Gaming machines

Abstract

We provide a gaming machine featuring DC motor control. [Solution] The system comprises a detection means for detecting an index, a DC motor control means for controlling a DC motor, and a game progress control means capable of periodically transmitting rotation instructions to the DC motor control means to instruct a predetermined amount of rotation. The DC motor control means can control the rotation of the DC motor by continuously receiving rotation instructions periodically, and can control the stopping of the DC motor when the periodic reception of rotation instructions ends. The game progress control means is a means for setting a first initial position based on the detection result of the detection means when the rotating body is rotating at a first speed, and for setting a second initial position based on the detection result of the detection means when the rotating body is rotating at a second speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game table represented by a reel gaming machine (slot machine), an enclosed gaming machine, or a medal-less slot machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a game table provided with control means (ICs, etc.) for driving a movable body by a DC motor has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the control of the DC motor in the conventional game table.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a game table having characteristics in the control of a DC motor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The game table according to the present invention is a DC motor, a rotating body that is rotationally driven by the DC motor and has a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction, DC motor control means for controlling the DC motor, game progress control means for controlling the progress of the game, an index provided on the rotating body, detection means for detecting the index, and is a game table provided with The game progress control means is a means capable of periodically transmitting a rotation instruction to the DC motor control means that instructs a predetermined amount of rotation. The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the rotation of the DC motor by continuously receiving the rotation instruction periodically. The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the stopping of the DC motor when the periodic reception of the rotation instruction has ended. The game progress control means is a means for setting information regarding the position of the rotating body based on the detection result of the detection means, The game progress control means is a means for setting a first initial position based on the detection result of the detection means when the rotating body is rotating at a first speed. The game progress control means is a means for setting a second initial position based on the detection result of the detection means when the rotating body is rotating at a second speed. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine characterized by the control of a DC motor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of slot machine 100 from the front (player side). [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the winning lines for slot machine 100. [Figure 3] This shows the circuit block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) laid out in a two-dimensional manner. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the types of winning combinations, the names of the conditional devices, the corresponding symbol combinations for each winning combination, the payout amount, and remarks. [Figure 6](a) This is a perspective view of the reel unit 600 from the front, with the left reel device 601 removed. (b) This is a perspective view of the reel unit 600 from the rear, with the left reel device 601 removed. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view of the components of the reel device 601, taken from the front. [Figure 8] This is an exploded perspective view of the components of the reel device 601, taken from the rear side after disassembly. [Figure 9] (a) This is a perspective view of the left reel frame 684 from the front. (b) This is a perspective view of the left reel frame 684 from the rear. [Figure 10] (a) A front view of the detected unit 686. (b) A side view of the detected unit 686. (c) An external perspective view of the detected unit 686 as seen from the front. (d) An external perspective view of the detected unit 686 as seen from the rear. [Figure 11] (a) This figure shows the relationship between the light-shielding piece 694a of the detected part 686 and the reel band 680 of the left reel 110. (b) This figure shows the relationship between the light-shielding piece 694a' of the detected part 686' and the reel band 680' of the left reel 110 in a modified example. [Figure 12] (a) A front view of the backlight module 630. (b) A side view of the backlight module 630. (c) An external perspective view of the components of the backlight module 630 as seen from the front after disassembly. [Figure 13] (a) A front view of the reel drive unit 610. (b) A side view of the reel drive unit 610. (c) An external perspective view of the reel drive unit 610 as seen from the front. (d) An external perspective view of the reel drive unit 610 as seen from the rear. [Figure 14] This is an exploded perspective view of the components that make up the reel drive unit 610, as seen from the front. [Figure 15] This is an exploded perspective view of the components that make up the reel mounting unit 610, as seen from the rear side. [Figure 16](a) Front view showing the state where the reel motor unit 614 and the gear unit 616 are attached to the mounting plate 612. (b) Exterior perspective view seen from the gear unit 616 side showing the state where the reel motor unit 614 and the gear unit 616 are attached to the mounting plate 612. [Figure 17] (a) Side view of the reel drive unit 610 with the gear unit cover 618 removed. (b) Side view of the reel device 601 with the gear unit cover 618, the reel tape 680, and the backlight module 630 removed. [Figure 18] Circuit block diagram showing the main control unit 300 and the motor control board 606a. [Figure 19] (a) Diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the setting board 606d, and (b) diagram showing an example of a register. [Figure 20] Flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit main process. [Figure 21] Flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 22] (a) Flowchart of the main process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400, and (c) flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400. [Figure 23] (a) Flowchart of the main process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the second sub-control unit 500, (c) flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) flowchart of the image control process of the second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 24] Timing chart showing the change over time of the control information and the status information. [Figure 25] (a) Diagram showing an example of the case where the relationship between the interval T and the rotation amount of the reel R breaks down, and (b) diagram showing an example of the 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 for constant speed rotation. [Figure 26] This figure shows an example where the interval T is reduced in response to an increase in the indicated rotation speed, thereby maintaining the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R. [Figure 27] This figure shows an example where the interval T is increased in response to a decrease in the indicated rotation speed, thereby maintaining the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R. [Figure 28] This figure shows an example of operation using a rotation control signal that includes rotation speed instruction information. [Figure 29] This figure shows an example of the operation when the rotation speed of the reel is reduced. [Figure 30] This figure shows an example of operation using a rotation control signal that includes rotation speed instruction information. [Figure 31] This figure shows an example of the steps. [Figure 32] This figure shows an example of setting the adjustment amount. [Figure 33] This figure shows an example of the performance of reels 110-112. [Figure 34] This diagram shows the positional relationship of the left reel 110 in relation to the rotation instruction. [Figure 35] This figure shows an example of the reel's acceleration after a reel action has been performed. [Figure 36] This figure shows an example of the relationship between a portion of the rotation control signal transmitted during the rotation of the left reel 110 and the actual position of the left reel 110. [Figure 37] This figure shows an example of a configuration in which location information is updated based on the detection of the light-shielding piece 694a. [Figure 38] This figure shows an example of a configuration in which location information is updated based on the detection of the light-shielding piece 694a. [Figure 39] This figure shows an example of adding stop information to the rotation control signal explained in Figure 28. [Figure 40] This figure shows an example of adding stop information to the rotation control signal explained in Figure 28. [Figure 41] This figure shows an example of adding stop information to the rotation control signal explained in Figure 28. [Figure 42]This figure shows an example of adding stop information to the rotation control signal explained in Figure 28. [Figure 43] (a) is a block diagram showing the transmission of information from the main control unit 300 to the test machine 900 via the IF board 800, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of signals when using the IF board 800 which converts the control signal of a DC motor to the control signal of a stepping motor. [Modes for carrying out 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, described below, is a gaming machine that proceeds through a series of games in which a predetermined number of game tokens are inserted, and multiple reels, each decorated with multiple types of symbols, start to rotate when a predetermined rotation start instruction operation is received, and the success or failure of internal winnings of multiple types of roles is determined by lottery based on the reception of the rotation start instruction operation, and each of the multiple reels stops rotating individually when a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation is received, and if the conditions determined by the role based on the result of the lottery and the combination of symbols when the multiple reels stop match predetermined payout conditions, game tokens are paid out and the game ends, and if they do not match, the game ends without paying out game tokens.

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

[0012] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front of the main body 101 and which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101.

[0013] In the center of the main body 101 is a reel unit 600 (see Figure 6) which houses three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112). As will be described in detail later, each of the reels 110 to 112 is equipped with a reel strip 680 (see Figures 7 and 8) on which multiple types of patterns (see Figure 4) are printed at equal intervals.

[0014] The symbols on the reel strip 680 of reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in approximately three positions from the player's perspective through the symbol display window 113 located in front of each reel 110-112, resulting in a total of nine visible symbols. By rotating each reel 110-112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each reel 110-112 functions as a display device that can display multiple combinations of symbols in a variable manner.

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

[0016] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player, for example, that they have internally won a specific winning combination (specifically, Special Combination 1 or Special Combination 2) in the internal lottery described later, or that they are in bonus game mode (in Special Combination 1 or 2 game mode). The coin insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that informs the player that they can insert coins. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that informs the player that they can replay the current game (no coin insertion is required) if they won the replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for visual effects.

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

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

[0019] The medal slot 141 is where the player inserts medals to start playing. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or by actually inserting medals into the medal slot 141 (insertion operation). Insertion includes both methods.

[0020] The stored tokens indicator 125 is a display for showing the number of tokens electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information indicator 126 is a display for showing various internal information (for example, the number of tokens dispensed during bonus gameplay) numerically. The payout tokens indicator 127 is a display for showing the number of tokens dispensed to the player as a result of winning a prize, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing push-button sequence effects. In this example, the stored tokens indicator 125, the game information indicator 126, and the payout tokens indicator 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0021] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch used to start the rotation of reels 110 to 112. That is, by inserting the desired number of tokens into the token slot 141 or by operating the bet buttons 130 to 132 and then operating the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 will start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the game start operation.

[0022] The stop button unit 136 is equipped with stop buttons 137 to 139, consisting of a left stop button 137, a middle 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 rotating by operating the start lever 135, and each button is associated with a specific reel. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139.

[0023] Hereinafter, any operation performed on stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation will be called the first stop operation, the next stop operation the second stop operation, and the last stop operation the third stop operation.

[0024] Furthermore, the reels that are stopped in response to these stopping operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. In addition, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are pressed to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is called the operation order or pressing order.

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

[0026] Furthermore, a light-emitting element may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and if the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light-emitting element can be illuminated to inform the player.

[0027] The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove medals if they become jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button to settle the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout opening 155. The door keyhole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0028] A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and for attaching various certification labels. Below the title panel 162 are a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161.

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

[0030] This display device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two horizontally opening and closing shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (display image display device) located behind the shutter 163. 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 on the front of the slot machine 100 (on the player's side).

[0031] Furthermore, the display device does not have to be a liquid crystal display; any display device capable of displaying various visual effects and game information is acceptable. 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 in shape 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. Additionally, decorative elements (not shown) may be placed around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery is hidden by the decorative elements, resulting in the display screen appearing to have an irregular shape. In this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0032] Furthermore, the main unit 101 is equipped with a setting key that can be switched on and off by rotation, and a setting switch that can be pressed to change settings (setting value change operation) or to check settings. The setting key is an operation means for initiating setting changes or setting checks for setting values ​​(settings 1 to 6 in this example), and the setting switch is one of the setting means that can set one of multiple setting values.

[0033] <Winning Line> Next, we will explain the winning lines using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the winning lines for slot machine 100.

[0034] As explained using Figure 1, the symbols on reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in approximately three positions from the symbol display window 113 located in front of each reel 110-112, resulting in a total of nine symbols being visible to the player.

[0035] Specifically, the symbols displayed in the upper position of the left reel 110 (position 1 in the diagram; also called symbol position 1) are called the upper left reel symbols, the symbols displayed in the middle position of the left reel 110 (position 2 in the diagram; also called symbol position 2) are called the middle left reel symbols, and the symbols displayed in the lower position of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the diagram; also called symbol position 3) are called the lower left reel symbols.

[0036] Furthermore, the symbols displayed in the upper position of the middle reel 111 (position 4 in the diagram; also called symbol position 4) are called the upper middle reel symbols, the symbols displayed in the middle position of the middle reel 111 (position 5 in the diagram; also called symbol position 5) are called the middle middle reel symbols, and the symbols displayed in the lower position of the middle reel 111 (position 6 in the diagram; also called symbol position 6) are called the lower middle reel symbols.

[0037] Furthermore, the symbol displayed in the upper position of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the diagram; also called symbol position 7) is called the upper right reel symbol, the symbol displayed in the middle position of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the diagram; also called symbol position 8) is called the middle right reel symbol, and the symbol displayed in the lower position of the right reel 112 (position 9 in the diagram; also called symbol position 9) is called the lower right reel symbol.

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

[0039] Here, the winning line is a line set at the stopping position of the symbols that can be seen through the symbol display window 113, and is the line on which it is determined whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination explained using Figure 5 is displayed (whether or not it is matched). The valid winning lines (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "valid lines") are predetermined by the number of medals bet as the game medium.

[0040] The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a machine that only accepts bets of 3 coins. When the number of coins inserted is less than 3, none of the winning lines are active. When 3 coins are bet, winning line L1 becomes active. Once a winning line is active, the player can start playing by operating the start lever 135.

[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," while the 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 winning combination stops.

[0042] Furthermore, the number of winning lines is not limited to one. For example, in addition to winning line L1, a total of three lines 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 wagered may be set as valid winning lines.

[0043] <Department Head> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be explained in detail using 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 effects in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on commands transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0045] <Main Control Unit> First, let's describe 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. This basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 that stores control program data, lottery data used when internally drawing winning combinations, the arrangement of reel symbols and stopping positions, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of spins, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used instead of ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 which will be described later.

[0046] The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 315b as the system clock. Furthermore, when power is turned on, the CPU 304 sends frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 then performs monitoring of various sensors and transmission of drive pulses based on this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8MHz, 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 interrupt time will be 256 × 47 ÷ 8MHz = 1.504ms.

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

[0048] The random value generation circuit 316 generates random values ​​for use in the basic circuit 302. There are two main methods for generating random values ​​in this random value generation circuit 316: counter mode and random number mode. In counter mode, a number that counts up (down) at predetermined time intervals is acquired, and that number is derived as a random value. There are two further methods in random number mode. The first method in random number mode is to perform an operation using a predetermined function (e.g., a modulus function) with a random value seed, and derive the result of this operation as a random value. The second method is to read a number from a random number table in the range of 0 to 65535, and derive the read number as a random value. The random value generation circuit 316 acquires irregular values ​​by utilizing the white noise superimposed on the signals input to the sensor circuit 320 from various sensors 318. The random number generation circuit 316 uses the values ​​obtained in this way as the initial value of a counter that counts up (down) in counter mode, as a seed for random numbers, or to determine the starting position for reading from the random number table.

[0049] Furthermore, 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 reception sensor for medals inserted from the medal 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 dispensing sensor for medals dispensed from the medal dispensing device 180, and the photosensors 642 of the reel devices 601-603 described later) at intervals of interrupt time.

[0050] Furthermore, when the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random value generation circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the random value generation circuit 316 latches the value at that moment and stores it in a register that stores random values ​​to be used for the lottery.

[0051] Two medal reception sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal slot 141 to detect whether or not a medal has passed through. Two start lever sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 to detect the start operation by the player. The left stop button sensor 137, the middle stop button sensor 138, and the right stop button sensor 139 are installed on the respective stop buttons 137 to 139 to detect the operation of the stop buttons by the player.

[0052] The bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, and bet button 132 sensor are installed on the corresponding bet buttons 130 to 132, respectively, and detect the insertion operation when inserting tokens electronically stored in RAM 308 as tokens to be used in the game. The payout button 134 sensor is installed on payout button 134. When payout button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored tokens are paid out. The token dispensing sensor is a sensor for detecting the tokens to be dispensed by the token dispensing device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

[0053] As will be described in detail later, the photosensors 642 of the reel devices 601 to 603 are installed at predetermined positions on each reel device 601 to 603. The photosensors become low when the light-shielding piece 694a (see Figure 10(a), etc.) of the detection unit 686 provided on the reels 110 to 112 passes over it, and become high when the light-shielding piece 694a is not passing over it. The CPU 304 determines the rotational position of the patterns on the reels 110 to 112 based on the detection result of the photosensors 642 (for example, a change from high to low or from low to high), and controls the stopping of the reels 110 to 112 so that the target pattern is stopped and displayed at a predetermined pattern position in the pattern display window 113. The light-shielding piece 694a corresponds to an example of the index of the present invention. In the following explanation, a change in the detection result of the photosensor 642 (for example, a change from Hi to Lo or from Lo to Hi) may be referred to as "detection of the detection element 694a".

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

[0055] Furthermore, a motor control board 606a is connected to the basic circuit 302 to control the motor 614a (see Figure 15, etc.) that rotates the reels 110 to 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 inside the motor 614a detected by the encoder 614e, thereby rotating the reels 110 to 112. By using the motor control board 606a, the processing load on the main control unit 300 for controlling the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 can be reduced. Details of the motor control board 606a will be described later.

