JP2005013532A - Method and device for inspecting game machine, and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately inspect and determine the operation of a rotating body for displaying patterns in a game machine. <P>SOLUTION: The inspection device can capture a detection signal outputted by a detection circuit 80 into inspection equipment such as a personal computer or the like from an external output terminal 85 and inspects and determines the action of a display belt 52 (variation condition or stop position or the like of a symbol 54) on the basis of the detection signal of the detection circuit 80 at the time when a reference mark 58 and a symbol marker 60 arranged correspondingly to the symbol 54 are detected. Based on direct information based on the reference mark 58 or the symbol marker 60 provided correspondingly to the symbol 54 rather than indirect information based on a pulse signal (or a driving pulse) for control to a stepping motor 26, inspection and determination are very accurate. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the technical field of gaming machines that display symbols on a rotating body.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a slot machine, which is a type of gaming machine, the symbols are scrolled by the rotation of a rotating body on which a plurality of symbols are drawn, and then the rotating body is stopped according to the stop button operation by the player (that is, the symbols are stopped and displayed). ) And a medal as a prize is paid out when the combination of the symbols displayed in a stopped state is a winning (winning). In addition, in a pachinko machine or the like, if the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed is a winning combination, an operation such as opening the variable winning device is performed. Therefore, the design, that is, the stop position of the rotating body needs to be accurately controlled.
[0003]
A stepping motor is used as a motor serving as a drive source for the rotator, and control is generally performed based on drive pulses supplied from a control device. The rotation speed and stop position of each rotator are provided on the rotator. The calculation was performed based on the detected index mark detection signal, the frequency of the drive pulse, and the number of pulses supplied to the stepping motor.
[0004]
Further, in the slot machine, the rotating body must be stopped instantaneously in response to the operation of the stop button (for example, it is specified within 190 milliseconds). For this reason, an accurate and quick stop has been achieved by the stop control disclosed in, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-32145 and Japanese Patent No. 3333385, and for example, disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-636. In addition, a test for confirming the operation of the rotating body based on the drive pulse supplied from the control device is also performed.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-32145 (Claim 1)
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent No. 3333385 (Claim 1)
[0007]
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-636 A (paragraph 0045)
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even if the motor is accurately controlled based on the drive pulse supplied from the control device, the rotation of the rotating body is caused by a malfunction of the transmission system from the motor to the rotating body or the stepping motor step-out. May become unstable. Further, in the stop control, it is very difficult to stop immediately due to the inertia of the rotating body and the drive transmission system, and overrun is unavoidable, and the stopping position of the rotating body is uncertain. Alternatively, even if all phases of the stepping motor are excited simultaneously and an electromagnetic brake is applied at that time, the electromagnetic brake effect may be reduced due to heat generation of the motor, resulting in overrun.
[0009]
In short, due to malfunctions in the transmission system, step-out of the stepping motor and overrun phenomenon, the motor rotation / stop control signal does not coincide with the rotation / stop operation of the rotating body. The stop position and time to stop could not be accurately grasped. Accordingly, there has been a problem in the operation confirmation test (Patent Document 3) performed based on the control signal to the motor.
[0010]
In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to accurately detect the rotation / stop state of a rotating body in a gaming machine that drives a rotating body provided with a plurality of symbols with a motor.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
The gaming machine inspection method of the present invention made to achieve the above object is as follows.
