Reel unit

Abstract

To provide a reel unit featuring a configuration.SOLUTION: A reel unit has drive means comprising power transmission means that has a circular detected section in which detected pieces detected by detection means are provided over a semicircle of an outer periphery, a drive gear driven by power generation means, a follower gear that is driven by the drive gear and rotates and drives a reel, and a reel rotating shaft for rotatably supporting at least the reel, the power transmission means for transmitting power of the power generation means. The power generation means is disposed in a first side of mounting means capable of mounting the drive means, the drive gear and the follower gear are disposed in a second side in a side opposite to the first side, a cover member for covering at least one of the drive gear and the follower gear coating with a lubricant is provided in the second side, and an opening for reducing weight is formed in a semicircle side in which the detected piece is provided in the detected section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reel unit for a gaming machine such as a slot machine, an enclosed gaming machine, or a medal-less slot machine. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Gaming machines equipped with reel units have been proposed in the past (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-377 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the reel units of conventional gaming machines, there is room for improvement in the configuration of the detection section for detecting the position of the reel, such as the light blocking piece, and in the configuration for stable rotation.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a reel unit having a distinctive configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The reel unit according to the present invention comprises: Multiple reels and a driving means for driving the reel to rotate; A detection means; a detection portion provided with a detection piece to be detected by the detection means; A reel unit of a gaming machine comprising: the driving means includes at least a power generating means for generating power and a power transmitting means for transmitting the power of the power generating means; the power transmission means includes at least a drive gear driven by the power generation means, one or more driven gears that are driven by the drive gear to rotate the reel, and a reel rotation shaft that rotatably supports at least the reel, a lubricant is applied to at least one of the drive gear and the driven gear; a cover member for covering at least one of the drive gear and the driven gear to which the lubricant is applied, a mounting means for mounting the driving means; the power generating means is disposed on a first side of the mounting means; the drive gear and the driven gear are disposed on a second side of the mounting means opposite to the first side; the cover member covers at least one of the drive gear or the driven gear to which the lubricant is applied on the second side of the attachment means; The detected portion has a circular shape, The detected piece is provided over half of the outer periphery of the detected portion, The detected portion has an opening formed on the semicircular side where the detected piece is provided, for reducing weight. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a reel unit having a distinctive configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a pay line of the slot machine 100. [Figure 3] 1 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) in a flat layout. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations, the names of the condition devices, the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, the number of payouts, and remarks. [Figure 6] 10A is a perspective view of the reel unit 600 from the front side with the left reel unit 601 removed, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the reel unit 600 from the rear side with the left reel unit 601 removed. [Figure 7] 6 is an exploded perspective view of the components constituting the reel device 601, as seen from the front side. FIG. [Figure 8] 6 is an exploded perspective view of the components constituting the reel device 601, as seen from the rear side. FIG. [Figure 9] 10A is a perspective view of the left reel frame 684 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the left reel frame 684 as seen from the rear side. [Figure 10] (a) is a front view of the detected portion 686. (b) is a side view of the detected portion 686. (c) is an external perspective view of the detected portion 686 as seen from the front side. (d) is an external perspective view of the detected portion 686 as seen from the rear side. [Figure 11] (a) A diagram showing the relationship between the light-shielding piece 694a of the detected portion 686 and the reel band 680 of the left reel 110. (b) A diagram showing the relationship between the light-shielding piece 694a' of the detected portion 686' according to a modified example and the reel band 680' of the left reel 110. [Figure 12] (a) is a front view of the backlight module 630. (b) is a side view of the backlight module 630. (c) is an external perspective view of the backlight module 630, with the components thereof disassembled and viewed from the front. [Figure 13] (a) is a front view of the reel driving unit 610. (b) is a side view of the reel driving unit 610. (c) is a perspective view of the reel driving unit 610 as seen from the front side. (d) is a perspective view of the reel driving unit 610 as seen from the rear side. [Figure 14] 10 is an exploded perspective view of the components constituting the reel driving unit 610, as seen from the front side. FIG. [Figure 15]10 is an exploded perspective view of the components constituting the reel drive unit 610, as seen from the rear side. FIG. [Figure 16] 6(a) is a front view showing a state in which a reel motor unit 614 and a gear unit 616 are attached to a mounting plate 612. FIG. 6(b) is an external perspective view showing a state in which a reel motor unit 614 and a gear unit 616 are attached to a mounting plate 612, as seen from the gear unit 616 side. [Figure 17] 10(a) is a side view of the reel drive unit 610 with the gear unit cover 618 removed, and FIG. 10(b) is a side view of the reel device 601 with the gear unit cover 618, reel band 680, and backlight module 630 removed. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram showing the main control unit 300 and the motor control board 606a. [Figure 19] 6A is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the setting board 606d, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of a register. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing by a main control unit. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 22] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, and (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. [Figure 23] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 24] 10 is a timing chart showing changes over time in control information and status information. [Figure 25](a) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R is disrupted, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the reel R is accelerated to a rotation speed faster than the instructed rotation speed, and then decelerated to the instructed rotation speed and rotated at a constant speed. [Figure 26] 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the interval T is decreased in response to an increase in the instructed rotation speed, and the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R is maintained. FIG. [Figure 27] 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the interval T is increased in response to a decrease in the instructed rotation speed, and the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R is maintained. FIG. [Figure 28] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation using rotation instruction information including rotation speed instruction information. [Figure 29] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation when the rotation speed of the reel is reduced. [Figure 30] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation using rotation instruction information including rotation speed instruction information. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of steps. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting an adjustment rotation amount. [Figure 33] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the effect operation of reels 110 to 112. FIG. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the left reel 110 with respect to rotation instruction information. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the acceleration operation of the reels after the execution of a reel action. [Figure 36] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a part of rotation instruction information transmitted while the left reel 110 is spinning, and the actual positional relationship of the left reel 110. FIG. [Figure 37] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example in which stop information is added to the rotation instruction information described with reference to FIG. 28. [Figure 38] 1(a) is a block diagram showing how information is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the tester 900 via the IF board 800, and FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing an example of a signal when the IF board 800 is used to convert a DC motor control signal into a stepping motor control signal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a gaming machine (slot machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] The slot machine of this embodiment, which will be described below, is a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming media are inserted, and multiple reels, each bearing multiple types of symbols, begin to rotate upon receiving a predetermined rotation start instruction operation, and based on the reception of the rotation start instruction operation, a lottery is held to determine whether multiple types of internal winning combinations have been won, and each of the multiple reels stops spinning individually upon receiving a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation.If the conditions determined by the combination of symbols when the multiple reels stop based on the results of the lottery meet predetermined payout conditions, gaming media are paid out and the game ends, but if they do not meet, the game ends without paying out any gaming media.

[0011] <Overall structure> First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side).

[0012] The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine of the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front of the main body 101 and capable of being opened and closed relative to the main body 101.

[0013] A reel unit 600 (see FIG. 6) containing three reels (left reel 110, center reel 111, and right reel 112) is disposed in the center of main body 101. As will be described in detail later, each of reels 110-112 has a reel band 680 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) on which multiple types of symbols (see FIG. 4) are printed at equal intervals.

[0014] The symbols on the reel bands 680 of the reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in roughly three rows through symbol display windows 113 provided in front of each reel 110-112, so that a total of nine symbols can be seen by the player. By spinning each of the reels 110-112, the combination of symbols seen by the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110-112 functions as a display device that variably displays a plurality of combinations of symbols.

[0015] In addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices can also be used as such display devices. In this embodiment, three reels are arranged in the center of the main body 101, but the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

[0016] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (specifically, special combination 1 or special combination 2) has been internally won in an internal lottery described below, or that a bonus game is in progress (special combination 1-2 game state). The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is required) if a replay, which is one of the winning combinations, was won in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for presentation purposes.

[0017] The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted up to a maximum of three medals, when the bet button 131 is pressed, two medals are inserted, and when the bet button 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamps 129 light up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started.

[0018] The effect button 156 is an operating means that can be operated by the player. In this embodiment, it is configured as a button that can be pressed by the player and is used for various effects. The operating means used for such effects is not limited to a button, and may be configured as, for example, a lever or a touch panel, or multiple operating means may be provided.

[0019] The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot through which a player inserts medals when starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) into the medal insertion slot 141, and the term "insertion" includes both.

[0020] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) in numerical form. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of winning some kind of winning combination, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing push order effects. In this example, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0021] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when the desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. Operation of the start lever 135 is called a game start operation.

[0022] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139, each consisting of a left stop button 137, a center stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started to rotate by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels 110 to 112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the center reel 111 can be stopped by operating the center stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139.

[0023] Hereinafter, operations on the stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being referred to as the first stop operation, the next stop operation being referred to as the second stop operation, and the final stop operation being referred to as the third stop operation.

[0024] The reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated to stop all of the spinning reels 110 to 112 is referred to as the operation order or the push order.

[0025] The operation sequences (press order) of the stop buttons 137-139 are six types, where the left stop button 137 is represented as "left or R," the center stop button 138 as "center or C," and the right stop button 139 as "right or R." The order is: (1) left-center-right operation sequence (left-center-right or LCR), (2) left-right-center operation sequence (left-right-center or LRC), (3) center-left-right operation sequence (center-left-right or CLR), (4) center-right-left operation sequence (center-right-left or CRL), (5) right-left-center operation sequence (right-left-center or RLC), and (6) right-center-left operation sequence (right-center-left or RCL). Furthermore, the operation sequence in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the left reel 110 is called the "forward operation sequence" or simply "forward operation," and the stop operation in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the right reel 112 is called the "reverse operation sequence" or simply "reverse operation."

[0026] It should be noted that a light emitting element may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitting element may be lit to notify the player.

[0027] The medal return button 133 is a button that can be pressed to remove medals that have been inserted and become stuck. The settlement button 134 is a button that can be used to settle medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout outlet 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key can be inserted to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0028] A title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificate stamps is provided below the stop button unit 136. Below the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

[0029] The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. A performance device 160 is provided above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the performance device 160.

[0030] This presentation device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, which can be opened and closed horizontally, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (presentation image display device) arranged at the back of this shutter 163, and is configured so that when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears in front of the slot machine 100 (on the player's side).

[0031] Note that any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information may be used, not limited to a liquid crystal display device. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the entire screen is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorations (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen appear irregularly shaped. In this embodiment, the display screen is flat, but it may also be curved.

[0032] Also provided inside the main body 101 are a setting key that can be turned on and off by a rotation operation, and a setting switch that can be pressed down to change settings (change setting values) or check settings. The setting key is an operating means for starting to change or check setting values (settings 1 to 6 in this example), and the setting switch is one of the setting means that can set one setting value out of multiple setting values.

[0033] <Winning line> Next, the pay lines will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the pay lines of the slot machine 100.

[0034] As explained using Figure 1, when viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in approximately three rows vertically through the symbol display windows 113 provided in front of each reel 110 to 112, so that a total of nine symbols can be seen.

[0035] Specifically, the symbol displayed on the top row of the left reel 110 (position 1 shown in the figure; also called symbol position 1) is called the left reel top row symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the left reel 110 (position 2 shown in the figure; also called symbol position 2) is called the left reel middle row symbol, and the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the left reel 110 (position 3 shown in the figure; also called symbol position 3) is called the left reel bottom row symbol.

[0036] In addition, the pattern displayed on the top row of the middle reel 111 (position 4 shown in the figure; also called pattern position 4) is called the top row of the middle reel pattern, the pattern displayed on the middle row of the middle reel 111 (position 5 shown in the figure; also called pattern position 5) is called the middle row of the middle reel pattern, and the pattern displayed on the bottom row of the middle reel 111 (position 6 shown in the figure; also called pattern position 6) is called the bottom row of the middle reel pattern.

[0037] In addition, the symbol displayed on the top row of the right reel 112 (position 7 shown in the figure; also called symbol position 7) is called the right reel top row symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the right reel 112 (position 8 shown in the figure; also called symbol position 8) is called the right reel middle row symbol, and the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the right reel 112 (position 9 shown in the figure; also called symbol position 9) is called the right reel bottom row symbol.

[0038] In this embodiment, the only winning line provided is the middle winning line L1 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "winning line L1"), which is composed of the middle pattern of the left reel (pattern position 2), the middle pattern of the middle reel (pattern position 5), and the middle pattern of the right reel (pattern position 8).

[0039] Here, the winning line is a line set at the stop position of the symbols visible through the symbol display window 113, and is a line that determines whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning role, which will be explained using Fig. 5, is displayed (whether or not it is aligned). The winning line that is valid (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "valid line") is predetermined based on the number of medals bet as gaming media.

[0040] The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a three-coin bet-only machine, and when the number of inserted medals is less than three, no winning line is active, and when three medals are bet, the winning line L1 is active. When the winning line is active, the start lever 135 can be operated to start the game.

[0041] Hereinafter, in the symbol display window 113, symbol positions 2, 5, and 8 on the winning line L1 may be referred to as "winning positions," and other symbol positions, i.e., symbol positions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9, may be referred to as "non-winning positions." In other words, a winning position is a position on the winning line where a symbol that constitutes a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination stops.

[0042] The number of winning lines is not limited to one. For example, in addition to the winning line L1, three lines in total may be set as valid winning lines: an upper winning line consisting of the upper symbols on the left reel, the upper symbols on the middle reel, and the upper symbols on the right reel, and a lower winning line consisting of the lower symbols on the left reel, the lower symbols on the middle reel, and the lower symbols on the right reel. Alternatively, a number of winning lines corresponding to the number of medals bet may be set as valid winning lines.

[0043] <Control unit> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3. Note that Figure 3 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0044] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0045] <Main control unit> First, we will explain the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300, and this basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 that stores control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery for winning combinations, reel symbol arrangements and stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500 described below.

[0046] The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined cycle output by the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors the sensors and transmits drive pulses in response to this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for the interrupt is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.

[0047] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generation circuit 316 (which is assumed to have two random number generation circuits built in) that derives a number in the range of 0 to 65535 each time it receives a clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315a, and a start-up signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when power is turned on.When a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main processing of the main control unit, which will be described later).

[0048] The random number generation circuit 316 generates random numbers to be used in the basic circuit 302. The random number generation circuit 316 generates random numbers in two ways: counter mode and random number mode. In counter mode, a value that counts up (down) at a predetermined time interval is acquired and the acquired value is used as a random number. The random number mode has two further methods. In the first method, a seed value of the random number is used to perform a calculation using a predetermined function (e.g., a modulus function) and derive the result of this calculation as a random number. In the second method, a value is read from a random number table in which values ranging from 0 to 65535 are randomly arranged, and the read value is used as a random number. The random number generation circuit 316 acquires irregular values by utilizing white noise superimposed on signals input from various sensors 318 to the sensor circuit 320. The random number generation circuit 316 uses the value thus obtained as the initial value for a counter that counts up (down) in counter mode, as a seed for a random number, or when determining the start position for reading from the random number table.

[0049] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal acceptance sensor for medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, photosensor 642 of reel devices 601 to 603 described below, etc.) at each interrupt time.

[0050] When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random numbers to be used in the lottery.

[0051] Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether medals have passed through. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect the start operation by the player. A left stop button 137 sensor, a middle stop button 138 sensor, and a right stop button 139 sensor are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

[0052] The bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, and bet button 132 sensor are provided on the corresponding bet buttons 130 to 132, respectively, and detect the insertion operation when medals electronically stored in RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into a game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals electronically stored are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals to be paid out by the medal payout device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.

[0053] Although details will be described later, the photosensors 642 of the reel units 601-603 are installed at predetermined positions on each of the reel units 601-603, and become L level when a light-shielding piece 694a (see FIG. 10(a) and the like) of a detected portion 686 provided on the reels 110-112 passes by. The CPU 304 determines the rotational position of the symbols on the reels 110-112 based on the detection result of the photosensors 642, and performs braking control, stopping control, etc. of the reels 110-112 so that the target symbol is stopped and displayed at a predetermined symbol position in the symbol display window 113.

[0054] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a drive circuit 324 that drives a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that selects the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives a motor provided in the medal payout device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insert possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insert lamp 129, game start lamp 121, stored medal number indicator 125, game information indicator 126, payout medal number indicator 127).

[0055] Also connected to the basic circuit 302 is a motor control board 606a for controlling a motor 614a (see FIG. 15, etc.) that rotates the reels 110-112. The motor control board 606a is a control circuit that controls the rotation of the motor 614a based on the position of the rotor in the motor 614a detected by an encoder 614e, thereby rotating the reels 110-112. Use of the motor control board 606a can reduce the processing load on the main control unit 300 for controlling the rotation of the reels 110-112. Details of the motor control board 606a will be described later.

[0056] In addition, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (e.g., information indicating the game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334.

[0057] The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from a power management unit (not shown), and the voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply is below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0058] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured so that signals such as commands cannot be sent from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

[0059] <Sub-controller> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives control commands sent by the main control unit 300 via an input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, as well as data for controlling the backlight illumination pattern and various displays.

[0060] The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 for each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0061] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sound source IC 418, which is connected to speakers 272, 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the amplifier and the sound output from speakers 272, 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source IC 418, and sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from speakers 272, 277.

[0062] In addition, the first sub-controller 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, to which various lamps 420 (upper lamps, lower lamps, side lamps 144, title panel 162 lamps, etc.) are connected via an input / output interface.

[0063] The first sub-control unit 400 also has a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 424 is connected to the shutter 163 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0064] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sensor circuit 426, which is connected via an input interface to a shutter sensor 428 capable of detecting the position of the shutter 163 and an effect button sensor 430 capable of detecting the pressing operation of the effect button 156. The CPU 404 monitors the status of the shutter sensor 428 and the effect button sensor 430 at each interrupt time.

[0065] The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including display control of the performance image display device 157 (hereinafter also referred to as the "liquid crystal display device 157"). The second sub-control unit 500 may be configured with multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various performance drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163).

