gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suppressing an effect of chattering.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a plurality of rotary reels in which a plurality of patterns are arranged in the outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the rotary reels; one or more reel indexes provided to each of the rotary reels for managing pattern position information on each of the plurality of rotary reels; a detection part capable of detecting whether irradiation light directed to the reel index in each of the rotary reels is in a transmission state in which the irradiation light is transmitted or in a blocked state in which the light is blocked; and a determination part capable of determining whether or not the state is a normal state in which a predetermined event is not occurring on the basis of a result of the detection by the detection part on the irradiation light when the stepping motor rotates the rotary reels by a predetermined number of steps.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background 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 periphery, reel indexes provided for managing the positional information of the symbols on each of the plurality of reels, a detection unit, and a symbol position management unit (see Patent Document 1). The detection unit detects whether the light directed toward the reel index on each of the reels is in a transmitting state or a light-blocking state. Furthermore, the symbol position management unit manages the positional information of the symbols on the reels based on the detection results of the detection unit.

[0003] When the irradiated light changes from the transmitting state to the blocking state, and when the irradiated light changes from the blocking state to the 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 spinning reels.

[0004] When all the rotating 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 rotating reel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-126943 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, after the irradiated light changes from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state, the light may momentarily return to the light-blocking state, and then the light may return to the light-transmitting state and remain in that state (chattering).This phenomenon can also occur after the irradiated light changes from a light-transmitting state to a light-blocking state.

[0007] Due to these problems, in conventional gaming machines, the timing at which the symbol position information is initialized may be off, which may result in a delay in the timing at which the operation of the stop switch becomes effective.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress the effects of chattering. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; One or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a determination unit that is capable of determining whether or not a predetermined event has not occurred and the machine is in a normal state based on a detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps; Equipped with It is an amusement machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can suppress the effects of chattering. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a slot machine and a card unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on a rotating reel in a slot machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the slot machine with the front door open. [Figure 5] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the right side of the rotating reel, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the right side of the second frame, and (c) is an oblique view of the reel index and 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. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an initialization process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [First embodiment] A slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit 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. Note that in the following description, the side of the slot machine 1 that a player sees while playing a game on the slot machine 1 (the side shown in FIG. 1) is defined as 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 Figure 1, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a reel-type gaming machine in which the quantity of gaming value is managed by electronic data (hereinafter referred to as "gaming value data"), rather than using physically existing medals.

[0014] <Configuration of card unit 7> 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] The card unit 7 can store therein a card 70 that stores gaming value data as electronic data in place of medals that are real objects.

[0016] The details of the card unit 7 are the same as those of a conventional medal-less machine, so 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 that allows a game to proceed without using medals, which are real objects. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a game is played using gaming value data as electronic data, instead of medals, which are real objects.

[0018] As shown in Figs. 1 and 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 while a game is in progress. Note that Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram in which unnecessary devices and equipment have been 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 multiple symbols displayed on the surface of each of the multiple 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 performing various effects during a game.

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

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

[0023] The illumination unit 102 is composed of LEDs and the like, and lights up or goes out in a predetermined pattern when, for example, a highly anticipated performance screen is displayed or 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 lower panel 103 displays the title of the slot machine 1, etc. Also, LED lighting is provided on the back side of the lower panel 103. The front bottom 104 is designed to allow players to place their personal belongings, etc.

[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 that detects the operation by the player and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 6.

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

[0028] Lamps are provided inside the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c. The lamps can indicate by emitting a color (e.g., red) that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an inoperative state, for example, from when the lever 42 is operated until each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reaches a steady rotation state. Furthermore, the lamps can indicate by emitting a color (e.g., blue) different from the above-mentioned color that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an operable state, for example, from when the rotating 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 game value. The credited game value and the amount of bet game value are managed by the slot machine 1 (media management unit 620). The bet switch 41 is also 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 to rotate the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

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

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

[0033] The cancel button 45 can accept an operation by a 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 a 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 that has been bet as a non-betting state. The cancel button 45 also has a lamp inside or around it that changes its light color or turns on / off depending on whether it is being operated or not.

