Slot Machine Reel Stop Control via Unified Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slot machines experience variability in the order and tempo of stopping rotation reels, leading to inconsistent game outcomes due to differences in pulse counts and rotation angles between reels.
Innovation Solution
A slot machine configuration that includes a controller, memory for storing previous game stop positions, and an input device, which determines and maintains consistent stop positions for each reel by adjusting rotation speed and pulse application to maintain a constant order and tempo of stopping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If independent stop control is applied to each rotation reel, then the symbol can be stopped and rearranged to a predetermined position, but the order and tempo of stopping the plurality of rotation reels becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple rotation reels into a unified control system. The controller coordinates the stop timing of all reels based on a common reference, ensuring consistent stop order and tempo across all reels while maintaining accurate positioning. This resolves the contradiction by combining individual reel controls under a centralized coordination mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the rotation state and stop timing of each reel, then adjusts control signals to maintain consistent stop order and tempo. The system uses feedback from reel position sensors and rotation speed detectors to ensure reliable stopping sequences while achieving precise symbol positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the index detection is performed at the start of each game, then the stop position can be calculated, but differences in pulse counts and rotation angles cause variability in stopping behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection and calculation of stop positions before reel rotation begins. The controller pre-calculates the required pulse counts and rotation angles based on detected index positions, then executes coordinated stopping sequences. This preliminary action ensures consistent stop tempo while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts control parameters such as pulse counts and rotation angles based on the detected index positions and desired stop sequences. By changing these parameters coordinateedly across all reels, the system maintains consistent stop tempo and order while achieving accurate symbol positioning at the predetermined stop positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A slot machine of the present invention comprises a plurality of rotation reels rotatably installed in a casing; an input device operable by a player; a memory for storing stop positions of the plurality of the rotation reels in a previous game; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute processing of (A) determining the stop positions of the plurality of the rotation reels conditionally on an input from the input device, (B) stopping each of the rotation reels in rotation at the stop position determined in the processing (A), according to the stop position of each of the plurality of the rotation reels in the previous game preliminary stored in the memory and the stop position of each of the rotation reels in a present game determined in the processing (A).