[0066] The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a basic circuit 502 that receives control commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

[0067] The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 504 for each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0068] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a VDP 516 (video display processor), which is connected to the ROM 506 and VRAM 518 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the performance image display device 157.

[0069] <Pattern Arrangement> Next, the arrangement of symbols on the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) in a flat layout.

[0070] On each of the reels 110 to 112, a predetermined number of symbols (20 symbols numbered 0 to 19 in this embodiment) of various types (9 symbols in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure are arranged. The numbers 0 to 19 shown on the left side of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, a "watermelon symbol" is arranged on the symbol number 0 on the left reel 110, a "bell symbol" is arranged on the symbol number 1 on the center reel 111, and a "replay symbol" is arranged on the symbol number 0 on the right reel 112.

[0071] <Types of winning roles> Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations, the names of the condition devices, the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, the payout amounts, and remarks.

[0072] The winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include special combinations (special combination 1, special combination 2) and general combinations (replay combinations 1 to 3, small combinations 1 to 5). The types of winning combinations are not limited to these combinations and can be arbitrarily adopted, and some of the winning combinations are not shown in FIG. 5.

[0073] <Types of winning roles / special roles> Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, special combination 1 and special combination 2 are combinations that transition to a special game state in which a predetermined benefit is awarded to the player. Also, the replay combination is a combination that allows replay without inserting new medals (a combination that awards replay). These winning combinations are sometimes called "operation combinations."

[0074] In addition, "winning" in this embodiment also includes cases where a pattern combination of an operating role that does not involve a medal payout (does not involve the payment of medals) is displayed on the winning line, and includes, for example, winning special role 1, special role 2, and re-play role.

[0075] Special Role 1 and Special Role 2 are winning roles that transition the game state to the Special Role 1·2 internal winning state (RT3) upon internal winning, and transition the game state to the Special Role 1·2 game state (RT4) upon winning. In addition, if more than the specified number of medals (for example, 200 medals) are paid out in the Special Role 1·2 game state (RT4), the game state transitions to the low replay probability state (RT1). Each game state (RT1 to RT4) will be described later.

[0076] The symbol combination corresponding to special role 1 (BB) is "Seven 1 symbol - Seven 1 symbol - Seven 1 symbol" or "Seven 2 symbol - Seven 2 symbol - Seven 2 symbol", and the symbol combination corresponding to special role 2 (RB) is "BAR symbol - BAR symbol - BAR symbol".

[0077] When special role 1 or special role 2 is internally won, the special role internal win flag corresponding to this internally won role is set to ON (stored in a predetermined area of RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). This flag remains ON until the internally won role is won, making it easier to win that internally won role in subsequent games. In other words, in a game in which special role 1 or special role 2 is internally won, even if the special role is not won, the special role will be internally won (RT3) in the next or subsequent games, making it easier to win when the symbol combination corresponding to the special role is aligned.

[0078] <Type of winning combination / replay combination> Replay roles 1 to 3 are winning roles (operating roles) that allow a player to play the next game without inserting medals (game media) when they are won, and no medals are paid out. The corresponding symbol combinations are as shown in FIG. 5. Note that a replay role may be any role that allows a player to play the next game without inserting medals. Therefore, for example, when a replay role is won, medals may be automatically inserted in the next game (the number of inserted medals is reset in the medal insertion number storage area), or medals inserted in a game in which a replay role is won may be carried over and used in the next game.

[0079] <Type of winning role / small role> Small winning combinations 1 to 5 are winning combinations in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out (there is a payout number).

[0080] Minor win 1 (watermelon) is a winning combination in which the symbol combination "watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol" is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1, and five medals are paid out.

[0081] Minor win 2 (Cherry) is a winning combination in which the symbol combination "Cherry symbol-ANY-ANY" is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1, and two medals are paid out. Note that the symbol combination "Cherry symbol-ANY-ANY" only requires that the symbol on the left reel 110 is a "Cherry symbol," and the symbols on the center reel 111 and right reel 112 can be any symbol.

[0082] Hereinafter, these small prizes 1 (watermelon) and 2 (cherry) may be collectively referred to as "rare prizes", but rare prizes are not limited to these winning prizes, and may be either one of the winning prizes, or may include other winning prizes.

[0083] The small combination 3 (push order bell) is composed of six winning combinations from small combination 3a to small combination 3f. In this example, through lottery, with a predetermined probability (about 1 / 6 in this example, common to all settings), it internally wins one of the winning combinations from small combination 3a to small combination 3f, and when the order of operation (push order) of the stop operations by the stop buttons 137 to 139 matches the correct push order corresponding to the internally won winning combination, it wins, and 12 medals are paid out.

[0084] The small combination 4 (common bell) is a winning combination in which, regardless of the order of operation (push order) or operation timing of the stop operations by the stop buttons 137 to 139, the symbol combination of "bell symbol - bell symbol - bell symbol" stops and is displayed on the winning line L1, and 12 medals are paid out.

[0085] The small combination 5 (single medal combination) is a winning combination in which, regardless of the order of operation (push order) or operation timing of the stop operations by the stop buttons 137 to 139, the symbol combination of "replay symbol - replay symbol - blank 1 symbol" stops and is displayed on the winning line L1, and 1 medal is paid out.

[0086] <0OO0383><Types of RT-based game states> Next, the types and transitions of the RT-based game states in the slot machine 100 will be described.

[0087] <Re-game low probability state (RT1)> The re-game low probability state (RT1) is the default RT-based game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "normal game state") initially set immediately after the power-on of the slot machine 100, etc., and is a game state that is relatively disadvantageous for the player compared to other game states.

[0088] In this example, in this re-game low probability state (RT1), when winning the re-game combination 2 (upgrade replay 1) or the re-game combination 3 (upgrade replay 2), it transitions to the re-game high probability state (RT2) described later. Also, in this re-game low probability state (RT1), when internally winning the special combination 1 or the special combination 2, it transitions to the special combination 1·2 internal winning state (RT3) described later.

[0089] <High Probability State for Re-game (RT2)> The high probability state for re-game is a game state where the internal winning probability of re-game is higher than that in the low probability state for re-game (RT1).

[0090] In this example, in this high probability state for re-game (RT2), when winning internally for Special Role 1 or Special Role 2, it transitions to the Special Role 1·2 Internal Winning State (RT3) described later.

[0091] <Special Role 1·2 Internal Winning State (RT3)> The Special Role 1·2 Internal Winning State (RT3) is a state where the internal winning flag corresponding to Special Role 1 or Special Role 2 is set to on, and it is a game state where when the player performs a stop operation at a predetermined timing, the symbol combination corresponding to the special role corresponding to this flag can be displayed.

[0092] In this example, in this Special Role 1·2 Internal Winning State (RT3), when winning for Special Role 1 or Special Role 2, it transitions to the Special Game State (RT4) described later.

[0093] <Special Game State (RT4)> The Special Game State (RT4) is the most advantageous game state for the player among all game states. In this example, in the Special Game State (RT4), when a specified number of coins (for example, 200 coins) are paid out, it transitions to the low probability state for re-game (RT1).

[0094] Note that in this example, the end condition of the Special Game State (RT4) is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be when winning internally for a specified role, when there are winnings a specified number of times (for example, 8 times), or when a specified number of games (for example, 6 times) are played.

[0095] <Transition of AT-Type Game States> Next, the AT-type game states will be described.

[0096] The game state of the AT system is roughly divided into a low navigation state and a high navigation state. The low navigation state is a state in which the probability of the operation navigation being executed is low, and is also called the normal mode, non-advantageous zone, or normal zone. The high navigation state is a state in which the probability of the operation navigation being executed is higher than in the low navigation state, and is also called the AT mode or advantageous zone.

[0097] Here, operation navigation refers to a presentation that notifies the stop operation mode of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (for example, the correct operation sequence or the timing of the stop operation) in order to acquire medals or maintain an advantageous gaming state, and includes, for example, a presentation that notifies the correct operation sequence of a push order role (for example, minor role 3 (push order bell LCR)) (for example, a presentation that displays the letters "left → center → right").

[0098] When a player performs a stop operation according to the operation content of the operation navigation, the result is advantageous to the player, so the high navigation state is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the low navigation state. Here, advantageous specifically means that the ratio of the total number of gaming media paid out by the gaming machine to the total number of gaming media used by the player as the number of bets on the gaming machine when playing for a predetermined period of time, that is, the so-called payout rate (ball payout rate), is advantageous.

[0099] In this example, the low navigation state is defined as a state in which the probability of operation navigation being executed is low, and the high navigation state is defined as a state in which the probability of operation navigation being executed is higher than in the low navigation state. However, the low navigation state may also be defined as a state in which operation navigation is not executed, and the high navigation state as a state in which operation navigation is executed.

[0100] Each game state of the AT system is subdivided and managed, and these are called presentation states. In detail, the presentation state of the low navigation state is the normal game state, and the presentation state of the high navigation state includes the normal state, the confirmation notification state, the judgement state, the pullback state, the AT1 state, the AT2 state, and the ED (ending) state. In principle, the AT1 state, the AT2 state, and the ED state are states in which the number of balls released increases.

[0101] In this embodiment, when a certain condition is met in the normal game state in the low navigation state (for example, when a winning combination other than a miss is won), the game transitions to the normal state in the high navigation state. After that, for example, the game transitions in the order of the confirmation notification state → AT1 state → judgement state, and from this judgement state, there is a route to transition to the normal game state or AT2 state via the pull-back state, or a route to transition directly from the judgement state to the AT2 state.

[0102] The AT state (AT1 state, AT2 state) is a state in which AT play is possible a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 games per set), and is a state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal play state in a low navigation state or the normal state in a high navigation state.

[0103] In this AT game, at the start of the AT game, a set continuation lottery (for example, a lottery with a 1 / 4 probability of winning) is held to determine whether or not to continue the AT game, and if the set continuation lottery is won, a predetermined number of AT games (in this example, one set of 30 games) are awarded, and the AT state is extended. Also, if the conditions for transitioning to the normal game state are met in the AT state (in this example, when all games in the AT state have been played), the game will transition to the normal game state from the next game.

[0104] Also, when the number of remaining games in the high navigation state becomes a predetermined number of games (for example, 20 games) or less, the state transitions to the ED state, and in this ED state, an ED (ending) effect is executed to indicate the end of the high navigation state. Note that the condition for transitioning to the ED state is not limited to the number of remaining games in the high navigation state becoming a predetermined number of games (for example, 20 games) or less, but may be, for example, that the predetermined number of games is more or less than 20 games, or that "number of coins acquired + expected difference in number of coins acquired > 2000".

[0105] <Reel unit> Next, the reel unit 600 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0106] Figure 6(a) is an external oblique view of the reel unit 600 seen from the front side with the left reel device 601 removed, and Figure 6(b) is an external oblique view of the reel unit 600 seen from the back side with the left reel device 601 removed.

[0107] The reel unit 600 is composed of a left reel device 601 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "reel device 601") equipped with the left reel 110, a center reel device 602 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "reel device 602") equipped with the center reel 111, a right reel device 603 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "reel device 603") equipped with the right reel 112, a reel frame 604 capable of accommodating these three reel devices 601 to 603 inside, and a reel board unit 606 arranged above this reel frame 604.

[0108] Prior to describing the reel devices 601 to 603, which are a feature of the present invention, the reel frame 604 and the reel board unit 606 will be described first.

[0109] <Reel unit / reel frame> The reel frame 604 is a box-shaped member having an internal space capable of accommodating the reel devices 601 to 603, and has an opening on the front side through which the reels 110 to 112 can be seen. In this example, the reel frame 604 is made of plastic, but the material of the reel frame 604 is not particularly limited and may be metal, wood, or the like.

[0110] A reel board unit 606 (described later) is disposed above the reel frame 604, and multiple types of heat dissipation holes 604a to 604c are formed on the back and sides of the reel frame 604. The heat dissipation holes 604a to 604c are all through holes for dissipating heat generated by the reel devices 601 to 603, the reel board unit 606, etc. to the outside of the reel frame 604.

[0111] Specifically, in this example, three horizontally elongated elliptical heat dissipation holes 604a are formed at predetermined intervals in the upper back surface of the reel frame 604 (below the reel board unit 606), six elliptical heat dissipation holes 604b are formed at predetermined intervals in the back surface of the reel frame 604 (toward the back surfaces of the reel devices 601-603), and four slit-shaped heat dissipation holes 604c are formed at predetermined intervals on each side surface at both ends in the width direction of the reel frame 604 (toward the sides of the reel devices 601, 603). Needless to say, the arrangement, shape, number, etc. of these heat dissipation holes 604a-604c are not limited to those in this example.

[0112] Additionally, reel fixing portions 604d for fixing reel side plates 650 of the reel devices 601 to 603 are formed in a total of six locations, three on each of the upper and lower edges, in the opening of the reel frame 604, corresponding to the three reel devices 601 to 603. With the reel devices 601 to 603 housed in the inner space of the reel frame 604, the reel side plates 650 of the reel devices 601 to 603 can be fixed to the reel frame 604 by screwing the reel side plates 650 of the reel devices 601 to 603 to the reel fixing portions 604d with screws 651a (only a portion of which is shown in FIG. 6).

[0113] <Reel unit / reel board unit> The reel board unit 606 disposed above the reel frame 604 is composed of a motor control board 606a, a relay terminal board 606b electrically connected to the motor control board 606a, a setting board 606d, and a reel board cover 606c disposed so as to cover the motor control board 606a, the relay terminal board 606b, and a portion of the setting board 606d.

[0114] The motor control board 606a is a board on which electronic components for controlling the reel devices 601 to 603 are mounted. The relay terminal board 606b is a board equipped with terminals (connectors) to which a harness or the like can be attached for electrically connecting the motor control board 606a to the basic circuit 302 (see FIG. 3) of the main control unit 300. The setting board 606d is connected to the motor control board 606a and is a board for performing various settings. These boards are protected by a reel board cover 606c.

[0115] <Reel device> Next, reel devices 601 to 603, which are a feature of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0116] In addition, since the left reel unit 601, center reel unit 602, and right reel unit 603 of the slot machine 100 in this example have the same structure, only the left reel unit 601 (reel unit 601) will be described below, but the reel drive mechanism described below may be applied to only some of the left reel 110, center reel 111, and right reel 112, or in addition (or instead) to auxiliary reels other than the left reel 110, center reel 111, and right reel 112.

[0117] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the components constituting the reel device 601 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the components constituting the reel device 601 as seen from the rear side.

[0118] The reel device 601 is configured to include a reel 110, a reel drive unit 610 that drives the reel 110 to rotate, a backlight module 630 that illuminates the symbols on the reel 110 from behind, a reel detection unit 640 that detects the rotational position of the reel 110, a reel side plate 650 for attaching components such as the reel drive unit 610 and the backlight module 630, a bearing unit 660 disposed on the left reel frame 684 of the reel 110, and a coil spring 670 that is compressed between the left reel frame 684 of the reel 110 and the reel drive unit 610.

[0119] <Reel device / reel> Next, the reel 110 of the reel device 601 will be described.

[0120] The reel 110 is composed of a reel band 680 on which multiple types of patterns are printed at equal intervals, a right reel frame 682 and a left reel frame 684 that support both sides of the reel band 680, and a detectable portion 686 fixed to the left reel frame 684.

[0121] <Reel device / reel / reel belt> Reel band 680 of reel 110 is a flat ring-shaped member formed by bonding the longitudinal ends of a rectangular band-shaped member together. In this example, reel band 680 is formed from a transparent, colorless plastic, but the material of reel band 680 is not particularly limited and may be paper, wood, metal, rubber, or the like, or may be a colored material.

[0122] 4 are printed at equal intervals on the outer surface of the reel band 680 for a predetermined number of frames (20 frames numbered 0 to 19 in this example). The number of frames of the symbols printed on the reel band 680 is not limited to this example, and may be less than 20 frames or 21 frames or more.

[0123] <Reel device / reel / reel frame right> The right reel frame 682 of the reel 110 is a ring-shaped member that supports one side (the right side as viewed from the front) of the reel band 680, and is fixed to the right side as viewed from the front of the reel band 680 with adhesive or the like.

[0124] In this example, the right reel frame 682 is formed of transparent, colorless plastic, similar to the reel band 680, but the material of the right reel frame 682 is not particularly limited and may be paper, wood, metal, rubber, etc., or may be a colored material.

[0125] <Reel device / reel / reel frame left> The left reel frame 684 of the reel 110 supports the side of the reel band 680 opposite to the side on which the right reel frame 682 is arranged (the left side when viewed from the front), and is a ring-shaped member that is driven to rotate by the reel drive unit 610, and is fixed to the left side of the reel band 680 when viewed from the front with an adhesive or the like.

[0126] In this example, the left reel frame 684 is formed of colorless, transparent plastic, similar to the reel band 680, but the material of the left reel frame 684 is not particularly limited and may be paper, wood, metal, rubber, etc., or may be a colored material.

[0127] FIG. 9(a) is an external perspective view of the left reel frame 684 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 9(b) is an external perspective view of the left reel frame 684 as seen from the rear side.

[0128] The left reel frame 684 is composed of an elongated ring-shaped frame portion 684a, six rod-shaped frames 684b extending from this frame portion 684a toward the center of the left reel frame 684, and a cylindrical flange 684c supported by these six frames 684b.

[0129] The flange 684c is a cylindrical member that protrudes from the six frames 684b as its base end toward the front side (the direction in which the reel drive unit 610 is disposed). An opening 690a of a detected unit 686 (described later) can be fitted into an outer periphery 684c1 of the flange 684c shown in Figure 9(a), and as shown in Figure 9(b), the three frames 684b are formed with claw hole portions 684b1 into which claw portions 690b of the detected unit 686 can be engaged.