A plurality of rotating bodies provided with a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction;
For each of the rotating bodies, an index mark provided at a predetermined interval along the rotation direction, at least a part of which is associated with one of the plurality of symbols,
In order to rotationally drive each of the rotating bodies, a plurality of motors provided for each rotating body,
A plurality of index mark detection means for detecting an index mark provided on each rotating body;
Control means for driving and controlling the motors with reference to detection signals from the index mark detection means;
A start command signal output means for outputting a start command signal for instructing the rotation start of each rotating body to the control means;
A stop command signal output means for outputting a stop command signal for individually stopping the plurality of rotating bodies to the control means;
A gaming machine inspection method for inspecting a time from when the stop command signal is output in a gaming machine provided with a rotating body that is a target of the stop command signal to actual stop,
The detection signal of the index mark detection means corresponding to the rotating body that is the target of the stop command signal is output from the gaming machine to the outside,
Based on this detection signal and a stop command signal from the stop command signal output means, it is configured to detect a time from when the stop command signal is output until the rotating body actually stops. And
[0012]
By adopting such a configuration, according to the gaming machine inspection method of the present invention, it is not based on indirect information based on a control signal for the motor (or pulse current supplied to the motor), but at a predetermined interval on the rotating body. Since it is possible to know when the rotating body is stopped based on direct information by the provided index marks, the inspection determination is extremely accurate. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately inspect whether or not the gaming machine satisfies the requirement according to the rules and the like.
[0013]
In addition, the gaming machine inspection device of the present invention, which was invented so as to be suitable for carrying out the gaming machine inspection method of the present invention,
A plurality of rotating bodies provided with a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction;
For each of the rotating bodies, an index mark provided at a predetermined interval along the rotation direction, at least a part of which is associated with one of the plurality of symbols,
In order to rotationally drive each of the rotating bodies, a plurality of motors provided for each rotating body,
A plurality of index mark detection means for detecting an index mark provided on each rotating body;
Control means for driving and controlling the motors with reference to detection signals from the index mark detection means;
A start command signal output means for outputting a start command signal for instructing the rotation start of each rotating body to the control means;
A stop command signal output means for outputting a stop command signal for individually stopping the plurality of rotating bodies to the control means;
A gaming machine inspection device that inspects a time from when the stop command signal is output to a rotating body that is a target of the stop command signal until it actually stops,
Index mark detection signal input means for inputting a detection signal by the index mark detection means;
Stop command signal input means for inputting a stop command signal from the stop command signal output means;
Based on the detection signal input to the index mark detection signal input unit and the stop command signal input to the stop command signal input unit, until the rotating body actually stops after the stop command signal is output Time detection means for detecting the time of
It is characterized by having.
[0014]
According to this gaming machine inspection device, in the gaming machine, when checking whether or not the rotating body stops within a predetermined time after the player performs a stop command operation during the game, “▲ 1 ▼ [ Time from the time when the stop command signal is input to the stop command signal input means] to the time [2] [when the detection signal input to the index mark detection signal input means indicates the stopped state of the rotating body] Detect with. Can be implemented, and the gaming machine inspection method of the present invention can be implemented.
[0015]
More specifically, in the gaming machine inspection device of the present invention described above,
The time detection means;
Stop command signal input time counting means for timing the input time of the stop command signal to the stop command signal input means;
A stop time calculation means for calculating a stop time of the rotating body based on a change state of a detection signal input to the index mark detection signal input means,
From the stop time of the rotating body and the input time of the stop command signal, the time from when the stop command signal is output to when the rotating body actually stops can be detected.
[0016]
According to this specific gaming machine inspection device, the time detecting means is based on the input time of the stop command signal timed by the stop command signal input time measuring means and the stop time of the rotating body calculated by the stop time calculating means. It is possible to detect a time corresponding to “a time from when the player performs a stop command operation during the game until the rotating body actually stops”. Here, the stop time calculating means calculates the stop time of the rotating body from the change state of the detection signal input to the index mark detection signal input means.
[0017]
More specifically, for example, the stop time of the rotating body is calculated based on the change speed of the detection signal or the change interval time. Alternatively, each time the detection signal changes, the time is stored, and when the change in the detection signal cannot be obtained for a predetermined time or longer, the last stored time itself or the time obtained by adding a correction value to the time It is also possible to calculate as the stop time. The correction value may be determined in advance based on experimental data, simulation calculation, or the like.
[0018]
In addition, the storage of the time when the detection signal has changed may be configured to “start when the change speed becomes a predetermined value or less” or “when the change interval becomes a predetermined value or more”.
