Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suppressing an effect of chattering.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a plurality of rotary reels in which a plurality of patterns are arranged in the outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the rotary reels; one or more reel indexes provided to each of the rotary reels for managing pattern position information on each of the plurality of rotary reels; a detection part capable of detecting whether irradiation light directed to the reel index in each of the rotary reels 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 determination part capable of determining whether or not the state is a normal state in which a predetermined event is not occurring on the basis of a result of the detection by the detection part on the irradiation light when the stepping motor rotates the rotary reels by a predetermined number of steps.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, after the irradiation light changes from the light-shielded state to the transmissive state, an event (chattering) may occur in which the light-shielded state briefly returns for an instant and then the transmissive state resumes and continues thereafter. This is also an event that can occur even after the irradiation light changes from the transmissive state to the light-shielded state.

[0007] Due to such problems, in conventional gaming machines, there is a risk that the timing at which the symbol position information is initialized will shift. As a result, there is a risk that the timing at which an operation on the stop switch becomes effective will shift.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing the influence of chattering.

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 irradiation light directed at the reel index in each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state where it is transmitted or in a light-shielded 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 irradiation light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reels 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 suppressing the influence of chattering.

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 an 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. Further, 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. Hereinafter, for the slot machine 1, the side that the player visually recognizes while playing the game on the slot machine 1 (the side shown in FIG. 1) is defined as the front, and the up, down, left, and right in FIG. 1 are described as "up, down, left, and right with respect to the front view of the slot machine 1".

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

[0014] <Configuration of 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] In addition, the card unit 7 can store a card 70 that stores gaming value data as electronic data instead of real medals inside it.

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

[0017] <Configuration of Slot Machine 1> As described above, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a medal-less machine that can conduct games without using medals as real objects. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, games are conducted using gaming value data as electronic data instead of medals as real objects.

[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 diagram 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 is provided with a backlight in addition to the monitor LED, and displays various effect videos (effect screens) during the player's game play.

[0022] The speaker 101 outputs a 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 effect screen is displayed or a winning combination is achieved.

[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 is designed to allow the player to place personal belongings.

[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 player's operation 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-emitting 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. Also, the lamps can indicate, in a light-emitting color different from the above-mentioned light-emitting 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). Also, the bet switch 41 is provided with a lamp that lights up when the operation is valid and goes out when the operation is invalid, either inside or around it.

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

[0031] The digital counter 43 digitally displays the credit number of game values, the payout number (winning number) of game values, etc. The player can also check during the game how much the quantity of the game values he / she possesses 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. Also, the counting button 44 is provided with a lamp whose light-emitting color or on / off state of light emission changes between when it is not being operated and when it is being operated, either inside or around it.

[0033] The cancel button 45 can receive an operation by a player to change a bet gaming value from a bet state to a non-bet state. When the cancel button 45 receives an operation by the player, a cancel signal is generated by the cancel button 45. Thereafter, the medium management unit 620 that has received the cancel signal manages the bet gaming value data as a non-bet state. Further, the cancel button 45 is provided with a lamp whose emission color or on / off state of emission changes between when it is not operated and when it is operated, either inside or around it.

[0034] The effect button 46 is a button used for a player to perform various menu settings related to the game, such as light quantity setting of an LED of the electric decoration unit 101, volume setting of the speaker 102, confirmation of game data, and other various menu settings on the menu screen when playing the game. Further, the effect button 46 may be operated by the player according to the effect during the game. When the effect button 46 is operated during the game, a change occurs in the effect.

[0035] Further, the effect button 46 is provided with a lamp that can emit light in various colors and patterns, either inside or around it. The lamp is lit when the effect button 46 is in an operation-enabled state and is turned off when in an operation-disabled state.

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

[0037] The reset button 51 is operated when canceling various errors and initializing 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 the gaming value managed by the medium 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 section is set to the "normal section".

[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 of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on in a state where the slot machine 1 is set to 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, it becomes possible to set the setting value.

[0039] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the slot machine 1 includes a rotating 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 rotating 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 rotating reel unit 2 includes three rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c and three stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c. Note that FIG. 6 is an exploded explanatory view of the rotating reel 20a among the three rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c, and the other rotating reels 20b, 20c also have the same configuration.

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

[0042] The rotating 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 inside the housing 10 with screws. When the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front, the portions where the respective rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate are arranged from left to right in the order of the first frames 201a, 201b, 201c, the rotating belt cylinders 203a, 203b, 203c, and the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c.