[0130] With this structure, the opening 690a of the detectable portion 686 is fitted into the outer periphery 684c1 of the flange 684c, and the claw portion 690b of the detectable portion 686 is engaged with the claw hole portion 684b1 of the flange 684c, thereby making it possible to fix the detectable portion 686 to the front side of the left reel frame 684.

[0131] In addition, the inner space 684c2 of the flange 684c shown in Figure 9(b) can accommodate the bearing 662 described later, and the reel shaft 616e of the reel drive unit 610 described later can be inserted into the insertion hole 684c3 formed in this inner space 684c2.

[0132] With this structure, after accommodating the bearing 662 in the inner space 684c2 of the flange 684c, one end of the reel shaft 616e of the reel drive unit 610 is inserted through the insertion hole 684c3 of the flange 684c and into the bearing 662 from the front side of the flange 684c, so that the left reel frame 684 can be rotatably supported by the reel shaft 616e of the reel drive unit 610.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 9(a), three power input portions 684c4 each having a recessed shape into which a power output portion 616c2 of an output gear 616c (described later) can be fitted are formed at predetermined intervals on the front side of the flange 684c.

[0134] With this structure, by fitting the power output portion 616c2 of the output gear 616c into the power input portion 684c4 of the flange 684c, the power of the output gear 616c can be transmitted to the left reel frame 684, and the left reel frame 684 can be rotated by the reel drive portion 610.

[0135] <Reel device / reel / detected part> Next, the detected portion 686 of the reel 110 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0136] 10(a) is a front view of the detected portion 686, and FIG. 10(b) is a side view of the detected portion 686. Also, FIG. 10(c) is an external perspective view of the detected portion 686 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 10(d) is an external perspective view of the detected portion 686 as seen from the rear side.

[0137] As shown in Figure 10(b), the detectable portion 686 of the reel 110 is composed of a thin-walled, ring-shaped base portion 688 with a circular opening, and a thin-walled, cylindrical reel fixing portion 690 that is integrally formed and extends in the thickness direction of the base portion 688, with the opening of the base portion 688 as its base end.

[0138] In this example, the detected part 686 is formed from black plastic, but the material of the detected part 686 is not particularly limited, and may be metal or the like, or may be a colorless material.

[0139] 10(a), the base portion 688 is composed of a small diameter portion 692 that is semicircular in front view, and a large diameter portion 694 that is semicircular in front view and has an outer diameter slightly larger than that of the small diameter portion 692. The large diameter portion 694 is provided with a light-shielding piece 694a that protrudes radially outward, and the light-shielding piece 694a is configured to be detected by a photosensor 642 of the reel detection unit 640, which will be described later.

[0140] Additionally, three openings 694b are formed in large diameter portion 694, and a portion of large diameter portion 694 is hollowed out. With this configuration, the weight balance between small diameter portion 692 and large diameter portion 694, which have different outer diameters, is adjusted in detected portion 686, making it less likely for detected portion 686 to swing when rotating together with left reel frame 684. This prevents a decrease in the detection accuracy of detected portion 686 and disruption of the rotational balance of reels 110-112.

[0141] 10(a) and 10(c), the detected portion 686 is formed with multiple triangular reinforcing ribs 696 extending from the base portion 688 to the reel fixing portion 690, making it less likely for the detected portion 686 to vibrate when rotating together with the left reel frame 684. This prevents a decrease in the detection accuracy of the detected portion 686 and disruption of the rotational balance of the reels 110-112.

[0142] The reel fixing portion 690 has a circular opening 690a and three claw portions 690b that extend integrally from the opening 690a. As described above, the opening 690a of the detected portion 686 fits into the outer periphery 684c1 of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684, and the claw portions 690b of the detected portion 686 engage with the claw hole portions 684b1 of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684, thereby making it possible to fix the detected portion 686 to the front side of the left reel frame 684.

[0143] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing the relationship between the light-shielding piece 694a of the detected portion 686 and the reel band 680 of the left reel 110.

[0144] As described above, a predetermined number of symbols (20 symbols numbered 0 to 19 in this example) are printed at equal intervals on the outer surface of the reel band 680 in this example, as described with reference to FIG.

[0145] When such a 20-frame reel band 680 is adopted, the detected portion 686 is fixed to the left reel frame 684 so that the position of the base end 694a1 of the light-shielding piece 694a coincides with the boundary position (position indicated by symbol A) between the patterns numbered 0 and 1 on the reel band 680.

[0146] On the other hand, the terminal end 694a2 of the light-shielding piece 694a is formed in a direction of approximately 180 degrees (= 360 degrees × (10 frames / 20 frames)) from the base end 694a1 so as to coincide with the boundary position (position indicated by symbol B) between the patterns of number 10 and number 11 on the reel band 680.

[0147] In this example, the range from the base end 694a1 to the terminal end 694a2 of the light-shielding piece 694a corresponds to the pattern range arranged at numbers 11 to 19 and 0 on the reel band 680, and compared to when multiple light-shielding pieces are provided, the change in the signal of the photosensor 642 of the reel detection unit 640 that detects the light-shielding piece 694a can be reduced.For example, when performing a reel performance in which the reels 110 to 112 are repeatedly rotated forward and backward, the control burden on the control unit that detects the signal of the photosensor 642 can be reduced.

[0148] The positions of the base end 694a1 and the terminal end 694a2 of the light-shielding piece 694a and the corresponding position of the reel band 680 are not particularly limited and may be determined appropriately based on the rotation speed of the reels 110 to 112, the time required for stopping, etc. For example, the range of the corresponding symbols may be made different, or the positions of the base end 694a1 and the terminal end 694a2 may correspond to a position shifted about 1 / 3 of the symbol from the boundary or to the center of the symbol, rather than the boundary between the symbols.

[0149] FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between a light-shielding piece 694a' of a detection target portion 686' according to a modified example and a reel band 680' of the left reel 110.

[0150] On the outer surface of the reel strip 680' of this modified example, a predetermined number of different symbols (21 symbols numbered 0 to 20 in this example) are printed at equal intervals.

[0151] When such a 21-frame reel band 680' is adopted, the detected portion 686' is fixed to the left reel frame 684 so that the position of the base end 694a1' of the light-shielding piece 694a' coincides with the boundary position (position indicated by symbol C) between the patterns numbered 0 and 1 on the reel band 680'.

[0152] On the other hand, the terminal end 694a2' of the light-shielding piece 694a' is formed in a direction of approximately 171 degrees (= 360 degrees × (10 frames / 21 frames)) from the base end 694a1' so as to coincide with the boundary position (position indicated by symbol D) between the patterns of number 11 and number 12 on the reel band 680'.

[0153] That is, in the detected portion 686' of this example, in comparison with the case where the 20-reel band 680 described using FIG. 11(a) is used, the longitudinal length of the light-shielding piece 694a' is shorter, and in addition, the angle of the terminal end 694a2' is different from that of the base end 694a1', and is slightly inclined toward the base end 694a1' rather than being vertical.

[0154] The positions of the base end 694a1' and the terminal end 694a2' of the light-shielding piece 694a' and the corresponding position of the reel band 680 are not limited to the above example, and can be determined appropriately as in the example of Figure 11(a).

[0155] <Reel device / backlight module> Next, the backlight module 630 of the reel device 601 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0156] Figure 12(a) is a front view of the backlight module 630, (b) is a side view of the backlight module 630, and (c) is an external perspective view of the components constituting the backlight module 630 disassembled and viewed from the front side.

[0157] The backlight module 630 of the reel device 601 is a component for illuminating the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113 from inside the reel band 680, and in this example, is composed of a reflector 632, an illumination board 634 that is detachably attached to the back of the reflector 632, and a decorative panel 636 that is disposed on the side of the reflector 632.

[0158] The backlight module 630 in this example is made of white plastic, but the material of the backlight module 630 is not particularly limited, and may be metal or other materials of other colors.

[0159] Three openings 632a to 632c that connect from the front side to the back side are formed in the reflector 632. Furthermore, six LEDs 634a are arranged on the illumination board 634 at positions corresponding to the openings 632a to 632c.

[0160] The openings 632a to 632c and the LED 634a of the reflector 632 provided on the left reel unit 601 are arranged at positions corresponding to the symbol positions (the positions of symbol positions 1 to 3 described using Figure 2) to be displayed in a stopped state in the symbol display window 113 when attached to the left reel unit 601.

[0161] The openings 632a to 632c and the LED 634a of the reflector 632 provided on the middle reel device 602 are arranged at positions corresponding to the symbol positions to be displayed in a stopped state in the symbol display window 113 (the positions of symbol positions 4 to 6 described using Figure 2) when attached to the middle reel device 602.

[0162] The openings 632a to 632c and the LED 634a of the reflector 632 provided on the right reel unit 603 are arranged at positions corresponding to the symbol positions to be displayed in a stopped state in the symbol display window 113 (the positions of symbol positions 7 to 9 described using Figure 2) when attached to the right reel unit 603.

[0163] In this example, six LEDs 634a are arranged at positions corresponding to the openings 632a to 632c, so that the light emitted from one opening does not interfere with the light emitted from another opening, thereby enabling the light to be uniformly irradiated onto each of the multiple symbol positions on the symbol display window 113.

[0164] For example, by turning on all the LEDs 634a, all of the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Also, by turning on some of the LEDs 634a, some of the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Note that the number and positions of the openings and LEDs are not limited to this example.

[0165] In this example, reflector 632 has a plurality of slits (grooves) 632d to 632g provided at predetermined intervals on the bottom surface of upper opening 632a, the top and bottom surfaces of central opening 632b, and the top surface of lower opening 632c. This allows the light emitted from LED 634a to be uniformly irradiated onto the pattern located in front, improving the visibility of the pattern.

[0166] Furthermore, slit 632d provided on the underside of upper opening 632a, slit 632e provided on the top surface of central opening 632b, slit 632f provided on the bottom surface of central opening 632b, and slit 632g provided on the top surface of lower opening 632c are arranged so that the areas where the slits are formed and the areas where the slits are not formed alternate in the vertical direction (so that the positions of the slits do not coincide above and below the partitions of the openings). This structure prevents interference between light beams emitted through the slits from adjacent openings.

[0167] <Reel device / reel detection unit> Next, the reel detection unit 640 of the reel device 601 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0168] The reel detection unit 640 of the reel device 601 is configured to include a photosensor 642 and a sensor bracket 644 for fixing the photosensor 642 in a predetermined position.

[0169] The photosensor 642 of the reel detection unit 640 is a member for detecting the light-blocking piece 694a of the above-mentioned detection target portion 686, and in this example, a transmission type photosensor (photointerrupter) is used in which a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are arranged opposite each other. Note that the photosensor 642 is not limited to a photointerrupter, and other types of sensors may also be used.

[0170] One end of a sensor bracket 644 of the reel detection unit 640 is fixed and supported to the reel side plate 650 by a screw 651b. Meanwhile, a photosensor 642 is attached to the other end of the sensor bracket 644 facing upward, and a light-blocking piece 694a of the detected unit 686 arranged above the photosensor 642 passes between the light-emitting element and light-receiving element of the photosensor 642. That is, in this example, the photosensor 642 is attached facing upward at the 6 o'clock position on a clock. It goes without saying that the orientation and position of the photosensor 642 are not limited to this example.

[0171] The main control unit 300 determines the rotational position of the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 based on the signal output by this photosensor 642, and performs braking control, stopping control, etc. of the reels 110 to 112 so that the desired symbol is displayed stopped at a predetermined symbol position in the symbol display window 113.

[0172] <Reel device / reel side panel> Next, the reel side plate 650 of the reel device 601 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0173] The reel side plate (first mounting means) 650 of the reel device 601 is composed of a base portion 650a made of a plate-shaped member, a reel frame upper fixing portion 650b that protrudes integrally from the upper end of the base portion 650a toward one side of the base portion 650a as a base end, and a reel frame lower fixing portion 650c that protrudes integrally from the lower end of the base portion 650a toward one side of the base portion 650a as a base end.

[0174] In this example, the reel side plate 650 is made of metal, but the material of the reel side plate 650 is not particularly limited, and may be plastic, wood, or the like.

[0175] The base portion 650a of the reel side plate 650 has one screw hole 650a1 formed therein to which the backlight module 630 can be fixed. The backlight module 630 is screwed into this screw hole 650a1 with one screw 651a and fixed to the inner surface of the base portion 650a.

[0176] In addition, the base portion 650a is formed with one screw hole 650a2 to which the sensor bracket 644 of the reel detection portion 640 can be fixed, and the sensor bracket 644 is screwed into this screw hole 650a2 with one screw 651b and fixed to the inner surface of the base portion 650a.

[0177] In addition, the base portion 650a has one screw hole 650a3 on the top and two on the bottom, to which the mounting plate (second mounting means) 612 of the reel drive portion 610 can be fixed, and the reel drive portion 610 is screwed into these screw holes 650a3 with three screws 651c and fixed to the inner surface of the base portion 650a.

[0178] The base portion 650a is also formed with a reel shaft through-hole 650a4 (see FIG. 8) through which the reel shaft 616e of the gear unit 616 is inserted to rotatably support the reel shaft 616e, a heat dissipation hole 650a5 for dissipating heat generated by the reel drive portion 610 etc. to the outside of the reel side plate 650, and a reinforcing groove 650a6.

[0179] The upper reel frame fixing portion 650b and the lower reel frame fixing portion 650c of the reel side plate 650 are formed with protruding pieces 650b1 and 650c1 each having a screw hole, and as shown in FIG. 6, the reel side plate 650 is screwed to the reel fixing portion 604d of the reel frame 604 via these protruding pieces 650b1 and 650c1 with a screw 651d (only a part of which is shown in FIG. 6).

[0180] <Reel device / bearing section> Next, the bearing portion 660 of the reel device 601 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0181] The bearing portion 660 is composed of a bearing 662 , a washer 664 , and a screw 666 .

[0182] The bearing 662 of the reel device 601 is a ring-shaped member having a circular opening in the center, and is a bearing that supports one end of a reel shaft 616e of the reel drive unit 610, which will be described later.

[0183] Although bearing 662 in this example does not include rolling elements such as balls or rollers and is entirely made of resin, the structure and material of bearing 662 are not particularly limited, and at least a portion of the bearing may be made of metal, or other types of bearings such as ball bearings and roller bearings may be used. Note that the reason a resin bearing is used in this example is that when stopping reels 110-112 that are rotating at high speed by the drive of a DC motor, it is easier to stop reels 110-112 by increasing friction between internal space 684c2 of flange 684c and reel shaft 616e than by using a metal bearing or ball bearing.

[0184] As described above, the bearing 662 is fixed to the inner space 684c2 (see Figures 8 and 9(b)) of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684 using the washer 664 and the screw 666, and then one end of the reel shaft 616e of the reel drive unit 610 is inserted into the opening of the bearing 662 through the insertion hole 684c3 (see Figures 9(a) and (b)) of the flange 684c, thereby making it possible to rotatably support the left reel frame 684 by the reel shaft 616e of the reel drive unit 610.

[0185] According to this example, even when the reels 110 to 112 are rotated at high speed for reel effects or the like, the bearings 662 suppress vibrations and the like of the reel shafts 616e that support the reels 110 to 112, thereby enabling the reels 110 to 112 to rotate at high speed stably. Furthermore, because the resin bearings 662 have a high coefficient of friction, the rotation speed of the reel shafts 616e can be smoothly and quickly reduced when the reels 110 to 112 stop, and the smooth stopping of the reels 110 to 112 can enhance the performance effects of the reels 110 to 112.

[0186] <Reel device / coil spring> Next, the coil spring 670 of the reel device 601 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0187] The coil spring 670 of the reel device 601 is compressed between the left reel frame 684 of the reel 110 and the output gear 616c of the reel drive unit 610 (see FIGS. 8 and 14(a)). With this structure, the left reel frame 684 is biased in a direction away from the output gear 616c of the reel drive unit 610.

[0188] In this example, the coil spring 670 is made of metal, but the material of the coil spring 670 is not particularly limited and may be rubber, etc. Furthermore, the biasing means that biases the left reel frame 684 and the reel drive unit 610 in the direction of separating them is not limited to a coil spring, and other types of biasing means may be used.

[0189] <Reel drive unit / overall configuration> Next, the overall configuration of the reel drive unit 610 of the reel device 601 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0190] 13(a) is a front view of the reel driving unit 610, and FIG. 13(b) is a side view of the reel driving unit 610. Also, FIG. 13(c) is an external perspective view of the reel driving unit 610 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 13(d) is an external perspective view of the reel driving unit 610 as seen from the rear side.

[0191] The reel drive unit 610 (drive means) is mainly composed of a mounting plate (second mounting means) 612 made of a plate-shaped member, a reel motor unit 614 mounted on one side (first side, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "reel motor unit 614 side") of the mounting plate 612, a gear unit 616 mounted on the other side (second side, hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "gear unit 616 side") of the mounting plate 612, and a gear unit cover 618 arranged to cover part of the gear unit 616.

[0192] <Reel drive unit / component> Next, the components that make up the reel driving unit 610 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0193] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the components constituting the reel driving unit 610 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the components constituting the reel driving unit 610 as seen from the rear side.

[0194] <Reel drive unit / mounting plate> The mounting plate (second mounting means) 612 of the reel drive unit 610 is composed of a base portion 612a made of a plate-shaped member, an upper fixing plate 612b that is L-shaped in side view and integrally formed so as to protrude from the upper end of the base portion 612a toward one side (first side) of the base portion 612a as a base end, and a lower fixing plate 612c that is L-shaped in side view and integrally formed so as to protrude from the lower end of the base portion 612a toward one side (first side) of the base portion 612a as a base end.

[0195] In this example, the mounting plate 612 is made of metal, but the material of the mounting plate 612 is not particularly limited, and may be plastic, wood, or the like.

