Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of initializing symbol position information at an appropriate timing even when there is a bias in the weight of a rotating reel. [Solution] The gaming machine of the present invention comprises a plurality of rotating reels, one or more reel indexes provided on each of the rotating reels, a detection unit capable of detecting whether the light directed toward the reel index is in a transparent state where it is transmitted or in a light-blocking state where it is blocked, and a pattern position management unit capable of managing the pattern position information of the rotating reels based on the detection results of the detection unit, and the pattern position management unit is capable of executing an initialization process to initialize the pattern position information at least when the detection result of the detection unit changes from a light-blocking state to a transparent state, or when the detection result changes from a light-blocking state to a light-blocking state, and is capable of performing different numbers of initialization processes depending on whether the number of rotations of the rotating reel is less than a predetermined number of times or more than a predetermined number of times.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a gaming machine that includes a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer circumference, a reel index provided for managing the position information of each of the symbols on the plurality of reels, a detection unit, and a symbol position management unit (see Patent Document 1). The detection unit detects whether the irradiated light directed to the reel index on each of the reels is in a transmitting state or a light blocking state. The symbol position management unit manages the symbol position information of the reels based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0003] When the irradiated light changes from a transmitting state to a blocking state, and when the irradiated light changes from a blocking state to a transmitting state, the symbol position management unit initializes the symbol position information, thereby enabling the symbol position management unit to manage the position information of the symbols on the rotating reel.

[0004] When all the reels are in a constant speed rotation state and the symbol position information is initialized, it becomes possible to operate the stop switch for stopping each reel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-126943 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0007] Due to such problems, in conventional gaming machines, there is a risk that the timing at which the symbol position information is initialized may be off.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can initialize symbol position information at an appropriate timing even if the weights of the rotating reels are uneven. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to A plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on an outer periphery thereof; A stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; One or more reel indexes are provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitting state or a blocking state; a determination unit capable of determining whether or not a predetermined event is not occurring and the machine is in a normal state based on a detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the reel by a predetermined number of steps; Equipped with It is an amusement machine. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can initialize symbol position information at an appropriate timing even if the weights of the rotating reels are uneven. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a slot machine and a card unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on a spinning reel in a slot machine. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic perspective view of the slot machine with the front door open. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram showing the right side of the rotating reel, FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram showing the right side of the second frame, and FIG. 13C is an oblique view of the reel index and the reel sensor. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] A diagram explaining the connection / communication relationship between the main control board, the game value control board, and the sub-control board. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of an initialization process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] [First embodiment] A slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. The embodiment described below is merely one example of the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention. In the following description, "connection" includes a case where connection targets are directly connected to each other and a case where connection targets are indirectly connected to each other via another board or device. In the following description, the side of the slot machine 1 that is viewed by a player while playing a game on the slot machine 1 (the side shown in Fig. 1) is the front, and the top, bottom, left, and right in Fig. 1 are described as "top, bottom, left, and right with respect to the front view of the slot machine 1".

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

[0014] <Card unit 7 configuration> As shown in FIG. 2, the card unit 7 is connected to the slot machine 1 outside the slot machine 1 so as to be able to communicate with the slot machine 1.

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

[0016] The details of the card unit 7 are similar to those of a conventional medal-less machine, and therefore a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0017] <Configuration of Slot Machine 1> As described above, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a medal-less machine in which a game can be played without using medals, which are real objects. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a game is played using game value data as electronic data, instead of medals, which are real objects.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the slot machine 1 includes a cabinet 10. A front door 100 is provided on the front of the cabinet 10. This front door 100 is locked during a game. Note that Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram in which unnecessary devices and equipment are omitted for the sake of convenience in order to explain the parts related to the present invention.

[0019] A transparent reel window 200 is provided in the center of the front door 100. Through this reel window 200, a player can see a plurality of symbols displayed on the surface of each of a plurality of rotating reels 20, which will be described later.

[0020] Above the reel window 200, there are provided a liquid crystal screen 3, a speaker 101, and an illumination unit 102 for producing various effects during a game.

[0021] The liquid crystal screen 3 is equipped with a monitor LED and a backlight, and displays various types of effect videos (effect screens) while the player is playing.