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

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

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

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

[0038] The setting change button 52 is a button that is operated by a store staff member when one of multiple setting values ​​is set in the slot machine 1. For example, when the power of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on 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 spinning reel unit 2 and a control unit 6 (consisting of a main control unit 61 mounted on a main control board P1, a game value control unit 62 mounted on a game value control board P2, and a sub-control unit 63 mounted on a sub-control board P3). The spinning reel unit 2 and the control unit 6 are disposed inside the cabinet 10 together with a power supply device PS for supplying voltage to the slot machine 1, etc.

[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 Fig. 6 is an exploded explanatory view of the rotating reel 20a out of the three rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, but the other rotating reels 20b and 20c have the same configuration.

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

[0042] The rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are installed 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 following order: first frames 201a, 201b, and 201c, reel bands 203a, 203b, and 203c, and second frames 202a, 202b, and 202c.

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

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

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

[0047] As shown in Fig. 6, the reels 203a, 203b, and 203c are sandwiched between the first frames 201a, 201b, and 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, and 202c. For example, symbols are arranged on the surfaces of the reels 203a, 203b, and 203c, as shown in Fig. 3. A game result determination unit 612, which will be described later, determines whether the combination of symbols displayed on the pay line L, which will be described later, when the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c stop spinning is a predetermined combination of symbols, and the game progresses.

[0048] The first frames 201a, 201b, 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c are formed in an annular shape and have approximately the same size (diameter). The first frames 201a, 201b, 201c and the second frames 202a, 202b, 202c are spaced a predetermined distance apart, and reel bands 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 Figures 5 and 6, reel lamps 23a, 23b, and 23c are provided inside each reel 20a, 20b, and 20c on the front side of the slot machine 1 to illuminate reel bands 203a, 203b, and 203c, respectively, so that players can easily see the symbols. These reel lamps 23a, 23b, and 23c are fixedly attached to mounting frames 204a, 204b, and 204c. Reel lamps 23a, 23b, and 23c increase the brightness of the symbols in the illuminated areas, making it easier for players 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] Furthermore, even when the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate, the reel lamps 23a, 23b, and 23c continue to irradiate light in a fixed direction onto the reel bands 203a, 203b, and 203c from the back side of the reel bands 203a, 203b, and 203c. Because this light is irradiated toward the reel window 200, the luminance of the irradiated areas of the reel bands 203a, 203b, and 203c increases, making it easier for the player to see 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 one reel index 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c, which corresponds to half a circumference, on 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 so as to protrude flat 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., on the second frames 202a, 202b, and 202c.

[0055] In addition, each rotating reel 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 onto the reel index 2020a, 2020b, 2020c.

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

[0057] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(c), reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c detect the passage of reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c when the emitted light is blocked by reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c. The light emitted by the light-emitting unit is blocked by the passing reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c, and the light-receiving unit cannot receive the light, so the passage is detected. On the other hand, reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c detect that the emitted light is not blocked by reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c when the emitted light from the light-emitting 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), i.e., on the side where the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c are provided. While the bodies of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c do not rotate, the drive shafts of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c do rotate. Each drive shaft is connected to the center of rotation of the corresponding reel 20a, 20b, and 20c. This allows the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to rotate by the driving force transmitted from the drive shafts of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c.

[0059] Stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are installed as drive sources for rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. Stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are provided corresponding to reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and drive the corresponding reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. 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 every 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] 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 the 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 reel bands 203a, 203b, and 203c) are rotated by the driving of stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c.

[0065] <The flow of play by players> A player operates the bet switch 41 to use the credited gaming value to bet gaming value on the slot machine 1. When a predetermined number (for example, 3) of gaming value is bet on the slot machine 1, the pay line L is activated. After that, the lever 42 can be operated, i.e., the game can be started.

[0066] FIG. 1 shows an example in which the activated line L is configured in the upper row of the reel window 200 for the left rotating reel 20a, the middle row of the reel window 200 for the middle rotating reel 20b, and 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 processing to increase or decrease play value data.