[0044] Further, the base frame 205 is provided with a storage portion 2050 for storing the three rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. In the storage portion 2050, the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are placed side by side such that a part of the rotating belt cylinders 203a, 203b, 203c is arranged on the front side of the slot machine 1.

[0045] Also, 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, 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c are formed of resin frames. Then, when the first frames 201a, 201b, 201c receive the driving force from the corresponding stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c, the first frames 201a, 201b, 201c, the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c, and the rotating belt cylinders 203a, 203b, 203c rotate integrally. Note that the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c rotate from the upper side to the lower side in FIG. 1, and rotate counterclockwise in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b).

[0047] The revolving belts 203a, 203b, and 203c are arranged in a state of being sandwiched between the first frames 201a, 201b, 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c as shown in FIG. 6. On the surfaces of the revolving belts 203a, 203b, 203c, for example, patterns (symbols) are arranged as shown in FIG. 3. When the rotation of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c stops, a game progresses by the game result determination unit 612 described later determining whether the combination of patterns displayed on the effective line L described later is a predetermined combination of patterns.

[0048] The first frames 201a, 201b, 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c are formed in an annular shape, and their sizes (diameters) are generally the same. Also, the first frames 201a, 201b, 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c are separated by a predetermined distance, and between them, the revolving belts 203a, 203b, 203c are wound along the outer circumferences of the circles of the first frames 201a, 201b, 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c.

[0049] The short-side ends of the revolving 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-side ends of the revolving belts 203a, 203b, 203c are in contact with each other.

[0050] Inside each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c, on the front side of the slot machine 1, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, revolving belt lamps 23a, 23b, 23c for irradiating the revolving belts 203a, 203b, 203c are respectively provided so that the player can easily visually recognize the patterns. These revolving belt lamps 23a, 23b, 23c are fixed to and attached to the mounting frames 204a, 204b, 204c. By the revolving belt lamps 23a, 23b, 23c, the brightness of the patterns at the irradiated locations becomes high, and it becomes easier for the player to grasp the types of patterns.

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

[0052] Also, even if the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate, the rotating cylinder lamps 23a, 23b, 23c continue to irradiate light in a fixed direction onto the rotating cylinder belts 203a, 203b, 203c from the back side of the rotating cylinder belts 203a, 203b, 203c. Since this light is irradiated toward the reel window 200, the luminance of the rotating cylinder belts 203a, 203b, 203c at the irradiated locations 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 rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c, one half - circumference reel index 2020a, 2020b, 2020c is provided on the outer periphery of each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c for the position information of the symbols shown on the respective rotating cylinder belts 203a, 203b, 203c.

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

[0055] In addition, on each of the rotating 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 are passing by blocking the irradiation light to the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c.

[0056] The rewinding sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c each include a light projecting unit (e.g., 221a in the example of FIG. 6) that irradiates light and a light receiving unit (e.g., 222a in the example of FIG. 6) that receives light. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged at a predetermined interval such that the rotating reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c can sufficiently pass therebetween. With this configuration, the rewinding sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c detect whether the irradiation light between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit is blocked by the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c.

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

[0058] In the present embodiment, the rewinding sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c are respectively attached to the mounting frames 204a, 204b, and 204c on the right side of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (the right side of the drawing in FIG. 1), that is, on the side where the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c are provided. Also, 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. Further, each drive shaft is connected to the rotation center of the corresponding rotating reel 20a, 20b, and 20c. Thereby, the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate by the driving force being 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 rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are provided corresponding to the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and drive the corresponding rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are respectively attached to the mounting frames 204a, 204b, and 204c.

[0060] Regarding the rotation states of the respective rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, there are an acceleration state in which the corresponding stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c rotate while gradually shortening the time for one step movement, and a constant-speed rotation state in which they move one step at a constant time after that.

[0061] Also, the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c stop the rotation of the rotating reel 20 (for example, 20a) corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 (for example, 40a) within 190 milliseconds after the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are operated during the rotation of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

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

[0063] Note that the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c, the rotating cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c, and the rotating cylinder lamps 23a, 23b, and 23c are fixed to the mounting frames 204a, 204b, and 204c and do not rotate.