[0022] The speaker 101 outputs predetermined BGM (background music), SE (sound effects), and voice.

[0023] The illumination unit 102 is composed of LEDs and the like, and lights up or goes out in a predetermined pattern, for example, when a highly anticipated performance screen is displayed or when a winning combination is achieved.

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

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

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

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

[0028] Lamps are provided inside the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c. The lamps can indicate by a light color (e.g., red) that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an inoperative state from the time the lever 42 is operated until the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a steady rotation state. The lamps can also indicate by a light color (e.g., blue) different from the light color that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an operable state from the time the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a steady rotation state until the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are operated.

[0029] The bet switch 41 is used when a player bets a game value. The credited game value and the amount of the bet game value are managed by the slot machine 1 (the medium management unit 620). The bet switch 41 is provided with a lamp inside or around it that lights up when the operation is valid and goes out when the operation is invalid.

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

[0031] The number of gaming credits, the number of gaming value paid out (acquired), etc. are digitally displayed on the digital counter 43. By checking the digital counter 43, the player can also check the amount of gaming value he or she possesses while playing the game.

[0032] The counting button 44 can receive an operation by the player to transfer the game value data from the media management unit 620 to the card unit 7. When the counting button 44 receives an operation by the player, a transfer signal is generated in the counting button 44. The counting button 44 also includes a lamp inside or around it that changes its light color or turns on / off depending on whether the button is not being operated or is being operated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0039] 2 and 7, the slot machine 1 includes a reel unit 2 and a control unit 6 (consisting of a main control unit 61 mounted on the main control board P1, a game value control unit 62 mounted on the game value control board P2, and a sub-control unit 63 mounted on the sub-control board P3). The reel unit 2 and the control unit 6 are disposed inside the cabinet 10 together with a power supply PS for supplying voltage to the slot machine 1.

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

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are each composed of a first frame 201a, 201b, and 201c, a second frame 202a, 202b, and 202c, and reel bands 203a, 203b, and 203c.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0052] Even when the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate, the reel lamps 23a, 23b, and 23c continue to irradiate light in a fixed direction from the back side of the reel belts 203a, 203b, and 203c to the reel belts 203a, 203b, and 203c. Since this light is irradiated toward the reel window 200, the luminance of the irradiated parts of the reel belts 203a, 203b, and 203c increases, making it easier for the player to grasp the image through the reel window 200.

[0053] In addition, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c has a reel index 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c, which is a half-circle around the outer periphery of each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, for positional information of the patterns shown on the respective reel bands 203a, 203b, and 203c.

[0054] In this embodiment, the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c are formed in a flat plate-like shape protruding from the outer periphery toward the center of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and are formed on the right side of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (the right side of the paper in Figure 1) when viewed from the front of the slot machine 1, i.e., in the second frames 202a, 202b, and 202c.

[0055] In addition, each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c is provided with a reel sensor (an example of a detection unit) 22a, 22b, 22c that detects the passage of the reel index 2020a, 2020b, 2020c by blocking light irradiated to the reel index 2020a, 2020b, 2020c.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0065] <The flow of play by the player> A player operates the bet switch 41 to use the credited gaming value to bet on the slot machine 1. When a predetermined number of gaming values ​​(e.g., 3) is bet on the slot machine 1, the pay line L is activated. After that, it becomes possible to operate the lever 42, i.e., to start playing.

[0066] FIG. 1 shows an example in which the pay line L is configured in the upper row of the reel window 200 for the left rotating reel 20a, in the middle row of the reel window 200 for the center rotating reel 20b, and in the lower row of the reel window 200 for the right rotating reel 20c.

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

[0068] Specifically, when the lever 42 is operated (lever on) in a state in which a game can be started, an internal drawing to determine a winning flag is performed, and the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c start to rotate. In this state, when any of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c is operated, the reel 20 (20b) corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 (for example, 40b) stops. When all the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c stop, a payout process of a predetermined amount of game value is executed according to the combination (winning combination) of symbols that are aligned (winning) on ​​the pay line L. This ends one game.