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

[0069] At least some of the information regarding the progress of the game until these predetermined game results are obtained (for example, the bet switch 41 being operated, the lever 42 being operated, the stop switch 40 being operated, the internal lottery being executed, the predetermined role being won, 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, and two-way serial communication is possible.

[0074] The information and commands sent from the main control board P1 to the game value control board P2 include outer edge 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 bet cancellation processing when the cancel button 45 is operated, and a request for transfer of game value when the counting button 44 is operated.

[0075] The information and commands sent from the game value control board P2 to the main control board P1 include information that the complete function (described below) has been activated, information that the number of credits has reached the upper limit (a value set to prompt the player to transfer credits because the number of credits is too high), information regarding whether or not there is a communication abnormality between the card unit 7 and the slot machine 1, and various responses to requests from the main control unit 61.

[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 carried out from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3.

[0077] The information and commands sent from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3 include information regarding game value (for example, information on bets / payouts of game value, total amount of game value won during AT), information regarding the game status and game area, 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 sent 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 related to advance notification before the complete function is activated, information related to the transfer of game value (for example, that transfer has started, that transfer is in progress, that transfer is complete, 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 as to 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 carried out 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 lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery based on the operation of the lever 42, and can select one flag from among a plurality of winning 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, and 21c based on the operation of the lever 42 or each stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c, and can perform rotation start control to start the rotation of each rotating reel 20a, 20b, and 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 or 400, but in this embodiment it is 504. Below, an example is described in which the present invention is applied to the actual game rather than the simulated game.

[0085] The rotation reel control unit 611 can control the number of pulses (number of steps) of pulse signals (step signals) 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 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 spinning reel control unit 611 functions as a symbol position management unit that manages the position information of the symbols on the reel bands 203a, 203b, and 203c.

[0089] In other words, the rotating reel control unit 611 can grasp the current rotation 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 it 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 it changes from a light-blocking state to a transparent state), and the number of pulses required to drive 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 the reel control unit 611 only needs to be able 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, 2020c provided on each of the reels 20a, 20b, 20c are formed on half the circumference of each of the reels 20a, 20b, 20c, as shown in Figures 5(b) and 6. Therefore, when the reels 20a, 20b, 20c rotate halfway, the detection results of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, 22c change, for example, from a transparent state to a light-blocking state, and when the reels 20a, 20b, 20c rotate another halfway, the detection result changes from the light-blocking state to a transparent state.

[0092] As mentioned above, the rotation states of each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are either an acceleration state or a constant speed rotation state. In the steady rotation state, 504 pulses are output for each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to rotate once using 1-2 phase excitation. The reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate one step (one pulse) per timer interrupt process. Since one timer interrupt process is executed for 1.504 ms, the time (spin speed) required for each of 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 seconds / 0.758016 seconds) seconds.

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

[0094] As a result, the rotating reel control unit 611 can accurately grasp the patterns on the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c by initializing the number of steps of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c when the detection results of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, 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 determines that the symbol 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 initializes 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 determines that the symbol number 1 (bell) on the reel 20a is in a predetermined position (for example, the middle row of the reel window 200) and initializes the number of steps to a predetermined value.

[0096] At this time, for the first rotation after all of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c have entered a constant speed rotation state, the rotating reel control unit 611 initializes the pattern position information 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 rotation onwards when all the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c are in a constant speed rotation state, the rotating 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 later, the rotating reel control unit 611 can execute initialization processing 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 thought to be due to the fact that reel sensors 22a, 22b, 22c detect reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c above reel belts 203a, 203b, 203c, the fact that there is a bias in mass depending on whether or not reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c are present, and the moment of inertia. That is, it is thought that the angular velocity is relatively larger in the part of second frames 202a, 202b, 202c where reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 2020c change from "present" to "absent" than in the part where reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, 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 avoid 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 rotating reel control unit 611 stores the history of each step movement of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c, and determines the transmittance (transmitting state or light-blocking state) of the light irradiated by the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c based on that history.