[0056] Furthermore, the basic circuit 302 is connected to an information output circuit 334, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information of the slot machine 100 (for example, information indicating the game status) to an information input circuit 652 provided by an external hall computer (not shown) via this information output circuit 334.

[0057] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from the power management unit (not shown). 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 falls below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0058] Furthermore, 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. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is unidirectional; the main control unit 300 is configured to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to send signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0059] <Deputy Commander> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives control commands transmitted by the main control unit 300 via an input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with 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 spins, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as the system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the backlight lighting patterns and various indicators, etc.

[0060] The CPU 404 transmits 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 the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

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

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

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

[0064] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sensor circuit 426, to which 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 are connected via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the status of the shutter sensor 428 and the effect button sensor 430 at interrupt intervals.

[0065] Furthermore, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via an output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including the 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 composed of 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 receives control commands transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and includes a basic circuit 502 that 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, counts, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as the system clock. The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, as well as data for image display, etc.

[0067] The CPU 504 transmits 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 the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 504 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0068] Furthermore, the second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a VDP 516 (video display processor), to which a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 are connected via a bus. Based on signals from the CPU 504, the VDP 516 reads image data stored in the ROM 506, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the image display device 157.

[0069] <Pattern arrangement> Next, the symbol arrangements on each of the reels 110 to 112 described above will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the symbol arrangements on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) in a planar view.

[0070] Each reel 110 to 112 has a predetermined number of symbols (20 symbols numbered 0 to 19 in this embodiment) of several types (9 types in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure. The numbers 0 to 19 shown on the left end of the figure indicate the positions of the symbols on each reel 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, the symbol number 0 on the left reel 110 is a "watermelon symbol", the symbol number 1 on the middle reel 111 is a "bell symbol", and the symbol number 0 on the right reel 112 is a "replay symbol".

[0071] <Types of prize winning roles> Next, Figure 5 will be used to explain the types of winning combinations in slot machine 100. Figure 5 shows the types of winning combinations, the names of the condition devices, the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, the payout amount, and any notes.

[0072] The winning combinations in Slot Machine 100 include special combinations (Special Combination 1, Special Combination 2) and general combinations (Replay Combinations 1-3, Minor Combinations 1-5), etc. Note that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these and can be arbitrarily selected; some winning combinations are omitted from the illustration in Figure 5.

[0073] <Types of prizes / special roles> In this embodiment, among the winning combinations, Special Combination 1 and Special Combination 2 are combinations that transition the player to a special game state in which a predetermined benefit is granted. In addition, the Replay Combination is a combination that allows the player to continue playing without inserting new tokens (a combination that grants replay). These winning combinations are sometimes referred to as "activation combinations."

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, "winning" also includes cases where combinations of symbols for active roles that do not result in medal payouts (do not result in medal distribution) are displayed on the winning line, for example, winning Special Role 1, Special Role 2, and Replay Role.

[0075] Special Role 1 and Special Role 2 are winning roles that, upon internal win, transition the game state to the Special Role 1 / 2 internal win state (RT3), and upon winning, transition the game state to the Special Role 1 / 2 game state (RT4). If a specified number of medals (for example, 200 medals) is paid out in the Special Role 1 / 2 game state (RT4), the game state transitions to the low probability of replay state (RT1). The details of each game state (RT1 to RT4) will be explained later.

[0076] The symbol combinations corresponding to Special Win 1 (BB) are "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 Win 2 (RB) is "BAR symbol - BAR symbol - BAR symbol".

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

[0078] <Types of winning combinations / Re-play combinations> Replay combinations 1-3 are winning combinations (activating combinations) that allow the player to continue playing without inserting tokens (game currency) in the next game, and no tokens are dispensed. The corresponding symbol combinations are shown in Figure 5. A replay combination is any combination that allows the player to continue playing without inserting tokens in the next game. Therefore, for example, when a replay combination is won, tokens may be automatically inserted in the next game (the number of tokens inserted is reset in the token insertion memory area), or the tokens inserted in the game in which a replay combination was won may be carried over and used in the next game.

[0079] <Types of winning combinations / minor wins> Minor wins 1 through 5 are winning combinations that, when achieved, result in a predetermined number of medals being dispensed (a set number of medals being dispensed).

[0080] Small win 1 (watermelon) is a winning combination where, upon hitting the target, the symbol combination "watermelon symbol - watermelon symbol - watermelon symbol" stops and is displayed on the winning line L1, resulting in the payout of 5 medals.

[0081] Small win 2 (Cherry) is a winning combination where, upon winning, the symbol combination "Cherry symbol-ANY-ANY" stops and is 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 be a "Cherry symbol," and the symbols on the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 can be any symbol.

[0082] Hereafter, these two minor roles, watermelon and cherry, may be collectively referred to as "rare roles," but rare roles are not limited to these winning roles; they may include either one of them, or other winning roles as well.

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

[0084] The minor winning combination 4 (common bell) is a winning combination where, regardless of the operation order (pushing order) and 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 minor winning combination 5 (single medal combination) is a winning combination where, regardless of the operation order (pushing order) and 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] <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] <G <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 winning combination 2 (upgrade replay 1) or the re-game winning 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 winning combination 1 or the special winning combination 2, it transitions to the special winning combination 1·2 internal winning state (RT3) described later.

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

[0090] In this example, in this high probability state for replay games (RT2), when an internal win occurs for Special Reel 1 or Special Reel 2, a transition is made to the Special Reel 1 / 2 Internal Win State (RT3) described later.

[0091] <Special Reel 1 / 2 Internal Win State (RT3)> The Special Reel 1 / 2 Internal Win State (RT3) is a state where the internal win flag corresponding to Special Reel 1 or Special Reel 2 is set to on, and it is a game state where, by the player performing a stop operation at a predetermined timing, a symbol combination corresponding to the special reel corresponding to this flag can be displayed.

[0092] In this example, in this Special Reel 1 / 2 Internal Win State (RT3), when a win occurs for Special Reel 1 or Special Reel 2, a transition is made 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, a transition is made to the low probability state for replay games (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 an internal win occurs for a specified combination, when there are wins a specified number of times (for example, 8 times), or when a game is played a specified number of times (for example, 6 times).

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

[0096] AT-type gameplay states are broadly divided into low-navigation states and high-navigation states. A low-navigation state is a state where the probability of operation navigation being performed is low, and is also called normal mode, non-advantageous section, or normal section. A high-navigation state is a state where the probability of operation navigation being performed is higher than in a low-navigation state, and is also called AT mode or advantageous section.

[0097] Here, "operation navigation" refers to a feature that notifies the player of the correct stopping operation method for stop buttons 137-139 (for example, the correct order of operations or the timing of the stopping operations) in order to acquire medals or maintain a favorable game state. For example, this includes features that notify the player of the correct order of operations for push-order roles (for example, small role 3 (push-order bell LCR)) (for example, a feature that displays the text "left → middle → right").

[0098] If the stopping operation is performed according to the instructions on the operation navigation, it will result in a favorable outcome for the player. Therefore, a high navigation state is a more favorable game state for the player than a low navigation state. Specifically, "favorable" here means that the ratio of the total number of game media dispensed by the game machine to the total number of game media used by the player as bets during a predetermined period of play, also known as the payout rate (payout rate), is favorable.

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

[0100] Each game state in AT (Automatic Trigger) systems is subdivided and managed, and these are called performance states. Specifically, the performance states in low navigation states are the normal game state, while the performance states in high navigation states include the normal state, confirmed notification state, judgment state, pull-back state, AT1 state, AT2 state, and ED (ending) state. In principle, the AT1 state, AT2 state, and ED state are states in which the payout increases.

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

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

[0103] In this AT game, at the start of the AT game, a set continuation lottery (for example, a lottery with a winning probability of 1 / 4) is performed to determine whether to continue the AT game. If this set continuation lottery is won, an additional predetermined number of AT games (in this example, 30 games per set) are granted, extending the AT state. Also, if the conditions for transitioning to the normal game state are met while 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] Furthermore, when the remaining number of games in the high-navigation state falls below a predetermined number (for example, 20 games), the game transitions to the ED state, where an ED (ending) sequence is performed to indicate the end of the high-navigation state. Note that the conditions for transitioning to the ED state are not limited to the remaining number of games in the high-navigation state falling below a predetermined number (for example, 20 games); for example, the predetermined number of games may be 20 or more, or less, or "number of acquired coins + expected difference in acquired coins > 2000".

[0105] <Reel Unit> Next, the reel unit 600 will be described in detail using Figure 6.

[0106] Figure 6(a) is a front-view perspective view of the reel unit 600 with the left reel device 601 removed, and Figure 6(b) is a rear-view perspective view of the reel unit 600 with the left reel device 601 removed.

[0107] The reel unit 600 comprises a left reel device 601 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "reel device 601") equipped with a left reel 110, a middle reel device 602 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "reel device 602") equipped with a middle reel 111, a right reel device 603 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "reel device 603") equipped with a right reel 112, a reel frame 604 capable of housing these three reel devices 601 to 603 inside, and a reel board unit 606 disposed above the reel frame 604.

[0108] Before describing the reel devices 601-603, which are features of the present invention, we will first describe the reel frame 604 and the reel substrate unit 606.

[0109] <Reel Unit / Reel Frame> The reel frame 604 is a box-shaped member having an internal space capable of housing the reel devices 601 to 603, and has an opening on the front side from 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 circuit board unit 606, described later, is positioned above the reel frame 604, and several types of heat dissipation holes 604a to 604c are formed on the back and sides of the reel frame 604. All of the heat dissipation holes 604a to 604c are through-holes for releasing heat generated by the reel devices 601 to 603 and the reel circuit board unit 606 to the outside of the reel frame 604.

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

[0112] Furthermore, the opening of the reel frame 604 has six reel fixing parts 604d, three on the upper edge and three on the lower edge, corresponding to the three reel devices 601 to 603, for fixing the reel side plates 650 of the 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 parts 604d with screws 651a (only partially shown in Figure 6).

[0113] <Reel Unit / Reel Circuit Board Unit> The reel board unit 606, which is positioned above the reel frame 604, comprises 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 that is positioned to cover a portion of the motor control board 606a, the relay terminal board 606b, and 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 harnesses, etc., can be attached for electrically connecting the motor control board 606a and the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 (see Figure 3). 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 the reel board cover 606c.

[0115] <Reel device> Next, the reel devices 601 to 603, which are characteristic features of the present invention, will be described in detail using Figures 7 to 17.

[0116] In this example, the left reel device 601, the middle reel device 602, and the right reel device 603 of the slot machine 100 are identical in structure. Therefore, only the left reel device 601 (reel device 601) will be described below. However, the reel drive mechanism described below may be applied to only some of the reels among the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112, or it may be applied to auxiliary reels other than the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 in addition to (or instead of) these.

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

[0118] The reel device 601 comprises a reel 110, a reel drive unit 610 for rotating the reel 110, a backlight module 630 for illuminating the pattern on the reel 110 from the back, a reel detection unit 640 for detecting the rotational position of the reel 110, a reel side plate 650 for attaching these components such as the reel drive unit 610 and the backlight module 630, a bearing unit 660 disposed on the left side 684 of the reel frame 110, and a coil spring 670 that is compressed between the left side 684 of the reel frame 110 and the reel drive unit 610.

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

[0120] The reel 110 is composed of a reel strip 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 strip 680, and a detection unit 686 fixed to the left reel frame 684.

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

[0122] On the outer surface of the reel strip 680, a predetermined number of frames (in this example, 20 frames numbered 0 to 19) of multiple types of patterns, as explained in Figure 4, are printed at equal intervals. Note that the number of frames of patterns printed on the reel strip 680 is not limited to this example; it may be less than 20 frames or 21 frames or more.

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

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

[0125] <Reel mechanism / Reel / Left side of reel frame> The left reel frame 684 of the reel 110 is a ring-shaped member that supports the side of the reel strip 680 opposite to the side where the right reel frame 682 is positioned (the left side in a front view) and is rotationally driven by the reel drive unit 610, and is fixed to the left side of the reel strip 680 in a front view with adhesive or the like.

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

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

[0128] The left reel frame 684 is composed of a slender, ring-shaped frame portion 684a, six rod-shaped frames 684b extending from the 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 front side (the direction in which the reel drive unit 610 is positioned) with six frames 684b as its base. The outer circumference 684c1 of the flange 684c shown in Figure 9(a) can be fitted with the opening 690a of the detection unit 686, which will be described later, and as shown in Figure 9(b), the three frames 684b have claw holes 684b1 into which the claws 690b of the detection unit 686 can be locked.

[0130] This structure allows the detection unit 686 to be fixed to the front side of the left reel frame 684 by fitting the opening 690a of the detection unit 686 onto the outer circumference 684c1 of the flange 684c and engaging the claw portion 690b of the detection unit 686 with the claw hole portion 684b1 of the flange 684c.

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

[0132] With this structure, after housing 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, thereby enabling the reel shaft 616e of the reel drive unit 610 to rotatably support the left reel frame 684.

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

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

[0135] <Reel device / Reel / Detected unit> Next, the detected section 686 of the reel 110 will be described using Figures 7, 8, and 10.

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

[0137] As shown in Figure 10(b), the detected portion 686 of the reel 110 is composed of a thin-walled ring-shaped base portion 688 having a circular opening, and a thin-walled cylindrical reel fixing portion 690 that is integrally formed extending 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 made of black plastic, but the material of the detected part 686 is not particularly limited and may be metal or a colorless material.

[0139] As shown in Figure 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 has a slightly larger outer diameter than the small-diameter portion 692 and is also semicircular in front view. The large-diameter portion 694 is equipped with a light-shielding piece 694a that protrudes radially outward, and this light-shielding piece 694a is configured to be detected by the photosensor 642 of the reel detection unit 640, which will be described later.

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

[0141] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10(a) and (c), multiple reinforcing triangular ribs 696 are formed in the detected section 686, extending from the base section 688 to the reel fixing section 690, making it less susceptible to vibration when the detected section 686 rotates together with the left reel frame 684. This configuration prevents a decrease in the detection accuracy of the detected section 686 and prevents disruption of the rotational balance of the reels 110 to 112.

[0142] The reel fixing portion 690 comprises a circular opening 690a and three claw portions 690b integrally formed extending from the base end of this opening 690a. As described above, the opening 690a of the detected portion 686 is fitted into the outer circumference 684c1 of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684, and the claw portions 690b of the detected portion 686 are locked into the claw holes 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] Figure 11(a) shows the relationship between the light-shielding piece 694a of the detection unit 686 and the reel band 680 of the left reel 110.

[0144] As described above, the outer surface of the reel strip 680 in this example has a predetermined number of frames (in this example, 20 frames numbered 0 to 19) printed at equal intervals, with multiple types of patterns explained using Figure 4.

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

[0146] On the other hand, the end portion 694a2 of the light-shielding piece 694a is formed in a direction of approximately 180 degrees (=360 degrees × (10 frames / 20 frames)) relative to the base portion 694a1, so as to coincide with the boundary position (position indicated by symbol B) of the respective patterns of numbers 10 and 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 ranges arranged on reel strips 680 numbered 11 to 19 and 0. Compared to the case where 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 effect that repeatedly rotates reels 110 to 112 in the forward and reverse directions, 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 end end 694a2 of the light-shielding piece 694a, and the corresponding positions of the reel band 680, are not particularly limited and can be appropriately determined based on the rotation speed of the reels 110-112, the time required for stopping, etc. For example, the ranges of the corresponding patterns may be different, and the positions of the base end 694a1 and the end end 694a2 may be not at the boundary positions between patterns, but rather at positions shifted by about 1 / 3 of the pattern from the boundary, or at the center of the pattern.

[0149] Figure 11(b) shows the relationship between the light-shielding piece 694a' of the detected part 686' and the reel band 680' of the left reel 110 in a modified example.

[0150] In this modified example, multiple types of patterns are printed on the outer surface of the reel band 680' at equal intervals for a predetermined number of frames (in this example, 21 frames numbered 0 to 20).