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

[0065] <Flow of the game by the player> 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 constituted by 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 a lottery flag is performed and the rotation of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c starts. 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 for 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 is composed of 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 is being changed, 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 game values acquired during AT), information regarding game states and game intervals, 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 notifications 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 credit count backup error 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 the flags of a plurality of roles as the 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 the 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 from the start of rotation of each of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 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. The same applies hereinafter) of the turning cylinders sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c with respect to the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c provided on each of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c from the start of rotation of each of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 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, and 203c.

[0089] That is, the rotary reel control unit 611 can grasp the current rotational positions of the respective rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c based on the timing when the irradiated light by the turning cylinders sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c is blocked by the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 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, and 2020c (changed from the light-shielded state to the transmitted state), and the number of pulses for driving the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 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, and 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 this embodiment, the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c provided in each of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are formed for a half circumference on the outer periphery of each of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c as shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 6. Therefore, when the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate half a turn, the detection results of the rotary cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from, for example, a transmissive state to a light-shielding state. Further, when the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate another half turn, the detection results change from the light-shielding state to the transmissive state.

[0092] Also, as described above, the rotational states of the rotary 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 rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. And the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate 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 rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to make one rotation. Further, in one minute, the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate 79.15 (= 60 seconds / 0.758016 seconds) times.

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

[0094] Thereby, the rotary reel control unit 611 can accurately grasp the symbols on the rotary 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 rotary cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from the transmissive state to the light-shielding state, and when the detection results change from the light-shielding state to the transmissive state.

[0095] Specifically, for example, when the detection result of the rotating cylinder sensor 22a changes from the transmission state to the light-shielding state, the rotation reel control unit 611 assumes that, for example, the symbol number 11 of the rotating 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 rotating 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 rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c reach the constant-speed rotation state, the rotation reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information both when the detection results of the rotating cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, 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 rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c reach the constant-speed rotation state, the rotation reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information when the detection results of the rotating cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, 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 this embodiment, when the number of rotations of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c is the second rotation or later, the rotation reel control unit 611 can execute the initialization process at the timing when the angular velocity (or rotation speed) of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c is higher, out of the cases when the detection results of the rotating cylinder sensors 22a, 22b, 22c change from the light-shielding state to the transmission state and when the detection results change from the transmission state to the light-shielding state.

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

[0100] Therefore, by initializing the symbol position information where 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 indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c, and it is possible to make it easier for the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to grasp the symbol position information.

[0101] Also, 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 irradiation light by the reel 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 sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c when the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c move one step at a time.

[0103] Also, the rotating reel control unit 611 executes the determination of whether the irradiation light (detection results of the reel 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 rotation 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 make a half rotation. 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 make a half rotation. 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 changes 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 changes 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 rotating reel control unit 611 determines that chattering (an example of a predetermined event) in the abnormal state has occurred.

[0108] In this way, in order to determine the occurrence of chattering, the rotating reel control unit 611 uses the detection results of the turning cylinders sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c (whether the detection result is in a transmission state or a light-shielding state).

[0109] When chattering does not occur (when in a normal state), the rotating reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information. When chattering occurs (when an abnormal state occurs), the rotating reel control unit 611 does not initialize the symbol position information until the chattering subsides, and initializes the symbol position information when the chattering subsides.

[0110] Note that the rotating reel control unit 611 does not detect how much the timing at which the detection results of the turning cylinders 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) deviates from the assumed timing. This is because although the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are in a constant-speed rotation state, their rotation may not yet be stable.

[0111] Also, for each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c are provided for half a turn in order to allow the player to perform a "first-round push". This "first-round push" is a way of hitting where the user stops the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c before they make one full rotation. In particular, when such a first-round push is made, the effects of the present invention, as described below, are effectively exerted.

[0112] In this embodiment, in the first rotation after the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a constant rotation state, the detection results of the rotating drum sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c indicate both that the state has changed from the light-shielded state to the transmissive state and that the transmissive state has changed to the light-shielded state, and the initialization process of the symbol position information is executed. Further, after the second rotation and later after the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a constant rotation state, the initialization process is executed when either the detection result changes from the light-shielded state to the transmissive state or the transmissive state changes to the light-shielded state.

[0113] As a result, the rotary 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 rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c and rotation cannot be made uniform due to individual differences in the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, the rotary reel control unit 611 can manage the symbol position information even after the second rotation and later, anticipating the timing deviation in the first rotation of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. Therefore, according to the present invention, even when there is a bias in the weights of the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, etc., it becomes less likely that the management of the symbol position information will be affected.