[0019]
It should be noted that it is sufficient to form the same state as the player performs the stop command operation at the time of the inspection. For example, a stop command signal is externally applied to the signal line extending from the stop command signal output means to the control means. It may be. In detecting the “time from the player's stop command operation until the rotating body actually stops”, which is the purpose of this inspection, the person must actually press the stop button of the gaming machine and do not perform the stop command operation. This is because it is sufficient if it can form the same state as when it is pushed.
[0020]
In addition, the gaming machine invented so as to be suitable for carrying out the gaming machine inspection method of the present invention described above,
A rotating body provided with a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction;
Index marks provided at predetermined intervals along the rotation direction with respect to the rotating body,
A motor for rotationally driving the rotating body;
Index mark detecting means for detecting the index mark;
In a gaming machine comprising control means for driving and controlling the motor with reference to a detection signal from the index mark detection means,
An external output terminal for outputting a detection signal of the index mark detection means from the gaming machine to the outside is provided.
[0021]
By adopting such a configuration, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to inspect and determine the operation of the rotating body (symbol variation state, stop position, etc.) based on the detection signal of the detection means. According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is not “indirect information” based on a control signal (or pulse current supplied to the motor) for the motor, but “directly” by index marks provided at predetermined intervals on the rotating body. Since it is based on “information”, the stop state of the rotating body can be checked and determined very accurately.
[0022]
In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention can not only obtain an advantageous effect in the inspection determination of the mere stop state, but can directly grasp the rotation state of the rotating body. By adopting a configuration in which “all or part of the index mark is associated with one of the plurality of symbols”, the position of the rotating symbol can be directly grasped. As a result, under the rule that “the rotating body must be stopped within a predetermined time when the player presses the stop button”, the control means stops the symbol so as not to deviate from the stop line. The effect that the timing for interrupting the drive pulse or drive current to the motor can be accurately controlled is exhibited. For example, in the slot machine, the effect that the energization stop timing for the motor can be accurately controlled in order to stop the symbols so as to coincide with the stop line is exhibited.
[0023]
In this case, the following configuration can be adopted as the slot machine in addition to the above configuration.
[0024]
That is, in the gaming machine of the present invention having the above-described configuration, a start command signal output means for outputting a start command signal for instructing the control means to start rotation of the rotating body, and a rotation for the control means. A stop command signal output means for outputting a stop command signal for stopping the body can be provided.
[0025]
Further, in this gaming machine or the first-described gaming machine, the rotary machine having a plurality of the index marks is provided, the index mark detecting means and the motor are provided for each rotary body, and along the winning line. It can be configured to include a game state changing means for changing the game state on the precondition that the combination of symbols selected one by one from each rotating body is a specific combination.
[0026]
Furthermore, in any of the above gaming machines, all or part of the index mark can be configured to be associated with any of the plurality of symbols.
[0027]
A gaming machine having an index mark corresponding to this symbol may be configured to include a corresponding symbol determining means for determining a symbol from the index mark associated with the symbol.
[0028]
In the gaming machine provided with the corresponding symbol determining means, the index mark includes one or more index marks that mean a reference position, and the corresponding symbol determining means includes an index mark that means the reference position, and other index marks. On the basis of the positional relationship on the rotating body, it is possible to provide a corresponding symbol specifying means for specifying the relationship between the index mark associated with the symbol and the symbol. As an advantage of this configuration, the reference position signal can be detected once per rotation, and the count value can be reset by this reference position signal. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the count value due to a detection error or noise. In addition, it is possible to achieve an effect that this can be quickly resolved.
