 6 are arranged inside the housing 10 together with a power supply device PS for supplying voltage to the slot machine 1.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the rotary reel unit 2 includes three rotary reels 20a, 20b, 20c and three stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c. Note that FIG. 6 is an exploded explanatory view of the rotary reel 20a among the three rotary reels 20a, 20b, 20c, and the other rotary reels 20b, 20c have the same configuration.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the rotary reels 20a, 20b, 20c are composed of first frames 201a, 201b, 201c, second frames 202a, 202b, 202c, and rotary belts 203a, 203b, 203c.

[0042] The rotary reels 20a, 20b, 20c are installed on the base frame 205 while being supported by mounting frames 204a, 204b, 204c respectively.

[0043] The base frame 205 is fixed with screws inside the housing 10. When the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front, the portions on which the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate are arranged from left to right in the order of the first frames 201a, 201b, and 201c, the reel belts 203a, 203b, and 203c, and the second frames 202a, 202b, and 202c.

[0044] The base frame 205 is also provided with a storage section 2050 in which the three reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are stored. The reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are placed side by side in the storage section 2050 such that parts of the reels 203a, 203b, and 203c are positioned on the front side of the slot machine 1.

[0045] In addition, since the position of the base frame 205 corresponds to the position of the reel window 200, the operator can visually recognize the symbols through the reel window 200.

[0046] The first frames 201a, 201b, and 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, and 202c are formed of resin frames. The first frames 201a, 201b, and 201c receive driving forces from the corresponding stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c, causing the first frames 201a, 201b, and 201c, the second frames 202a, 202b, and 202c, and the reels 203a, 203b, and 203c to rotate integrally. The reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate from top to bottom in FIG. 1, and counterclockwise in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b).

[0047] The reels 203a, 203b, and 203c are arranged between the first frames 201a, 201b, and 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, and 202c, as shown in Fig. 6. For example, symbols are arranged on the surfaces of the reels 203a, 203b, and 203c, as shown in Fig. 3. The game progresses when a game result determination unit 612, which will be described later, determines whether or not a combination of symbols displayed on a pay line L, which will be described later, when the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c stop spinning is a combination of symbols that has been determined in advance.

[0048] The first frames 201a, 201b, 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c are formed in annular shapes, and their sizes (diameters) are approximately the same. The first frames 201a, 201b, 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the reel belts 203a, 203b, 203c are wound around the first frames 201a, 201b, 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c along the outer periphery of the circles.

[0049] The short ends of the reel belts 203a, 203b, 203c are in contact with the first frames 201a, 201b, 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c, respectively, and the long ends of the reel belts 203a, 203b, 203c are in contact with each other.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, reel lamps 23a, 23b, and 23c are provided on the front side of the slot machine 1 inside each reel 20a, 20b, and 20c to illuminate the reel belts 203a, 203b, and 203c so that the player can easily see the symbols. The reel lamps 23a, 23b, and 23c are fixed and attached to mounting frames 204a, 204b, and 204c. The reel lamps 23a, 23b, and 23c increase the brightness of the symbols in the illuminated areas, making it easier for the player to understand the types of symbols.

[0051] Even if the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate, the cylinder lamps 23a, 23b, 23c, the mounting frames 204a, 204b, 204c, and the base frame 205 do not rotate.

[0052] Also, even if the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate, the cylinder lamps 23a, 23b, 23c continue to irradiate light in a certain direction onto the cylinder belts 203a, 203b, 203c from the back side of the cylinder belts 203a, 203b, 203c. Since this light is irradiated toward the reel window 200, the luminance of the irradiated portions of the cylinder belts 203a, 203b, 203c becomes high, and it becomes easier for the player to grasp the drawing from the reel window 200.

[0053] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, on each of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, 20c, one half - circumference reel index 2020a, 2020b, 2020c is provided on the outer periphery of each of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, 20c for the position information of the symbols shown on the respective cylinder belts 203a, 203b, 203c.

[0054] In this embodiment, the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c are formed to protrude in a flat - plate shape from the outer periphery toward the centers of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, 20c, and are formed on the right sides (the right side of the paper in FIG. 1) of the respective rotary reels 20a, 20b, 20c, that is, in the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c, when viewed from the front of the slot machine 1.

[0055] In addition, on each of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, 20c, cylinder sensors (an example of a detection unit) 22a, 22b, 22c are provided to detect that the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c have passed by blocking the irradiation light to the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c.

[0056] Each of reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c includes a light-emitting unit (e.g., 221a in the example of FIG. 6) that emits light and a light-receiving unit (e.g., 222a in the example of FIG. 6) that receives the light. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are spaced a predetermined distance apart so that reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c can pass through while rotating. With this configuration, reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c detect whether the light irradiated between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit is being blocked by reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c.

[0057] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c detect the passing of the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c when the irradiated light is blocked by the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c. The light emitted by the light projecting unit is blocked by the passing reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c, and the light receiving unit cannot receive the light, so the passing of the reel indexes is detected. On the other hand, the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c detect that the irradiated light is not blocked by the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c when the irradiated light from the light projecting unit is received by the light receiving unit.