[0069] At least a portion of the information regarding the progress of the game until these specified game results are obtained (for example, the operation of the bet switch 41, the operation of the lever 42, the operation of the stop switch 40, the execution of an internal lottery, the winning of a specified role, the rotation of the reel, etc.) is managed by the main control unit 61 mounted on the main control board P1.

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

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

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

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

[0074] The information and commands transmitted from the main control board P1 to the game value control board P2 include outer end information, whether or not settings are being changed, commands related to various errors, a signal requesting a bet of game value when the bet button 41 is operated, a signal requesting the payout of game value corresponding to a winning role, a signal requesting a bet cancellation process when the cancel button 45 is operated, a request for the transfer of game value when the counting button 44 is operated, and the like.

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

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

[0077] The information and commands transmitted from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3 include information regarding game value (e.g., game value bet / payout information, total game value won during AT), information regarding the game status and game period, information regarding the start / end of game play, information regarding the start / end of device operation, information regarding various errors, and information regarding whether the player is able to operate lever 42, etc.

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

[0079] The information and commands transmitted from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3 include the range (MY) described below, information indicating the operation of the complete function, commands regarding advance notification before the complete function is operated, information regarding the transfer of game value (for example, that transfer has started, that transfer is in progress, transfer completed, etc.), information indicating the number of credits or the number of credits acquired, information that the number of credits has reached the upper limit, error information if a backup error in the number of credits has occurred, and information regarding whether the player is able to operate the counting button 44, etc.

[0080] As the game progresses, when the functions of the operating unit 4, such as the lever 42, stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, and counting button 44, are activated, one-way serial communication is performed from the main control board P1 and the game value control board P2 to the lever 42, etc.

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

[0082] <Internal lottery section 610> The internal drawing unit 610 performs an internal drawing based on the operation of the lever 42, and is capable of selecting one flag from among a plurality of combination flags as a winning flag.

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

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

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

[0086] Furthermore, the reel control unit 611 can count the number of pulses from the start of rotation of each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0087] In addition, the rotating reel control unit 611 can manage the detection results (whether the irradiated light is in a transmitting state or a light-blocking state; the same applies below) of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, 22c for the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c provided on each rotating reel 20a, 20b, 20c from the start of rotation of each rotating reel 20a, 20b, 20c.

[0088] Furthermore, the spin reel control unit 611 functions as a symbol position management unit that manages the position information of the symbols on the reels 203a, 203b, and 203c.

[0089] In other words, the rotating reel control unit 611 can grasp the current rotational position of each rotating reel 20a, 20b, 20c based on the timing when the light emitted by the reel sensors 22a, 22b, 22c is blocked by the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c (when the light changes from a transparent state to a light-blocking state), the timing when the light is no longer blocked by the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c (when the light changes from a light-blocking state to a transparent state), and the number of pulses for driving the stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c from those points in time.

[0090] This allows the reel control unit 611 to detect the rotational positions of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. Note that it is sufficient for the reel control unit 611 to grasp in real time the symbols passing through at least one of the upper, middle, and lower rows of the reel window 200.

[0091] In this embodiment, the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are formed on the outer periphery of each reel 20a, 20b, and 20c for half a circumference, as shown in Fig. 5(b) and Fig. 6. Therefore, when the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate half a turn, the detection results of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from a transparent state to a light-shielded state, for example, and when the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate another half turn, the detection results change from a light-shielded state to a transparent state.

[0092] As described above, the rotation state of each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c includes an acceleration state and a constant speed rotation state. In the steady rotation state, 504 pulses are output for one rotation of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c in 1-2 phase excitation. The reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate one step (one pulse) for each timer interrupt process. Since one timer interrupt process is executed for 1.504 ms, the time (rotation speed) required for the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to rotate once is 1.504 ms x 504 pulses = 758.016 ms. Furthermore, in one minute, the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate 79.15 (= 60 sec / 0.758016 sec).

[0093] Then, after each reel 20a, 20b, 20c has entered a constant speed rotation state, when the detection result of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, 22c changes from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state, and when the detection result changes from a light-transmitting state to a light-blocking state, the reel control unit 611, as a function of the pattern position management unit, initializes the pattern position information of each reel 20a, 20b, 20c (executes initialization processing of the pattern position information).