[0029]
In the gaming machine of the present invention, the external output terminal for outputting the index mark detection signal to the outside of the gaming machine may employ a method of increasing the number of pins of the existing external output connector, or detecting the index mark. A connector dedicated to signal output may be installed alone. Further, the external output terminal may be installed on the inspection output board together with other output terminals. In addition to the above-described inspection of whether or not the stop time is within the regulation, the external output terminal may be, for example, a mounting displacement between a plurality of rotating bodies or a rotating body before the gaming machine is shipped. Inspecting the manufacturing deviation between the symbol displayed on the screen and the index mark, etc., and using this inspection result to obtain correction data for control to stop the symbol so that it does not shift on the stop line There is also a method. Such an index mark detection signal can be used, for example, by a difference in inertia for each rotating body resulting from manufacturing tolerances of a plurality of rotating bodies, a shake during rotation due to variation in play amount during mounting, Variations in stop control conditions for each gaming machine or for each rotating body in the same gaming machine due to differences in friction, etc. are checked before shipment, and the drive control conditions (drive pulse stop timing, etc.) by the control means are checked. ) Is adjusted for each gaming machine and each rotating body, for example, by rewriting the correction table value, so that it is possible to eliminate the need for excessively strict precision control in manufacturing and assembly. The remarkable and advantageous effects can be exhibited.
[0030]
Examples of the rotating body that can be used in the gaming machine of the present invention include an endless belt and a reel. The endless belt has the advantage of low inertia, and the reel has the advantage of higher rigidity than the belt.
[0031]
As the motor serving as the rotation source of the rotating body, it is preferable to use a stepping motor in which the correspondence between the control pulse and the rotation amount is accurate. However, other types of motors can be used by arranging the index marks at a high density.
[0032]
The detection means can employ, for example, an optical detection means, a magnetic detection means, a mechanical detection means such as a rotary encoder, or the like depending on the combination with the index mark, and is not particularly limited.
[0033]
In the gaming machine of the present invention, the detection means is constituted by a transmissive optical sensor (including a so-called photocoupler) in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are paired, and the trajectory of the index mark is It may be configured to traverse the optical path from the light emitting element to the paired light receiving element. By doing so, it is excellent in that accurate detection is possible with a simple configuration, and there is an advantage that reliability is high because it is widely adopted in conventional gaming machines.
[0034]
When associating index marks with symbols, one symbol may be provided for each symbol, for example, or a plurality of symbols may be provided for one symbol. Alternatively, one index mark may be provided for a plurality of symbols, but the measurement system decreases in inverse proportion. Therefore, taking into account that the higher the density of the index marks, the more accurately the operation of the rotating body (symbol fluctuation state, stop position, etc.) can be determined. An index mark may be arranged. The index mark may not correspond to the symbol.
[0035]
Further, when an endless belt is adopted as the rotating body in the gaming machine of the present invention, the design and the index mark are printed on the endless belt, and the detecting means can be configured as an optical sensor.
[0036]
Alternatively, in the gaming machine of the present invention, in particular, when the rotating body is an endless belt having a light impermeable portion, the index mark is formed in a hole shape so that light can be transmitted to the light impermeable portion. The detecting means is constituted by a transmissive optical sensor in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are paired, and the trajectory of the index mark crosses the optical path of the detection light of the transmissive optical sensor. can do.
[0037]
In the type in which the index mark is formed by printing as described above, the optical sensor can be a reflection type or a transmission type.
[0038]
The gaming machine of the present invention may be configured such that the rotating body is a reel, the design is printed on a film supported by the rim of the reel, and the index mark is provided on the film. In addition, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the rotating body is a reel, the design is printed on a film supported by the rim of the reel, and the index mark is provided on the hub or rim of the reel. It can also be configured as.
[0039]
When the index mark is provided on the film, there is an effect that the correspondence between the index mark and the symbol can be realized accurately. Therefore, adopting such a configuration in the gaming machine of the present invention requires the slot machine to stop the rotating body within the time specified in the rules and stop the symbol accurately on the stop line. It can be said that it is extremely advantageous to satisfy the above. In the case where the index mark is provided on the reel side, mounting accuracy between the reel and the film is required, whereas in the case where the index mark is provided on the film side, such mounting accuracy is not required. In addition, there is an effect that it is easy to arrange the index marks at a high density.