[0196] As shown in the side view of Figure 13(b), the height of the upper fixing plate 612b and the lower fixing plate 612c of the mounting plate 612 is designed to be greater than the thickness of the motor 614a of the reel motor unit 614, and one side (first side) of the mounting plate 612 functions as a storage space capable of storing the motor 614a inside.

[0197] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, two screw holes 612a1 are formed on the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) of the base portion 612a of the mounting plate 612, to which the reel motor unit 614 can be attached, and the reel motor unit 614 is screwed into these screw holes 612a1 with two screws 651e, and is fixed within the inner space formed by the upper fixing plate 612b and the lower fixing plate 612c on the reel motor unit 614 side (first side).

[0198] The base portion 612a has a through hole 612a2 through which the drive gear 614b of the reel motor unit 614 can be inserted, and the motor 614a of the reel motor unit 614 is fixed to the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) of the mounting plate 612 with the drive gear 614b protruding through the through hole 612a2 toward the gear unit 616 side (second side).

[0199] As shown in FIG. 14, the base portion 612a has four screw holes 612a3 to which the gear unit cover 618 (described later) can be fixed. The gear unit cover 618 is fastened to the screw holes 612a3 with four screws 651f, and is fixed to the gear unit 616 side (second side) of the base portion 612a.

[0200] The base portion 612a is provided with a rotation shaft 612a4 that rotatably supports the large idle gear 616a and small idle gear 616b of the gear unit 616, and is also formed with a reel shaft through-hole 612a5 through which the reel shaft 616e can be inserted.

[0201] Furthermore, the base portion 612a is formed with two screw holes 612a6 to which the reel retainer 616f of the reel shaft 616e can be fixed. The reel retainer 616f is screwed into these screw holes 612a6 with two screws 651g, and the reel shaft 616e is fixed to the base portion 612a via the reel retainer 616f while being inserted into the reel shaft through-hole 612a5.

[0202] <Reel drive unit / reel motor unit> Next, the reel motor unit 614 of the reel driving section 610 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0203] The reel motor unit 614 is mainly composed of a motor (power generating means) 614a housed in a case, and a drive gear (power transmitting means) 614b attached to the rotation shaft of the motor 614a and driven by the motor 614a.

[0204] Motor 614a is a device that serves as power generating means (drive source) that generates power to rotate reels 110 to 112, and its case houses electronic components such as a control IC. In this example, motor 614a is configured as a brushless DC motor, but the type of motor 614a is not particularly limited, and may be a DC motor, a stepping motor, or the like.

[0205] The drive gear 614b is a member that serves as a power transmission means for transmitting the power of the motor (power generating means) 614a, and in this example, transmits the power of the motor 614a to a large idle gear 616a, which will be described later.

[0206] In this example, the drive gear 614b is a spur gear, but the type of gear is not particularly limited and may be a bevel gear, helical gear, or the like. In this example, a lubricant is applied to the drive gear 614b to ensure smooth rotation of the drive gear 614b. However, if there is no problem with the high-speed rotation of the reels 110-112, it is not necessary to apply a lubricant to the drive gear 614b.

[0207] With the drive gear 614b of the reel motor unit 614 inserted from the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) to the gear unit 616 side (second side) via the through hole 612a2 of the mounting plate 612, the bottom of the case of the motor 614a is screwed into the screw hole 612a1 on the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) of the mounting plate 612 and is heat-welded to the top surface of the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) of the mounting plate 612.

[0208] According to this example, the motor 614a is fixed to the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) of the mounting plate 612, and the case of the motor 614a is heat-welded to the mounting plate 612. Therefore, even when the reels 110-112 are rotated at high speed, the lubricating oil applied to the various gears (in this example, the drive gear 614b, large idle gear 616a, small idle gear 616b, and output gear 616c) arranged in the gear unit 616 (second side) of the mounting plate 612 does not splash onto the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) or onto the electronic components inside the case of the motor 614a, thereby preventing situations such as malfunction or deterioration of the motor 614a.

[0209] <Reel drive unit / gear unit> Next, the gear unit 616 of the reel driving unit 610 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0210] Figure 16(a) is a front view showing the state in which the reel motor unit 614 and the gear unit 616 are attached to the mounting plate 612, and Figure 16(b) is an external perspective view of the state in which the reel motor unit 614 and the gear unit 616 are attached to the mounting plate 612, as seen from the gear unit 616 side.

[0211] The gear unit 616 is mainly composed of a large idle gear (driven gear) 616a that meshes with the drive gear 614b of the reel motor unit 614, a small idle gear (driven gear) 616b that forms a stepped gear together with the large idle gear 616a, an output gear (driven gear) 616c that meshes with the small idle gear 616b, a reel shaft 616e that is fitted to the output gear 616c via a bearing 616d, a reel holder 616f that fixes the reel shaft 616e to the mounting plate 612, and a gasket 616g.

[0212] <Reel drive unit / gear unit / large idle gear, idle gear> A large idle gear 616a of the gear unit 616 and a small idle gear 616b having a smaller diameter than the large idle gear 616a are arranged coaxially via a common rotary shaft 612a4, and form a two-stage stepped gear.

[0213] The large idle gear 616a and the small idle gear 616b are components that serve as power transmission means for transmitting the power of the motor (power generating means) 614a, and in this example, the power of the motor (power generating means) 614a transmitted via the drive gear 614b is transmitted to the output gear 616c at a predetermined reduction ratio.

[0214] In this example, a two-stage stepped gear consisting of a large idle gear 616a and a small idle gear 616b is used, which not only allows for space saving in the reel drive unit 610, but also makes it possible to easily adjust the rotational speed of the reels 110-112 by increasing the reduction gear ratio between the two and increasing the rotational speed of the reels 110-112, or by decreasing the reduction gear ratio between the two and decreasing the rotational speed of the reels 110-112.

[0215] In this example, the large idle gear 616a and the small idle gear 616b are configured as spur gears, but the type of gear is not particularly limited and may be a bevel gear, helical gear, or the like. In this example, lubricating oil is applied to the large idle gear 616a and the small idle gear 616b to ensure smooth rotation of the large idle gear 616a and the small idle gear 616b. However, if there is no problem with the high-speed rotation of the reels 110-112, it is not necessary to apply lubricating oil to the large idle gear 616a and / or the small idle gear 616b.

[0216] <Reel drive unit / gear unit / output gear> As shown in FIG. 16, the output gear 616c of the gear unit 616 has external teeth 616c1 that mesh with the small idle gear 616b, and a power output portion 616c2 that has a convex shape that can fit into the power input portion 684c4 (see FIG. 9(a)) of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684.

[0217] In this example, the output gear 616c is configured as a spur gear, but the type of gear is not particularly limited and may be a bevel gear, a helical gear, or the like. In this example, lubricating oil is applied to the output gear 616c to ensure smooth rotation of the output gear 616c. Note that if there is no problem with the high-speed rotation of the reels 110-112, it is not necessary to apply lubricating oil to the output gear 616c.

[0218] In this example, the output gear 616c has external teeth 616c1 that mesh with the small idle gear 616b, so the rotational speed of the reels 110-112 can be easily adjusted by increasing the reduction ratio between the small idle gear 616b and the external teeth 616c1 to increase the rotational speed of the reels 110-112, or by decreasing the reduction ratio between the two to decrease the rotational speed of the reels 110-112.

[0219] In this example, the power of the motor 614a is transmitted to the reels 110-112 using four gears: the drive gear 614b, the large idle gear 616a, the small idle gear 616b, and the output gear 616c. However, the number of gears and the reduction ratio are not particularly limited, and the rotation speed of the reels 110-112 may be changed as appropriate by changing the number of gears and the reduction ratio.

[0220] Therefore, for example, the reels 110-112 may be configured to be rotated and driven by only two gears, the drive gear 614b and the output gear 616c, or the drive shaft of the motor 614a may be directly connected to the reels 110-112 to rotate and drive the reels 110-112.

[0221] <Reel drive unit / gear unit / bearing> The bearing 616d of the gear unit 616 is a ring-shaped bearing with a circular opening in the center, and is a bearing that supports the reel shaft 616e.

[0222] As shown enlarged in Figure 14, the bearing 616d in this example is composed of an outer ring 616d1 and an inner ring 616d2 each having a flat ring shape made of metal, and a donut-shaped annular portion 616d3 made of resin and arranged between the outer ring 616d1 and the inner ring 616d2.

[0223] According to this example, even when the reels are rotated at high speed for reel effects or the like, the bearing 616d allows the output gear 616c to rotate smoothly, and the reels 110 to 112, which are rotationally driven by the output gear 616c, can be rotated stably at high speed. Furthermore, by disposing the annular portion 616d3 made of a resin member between the outer ring 616d1 and the inner ring 616d2, the rotational speed of the output gear 616c can be reduced more smoothly and quickly when the reels 110 to 112 stop compared to metal bearings, and by stopping the reels 110 to 112 smoothly, the performance effect of the reels can be enhanced.

[0224] The material of bearing 616d is not particularly limited, and outer ring 616d1 or inner ring 616d2 may be made of resin, annular portion 616d3 may be made of metal, or part or all of outer ring 616d1, inner ring 616d2, and annular portion 616d3 may be made of ceramic, stainless steel, glass, etc. The type of bearing is also not particularly limited, and other types of bearings such as ball bearings and roller bearings may be used.

[0225] <Reel drive unit / gear unit / reel shaft, reel holder> Figure 17(a) is a side view of the reel drive unit 610 with the gear unit cover 618 removed, and Figure 17(b) is a side view of the reel device 601 with the gear unit cover 618, reel belt 680, and backlight module 630 removed.

[0226] The reel shaft (reel rotation axis) 616e is a rod-shaped member that rotatably supports the reels 110 to 112 via members such as a bearing 616d, an output gear 616c of the gear unit 616, a detected portion 686, and a left reel frame 684.

[0227] The reel retainer 616f is a member for fixing the reel shaft 616e to the mounting plate 612, and the reel shaft 616e is fixed to the base portion 612a of the mounting plate 612 via the reel retainer 616f.

[0228] The end of the reel shaft 616e on the gear unit 616 side (the left side of the paper in Figures 17(a) and (b)) is fitted to the output gear 616c of the gear unit 616 via a bearing 616d, and rotatably supports the left reel frame 684 via this output gear 616c and a detectable portion 686 that is engaged with the output gear 616c.

[0229] Meanwhile, the end of the reel shaft 616e on the reel motor unit 614 side (the right side of the paper in Figures 17(a) and (b)) passes through the opening in the right reel frame 682 and is fitted into the reel shaft through-hole 650a4 of the reel side plate 650 (see Figures 8 and 17(b)), so that the reel shaft 616e is supported by both the mounting plate 612 and the reel side plate 650.

[0230] According to this example, the reel shaft 616e is supported by both the mounting plate 612 and the reel side plate 650, so that the reel shaft 616e can be supported at at least two points. Even when the reels 110 to 112 are rotated at high speed for reel performances or the like, vibrations of the reel shaft 616e that supports the reels 110 to 112 can be suppressed, so that the reels 110 to 112 can be rotated stably at high speed.

[0231] <Reel drive unit / gear unit / gasket> The gasket 616g of the gear unit 616 is a sealing material that prevents the lubricating oil applied to the various gears (in this example, the drive gear 614b, large idle gear 616a, small idle gear 616b, and output gear 616c) of the gear unit 616 from leaking to the outside.

[0232] The gasket (sealing material) 616g is sandwiched between the gear unit cover 618 and the mounting plate 612 to seal the gap between the gear unit cover 618 and the mounting plate 612, and is fixed in place by being pressed against the mounting plate 612 by the gear unit cover 618.

[0233] The gasket 616g in this example is made of a flexible member (rubber packing), but the material of the gasket 616g is not particularly limited, and a sealing material made of other materials such as metal or tape may also be used.

[0234] <Reel drive unit / gear unit cover> Next, the gear unit cover 618 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0235] The gear unit cover (cover member) 618 of the reel driving unit 610 is made up of a plate-shaped mounting portion 618a and a box-shaped cover body 618b that is integrally formed and extends upward from the mounting portion 618a as a base end.

[0236] In this example, the gear unit cover 618 is formed from black plastic, but the material of the gear unit cover 618 is not particularly limited, and may be wood, metal, rubber, etc., or may be a colorless material.

[0237] Four screw holes 618a1 are formed in the mounting portion 618a of the gear unit cover 618, and the gear unit cover 618 is screwed into the screw holes 612a3 (see Figure 14) of the mounting plate 612 via these four screw holes 618a1 with four screws 651f.

[0238] The cover body 618b of the gear unit cover 618 has an inner space 618b1 capable of accommodating at least the various gears (in this example, the drive gear 614b, the large idle gear 616a, the small idle gear 616b, and the output gear 616c) of the gear unit 616, and an output gear insertion hole 618b2 through which the flange 684c of the output gear 616c can be inserted.

[0239] The gear unit cover 618 accommodates various gears of the gear unit 616 (in this example, the drive gear 614b, the large idle gear 616a, the small idle gear 616b, and the output gear 616c) in the inner space 618b1 of the cover body 618b, exposes the flange 684c of the output gear 616c to the outside through the output gear insertion hole 618b2, and is fixed to the upper surface of the gear unit 616 side (second side) of the mounting plate 612 with a gasket 616g sandwiched between the mounting portion 618a and the mounting plate 612.

[0240] In conventional gaming machines, the reels were not rotated at high speeds during reel-based effects, so there was no need to apply lubricating oil to the various gears that drive the reels.However, in recent years, there has been a demand for effects in which the reels rotate at high speeds to enhance the effects of the effects.However, by rotating the reels at higher speeds than before, new problems may arise, such as the lubricating oil used to ensure the smooth operation of the various gears being scattered.

[0241] In this regard, according to this example, a gear unit cover 618 capable of accommodating various gears of the gear unit 616 (drive gear 614b, large idle gear 616a, small idle gear 616b, output gear 616c) is provided, so that even when the reels are rotated at high speed in reel performances, etc., the lubricating oil applied to the various gears can be prevented from splashing onto surrounding members, electronic components, etc.

[0242] In this example, the volume of the inner space 618b1 of the cover body 618b is designed to be larger than the minimum volume required to accommodate the various gears (in this example, the drive gear 614b, the large idle gear 616a, the small idle gear 616b, and the output gear 616c) so that the reduction ratio (gear diameter, number of teeth, number, etc.) of the various gears (in this example, the drive gear 614b, the large idle gear 616a, the small idle gear 616b, and the output gear 616c) can be changed as appropriate.

[0243] <Operation of reel drive unit> Next, the operation of the reel driving unit 610 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 16(a).

[0244] When the motor 614a of the reel drive unit 610 rotates in a first direction (for example, forward, clockwise), the drive gear (power transmission means) 614b driven by the motor 614a rotates in the direction indicated by the symbol X in Figure 16(a) (counterclockwise).

[0245] When the drive gear 614b rotates, the large idle gear (driven gear) 616a, which meshes with the drive gear 614b and is driven by the drive gear 614b, and the small idle gear (driven gear) 616b, which forms a stepped gear together with the large idle gear 616a and is driven by the drive gear 614b, rotate in the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the drive gear 614b, i.e., in the direction indicated by the symbol Y in Figure 16(a) (clockwise).

[0246] When the small idle gear 616b rotates, the output gear (driven gear) 616c meshes with the small idle gear 616b and is driven by the small idle gear 616b, rotating in the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the small idle gear 616b, i.e., in the direction indicated by the symbol Z (counterclockwise) in Figure 16(a).

[0247] When the output gear 616c rotates, the power of the output gear 616c is transmitted to the left reel frame 684 via the power output portion 616c2 of the output gear 616c and the power input portion 684c4 of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684. This causes the left reel frame 684 to rotate in the same direction as the output gear 616c, that is, in the direction indicated by the symbol Z in Figure 16(a) (counterclockwise).

[0248] When the left reel frame 684 rotates, the detectable portion 686, the reel band 680, and the right reel frame 682 fixed to the left reel frame 684 rotate together, causing the reels 110 to 112 to rotate in the forward direction (from top to bottom when viewed from the front), i.e., in the direction of rotation shown in Figure 4.

[0249] On the other hand, when the motor 614a of the reel drive unit 610 rotates in a second direction (e.g., reverse direction, counterclockwise), the drive gear 614b, the large idle gear 616a, the small idle gear 616b, and the output gear 616c rotate in the direction opposite to the rotational direction indicated by the symbols X, Y, and Z in Figure 16(a), causing the reels 110 to 112 to rotate in the reverse direction (from bottom to top when viewed from the front), i.e., in the direction opposite to the rotational direction shown in Figure 4.

[0250] Therefore, during play, pressing the start lever 135 triggers the motor 614a to rotate in a first direction (for example, forward, clockwise), thereby rotating the reels 110 to 112 in the forward direction. In addition, by switching the rotation direction of the motor 614a, the reels 110 to 112 can be rotated in the forward and reverse directions, allowing for effects (reel effects) using the reels 110 to 112.

[0251] In this example, the reels 110-112 are attached to the reel shaft 616e via resin bearings 662, so that even when the reels are rotated at high speed for reel effects, etc., vibrations of the reel shaft 616e that supports the reels are suppressed, allowing the reels to rotate at high speed stably. Furthermore, because the resin bearing has a high coefficient of friction, the rotational speed of the reel shaft 616e can be smoothly and quickly reduced when the reels stop, and the smooth stopping of the reels can enhance the performance effects of the reels.

[0252] Furthermore, in this example, because the output gear 616c is attached to the reel shaft 616e via the bearing 616d, the output gear 616c can be rotated smoothly even when the reel is rotated at high speed for reel effects, etc., and the reel, which is rotationally driven by the output gear 616c, can be rotated at high speed stably. Furthermore, by disposing a resin member between the outer and inner rings of the output gear 616c, the rotational speed of the output gear 616c can be reduced more smoothly and quickly when the reel stops compared to metal bearings, and by stopping the reel smoothly, the performance effect of the reel can be enhanced.