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

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

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

[0105] In addition, when the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are rotating normally, and when the rotating 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 for the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to make a half rotation, for example, 379 ms) after the detection result has changed 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, and 20c to make one half 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 theoretically be the same value, but may not be the same value depending on individual differences between the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and the presence or absence of reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c).

[0106] On the other hand, when reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are not rotating normally, or when reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are rotating normally but detection by reel sensors 23a, 23b, and 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 at the timing when the light-blocking state should continue, it returns to the transmission state for an instant, and thereafter it becomes the light-blocking state again, 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 at the timing when the transmission state should continue, it returns to the light-blocking state for an instant, and thereafter it becomes the transmission state again, and the transmission state continues.

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

[0108] In this way, the spinning 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] Furthermore, the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c are provided for half a rotation of each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to allow the player to perform a "first rotation push." ​​This "first rotation push" is a play technique in which the user stops the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c before they complete one rotation. In particular, when performing this first rotation push, the effects of the present invention, as described below, are effectively exhibited.

[0112] In this embodiment, the initialization process for the symbol position information is executed when the detection results of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from the light-blocking state to the light-transmitting state and when the light-transmitting state changes to the light-blocking state at the first rotation after the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have reached the constant rotation speed. Also, the initialization process is executed when the detection results change from the light-blocking state to the light-transmitting state and when the light-transmitting state changes to the light-blocking state at the second rotation or later after the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have reached the constant rotation speed.

[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 difference in weight among the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, or if the rotations of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are not uniform due to individual differences between the reels, the reel control unit 611 can manage the symbol position information from the second spin onwards, taking into account the difference in timing during the first spin of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. Therefore, according to the present invention, even if there is a difference in weight among 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 pattern 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 to stop each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0123] <Explanation of the 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 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 powered 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 prior 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 machine will enter a state where play is not possible) 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 ROM 631, RAM 635, etc.

[0127] <Production 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 lighting unit 102 such as an LED, or 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 of game values ​​(for example, 3) 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 content of the following process, it may be executed by each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, but for the sake of convenience, the following description will be given collectively for the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

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

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

[0132] On the other hand, if the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have entered a constant speed rotation state (S203: YES), the flow branches based on whether the number of rotations since the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c entered a 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 from a light-blocking state to a transparent state). Whether chattering is occurring is determined based on 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) occurs in which the detection results of the 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) for an instant at a time when the light-blocking state (or transparent state) should continue.

[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 has not occurred after the state change was detected, or if chattering has occurred but has since subsided (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 results of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c change from a light-blocking state to a transparent state (or from a transparent state to a light-blocking state) and the transparent state (or the light-blocking state) continues without the detection result returning to the light-blocking state (or the transparent state), the symbol position information is updated to a predetermined value, such as symbol number 1 (or symbol number 11).

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

[0138] Next, after there is another state change (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; in other words, the detection result is 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 the state change is detected (S210: YES), the process repeats step S210 until the chattering subsides.

[0140] On the other hand, if chattering does not occur after the state change is detected, or if chattering occurs but then subsides (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 all the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c coming to a halt and, if applicable, the payout of the game value (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), or if the number of rotations of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c in step S204 is not the first rotation (it is the second rotation or later) (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 results of the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c during one rotation of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are either a change from a light-blocking state to a transparent state or a change from a transparent state to a light-blocking state, and the state change 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 occurs (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 subsequently subsides (S215: NO), the reel control unit 611 initializes the symbol position information for the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c (step S216). Then, the process proceeds to step S212. The initialization process of the present invention is carried out through the above procedure.

[0147] To summarize the above, 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; Stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c that rotate the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, respectively; Reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c are provided on the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, respectively, for managing the symbol position information of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. Reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c that can detect whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel indexes 2020a, 2020b, and 2020c of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; A spinning reel control unit 611; Equipped with The reel control unit 611 detects the light emitted from the reel sensors 22a, 22b, and 22c when the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c rotate the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c by a predetermined number of steps (for example, one step). (1) Determining whether chattering (an example of a predetermined event) is occurring and whether the device is in a normal state; (2) determining whether chattering has occurred; and (3) Adjusting the timing for executing the initialization process for the pattern position information; At least one of the above can be performed.