[0040]
On the other hand, when the index mark is provided on the reel side, the reel will not change in shape due to elongation or aging during rotation, and the film side can be used as long as the mounting accuracy with the film is sufficiently maintained. There is an effect that the stop control can be performed more accurately than the one provided with the index mark. In the case of this type, for example, if an index mark is provided in a gear shape on a hub or rim, one or a plurality of index marks can be arranged corresponding to each symbol.
[0041]
As described above, the gaming machine according to the present invention can accurately rotate the rotating body within the time specified in the “Rules for Authorization and Type Approval of Game Machines” with respect to the timing at which the player issues a stop command. In view of being able to accurately determine whether or not the request to stop is satisfied, the game machine inspection method of the present invention is extremely effective.
[0042]
In addition to that, the gaming machine of the present invention makes it possible to accurately determine the symbols on the winning line, satisfying the requirements of the above-mentioned rules, and so that the winning line and the symbols do not deviate. It can also be said that it has a configuration advantageous to exhibit the optimum effect for the slot machine to stop the operation.
[0043]
Furthermore, the present invention includes a plurality of (three or four) rotating bodies, for example, a combination of symbols selected one by one from each rotating body along a winning line such as horizontal or diagonal is a specific combination. When applied to a slot machine configured to change the gaming state to a jackpot state such as a bonus game, etc. on the precondition that it is (e.g., three-digit alignment such as 777), “the mounting error between the rotating bodies in such a slot machine” ”And“ a control error between drive systems for each rotating body ”, a configuration of“ using direct information of the rotating body itself ”,“ corresponding to an index mark ” The composition and the structure of “equipped with an index mark for outputting the reference position signal” interact synergistically, and there are no symbols from the winning line within the stop time that meets the rules. Control to stop the rotating body and control to stop the winning symbol determined on the relationship with the random number value determined in the gaming machine on the winning line, etc. ”, It is possible to adjust the error in manufacturing, mounting or control of the rotating body before shipment, or to obtain correction data for each individual. The remarkable effect that the body stop control can be executed more accurately can be exhibited.
[0044]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a slot machine.
[0045]
【Example】
As shown in FIG. 1, a display window 12 is provided in front of a slot machine 10 as a gaming machine. Three display units 16 are arranged inside the display window 12 side by side. A start lever 13, three stop buttons 14, a medal slot 15, and the like are installed below the display window 12, and a tray 17 is arranged at the bottom of the housing.
[0046]
Similarly to the known slot machine, when a medal as a game medium is inserted from the medal insertion slot 15 and the start lever 13 is operated, the scroll display of the symbols is started on the three display units 16. Each time the player operates one stop button 14, the scroll display on the corresponding display unit 16 is stopped. If a winning is established on the winning line that is valid according to the number of medals inserted when all three are stopped, the number of medals corresponding to the winning is paid out to the tray 17.
[0047]
In addition, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is based on the random value acquired when the start lever 13 is operated. When the jackpot is reached (when the flag is set), a specific combination is established on the effective pay line. It is the same as a known slot machine that the game state becomes a big or regular bonus game state (for example, if it is a three-digit set such as 777).
[0048]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, each display unit 16 includes a substrate 20 having a printed circuit. The substrate 20 also serves as a support member that supports each part of the display unit 16. A rectangular cone-shaped illumination frame 22 is attached to the substrate 20, and the illumination frame 22 holds a pair of light bulbs 24.
[0049]
On the substrate 20, optical sensors 29 and 30 including a stepping motor 26, a light emitting element (light emitting diode in this embodiment) and a light receiving element (phototransistor in this embodiment) are attached.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 4, wirings 32, 34, and 36 for the stepping motor 26, the light bulb 24, and the optical sensors 29 and 30 are printed on the substrate 20. Each wiring 32, 34, 36 is connected to the control device 82 (see FIG. 6) from the terminal board 38 by a flat cable (not shown).
[0051]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a driving pulley 44 is attached to the stepping motor 26. Specifically, the hub 46 of the drive pulley 44 is attached to the connecting plate 26 b fixed to the output shaft 26 a of the stepping motor 26 with screws 48. Further, an idler pulley 50 is attached to the substrate 20 so as to be rotatable around an axis, and the axis of the idler pulley 50 and the axis of the drive pulley 44 are substantially parallel.