[0058] In this embodiment, the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c are attached to the mounting frames 204a, 204b, and 204c on the right side of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (the right side of the paper in FIG. 1), that is, on the side where the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c are provided. In addition, while the main bodies of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c do not rotate, the drive shafts of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c rotate. In addition, each drive shaft is connected to the rotation center of the corresponding reel 20a, 20b, and 20c. As a result, the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate by the drive force transmitted from the drive shafts of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c.

[0059] The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are installed as drive sources for rotating the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are provided corresponding to the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and drive the corresponding reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are attached to mounting frames 204a, 204b, and 204c, respectively.

[0060] The rotation states of each rotating reel 20a, 20b, 20c include an acceleration state in which the corresponding stepping motor 21a, 21b, 21c rotates while gradually shortening the time it takes to move one step, and a constant speed rotation state in which the corresponding stepping motor moves one step at a fixed time thereafter.

[0061] In addition, the stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c stop the rotation of the rotating reel 20 (e.g., 20a) corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 (e.g., 40a) within 190 ms after the stop switch 40a, 40b, 40c is operated while the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c are rotating.

[0062] The rotation and stopping of these reels 20a, 20b, and 20c and stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are controlled by a reel control unit 611, which will be described later.

[0063] It should be noted that the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c, the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c, and the reel lamps 23a, 23b, and 23c are fixed to mounting frames 204a, 204b, and 204c, and do not rotate.

[0064] On the other hand, the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (first frames 201a, 201b, and 201c, second frames 202a, 202b, and 202c, and reels 203a, 203b, and 203c) are rotated by the driving of stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c.

[0065] <The flow of play by players> The player bets game values on the slot machine 1 by using the game values credited by operating the bet switch 41. When a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game values are bet on the slot machine 1, the valid line L is activated. Thereafter, it becomes possible to operate the lever 42, that is, to start the game.

[0066] FIG. 1 shows an example in which the valid line L is composed of the upper stage within the reel window 200 in the left rotating reel 20a, the middle stage within the reel window 200 in the middle rotating reel 20b, and the lower stage within the reel window 200 in the right rotating reel 20c.

[0067] One game (one play) in the present embodiment refers to a series of operations by which the player operates the bet switch 41, the lever 42, the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, etc. to obtain a predetermined game result including internal lottery, winning determination processing, and increase / decrease processing of game value data.

[0068] Specifically, when the lever 42 is operated (lever on) in a state where the game can be started, an internal lottery for determining the lottery flag is performed and the rotation of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c is started. In this state, when any one of the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c is operated, the rotating reel 20 (20b) corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 (for example, 40b) stops. When all the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c stop, a payout process of a predetermined number of game values is executed according to the combination (winning combination) of the symbols aligned (winning) on the valid line L. Thereby, one game ends.

[0069] Note that at least a part of the information regarding the progress of the game until these predetermined game results are obtained (for example, the bet switch 41 has been operated, the lever 42 has been operated, the stop switch 40 has been operated, the internal lottery has been executed, a predetermined winning combination has been won, the rotating reels have rotated, etc.) is managed by the main control unit 61 mounted on the main control board P1.

[0070] <Configuration of Control Unit 6> As described above, the control unit 6 includes a main control unit 61 mounted on the main control board P1, a game value control unit 62 mounted on the game value control board P2, and a sub-control unit 63 mounted on the sub-control board P3.

[0071] The main control board P1, the game value control board P2, and the sub-control board P3 each include a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a voltage supply unit, a power-off / restore detection unit, a WDT (Watchdog Timer), and a storage unit (Read Only Memory / ROM and Random Access Memory / RAM). In addition, the sub-control board P3 includes an RTC (Real Time Clock) that manages data of the current time (hereinafter referred to as "time information").

[0072] The connection relationship and communication processing of the main control board P1, the game value control board P2, and the sub-control board P3 will be described below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0073] The main control board P1 and the game value control board P2 are electrically connected by a harness, and two-way serial communication is possible.

[0074] The information and commands transmitted from the main control board P1 to the game value control board P2 include outer end information, whether setting changes are in progress, commands regarding various errors, a game value bet request signal due to the operation of the bet button 41, a game value payout request signal corresponding to a winning combination, a request signal for bet cancellation processing due to the operation of the cancel button 45, a game value transfer request due to the operation of the count button 44, and the like.

[0075] The information and commands transmitted from the game value control board P2 to the main control board P1 include information indicating that the complete function (described later) has been activated, information indicating that the credit count has reached the upper limit value (a value for prompting the player to transfer because the credit count is too large), information regarding the presence or absence of communication abnormalities between the card unit 7 and the slot machine 1, various responses to requests from the main control unit 61, and the like.

[0076] The main control board P1 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but only one-way serial communication from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3 is performed.