[0253] <Motor control board> 18 is a circuit block diagram showing the main control unit 300 and the motor control board 606a. One motor control board 606a is provided for each motor 614a. In the present embodiment, three motors 614a are provided corresponding to the reels 110 to 112, and therefore three motor control boards 606a are also provided.

[0254] The motor control board 606a includes a control IC 621 and a driver 622. The control IC 621 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output interface, counter / timer, signal processing circuit, etc. The ROM stores a control program related to the control of the motor 614a, and the CPU executes the control program to control the motor 614a. The driver 622 includes multiple switching elements, such as transistors and FETs, and supplies power to the motor 614a. The control IC 621 outputs a drive signal to the driver 622 based on a signal from an encoder 614e of the motor 614a, thereby controlling the amount of rotation, direction of rotation (forward / reverse), and rotation speed of the motor 614a. The control IC 621 also corrects the relationship between the amount of rotation of the reel R rotated by the motor 614a and the amount of control given to the driver 622 based on a signal from a photosensor 642. The control IC 621 may be an IC composed of multiple types of registers without including a CPU, etc.

[0255] The setting board 606d is an electric circuit board for setting setting information related to the rotation of the reel R in advance in the control IC 621 by outputting a setting signal. The setting board 606d is detachably attached to the motor control board 606a via a connector 623. The setting information can also be incorporated into the control program of the control IC 621. However, this method has the disadvantage that, when using the control IC 621 between different gaming machine models, a control program for the control IC 621 must be created for each model. The setting information can also be incorporated into the control program executed by the main control unit 300, and the main control unit 300 sets the setting information in the control IC 621 when the power is turned on. However, this method increases the size of the control program for the main control unit 300, which is disadvantageous when using a small-capacity ROM 306. According to this embodiment, setting information using the setting board 606d can solve these problems.

[0256] Fig. 19(a) shows an example of the circuit configuration of the setting board 606d. In this embodiment, multiple types of setting information can be set, and Fig. 19(a) shows an example of a circuit for setting information 1, but the circuits for the other types of setting information 2 to N have the same configuration.

[0257] The circuit for setting information 1 is a circuit capable of outputting 2 bits of information to the control IC 621. In the illustrated example, it is a relatively simple circuit, consisting of a pull-down resistor (outputting a setting signal of L) that pulls down the wiring connected to the input port of the control IC 621 via the connector 623, and a pull-up resistor (outputting a setting signal of H) that pulls up the wiring. For example, when the power is turned on, the control IC 621 can set the setting information by reading the signal of the input port connected to the setting board 606d and storing it in a register. Figure 19(b) shows an example of a register, illustrating the information stored in each register (2 bits) of setting information 1 to 3. For setting information 1, information LH (01) is stored, corresponding to the example of the setting information 1 circuit in Figure 19(a).

[0258] In this embodiment, the setting information of the setting board 606d has fixed output information. Instead of the example of the setting information 1 circuit in FIG. 19(a), a method can be adopted in which the output information is easily changed by using a DIP switch or the like. However, if the setting information of the setting board 606d is information specific to the model of the gaming machine, there is a risk that the setting information will be set to incorrect information if it is changeable. By using a circuit configuration in which the output information of the setting board 606d is fixed, as in this embodiment, such incorrect setting can be reliably avoided.

[0259] Examples of various setting information used in this embodiment will be described below. First, setting information 1 is information on the total number of frames (total number of symbols) on the reel R. In this embodiment, it is assumed that 20 frames are set, but for example, 21 frames can also be set, and a reel R with 21 frames may be used.

[0260] Setting information 2 is information about the number of steps, which will be described later. The number of steps corresponds to the resolution of the rotation of one frame, and one step is the smallest unit of rotation amount of reel R under the control of control IC 621. When reel R is rotated the set number of steps, reel R will rotate by one frame. In the example described later, the number of steps is 5, but 7 or 9 may also be settable.

[0261] Setting information 3 is the reference speed for the rotation speed of reel R. This reference speed is, for example, the maximum rotation speed. The reference speed may be the minimum rotation speed or an intermediate rotation speed. Based on the reference speed, a controllable range of rotation speeds of reel R is set. Setting information 4 is information on the adjustment rotation amount, which will be described later. The adjustment rotation amount is information for adjusting the reference stop position.

[0262] Assuming that the circumference of the reel R is the same across different models, the control IC 621 calculates the total number of steps for one rotation of the reel R from setting information 1 and setting information 2 using the formula: Total number of steps = Total number of frames × Number of steps. The control IC 621 determines the minimum controllable rotation amount by dividing 360 degrees by the total number of steps. The relationship between the total number of steps and the resolution of the encoder 614e allows the detection value (e.g., number of output pulses) of the rotation amount per step by the encoder 614e to be determined, and rotation control in one-step increments is possible based on this detection value. The control IC 621 can manage the rotation position of one rotation of the reel R in terms of the number of steps. For example, each time the detection value of the encoder 614e for one step is output, the control IC 621 increments the rotation position counter by one, and resets the rotation position counter when the photosensor 642 detects the light-shielding piece 694a.

[0263] <Slot machine control process> The processing of the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400, and the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0264] <Main processing in the main control section> First, the main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Figure 20. The figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit main processing. The main control unit main processing is processing related to the control of the progress of the game.

[0265] As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when power is turned on. When this start signal is input, the CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 is reset and started by a reset interrupt, and executes the main processing of the main control unit shown in Fig. 20 in accordance with a control program previously stored in the ROM 306.

[0266] When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are performed in step S101. These initial settings include setting a stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting interrupt prohibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, and setting operation permission and initial values for the WDT 314.

[0267] In step S102, a game start process is performed. In this game start process, a check is made to see if an operation using the start lever 135 or an operation using the bet buttons 130 to 132 (a bet number setting operation) has been accepted, a check is made to see if the number of bets has reached a specified number, and if a bet number setting operation has been accepted, preparations are made to send a bet number setting command or a start lever acceptance command to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that if a replay combination was won in the previous game, a process is performed to insert the same number of medals as the number inserted in the previous game, eliminating the need for the player to insert medals. If the start lever 135 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0268] In step S103, the number of inserted medals is determined, and a win line determination process is performed to determine the valid win lines. In step S104, a random number acquisition process is performed to acquire the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316.

[0269] In step S105, a winning combination internal lottery process is performed. In the winning combination internal lottery process, a winning combination lottery table stored in ROM 306 is read out according to the current game state, and an internal lottery is performed using this table and the random number value obtained in step S104, and preparations are made to send an internal lottery command indicating the result of this internal lottery to the first sub-control unit 400. If any winning combination (including an operating combination) is internally won as a result of the internal lottery, the flag for that winning combination is turned on.

[0270] In step S106, a reel stop data selection process is performed to select candidates for reel stop data based on the results of the internal lottery process for the winning combination internal lottery. This reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. In step S106, preparations are made to send a reel stop data command containing information about the selected reel stop data to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0271] In step S107, a reel rotation / stop control process is executed to start the rotation of all reels 110 to 112. Also, the stop buttons 137 to 139 become available for acceptance, and when any of the stop buttons is pressed, a stop table of reel stop data is referenced, and one of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped.

[0272] In the reel stop control here, so-called pull-in control (frame slip control) may be performed. Pull-in control refers to control that shifts the stop positions of the reels 110-112 within a range of a certain number of frames (number of symbols) (pull-in range; for example, up to 4 frames) after the player operates each stop button 137-139. Reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. Each reel stop data is broadly divided into permissive control, which allows symbol combinations of a predetermined winning combination to be displayed on a winning line, and prohibitive control, which prevents symbol combinations of any winning combination from being displayed on a winning line.

[0273] Examples of allowable control include when a certain winning combination is internally won or when a special combination is internally won (flag carried over), and control is performed so that the winning combination is displayed within the range of the above number of frames even if the timing of the player's operation of the stop buttons 137-139 is poor. However, since this is only "allowable," the symbol combination may not be displayed depending on the timing of the operation of the stop buttons 137-139. However, depending on the arrangement of the symbols on the reels 110-112 and the number of pull-in frames, 100% of the combinations may be displayed.

[0274] On the other hand, an example of prohibition control is when the internal lottery result is a miss and there is no internal win of a special role (flag carried over), and control is exercised so that the winning symbol combination is not displayed within the range of the above frame number even if the timing of the player's operation of each stop button 137 to 139 is good.

[0275] As a result of the above control, if all reels 110-112 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S108. In step S107, for each stop operation, preparations are made to send to the first sub-control unit 400 a stop button acceptance command relating to the stop button 137-139 that was operated to stop (more specifically, a stop button acceptance 1 command for the first stop operation, a stop button acceptance 2 command for the second stop operation, and a stop button acceptance 3 command for the third stop operation), and for each reel stop, preparations are made to send to the first sub-control unit 400 a reel stop command relating to the reel's stop position (more specifically, a reel stop 1 command for the first stopped reel, a reel stop 2 command for the second stop operation, and a reel stop 3 command for the third stop operation).

[0276] In step S108, a display determination process is performed. In this display determination process, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line L1, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. In addition, in this step S108, preparations are made to send a winning determination command indicating the result of the winning determination to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0277] In step S109, a medal payout process is performed. In the medal payout process, if any winning combination that awards medals is achieved, medals in the number corresponding to the winning combination are paid out.

[0278] In step S110, a game state control process is performed. In the game state control process, processing related to the transition of each game state is performed, and the game state is transitioned when the start condition or end condition is met. In addition, preparations are made to send a game state command including information indicating the current game state to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0279] This completes one game. After that, the process returns to step S102 and the above-described processing is repeated to continue the game.

[0280] The various commands prepared in the above steps are transmitted in the command setting and transmission process (step S1006 in FIG. 21) of the main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later.

[0281] <Main control unit timer interrupt processing> Next, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 21. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

[0282] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined period (approximately once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt signal is used as a trigger to start main control unit timer interrupt processing at the predetermined period.

[0283] In step S1001, a timer interrupt start process is performed, which includes processes such as temporarily saving the values of each register of the CPU 304 in a stack area.

[0284] In step S1002, WDT314 is restarted periodically (in this embodiment, once every approximately 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt) to prevent the count value of WDT314 from exceeding the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and causing a WDT interrupt (to prevent processing abnormalities from being detected).

[0285] In step S1003, an input port state update process is performed. In this input port state update process, detection signals from the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310, and the presence or absence of the detection signals is monitored and stored in signal state storage areas partitioned for each of the various sensors 318 in the RAM 308.

[0286] In step S1004, various game processes are executed, and processes according to the interrupt status are executed.

[0287] In step S1005, a timer update process is performed. More specifically, various timers are updated in their respective time units.

[0288] In step S1006, a command setting transmission process is performed, and various commands that have been prepared for transmission are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 is able to determine the presentation control in response to changes in game control in the main control unit 300 based on the command type contained in the received output schedule information, and is also able to determine the content of the presentation control based on the command data information contained in the output schedule information.

[0289] In step S1007, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652, which is separate from the slot machine 100, via the information output circuit 334.

[0290] In step S1008, a reel control process is performed, in which control information is output to the motor control board 606a.

[0291] In step S1009, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring processing, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S1003 are first read out to monitor for errors related to medal insertion abnormalities, medal payout abnormalities, etc., and if an error is detected (not shown), error processing is executed. Furthermore, depending on the current game status, the medal selector 170 (a medal blocker operated by a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170), various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set. In addition, when the signal from the photosensor 642 changes from H level to L level, the rotational position information is reset to zero.

[0292] In step S1010, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on or not, and if the low voltage signal is on (if a power cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S1012, and if the low voltage signal is off (if a power cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S1011.

[0293] In step S1011, various processes are performed to end the timer interrupt end process. In this timer interrupt end process, the values of each register temporarily saved in step S1001 are set back to the original registers. Then, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

[0294] Meanwhile, in step S1012, specific variables and stack pointers for restoring the system to the state it was in at the time of power outage when power is restored are saved as recovery data in a predetermined area of RAM 308, power outage processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed, and then the system returns to the main processing of the main control unit shown in Figure 20.

[0295] <Processing of the first sub-control unit> Next, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 22. Figure 22(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 22(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 22(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0296] First, the main processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 22(a).

[0297] When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S3001. This initialization process involves initial setting of the input / output ports and initialization of the storage area in RAM 408. In this process, an area for storing internal win information, which is information indicating the result of an internal win, and an area for storing RT update information, which is information indicating the game status, are provided in RAM 408.

[0298] In step S3002, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or greater, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or greater, the process proceeds to step S3003.

[0299] In step S3003, the timer variable is set to 0. In step S3004, command processing, which is processing corresponding to each command received from main control unit 300, is executed.

[0300] In step S3005, a performance control process is performed. Here, performance preparation is performed in accordance with the performance reservation information stored in the performance reservation area in RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, reading performance data from ROM 406 and updating the performance data if it needs to be updated.

[0301] In step S3006, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S3005. For example, if the performance data read in step S3005 includes a command to the sound source IC 418, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

[0302] In step S3007, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S3005. For example, if the performance data read in step S3005 includes commands for the various lamps 420, these commands are output to the drive circuit 422.

[0303] In step S3008, an information output process is performed to set up the sending of a command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S3005. For example, if the performance data read in step S3005 contains a command to be sent to the second sub-control unit 500, settings are made to output this control command, and the process returns to step S3002.

[0304] Next, using Figure 22(b), we will explain the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. This command reception interrupt processing is processing that the first sub-control unit 400 executes when it detects a strobe signal output by the main control unit 300. In step S3101 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command memory area provided in RAM 408.

[0305] Next, using Figure 22(c), we will explain the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt triggers the execution of the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period.

[0306] In step S3201, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of RAM 408 described in step S3002 in the first sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 22(a) and stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S3002, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or greater every 20 ms (2 ms x 10).

[0307] In step S3202, commands are sent to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step S3008, and the random number values for performance are updated. In step S3203, performance interruption processing is performed. This processing is executed when a reason for interruption, such as a power outage, occurs, and performs processing to interrupt the performance that is currently running. Specifically, specific variables and stack pointers for returning to the state at the time of power outage when power is restored are saved as recovery data in a specified area of RAM 408, and power outage processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed.

[0308] <Processing of the second sub-control unit> Next, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using Figure 23. Figure 23(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 23(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 23(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 23(d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500.

[0309] When the power is turned on, first, initial setting is performed in step S5001 of Fig. 23(a). This initial setting process performs initial setting of input / output ports, initialization of storage areas in RAM 508, initialization of storage areas in VRAM 518, etc. When initializing RAM, "0" is generally stored in the storage areas.

[0310] In step S5002, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or greater, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or greater, the process proceeds to step S5003.

[0311] In step S5003, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step S5004, command processing is performed. In command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0312] In step S5005, effect control processing is performed. Specifically, if a new command is received in step S5004, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, processing is executed to read effect data for image control related to the background image from ROM 506. This also includes processing to read other effect data from ROM 506, and updating the effect data if it needs to be updated.

[0313] In step S5006, image control processing (described in detail below) is performed based on the processing result of step S5005. For example, if the performance data read in step S5005 contains an image control command, image control corresponding to this command is performed. For example, image control related to the display image (announcement image, background image) is executed. When this image control processing is completed, the process returns to step S5002.

[0314] Next, using Figure 23(b), we will explain the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. This command reception interrupt processing is processing that the second sub-control unit 500 executes when it detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400.

[0315] In step S5101 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508 as an unprocessed command.

[0316] Next, using Figure 23(c), we will explain the second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt triggers the execution of the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period.

[0317] In step S5201, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of RAM 508 described in step S5002 in the second sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 23(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S5002, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20 ms (2 ms x 10). In step S5202, processing such as updating the random number value for presentation is performed.

[0318] Next, the image control processing of step S5006 in the main processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described with reference to Figure 23(d). This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the image control processing.

[0319] In step S5301, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the drawing areas of display area A and display area B of the VRAM 518. As a result, one frame of image stored in a display area not designated as a drawing area is displayed on the performance image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets the ROM coordinates (the source address of ROM 506), the VRAM coordinates (the destination address of VRAM 518), etc. in the attribute register of the VDP 516 based on the position information table, and then sets a command to start transferring image data from ROM 506 to VRAM 518. The VDP 516 transfers the image data from ROM 506 to VRAM 518 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 516 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

[0320] In step S5302, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal has been input from VDP 516. If a transfer end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S5303; if not, the process waits for the transfer end interrupt signal to be input.

[0321] In step S5303, parameters are set based on the rendering scenario configuration table, attribute data, etc. Here, CPU 504 instructs VDP 516 on information about the image data that constitutes the display image (coordinate axes of VRAM 518, image size, VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), transparency, etc.) in order to form a display image in display area A or B of VRAM 518 based on the image data transferred to VRAM 518 in step S5301. VDP 516 sets parameters in accordance with the attributes based on the command stored in the attribute register.

[0322] In step S5304, a drawing instruction is issued. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to start drawing an image. The VDP 516 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with the instruction from the CPU 504.

[0323] In step S5305, it is determined whether a generation end interrupt signal has been input from VDP 516 based on the completion of image drawing. If a generation end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S5306; if not, the process waits for the generation end interrupt signal to be input.

[0324] In step S5306, a scene display counter, which is set in a predetermined area of RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated, is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

[0325] <Reel rotation control> 18, the main control unit 300 (basic circuit 302) and the control IC 621 are communicatively connected, the main control unit 300 transmits control information relating to the rotation control of the reels 110-112 to the control IC 621, and the control IC 621 controls the motor 614a based on the received control information. The control IC 621 also transmits the state of the motor 614a to the main control unit 300 as state information, and the main control unit 300 can control the progress of the game based on the received state information.

[0326] Examples of the control information and status information, and an example of the rotation control of reel R will be described below with reference to Fig. 24. This figure is a timing chart showing changes over time in the control information and status information.