[0151] When a 21-frame reel strip 680' is used, the detection unit 686' is fixed to the left 684 of the reel frame such that the position of the base end 694a1' of the light-shielding piece 694a' coincides with the boundary position (indicated by symbol C) of the respective patterns numbered 0 and 1 of the reel strip 680'.

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

[0153] In other words, in the detected section 686' of this example, compared to the case where a 20-frame reel strip 680 is used as explained using Figure 11(a), the length of the light-shielding piece 694a' in the longitudinal direction is shorter, and the angle of the terminal end 694a2' is different from that of the base end 694a1', being at an angle that is slightly inclined towards the base end 694a1' side rather than vertical.

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

[0155] <Reel device / backlight module> Next, the backlight module 630 of the reel device 601 will be described using Figures 7, 8, and 12.

[0156] Figure 12(a) is a front view of the backlight module 630, Figure 12(b) is a side view of the backlight module 630, and Figure 12(c) is an external perspective view of the components of the backlight module 630 as seen from the front after disassembly.

[0157] The backlight module 630 of the reel device 601 is a component for illuminating the individual patterns displayed in the pattern display window 113 from inside the reel strip 680. In this example, it consists of a reflector 632, a lighting board 634 that is detachably attached to the back of the reflector 632, and a decorative plate 636 that is disposed on the side of the reflector 632.

[0158] In this example, the backlight module 630 is made of white plastic, but the material of the backlight module 630 is not particularly limited and may be metal or a material of another color.

[0159] The reflector 632 has three vertically aligned openings 632a to 632c that extend from the front to the back. The lighting substrate 634 has six LEDs 634a positioned at the locations corresponding to these openings 632a to 632c.

[0160] The openings 632a to 632c of the reflector 632 and the LED 634a of the left reel device 601 are positioned in the left reel device 601 to correspond to the symbol positions (symbol positions 1 to 3 explained using Figure 2) that are displayed in the symbol display window 113 when the device is attached to the left reel device 601.

[0161] The openings 632a to 632c of the reflector 632 and the LED 634a of the middle reel device 602 are positioned in the middle reel device 602 to correspond to the symbol positions (symbol positions 4 to 6 as explained using Figure 2) that are displayed in the symbol display window 113 when the device is attached to the middle reel device 602.

[0162] The openings 632a to 632c of the reflector 632 and the LED 634a of the right reel device 603 are positioned in the right reel device 603 to correspond to the symbol positions (symbol positions 7 to 9 as explained using Figure 2) that are displayed in the symbol display window 113 when the device is attached to the right reel device 603.

[0163] In this example, six LEDs 634a are placed at positions corresponding to openings 632a to 632c, so that the light emitted from one opening does not interfere with the light emitted from other openings. This allows light to be uniformly illuminated at each of the multiple pattern positions in the pattern display window 113.

[0164] For example, by lighting up all LED634a, all symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Alternatively, by lighting up some of the LED634a, some of the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Note that the openings and the number and position of the LEDs are not limited to this example.

[0165] Furthermore, in this example, the reflector 632 is provided with multiple slits (grooves) 632d to 632g at predetermined intervals on the lower surface of the upper opening 632a, the upper and lower surfaces of the central opening 632b, and the upper surface of the lower opening 632c. This allows the light emitted from the LED 634a to be uniformly illuminated onto the design located in front, thereby improving the visibility of the design.

[0166] Furthermore, the slit 632d on the lower surface of the upper opening 632a, the slit 632e on the upper surface of the central opening 632b, the slit 632f on the lower surface of the central opening 632b, and the slit 632g on the upper surface of the lower opening 632c are arranged so that the areas where slits are formed and the areas where slits are not formed are staggered in the vertical direction (so that the positions of the slits do not coincide above and below the partition of the opening). This structure prevents light emitted from adjacent openings through the slits from interfering with each other.

[0167] <Reel device / Reel detection unit> Next, the reel detection unit 640 of the reel device 601 will be explained using Figures 7 and 8.

[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 component for detecting the light-shielding piece 694a of the detected unit 686 described above. In this example, a transmissive photosensor (photointerrupter) is used, in which a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are arranged facing each other. Note that the photosensor 642 is not limited to a photointerrupter, and other types of sensors may be applied.

[0170] One end of the sensor bracket 644 of the reel detection unit 640 is fixed and supported to the reel side plate 650 by a screw 651b. On the other hand, a photosensor 642 is mounted facing upward to the other end of the sensor bracket 644, and the light-shielding piece 694a of the detection unit 686, which is positioned above the photosensor 642, passes between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the photosensor 642. In other words, in this example, the photosensor 642 is mounted facing upward at the 6 o'clock position on a clock face. 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 the photosensor 642, and controls the stopping of the reels 110 to 112 so that the desired symbols are stopped and displayed at a predetermined symbol position in the symbol display window 113.

[0172] <Reel device / Reel side plate> Next, the reel side plate 650 of the reel device 601 will be described using Figures 7 and 8.

[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, an upper reel frame fixing portion 650b integrally formed to protrude toward one surface of the base portion 650a with the upper end of the base portion 650a as the base end, and a lower reel frame fixing portion 650c integrally formed to protrude toward one surface of the base portion 650a with the lower end of the base portion 650a as the 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 into 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] Furthermore, the base portion 650a has one screw hole 650a2 into which the sensor bracket 644 of the reel detection unit 640 can be fixed. The sensor bracket 644 is screwed into this screw hole 650a2 with a single screw 651b and fixed to the inner surface of the base portion 650a.

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

[0178] Furthermore, the base portion 650a is formed with a reel shaft through hole 650a4 (see Figure 8) through which the reel shaft 616e of the gear unit 616 is inserted and which is rotatably supported, as well as heat dissipation holes 650a5 for releasing heat generated by the reel drive unit 610 etc. to the outside of the reel side plate 650, and reinforcing grooves 650a6 etc.

[0179] The upper fixing portion 650b and lower fixing portion 650c of the reel frame of the reel side plate 650 are formed with protruding pieces 650b1 and 650c1, respectively, which are equipped with screw holes. As shown in Figure 6, the reel side plate 650 is screwed to the reel fixing portion 604d of the reel frame 604 with screws 651d (only partially shown in Figure 6) via these protruding pieces 650b1 and 650c1.

[0180] <Reel mechanism / bearing section> Next, the bearing section 660 of the reel device 601 will be described using Figures 7 and 8.

[0181] The bearing section 660 consists 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 the reel shaft 616e of the reel drive unit 610, which will be described later.

[0183] The bearing 662 in this example does not have rolling elements such as balls or rollers, and is composed entirely of a resin bearing. However, the structure and material of the bearing 662 are not particularly limited, and it may be a bearing in which at least a part is metal, or other types of bearings such as ball bearings or roller bearings may be used. In this embodiment, a resin bearing is used in order to increase the friction between the internal space 684c2 of the flange 684c and the reel shaft 616e when stopping the reels 110 to 112 which are rotating at high speed due to the drive of the DC motor, making it easier to stop the reels 110 to 112 than when using a metal bearing or ball bearing.

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

[0185] In this example, even when reels 110 to 112 are rotated at high speed during reel animations, the bearing 662 suppresses vibrations of the reel shaft 616e that supports reels 110 to 112, thereby enabling stable high-speed rotation of reels 110 to 112. Furthermore, because the resin bearing 662 has a high coefficient of friction, it can smoothly and quickly reduce the rotational speed of the reel shaft 616e when reels 110 to 112 are stopped, allowing reels 110 to 112 to stop smoothly and enhancing the animation effect of reels 110 to 112.

[0186] <Reel device / coil spring> Next, the coil spring 670 of the reel device 601 will be described using Figures 7 and 8.

[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 Figures 8 and 14(a)). This structure biases the left reel frame 684 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 or the like. Also, the biasing means that biases the left reel frame 684 and the reel drive unit 610 in a direction away from each other is not limited to a coil spring, and other types of biasing means may be applied.

[0189] <Reel drive unit / overall configuration> Next, the overall configuration of the reel drive unit 610 of the reel device 601 will be explained using Figure 13.

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

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

[0192] <Reel drive unit / components> Next, the components constituting the reel drive unit 610 will be described in detail using Figures 14 and 15.

[0193] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the components constituting the reel drive unit 610, viewed from the front, and Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the components constituting the reel drive unit 610, viewed from the rear.

[0194] <Reel drive unit / mounting plate> The mounting plate (second mounting means) 612 of the reel drive unit 610 consists of a base portion 612a made of a plate-shaped member, an upper fixing plate 612b which has an L-shape in side view and is integrally formed to protrude toward one side (first side) of the base portion 612a with the upper end of the base portion 612a as its base end, and a lower fixing plate 612c which has an L-shape in side view and is integrally formed to protrude toward one side (first side) of the base portion 612a with the lower end of the base portion 612a as its 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 heights of the upper fixing plate 612b and the lower fixing plate 612c of the mounting plate 612 are designed to be greater than the thickness of the motor 614a of the reel motor unit 614, and one side of the mounting plate 612 (the first side) functions as a housing space in which the motor 614a can be housed inside.

[0197] Specifically, as shown in Figure 15, the base portion 612a of the mounting plate 612 has two screw holes 612a1 on the side of the reel motor unit 614 (first side) to which the reel motor unit 614 can be attached. The reel motor unit 614 is fastened to these screw holes 612a1 with two screws 651e and fixed in the inner space formed by the upper fixing plate 612b and the lower fixing plate 612c on the side of the reel motor unit 614 (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. 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 towards the gear unit 616 side (second side).

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

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

[0201] Furthermore, the base portion 612a has two screw holes 612a6 into 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 inserted through the reel shaft through hole 612a5 and fixed to the base portion 612a via the reel retainer 616f.

[0202] <Reel drive unit / Reel motor unit> Next, the reel motor unit 614 of the reel drive unit 610 will be described using Figures 14 and 15.

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

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

[0205] The drive gear 614b is a power transmission component that transmits power from the motor (power generating means) 614a. In this example, it transmits power from the motor 614a to the idler gear large 616a, which will be described later.

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

[0207] With the drive gear 614b inserted through the through hole 612a2 of the mounting plate 612 from the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) to the gear unit 616 side (second side), the bottom of the motor 614a case 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 upper surface of the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) of the mounting plate 612.

[0208] In 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 to 112 are rotated at high speed, the lubricating oil applied to the various gears (in this example, the drive gear 614b, the large idler gear 616a, the small idler gear 616b, and the output gear 616c) arranged on the gear unit 616 (second side) of the mounting plate 612 will not be scattered to the reel motor unit 614 side (first side) or to the electronic components inside the case of the motor 614a, thereby preventing the motor 614a from malfunctioning or deteriorating.

[0209] <Reel drive unit / gear unit> Next, the gear unit 616 of the reel drive unit 610 will be described using Figures 14 to 17.

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

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

[0212] <Reel drive unit / gear unit / large idler gear, idler gear> The large idler gear 616a of the gear unit 616 and the small idler gear 616b, which has a smaller diameter than the large idler gear 614a, are arranged coaxially via a common rotating shaft 612a4, forming a two-stage stepped gear.

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

[0214] In this example, a two-stage stepped gear consisting of a large idler gear 616a and a small idler gear 616b is employed, which allows for space saving in the reel drive unit 610. Furthermore, by increasing the reduction ratio between the two gears, the rotational speed of reels 110 to 112 can be increased, or by decreasing the reduction ratio between the two gears, the rotational speed of reels 110 to 112 can be decreased, making it easy to adjust the rotational speed of reels 110 to 112.

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

[0216] <Reel drive unit / gear unit / output gear> As shown in Figure 16, the output gear 616c of the gear unit 616 comprises an external tooth 616c1 that meshes with the idler gear small 616b, and a power output section 616c2 which has a protruding shape that can be fitted with the power input section 684c4 (see Figure 9(a)) of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684.

[0217] In this example, the output gear 616c is composed of spur gears, but the type of gear is not particularly limited and may be a bevel gear, helical gear, etc. Also, in this example, lubricant is applied to the output gear 616c to ensure smooth rotation. However, if there is no problem with the high-speed rotation of reels 110-112, it is not necessary to apply lubricant to the output gear 616c.

[0218] In this example, since the output gear 616c is equipped with external teeth 616c1 that mesh with the idler gear small 616b, it is possible to easily adjust the rotation speed of reels 110 to 112 by increasing the reduction ratio between the idler gear small 616b and the external teeth 616c1, or by decreasing the reduction ratio between the two to lower the rotation speed of reels 110 to 112.

[0219] In this example, four gears—drive gear 614b, large idler gear 616a, small idler gear 616b, and output gear 616c—are used to transmit power from motor 614a to reels 110-112. However, the number of gears and the reduction ratio are not particularly limited, and the rotational speed of reels 110-112 can be appropriately changed by changing the number of gears and the reduction ratio.

[0220] Therefore, for example, the reels 110 to 112 may be configured to rotate using 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 to 112 to rotate them.

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

[0222] As shown in an enlarged view in Figure 14, the bearing 616d in this example consists of an outer ring 616d1 and an inner ring 616d2 made of metal in the shape of flat plate rings, and a donut-shaped annular portion 616d3 made of resin disposed between the outer ring 616d1 and the inner ring 616d2.

[0223] In this example, even when the reels are rotated at high speed during reel animations, the bearing 616d allows the output gear 616c to rotate smoothly, enabling stable high-speed rotation of the reels 110-112 driven by the output gear 616c. Furthermore, by arranging the annular portion 616d3 made of resin 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 than with a metal bearing when the reels 110-112 are stopped, thereby enhancing the reel animation effect by allowing the reels 110-112 to stop smoothly.

[0224] The material of bearing 616d is not particularly limited. The outer ring 616d1 or inner ring 616d2 may be made of resin, the annular portion 616d3 may be made of metal, or some or all of the 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 or roller bearings may be used.

[0225] <Reel drive unit / gear unit / reel shaft, reel retainer> 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 strap 680, and backlight module 630 removed.

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

[0227] The reel retainer 616f is a component 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 the left reel frame 684 is rotatably supported by this output gear 616c and the detected part 686 which is locked to the output gear 616c.

[0229] On the other hand, the end of the reel shaft 616e on the reel motor unit 614 side (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] In this example, since the reel shaft 616e is supported by both the mounting plate 612 and the reel side plate 650, the reel shaft 616e can be supported at least at two points. Even when the reels 110 to 112 are rotated at high speed during reel animations, vibrations of the reel shaft 616e supporting the reels 110 to 112 are suppressed, allowing the reels 110 to 112 to rotate 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 of the gear unit 616 (in this example, the drive gear 614b, the large idler gear 616a, the small idler gear 616b, and the output gear 616c) from leaking to the outside.

[0232] The gasket (sealant) 616g is positioned between the gear unit cover 618 and the mounting plate 612 to fill 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] In this example, the gasket 616g is made of a flexible material (rubber packing), but the material of the gasket 616g is not particularly limited, and sealing materials made of other materials such as metal or tape may be used.

[0234] <Reel drive unit / gear unit cover> Next, the gear unit cover 618 will be described using Figures 14 and 15.

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

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

[0237] The mounting portion 618a of the gear unit cover 618 has four screw holes 618a1, and the gear unit cover 618 is fastened to the screw holes 612a3 (see Figure 14) of the mounting plate 612 with four screws 651f via these four screw holes 618a1.

[0238] The cover body 618b of the gear unit cover 618 includes an inner space 618b1 capable of housing at least the various gears of the gear unit 616 (in this example, the drive gear 614b, the large idler gear 616a, the small idler gear 616b, and the output gear 616c), 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 houses the various gears of the gear unit 616 (in this example, the drive gear 614b, the large idler gear 616a, the small idler gear 616b, and the output gear 616c) in the inner space 618b1 of the cover body 618b, with the flange 684c of the output gear 616c exposed to the outside through the output gear insertion hole 618b2, and is fixed to the upper surface of the mounting plate 612 on the gear unit 616 side (second side) with a gasket 616g sandwiched between it and the mounting plate 612 by the mounting portion 618a.