[0077] The information and commands transmitted from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3 include information regarding game values (for example, bet / payout information of game values, total number of acquired game values during AT), information regarding game states and game sections, information indicating the start / end of a game, start / end information of accessory operations, information regarding various errors, information on whether the player can operate the lever 42 or the like, and the like.

[0078] The game value control board P2 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but one-way serial communication from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3 is performed.

[0079] The information and commands transmitted from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3 include the range (MY) described later, information indicating the activation of the complete function, commands regarding prior notification before the activation of the complete function, information regarding the transfer of game values (for example, indication of start of transfer, during transfer, transfer completed, etc.), information indicating the credit count or the number of acquired values, information indicating that the credit count has reached the upper limit, error information if a backup error of the credit count has occurred, information on whether the player can operate the counting button 44 or the like, and the like.

[0080] As the game progresses and the functions of the operation unit 4, such as the lever 42, the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, and the count button 44, are activated, serial communication in one direction from the main control board P1 and the game value control board P2 to the lever 42 and the like is performed.

[0081] <Description of the main control unit 61> The main control unit 61 is mounted on the main control board P1 and functions as an internal lottery unit 610, a rotating reel control unit 611, a game result determination unit 612, a set value control unit 613, a section control unit 614, a game state control unit 615 (an example of a control unit), an RT state control unit 616, and an error determination unit 617.

[0082] <Internal lottery unit 610> The internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery based on the operation of the lever 42 and can select one of a plurality of role flags as a winning flag.

[0083] <Rotating reel control unit 611> The rotating reel control unit 611 controls the driving of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c based on the operation of the lever 42 or each of the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, and can perform rotation start control to start the rotation of each rotating reel 20a, 20b, 20c or rotation stop control to stop the rotation.

[0084] When the rotating reel control unit 611 moves the stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c by N (N is an integer) steps, the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c make one rotation. This number of steps N can be various values such as 336 and 400, but in this embodiment, it is 504. Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to the actual game rather than a pseudo game is described.

[0085] The rotating reel control unit 611 can control the number of pulses (number of steps) of the pulse signal (step signal) for driving the stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c.

[0086] In addition, the rotary reel control unit 611 can count the number of pulses since the start of rotation of each rotary reel 20a, 20b, 20c.

[0087] In addition, the rotary reel control unit 611 can manage the detection results (whether the irradiated light is in a transmitted state or a light-shielded state; hereinafter the same) of the turning cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, 22c with respect to the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c provided for each of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, 20c since the start of rotation of each rotary reel 20a, 20b, 20c.

[0088] Furthermore, the rotary reel control unit 611 functions as a symbol position management unit that manages the position information of the symbols on the turning cylinder belts 203a, 203b, 203c.

[0089] That is, the rotary reel control unit 611 can grasp the current rotational positions of the respective rotary reels 20a, 20b, 20c based on the timing when the irradiated light by the turning cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, 22c is blocked by the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c (changed from the transmitted state to the light-shielded state), the timing when the irradiated light is no longer blocked by the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c (changed from the light-shielded state to the transmitted state), and the number of pulses for driving the stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c from those points in time.

[0090] Thereby, the rotary reel control unit 611 can detect the rotational positions of the respective rotary reels 20a, 20b, 20c. Note that the rotary reel control unit 611 only needs to be able to grasp in real time the symbols passing through at least any one of the upper, middle, and lower stages of the reel window 200.

[0091] In addition, in the present embodiment, the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c provided in each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are formed for a half circumference on the outer circumferences of the respective rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c as shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 6. Therefore, when the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate by half a turn, the detection results of the rotating cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from, for example, a transmissive state to a light-blocking state, and when the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c further rotate by half a turn, the detection results change from the light-blocking state to the transmissive state.

[0092] Also, as described above, the rotation states of the respective rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c include an acceleration state and a constant-speed rotation state. In the steady rotation state, with 1-2 phase excitation, 504 pulses are output for one rotation of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. And the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate by one step (one pulse) for each timer interrupt process. Since one timer interrupt process is executed in 1.504 msec, 1.504 msec × 504 pulses = 758.016 msec is the time (rotation speed) required for the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to make one rotation. Further speaking, in one minute, the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate 79.15 (= 60 seconds / 0.758016 seconds) times.

[0093] And after each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c enters the constant-speed rotation state, when the detection results of the rotating cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from the light-blocking state to the transmissive state, and when the detection results change from the transmissive state to the light-blocking state, the rotation reel control unit 611, as a function of the symbol position management unit, initializes the symbol position information of each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (executes the initialization process of the symbol position information).

[0094] Thereby, the rotation reel control unit 611 can accurately grasp the symbols on the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c by initializing the number of steps of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c when the detection results of the rotating cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from the transmissive state to the light-blocking state and when the detection results change from the light-blocking state to the transmissive state.