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

[0095] Specifically, when the detection result of the reel sensor 22a changes from a transparent state to a light-blocking state, the reel control unit 611 can determine that, for example, pattern number 11 (replay in the example of Figure 3) on the reel 20a is in a predetermined position (for example, the middle row of the reel window 200) and initialize the number of steps to a predetermined value (for example, a predetermined value such as 0 or 4), and when the detection result changes from a light-blocking state to a transparent state, the reel control unit 611 can determine that pattern number 1 (bell) on the reel 20a is in a predetermined position (for example, the middle row of the reel window 200) and initialize the number of steps to a predetermined value.

[0096] At this time, the reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information for the first rotation after all reels 20a, 20b, 20c have reached a constant speed rotation state, both when the detection result of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, 22c changes from a transparent state to a light-blocking state, and when the detection result changes from a light-blocking state to a transparent state.

[0097] On the other hand, from the second spin onwards when all the reels 20a, 20b, 20c have reached a constant speed rotation state, the reel control unit 611 initializes the pattern position information when the detection results of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, 22c change from a transparent state to a light-blocking state, or when the detection results change from a light-blocking state to a transparent state.

[0098] In this embodiment, when the number of rotations of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c is the second or subsequent times, the rotating reel control unit 611 can execute an initialization process at the timing when the angular velocity (or rotation speed) of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c is greater between when the detection result of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, 22c changes from a light-blocking state to a transparent state, and when the detection result changes from a transparent state to a light-blocking state.

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

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

[0101] In addition, the spinning reel control unit 611 stores a history of each step movement of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c, and determines the degree of transmission of light (transmitting state or light-blocking state) through the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c based on the history.

[0102] The history of the reel control unit 611 moving the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c one step at a time is the detection results of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c when the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c move one step at a time.

[0103] In addition, the reel control unit 611 determines whether the irradiated light (detection result of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, 22c) is in a transmitting state or a blocking state after the reels 20a, 20b, 20c enter a constant speed rotating state.

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

[0105] In addition, when the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are rotating normally, and when the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are rotating normally and chattering is not occurring (hereinafter collectively referred to as "normal state"), the light-blocking state continues for a predetermined period (the time it takes the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to make a half rotation, for example, 379 ms) after the detection result changes from the light-blocking state to the light-transmitting state. The transparent state continues for a predetermined period thereafter (the time it takes for the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c to make half a rotation. For example, 379 ms. Note that the predetermined period after the detection result changes from a transparent state to a light-blocking state and the predetermined period after the detection result changes from a light-blocking state to a transparent state should, in theory, be the same value; however, depending on the individual differences between the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c and the presence or absence of reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c, the values ​​may not be the same).

[0106] On the other hand, when the reels 20a, 20b, 20c are not rotating normally, or when the reels 20a, 20b, 20c are rotating normally but the detection by the reel sensors 23a, 23b, 23c is different from the ideal state (hereinafter collectively referred to as "when an abnormal state occurs"), the detection result changes from the transmission state to the light blocking state and returns to the transmission state for an instant at the timing when the light blocking state should continue, and then the light blocking state is again established and the light blocking state continues. Also, when an abnormal state occurs, the detection result changes from the illumination state to the transmission state and returns to the light blocking state for an instant at the timing when the transmission state should continue, and then the light blocking state is again established and the transmission state continues.

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

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

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

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

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

[0112] In this embodiment, the initialization process of the symbol position information is executed when the detection result of the reel sensor 22a, 22b, 22c changes from the light-shielded state to the light-transmitted state and when the light-transmitted state changes to the light-shielded state at the first rotation after the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c are in the constant speed rotation state. Also, the initialization process is executed when the detection result changes from the light-shielded state to the light-transmitted state and when the light-transmitted state changes to the light-shielded state at the second rotation after the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c are in the constant speed rotation state.