[0052]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, an endless display belt 52 is wound around the drive pulley 44 and the idler pulley 50.
[0053]
As shown in a developed view in FIG. 5, the display belt 52 is made of a plastic film, and a plurality of types of symbols 54 (indicated by A, B, C, etc.) are printed on the surface along the rotation direction. In addition, the dashed-two dotted line in a figure is a virtual line for showing the area | region which each symbol 54 occupies. One edge 56 of the display belt 52 is provided with one reference mark 58 and a plurality of symbol marks 60 corresponding to each symbol 54, and the reference mark 58 is approximately twice as long as the symbol mark 60. (The length of the display belt 52 in the winding direction).
The reference mark 58 also serves as the design mark 60, and the reference mark 58 and the design mark 60 correspond to the index mark. The display belt 52 itself transmits light sufficiently, but the reference mark 58 and the design mark 60 hardly transmit light.
[0054]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a tension part 64 in which a rotation shaft portion 62 is pivotally supported by the substrate 20 is disposed inside the display belt 52. A pair of tension rollers 66 are attached to the tension part 64 at the end opposite to the rotation shaft portion 62. These tension rollers 66 are rotatable around an axis.
[0055]
Further, a torsion spring 68 is externally fitted to the rotation shaft portion 62 of the tension part 64. One end portion of the torsion spring 68 is fixed to the substrate 20, and the other end portion is in contact with an arm portion 70 disposed between the rotation shaft portion 62 and the tension roller 66.
Due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 68, the tension part 64 prevents the display belt 52 from sagging by pressing the display belt 52 from the inside to the outside as shown in FIG.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 4, the display belt 52 is supported by a drive pulley 44, an idler pulley 50 and a tension roller 66. Further, when the display belt 52 moves between the drive pulley 44 and the idler pulley 50, the reference mark 58 and the symbol mark 60 cross the detection areas of the optical sensors 29 and 30. For this reason, the output levels of the optical sensors 29 and 30 change between high and low every time the reference mark 58 and the design mark 60 pass (low level in the detection state in this embodiment).
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 6, the output signals of the optical sensors 29 and 30 are input to the detection circuit 80. The detection circuit 80 outputs the detection signal (origin signal) of the reference mark 58 when the output levels of the optical sensor 29 and the optical sensor 30 are both low, and the output of the optical sensor 30 when the output of the optical sensor 29 is low. When the signal becomes high level, a detection signal (symbol signal) of the symbol mark 60 is transmitted to the control device 82.
[0058]
A drive circuit 84 is connected to the control device 82, and when the control device 82 sends a control pulse signal to the drive circuit 84, the drive circuit 84 supplies a drive pulse current amplified to the stepping motor 26. Thus, the control device 82 can control the operation and stop of the stepping motor 26, that is, the symbol display on each display unit 16 via the drive circuit 84.
[0059]
The detection signal from the detection circuit 80 and the pulse signal from the control device 82 are also output to the external output terminal 85. Therefore, these signals can be taken into the inspection device such as a personal computer from the external output terminal 85.
[0060]
In this embodiment, the control device 82, the detection circuit 80, and the drive circuit 84 are incorporated in a control board (not shown), and the external output terminal 85 is attached to the external output board (not shown) as a connector. .
[0061]
The outline of control of each stepping motor 26 by the control device 82, that is, control of scrolling and stopping the symbol 54 is as shown in FIG.
[0062]
In this process, when the start signal from the start lever 13 is input (S1: YES), the control device 82 starts the rotation of each stepping motor 26 (start of scroll display). At this time, after acceleration (S2) by so-called trapezoidal control, the stepping motor 26 is rotated at a constant speed (S3).
[0063]
When a stop command signal is input from the stop button 14 (S4: YES), the control device 82 stops the stepping motor 26 of the display unit 16 corresponding to the stop button 14 to scroll display the display unit 16. Is stopped (S5).