[0095] Specifically, for example, when the detection result of the rotary cylinder sensor 22a changes from the transmission state to the light-shielding state, the rotary reel control unit 611 assumes that, for example, the symbol number 11 of the rotary reel 20a (replay in the example of FIG. 3) is at a predetermined position (for example, the middle stage of the reel window 200), and initializes the number of steps to a predetermined value (for example, 0, 4, etc., a predetermined value), and when the state changes from the light-shielding state to the transmission state, assumes that the symbol number 1 (bell) of the rotary reel 20a is at a predetermined position (for example, the middle stage of the reel window 200), and can initialize the number of steps to a predetermined value.

[0096] At this time, for the first rotation after all the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c enter the constant-speed rotation state, the rotary reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information both when the detection results of the rotary cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from the transmission state to the light-shielding state and when the detection results change from the light-shielding state to the transmission state.

[0097] On the other hand, for the second rotation and subsequent rotations after all the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c enter the constant-speed rotation state, the rotary reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information when the detection results of the rotary cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from the transmission state to the light-shielding state or when the detection results change from the light-shielding state to the transmission state, whichever occurs.

[0098] In the present embodiment, when the number of rotations of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c is the second rotation or later, the rotary reel control unit 611 can execute the initialization process at the timing when the detection results of the rotary cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from the light-shielding state to the transmission state and from the transmission state to the light-shielding state, whichever occurs at a higher angular velocity (or rotational speed) of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0099] This is because it is considered that the reel-in sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c detect the reel-in indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c above the reel belts 203a, 203b, and 203c, that there is a bias in mass depending on the presence or absence of the reel-in indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c, and that the moment of inertia is the cause. That is, in the second frames 202a, 202b, and 202c, it is considered that the relative angular velocity is higher in the part where the reel-in indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c change from "present" to "absent" than in the part where the reel-in indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c change from "absent" to "present".

[0100] Therefore, by initializing the symbol position information when the angular velocity of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c is high, it is possible to prevent the influence of the presence of the reel-in indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c and make it easier for the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to grasp the symbol position information.

[0101] In addition, the rotating reel control unit 611 stores, as a history, the fact that it has moved the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c one step at a time, and determines the transmission state (transmission state or light-shielding state) of the irradiated light by the reel-in indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c based on this history.

[0102] Note that the history of the rotating reel control unit 611 moving the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21 one step at a time is the detection results of the reel-in sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c when the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c move one step at a time.[[ID=,13]]

[0103] In addition, the rotating reel control unit 611 executes the determination of whether the irradiated light (detection results of the reel-in sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c) is in a transmission state or a light-shielding state after the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a constant rotational speed state.

[0104] In addition, as history storage, the rotary reel control unit 611 determines whether the detection results of the cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c are in the transmission state or the light-shielding state every time a timer interrupt process occurs. This timer interrupt process is a process that occurs every predetermined time (for example, 1.504 milliseconds).

[0105] When the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are rotating normally, and when the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are rotating normally and no chattering is occurring (hereinafter collectively referred to as "in the normal state"), after the detection result changes from the transmission state to the light-shielding state, the light-shielding state continues for a predetermined period (the time for the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to rotate half a turn. For example, 379 milliseconds), and after the detection result changes from the light-shielding state to the transmission state, the transmission state continues for a predetermined period (the time for the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to rotate half a turn. For example, 379 milliseconds. Note that the predetermined period after the detection result changes from the transmission state to the light-shielding state and the predetermined period after the detection result changes from the light-shielding state to the transmission state should theoretically be the same value, but due to individual differences in the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c and the presence or absence of the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c, they may not be the same value).

[0106] On the other hand, when the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are not rotating normally, or when the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are rotating normally but the detection by the cylinder sensors 23a, 23b, and 23c is different from the ideal state (hereinafter collectively referred to as "in the abnormal state"), at the timing when the detection result should change from the transmission state to the light-shielding state and the light-shielding state should continue, it momentarily returns to the transmission state, and then becomes the light-shielding state again and the light-shielding state continues. Also, in the abnormal state, at the timing when the detection result should change from the irradiation state to the transmission state and the transmission state should continue, it momentarily returns to the light-shielding state, and then becomes the transmission state again and the transmission state continues.

[0107] As described above, when an abnormal state occurs, the spinning reel control unit 611 determines that chattering (an example of a predetermined event) in the abnormal state occurs.

[0108] In this way, the spin reel control unit 611 uses the detection results of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c (whether the detection result is a light-transmitting state or a light-blocking state) to determine whether chattering has occurred.

[0109] The spinning reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information when chattering does not occur (when the state is normal), and when chattering occurs (when an abnormal state occurs), it does not initialize the symbol position information until the chattering subsides, and initializes the symbol position information when the chattering subsides.

[0110] The reel control unit 611 does not detect how much the timing at which the detection results of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state (or from a light-transmitting state to a light-blocking state) deviates from the expected timing. This is because even if the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have entered a constant speed rotation state, their rotation may not yet be stable.

[0111] In addition, the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c are provided for half a revolution for each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c so that the player can "push the first revolution". This "push the first revolution" is a hitting method in which the user stops the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c before the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c make one revolution. In particular, when the player makes such a push for the first revolution, the effect of the present invention is effectively exerted as described below.