[0240] In conventional gaming machines, the reels were not rotated at high speeds during reel-based effects, so there was no need to apply lubricant to the various gears that drive the reels. However, in recent years, there has been a demand for effects that involve high-speed reel rotation to enhance the visual impact. Rotating the reels at higher speeds than before may create a new problem, such as the scattering of lubricant used to ensure smooth operation of the various gears.

[0241] In this regard, according to this example, since the gear unit 616 is equipped with a gear unit cover 618 capable of housing the various gears (drive gear 614b, large idler gear 616a, small idler gear 616b, output gear 616c) of the gear unit 616, even when the reel is rotated at high speed during reel animation or the like, it is possible to prevent the lubricating oil applied to the various gears from scattering onto surrounding components or electronic parts.

[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 for accommodating various gears (in this example, the drive gear 614b, the large idler gear 616a, the small idler gear 616b, and the output gear 616c) so that the reduction ratios (the diameters, number of teeth, etc. of the gears) of various gears (in this example, the drive gear 614b, the large idler gear 616a, the small idler gear 616b, and the output gear 616c) can be changed as appropriate.

[0243] <Operation of the reel drive unit> Next, the operation of the reel drive 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 the first direction (for example, the forward direction, clockwise), the drive gear (power transmission means) 614b driven by the motor 614a rotates in the direction indicated by reference symbol X in FIG. 16(a) (counterclockwise).

[0245] When the drive gear 614b rotates, the large idler gear (driven gear) 616a that meshes with the drive gear 614b and is driven by the drive gear 614b, and the small idler gear (driven gear) 616b that forms a stepped gear with the large idler gear 616a and is driven by the drive gear 614b rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the drive gear 614b, that is, in the direction indicated by reference symbol Y in FIG. 16(a) (clockwise).

[0246] When the small idler gear 616b rotates, the output gear (driven gear) 616c that meshes with the small idler gear 616b and is driven by the small idler gear 616b rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the small idler gear 616b, that is, in the direction indicated by reference symbol Z in FIG. 16(a) (counterclockwise).

[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 part 616c2 of the output gear 616c and the power input part 684c4 of the flange 684c of the left reel frame 684. As a result, the left reel frame 684 rotates in the same direction as the output gear 616c, that is, the direction indicated by the symbol Z in Fig. 16(a) (counterclockwise).

[0248] When the left reel frame 684 rotates, the detected part 686 fixed to the left reel frame 684, the reel tape 680, and the right reel frame 682 rotate integrally, causing the reels 110 to 112 to rotate in the forward direction (from above to below in a front view), that is, the rotation direction shown in Fig. 4.

[0249] On the other hand, when the motor 614a of the reel drive part 610 rotates in the second direction (for example, the reverse direction, counterclockwise), the drive gear 614b, the large idler gear 616a, the small idler gear 616b, and the output gear 616c rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation directions indicated by the symbols X, Y, and Z in Fig. 16(a), causing the reels 110 to 112 to rotate in the reverse direction (from below to above in a front view), that is, the direction opposite to the rotation direction shown in Fig. 4.

[0250] Therefore, during the game, by rotating the motor 614a in the first direction (for example, the forward direction, clockwise) triggered by pressing the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 can be rotated 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, and an effect (reel effect) using the reels 110 to 112 can be performed.

[0251] In this example, reels 110-112 are attached to the reel shaft 616e via resin bearings 662. Therefore, even when the reels are rotated at high speed during reel animations, vibrations of the reel shaft 616e supporting the reels are suppressed, allowing the reels to rotate stably at high speed. Furthermore, because resin bearings have a high coefficient of friction, the rotational speed of the reel shaft 616e can be smoothly and quickly reduced when the reels stop, and by stopping the reels smoothly, the effect of the reel animations can be enhanced.

[0252] Furthermore, in this example, since the output gear 616c is attached to the reel shaft 616e via the bearing 616d, the output gear 616c can rotate smoothly even when the reel is rotated at high speed during reel animations, etc., and the reel driven by the output gear 616c can rotate stably at high speed. In addition, by arranging a resin component between the outer and inner rings of the output gear 616c, the rotational speed of the output gear 616c can be reduced smoothly and quickly when the reel stops, compared to a metal bearing, and the effect of the reel animation can be enhanced by stopping the reel smoothly.

[0253] <Motor control board> Figure 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 this embodiment, since there are three motors 614a corresponding to reels 110 to 112, there are also three motor control boards 606a.

[0254] The motor control board 606a includes a control IC 621 and a driver 622. The control IC 621 is, for example, a single-chip microcontroller, 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 controls the motor 614a by executing the control program. 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 the signal from the encoder 614e of the motor 614a, and controls the amount of rotation, direction of rotation (forward / reverse), and rotation speed of the motor 614a. In addition, the control IC 621 corrects the relationship between the amount of rotation of the reel R rotated by the motor 614a and the amount of control to the driver 622 based on the signal from the photosensor 642. Note that 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 electrical circuit board for pre-setting setting information related to the rotation of reel R in the control IC 621 by outputting a setting signal, and is configured to be detachably attached to the motor control board 606a via connector 623. It is also possible to incorporate the setting information into the control program of the control IC 621. However, this method is disadvantageous because if the control IC 621 is to be reused between different models of gaming machines, a control program for the control IC 621 must be created for each model. It is also possible to incorporate the setting information into the control program executed by the main control unit 300, and the main control unit 300 sets the control IC 621 when the power is turned on. However, this method is disadvantageous because the capacity of the control program of the main control unit 300 increases, which is disadvantageous when using a small-capacity ROM 306. According to this embodiment, these problems can be solved by setting the information using the setting board 606d.

[0256] Figure 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 Figure 19(a) shows an example of the circuit for setting information 1, but the circuits for the other types of setting information 2 to N have a similar configuration.

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

[0258] In this embodiment, the output information of the setting board 606d is fixed. Instead of the example of one setting information circuit in Figure 19(a), a method can also be adopted in which the output information can be 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 incorrect information will be set if the setting information can be changed. As in this embodiment, by using a circuit configuration in which the output information of the setting board 606d is fixed, such incorrect settings can be reliably avoided.

[0259] The following describes examples of the various setting information used in this embodiment. First, setting information 1 is information on the total number of frames (total number of symbols) on 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 the step number information, which will be described later. The step number corresponds to the resolution of one rotation, and 1 step is the smallest unit of rotation of reel R controlled by the control IC 621. Rotating reel R by the set number of steps will result in reel R rotating by one rotation. In the example described later, the step number is 5, but 7 or 9 may also be set.

[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 maximum speed may be the maximum speed corresponding to the reduction gear ratio of the gear unit 616. Alternatively, multiple maximum speeds corresponding to multiple reduction gear ratios may be stored in advance, allowing the user to select the maximum speed corresponding to the reduction gear ratio. For example, maximum speeds A, B, and C corresponding to reduction ratios A, B, and C may be stored in advance, allowing the user to select one of them. This selection may be set using the LH information by the circuit configuration of the setting board 606d shown in Figure 19(a). This makes it easy to set the maximum speed corresponding to the changed reduction gear ratio when the reduction gear ratio is changed depending on the model. The reference speed may be the minimum rotation speed or an intermediate rotation speed. Based on the reference speed, the controllable rotation speed range 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 per rotation of the reel R from setting information 1 and setting information 2 using the formula: total steps = total number of frames × number of steps. The control IC 621 determines the minimum controllable rotation amount using the formula: minimum rotation amount = 360 degrees ÷ total number of steps. From the relationship between the total number of steps and the resolution of the encoder 614e, the detected value of the rotation amount per step by the encoder 614e (e.g., the number of output pulses) can be determined, and rotation control in 1-step units becomes possible based on this detected value. The control IC 621 can manage the rotation position of the reel R per rotation using the number of steps. For example, each time a detected value for one step of the encoder 614e is output, the rotation position counter is incremented by one, and the rotation position counter is updated (or reset) to a predetermined value when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected by the photosensor 642. The rotation position counter can be any counter related to the rotation position, and may be a counter related to the pattern position, a counter related to the number of steps, or a counter that can identify the position of other patterns. Since the light-shielding piece 694a has a base end 694a1 and an end end 694a2, the rotation position counter may be updated to the corresponding value twice during one rotation, or depending on the rotation conditions, the rotation position counter may be updated (or reset) to a predetermined value once during one rotation. For example, if the rotation speed is normal, the rotation position counter may be updated to the corresponding value twice during one rotation, and if the rotation speed is faster than normal, the rotation position counter may be updated (or reset) to a predetermined value once during one rotation to reduce processing load.

[0263] <Control processing for slot machines> 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 of the main control unit> First, the main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described using FIG. 20. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit main process. The main control unit main process is a process related to the control of game progress.

[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 the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 that receives this start signal starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes the main control unit main process shown in FIG. 20 according to the control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

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

[0267] In step S102, game start processing is performed. In this game start processing, checks are made as to whether an operation by the start lever 135 or an operation by the bet buttons 130 to 132 (bet number setting operation) has been received, whether the bet number has reached the specified number, and when a bet number setting operation has been received, preparations are made to transmit a bet number setting command or a start lever reception command to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that if a prize was won in a replay combination in the previous game, since processing is performed to insert the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game, it becomes unnecessary for the player to insert medals. If there is an operation of the start lever 135, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0268] In step S103, a prize line determination process is performed to determine the number of inserted medals and determine a valid prize line. 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, an internal lottery process for winning combinations is performed. In this process, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current game state, and an internal lottery is performed using this table and the random value obtained in step S104. At the same time, preparations are made to send an internal lottery command indicating the result of this internal lottery to the first sub-control unit 400. If an internal winning combination (including activated combinations) is 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 candidate reel stop data based on the results of the internal lottery process for winning combinations. This reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. Also 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, reel rotation and stop control processing is executed, and all reels 110-112 begin rotating. Stop buttons 137-139 become available, and when any of the stop buttons are pressed, the stop table of reel stop data is referenced, and one of the reels 110-112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped.

[0272] In the reel stopping control here, so-called pull-in control (frame slip control) may be performed. Pull-in control refers to the control that shifts the stopping position of reels 110-112 by a certain number of frames (number of symbols) within a range (pull-in range; for example, a maximum of 4 frames) after the player operates each of the stop buttons 137-139. The reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. The reel stop data for each reel can be broadly divided into two types: permit control, which allows the symbol combinations of predetermined winning combinations to be displayed aligned on the winning line, and prohibit control, which prevents any symbol combinations of winning combinations from being displayed aligned on the winning line.

[0273] Examples of situations where tolerance control is applied include, for instance, when an internal win occurs for a certain prize combination, or when an internal win for a special prize is in progress (with the flag being carried over). Even if the player's timing in operating stop buttons 137-139 is poor, the control ensures that the winning combination symbols are displayed within the specified frame count range. However, since this is only "tolerance," the combination of symbols may not be displayed depending on the timing of operating stop buttons 137-139. Nevertheless, depending on the arrangement of the symbols on reels 110-112 and the number of frames pulled in, it may be possible to achieve a 100% alignment.

[0274] On the other hand, an example of a situation where prohibition control is implemented is when the internal lottery result is a loss and there is no internal win for a special role (flag carried over). In such cases, even if the player operates stop buttons 137 to 139 at the right time, control is implemented to prevent the combination of winning symbols from being displayed within the above frame count range.

[0275] As a result of the above control, when all reels 110 to 112 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S108. In step S107, preparations are made to send a stop button reception command (specifically, stop button reception 1 command for the first stop operation, stop button reception 2 command for the second stop operation, and stop button reception 3 command for the third stop operation) to the first sub-control unit 400 for each stop operation, and preparations are made to send a reel stop command (specifically, reel stop 1 command for the first stopped reel, reel stop 2 command for the second stop operation, and reel stop 3 command for the third stop operation) to the first sub-control unit 400 for each stop operation.

[0276] In step S108, a display determination process is performed. In this display determination process, if a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line L1, it is determined that a winning combination has been achieved. Also in 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] Step S109 performs the medal payout process. In the medal payout process, if any winning combination that awards medals has been achieved, the number of medals corresponding to that winning combination will be paid out.

[0278] In step S110, game state control processing is performed. In game state control processing, processing related to the transition of each game state is performed, and the game state is changed when the start or end conditions for those transitions are met. Preparations are also made to send a game state command containing information indicating the current game state to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0279] This concludes one game. From here on, the game will continue by returning to step S102 and repeating the process described above.

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

[0281] <Main control timer interrupt processing> Next, using Figure 21, we will explain the main control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing.

[0282] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined interval (approximately once every 2ms in this embodiment), and the main control unit timer interrupt processing is started at a predetermined interval triggered by this timer interrupt signal.

[0283] Step S1001 performs the timer interrupt start process. This timer interrupt start process includes temporarily saving the values ​​of each register of the CPU 304 to the stack area.

[0284] In step S1002, the WDT314 is periodically restarted (in this embodiment, once every 2ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt) to prevent a WDT interrupt from occurring (to prevent detection of a processing abnormality) if the count value of the WDT314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8ms in this embodiment).

[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 various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310, the presence or absence of detection signals is monitored, and the signals are stored in the signal state storage area of ​​the RAM 308, which is partitioned for each of the various sensors 318.

[0286] In step S1004, various game processing is executed, and processing according to the interrupt status is performed.

[0287] In step S1005, timer update processing is performed. More specifically, various timers are updated according to their respective time units.

[0288] In step S1006, the command setting transmission process is performed, and the various commands that were prepared for transmission are sent to the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 can determine the performance control in response to the change in game control in the main control unit 300 based on the command type included in the received output schedule information, and can also determine the content of the performance control based on the command data information included 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 RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652, which is separate from the slot machine 100, via the information output circuit 334.

[0290] In step S1008, reel control processing is performed. In this control processing, 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 to monitor for errors related to abnormal medal insertion and abnormal medal dispensing. If an error is detected, error processing is executed (not shown). Furthermore, the settings of the medal selector 170 (a medal blocker operated by a solenoid installed in the medal selector 170), various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) displays are set according to the current game state. In addition, when the signal from the photosensor 642 changes from H level to L level, the rotation position information is reset to zero.

[0292] In step S1010, the system monitors whether the low voltage signal is on or off. If the low voltage signal is on (i.e., power interruption is detected), the system proceeds to step S1012; otherwise, it proceeds to step S1011.

[0293] Step S1011 performs various processes to terminate the timer interrupt termination process. In this timer interrupt termination process, the values ​​of each register that were temporarily saved in step S1001 are set back to their original values. After that, the process returns to the main control unit main process shown in Figure 20.

[0294] On the other hand, in step S1012, specific variables and a stack pointer necessary to return to the state at the time of power loss are saved as recovery data to a predetermined area of ​​RAM308, power loss 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 explained using Figure 22(a).

[0297] When the power is turned on, the initialization process is first executed in step S3001. This initialization process includes initial settings for input / output ports and initialization of the memory area in RAM 408. During this process, an area for storing internal winning information, which represents the result of an internal win, and an area for storing RT update information, which represents the game state, are each created 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 assigned the value 0. In step S3004, command processing is performed, which is the processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300.

[0300] In step S3005, performance control processing is performed. Here, preparations for the performance are carried out according to the performance reservation information located in the performance reservation area provided in RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, reading performance data from ROM 406 and, if necessary, performing performance data update processing.

[0301] In step S3006, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S3005. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC418 in the performance data read in step S3005, this command is output to the sound source IC418.

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

[0303] In step S3008, information output processing 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 there is a command to send to the second sub-control unit 500 in the performance data read in step S3005, the settings are made to output this control command, and the process returns to step S3002.

[0304] Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 22(b). This command reception interrupt processing is performed when the first sub-control unit 400 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 the command memory area provided in the RAM 408.

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

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

[0307] In step S3202, commands are sent to the second sub-control unit 500, which was set in step S3008, and processing is performed to update the random values ​​for the performance. In step S3203, the performance interruption process is executed. The performance interruption process is executed when an interruption event such as a power outage occurs, and it interrupts the performance that is currently running. Specifically, certain variables and the stack pointer necessary to return to the state at the time of the power outage are saved as recovery data to a predetermined 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, the initial setup is performed first in step S5001 in Figure 23(a). This initial setup process includes initial setup of input / output ports, initialization of the memory area in RAM 508, and initialization of the memory area in VRAM 518. In RAM initialization, it is common to store "0" in the memory area.