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

[0115] Then, in one game, after all the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are in a constant rotation state and the symbol position information of all the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c is initialized for the first time, the main control board P1 enables acceptance of operations on the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c for stopping each of the rotary 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. Further, 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 by operating 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 electric decoration unit 102 such as an LED, and a light emission pattern of the effect button 46 as an effect pattern by performing an effect lottery.

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

[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 processing, it can be executed for each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, but hereinafter, for 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 are not in 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 are in 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 transparent state to a light-shielding state, or from a light-shielding state to a transparent 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 rotating cylinder 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 becomes the light-shielding state (or transmission state) at the timing when the light-shielding state (or transmission state) should continue, 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 rotating cylinder 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 operations on the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c (step S208).

[0138] Next, after another state change (the detection results of the rotating cylinder 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 (step S209), the flow branches based on whether or not chattering is occurring (step S210).

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

[0140] On the other hand, when no chattering occurs after a state change is detected, or when 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 of 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 rotating drum sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c has changed from a light-blocking state to a transmitting state or from a transmitting state to a light-blocking state, and it has been previously set that in either of these cases, the symbol position information should be initialized.

[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 occurs but subsides 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. The initialization process of the present invention is executed according to the above procedure.

[0147] To summarize 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, stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c for rotating each of the rotation reels 20a, 20b, 20c, reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c provided on 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, rotor sensors 22a, 22b, 22c capable of detecting whether the irradiation light directed at the reel indexes 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, and The rotation reel control unit 611 is based on the detection results of the rotor sensors 22a, 22b, 22c for the irradiation light when the stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c rotate the rotation reels 20a, 20b, 20c by a predetermined number of steps (for example, 1 step) (1) Determine whether it is a normal state where chattering (an example of a predetermined event) does not occur, (2) Determine the occurrence state of chattering, and Adjusting the timing for executing the initialization process of the symbol position information, at least one of which can be executed.

[0148] <Advantages of the Invention> Conventionally, a gaming machine including a plurality of rotating reels, 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 has been known. 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. Further, the symbol position management unit manages the symbol position information of the rotating 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 rotating reels.

[0150] And, in the conventional gaming machine, 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.

[0151] However, after the irradiation light changes from the blocked state to the transmitted state, an event (chattering) may occur in which the irradiation light instantaneously returns to the blocked state and then becomes the transmitted state again and that state continues. This is an event that can also occur after the irradiation light changes from the transmitted state to the blocked state. Therefore, in the conventional gaming machine, due to chattering, there may be a problem in the control of the rotating reels.

[0152] In contrast, according to the present invention, the rotation reel control unit can execute at least any one of determining whether it is a normal state where chattering does not occur based on the detection result by the rotating cylinder sensor, determining the occurrence state of chattering, and adjusting the timing for executing the initialization process of the symbol position information.

[0153] Thereby, the slot machine of the present embodiment can detect the occurrence of chattering, and can execute the initialization process of the symbol position information on the rotating reel when chattering does not occur (or when chattering has occurred but has subsided thereafter).

[0154] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing the influence of chattering.

[0155] [Other Embodiments] The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiment 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 designed and changed without changing the gist of the present invention. Also, the various control means, processing procedures, and processing contents described in each embodiment can be configured alone or combined as appropriate.

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

[0157] In the above embodiment, the control when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel step by step is described, but this is not limiting, and the same control may be executed when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by two or more steps at a time.

[0158] Also, in the above embodiment, it was described that the number of initialization processes is different depending on whether the number of rotations of the rotary reel after it enters a constant-speed rotation state is less than two rotations or two rotations or more. However, for example, the number of initialization processes may be different 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 (not limited thereto, for example, three locations for 1 / 6 turn) over 1 / 4 turn of the outer periphery of each rotary reel (that is, a total of 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 facing 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 smaller, 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] Further, not limited to the above embodiment, after all the rotating reels have reached a constant speed rotation state, when the number of rotations of the rotating reel is two or more, the rotating reel control unit may determine whether to execute the initialization process based on the detection result of the rotating cylinder sensor when the detection result of the rotating cylinder sensor changes from the light-shielded state to the transmissive state or from the transmissive state to the light-shielded state, based on the mounting position of the rotating cylinder sensor on the rotating reel.