[0112] In this embodiment, in the first rotation after the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a constant speed rotation state, the detection results of the rotating cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from a light-shielded state to a transmissive state, and from a transmissive state to a light-shielded state. Based on both of these, the initialization process of the symbol position information is executed. Further, after the second rotation and later after the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a constant speed rotation state, the initialization process is executed based on either the detection result changing from a light-shielded state to a transmissive state or from a transmissive state to a light-shielded state.

[0113] As a result, the rotating reel control unit 611 can make the actual symbol position information less likely to deviate and manage the symbol position information. Specifically, even when there is a bias in the weights of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c and rotation cannot be made uniform due to individual differences in the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, the rotating reel control unit 611 can manage the symbol position information even after the second rotation and later, taking into account the timing deviation in the first rotation of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. Therefore, according to the present invention, even when there is a bias in the weights of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, etc., it is less likely to affect the management of the symbol position information.

[0114] Note that this initialization process of the symbol position information is performed individually for each of all the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and each time each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotates.

[0115] And in one game, after all the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are in a constant speed rotation state and the symbol position information of all the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c is initialized for the first time, the main control board P1 enables the reception of operations to the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c for stopping each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0116] <Explanation of the game result determination unit 612> The game result determination unit 612 can determine the result of the game based on the internal lottery result signal output from the internal lottery unit 610 and the symbols visible through the reel window 200 when the rotation of each rotating reel 20 stops.

[0117] <Explanation of the setting value control unit 613> The setting value control unit 613 can carry out the game progress using any one of a plurality of types of setting values (for example, 1 to 6) with different degrees of advantage in the game progress control based on the operation of the setting change button 52 by the store staff.

[0118] <Interval control unit 614> The interval control unit 614 can carry out the game progress by setting any one of a plurality of game intervals (normal interval and advantageous interval).

[0119] <Game state control unit 615> The game state control unit 615 can carry out the game progress by setting each of the first game state (for example, during the execution of a special combination, inside the special combination) and the second game state (for example, general game state, special game states such as AT, CZ, etc.).

[0120] <RT state control unit 616> The RT state control unit 616 can carry out the game progress using one of a plurality of RT states (the table used for internal lottery and the RT state in which the replay probability is determined in advance).

[0121] <Error determination unit 617> The error determination unit 617 can determine the presence or absence of various errors. Examples of various errors include backup abnormality, communication abnormality between the main control board P1 and the game value control board P2, connection abnormality between the slot machine 1 and the card unit 7, reaching the upper limit value of the credit number, and so on.

[0122] <Explanation of the game value control unit 62> The game value control unit 62 is mounted on the game value control board P2 and functions as a medium management unit 620 and a function operation unit 621.

[0123] <Explanation of the medium management unit 620> The medium management unit 620 can manage the credit number and bet number of game values. Also, the medium management unit 620 uses the difference number of game values, which is the cumulative value of the number obtained by subtracting the bet number of game values from the paid-out number of game values since the power of the slot machine 1 was last turned on, to calculate the range (MY), which is the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the difference number.

[0124] <Function operation unit 621> The function operation unit 621 can receive information regarding the range (MY) transmitted from the medium management unit 620. Then, when the range (MY) becomes equal to or greater than a first range, for example, 18500, the function operation unit 621 generates information regarding a prior notice indicating that the operation of the complete function is approaching.

[0125] This complete function is a so-called stop function. When the complete function is activated, the slot machine 1 stops accepting operations related to the game, and the player cannot continue the game (enters a non-game state) unless the power is turned off and on by the store staff.

[0126] <Explanation of the sub-control unit 63> The sub-control unit 63 is mounted on the sub-control board P3 and functions as an effect control unit 630 through operations using a ROM 631, a RAM 635, etc. by a microcomputer MCU.

[0127] <Effect control unit 630> The effect control unit 630 can determine at least one of a moving image / still image output on the liquid crystal screen 3, a sound pattern output from the speaker 101, a light emission pattern of the electrical decoration unit 102 such as an LED, and a light emission pattern of the effect button 46 as an effect pattern by performing effect lottery.

[0128] <Flow of initialization process> Next, the flow of the initialization process of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0129] First, when a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game values are bet and the lever 42 is operated (step S201), the rotating reel control unit 611 starts the rotation of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (step S202). Note that depending on the content of the following processes, they can be executed for each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c will be described together.

[0130] Next, the flow branches based on whether or not all of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have reached a constant speed rotation state (step S203).

[0131] If the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have not reached a constant speed rotation state (S203: NO), the process repeats step S203.

[0132] On the other hand, if the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have reached a constant speed rotation state (S203: YES), the flow branches based on whether or not the number of rotations after the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have reached a constant speed rotation state is the first rotation (step S204).

[0133] If the number of rotations of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c after reaching a constant speed rotation state is the first rotation (S204: YES), after a state change has occurred (step S205. The detection results of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c have changed from a transmissive state to a light-shielding state, or from a light-shielding state to a transmissive state), the flow branches based on whether or not chattering is occurring (step S206). Note that whether or not chattering is occurring is determined according to the history of the detection results for each step. The same applies hereinafter.