[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, the timer variable is assigned the value 0. In step S5004, command processing is performed. During command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 determines whether or not it has received a command from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0312] Step S5005 performs performance control processing. Specifically, if there was a new command in step S5004, the corresponding processing is performed. For example, processing is executed to read performance data for image control related to the background image from ROM 506. This also includes processing to read other performance data from ROM 506, and if the performance data needs to be updated, processing to update the performance data is performed.

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

[0314] Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using Figure 23(b). This command reception interrupt processing is performed when the second sub-control unit 500 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 as an unprocessed command in the command memory area provided in RAM 508.

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

[0317] In step S5201, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 508, as explained in step S5002 of 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 20ms (2ms × 10). In step S5202, processing such as updating the random value for the performance is performed.

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

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

[0320] In step S5302, it is determined whether or not a transfer completion interrupt signal has been input from VDP516. If a transfer completion interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S5303; otherwise, the process waits for a transfer completion interrupt signal to be input.

[0321] In step S5303, parameter settings are performed based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to provide 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. The VDP 516 performs parameter settings according to the attributes based on the instructions 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 the image. The VDP 516 starts drawing the image in the frame buffer according to the instruction from the CPU 504.

[0323] In step S5305, it is determined whether or not a generation completion interrupt signal has been input from VDP516 based on the completion of image drawing. If a generation completion interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S5306; otherwise, the process waits for a generation completion interrupt signal to be input.

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

[0325] <Reel rotation control> As shown in Figure 18, the main control unit 300 (basic circuit 302) and the control IC 621 are connected in a communicative manner. The main control unit 300 transmits control information related to the rotation control of reels 110 to 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 as state information to the main control unit 300, and the main control unit 300 can control the progress of the game based on the received state information.

[0326] The following explanation will describe examples of control information and state information, as well as an example of reel R rotation control, with reference to Figure 24. This figure is a timing chart showing the changes in control information and state information over time.

[0327] The example in Figure 24 illustrates the control information as rotation control signal, 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, it instructs the reel to 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 that rotation speed. The main control unit 300 can select the rotation speed at a constant speed from several types of rotation speeds, and when it transmits speed instruction information indicating the selected rotation speed to the control IC 621, the control IC 621 rotates the reel R at that rotation speed.

[0328] The rotation direction indication information is a command that specifies the rotation direction of the reel R. In the example shown, it instructs the reel to rotate in the forward direction. Forward rotation is the direction in which the pattern moves in the order indicated by the arrow labeled "Rotation Direction" in Figure 4. The opposite direction of movement is reverse rotation. The rotation direction indication information can also specify reverse rotation. The control IC 621 switches the rotation direction of the motor 614a in accordance with the rotation direction indicated by the rotation direction indication 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 the rotation control of the reel R is started, or they may be transmitted by the main control unit 300 to the control IC 621 together with the rotation control signal. In addition, the rotation direction instruction information may be transmitted each time the main control unit 300 transmits the rotation control signal to the control IC 621, or the rotation direction instruction information may be transmitted when the main control unit 300 transmits the rotation control signal to the control IC 621 at the start of a game (the rotation direction instruction information is sent only once at the start of a game). Increasing the opportunities to transmit the rotation direction instruction information can prevent the reel from rotating in an unintended direction due to noise, etc.

[0330] The rotation control signal is an instruction that indicates the amount of rotation of the reel R, and is a signal that includes a pulse for instructing the rotation of one frame of the reel R. Each time the control IC621 receives a pulse of the rotation control signal, it rotates the reel R by one frame. When the total number of frames is 20 frames, the control IC621 controls the motor 614a so that the reel R rotates 360 degrees ÷ 20 = 18 degrees with each pulse.

[0331] In the case of this embodiment, the rotation control signal is a periodic pulse signal transmitted at a predetermined time interval T, and the control IC621 rotates the reel R by one frame using the fall (Hi→Lo) of the signal as a trigger. That is, this fall serves as a signal for instructing rotation (hereinafter referred to as rotation instruction). The interval T is an interval that is 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 a rotation instruction every interval T. Note that a configuration that uses the rise (Lo→Hi) of the signal as a trigger may be adopted.

[0332] For example, if the rotational 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. By making the interval T close to the time t1, it is possible to synchronize the transmission of the rotation instruction 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] The control IC 621 rotates the reel R by one frame each time it receives a rotation command. Therefore, if the next rotation command is received within the interval T after the previous rotation command, the reel R will continue to rotate and will rotate another frame. If the next rotation command is not received within the interval T after the previous rotation command, the reel R will stop. In the example in Figure 24, the rotation of the reel R is stopped after four rotation commands have been received and no further rotation commands have been received.

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

[0335] The status information is transmitted from the control IC 621 to the main control unit 300 and indicates the state 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 confirms it in the device monitoring process S1009 of the timer interrupt processing shown in Figure 21. In the example in Figure 24, the acceleration state, constant speed state, and stopped state of the reel R are exemplified as status information. When the main control unit 300 obtains status information indicating a constant speed state, for example, it enables a stop operation, and when it obtains status information indicating a stopped state, for example, it performs a determination of the pattern combination.

[0336] When the control IC 621 receives a rotation instruction while the reel R is stopped, it starts rotating the reel R so that it rotates at the rotation speed and in the direction specified by the rotation speed instruction information and rotation direction instruction information. Since the acceleration control of the reel R is performed according to the control program of the control IC 621, the main control unit 300 does not need a separate program for acceleration control, thus reducing the capacity of the control program. In the event of so-called step loss, if it is determined that there is no detection of the light-shielding piece 694a for a certain period of time (no change in the detection result of the photosensor 642), it is advisable to wait until the next detection of the light-shielding piece 694a occurs (there is a change in the detection result of the photosensor 642), and then enable the stop operation after the next detection of the light-shielding piece 694a. The main control unit 300 can continue to operate without taking so-called step loss into consideration, but allowing the player to operate while a rotation malfunction is occurring may be detrimental to the player. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the control IC 621 from enabling a stop operation while it is performing acceleration control, thus avoiding any disadvantage to the player.

[0337] During acceleration of reel R, the amount of rotation of reel R in interval T is less 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. Figure 25(a) is an explanatory diagram. In this figure, reel R (i.e., motor 614a) is accelerated at a predetermined acceleration to the rotation speed (instructed rotation speed) instructed by the rotation speed instruction information, within the time of the first two intervals T. The amount of rotation of reel R after reaching the specified rotation speed is expressed as interval T × specified rotation speed, but during the acceleration period before that, the amount of rotation is less by the area R1. In other words, the relationship between interval T from the start of reel R's rotation and the amount of rotation of reel R after reaching the specified rotation speed is interval T × specified rotation speed - R1.

[0338] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the control IC 621 accelerates to the rotational speed indicated by the rotational speed instruction information (instructed rotational speed), it accelerates to a rotational speed faster than the instructed rotational speed, and then decelerates the reel R to the instructed rotational speed to converge to a constant speed. Figure 25(b) is an explanatory diagram. In this figure, within the time interval T for the first two cycles, the reel R is accelerated to a rotational speed faster than the instructed rotational speed, then decelerated to the instructed rotational speed, and then rotates at a constant speed at the instructed rotational speed. Area R1 shows the amount of rotation of the reel R that is less compared to constant speed rotation, and area R2 shows the amount of rotation of the reel R that is greater compared to constant speed rotation. 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] Even when the reel R is rotating at a constant speed, a discrepancy may occur between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R. However, when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected by the photosensor 642, the reel R is accelerated or decelerated by a small amount, and the control IC 621 can synchronize the rotational position of the reel R with the timing of the rotation instruction.

[0340] Next, we will explain an example of maintaining the relationship between the interval T and the amount of rotation of the reel R by increasing or decreasing the interval T in response to the increase or decrease in the indicated rotation speed. Figures 26 and 27 show an example of this. In the example in Figure 26, the indicated rotation speed is doubled compared to the example in Figure 24. In this case, the interval T is set to half of the interval T in Figure 24. In the example in Figure 27, the indicated rotation speed is halved compared to the example in Figure 24. In this case, the interval T is set to twice the interval T in Figure 24.

[0341] In the example above, the rotation control signal and the rotation speed instruction information were treated as separate pieces of information, but it is also possible to include the rotation speed instruction information in the rotation control signal. Below, an example of a configuration in which the rotation speed instruction information is included in the rotation control signal will be explained using Figure 28. This figure shows an example of operation using a rotation control signal that includes rotation speed instruction information.

[0342] In Figure 28(a), the rotation control signal is a periodic pulse signal transmitted at a predetermined time interval T1. The control IC 621 rotates the reel R by one frame when the signal falls (Hi→Lo). In other words, this trigger is the signal that instructs rotation (rotation instruction). The interval T1 is the same as in the example in Figure 24, and is less than or equal to the time t1 required for one frame of rotation when the reel R is rotating at a constant speed. The pulse width H1 from the rising to falling edge of this rotation control signal (immediately before the rotation instruction) is the rotation speed instruction information. By setting this pulse width H1 to a predetermined time (in this case, half the time t1 required for one frame of rotation), it is possible to specify the rotation speed required for one frame of rotation. If the next rotation instruction is not received within the interval T1 after receiving the previous rotation instruction, the reel R is stopped. In the above configuration, the reel R rotates one frame after waiting for the signal to fall (Hi → Lo). However, if the signal remains Hi and there is no falling edge (the rotation instruction has not been received), the reel R will also stop.

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

[0344] Here, an example of operation when reducing the rotation speed of the reel will be explained using Figure 29. Figure 29(a) shows an example in which the pulse period and pulse width are doubled midway through in order to halve the rotation speed of the reel. In this example, it is assumed that a pulse is first transmitted with period T, and the rotation speed A is maintained. Note that period T is approximately the same as the time required for one rotation. In Figure 29(a), two pulses Pa1 and Pa2 are shown among the pulses used to maintain this rotation speed A, and it is assumed that after transmitting pulse Pa2, the period and pulse width of the next pulse are doubled. The combined period of periods A1 and A2 in Figure 29(a) corresponds to one period (2T) including this doubled pulse width, and it is shown that during period A2, pulse Pa3 with doubled pulse width is transmitted.

[0345] Here, the rotation performed by pulse Pa2 (one frame rotation) is completed in time T (period A1), but at this time pulse Pa3 has not yet been transmitted. In other words, at the point when time T has elapsed since the transmission of pulse Pa2 (end of period A1), the rotation according to the previously received rotation instruction (pulse Pa2) is completed, but no new rotation instruction (pulse Pa3) has been received, so the control IC 621 stops the reel R. Figure 29(a) shows that the reel R is stopped in period A2. Furthermore, Figure 29(a) shows that, upon receiving a new rotation instruction (pulse Pa3), the reel R rotates at rotation speed A / 2 in the subsequent period A3.

[0346] Figure 28 illustrates the correspondence between the pulse period and pulse width and the reel's rotation speed. However, if the pulse period and pulse width are uniformly changed during deceleration, the reel will stop temporarily, as shown in the example in Figure 29(a), making it impossible to decelerate the reel smoothly. In other words, during deceleration, it is necessary to be able to receive a new rotation instruction while the rotation according to the previously received rotation instruction is still being performed. Below, an example of operation that takes this point into consideration will be explained using Figure 29(b). Figure 29(b) shows an example of operation when the reel's rotation speed is reduced by half.

[0347] In Figure 29(b), we assume that pulses are transmitted with a period T, similar to Figure 29(a), and that the rotational speed A is maintained. Figure 29(b) shows two pulses, Pb1 and Pb2, which are used to maintain this rotational speed A. Now, after transmitting pulse Pb2, we consider increasing the width of the next pulse in order to decelerate the reel. In this case, the rotation performed by pulse Pb2 (rotation of one frame) is completed in time T (period B1), so it is necessary to receive a new rotation instruction before the end of this period B1. However, if the pulse width is doubled as in Figure 29(a), the pulse width will be too long and will not fit within period B1 (time T), so here the pulse width is adjusted to 1.5 times. Also, in order to receive the rotation instruction within period B1, the time of Lo needs to be shortened by the amount that the pulse width has been increased. Figure 29(b) shows that after pulse Pb2, a pulse Pb3 with a pulse width 1.5 times greater was received after a Lo time shorter than the Lo time when the rotation speed A was maintained (period B1). In the above example, the pulse width was adjusted to 1.5 times, but it could also be 1.2 times, as long as the pulse width allows for the rotation instruction to be received within period B1. Also, in the above example, the timing of the rotation instruction (falling edge of the pulse) within period B1 is aligned with period T, but the rotation instruction may occur at an earlier timing.

[0348] A pulse Pb3 with 1.5 times the pulse width reduces the rotation speed of reel R from rotation speed A to rotation speed A / 1.5. The time required for this rotation to complete due to pulse Pb3 is also extended to 1.5T (period B2). During period B2, even with twice the pulse width, a rotation instruction can be received, as shown in Figure 29(a). Figure 29(b) shows that after pulse Pb3, a pulse Pb4 with twice the pulse width is received after a period of Lo (period B2). Furthermore, it is shown that this pulse Pb4 then reduces the rotation speed of reel R to A / 2 (period B3).

[0349] As shown in the example in Figure 29(b), when increasing the pulse width to decelerate the reel's rotation speed, it is sufficient to use a Lo time that is shorter than the Lo time in the rotation instruction before deceleration at least once. In this way, the reel can be decelerated within a certain range, and if further deceleration is needed, time can be secured to transmit an even longer pulse width. Note that Figure 29(b) describes an example of operation in which the pulse width is increased in two stages to decelerate gradually, but depending on the degree of deceleration, it is also possible to use a configuration in which the pulse width is increased only once, or increased in two or more stages.

[0350] In this embodiment, since the pulse width time is half the time required for the next frame of rotation, during deceleration, the next pulse width and the time of the preceding Lo are contained within the time of the previous pulse width × 2 (previous pulse width × 2 > next pulse width + time of the preceding Lo). In Figure 29(a), this relationship is not satisfied and the reel comes to a complete stop, but in Figures 29(b) and (c), this relationship is satisfied and the reel decelerates smoothly.

[0351] Furthermore, when gradually reducing the pulse width in multiple steps, the same amount of time may be used for the Lo duration during deceleration, while only the pulse width may be gradually increased. Figure 29(c) shows an example of operation when the same amount of time is used for the Lo duration during deceleration as in Figure 29(b). Specifically, in Figure 29(b), the Lo duration before pulse Pb3 in period B1 and the Lo duration before pulse Pb4 in period B2 are different, but in Figure 29(c), these Lo durations are the same. This configuration simplifies the process of deriving the Lo duration during deceleration.

[0352] Since the reel's rotation speed is set in accordance with the pulse width, the reel's rotation speed can be reduced even if, for example, the pulse width is increased and the Lo time is shortened without changing the pulse signal period (the ratio of Hi time is increased) (see period B1 in Figure 29(b)). However, in this case, the time required for rotation control increases as the reel's rotation speed (movement per frame) slows down, while the transmission period of the rotation instruction remains the same, resulting in a gradual delay in rotation control in response to the rotation instruction. However, for example, when decelerating until the reel is stopped, the system is configured to send a rotation instruction for deceleration in advance, preventing situations where the rotation instruction (deceleration instruction) is not sent in time and the reel stops without decelerating. Of course, the deceleration configuration is not limited to this example, and when decelerating by increasing the pulse width, the pulse signal period may also be increased in accordance with the degree of deceleration of the reel. In this case, the pulse period may be increased while maintaining the ratio of Hi time to Lo time of the pulse signal.

[0353] In the example shown in Figure 28, a configuration was described in which shortening the Hi time of the rotation instruction pulse signal increases the rotation speed, and lengthening it decreases it. However, the opposite configuration is also possible, where lengthening the Hi time increases the rotation speed, and shortening it decreases it. Alternatively, the rotation speed may be controlled using the Lo time of the pulse signal instead of the Hi time. Note that if the configuration is such that lengthening the Hi time slows down the rotation, the output of the next rotation instruction may be delayed, and the control IC 621 may start the process of stopping the reel because it does not receive the next rotation instruction. Therefore, in a configuration where lengthening the Hi time slows down the rotation, the Lo time can be shortened when lengthening the Hi time to prevent the next rotation instruction from being delayed.