[0327] 24 illustrates control information such as rotation instruction information, rotation speed instruction information, and rotation direction instruction information. The rotation speed instruction information is a command that specifies the rotation speed of the reel R at a constant speed, and in the illustrated example, specifies that the reel R should rotate at 80 rpm at a constant speed. The control IC 621 accelerates the reel R to the rotation speed specified by the rotation speed instruction information and controls the motor 614a to maintain the rotation speed. The main control unit 300 can select the rotation speed at a constant speed from multiple rotation speeds, and when it sends speed instruction information indicating the selected rotation speed to the control IC 621, the control IC 621 rotates the reel R at the selected rotation speed.

[0328] The rotation direction instruction information is a command that instructs the rotation direction of the reel R, and in the illustrated example, it instructs rotation in the forward direction (normal rotation). Forward rotation is the direction in which the symbols move in the order indicated by the "rotation direction" and arrow in FIG. 4, and reverse rotation (reverse rotation) occurs when the symbols move in the opposite direction. The rotation direction instruction information can also instruct reverse rotation. The control IC 621 switches the rotation direction of the motor 614a in accordance with the rotation direction instructed by the rotation direction instruction information.

[0329] The rotation speed instruction information and rotation direction instruction information may be transmitted by the main control unit 300 to the control IC 621 when starting rotation control of the reel R, or may be transmitted by the main control unit 300 to the control IC 621 together with the rotation instruction information.

[0330] The rotation instruction information is a command that specifies the amount of rotation of the reel R, and is information that specifies the rotation of the reel R by one frame. The control IC 621 rotates the reel R by one frame every time it receives rotation instruction information. If the total number of frames is 20, the control IC 621 controls the motor 614a so that the reel R rotates 360 degrees ÷ 20 = 18 degrees in response to one rotation instruction information.

[0331] In this embodiment, the rotation instruction information is a periodic pulse signal transmitted at a predetermined time interval T. The control IC 621 rotates the reel R by one frame using the rising edge (OFF→ON) of the signal as a trigger. The interval T is set to be less than or equal to the time required for one-frame rotation when the reel R is rotating at a constant speed. When the main control unit 300 rotates the reel R by two or more frames, it can continue to rotate the reel R by transmitting the rotation instruction information every interval T. Note that a configuration using the falling edge (ON→OFF) of the signal as a trigger may be adopted.

[0332] For example, if the rotation speed of the reel R at a constant speed is Nrpm, the time t0 (ms) required for one rotation of the reel R is t0 = 60000 / N. When the total number of frames is 20 frames, the time t1 (ms) required for one-frame rotation is t1 = t0 / 20. For this time t1, the value of T is set such that T≦t1. Preferably, T < t1 and T≒t1. For example, 0.95×t1≦T≦0.99×t1. When the reel R is rotated at 100 rpm, the interval T can be set to about 29 ms. Since the interval T is close to the time t1, the transmission of the rotation instruction information can be synchronized with the frame number of the symbol displayed at the reference stop position, making it easier to perform the stop control of the symbol. The reference stop position is, for example, the middle position in FIG. 2 (symbol positions 2, 5, 8).

[0333] Since the control IC 621 rotates the reel R by one frame each time it receives the rotation instruction information, when the next rotation instruction information is received within the interval T after receiving the rotation instruction information, the rotation of the reel R is continued and the reel R is further rotated by one frame. If the next rotation instruction information is not received within the interval T after receiving the rotation instruction information, the reel R is stopped. In the example of FIG. 24, after the rotation instruction information is received four times, there is no reception of the rotation instruction information, so the rotation of the reel R is stopped.

[0334] The main control unit 300 manages the interval T in the timer update process of S1005 of the timer interrupt process shown in Fig. 21, and can transmit control information such as rotation instruction information in the reel control process of S1008. The main control unit 300 increments the rotation position information by one each time it transmits rotation instruction information, and resets the rotation position information to zero when it detects a change from H level to L level of the photosensor 642 (processing of S1009 in Fig. 21). This makes it possible to manage the symbol (frame number) located at the reference stop position. When the rotation position information is zero, it is designed so that, for example, a frame with frame number 0 is located at the reference stop position.

[0335] The status information is information transmitted from the control IC 621 to the main control unit 300, and indicates the status of rotation control of the reel R. The status information is transmitted, for example, to a predetermined input port of the main control unit 300, and the main control unit 300 checks it in the device monitoring process of S1009 of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 21. In the example of FIG. 24, the status information includes the accelerating state, constant speed state, and stopped state of the reel R. For example, when the main control unit 300 acquires status information indicating the constant speed state, the main control unit 300 enables the stopping operation, and when it acquires status information indicating the stopped state, the main control unit 300 determines the symbol combination.

[0336] When the control IC 621 receives the rotation instruction information while the reel R is stopped, it starts rotating the reel R so that the reel R rotates at the rotation speed and in the rotation direction specified by the rotation speed instruction information and rotation direction instruction information. By performing acceleration control of the reel R according to the control program of the control IC 621, the main control unit 300 does not need a program for acceleration control, and the capacity of the control program can be reduced.

[0337] While reel R is accelerating, the amount of rotation of reel R during interval T is smaller than during constant-speed rotation. If the difference in rotation amount is large, the relationship between interval T and the amount of rotation of reel R may be disrupted. FIG. 25(a) is an explanatory diagram. In this diagram, reel R (i.e., motor 614a) is accelerated at a predetermined acceleration rate up to the rotation speed (instructed rotation speed) instructed by the rotation speed instruction information during the first two intervals T. The amount of rotation of reel R after reaching the specified rotation speed is expressed as interval T × instructed rotation speed, but during the acceleration period before that, the amount of rotation is reduced by an amount equal to area R1. In other words, the relationship between interval T from the start of rotation of reel R and the amount of rotation of reel R becomes interval T × instructed rotation speed − R1 after reaching the specified rotation speed.

[0338] Therefore, in this embodiment, when accelerating to the rotation speed (instructed rotation speed) instructed by the rotation speed instruction information, the control IC 621 accelerates the reel R to a rotation speed faster than the instructed rotation speed, and then decelerates the reel R to the instructed rotation speed to rotate at a constant speed. FIG. 25(b) is an explanatory diagram. In this figure, during the first two intervals T, the reel R is accelerated to a rotation speed faster than the instructed rotation speed, then decelerated to the instructed rotation speed, and rotates at a constant speed at the instructed rotation speed. Area R1 indicates the amount of rotation of the reel R that is reduced compared to when rotating at a constant speed, and area R2 indicates the amount of rotation of the reel R that is increased compared to when rotating at a constant speed. By controlling the acceleration, maximum speed, and deceleration so that areas R1 and R2 are equal, the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R can be maintained.

[0339] Incidentally, even when the reel R is rotating at a constant speed, there may be a discrepancy between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R. However, when the photosensor 642 detects the light-shielding piece 694a, the reel R is accelerated or decelerated by a small amount, and the control IC 621 can align the rotation position of the reel R with the ON timing of the rotation instruction information.

[0340] Next, an example will be described in which the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R is maintained by increasing or decreasing the interval T in response to an increase or decrease in the instructed rotation speed. Figures 26 and 27 show one example. In the example of Figure 26, the instructed rotation speed is doubled compared to the example of Figure 24. In this case, the interval T is set to 1 / 2 of the interval T in Figure 24. In the example of Figure 27, the instructed rotation speed is 1 / 2 times that of the example of Figure 24. In this case, the interval T is set to 2 times the interval T in Figure 24.

[0341] In the above example, the rotation instruction information and the rotation speed instruction information are separate pieces of information, but the rotation speed instruction information can also include the rotation instruction information. An example of a configuration in which the rotation speed instruction information is included in the rotation instruction information will be described below with reference to Figure 28. This figure shows an example of an operation using rotation instruction information that includes the rotation speed instruction information.

[0342] In FIG. 28(a), the rotation instruction information is a periodic pulse signal transmitted at a predetermined time interval T1. The falling edge of the signal (ON to OFF) triggers the control IC 621 to rotate the reel R by one frame. As in the example of FIG. 24, the interval T1 is equal to or shorter than the time t1 required for the reel R to rotate by one frame when the reel R is rotating at a constant speed. The pulse width H1 of this rotation instruction information serves as the rotation speed instruction information. By setting this pulse width H1 to a predetermined time (here, half the time t1 required for the reel R to rotate by one frame), the rotation speed required for the reel R to rotate by one frame can be specified. If the next rotation instruction information is not received within the interval T1 after receiving the rotation instruction information, the reel R is stopped. In the above configuration, the reel R is rotated by one frame after waiting for the falling edge of the signal (ON to OFF). However, the reel R may also be stopped if the signal remains ON and does not fall (i.e., if the reception of the rotation instruction information is not complete).

[0343] In the above example, when reel R rotates at a constant speed, interval T1 is approximately the same as the time t1 required for one frame to rotate, and pulses are transmitted that are OFF in the first half of time interval T1 and ON in the second half (pulses with a 1:1 OFF to ON ratio) as shown in FIG. 28(a). Note that while the example in FIG. 26 describes a case where the rotation speed of reel R is doubled compared to the example in FIG. 24, in the example in FIG. 28(a), the rotation speed of reel R can be doubled by halving the pulse period and pulse width. FIG. 28(b) shows that the rotation speed of reel R is doubled by using pulse period T2 (= T1 / 2) and pulse width H2 (= H1 / 2), which are half the pulse period T1 and pulse width H1 of FIG. 28(a). On the other hand, in the example of Fig. 27, a case was described in which the rotation speed of reel R was halved compared to the example of Fig. 24, but in the configuration of Fig. 28(a), the rotation speed of reel R can be halved by doubling the pulse period and pulse width. Fig. 28(c) shows that the rotation speed of reel R is halved by doubling the pulse period T1 and pulse width H1 of Fig. 28(a) to a pulse period T3 (= T1 × 2) and pulse width H3 (= H1 × 2).

[0344] An example of operation when decelerating the reel rotation speed will now be described with reference to FIG. 29. FIG. 29(a) shows an example in which the pulse period and pulse width are doubled midway to halve the reel rotation speed. In this example, pulses are first transmitted at a period T, and rotation speed A is maintained. Note that period T is approximately equal to the time required for one frame to rotate. FIG. 29(a) shows two pulses, Pa1 and Pa2, among the pulses used to maintain rotation speed A. After pulse Pa2 is transmitted, the period and pulse width of the next pulse are doubled. The combined period of periods A1 and A2 in FIG. 29(a) corresponds to one period (2T) including the doubled pulse width, and pulse Pa3 with a doubled pulse width is transmitted during period A2.

[0345] Here, the rotation (one frame) performed by pulse Pa2 is completed at time T (period A1), but at this time, pulse Pa3 has not yet been transmitted. That is, when time T has elapsed since pulse Pa2 was transmitted (at the end of period A1), the rotation according to the previously received rotation instruction information (pulse Pa2) is completed, but new rotation instruction information (pulse Pa3) has not yet been received, so control IC 621 stops reel R. FIG. 29(a) shows that reel R is stopped during period A2. FIG. 29(a) also shows that, upon receiving new rotation instruction information (pulse Pa3), reel R rotates at a rotation speed of A / 2 during the subsequent period A3.

[0346] In Figure 28, we explained that the pulse period and pulse width correspond to the reel rotation speed. However, if the pulse period and pulse width were changed uniformly during deceleration, the reel would stop temporarily, as in the example of Figure 29(a), and the reel would not be able to decelerate smoothly. In other words, during deceleration, it is necessary to be able to receive new rotation instruction information while rotation is being performed in accordance with previously received rotation instruction information. Below, we will explain an example of operation that takes this into consideration using Figure 29(b). Figure 29(b) shows an example of operation when the reel rotation speed is decelerated to half.

[0347] In Figure 29(b), pulses are transmitted at a period T, as in Figure 29(a), to maintain rotation speed A. Figure 29(b) shows two pulses, Pb1 and Pb2, among the pulses used to maintain rotation speed A. Consider extending the width of the next pulse after transmitting pulse Pb2 to slow down the reel. In this case, the rotation (one frame's worth of rotation) performed by pulse Pb2 is completed in time T (period B1), so new rotation instruction information must be received by the end of period B1. However, doubling the pulse width as in Figure 29(a) would result in the pulse width being too long to fit within period B1 (time T). Therefore, the pulse width is adjusted to 1.5 times its original width. Furthermore, to fit the rotation instruction information within period B1, the OFF time must be shortened by the amount of the increased pulse width. 29(b) shows that after pulse Pb2, an OFF time that is shorter than the OFF time while rotation speed A is maintained passes, and then pulse Pb3 with a pulse width 1.5 times larger is received (period B1). Note that in the above example, the pulse width was adjusted to 1.5 times, but it may also be 1.2 times, as long as the pulse width allows the rotation instruction information to fit within period B1. Also, in the above example, the falling edge of the pulse of the rotation instruction information within period B1 is synchronized with cycle T, but the falling edge of the pulse of the rotation instruction information may occur at an earlier timing.

[0348] Pulse Pb3, which has a pulse width 1.5 times wider, slows the rotation speed of reel R from rotation speed A to rotation speed A / 1.5. Furthermore, the time until the rotation by this pulse Pb3 is completed is extended to 1.5T (period B2). Even with a pulse width twice as wide, rotation instruction information can be accommodated in period B2, as shown in Figure 29(a). Figure 29(b) shows that after pulse Pb3, a pulse Pb4 with a pulse width twice as wide is received after an OFF period (period B2). Furthermore, it shows that this pulse Pb4 subsequently decelerates reel R to rotation speed A / 2 (period B3).

[0349] As in the example of Figure 29(b), when the pulse width is increased to slow down the rotation speed of the reels, it is sufficient to use an OFF time that is shorter than the OFF time in the rotation instruction information before the deceleration at least once. This allows the reels to be decelerated to a certain extent, and if further deceleration is required, it is possible to ensure a period for transmitting an even longer pulse width. Note that Figure 29(b) describes an example of operation in which the pulse width is increased in two steps to achieve stepwise deceleration, but depending on the degree of deceleration, it is also possible to increase the pulse width only once, or to increase it in two or more steps.

[0350] In this embodiment, the pulse width time is half the time required to rotate the next frame, so when decelerating, the next pulse width and the OFF time before that fit within the time of the previous pulse width x 2 (previous pulse width x 2 > next pulse width + previous OFF time). In Figure 29(a), this relationship is not satisfied and the reels come to a temporary halt, but in Figures 29(b) and (c), this relationship is satisfied and the reels decelerate smoothly.

[0351] Furthermore, when decelerating stepwise by dividing the pulse width into multiple steps, the OFF time during deceleration may be the same, while the pulse width may be lengthened stepwise. Figure 29(c) shows an example of operation when the OFF time during deceleration is the same as in Figure 29(b). Specifically, in Figure 29(b), the OFF time before pulse Pb3 in period B1 is different from the OFF time before pulse Pb4 in period B2, but in Figure 29(c), these OFF times are the same. This configuration simplifies the process of deriving the OFF time during deceleration.

[0352] Because the reel rotation speed is set according to the pulse width, for example, the reel rotation speed can be decelerated even if the pulse width is increased and the OFF time is shortened (the ON time ratio is increased) without changing the pulse signal period (see period B1 in Figure 29(b)). However, in this case, the time required for rotation control increases because the reel rotation speed (movement per frame) slows, while the transmission period of the rotation instruction information remains the same, resulting in a gradual delay in rotation control in response to the rotation instruction information. However, for example, when decelerating to stop the reels, the rotation instruction information for deceleration can be sent in advance, preventing a situation in which the rotation instruction information (deceleration instruction) is not received in time and the reels stop without deceleration. Of course, the deceleration configuration is not limited to this example. When decelerating by increasing the pulse width, the pulse signal period can also be increased according to the degree of deceleration of the reels. In this case, the pulse period can be increased while maintaining the ratio of the ON time to the OFF time of the pulse signal.

[0353] 28, the rotation speed increases when the ON time of the pulse signal of the rotation instruction information is shortened, and decreases when it is lengthened. However, the rotation speed may also be increased when the ON time is lengthened, and decreased when it is shortened. Also, the rotation speed may be controlled using the OFF time of the pulse signal instead of the ON time of the pulse signal.

[0354] 28, the rotation speed is determined according to the ON time of the pulse signal of the rotation instruction information. However, the rotation speed may be determined using the ratio of the OFF time and the ON time of the pulse signal. For example, when the ratio of the OFF time and the ON time of the pulse signal is 1:1, the rotation speed at constant speed (e.g., 80 rpm) is set, and as the ON time ratio increases, such as 1:2 or 1:3, the rotation speed becomes slower than at constant speed, and as the ON time ratio decreases, such as 2:1 or 3:1, the rotation speed becomes faster than at constant speed. Alternatively, as the ON time ratio increases, the rotation speed may become faster than at constant speed, and as the ON time ratio decreases, the rotation speed may become slower than at constant speed.

[0355] In addition, taking into account the upper and lower limits of the reel rotation speed, a limit may be set on the pulses that can be accepted as the rotation speed, and if the pulse is not within this limit, the rotation instruction will not be accepted (for example, the reel will stop without rotating).

[0356] 28, the rotation speed is specified using the pulse width, but the rotation speed may be specified using the period of the pulse signal instead of the length of the pulse width or the ratio of the OFF time to the ON time of the pulse signal. Specifically, the rotation speed may be slower as the period from rising edge to rising edge (or the period from falling edge to falling edge) becomes longer, and faster as the period becomes shorter.

[0357] Furthermore, the above configuration may be configured such that the ON / OFF of the pulse signal is inverted. Figures 30(a) to (c) show an example of a configuration in which the ON / OFF of the pulse signal of Figures 28(a) to (c) is inverted. In this configuration, the rising edge of the signal (OFF to ON) is used as a trigger to cause the control IC 621 to spin the reel R by one frame.

[0358] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 30, the number of signal lines can be reduced by using one pulse signal for the rotation instruction information and the rotation speed instruction information.