[0134] Specifically, after the detection results of the drum sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from the transmission state to the light-shielding state (or from the light-shielding state to the transmission state), based on whether or not an event (chattering) occurs in which the transmission state (or light-shielding state) momentarily occurs at the timing when the light-shielding state (or transmission state) should be continued, the flow branches.

[0135] When chattering occurs after the state change is detected (S206: YES), the process repeats step S206 until the chattering subsides.

[0136] On the other hand, when chattering does not occur after the state change is detected, or when chattering occurs but subsides thereafter (S206: NO), the rotation reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information for the rotation reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (step S207). That is, for example, for the rotation reel 20a, after the detection results of the drum sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from the light-shielding state to the transmission state (or from the transmission state to the light-shielding state), if the transmission state (or light-shielding state) continues without the detection results returning to the light-shielding state (or transmission state), the symbol position information is updated so that the symbol number 1 (or symbol number 11) becomes a predetermined value.

[0137] Next, taking as an opportunity the fact that all the rotation reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are in a constant-speed rotation state and the symbol position information has been initialized, the main control board P1 enables the operation of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c (step S208).

[0138] Next, after a state change (the detection results of the drum sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from the light-shielding state to the transmission state, or from the transmission state to the light-shielding state. That is, the detection results are the opposite of the detection results in S205) occurs again (step S209), the flow branches based on whether or not chattering is occurring (step S210).

[0139] If chattering occurs after a state change is detected (S210: YES), the process repeats step S210 until the chattering subsides.

[0140] On the other hand, if no chattering occurs after a state change is detected, or if chattering occurs but then subsides (S210: NO), the rotation reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information for the rotation reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (step S211).

[0141] Next, based on whether all the rotation reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have stopped and, if applicable, whether a game value has been paid out, etc., such that one game has ended, the flow branches (step S212).

[0142] If one game has ended (S212: YES), the initialization process of the present invention ends.

[0143] On the other hand, if one game has not ended (S212: NO) and in step S204 the number of rotations of the rotation reels 20a, 20b, and 20c is not the first rotation (it is the second rotation or later) (S204: NO), then when there is a state change (step S213), based on whether the state change is a state change that should be initialized, the flow branches (step S214). A state change that should be initialized means that during one rotation of the rotation reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, the detection result of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c has changed from a light-blocked state to a transmissive state or from a transmissive state to a light-blocked state, and it has been previously set that the symbol position information should be initialized for either of these state changes.

[0144] Next, based on whether chattering is occurring, the flow branches (step S215).

[0145] When chattering occurs (S215: YES), the process repeats step S215 until the chattering subsides.

[0146] On the other hand, when chattering does not occur, or when chattering has occurred but has subsided thereafter (S215: NO), the rotation reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information for the rotation reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (step S216). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S212. Through the above procedure, the initialization process of the present invention is executed.

[0147] Summarizing the above, the slot machine 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of rotation reels 20a, 20b, 20c having a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, one reel index 2020a, 2020b, 2020c provided for each of the plurality of rotation reels 20a, 20b, 20c for managing the symbol position information of each of the plurality of rotation reels 20a, 20b, 20c, a reel cylinder sensor 22a, 22b, 22c capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed at the reel index 2020a, 2020b, 2020c in each of the rotation reels 20a, 20b, 20c is in a transmitted state where it is transmitted or a blocked state where it is blocked, a rotation reel control unit 611 capable of managing the symbol position information of the rotation reels 20a, 20b, 20c based on the detection results of the reel cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, 22c, and the rotation reel control unit 611 is capable of executing an initialization process of initializing the symbol position information when the detection results of the reel cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, 22c change from the blocked state to the transmitted state and / or from the transmitted state to the blocked state at least once during one rotation of the rotation reels 20a, 20b, 20c after the rotation reels 20a, 20b, 20c reach a constant speed rotation state, and After the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c enter a constant-speed rotation state, it is possible to vary the number of times of performing the initialization process between the first time and the second time and subsequent times for the number of rotations of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0148] <Advantages of the Invention> Conventionally, a gaming machine including a plurality of rotary reels, a reel index provided for managing the symbol position information of each of the plurality of rotary reels, a detection unit, and a symbol position management unit has been known. The detection unit detects whether the irradiation light directed at the reel index in each of the rotary reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state. Further, the symbol position management unit manages the symbol position information of the rotary reels based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0149] And, in the conventional gaming machine, when the irradiation light changes from the transmitted state to the blocked state and when the irradiation light changes from the blocked state to the transmitted state, the symbol position management unit initializes the symbol position information. Accordingly, the conventional symbol position management unit can manage the position information of the symbols in the rotary reels.

[0150] And, in the conventional gaming machine, when all the rotary reels are in a constant-speed rotation state and the symbol position information has been initialized, an operation to a stop switch for stopping each rotary reel becomes possible.