[0064]
When the three stop buttons 14 are respectively operated and the scrolling of the three display units 16 is stopped (S6: YES), whether or not a winning is established based on a combination of symbols 54 stopped on an effective winning line. If the winning is established, the payout device is controlled to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the winning (S7). The control device 82 performs bonus game execution control and the like.
[0065]
The control device 82 also performs position monitoring processing shown in FIG. 8 when controlling each stepping motor 26.
[0066]
In this process, every time an origin signal is input from the detection circuit 80 (S11: YES), the count number of the control pulse signal and the symbol count number sent to each drive circuit 84 are reset (both in this embodiment). If it is set to 0 (S12), the pulse signal is counted (S13). Based on the count of the pulse signals, it can be determined how much each display belt 52 is rotated with the reference mark 58 as the origin.
[0067]
When a symbol signal is input from the detection circuit 80 (S14: YES), the symbol count is incremented by 1 (S15), collated with the count value of the pulse signal, and recognized based on the pulse signal count. The rotation amount of the displayed belt 52 (position of the symbol 54) is corrected (S16).
[0068]
As described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention, the number of pulse signals sent to the drive circuit 84 (the number of drive pulses supplied to the stepping motor 26) and the rotation amount of the display belt 52 do not necessarily match. The position of each symbol 54 can be accurately recognized by the process of S16. Therefore, when stopping the stepping motor 26, the symbols 54 can be accurately aligned and stopped on the winning line.
[0069]
Further, since the slot machine 10 can output the detection signal of the detection circuit 80 and the pulse signal from the control device 82 to the outside of the machine from the external output terminal 85, the detection signal is taken into the inspection device such as a personal computer from the external output terminal 85. Thus, the operation of the display belt 52 (the fluctuation state of the symbol 54, the stop position, etc.) can be inspected based on the detection signal of the detection circuit 80. At that time, a pulse signal can also be used for inspection determination.
[0070]
It is not indirect information based only on the control pulse signal for the stepping motor 26 (or the drive pulse supplied to the stepping motor 26), but directly by the reference mark 58 and the symbol mark 60 provided corresponding to the symbol 54. The inspection decision is very accurate because it is based on accurate information.
[0071]
In addition, even if the transmission system from the stepping motor 26 to the display belt 52 is defective or the stepping motor 26 is out of step and the rotation of the display belt 52 becomes unstable, the display belt is free from such problems. 52 operations can be inspected.
[0072]
Even if the display belt 52 overruns when stopped, the stop position can be reliably inspected and determined.
[0073]
Here, in the slot machine 10, an example of an inspection device for inspecting the time from when the player presses one of the stop buttons 14 until the scroll display on the display unit 16 corresponding to the stop button is stopped. This will be described with reference to FIG.
[0074]
As shown in FIG. 10, the inspection device 100 is connected to an external output terminal 85 of the slot machine 10 and a signal line 14 a extending from the stop button 14 to the control device 82. Here, a terminal for outputting a stop command signal output from the stop button 14 to the control device 82 to the outside of the machine may be newly provided. This is because it is possible to reduce labor for designing a new board or the like for connecting the inspection apparatus 100 to the signal line 14a extending from the stop button 14, and labor for connecting the inspection apparatus 82 to the board. The inspection apparatus 100 has an arithmetic processing function and can perform arithmetic processing as shown in FIG.
[0075]
In this calculation process, the inspection apparatus 100 first determines whether or not a stop command signal is output to the signal line 14a extending from the stop button 14 (S101). When it is determined that the stop command signal is output (S101: YES), the determination time is stored (S102).
[0076]
Subsequently, input of a detection signal from the detection circuit 80 of the display unit 16 corresponding to the stop button 14 to which the stop command signal has been output is started (S103).
[0077]
Based on the change state of the detection signal, the scroll stop time in the display unit 16 is calculated (S104). As a method for calculating the scroll stop time, for example, (1) “the input interval of the low level signal generated when the reference mark 58 and the design mark 60 pass through the optical paths of the optical sensors 29 and 30 is a predetermined stop determination time. The calculation method in which it is determined whether the time is within the stop determination time, and the time when it is determined that the time is within the stop determination time is set as the scroll stop time. It is possible to employ various calculation methods, such as “adding the correction time to the scroll stop time”.