[0359] Next, the control of the control IC 621 when reel R stops will be described. As already mentioned, if no rotation instruction information is received, the control IC 621 stops the rotation of reel R. At this time, the control is performed so that the target symbol stops at the reference stop position, but it is desirable that the stop position can be finely adjusted in the direction of rotation. This is advantageous when reusing the reel drive unit 10 and motor control board 606a between models. This is because, since the configuration of the reel window 113, etc., differs depending on the model, there may be cases where the symbol position in the middle row (symbol positions 2, 5, and 8 in Figure 2) is better slightly higher or slightly lower.

[0360] In this embodiment, an adjustment rotation amount, which is the amount of rotation of the reel R that is less than one frame, can be set as setting information 4, and this adjustment rotation amount can be used to fine-tune the position of the symbol at the reference stop position. In other words, fine adjustment of the reference stop position is possible. Specifically, if no rotation instruction information is received, the control IC 621 rotates the reel R by the adjustment rotation amount and stops it. In this embodiment, this adjustment rotation amount can be set in units of steps, which are equal divisions of the amount of rotation of one frame. This step is also information that can be set as the number of steps in setting information 2.

[0361] Figure 31 shows an example of steps. In this example, the amount of rotation per frame is divided into 5 steps. In other words, the total number of steps for one rotation of reel R is 5 steps x 20 frames = 100 steps, and the stopping position of reel R can be selected from 100 steps.

[0362] Figure 32 shows examples of setting the amount of adjustment spins. Figure 32(a) in the center is an example where the amount of adjustment spins is set to 3 steps, which is the standard amount of adjustment spins. Figure 32(b) on the left is an example where the amount of adjustment spins is set to 1 step. Compared to the example in Figure 32(a), the symbols will stop shifted upward. Figure 32(c) is an example where the amount of adjustment spins is set to 5 steps. Compared to the example in Figure 32(a), the symbols will stop shifted downward. In both cases, it is assumed that reel R is spun in the forward direction.

[0363] A specific example of stop control will be described. Suppose that while reel R is rotating, a stop operation is performed and the main control unit 300 determines that rotation of reel R should be stopped three frames ahead. The third frame is stopped using the adjusted rotation amount. For this reason, the main control unit 300 transmits rotation instruction information twice (3-1=2) to the control IC 621. Upon receiving the rotation instruction information twice, the control IC 621 rotates reel R two frames, and if no rotation instruction information is received, it rotates reel R by the adjusted rotation amount and stops it. This is the rotation of the third frame. This allows the desired symbol to stop at the reference stop position corresponding to the structure of the machine.

[0364] The same applies when there is no stop operation during the rotation of the reel R and the rotation of the reel R is stopped after the lapse of a predetermined time. After the lapse of the predetermined time, the main control unit 300 determines the number of frames to be rotated thereafter and transmits rotation instruction information for a number of frames less than the determined number of frames to the control IC 621. The control IC 621 rotates the reel R by the number of frames indicated in the rotation instruction information, and then rotates the reel R by the adjusted rotation amount and stops it.

[0365] Next, an example of the effects of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to Figure 33. Figure 33(a) shows the state in which the reels 110 to 112 are stopped before the start lever 135 is operated. At symbol positions 2, 5, and 8 (see Figure 2), which are the reference stop positions, the symbol with frame number 2 (left reel 110), the symbol with frame number 16 (center reel 111), and the symbol with frame number 19 (right reel 112) are stopped, respectively.

[0366] When the start lever 135 is operated, the main control unit 300 starts the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 (FIG. 33(b)). As an example of the effect, the main control unit 300 determines a temporary stop position, and calculates the number of symbols (number of frames) to move from the current position to the temporary stop position. Rotation instruction information is sent to the control IC 621 for the calculated number of frames.

[0367] For example, if the symbols on the left reel 110 are to be moved six frames, the rotation instruction information is transmitted six times. Note that the reel R may be rotated once and then stopped at a desired position. This allows the player to anticipate for a longer period of time the position at which the reel will stop. For example, if it is desired to move six symbols after rotating the reel R once, the rotation instruction information is transmitted 26 times. Note that it is also possible to vary the rotation amount (number of frames moved) for the three reels 110 to 112.

[0368] The main control unit 300 stops sending the rotation instruction information. This causes the reels 110 to 112 to temporarily stop as shown in FIG. 33(c). In the example shown in FIG. 33(c), the left reel 110 has rotated 9 frames, the center reel 111 has rotated 3 frames, and the right reel 112 has rotated 5 frames from the state shown in FIG. 33(a). This ends the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 as part of the effect. No stop operation is accepted during this effect period.

[0369] Next, as shown in Figure 33(d), the reels 110-112 are started to rotate for play. If the timing of the start of rotation of the reels 110-112 is to be delayed, the main control unit 300, for example, counts the delay time for delaying the start of rotation of each reel, and transmits rotation instruction information for the second and third reels only after the corresponding delay time has elapsed. Thereafter, the reels 110-112 are stopped in response to a stop operation by the player or after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0370] The rotation control of the reels 110-112 described in this embodiment may also be applied to rotation control for effect purposes. In other words, in rotation control for game progress, since it is not possible to predict in advance when a player will perform a stop operation, rotation instruction information is transmitted for each frame at intervals T, allowing for a so-called randomly occurring stop operation. In contrast, in rotation control for effect purposes, the rotation amount and stop position can be determined in advance. Therefore, in rotation control for effect purposes, for example, rotation instruction information may be transmitted to the control IC 621 without intervals T, or control information instructing the total rotation amount instead of rotation instruction information for each frame may be transmitted once, and the control IC 621 may perform corresponding control. Alternatively, control information for the number of symbols to be moved (number of frames to be moved) (e.g., control information for moving five symbols) may be transmitted once, and the control IC 621 may perform corresponding control. This may reduce the load on the main control unit 300.

[0371] <Example of reel acceleration (1)> An example of the operation of the reels when accelerating will be described below with reference to Figure 34. This figure shows the positional relationship of the left reel 110 with respect to the rotation instruction information. Note that this figure uses the rotation instruction information of Figure 24 for explanation, but the same configuration can be used with other rotation instruction information.

[0372] 34 shows positions on the left reel 110 from position P01, where the symbol number 2 (replay) is displayed in the middle row, to position P10, where the symbol number 19 (blank 1) is displayed in the middle row. For example, position P04 is the position where the symbol number 1 (bell) is displayed in the middle row, and position P07 is the position where the symbol number 0 (watermelon) is displayed in the middle row.

[0373] For example, consider a case where the reel symbol positions after power-on are stopped at the respective positions (see FIG. 2) of the symbol display window 113 (a state where no positional deviation occurs). In this case, normal reel rotation control is executed by receiving rotation instruction information from the main control unit 300 and moving the symbols one frame at a time. FIG. 34(a1) shows that rotation instruction information for one frame causes the reel to rotate from position P01 in FIG. 34 to position P04 in FIG. 34, then rotation instruction information for the next one frame causes rotation to position P07 in FIG. 34, and then rotation instruction information for the next one frame causes rotation to position P10 in FIG. 34.

[0374] However, after power-on, the reel symbol positions may be misaligned from their respective positions in the symbol display window 113 (see FIG. 2) due to external factors such as maintenance work. In this case, when rotation command information from the main control unit 300 is received and the symbols are moved one frame at a time, the reel rotation control is executed with this misalignment maintained. FIG. 34(a2) shows that the rotation command information for one frame from position P02 in FIG. 34 causes the reel to rotate beyond position P04 in FIG. 34 to position P05, and the misalignment remains. This misalignment can be resolved by rotating the reel to a position where no misalignment occurs when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected. For example, FIG. 34(a2) shows that the reel rotates to position P07 where no misalignment occurs when rotation command information for one frame from position P05 in FIG. 34 is received. The position when rotated by one frame from position P05 is position P08, but in this case, the light-shielding piece 694a was detected midway (between positions P05 and P06), so the positional deviation is eliminated by rotating to position P07 in Figure 34. Subsequent rotations will be performed in a state where the positional deviation has been eliminated. Figure 34(a2) shows that the rotation from position P07 to position P10 in Figure 34 will be performed after rotating by one frame according to the rotation instruction information.

[0375] While the above operation can eliminate misalignment, as in the case of Figure 34(a2), if the reel is rotated less than one frame in response to a rotation instruction for one frame, it may reach the target position and stop earlier than intended, despite the instruction to rotate one frame, causing the reel to rattle and potentially resulting in a new malfunction. To prevent this problem, when the light-blocking piece 694a is detected, the reel may be rotated to a position where misalignment does not occur, but the amount of rotation may be at least one frame. For example, when the light-blocking piece 694a is detected, the reel may be rotated to the next closest position where misalignment does not occur, thereby eliminating misalignment while ensuring a rotation amount of at least one frame.

[0376] For example, Figure 34(b1) shows that rotation from position P01 in Figure 34 to position P04 in Figure 34 was performed in response to rotation instruction information for one frame, and that when rotation instruction information for the next frame was received, rotation was performed to position P10, where no positional deviation occurs. The position when rotating one frame from position P04 is position P07, but in this case, light-shielding piece 694a was detected midway (between positions P05 and P06), so rotation was performed to position P10, which is the next position after position P07 where no positional deviation occurs. Note that even when rotating to position P07, no positional deviation occurs, and the amount of rotation of one frame is secured, so in this case it is acceptable to rotate to position P07.

[0377] Next, Figure 34(b2) shows that rotation from position P02 in Figure 34 to position P05 in Figure 34 is performed in response to rotation instruction information for one frame, and that when rotation instruction information for the next frame is received, rotation occurs to position P10, where no positional deviation occurs. The position when rotating one frame from position P05 is position P08, but in this case, light-shielding piece 694a is detected midway (between positions P05 and P06), so the positional deviation is eliminated by rotating to position P10, which is the next position after position P07 where no positional deviation occurs.

[0378] Note that when the configuration shown in Figures 34(b1) and (b2) is adopted, the rotation amount will be more than one frame for a rotation instruction signal for one frame, resulting in a delay in the reel state relative to the rotation instruction signal. This delay is compensated for by the control IC 621 adjusting the speed, and is resolved by the time the reels reach a constant rotation speed. Note that the timing at which the stop button is activated may be delayed to account for this speed adjustment. Furthermore, in cases where a motor capable of rapid speed adjustment is used, the stop button may be activated at the same timing regardless of whether speed adjustment is performed. In other words, when the reels are first started after power-on, special control is performed to drive the reels further than the rotation instruction signal at the timing of the first light-blocking piece detection to prevent rattles due to deviations in the reel stop position caused by reel contact during maintenance. Then, by driving the reels more than the rotation instruction information indicates, a discrepancy occurs between the rotation instruction information and the reel drive amount, but the discrepancy is resolved by adjusting the speed from when the light-blocking piece is first detected until the operation of the stop button becomes effective. Note that the above-mentioned special control may be performed by determining whether or not a positional deviation has occurred when a light-blocking piece is detected, or the special control may be performed uniformly when a light-blocking piece is detected regardless of whether or not a positional deviation has occurred.

[0379] The above configuration is an example of an operation to eliminate a positional deviation that occurred before power-on. For example, if a positional deviation occurs after power-on, the movement can be grasped based on the signal from encoder 614e, so in this case the above operation is not executed, but it may be configured so that it can be executed even after power-on.

[0380] <Example of reel acceleration (2)> An example of the operation of the reels when accelerating will be explained below with reference to Figure 35. This figure shows an example of the reels accelerating after the execution of a reel action. Note that this figure uses the rotation instruction information of Figure 24 for explanation, but other rotation instruction information can also be configured in a similar manner.

[0381] Some slot machines offer simulated games similar to regular games, in which the reels spin and vibrate slightly to simulate a stop. Separate from regular games, some machines also spin the reels to display specific symbol combinations. In this way, a series of actions may be performed, such as executing a reel action using the reels for game progression and then accelerating the reels to a constant speed to start the game. For example, if the previous reel action involved rotation in the opposite direction to the acceleration, the reels may not reach a constant speed or may shift position even when the normal acceleration process is executed. In such cases, the main control unit 300 may ensure a longer acceleration period. Such a configuration may include, for example, maintaining the acceleration state for a predetermined time longer than the normal acceleration time, lengthening the period from the start of acceleration to the activation of the stop operation, or transmitting the rotation instruction information more frequently than usual. Figure 35 shows an example of such a configuration, in which a four-frame rotation instruction information is transmitted immediately after the reel action, thereby ensuring a longer acceleration period overall. In particular, since there is a high possibility of misalignment occurring in the reel action immediately after power-on, adopting the above configuration can make such problems less likely to occur. Taking pseudo-games as an example, in pseudo-games, games proceed in the following sequence: "start operation → reel rotation (pseudo-game) → pseudo stop operation → pseudo stop (slight vibration) → pseudo-start operation → reel rotation → stop operation → stop." However, the time it takes for the stop operation to become effective in the sequence of "pseudo-start operation → reel rotation → stop operation" is longer than the time it takes for the stop operation to become effective in the sequence of "start operation → reel rotation → stop operation" in normal games. The reel rotation in the "pseudo-start operation → reel rotation → stop operation" accompanying pseudo-games and the reel rotation in the "start operation → reel rotation → stop operation" in normal games use a common drive control for acceleration control and / or constant speed control. However, by spinning the reels a few extra frames before the common drive control in the "pseudo-start operation → reel rotation → stop operation," the above-mentioned problem can be resolved while using the common drive control.This can be applied not only to pseudo games but also to the period until the stop operation becomes effective after reel action such as reverse spin or high-speed spin. In this way, the above-mentioned problem can be solved by adding a few frames of spin before the normal acceleration process after the reel action.

[0382] In addition, if a predetermined symbol stops after the reel action, the timing of the stop can be learned, making it easier to stop the desired symbol, which can assist the player in pressing the reels with precision. To address this issue, there is a configuration in which the start of rotation of each reel is randomized (hereinafter referred to as random delay). In addition to this configuration, if a longer acceleration period is to be secured, an acceleration period can be added after the random delay.

[0383] Furthermore, while the above example provides a four-frame acceleration period immediately after the reel action, the acceleration period is not limited to this. Since the player always sees the maximum number of symbols spinning, adding an acceleration period of this length will not create a sense of incongruity. This acceleration period may be determined by lottery from among multiple periods, or different periods may be set for each reel. For example, a longer acceleration period may be set for a reel that starts spinning first due to the random delay described above than for a reel that starts spinning later.

[0384] In this embodiment, an example using a DC motor has been described, but a configuration using, for example, a stepping motor may also be used, and the type of motor is not limited.

[0385] <Handling of position information during normal reel rotation> In this embodiment, the main control unit 300 sends rotation instruction information to the control IC 621 on the motor control board 606a and updates the reel position information. An example of this operation will be described below with reference to Figure 36. This figure shows an example of the relationship between part of the rotation instruction information sent while the left reel 110 is spinning and the actual position of the left reel 110.

[0386] When rotation instruction information for one symbol is transmitted, the position information is updated to the number of the middle symbol displayed by that rotation. The control IC 621 then moves the symbol corresponding to this position information to the middle of the reel. The middle section of Figure 36 shows that the reel position information is updated in the order of 1 → 0 → 19 as rotation instruction information is transmitted three times.

[0387] The top row (a1) to (a6) of Figure 36 show the changes in the left reel 110 in response to the rotation command information. Of these, the change from the bell symbol number 1 to the watermelon symbol number 0 shown in (a2) to (a5) corresponds to the second rotation command information, and in this example, the position information updated by the rotation command information matches the actual positional relationship of the reels. At this time, the light-shielding piece 694a is detected when the boundary between the numbers 1 and 0 passes through the middle line (Figure 36(a3)), but this detection does not change the position information.

[0388] On the other hand, depending on the control of the control IC 621, a delay may occur in the control of the reels in response to the rotation instruction information, which may result in a discrepancy between the reel position information updated by the main control unit 300 and the actual position of the reels. The lower row (b1) to (b7) of Figure 36 show the changes in the left reel 110 caused by the rotation instruction information. Of these, the change from the bell symbol number 1 to the watermelon symbol number 0 shown in (b4) to (b7) corresponds to the second rotation instruction information, but in this example, the actual reel position is delayed by one symbol from the position information updated by the rotation instruction information, and this change occurs at the timing when the third rotation instruction information is transmitted.

[0389] When such a delay occurs, the control IC 621 adjusts the reel speed to synchronize with the rotation instruction information. However, before that, the boundary between the number 1 and the number 0 passes the middle line and the light-shielding piece 694a is detected (FIG. 36(b5)). In this case, although the rotation of the reels is delayed relative to the rotation instruction information, the control IC 621 executes the corresponding rotation, so that the reel position information in the main control unit 300 ultimately matches. Therefore, if the position information is updated to 0 upon detection of the light-shielding piece 694a, a problem occurs in that the reel position information in the main control unit 300 and the actual reel position no longer match. Therefore, once the rotation of the reels reaches a certain speed, the position information is maintained even if the light-shielding piece 694a is detected. Note that the reel position information is updated upon detection of the light-shielding piece 694a when the reels accelerate and reach a certain speed.

[0390] <Example using stop information> In the examples of FIGS. 24 to 30, the rotation instruction information is used to instruct the reels to rotate, and the reels are stopped when there is no rotation instruction information. Here, to more reliably stop the rotation of the reels, a configuration may be adopted in which information instructing the reels to stop (stop information) is transmitted separately from the rotation instruction information. FIG. 37 shows an example in which stop information is added to the rotation instruction information described in FIG. 28. In this example, the stop information is a signal that controls the reels to a stopped state when it is ON, and FIG. 37 shows that the reels are stopped in response to this stop information. Note that the form of the signal is not limited, and it may be a signal that controls the reels to a stopped state when it is OFF. Furthermore, while FIG. 37 uses the rotation instruction information of FIG. 28 for the explanation, other rotation instruction information described using FIGS. 24 to 30 may also be applied. By using such stop information, the rotation of the reels can be reliably stopped. Note that to more reliably stop the rotation of the reels, a configuration may be adopted in which rotation instruction information is not transmitted for a predetermined period after the stop information is transmitted. Furthermore, the control IC 621 may not execute rotation control if it determines that some abnormality has occurred. For example, the control IC 621 may determine that rotation instruction information received within a predetermined period after receiving stop information is not a normal rotation instruction and not execute rotation control.