[0151] However, there is a bias in weight between a portion where a reel index is provided and a portion where it is not provided in each rotary reel, and furthermore, there are individual differences in the bias in each rotary reel. And, the angular velocity of the rotary reel when the irradiation light changes from the blocked state to the transmitted state is faster than the angular velocity when the irradiation light changes from the transmitted state to the blocked state. Therefore, in the conventional gaming machine, there were cases where the symbol position information could not be initialized at an appropriate timing.

[0152] In contrast, in the present invention, the reel control unit performs initialization processing differently depending on whether the reel has rotated for the first time after the reel has entered a constant speed rotation state or the second time or later.

[0153] This allows the reel control unit to manage the symbol position information while suppressing deviations in the actual symbol position information. Specifically, even if there is a bias in the weight of the reels or if the rotation cannot be uniform due to individual differences between the reels, the reel control unit can manage the symbol position information from the second rotation onwards, taking into account the deviation in timing at the first rotation of the reels.

[0154] As described above, according to the present invention, a gaming machine can be provided that can initialize symbol position information at an appropriate timing even if the weight of the rotating reels is uneven.

[0155] [Other embodiments] The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be appropriately modified in design without changing the gist of the present invention. In addition, the various control means, processing procedures, and processing contents described in each embodiment can be configured individually or in appropriate combinations.

[0156] Furthermore, the various definitions used in this specification are commonly used throughout the specification unless otherwise specified in each example.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the control is described when the stepping motor rotates the reel one step at a time, but this is not limited to this, and similar control may also be performed when the stepping motor rotates the reel two or more steps at a time.

[0158] Also, in the above embodiment, it was described that the number of times of performing the initialization process differs depending on whether the number of rotations of the rotary reel after it reaches the constant-speed rotation state is less than two rotations or two rotations or more. However, for example, the number of times of performing the initialization process may differ depending on whether it is less than 3 (or 4 or more) rotations or 3 (or 4 or more) rotations or more.

[0159] Also, in the above embodiment, an example is described in which the reel index is arranged on the outer periphery of each rotary reel for a half turn. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The reel index may be provided at one location inside each rotary reel, or may be arranged, for example, at two locations on the outer periphery of each rotary reel for a quarter turn each (not limited thereto, for example, it may be arranged at three locations for a sixth turn each) (that is, in total, for a half turn).

[0160] Also, the shape of the reel index is not limited to the flat plate shape as in the above embodiment, and may be formed in various shapes such as a T shape or a round shape on the inner peripheral surface of the rotary reel.

[0161] Furthermore, the reel index may be formed on the first frame instead of the second frame. In this case, in addition to the outer periphery of the first frame, the reel index may be arranged, for example, on a frame that goes toward the center of the first frame instead of the outer periphery. Also in this case, the turning cylinder sensor may be attached at a position where it can detect the presence or absence of the reel index.

[0162] Also, unlike the above embodiment, the initialization process may be executed at the timing when the angular velocity (or rotational speed) of the rotary reel is lower, among when the detection result of the turning cylinder sensor changes from the light-shielded state to the transmissive state and when it changes from the transmissive state to the light-shielded state.

[0163] Furthermore, without being limited to the above embodiment, when the number of rotations of the reel after all of the reels have reached a constant speed rotation state is the second or subsequent times, the reel control unit may be able to determine, based on the mounting position of the reel sensor on the reel, whether to execute the initialization process when the detection result of the reel sensor changes from a light-blocking state to a transparent state, or when the detection result changes from a transparent state to a light-blocking state.

[0164] Specifically, the reel control unit can execute initialization processing when the detection result changes from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state when the reel sensor is attached above the reel (for example, the upper side of the paper in FIG. 1), and when the detection result changes from a light-transmitting state to a light-blocking state when the reel sensor is attached below the reel. The reel sensor may be attached between the upper and lower positions of the reel (for example, the position where the reel lamp is attached).

[0165] In addition, the present invention can be applied to a real game with a bet and a payout of a game value, and / or a so-called pseudo game (a reel effect, which is a pseudo game with no bet and no payout of a game value, unlike a real game). For example, the present invention can be applied to a case where a reel is rotated in reverse during a pseudo game.

[0166] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the reel control unit does not detect how much the timing at which the irradiated light changes from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state (or from a light-transmitting state to a light-blocking state; the same applies below) deviates from the expected timing, but the present invention is not limited to this. The reel control unit may detect how much the timing at which the irradiated light changes from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state deviates from the expected timing.

[0167] In addition, in the above embodiment, (1) The number of times the initialization process is performed can be made different depending on whether the number of rotations of the reel after the reel has entered a constant speed rotation state is less than a predetermined number or greater than a predetermined number. (2) Based on the detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiation light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps, it is possible to determine whether it is a normal state where a predetermined event has not occurred. (3) Based on the detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiation light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps, it is possible to determine the occurrence state of a predetermined event, and (4) Based on the detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiation light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps, adjust the timing for executing the initialization process based on the detection result by the detection unit when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps. A slot machine equipped with all of the above is described, but the present invention may be equipped with any one or a combination of any plurality of the above (1) to (4).