[0113] This makes it difficult for the reel control unit 611 to deviate from the actual symbol position information, and allows the reel control unit 611 to manage the symbol position information. Specifically, even if there is a bias in the weight of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and even if the rotation cannot be uniform due to individual differences between the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, the reel control unit 611 can manage the symbol position information from the second rotation onwards, anticipating the timing deviation in the first rotation of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. Therefore, according to the present invention, even if there is a bias in the weight of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, the management of the symbol position information is less likely to be affected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0123] <Explanation of Media Management Unit 620> The media management unit 620 can manage the number of credits and the number of bets of the gaming value. The media management unit 620 also calculates a range (MY) that is the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the difference number by using the difference number of the gaming value, which is the cumulative value obtained by subtracting the number of bets of the gaming value from the number of payouts of the gaming value since the slot machine 1 was last turned on.

[0124] <Function Activation Unit 621> The function activation unit 621 can receive information about the range (MY) transmitted from the medium management unit 620. Then, when the range (MY) becomes equal to or greater than the first range, for example, 18500, the function activation unit 621 generates information about a pre-notification indicating that activation of the complete function is imminent.

[0125] This complete function is a so-called stop function, and when the complete function is activated, the slot machine 1 will no longer accept any operations related to play, and the player will not be able to continue playing (the game will be disabled) unless the power is turned off and on by store staff.

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

[0127] <Direction control unit 630> By executing a performance lottery, the performance control unit 630 can determine at least one of the following as the performance pattern: a video / still image to be output on the LCD screen 3, a sound pattern to be output from the speaker 101, a lighting pattern of the illumination unit 102 such as an LED, and a lighting pattern of the performance button 46.

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

[0129] First, a predetermined number (e.g., 3) of game values ​​is bet and the lever 42 is operated (step S201), whereby the reel control unit 611 starts the rotation of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (step S202). Note that, depending on the contents of the following process, the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c may each perform the process, but for the sake of convenience, the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c will be collectively described below.

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

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

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

[0133] If the number of rotations of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c since the constant speed rotation state was reached is the first rotation (S204: YES), the flow branches (step S206) based on whether chattering is occurring after a state change has occurred (step S205: the detection result of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, 22c has changed from a transparent state to a light-blocking state, or the light-blocking state has changed to a transparent state). Note that whether chattering is occurring is determined according to the history of the detection results for each step. The same applies below.

[0134] Specifically, the flow branches based on whether or not an event (chattering) has occurred in which the detection results of reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from a transparent state to a light-blocking state (or from a light-blocking state to a transparent state) at a time when the light-blocking state (or transparent state) should continue, causing the state to momentarily change to a transparent state (or light-blocking state).

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

[0136] On the other hand, if chattering does not occur after the state change is detected, or if chattering occurs but then subsides (S206: NO), the reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information for the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (step S207). That is, for example, for the reel 20a, if the detection result of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c changes from a light-blocking state to a transparent state (or from a transparent state to a light-blocking state) and the detection result does not return to the light-blocking state (or the transparent state) and the transparent state (or the light-blocking state) continues, the symbol position information is updated to a predetermined value such as symbol number 1 (or symbol number 11).

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

[0138] Next, after there is again a change in state (the detection result of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, 22c changes from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state, or from a light-transmitting state to a light-blocking state; that is, the detection result becomes the opposite of the detection result in S205) (step S209), the flow branches based on whether chattering is occurring or not (step S210).

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

[0140] On the other hand, if chattering has not occurred since the state change was detected, or if chattering has occurred but has since subsided (S210: NO), the reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information for the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (step S211).

[0141] Next, the flow branches based on whether one game has ended by, for example, all of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c coming to a halt and, if applicable, the game value being paid out (step S212).

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

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

[0144] Next, the flow branches based on whether chattering is occurring or not (step S215).

[0145] If chattering has occurred (S215: YES), the process repeats step S215 until the chattering subsides.

[0146] On the other hand, if chattering does not occur, or if chattering occurs but then subsides (S215: NO), the reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information for the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (step S216). After that, the process proceeds to step S212. Through the above procedure, the initialization process of the present invention is carried out.