[0354] Furthermore, while the example in Figure 28 describes a configuration in which the rotation speed is determined according to the Hi time of the rotation instruction pulse signal, a configuration in which the rotation speed is determined using the ratio of the Lo time to the Hi time of the pulse signal is also possible. For example, if the ratio of the Lo time to the Hi time of the pulse signal is 1:1, the rotation speed at a constant speed (e.g., 80 rpm) is set, and as the ratio of Hi time increases, such as 1:2 or 1:3, the speed becomes slower than the constant speed, and as the ratio of Hi time decreases, such as 2:1 or 3:1, the speed becomes faster than the constant speed. Alternatively, a configuration in which the speed becomes faster as the ratio of Hi time increases, and slower as the ratio of Hi time decreases, is also possible.

[0355] Furthermore, considering the upper and lower limits of the reel's rotation speed, a limit may be placed on the pulses that can be accepted as rotation speeds, and rotation commands will not be accepted (for example, the machine will stop without rotating) if the pulse is not within this limit.

[0356] Furthermore, while the example in Figure 28 describes a configuration in which rotational speed is specified using pulse width, it is also possible to specify rotational speed using the period of the pulse signal instead of the length of the pulse width or the ratio of the low time to the high time of the pulse signal. Specifically, it is possible to have a configuration in which the rotational speed slows down when the period from rise to rise (or from fall to fall) is long, and speeds up when it is short.

[0357] Furthermore, the above configuration may also be one in which the HiLo of the pulse signal is inverted. Figures 30(a) to (c) show an example of the configuration in which the HiLo of the pulse signal in Figures 28(a) to (c) is inverted. In this configuration, the control IC 621 rotates the reel R by one frame, triggered by the rising edge of the signal (Lo → Hi).

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

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

[0360] In this embodiment, the adjustment rotation amount, which is the amount of rotation of the reel R by one frame or less, can be set as setting information 4, and the position of the symbol at the reference stop position can be finely adjusted by this adjustment rotation amount (information of the amount of movement to be adjusted is sent to the control IC 621 after power is turned on). For example, the control IC 621 outputs a signal of the number of pulses corresponding to the information of the amount of movement. Upon receiving this signal, the control IC 621 stops the reel according to the information of the adjusted amount of movement. In other words, fine adjustment of the reference stop position is possible. In this embodiment, this adjustment rotation amount can be set in units of steps obtained by equally dividing 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. This example illustrates a case where 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 × 20 frames = 100 steps, and the stopping position of reel R can be selected in 100 steps.

[0362] Figure 32 shows examples of setting the adjustment rotation amount. Figure 32(a) in the center shows an example where the adjustment rotation amount is set to 3 steps, which is a standard adjustment rotation amount. Figure 32(b) on the left shows an example where the adjustment rotation amount is set to 1 step. Compared to the example in Figure 32(a), the symbols will stop shifted upwards. Figure 32(c) shows an example where the adjustment rotation amount is set to 5 steps. Compared to the example in Figure 32(a), the symbols will stop shifted downwards. All of these assume that the reel R is rotated in the forward direction.

[0363] Let's explain a specific example of stop control. Suppose that while reel R is rotating, a stop operation causes the main control unit 300 to determine that reel R should stop rotating three frames ahead. The third stop is performed by the adjusted rotation amount. Therefore, the main control unit 300 sends two rotation instructions (3-1=2) to the control IC 621. Upon receiving the two rotation instructions, the control IC 621 rotates reel R by two frames. If no rotation instructions are received, it rotates reel R by the adjusted rotation amount and stops. This constitutes the third rotation. This allows the desired symbol to be stopped at a reference stop position corresponding to the structure of that machine.

[0364] The same applies when there is no stop operation while reel R is rotating and the rotation of reel R stops after a predetermined time has elapsed. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the main control unit 300 determines the number of frames to rotate afterward and sends a rotation instruction to the control IC 621 for one less frame than the determined number. The control IC 621 rotates reel R for the number of frames indicated by the rotation instruction, and then rotates reel R by the adjusted rotation amount and stops it.

[0365] Next, an example of the reel display for reels 110-112 will be explained with reference to Figure 33. Figure 33(a) shows the state in which reels 110-112 are stopped before the start lever 135 is operated. At the reference stopping positions of symbols 2, 5, and 8 (see Figure 2), the symbols with frame number 2 (left reel 110), frame number 16 (middle reel 111), and 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 reels 110 to 112 (Figure 33(b)). As an example of a performance, the main control unit 300 determines a temporary stop position and calculates the number of symbols (frames) to move from the current position to the temporary stop position. It then sends rotation instructions to the control IC 621 for the number of frames calculated.

[0367] For example, to move the symbol on the left reel 110 by 6 spaces, you would send a rotation command 6 times. Alternatively, you could rotate reel R once and then stop it at the desired position. This allows the player to feel a sense of anticipation for a longer period as they wonder where the reel will stop. For example, if you want to move the symbol by 6 after rotating reel R once, you would send a rotation command 26 times. It is also possible to set different rotation amounts (number of spaces moved) for the three reels 110-112.

[0368] The main control unit 300 stops transmitting rotation instructions. This allows the reels 110-112 to be temporarily stopped, as shown in Figure 33(c). In the example shown, the left reel 110 has rotated 9 frames, the middle reel 111 3 frames, and the right reel 112 5 frames from the state shown in Figure 33(a). This completes the rotation of reels 110-112 as part of the performance. The system does not accept stop operations during this performance period.

[0369] Next, as shown in Figure 33(d), the reels are started to spin for gameplay. If the timing of the start of rotation of reels 110 to 112 is to be staggered, the main control unit 300 counts, for example, the delay time required to stagger the start of rotation of each reel, and the transmission of rotation instructions for the second and third reels is performed on the condition that the corresponding delay time has elapsed. After that, each of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped in response to the player's stop operation or after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0370] Furthermore, the rotation control of reels 110 to 112 described in this embodiment may also be applied to rotation control for special effects. That is, in rotation control for game progression, it is not possible to know in advance when the player will stop the reels, so by transmitting rotation instructions for each frame at intervals T, it is possible to respond to stop operations that occur randomly. However, in rotation control for special effects, the amount of rotation and the stopping position can be determined in advance. For this reason, in rotation control for special effects, for example, a configuration in which rotation instructions are transmitted to the control IC 621 without intervals T may be used, or a configuration in which control information indicating the total amount of rotation is transmitted once instead of rotation instructions for each frame, and the control IC 621 performs the corresponding control, or a configuration in which control information indicating the number of symbols to move (number of frames to move) (for example, control information to move 5 symbols) is transmitted once, and the control IC 621 performs the corresponding control. This may reduce the load on the main control unit 300.

[0371] <Example of operation during reel acceleration (1)> The following describes an example of reel operation during acceleration using Figure 34. This figure shows the positional relationship of the left reel 110 in relation to the rotation instruction. Although this figure uses the rotation instruction example from Figure 24 for explanation, a similar configuration can be used for other rotation instruction examples.

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

[0373] For example, consider the case where, after power-on, the reel's symbol position is stopped at each position in the symbol display window 113 (see Figure 2) (no positional misalignment). In this case, the reel's rotation control is performed by moving the symbol one frame at a time in response to rotation instructions from the main control unit 300. Figure 34(a1) shows that the reel rotates from position P01 in Figure 34 to position P04 with a rotation instruction of one frame, then rotates to position P07 with a subsequent rotation instruction of one frame, and then rotates to position P10 with a subsequent rotation instruction of one frame.

[0374] However, after power-on, the position of the symbols on the reel may be misaligned from the positions of the symbols in the symbol display window 113 (see Figure 2) due to external factors such as maintenance work. In this case, if the symbols are moved one frame at a time in response to a rotation instruction from the main control unit 300, the rotation control of the reel will be performed while this misalignment remains. Figure 34(a2) shows that a rotation instruction of one frame from position P02 in Figure 34 causes the reel to rotate past position P04 in Figure 34 and to position P05, at which point the misalignment persists. 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, Figure 34(a2) shows that when a rotation instruction of one frame is received from position P05 in Figure 34, the reel rotates to position P07 where no misalignment occurs. The position after rotating one frame from position P05 is position P08. However, since the light-shielding piece 694a was detected midway (between positions P05 and P06), the positional misalignment is corrected by rotating to position P07 in Figure 34. Subsequent rotations are performed with the positional misalignment corrected. Figure 34(a2) shows that the rotation proceeds from position P07 to position P10 in Figure 34 via a rotation command of one frame.

[0375] While the above operation can eliminate positional misalignment, as in the case of Figure 34(a2), if less than one rotation is performed in response to a rotation instruction of one rotation, the target position may be reached and stopped earlier than intended despite the instruction being for one rotation, potentially causing looseness in the reel and creating new problems. To prevent such problems, when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected, the reel should be rotated to a position where no positional misalignment occurs, while ensuring that the amount of rotation is one or more rotations. For example, when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected, the reel should be rotated to the second closest position where no positional misalignment occurs, thereby ensuring an amount of rotation of one or more rotations while eliminating positional misalignment.

[0376] For example, Figure 34(b1) shows that the device rotates from position P01 in Figure 34 to position P04 in Figure 34 by a rotation instruction of one frame, and then, upon receiving the instruction for the next rotation of one frame, it rotates to position P10 where no positional displacement occurs. The position after rotating one frame from position P04 is position P07, but here, since the light-shielding piece 694a was detected midway (between position P05 and position P06), the rotation is performed to position P10, which is the next position after position P07 where no positional displacement occurs. Note that even if the rotation is limited to position P07, no positional displacement occurs, and the amount of rotation of one frame is secured, so in this case, rotation to position P07 is also acceptable.

[0377] Next, Figure 34(b2) shows that the device rotates from position P02 in Figure 34 to position P05 in Figure 34 by a single-frame rotation instruction, and then, upon receiving the next single-frame rotation instruction, rotates to position P10 where no positional misalignment occurs. The position after rotating one frame from position P05 is position P08, but here, since the light-shielding piece 694a was detected midway (between positions P05 and P06), the positional misalignment is resolved by rotating to position P10, which is the next position after position P07 where no positional misalignment occurs.

[0378] In the case of the configuration shown in Figures 34(b1) and 34(b2), the amount of rotation will be more than one frame for a rotation instruction of one frame, resulting in a delay in the state of the reel relative to the rotation instruction. This delay is compensated for by the control IC 621 adjusting the speed, and is resolved by the time the reel reaches a constant speed rotation state. In light of this speed adjustment, the timing at which the stop button is activated may be delayed. Alternatively, in the case of a motor that allows for speed adjustment in a short time, the stop button may be activated at the same timing regardless of whether speed adjustment is performed. In other words, at the first reel start after power-on, to account for the looseness caused by the shift in the reel's stopping position due to reel contact during maintenance, a special control is performed at the timing of the first light-shielding piece detection to drive the reel more than the amount of rotation specified by the normal rotation instruction, thereby preventing looseness. Furthermore, because the reel is driven more than the amount of rotation specified by the normal rotation instruction, there is a mismatch between the rotation instruction and the amount of reel drive. However, this mismatch is resolved by adjusting the speed from the time the light-shielding piece is first detected until the operation of the stop button becomes effective. Alternatively, the special control described above may be performed by determining whether or not a positional misalignment has occurred when the light-shielding piece is detected, or the special control may be performed uniformly when the light-shielding piece is detected regardless of whether or not a positional misalignment has occurred.

[0379] The above configuration is just one example of an operation to correct positional misalignment that occurred before power-on. For example, if positional misalignment occurs after power-on, the movement can be determined based on the signal from encoder 614e, so in this case the above operation will not be performed. However, a configuration that allows this operation to be performed even after power-on is also possible.

[0380] <Example of operation during reel acceleration (2)> The following describes an example of reel acceleration using Figure 35. This figure shows an example of reel acceleration after a reel action has been performed. Although this figure uses the example of rotation instruction shown in Figure 24, a similar configuration can be used for other rotation instruction examples.

[0381] Some slot machines perform simulated gameplay similar to regular gameplay, involving reel rotation and slight vibrations to simulate stopping. In addition, some machines rotate the reels to display specific combinations of symbols, separate from regular gameplay. Thus, a series of actions may be performed using the reels for game progression, followed by accelerating the reels to a constant speed to start the game. In the slight vibrations simulating stopping in the simulated gameplay, after giving a rotation command for one symbol, a stop signal is sent before the rotation for that symbol is complete, causing the reels to stop before the rotation for that symbol is finished. Then, after giving a rotation command for one symbol in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation before stopping, a stop signal is sent before the rotation for that symbol is finished, causing the reels to stop before the rotation for that symbol is finished. This is repeated at high speed, causing the reels to move back and forth in small increments over a distance of 1 / 8 to 1 / 10 of the vertical length of the symbols on the reels. Since this micro-vibration is performed during simulated gameplay, it is advisable to provide the control IC 621 with both a simulated game mode and a non-simulated game mode so that during normal gameplay, the rotation of one symbol completes after the instruction to rotate one symbol has been given. For example, if an L signal is input to a specific terminal of the control IC 621, the control IC 621 is set to simulated game mode, and if an H signal is input, the control IC 621 is set to non-simulated game mode. When performing simulated gameplay, the simulated game mode is set to allow movement to stop before the rotation of one symbol is completed, and when not performing simulated gameplay, the non-simulated game mode is set to prevent movement from stopping before the rotation of one symbol is completed. This prevents movement from stopping before the rotation of one symbol is completed in modes other than simulated gameplay.

[0382] For example, if rotation in the opposite direction to acceleration was performed in the preceding reel action, even if normal acceleration processing is performed, the reel may not reach a constant speed or misalignment may occur. In such cases, the main control unit 300 may be configured to ensure a longer acceleration period. In such configurations, for example, the acceleration state may be maintained until a predetermined time longer than the normal acceleration time has elapsed, or the period from the start of acceleration to the effective stop operation may be made longer, or the above rotation instruction may be sent more times than usual. Figure 35 shows an example of the above configuration in which a rotation instruction for 4 frames is sent immediately after the reel action to ensure a longer overall acceleration period. In particular, since misalignment is highly likely to occur in the reel action immediately after power-on, adopting the above configuration can make it less likely for such problems to occur. Taking simulated gameplay as an example, the game progresses in the following sequence: "start operation → reel rotation (simulated gameplay) → simulated stop operation → simulated stop (slight vibration) → simulated start operation → reel rotation → stop operation → stop." However, the time it takes for the stop operation to become effective within the "simulated start operation → reel rotation → stop operation" sequence is longer than the time it takes for the stop operation to become effective within the "start operation → reel rotation → stop operation" sequence in normal gameplay. While the reel rotation in "simulated start operation → reel rotation → stop operation" with simulated gameplay and the reel rotation in "start operation → reel rotation → stop operation" in normal gameplay use the same drive control for acceleration control and / or constant speed control, in "simulated start operation → reel rotation → stop operation," the above problem can be resolved while using the same drive control by rotating the reels a few extra frames before the common drive control. This can be applied not only to simulated gameplay but also to the period after reel actions such as reverse rotation and high-speed rotation until the stop operation becomes effective. Thus, the aforementioned problem can be resolved by adding a few frames of rotation after the reel action and before the normal acceleration process.

[0383] Furthermore, if a specific symbol stops after the reel action, the timing of that stop can be learned, making it easier to stop the desired symbol, which can assist the player in timing their button presses. To address this problem, there is a configuration in which the rotation start 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 may be added after the random delay.

[0384] Furthermore, while the above example includes a 4-frame acceleration period immediately after the reel action, it is not limited to this acceleration period. Since players always see the maximum number of symbols drawn in, adding an acceleration period of this magnitude should not cause any sense of incongruity. This acceleration period may be determined by lottery from multiple periods, or different periods may be set for each reel. For example, a longer acceleration period may be set for reels that start spinning earlier due to the random delay described above, compared to reels that start spinning later.