[0168] Also, in the above embodiment, an example is described where all operations to the stop switches become effective when all the rotating reels are in a constant-speed rotation state and the symbol position information is initialized, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when one rotating reel is in a constant-speed rotation state and the symbol position information regarding that rotating reel is initialized, the operation to the stop switch corresponding to that rotating reel may become effective.

[0169] Also, as an example where the initialization process is performed at a timing when the angular velocity of the rotating reel is large, (a) Before the slot machine is shipped, by grasping the actual angular velocity (actual measurement or calculation), determine at which timing of either the detection result changing from the light-shielded state to the transmission state or from the transmission state to the light-shielded state, and then ship. (b) In the case of (a) above, since it is necessary to grasp the angular velocity for each individual slot machine, if it is possible to grasp it to a certain extent by calculation in advance, determine at which timing of either the detection result changing from the light-shielded state to the transmission state or from the transmission state to the light-shielded state to execute the initialization process. (c) During the game, calculate the actual angular velocity and determine each time whether the rotation reel control unit should perform the initialization process. etc. can be considered.

[0170] In the example of FIG. 8 in the above embodiment, (a) to (c) are not mounted, but by mounting at least (c), the rotation reel control unit may be able to determine whether it is in a state where the symbol position information should be initialized using the angular velocity of the rotation reel in step S214 in FIG. 8.

[0171] Also, for bonus symbols etc. that the player needs to aim at when pressing the stop switch, a light-transmitting portion may be provided. Thereby, when light is irradiated from the rotating cylinder lamp, the light-transmitting portion of the bonus symbol lights up, making it easier for the player to aim at the bonus symbol.

[0172] Also, not limited to the above embodiment, the main control board and the game value control board may not be separated, and the main control unit and the game value control unit may be mounted on the main control board.

[0173] Also, the slot machine of the above embodiment was a medal-less machine having a game section, but the slot machine to which the present invention is applied may not have a game section and may not be a medal-less machine. When the slot machine is not a medal-less machine, components of a conventional slot machine such as a medal insertion slot, a hopper, a medal payout slot, and a lower tray are required.

[0174] In addition, the gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine, and the invention of the present application can also be applied to a so-called enclosed pachinko machine, that is, a Smart Pachinko (registered trademark) equipped with a handle, a pachinko ball launching device, an electric tulip, etc. This is because the Smart Pachinko (registered trademark) has the same problems as the slot machine.

Explanation of Signs

[0175] 1 Slot machine (gaming machine) 20a, 20b, 20c Rotating reels 201a, 201b, 201c First frame 202a, 202b, 202c Second frame 2020a, 2020b, 2020c Reel index 203a, 203b, 203c Rotating belt 21a, 21b, 21c Stepping motor 22a, 22b, 22c Rotating cylinder sensor (detection unit) 611 Rotating reel control unit (symbol position management unit)

Claims

1. A plurality of rotating reels having a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, One or more reel indexes provided on each of the rotating reels for managing the symbol position information of each of the plurality of rotating reels, A detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed at the reel index in each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state where it is transmitted or a blocked state where it is blocked, A symbol position management unit capable of managing the symbol position information of the rotating reel based on the detection result of the detection unit, Comprising, The symbol position management unit, After the rotating reel enters a constant-speed rotation state, during one rotation of the rotating reel, when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the blocked state to the transmitted state and when it changes from the transmitted state to the blocked state, the symbol position management unit can execute an initialization process for initializing the symbol position information, and After the rotating reel enters a constant-speed rotation state, the number of times the initialization process is performed can be made different depending on whether the number of rotations of the rotating reel is less than a predetermined number or equal to or more than the predetermined number, A gaming machine.

2. The symbol position management unit, When the number of rotations of the rotating reel after it enters a constant-speed rotation state is the first time, during one rotation of the rotating reel, the symbol position management unit can execute the initialization process when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the blocked state to the transmitted state and when it changes from the transmitted state to the blocked state, When the number of rotations of the rotating reel after it enters a constant-speed rotation state is the second time or later, during one rotation of the rotating reel, the symbol position management unit can execute the initialization process when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the blocked state to the transmitted state or when it changes from the transmitted state to the blocked state, The gaming machine according to Claim 1.

3. When the number of rotations of the rotating reel after it enters a constant-speed rotation state is the second time or later, the symbol position management unit can determine whether to execute the initialization process when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the blocked state to the transmitted state or when it changes from the transmitted state to the blocked state based on the attachment position of the detection unit on the rotating reel, The gaming machine according to claim 2.

4. When the number of rotations of the rotating reel after the rotating reel has reached a constant rotation state is two or more, the symbol position management unit can execute the initialization process at the timing when the angular velocity of the rotating reel is greater, out of when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the light-shielded state to the transmissive state and when the detection result changes from the transmissive state to the light-shielded state. The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3.

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