[0147] In summary, the slot machine 1 of the present invention has the following features: A plurality of rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; A reel index 2020a, 2020b, 2020c is provided on each of the reels 20a, 20b, 20c for managing the position information of each of the symbols on the reels 20a, 20b, 20c. reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; A reel control unit 611 that can manage the symbol position information of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c based on the detection results of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c; Equipped with The reel control unit 611 is After the reels 20a, 20b, 20c have reached a constant speed rotation state, during one rotation of the reels 20a, 20b, 20c, an initialization process can be executed to initialize the symbol position information at least when the detection result of the reel sensor 22a, 22b, 22c changes from a light-shielding state to a light-transmitting state, or when the detection result changes from a light-transmitting state to a light-shielding state, and The number of times initialization processing is performed can be made different for the first spin of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c after the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have entered a constant speed spinning state from the second spin onwards.

[0148] <Effects of the Invention> Conventionally, a gaming machine is known that includes a plurality of reels, a reel index provided for managing the position information of symbols on each of the reels, a detection unit, and a symbol position management unit. The detection unit detects whether the light irradiated toward the reel index on each of the reels is in a transmitting state or a blocking state. The symbol position management unit manages the symbol position information of the reels based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0149] In the conventional gaming machine, when the irradiated light changes from a transmitting state to a blocking state, and when the irradiated light changes from a blocking state to a transmitting state, the symbol position management unit initializes the symbol position information. This allows the conventional symbol position management unit to manage the position information of the symbols on the rotating reel.

[0150] In a conventional gaming machine, when all reels are in a constant speed rotation state and the symbol position information is initialized, it becomes possible to operate the stop switch to stop each reel.

[0151] However, there is a bias in the weight of each reel between the part where the reel index is provided and the part where the reel index is not provided, and further, there is an individual difference in the bias in each reel. And, the angular velocity of the reel when the irradiated light changes from the light-shielding state to the light-transmitting state is faster than the angular velocity when the irradiated light changes from the light-transmitting state to the light-shielding state. Therefore, in the conventional gaming machine, there are cases where the symbol position information cannot be initialized at the appropriate timing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0158] In addition, in the above embodiment, it was described that the number of times initialization processing is performed differs depending on whether the number of rotations of the rotating reel after the rotating reel has entered a constant speed rotation state is less than two rotations and more than two rotations. However, for example, the number of times initialization processing is performed may differ depending on whether the number of rotations of the rotating reel is less than three (or four or more) rotations and more than three (or four or more) rotations.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the reel index is arranged on the outer periphery of each reel for half a circumference, but the present invention is not limited to this. The reel index may be arranged at one location on the inside of each reel, or may be arranged at two locations on the outer periphery of each reel for 1 / 4 circumference (not limited to this, but may be arranged at three locations for 1 / 6 circumference) (i.e., half a circumference in total).

[0160] Furthermore, the shape of the reel index is not limited to a flat plate as in the above embodiment, but may be formed in various shapes such as a T-shape or a round shape on the inner circumferential surface of the rotating reel.

[0161] Furthermore, the reel index may be formed on the first frame, not on the second frame. In this case, the reel index may be arranged on the outer periphery of the first frame, or on a frame toward the center of the first frame, not on the outer periphery. Even in this case, the reel sensor only needs to be attached at a position where it can detect the presence or absence of the reel index.

[0162] Also, unlike the above embodiment, the initialization process may be executed when the detection result of the reel sensor changes from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state, or from a light-transmitting state to a light-blocking state, whichever is the slower angular velocity (or rotational speed) of the rotating reel.

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

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

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

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

[0167] In addition, in the above embodiment, (1) It is possible to make the number of times that the initialization process is performed different depending on whether the number of rotations of the reel after the reel has entered a constant speed rotation state is less than a predetermined number of times or equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times. (2) It is possible to determine whether or not a predetermined event is not occurring and the device is in a normal state based on the detection result by the detection unit of the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the reel by a predetermined number of steps. (3) It is possible to determine the occurrence state of a predetermined event based on the detection result by the detection unit of the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps, and (4) Adjusting the timing of executing the initialization process based on the detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps, and based on the detection result by the detection unit when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps; Although the slot machine is described as being equipped with all of the above, the present invention may be equipped with any one of the above (1) to (4), or a combination of any two or more of the above.