[0385] Although this embodiment describes an example using a DC motor, a configuration using a stepping motor, for example, may also be used, and the type of motor is not limited.

[0386] <Handling of position information during reel rotation (1)> In this embodiment, the main control unit 300 transmits a rotation instruction to the control IC 621 of the motor control board 606a and updates the reel's position information. An example of this operation will be explained below with reference to Figure 36. This figure shows an example of the relationship between a part of the rotation control signal transmitted during the rotation of the left reel 110 and the actual position of the left reel 110. Although this figure uses the example of the rotation instruction in Figure 28 for explanation, a similar configuration can be used for other rotation instruction examples.

[0387] When a rotation instruction for one symbol is transmitted, the position information is updated to reflect the number of the middle symbol that will be 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's position information is updated in the order of numbers 1 → 0 → 19 with the transmission of three rotation instructions.

[0388] The upper part of Figure 36 (a1) to (a6) shows the changes in the left reel 110 due to the rotation instruction. Of these, the changes from the bell symbol number 1 to the watermelon symbol number 0, shown in (a2) to (a5), correspond to the second rotation instruction, and in this example, the position information updated by the rotation instruction matches the actual positional relationship of the reels. At this time, the light-shielding piece 694a is detected when the boundary between numbers 1 and 0 passes the middle line (Figure 36 (a3)), but this detection does not change the position information.

[0389] On the other hand, depending on the control of the control IC 621, there may be a delay in the control of the reels in response to the rotation instruction, which can cause a discrepancy between the reel position information updated by the main control unit 300 and the actual position of the reels. The lower part of Figure 36 (b1) to (b7) shows the changes of the left reel 110 due to the rotation instruction. Of these, the changes from the bell symbol number 1 to the watermelon symbol number 0 shown in (b4) to (b7) correspond to the second rotation instruction, but in this example, the actual position of the reels is delayed by one symbol in relation to the position information updated by the rotation instruction, and this change is shown to occur at the timing when the third rotation instruction is transmitted.

[0390] If such a delay occurs, the control IC 621 adjusts the reel speed to match the rotation instruction timing. However, in the meantime, the boundary between numbers 1 and 0 may pass the middle line and the light-shielding piece 694a may be detected (Figure 36(b5)). At this time, although the reel's rotation is delayed relative to the rotation instruction, the control IC 621 adjusts the speed to eliminate this delay, so that it ultimately matches the reel's position information in the main control unit 300. Therefore, if the position information is updated to 0 upon detection of the light-shielding piece 694a, a problem arises where the reel's position information in the main control unit 300 and the actual reel's position no longer match. For this reason, the system is configured not to update the position information upon detection of the light-shielding piece 694a when the reel's rotation has not converged to a constant speed. Note that the update of the reel's position information upon detection of the light-shielding piece 694a is performed when the reel's speed becomes constant.

[0391] <Handling of position information during reel rotation (2)> In the example shown in Figure 36, a configuration was described in which the position information is not updated based on the detection of the light-shielding piece 694a until the reel's rotation converges to a constant speed. However, a configuration in which the position information is updated based on the detection of the light-shielding piece 694a regardless of the reel's rotation speed is also possible. This configuration will be explained below using Figure 37. Note that although the rotation instruction example in Figure 28 is used in this explanation, a similar configuration can be used for other rotation instruction examples.

[0392] Figure 37(a) shows the relationship between the position information, which is updated when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected, and the state of the rotation control signal. This figure shows that if the state of the rotation control signal is Hi when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected, the position information is updated to 0, and if the state of the rotation control signal is Lo when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected, the position information is updated to 19. Below, an example of the operation of updating the position information according to this will be explained using Figure 37(b).

[0393] In the example shown in Figure 37(b), a portion of the periodic pulse signal, which is a rotation control signal for rotating the reel at a constant speed, is shown. In this example, the falling edge of the signal (Hi→Lo) at arrow R1 in Figure 37(b) is a rotation instruction signal that directs the reel to rotate from the state where symbol number 1 is displayed on the middle line to the state where symbol number 0 is displayed on the middle line. When the reel rotates from symbol number 1 to symbol number 0, the light-shielding piece 694a is detected at the boundary (midpoint) between symbol number 1 and symbol number 0. In other words, the rotation instruction at arrow R1 is a rotation instruction that causes the detection of the light-shielding piece 694a.

[0394] First, let's explain the case where the reel's rotation is not delayed in response to the rotation instruction. When the reel rotates in response to the rotation instruction indicated by arrow R1 (a rotation instruction from symbol number 1 to symbol number 0), the light-shielding piece 694a is detected at the boundary (midpoint) between symbol number 1 and symbol number 0. If there is no delay in the reel's rotation, one cycle of the pulse signal is approximately the same as the time required for one frame of rotation, so the detection timing of the light-shielding piece 694a will be around the midpoint of the pulse signal cycle. More specifically, due to processing from the time the rotation instruction is processed until the reel rotates, the timing will be delayed from around this midpoint. Figure 37(b) shows an example of the detection timing of the light-shielding piece 694a in this case, indicated by arrow A1. At this time, since the rotation control signal is in the Hi state at the timing of arrow A1, the position information is updated to 0 according to Figure 37(a). The symbol number that will be displayed on the middle line due to the rotation instruction of arrow R1 is 0, so the position information at this time should be updated to 0. However, even if this position information is incorrect, it will be updated to the correct position information by detection by the light-shielding piece 694a.

[0395] Next, we will explain the case where the reel rotation is delayed in response to the rotation instruction. As explained above, when the reel rotates from symbol number 1 to symbol number 0 in response to the rotation instruction of arrow R1, the light-shielding piece 694a located at the boundary (midpoint) between number 1 and number 0 is detected along the way. However, let's assume that this detection timing occurs after the rotation instruction of arrow R2 (rotation instruction from symbol number 0 to symbol number 19) due to the delay in the reel rotation. In Figure 37(b), an example of the detection timing of the light-shielding piece 694a in this case is shown by arrow A2. At this time, since the rotation control signal is in the Lo state at the timing of arrow A2, the position information is updated to 19 (the symbol number after symbol number 0) according to Figure 37(a). The symbol number that will be displayed on the middle line due to the rotation instruction of arrow R1 is 0, but the state of the rotation control signal being Lo is at least after the rotation instruction to the next symbol number (arrow R2) has been given. For this reason, the position information is updated to correspond to the next symbol number, not the actual reel position.

[0396] In the example shown in Figure 37(b), the timing of arrow A2 is after the next rotation instruction (arrow R2), and the stop operation at this timing reflects this rotation instruction (arrow R2). Therefore, the position information updated here can be said to be the position information for which stopping is possible in the shortest possible time.

[0397] In the above example, if the delay in the detection timing of the light-shielding piece 694a due to the reel delay is about the size of one symbol (from the Hi state after the R1 instruction to the Lo state after the R2 instruction in Figure 37(b)), the position information can be updated to the symbol number corresponding to the rotation instruction.

[0398] Regarding the position information, the configuration is not limited to using symbol numbers; any configuration that updates information about the reel's position is acceptable, such as updating an address that references a table corresponding to a symbol.

[0399] Depending on the delay in the reel's rotation, the detection timing of the light-shielding piece 694a may be at the timing indicated by arrow A3 in Figure 37(b) (after the rotation instruction indicated by arrow R2 and when the rotation control signal is Hi) or at the timing indicated by arrow A4 in Figure 37(b) (after the rotation instruction indicated by R3 (rotation instruction from symbol number 19 to symbol number 18) and when the rotation control signal is Lo). In these cases, if the position information is updated according to Figure 37(a), the position information will be updated to a different symbol number than that corresponding to the rotation instruction. However, as the delay in the reel is resolved by the speed adjustment of the control IC 621, the light-shielding piece 694a will be detected at the timing indicated by arrow A2, and further, the light-shielding piece 694a will be detected at the timing indicated by arrow A1.

[0400] <Handling of position information during reel rotation (3)> In the example shown in Figure 37, a configuration was described in which the position information is updated based on the detection of the light-shielding piece 694a, regardless of the rotation speed of the reel. However, a configuration in which the position information is updated according to the rotation speed of the reel is also possible. This configuration will be explained below using Figure 38. Note that although the example of rotation instruction in Figure 28 is used in this explanation, a similar configuration can be used for other rotation instruction examples.

[0401] Figure 38 shows the relationship between the position information updated when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected and the rotation speed of the reel. This figure shows that when the reel rotation speed is at normal speed when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected, the position information is updated to 0; when the reel rotation speed is 4 times the normal speed when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected, the position information is updated to 19 (corresponding to a position one frame behind the normal speed); and when the reel rotation speed is 8 times the normal speed when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected, the position information is updated to 18 (corresponding to a position two frames behind the normal speed).

[0402] The contents of Figure 38(a) will be explained below using Figures 38(b) and 38(c). In this example, it is assumed that the reel's rotation speed has reached the specified speed, and that the reel is controlled in the shortest possible time in response to the rotation command (the reel's response to the rotation command is the shortest possible time).

[0403] In the example in Figure 38(b), a portion of the periodic pulse signal, which is the rotation control signal for rotating the reel at a normal speed, is shown. In this example, the falling edge of the signal (Hi→Lo) at arrow R1 in Figure 38(b) is a signal (rotation instruction) that instructs the reel to rotate from the state where symbol number 1 is displayed on the middle line to the state where symbol number 0 is displayed on the middle line.

[0404] When the reel's rotation speed reaches the specified speed, one cycle of the pulse signal is approximately the same as the time required for one frame of rotation. Therefore, the detection timing of the light-shielding piece 694a located at the boundary (midpoint) between numbers 1 and 0 will be around the midpoint of the pulse signal cycle. However, at this time, it takes time to control the rotation from the rotation instruction to the actual start of rotation (see D1 in Figure 38(b)), so the time until the light-shielding piece 694a passes the detection position is delayed by that amount. Figure 38(b) shows that in this case, the timing at which the light-shielding piece 694a passes the detection position is delayed by the amount of D1 from around the midpoint of the pulse signal. Furthermore, there is processing time from when the light-shielding piece 694a passes the detection position until the CPU 304 determines that the light-shielding piece 694a has been detected (see D2 in Figure 38(b)), so the detection timing is delayed by that amount. Figure 38(b) shows that the detection timing of the light-shielding piece 694a (arrow A1) is delayed by a factor of D2 after the light-shielding piece 694a has passed the detection position.

[0405] In the example in Figure 38(c), a portion of the periodic pulse signal, which is a rotation instruction to rotate the reel at four times the normal speed, is shown. Similar to Figure 38(b), the falling edge of the signal at arrow R1 in Figure 38(c) (Hi→Lo) is a signal (rotation instruction) that instructs the reel to rotate from the state where symbol number 1 is displayed on the middle line to the state where symbol number 0 is displayed on the middle line. Note that, compared to Figure 38(b), the difference is that the period of the pulse signal is one-quarter due to the reel speed being four times faster.

[0406] Figure 38(b) explains that it takes time to control the reel rotation and to detect the light-shielding piece 694a (D1 and D2 in Figure 38(b)), but this time occurs regardless of the reel speed. In the example in Figure 38(c), it is shown that the detection timing of the light-shielding piece 694a (arrow A2) is delayed by D1 and D2 from around the middle of the pulse signal, similar to the case in Figure 38(b). However, because the period of the pulse signal is shorter than in the case of Figure 38(b), it is shown that the detection timing of the light-shielding piece 694a (arrow A2) occurs after the rotation instruction of arrow R2 (rotation instruction from symbol number 0 to symbol number 19). In other words, depending on the reel rotation speed, the detection timing of the light-shielding piece 694a may occur after the rotation instruction (arrow R2) following the rotation instruction (arrow R1) in which the light-shielding piece 694a is detected. The example in Figure 38(a) shows that the position information to be updated when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected is pre-set, taking into account a delay corresponding to the rotation speed of the reel.

[0407] In the example shown in Figure 38(c), the detection timing of the light-shielding piece 694a occurs after the next rotation instruction (arrow R2), and the stop operation at this timing reflects this rotation instruction (arrow R2). Therefore, the position information updated here can be said to be the position information for which stopping is possible in the shortest possible time.

[0408] Note that the table shown in Figure 38(a) is just one example, and the relationship between the reel's rotation speed and the position information to be updated can be appropriately set depending on the number of symbols on the reel and the performance of the motor. Regarding the position information, the configuration is not limited to using symbol numbers; for example, a configuration that updates an address that references a table corresponding to the symbols is also conceivable. In such cases, the address to be updated when the light-shielding piece 694a is detected should be pre-set, taking into account a delay corresponding to the reel's rotation speed.

[0409] <Regarding the detection process for light-shielding pieces> In the examples shown in Figures 10 and 11(a), the configuration allows for updating the position information not only at the boundary between numbers 0 and 1 (the position indicated by the symbol A in Figure 11(a)) but also at the boundary between numbers 10 and 11 (the position indicated by the symbol B in Figure 11(a)) based on the change in the detection state of the light-shielding piece 694a by the photosensor 642 (a configuration in which the position information is updated twice for each rotation of the reel). This configuration allows for more accurate determination of the position information.

[0410] However, as shown in the example in Figure 38, when the reel is rotating at high speed (e.g., 4x speed, 8x speed), updating the position information twice for each reel rotation can be burdensome to process. For this reason, while the system is configured to update the position information twice for each reel rotation at normal speeds, it may be possible to configure it to update the position information once for each reel rotation when the reel is rotating at high speeds (e.g., 4x speed, 8x speed). This configuration can reduce the processing burden according to the speed of the reel.

[0411] <Example using stop information (1)> Figures 24 to 30 illustrate a configuration in which a rotation control signal is used to instruct the reels to rotate, and the reels are stopped if no rotation instruction is given. To more reliably stop the reels from rotating, a configuration may be used in which information instructing the reels to stop (stop information) is transmitted separately from the rotation control signal. Figure 39 shows an example in which stop information is added to the rotation control signal explained in Figure 28. In this example, the stop information is a signal that controls the reels to stop when in the Hi state, and Figure 39 shows that the reels are stopped in response to this stop information. Note that the signal may also be a signal that controls the reels to stop when in the Lo state, for example, and the form of the signal is not limited. Furthermore, although Figure 39 is explained using the rotation control signal from Figure 28, a configuration using other rotation control signals explained using Figures 24 to 30 may also be used. By using such stop information, the reels can be reliably stopped from rotating. Note that during periods when stopping the reels from rotating does not affect the outcome of the game, the system may be configured to stop the reels from rotating only using the rotation control signal (stopping the reels by not giving a rotation instruction) without using stop information. Such a configuration is suitable, for example, when reel actions are performed. It also reduces processing load.

[0412] Furthermore, to ensure more reliable reel stopping, the system may be configured not to transmit rotation instructions for a predetermined period after transmitting stop information. Additionally, if the control IC 621 detects any abnormality, it may refrain from executing rotation control. For example, if rotation instructions are received within a predetermined period after receiving stop information, the system may determine that these are not normal rotation instructions and not execute rotation control. However, if no abnormality occurs, the system may continue transmitting rotation instructions while sending stop information. This configuration allows for easy temporary stopping of the reels, enabling the system to stop at the desired symbol regardless of the stop duration. For example, this is effective when you want to pause the reels for one second immediately after starting rotation to create anticipation for the stopping symbol. The system may also be configured to store information for multiple types of stop durations and transmit information for a selected stop duration from among these options; in this case, rotation instructions may continue to be transmitted during the stop duration. Furthermore, when the reels are rotating at a slower speed than normal, the system may continue transmitting rotation instructions while sending stop information. At slower rotation speeds, the system can more reliably stop the reels at the desired position. Furthermore, if the purpose is not to instruct rotation but to change the rotation control signal (pulse signal), stop information may be sent only at the timing when the rotation control signal (pulse signal) changes. This configuration allows rotation to be prevented when rotation is not desired.