[0148] <Effects of the invention> Conventionally, gaming machines have been known that include multiple reels, reel indexes for managing the positional information of symbols on each of the multiple reels, a detection unit, and a symbol position management unit. The detection unit detects whether the light directed toward 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 positional information of symbols on the reels based on the detection results 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, thereby enabling the conventional symbol position management unit to manage the position information of the symbols on the spinning reels.

[0150] In conventional gaming machines, when all the rotating 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 rotating reel.

[0151] However, after the irradiated light changes from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state, the irradiated light may momentarily return to the light-blocking state, and then the light may return to the light-transmitting state and remain in that state (chattering). This phenomenon can also occur after the irradiated light changes from a light-transmitting state to a light-blocking state. Therefore, in conventional gaming machines, chattering can cause problems in the control of the spinning reels.

[0152] In contrast, the present invention allows the rotating reel control unit to perform at least one of the following: determine whether or not the reel is in a normal state where chattering is not occurring, based on the detection results from the reel sensor; determine the state in which chattering is occurring; and adjust the timing for executing the initialization process for the pattern position information.

[0153] This allows the slot machine of this embodiment to detect the occurrence of chattering, and also to perform initialization processing of the pattern position information on the rotating reels when chattering is not occurring (or when chattering has occurred but has subsequently subsided).

[0154] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can suppress the effects of chattering.

[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. Furthermore, the various control means, processing procedures, and processing contents described in each embodiment can be configured individually or combined as appropriate.

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

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

[0158] 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 it has entered a constant speed rotation state is less than two rotations or 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 or 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 in one position on the inside of each reel, or may be arranged in two positions on the outer periphery of each reel, each covering, for example, one-quarter of a circumference (or, without being limited to this, three positions each covering one-sixth of a 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 instead of the second frame. In this case, the reel index may be arranged on the outer periphery of the first frame, or on a frame that is not on the outer periphery but is, for example, toward the center of the first frame. Even in this case, the reel sensor only needs to be attached in a position where it can detect the presence or absence of the reel index.

[0162] Furthermore, unlike the above embodiment, the initialization process may be performed when the detection result of the reel sensor 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, whichever is the timing when the angular velocity (or rotation speed) of the rotating reel is smaller.

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

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

[0165] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a real game in which a game value is bet and paid out, and / or a so-called pseudo game (a reel effect that, unlike a real game, is a pseudo game in which a game value is not bet and paid out). For example, the present invention can be applied to a case in which 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 did 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 hereinafter) deviates from the expected timing, but the present invention is not limited to this. The reel control unit may detect how much the timing at which the irradiated light changes from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state deviates from the expected timing.

[0167] In addition, in the above embodiment, (1) The number of times the initialization process is performed can be made different depending on whether the number of rotations of the reel after the reel has entered a constant speed rotation state is less than a predetermined number or greater than a predetermined number. (2) It is possible to determine whether a predetermined event has not occurred and the machine is in a normal state based on the detection result of the detection unit with respect to the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps. (3) It is possible to determine whether a predetermined event has occurred based on the detection result of the detection unit with respect to the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the reel by a predetermined number of steps, and (4) 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, the timing of executing the initialization process is adjusted 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 (1) to (4) above, or a combination of any two or more of them.

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

[0169] Examples of when initialization is performed when the angular velocity of the spinning reels is high include: (a) Before the slot machine is shipped, the actual angular velocity is determined (by actual measurement or calculation) and the timing at which the detection result changes from a light-blocking state to a transparent state or from a transparent state to a light-blocking state is determined 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 can be 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 play and determining whether or not the reel control unit should perform initialization processing. Possible reasons include:

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

[0171] In addition, the bonus symbols that the player needs to aim at when pressing the stop switch may be provided with a light-transmitting section, which will illuminate the bonus symbol's transparent section when irradiated with light 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 gaming value control board may not be separate, and the main control unit and the gaming value control unit may be mounted on the main control board.