[0168] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which when all reels are in a constant speed rotation state and the symbol position information is initialized, the operation of all stop switches is valid, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when one reel is in a constant speed rotation state and the symbol position information for that reel is initialized, the operation of the stop switch corresponding to that reel may be valid.

[0169] Examples of when the initialization process is performed when the angular velocity of the spinning reel is high include: (a) Before the slot machine is shipped, the actual angular velocity is ascertained (by actual measurement or calculation) to determine whether the timing for the detection to occur is when the detection result changes from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state, or when the detection result changes from a light-transmitting state to a light-blocking state, and then the slot machine is shipped. (b) In the case of (a) above, since it is necessary to know the angular velocity for each individual slot machine, if it is possible to know the angular velocity to some extent in advance by calculation, the timing for executing the initialization process is determined when the detection result changes from a light-blocking state to a transparent state, or when the transparent state changes from a light-blocking state. (c) calculating the actual angular velocity during a game and determining whether or not the reel control unit should perform initialization processing each time; Possible reasons include:

[0170] In the example of Figure 8 in the above embodiment, (a) to (c) are not included, but by including at least (c), the reel control unit may be able to determine whether or not the symbol position information should be initialized using the angular velocity of the reel in step S214 in Figure 8.

[0171] In addition, a transparent portion that transmits light may be provided on the bonus symbol that the player needs to aim at when pressing the stop switch. This allows the transparent portion of the bonus symbol to shine when light is irradiated from the reel lamp, making it easier for the player to aim at the bonus symbol.

[0172] Furthermore, without being limited to the above embodiment, the main control board and the game value control board may not be separate, and the main control unit and the game value control unit may be mounted on the main control board.

[0173] In addition, the slot machine in the above embodiment is a medal-less machine with a play area, but the slot machine to which the present invention is applied does not have to have a play area, and does not have to be a medal-less machine. If the slot machine is not a medal-less machine, it needs to have the configuration of a conventional slot machine, such as a medal insertion port, a hopper, a medal payout port, and a lower tray.

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

[0175] 1. Slot machines (amusement machines) 20a, 20b, 20c spinning reels 201a, 201b, 201c 1st slot 202a, 202b, 202c 2nd slot 2020a, 2020b, 2020c Reel Index 203a, 203b, 203c Revolving belt 21a, 21b, 21c Stepping motor 22a, 22b, 22c reel sensor (detection unit) 611 Rotation reel control unit (symbol position management unit)

Claims

1. A plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on an outer periphery thereof; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitting state or a blocking state; a symbol position management unit capable of managing the symbol position information of the spinning reel based on a detection result of the detection unit; Equipped with The pattern position management unit It is possible to execute an initialization process for initializing the symbol position information at least when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the light-blocking state to the light-transmitting state and / or from the light-transmitting state to the light-blocking state during one rotation of the reel after the reel has been in a constant speed rotation state, and When the number of rotations of the reel after the reel has entered a constant speed rotation state is less than a predetermined number, the initialization process may be performed more times during one rotation of the reel than when the number of rotations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. Amusement machine.

2. The pattern position management unit When the reel has rotated for the first time since the reel entered a constant speed rotation state, the initialization process can be executed both when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the light-blocking state to the light-transmitting state and when the detection result changes from the light-transmitting state to the light-blocking state during one rotation of the reel, When the number of rotations of the reel after the reel has entered the constant speed rotation state is the second or subsequent times, the initialization process can be executed when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the light-blocking state to the light-transmitting state or when the detection result changes from the light-transmitting state to the light-blocking state during one rotation of the reel.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

3. When the number of rotations of the reel after the reel has entered a constant speed rotation state is the second or subsequent times, the symbol position management unit is capable of determining, based on an attachment position of the detection unit on the reel, whether to execute the initialization process when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the light-blocking state to the light-transmitting state, or when the light-transmitting state to the light-blocking state.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 2.

4. When the number of rotations of the reel after the reel has been in a constant speed rotation state is the second or later, the symbol position management unit is capable of executing the initialization process at the timing when the angular velocity of the reel is greater among the timing when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the light-blocking state to the light-transmitting state and the timing when the light-transmitting state to the light-blocking state.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3.

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