[0413] Note that the example in Figure 39 uses the rotation control signal explained in Figure 28, where the pulse width of the rotation instruction corresponds to the rotation speed of the reel. In Figure 39, the rotation control signal remains in the Hi state even while the reel is being controlled to a stopped state based on the stop information, and the pulse width is longer compared to normal rotation. If the rotation speed is set based on such a long pulse width, the rotation speed may become too fast or too slow, which could cause unexpected problems for the gaming machine. In the explanation of Figure 28, a configuration was described in which the length of the acceptable pulse width is limited by considering the upper and lower limits of the reel's rotation speed, and by adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned problems from occurring. In the example in Figure 39, there is a falling edge of the pulse (rotation instruction) after the transmission of the stop information, but in this example, the pulse width is too long, so rotation control is not performed and the reel remains in a stopped state. In addition to this configuration, for example, the pulse width during the period when stop information is being transmitted may not be used when deriving the rotation speed, or rotation control may not be performed based on pulses transmitted while stop information is being transmitted (rotation control may be performed on pulses transmitted after the transmission of stop information has finished).

[0414] <Example using stop information (2)> The example in Figure 39 describes a configuration in which the reel is stopped using stop information. Below, Figure 40 will be used to describe a configuration that can be applied when using stop information. Figure 40 shows an example in which two patterns of stop information, (a) and (b), are added to the rotation control signal described in Figure 28.

[0415] In the example shown in Figure 40, a reel that was rotating at its normal rotational speed (the rotational speed corresponding to pulse width H1) is stopped by setting the stop information to Hi, and then the stop information is set to Lo when the rotation of the next reel begins. It is assumed that when the reel is stopped, the rotation control signal remains in the Hi state (no rotation instruction).

[0416] To set the normal rotation speed when starting the rotation of the next reel in Figure 40, it is necessary to send a falling edge (which is ostensibly a rotation instruction) to put the rotation control signal into a low state. Figure 40 shows that after the rotation control signal is put into a low state by a falling edge R1, a rotation instruction R2 with a pulse width H1 corresponding to the normal rotation speed is sent. As explained in Figure 28, the pulse width in the high state corresponds to the rotation speed, and the pulse width in the reel stop state (the width up to the falling edge R1) is longer than the pulse width of the normal rotation speed. Therefore, the falling edge R1 described above ostensibly corresponds to a rotation instruction at a rotation speed slower than the normal rotation speed.

[0417] When this falling edge R1 is received, the stop information shown in Figure 40(a) is in a Lo state, so there is a risk that rotation due to the falling edge R1 will be executed. If this rotation is executed, the reel will rotate one frame at a speed slower than the normal rotation speed before starting to rotate at the normal rotation speed, making smooth rotation impossible. In the example in Figure 39, the control IC 621 was described as having a configuration that limits the length of the acceptable pulse width by considering the upper and lower limits of the reel's rotation speed to prevent the rotation speed from becoming too fast or too slow. However, even if such a configuration is in place, there is still a possibility that the reel may behave unexpectedly.

[0418] In contrast, the stop information shown in Figure 40(b) is in a Hi state at the timing of the falling edge R1, and further in a Lo state at the timing of the rotation instruction R2. In this case, rotation due to the falling edge R1 is not performed, and rotation at the normal rotation speed can be started by the rotation instruction R2. That is, the stop information should be in a Lo state after the rotation control signal has fallen (after the falling edge R1 in Figure 40) and before the rotation instruction at the intended rotation speed (before the rotation instruction R2 with pulse width H1 corresponding to the normal rotation speed in Figure 40).

[0419] <Example using stop information (3)> Figures 39 and 40 illustrate a configuration in which the reel is stopped using stop information. Below, Figure 41 will be used to describe a configuration applicable when using stop information. Figure 41 shows an example in which stop information is added to the rotation control signal described in Figure 28.

[0420] In the examples in Figures 39 and 40, the control IC 621 is described in which a limit is placed on the length of the acceptable pulse width, taking into account the upper and lower limits of the reel's rotation speed, to prevent the rotation speed from becoming too fast or too slow. For example, if a bet operation or start operation is accepted without delay after all reels have stopped, an unintended rotation speed may be set depending on the pulse width of the Hi state of the rotation control signal. In this case, it is possible to prevent such rotation by keeping the stop information in the Hi state, but this will cause discomfort to the player as the reels will not rotate even after a start operation has been performed.

[0421] Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 41, if the start operation after all reels have stopped is performed within the range of the maximum acceptable pulse width (500ms in Figure 41) (timing S in Figure 41), a rotation instruction is not sent immediately. Instead, a falling edge (rotation instruction) is sent after this maximum length has been exceeded (timing R in Figure 41). If the start operation after all reels have stopped is performed at a timing after the maximum acceptable pulse width has been exceeded, the falling edge (rotation instruction) is sent directly. This configuration can sometimes resolve the above-mentioned problems, such as the reels rotating at an unintended rotation speed or the reels not rotating despite the start operation being performed. The stop information configurations described in Figures 39 and 40 can be combined as appropriate.

[0422] <Example using stop information (4)> Figures 39, 40, and 41 illustrate a configuration in which the reel is stopped using stop information. Below, Figure 42 will be used to describe a configuration applicable when using stop information. Figure 42 shows an example in which two patterns of stop information, (a) and (b), are added to the rotation control signal described in Figure 28.

[0423] In the example in Figure 42, two patterns of stop information, (a) and (b), are shown, both of which correspond to the operation where the reel stops after rotating by one symbol following the stop operation. Specifically, it is shown that when a stop operation is performed at timing S on a reel that was rotating at the normal rotation speed (rotation speed corresponding to pulse width H1), a single rotation instruction R is sent after the stop operation to rotate by one symbol, and then the stop information is set to Hi to stop the rotation. Note that when the reel is stopped, the rotation control signal remains in the Hi state (no rotation instruction).

[0424] The stop information shown in Figure 42(a) is for normal stop control. In the example in Figure 42(a), after the rotation command R, the rotation control signal is changed from the Lo state to the Hi state. At the timing T1 where a rotation command would be sent if a stop operation had not been performed, the stop information is changed to the Hi state without changing the rotation control signal to the Lo state (giving a rotation command), and stop control is performed.

[0425] The stop information shown in Figure 42(b) is for cases where stop control is performed at an earlier timing than usual. In the example in Figure 42(b), after the rotation command R, the rotation control signal is changed from the Lo state to the Hi state, and after a predetermined number of interrupt processes are executed, the stop information is set to the Hi state to perform stop control.

[0426] In the example shown in Figure 42, by using different stop information, it is possible to perform stop control under normal circumstances (Figure 42(a)) and stop control at an earlier timing than usual (Figure 42(b)). This configuration allows for applications such as setting up an internal winning combination that requires the reels to be stopped as quickly as possible, and then using stop control at an earlier timing than usual in games where this internal winning combination is derived. Even when stop control is performed at an earlier timing than usual, the reels will still stop after rotating a number of times corresponding to the number of rotation instructions received before the stop operation. Therefore, the reel symbols will not stop in an intermediate position, but will stop on the display window or on the winning line.

[0427] <Transmission of rotation information to external devices> Conventionally, some gaming machines transmit internal information to external devices such as hall computers, rental machines, and test machines. The status of motor 614a described above is also such internal information, and the system may be configured to transmit this information to an external device. Figure 43(a) shows a block diagram of information being transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the test machine 900 via the IF board 800.

[0428] As described above, the main control unit 300 controls the rotation of reels 110 to 112 by transmitting rotation control signals and the like to the control IC 621. The information transmitted to the control IC 621 may also be transmitted to an external device. However, since the signals that can be received differ depending on the external device, the signals may be processed separately according to the type of external device before being output. The IF board 800 in Figure 43(a) is provided to process the signals transmitted from the main control unit 300 in accordance with the test machine 900.

[0429] Figure 43(b) shows an example of a signal when the test machine 900 is capable of receiving the control signal of a stepping motor, and an IF board 800 is used to convert the control signal of a DC motor to a control signal of a stepping motor. The rotation control signal shown at the top of this figure is transmitted to the control IC 621, but is also assumed to be transmitted to the IF board 800 at the same time. Upon receiving this signal, the IF board 800 converts it to a control signal of a stepping motor and outputs it to the test machine 900. The middle section of Figure 43(b) shows that the signal has been converted to a signal with more waveforms than the rotation control signal. Upon receiving this signal, the test machine 900 can determine the control status of the motor 614a.

[0430] In the case of the configuration using the stop information shown in Figure 39, it is possible that the reels 110-112 may remain stopped even while a rotation control signal 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 while this information is being sent, it may send a signal to control the stepping motor to stop. Figure 43(b) shows that the pulse signal of the stepping motor is stopped while the stop information is being sent. Not limited to this example, the IF board 800 may be configured to output information corresponding to the stop information in response to an external device. At the bottom of Figure 43(b), an example of the signal when the IF board 800 outputs the stop information directly to an external device is shown.

[0431] The above example is just one example; any configuration capable of outputting a signal converted to match an external device is acceptable. For example, the main control unit 300 may perform the above processing without providing a separate IF board 800. By adopting such a configuration, information can be transmitted without burdening the external device.

[0432] <Other> Furthermore, the rotation control of reel R and its circuit configuration in this embodiment can be applied to other rotating bodies, such as rotating bodies used for visual effects that are not related to the display of symbols for determining winning outcomes. In addition, it is not limited to slot machines, but can also be applied to various rotating bodies equipped in pachinko machines.

[0433] <Technical concept corresponding to the embodiment> The following describes the technical concepts mentioned in the above explanation, referring to the corresponding configurations.

[0434] In the above explanation, A DC motor (for example, motor 614a) and A rotating body (for example, reels 110-112) is rotationally driven by the aforementioned DC motor and has multiple patterns applied along the direction of rotation, DC motor control means (for example, control IC 621) that controls the DC motor, A game progress control means (for example, a main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game, An index (for example, a light-shielding piece 694a) provided on the rotating body, A detection means (for example, a photosensor 642) for detecting the aforementioned index, A gaming machine equipped with, The game progress control means is a means capable of periodically transmitting a rotation instruction (for example, a falling edge of the rotation control signal from Hi to Lo) to the DC motor control means that instructs a rotation of a predetermined amount (for example, the amount of one symbol), The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the rotation of the DC motor by continuously receiving the rotation instruction periodically. The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the stopping of the DC motor when the periodic reception of the rotation instruction has ended. The game progress control means is a means for setting information regarding the position of the rotating body based on the detection result of the detection means, The game progress control means is a means for setting a first initial position (for example, symbol number 0 in Figure 38(a)) based on the detection result of the detection means when the rotating body is rotating at a first speed (for example, normal speed). The game progress control means is a means for setting a second initial position (for example, symbol number 19 in Figure 38(a)) based on the detection result of the detection means when the rotating body is rotating at a second speed (for example, 4 times the speed). A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Handling of position information during reel rotation (3)>) has been described.

[0435] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The second speed is faster than the first speed. The second initial position is a position that is one pattern unit away from the first initial position along the rotational direction. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Handling of position information during reel rotation (3)>) has been described.

[0436] Furthermore, in the above explanation, A DC motor (for example, motor 614a) and A rotating body (for example, reels 110-112) is rotationally driven by the aforementioned DC motor and has multiple patterns applied along the direction of rotation, DC motor control means (for example, control IC 621) that controls the DC motor, A game progress control means (for example, a main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game, An index (for example, a light-shielding piece 694a) provided on the rotating body, A detection means (for example, a photosensor 642) for detecting the aforementioned index, A gaming machine equipped with, The game progression control means is a means capable of transmitting a rotation control signal to the DC motor control means that instructs a predetermined amount of rotation (for example, the amount of one symbol) by changing from a first state (for example, a Hi state) to a second state (for example, a Lo state), The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the rotation of the DC motor by continuously receiving periodic changes from the first state to the second state. The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the stopping of the DC motor when the periodic reception of the change from the first state to the second state has ended. The game progress control means is a means for setting information regarding the position of the rotating body based on the detection means obtaining a predetermined detection result, The game progress control means is a means for setting a first initial position (for example, symbol number 0 in Figure 37(a)) if the rotation control signal is in the first state when the detection means obtains the predetermined detection result, The game progress control means is a means for setting a second initial position (for example, symbol number 19 in Figure 37(a)) if the rotation control signal is in the second state when the detection means obtains the predetermined detection result. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Handling of position information during reel rotation (2)>) has been described.

[0437] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The second initial position is a position that is one pattern unit away from the first initial position along the rotational direction. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Handling of position information during reel rotation (2)>) has been described.

[0438] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The first state is the Hi state, The second state mentioned above is the Lo state. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Handling of position information during reel rotation (2)>) has been described.

[0439] Furthermore, in the above explanation, A DC motor (for example, motor 614a) and A rotating body (for example, reels 110-112) is rotationally driven by the aforementioned DC motor and has multiple patterns applied along the direction of rotation, DC motor control means (for example, control IC 621) that controls the DC motor, A game progress control means (for example, a main control unit 300) that controls the progress of the game, A gaming machine equipped with, The game progression control means is a means capable of transmitting a rotation control signal to the DC motor control means that instructs a predetermined amount of rotation (for example, the amount of one symbol) by changing from a first state (for example, a Hi state) to a second state (for example, a Lo state), The aforementioned game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting stop information instructing the DC motor control means to stop, The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the rotation of the DC motor by continuously receiving periodic changes from the first state to the second state. The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the stopping of the DC motor when the periodic reception of the change from the first state to the second state has ended. The DC motor control means is a means for controlling the stopping of the DC motor based on the reception of the stop information, The game progress control means is a means that, after transmitting the stop information to the DC motor control means, refrains from transmitting the change from the first state to the second state to the DC motor control means for a predetermined period of time (see, for example, the statement in <Example (1) using stop information> that "the configuration may be such that no rotation instruction is transmitted for a predetermined period of time after the stop information is transmitted"), The game progress control means is a means capable of transmitting the change from the first state to the second state while transmitting the stop information (for example, see the stop information in Figure 40(b), <Example using stop information (2)>). A gaming machine characterized by the following features was described.

[0440] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The DC motor control means is a means for stopping the DC motor if it does not receive a rotation instruction for a specific period of time (for example, the maximum pulse width considering the rotation speed of the reel, 500 ms in Figure 41). The game progress control means transmits the stop information before the specified period has elapsed. This is a means for transmitting the stop information even after the aforementioned specific period has elapsed (see, for example, Figure 41, <Example using stop information (3)>), A gaming machine characterized by the following features was described.

[0441] Furthermore, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferred actions and effects arising from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the range of play can be broadened by applying the content described in one of the multiple configurations described in the examples to other configurations. [Industrial applicability]

[0442] The gaming machine according to the present invention can be applied to gaming machines such as pinball machines (pachinko machines), reel machines (slot machines), sealed gaming machines, or coinless slot machines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0443] 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 Unit 500 Second Sub-control Unit 600 Reel Unit 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 Idol Gear Large 616b Idol Gear Small 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 Photosensor 644 Sensor Bracket 650 Reel side plate 660 Bearing section 670 Coil Spring 680 Reel Band 682 Reel frame right 684 Reel frame left 686 Detected Unit

Claims

1. DC motor and A rotating body driven by the aforementioned DC motor, having multiple patterns applied along the direction of rotation, DC motor control means for controlling the DC motor, A game progress control means for controlling the progress of the game, An index provided on the rotating body, A detection means for detecting the aforementioned index, A gaming machine equipped with, The game progress control means is a means capable of periodically transmitting a rotation instruction to the DC motor control means that instructs a predetermined amount of rotation. The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the rotation of the DC motor by continuously receiving the rotation instruction periodically. The DC motor control means is a means capable of controlling the stopping of the DC motor when the periodic reception of the rotation instruction has ended. The game progress control means is a means for setting information regarding the position of the rotating body based on the detection result of the detection means, The game progress control means is a means for setting a first initial position based on the detection result of the detection means when the rotating body is rotating at a first speed. The game progress control means is a means for setting a second initial position based on the detection result of the detection means when the rotating body is rotating at a second speed. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, The second speed is faster than the first speed. The second initial position is a position that is one pattern unit away from the first initial position along the rotational direction. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images