[0391] The example in Figure 37 uses the rotation instruction information described in Figure 28, but the pulse width of this rotation instruction information corresponds to the reel rotation speed. In Figure 37, the pulse of the rotation instruction information remains ON even while the reels are stopped based on the stop information, resulting in a longer pulse width compared to normal rotation. If the rotation speed is set based on this longer pulse width, the rotation speed may become too fast or too slow, potentially resulting in unexpected problems for the gaming machine. In the explanation of Figure 28, a configuration was described in which the acceptable pulse width is limited by taking into account the upper and lower limits of the reel rotation speed. By adopting such a configuration, the above-mentioned problems can be prevented. In the example in Figure 37, the pulse falls (rotation instruction) after the stop information is transmitted, but because the pulse width is too long, no rotation control is performed and the machine remains stopped. In addition to this configuration, for example, the pulse width during the period when the stop information is being transmitted may not be used when deriving the rotation speed, or rotation control based on the pulses during the transmission of the stop information may not be performed (rotation control may be performed on the pulses transmitted after the transmission of the stop information has ended).

[0392] <Transmitting rotation information to an external device> Conventionally, some gaming machines transmit internal information to external devices such as hall computers, rental machines, and testing machines. The status of the motor 614a described above is also internal information, and this information may be configured to be transmitted to an external device. Figure 38(a) shows a block diagram in which information is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the testing machine 900 via the IF board 800.

[0393] As described above, the main control unit 300 controls the rotation of the reels 110-112 by transmitting rotation instruction information and the like to the control IC 621. The information transmitted to the control IC 621 may be transmitted to a separate external device. However, since signals that can be received by different external devices differ, signals may be processed separately according to the type of external device before being output. The IF board 800 in FIG. 38(a) is provided to process signals transmitted from the main control unit 300 in accordance with the testing machine 900.

[0394] FIG. 38(b) shows an example of a signal when the testing machine 900 is capable of receiving a stepping motor control signal and uses the IF board 800 that converts a DC motor control signal into a stepping motor control signal. The rotation instruction information shown at the top of this figure is sent to the control IC 621, but is also sent to the IF board 800 at the same time. The IF board 800 receives this signal, converts it into a stepping motor control signal, and outputs it to the testing machine 900. The middle part of FIG. 38(b) shows that the rotation instruction information has been converted into a signal with more waveforms than the pulse signal. The testing machine 900 that receives this signal can grasp the control state of the motor 614a.

[0395] Note that when the configuration using the stop information of FIG. 37 is employed, the reels 110-112 may be stopped while the rotation instruction information is being sent to the control IC 621. In such a configuration, the main control unit 300 may also send stop information to the IF board 800, and may transmit a signal for controlling the stepping motor to stop while this information is being sent. FIG. 38(b) shows that the pulse signal of the stepping motor is stopped while the stop information is being sent. This example is not limiting, and the IF board 800 may be configured to output information corresponding to the stop information in response to an external device. The bottom of FIG. 38(b) shows an example of a signal when the IF board 800 outputs the stop information directly to the external device.

[0396] The above example is merely an example, and any configuration may be used as long as it is capable of outputting a signal converted to suit an external device. For example, the above processing may be performed by the main control unit 300 without providing a separate IF board 800. By adopting such a configuration, information can be transmitted without placing a burden on the external device.

[0397] <Other> The rotation control of the reel R and its circuit configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to other rotating bodies, such as rotating bodies for effects that are not related to the display of symbols for determining whether a prize is won, and can also be applied to various rotating bodies provided in pachinko machines, not limited to slot machines.

[0398] <Technical Concepts Corresponding to the Embodiments> The technical ideas described above will be described below with reference to the corresponding configurations.

[0399] In the above explanation, a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a); A rotating body (e.g., reels 110 to 112) that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols printed along the rotation direction; DC motor control means (e.g., control IC 621) for controlling the DC motor; A game progress control means (for example, a main control unit 300) that controls the game progress; A gaming machine equipped with The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting rotation instruction information (e.g., FIG. 37, etc.) instructing rotation of a predetermined amount (e.g., rotation amount of one frame) to the DC motor control means, The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting stop information (for example, FIG. 37) instructing a stop to the DC motor control means, the DC motor control means is means capable of controlling the rotation of the DC motor by the predetermined amount when the rotation instruction information is received, the DC motor control means is means capable of controlling the stop of the DC motor when the rotation instruction information has not been received and the stop information has not been received, The DC motor control means is a means for controlling the stop of the DC motor based on the reception of the stop information (see the description of <Example using stop information>). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0400] In addition, the gaming machine described above, The predetermined amount is a movement amount of one of the symbols, The game progress control means is a means capable of periodically transmitting the rotation instruction information to the DC motor control means. The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0401] In addition, the gaming machine described above, The DC motor control means is a means that does not control the DC motor with respect to the rotation instruction information received while controlling the stop of the DC motor based on the received stop information (see the description of <Example using stop information>). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0402] Also, in the above explanation, a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a); A rotating body (e.g., reels 110 to 112) that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols printed along the rotation direction; DC motor control means (e.g., control IC 621) for controlling the DC motor; A game progress control means (for example, a main control unit 300) that controls the game progress; A gaming machine equipped with The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting rotation instruction information (e.g., FIG. 37, etc.) instructing rotation of a predetermined amount (e.g., rotation amount of one frame) to the DC motor control means, The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting stop information (for example, FIG. 37) instructing a stop to the DC motor control means, the DC motor control means is means capable of controlling the rotation of the DC motor by the predetermined amount when the rotation instruction information is received, the DC motor control means is means capable of controlling the stop of the DC motor when the rotation instruction information has not been received and the stop information has not been received, The DC motor control means is a means for controlling the stop of the DC motor based on the reception of the stop information (see the description of <Example using stop information>), The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting information corresponding to the stop information transmitted to the DC motor control means to an external device (see the description of <Transmission of rotation information to an external device>), The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0403] In addition, the gaming machine described above, The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting information corresponding to the rotation instruction information transmitted to the DC motor control means to the external device (see the description of <Transmission of rotation information to external device>), The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0404] In addition, the gaming machine described above, The game progress control means is a means for not transmitting information corresponding to the rotation instruction information to the external device while the DC motor control means is not rotating the rotor (see the description of <Transmission of rotation information to external device>). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0405] Also, in the above explanation, a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a); A rotating body (e.g., reels 110 to 112) that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols printed along the rotation direction; DC motor control means (e.g., control IC 621) for controlling the DC motor; A game progress control means (for example, a main control unit 300) that controls the game progress; A gaming machine equipped with The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting rotation instruction information (e.g., FIG. 37, etc.) instructing rotation of a predetermined amount (e.g., rotation amount of one frame) to the DC motor control means, The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting stop information (for example, FIG. 37) instructing a stop to the DC motor control means, the DC motor control means is means capable of controlling the rotation of the DC motor by the predetermined amount when the rotation instruction information is received, the DC motor control means is means capable of controlling the stop of the DC motor when the rotation instruction information has not been received and the stop information has not been received, The DC motor control means is a means for controlling the stop of the DC motor based on the reception of the stop information (see the description of <Example using stop information>), The game progress control means is a means for not transmitting the rotation instruction information to the DC motor control means for a predetermined period after transmitting the stop information to the DC motor control means (see the description of <Example using stop information>). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0406] In addition, the gaming machine described above, The DC motor control means may not control the rotation of the rotor even when the game progress control means transmits the rotation instruction information (see the description of <Example using stop information>). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0407] Also, in the above explanation, a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a); A rotating body (e.g., reels 110 to 112) that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols printed along the rotation direction; DC motor control means (e.g., control IC 621) for controlling the DC motor; A game progress control means (for example, a main control unit 300) that controls the game progress; A gaming machine equipped with The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting rotation instruction information (e.g., Figures 24 to 30) instructing rotation of a predetermined amount (e.g., rotation amount of one frame) to the DC motor control means, The DC motor control means is a means capable of executing control to rotate the DC motor by the predetermined amount based on receiving the rotation instruction information, so that one of the symbols moves to a predetermined position (for example, the middle of the symbol display window 113), The DC motor control means is a means capable of executing control to set a rotation amount greater than the predetermined amount and move any of the symbols to the predetermined position based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, detection of the light-shielding piece 694a) during the first rotation control after power-on (see description of <Operation example (1) during reel acceleration>). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0408] Due to maintenance after a power outage or other reasons, the reels may be out of position when the power is turned on. This misalignment cannot be detected when the power is turned on, but is determined when the reel index (light-shielding piece) is detected, and the reel position is corrected based on this determination. In this case, there is a possibility that the reels will spin less than one frame in response to a one-frame rotation command, resulting in a malfunction. The above gaming machine can prevent this problem from occurring.

[0409] In addition, the gaming machine described above, a stop button (e.g., stop buttons 137 to 139) that accepts a stop operation for stopping the rotation of the rotating body; the game progress control means is a means for accelerating the rotating body to rotate at a constant speed, and then stopping the rotation of the rotating body by operating the stop button to stop the game, the DC motor control means is means that may cause a delay in control in response to the rotation instruction information received thereafter by an amount corresponding to the rotation of the DC motor exceeding the predetermined amount, The DC motor control means is a means capable of eliminating the delay before the stop button becomes active by adjusting the rotation speed of the DC motor (see the description of <Operation example (1) during reel acceleration>). We have explained the gaming machine, which is characterized by the following.

[0410] In addition, the gaming machine described above, a detection means (for example, a reel detection unit 640) for detecting that the rotating body is at a predetermined rotation position (for example, the boundary between the number 0 symbol and the number 1 symbol is at the middle of the symbol display window 113); The predetermined condition is a condition that is met when the detection means first detects that the reel is at the predetermined rotation position during the first execution of rotation control after the power is turned on (see the description of <Example of operation (1) during reel acceleration>). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0411] Also, in the above explanation, a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a); DC motor control means (e.g., control IC 621) for controlling the DC motor; A reel (e.g., reels 110 to 112) that is rotated by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols printed along the rotation direction; A stop button (e.g., stop buttons 137 to 139) that accepts a stop operation to stop the rotation of the reels; A game progress control means (for example, a main control unit 300) that controls the game progress; A gaming machine equipped with The game progress control means is a means for rotating the reels by transmitting rotation instruction information (e.g., Figures 24 to 30) to the DC motor control means, the game progress control means is a means for accelerating the reels to rotate at a constant speed, and then stopping the rotation of the reels by operating the stop button to stop the game, the game progress control means is means for executing a reel action using the reels separately from the progress of the game, The time from when the reel is accelerated to when the stop button is enabled when the reel action is executed is longer than the time from when the reel is accelerated to when the stop button is enabled when the reel action is not executed (see the description of <Example of operation when reel is accelerated (2)>). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0412] The reel vibrations caused by the reel action in simulated games and the timing at which the reels start spinning can clash, potentially causing problems such as misalignment of the reels. The gaming machine described above is able to provide a gaming machine that is less likely to experience such problems.

[0413] In addition, the gaming machine described above, The number of times the rotation instruction information is transmitted from the time the reel is accelerated until the stop button is enabled when the reel action is executed is greater than the number of times the rotation instruction information is transmitted from the time the reel is accelerated until the stop button is enabled when the reel action is not executed (see the description of <Example of operation (2) when reel is accelerated>). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0414] In addition, the gaming machine described above, The game progress control means is configured so that the time from accelerating the reels to activating the stop button when the first game is played without the reel action being executed after power-on is longer than the time from accelerating the reels to activating the stop button when a game subsequent to the first game is played without the reel action being executed (see description of <Example of operation during reel acceleration (2)>). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0415] Also, in the above explanation, a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a); A rotating body (e.g., reels 110 to 112) that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols printed along the rotation direction; DC motor control means (e.g., control IC 621) for controlling the DC motor; A game progress control means (for example, a main control unit 300) that controls the game progress; A gaming machine equipped with The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting a rotation control signal (e.g., Figures 28 to 30) consisting of a first state and a second state (e.g., an ON state and an OFF state) to the DC motor control means, the DC motor control means is means capable of executing control to rotate the DC motor by a predetermined rotation amount (for example, the rotation amount of one frame) when the rotation control signal changes from the first state to the second state, The DC motor control means is means capable of executing control to rotate the DC motor at a speed according to the duration of the first state (for example, see the operation examples of FIGS. 28 to 30 ). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0416] In addition, the gaming machine described above, The DC motor control means is a means for executing control to decelerate the speed of the rotating body when the duration of the first state becomes long (for example, see operation examples in FIGS. 28 to 30 ). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0417] In addition, the gaming machine described above, When decelerating the speed of the rotating body, the game progress control means may shorten the duration of the second state compared to before the deceleration (for example, see the operation example of FIG. 29 ). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0418] When controlling a reel equipped with a DC motor, if the speed change is large when the reel decelerates, it may cause rattles, making it difficult to achieve optimal reel control or making the reel movement look unattractive.The above gaming machine can solve these problems when the reel decelerates.

[0419] In addition, the gaming machine described above, When decelerating the speed of the rotating body, the game progress control means may shorten the duration of the second state compared to before deceleration, and then gradually lengthen the duration of the first state without changing the duration of the second state (for example, see the operation example of FIG. 29 ). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0420] Also, in the above explanation, a DC motor (e.g., motor 614a); A rotating body (e.g., reels 110 to 112) that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols printed along the rotation direction; DC motor control means (e.g., control IC 621) for controlling the DC motor; A game progress control means (for example, a main control unit 300) that controls the game progress; A gaming machine equipped with The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting a rotation control signal (e.g., Figures 28 to 30) consisting of a first state and a second state (e.g., an ON state and an OFF state) to the DC motor control means, the DC motor control means is means capable of executing control to rotate the DC motor by a predetermined rotation amount (for example, the rotation amount of one frame) when the rotation control signal changes from the first state to the second state, the ratio of the duration of the first state to the duration of the second state varies with velocity (see, e.g., FIG. 28 and applicable variations); The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0421] Furthermore, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, by applying the content described in one of the multiple configurations described in the examples to another configuration, the range of play may be further expanded. [Industrial Applicability]

[0422] The gaming machine according to the present invention can be applied to gaming machines such as pinball gaming machines (pachinko machines), slot machines, enclosed gaming machines, and medal-less slot machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0423] 100 slot machines 110~112 reels 113 Pattern display window 130~132 bet button 135 Start lever 137~139 Stop button 156 Performance button 157 Visual display device (liquid crystal display device) 300 Main control unit 400 First sub-control section 500 Second sub-control section 600 reel units 601 Left reel device 602 Middle reel device 603 Right reel device 604 Reel Frame 610 Reel drive unit 612 Mounting plate 614 Reel motor unit 614a Motor 614b Drive gear 616 Gear Unit 616a Idle Gear Large 616b Small idle gear 616c output gear 616d bearing 616e reel shaft 618 Gear unit cover 621 Control IC 630 Backlight Module 632 Reflector 634 Lighting board 640 Reel detection unit 642 Photo Sensor 644 Sensor Bracket 650 reel side plate 660 Bearing part 670 Coil spring 680 reel band 682 Reel frame right 684 Reel frame left 686 Detected part

Claims

1. Multiple reels and a driving means for driving the reel to rotate; A detection means; a detection portion provided with a detection piece to be detected by the detection means; A reel unit of a gaming machine comprising: the driving means includes at least a power generating means for generating power and a power transmitting means for transmitting the power of the power generating means; the power transmission means includes at least a drive gear driven by the power generation means, one or more driven gears that are driven by the drive gear to rotate the reel, and a reel rotation shaft that rotatably supports at least the reel, a lubricant is applied to at least one of the drive gear and the driven gear; a cover member for covering at least one of the drive gear and the driven gear to which the lubricant is applied, a mounting means for mounting the driving means; the power generating means is disposed on a first side of the mounting means; the drive gear and the driven gear are disposed on a second side of the mounting means opposite to the first side; the cover member covers at least one of the drive gear or the driven gear to which the lubricant is applied on the second side of the attachment means; The detected portion has a circular shape, The detected piece is provided over half of the outer periphery of the detected portion, The detected portion has an opening formed on the semicircular side where the detected piece is provided, for reducing weight. The reel unit of the gaming machine is characterized by the above.

2. Multiple reels and a driving means for driving the reel to rotate; A detection means; a detection portion provided with a detection piece to be detected by the detection means; A reel unit of a gaming machine comprising: the driving means includes at least a power generating means for generating power and a power transmitting means for transmitting the power of the power generating means; the power transmission means includes at least a drive gear driven by the power generation means, one or more driven gears that are driven by the drive gear to rotate the reel, and a reel rotation shaft that rotatably supports at least the reel, a lubricant is applied to at least one of the drive gear and the driven gear; a cover member for covering at least one of the drive gear and the driven gear to which the lubricant is applied, a bearing disposed on the reel rotation shaft, the bearing includes at least a metal outer ring and an inner ring, and a resin member disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring; one of the one or more driven gears is attached to the reel rotation shaft via the bearing; The detected portion has a circular shape, The detected piece is provided over half of the outer periphery of the detected portion, The detected portion has an opening formed on the semicircular side where the detected piece is provided, for reducing weight. The reel unit of the gaming machine is characterized by the above.

3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, A first opening and a second opening are formed as the openings. The reel unit of the gaming machine is characterized by the above.

Images