[0164] Specifically, for example, when the rotating cylinder sensor is mounted on the upper side of the rotating reel (for example, the upper side of the paper surface in FIG. 1), the initialization process can be executed when the detection result changes from the light-shielded state to the transmissive state. When the rotating cylinder sensor is mounted on the lower side of the rotating reel, the initialization process can be executed when the detection result changes from the transmissive state to the light-shielded state. The mounting position of the rotating cylinder sensor may be between the upper position and the lower position of the rotating reel (for example, the position where the rotating cylinder lamp is mounted).

[0165] The present invention can also be applied to this game with betting and payout of game values and / or a so-called pseudo game (one of the reel effects, which is a pseudo game different from this game and has no betting and payout of game values). For example, the present invention can be applied even when the rotating reel is rotated in the reverse direction during the pseudo game.

[0166] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the rotating reel control unit does not detect how much the timing when the irradiation light changes from the light-shielded state to the transmissive state (or from the transmissive state to the light-shielded state; the same applies hereinafter) deviates from the assumed timing. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The rotating reel control unit may detect how much the timing when the irradiation light changes from the light-shielded state to the transmissive state deviates from the assumed timing.

[0167] Also, in the above embodiment, (1) After the rotating reel has reached a constant speed rotation state, it is possible to vary the number of times of executing the initialization process depending on whether the number of rotations of the rotating reel is less than a predetermined number or greater than or equal to the predetermined number. It is possible to determine 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 irradiation light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps. (3) It is possible to determine the occurrence state of a predetermined event 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, 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 in which when all the rotating reels are in a constant-speed rotation state and the symbol position information is initialized, operations on all the stop switches become effective, 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 for that rotating reel is initialized, an operation on the stop switch corresponding to that rotating reel may become effective.

[0169] Also, as an example in which 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, determine the timing of either when the detection result changes from the light-shielded state to the transmission state or from the transmission state to the light-shielded state by grasping (measuring or calculating) the actual angular velocity, and then ship it. (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 each time, determine whether the rotation reel control unit should perform the initialization process. Things like this can be considered.

[0170] Note that in the example of FIG. 8 in the above embodiment, (a) to (c) are not installed, but by installing 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. Thus, 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 port, a hopper, a medal payout port, and a lower tray are required.

[0174] In addition, the gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine, and the present invention 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 spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a determination unit that is capable of determining whether or not a predetermined event has not occurred and the machine is in a normal state based on a detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps; Equipped with Gaming machine.

2. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a determination unit that is capable of determining whether a predetermined event has occurred based on a detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps; Equipped with Gaming machine.

3. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a symbol position management unit capable of managing symbol position information of the spinning reel based on the detection result of the detection unit; Equipped with The pattern position management unit While the reel frame rotates once around the turning shaft, when the detection result of the detection unit becomes from the transmission state to the light-shielding state, and / or when it becomes from the light-shielding state to the transmission state, it is possible to execute an initialization process for initializing the symbol position information, and, Based on the detection result by the detection unit when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps, adjust the timing for executing the initialization process, A gaming machine.

4. The predetermined event is that the detection result of the detection unit becomes the transmission state at a timing when it should be in the light-shielding state after becoming from the transmission state to the light-shielding state, and / or becomes the light-shielding state at a timing when it should be in the transmission state after becoming from the light-shielding state to the transmission state. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Further comprising 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, The symbol position management unit, While the reel frame rotates once around the turning shaft, when the detection result of the detection unit becomes from the transmission state to the light-shielding state, and / or when it becomes from the light-shielding state to the transmission state, it is possible to execute an initialization process for initializing the symbol position information, and, Execute the initialization process at a timing other than when the predetermined event is occurring. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The predetermined step is 1 step. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The determination unit executes the determination process of the predetermined event when the interrupt process is being executed. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.

8. 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, Further comprising, The symbol position management unit, After the rotating reel enters a constant-speed rotation state and while the rotating reel rotates once, when the detection result of the detection unit becomes from the light-shielding state to the transmission state, and / or when it becomes from the transmission state to the light-shielding state, it is possible to execute an initialization process for initializing the symbol position information in at least either one of them, and, After the rotating reel has reached a constant-speed rotation state, it is possible to vary the number of times the initialization process is performed depending on whether the number of rotations of the rotating reel is less than a predetermined number or greater than or equal to the predetermined number. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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