[0173] Furthermore, while the slot machine in the above embodiment is a medal-less machine equipped with a play area, a slot machine to which the present invention is applied does not have to be equipped with a play area, and does not have to be a medal-less machine. If the slot machine is not a medal-less machine, it will need the configuration of a conventional slot machine, such as a medal insertion slot, hopper, medal payout slot, and bottom tray.

[0174] Furthermore, 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, i.e., 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) also has the same issues as slot machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] 1. Slot machines (gaming 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 (pattern position management unit)

Claims

1. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a determination unit that is capable of determining whether or not a predetermined event has not occurred and the machine is in a normal state based on a detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps; Equipped with the determination unit is capable of determining whether or not the normal state is present at least either 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 after the reel has entered the constant speed rotation state, When the number of rotations of the rotating reel after the rotating reel has entered a constant speed rotation state is less than a predetermined number of times, it is possible to perform an initialization process for initializing the symbol position information during one rotation of the rotating reel more times than when the number of rotations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times. When the device is in the normal state, the initialization process can be executed. Gaming machine.

2. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a determination unit that is capable of determining whether or not a predetermined event has not occurred and the machine is in a normal state based on a detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps; Equipped with the determination unit is capable of determining whether or not the irradiation light is in the normal state at both a timing after the irradiation light changes from the transmitting state to the blocking state and a timing after the irradiation light changes from the blocking state to the transmitting state, Based on the result of the determination unit, it is possible to execute initialization processing of the symbol position information, When the device is in the normal state, the initialization process can be executed. The initialization process may be executed two or more times during one rotation of the reel. Gaming machine.

3. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a determination unit that is capable of determining whether or not a predetermined event has not occurred and the machine is in a normal state based on a detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps; Equipped with the determination unit is capable of determining that the detection result of the detection unit is not the normal state when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the transmitting state to the blocking state at a timing when the light-blocking state should be reached, and / or when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the blocking state to the transmitting state at a timing when the light-blocking state should be reached, and Based on the result of the determination unit, it is possible to execute initialization processing of the symbol position information, When the device is in the normal state, the initialization process can be executed. The initialization process may be executed two or more times during one rotation of the reel. Gaming machine.

4. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a determination unit that is capable of determining whether or not a predetermined event has not occurred and the machine is in a normal state based on a detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps; a symbol position management unit capable of managing symbol position information of the spinning reel based on the detection result of the detection unit; Equipped with The pattern position management unit When the reel rotates once after the reel has entered a constant speed rotation state, When the detection result of the detection unit changes from the transparent state to the light-blocking state and when the detection result changes from the light-blocking state to the transparent state, an initialization process is performed to initialize the pattern position information; a case in which the initialization process is executed when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the transmitting state to the blocking state, or when the detection result changes from the blocking state to the transmitting state; There are When the device is in the normal state, the initialization process can be executed. Gaming machine.

5. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a determination unit that is capable of determining whether a predetermined event has occurred based on a detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps; Equipped with the determination unit is capable of determining whether the predetermined event has occurred when, during one rotation of the reel after the reel has entered a constant speed rotation state, 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, When the number of rotations of the rotating reel after the rotating reel has entered a constant speed rotation state is less than a predetermined number of times, it is possible to perform an initialization process for initializing the symbol position information during one rotation of the rotating reel more times than when the number of rotations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times. The initialization process can be executed when the predetermined event does not occur and the device is in a normal state. Gaming machine.

6. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a determination unit that is capable of determining whether a predetermined event has occurred based on a detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps; Equipped with the determination unit is capable of determining whether the predetermined event has occurred at both a timing after the irradiation light has changed from the transmitting state to the blocking state and a timing after the irradiation light has changed from the blocking state to the transmitting state, Based on the result of the determination unit, it is possible to execute initialization processing of the symbol position information, When the device is in a normal state, the initialization process can be executed. The initialization process may be executed two or more times during one rotation of the reel. Gaming machine.

7. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a determination unit that is capable of determining whether a predetermined event has occurred based on a detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps; Equipped with the determination unit is capable of determining the occurrence state of the predetermined event when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the transmitting state to the blocking state at a timing when the blocking state should be reached, and / or when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the blocking state to the transmitting state at a timing when the transmitting state should be reached, and Based on the result of the determination unit, it is possible to execute initialization processing of the symbol position information, When the device is in a normal state, the initialization process can be executed. The initialization process may be executed two or more times during one rotation of the reel. Gaming machine.

8. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a determination unit that is capable of determining whether a predetermined event has occurred based on a detection result by the detection unit regarding the irradiated light when the stepping motor rotates the rotating reel by a predetermined number of steps; a symbol position management unit capable of managing symbol position information of the spinning reel based on the detection result of the detection unit; Equipped with The pattern position management unit When the reel rotates once after the reel has entered a constant speed rotation state, When the detection result of the detection unit changes from the transparent state to the light-blocking state and when the detection result changes from the light-blocking state to the transparent state, an initialization process is performed to initialize the pattern position information; a case in which the initialization process is executed when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the transmitting state to the blocking state, or when the detection result changes from the blocking state to the transmitting state; There are The initialization process can be executed when the predetermined event does not occur and the device is in a normal state. Gaming machine.

9. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a symbol position management unit capable of managing symbol position information of the spinning reel based on the detection result of the detection unit; A determination unit; The pattern position management unit It is possible to execute an initialization process for initializing the symbol position information when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the transparent state to the light-blocking state or from the light-blocking state to the transparent state while the reel frame constituting the rotating reel rotates once around the reel axis of the rotating reel, and adjusting the timing for executing the initialization process based on the detection result by the detection unit when the stepping motor rotates the rotation reel by a predetermined number of steps; the determination unit is capable of determining whether or not a detection result of the detection unit is in a normal state in which a predetermined event has not occurred at least either when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the light-blocking state to the light-transmitting state or when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the light-transmitting state to the light-blocking state during one rotation of the reel after the reel has entered a constant speed rotation state, When the number of rotations of the rotating reel after the rotating reel has entered a constant speed rotation state is less than a predetermined number of times, it is possible to perform an initialization process for initializing the symbol position information during one rotation of the rotating reel more times than when the number of rotations is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times. When the device is in the normal state, the initialization process can be executed. Gaming machine.

10. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a symbol position management unit capable of managing symbol position information of the spinning reel based on the detection result of the detection unit; A determination unit; Equipped with the determination unit is capable of determining whether a predetermined event has occurred at both a timing after the irradiation light has changed from the transmitting state to the blocking state and a timing after the irradiation light has changed from the blocking state to the transmitting state, The pattern position management unit It is possible to execute an initialization process for initializing the symbol position information when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the transmitting state to the blocking state or from the blocking state to the transmitting state while the reel frame rotates once around the reel axis, and adjusting the timing for executing the initialization process based on the detection result by the detection unit when the stepping motor rotates the rotation reel by a predetermined number of steps; When the device is in a normal state, the initialization process can be executed. The initialization process may be executed two or more times during one rotation of the reel. Gaming machine.

11. a plurality of spinning reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged on its outer periphery; a stepping motor for rotating each of the reels; one or more reel indexes provided on each of the plurality of reels for managing symbol position information of each of the reels; a detection unit capable of detecting whether the irradiated light directed toward the reel index of each of the rotating reels is in a transmitted state or a blocked state; a symbol position management unit capable of managing symbol position information of the spinning reel based on the detection result of the detection unit; A determination unit; Equipped with the determination unit is capable of determining an occurrence state of a predetermined event when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the transmitting state to the blocking state at a timing when the blocking state should be reached, and / or when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the blocking state to the transmitting state at a timing when the transmitting state should be reached, and The pattern position management unit It is possible to execute an initialization process for initializing the symbol position information when the detection result of the detection unit changes from the transmitting state to the blocking state or from the blocking state to the transmitting state while the reel frame rotates once around the reel axis, and adjusting the timing for executing the initialization process based on the detection result by the detection unit when the stepping motor rotates the rotation reel by a predetermined number of steps; When the device is in a normal state, the initialization process can be executed. The initialization process may be executed two or more times during one rotation of the reel. Gaming machine.

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