[0078]
Then, the stop required time is calculated by subtracting the stop command time stored in S102 from the scroll stop time calculated in S104 (S105). Based on this calculated value, various processes such as displaying the required stop time, determining whether the required stop time satisfies a predetermined condition, and displaying the determination result are executed (S106).
[0079]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described according to the Example, this invention is not limited to such an Example, and it cannot be overemphasized that it can implement variously in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.
[0080]
For example, in the embodiment, one index mark (reference mark 58 and symbol mark 60) is provided for each symbol 54, but a plurality of index marks may be provided for each symbol. As the index marks are arranged at a higher density, the operation of the display belt 52 (the variation state of the symbol 54, the stop position, etc.) can be determined with higher accuracy.
[0081]
Further, although a stepping motor is employed as a drive source, other types of motors may be used.
[0082]
When the reel 90 illustrated in FIG. 9 is used as the rotating body, the index mark 92 may be provided in a gear shape on the inner side of the rim 91 that supports the film on which the design is printed. May be provided. In these cases, the index mark corresponding to the reference mark 58 may be made distinguishable from other tooth crests, for example, by having a size corresponding to two other tooth crests. Moreover, a valley portion (space portion) can be used as an index mark instead of a tooth crest.
[0083]
In the slot machine of the present embodiment described above, since the pulse signal sent from the control device to the drive circuit is sent to the inspection device via the external output terminal, in the inspection device, the “stop command signal”, Three signals of “the pulse signal” and “index mark detection signal” are received. Therefore, it is possible to accurately grasp the deviation between the stop control of the stepping motor by the pulse signal and the actual stop of the display belt from the time when the stop command signal is output (when the stop button is searched) until the display belt is actually stopped. And a remarkable and peculiar effect that the design labor for the stop control of the display belt can be reduced. The inspection device here is not limited to an inspection device for checking whether or not the gaming machine satisfies a predetermined rule, but an inspection device for performance inspection at the time of design, assembly, factory shipment, etc. Including.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display unit provided in the slot machine of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a display unit provided in the slot machine of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a side view of a display unit provided in the slot machine of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a development view of a display belt attached to the display unit.
FIG. 6 is an electric block diagram of a portion related to control of the display unit.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of symbol control processing executed by the control device of the slot machine of the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of position monitoring processing executed by the control device of the slot machine of the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which index marks are provided in a gear shape.
FIG. 10 is an electric block diagram in a state where an inspection apparatus is connected.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of calculation processing executed by the inspection apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Slot machine (game machine),
16 ... display unit,
26 ... Stepping motor,
29... Optical sensor (detection means)
30: Optical sensor (detection means),
52... Display belt (rotating body),
54 ...
58 ... Reference mark (index mark),
60 ... design mark (index mark),
80... Detection circuit (detection means)
82... Control device (control means)
84 ... Drive circuit,
85: External output terminal,
90 ... reel (rotary body),
92 ... index mark,
100: Inspection apparatus.

Claims (11)

A plurality of rotating bodies provided with a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction, and each rotating body is provided at predetermined intervals along the rotation direction, at least a part of which is provided in any of the plurality of symbols. The associated index mark,
In order to rotationally drive each of the rotating bodies, a plurality of motors provided for each rotating body,
A plurality of index mark detection means for detecting an index mark provided on each rotating body;
Control means for driving and controlling the motors with reference to detection signals from the index mark detection means;
A start command signal output means for outputting a start command signal for instructing the rotation start of each rotating body to the control means;
In the gaming machine provided with a stop command signal output means for outputting a stop command signal for stopping each of the plurality of rotating bodies individually to the control means, the stop command signal is output after the stop command signal is output. A gaming machine inspection method for inspecting a time until a rotating body that is a target of a command signal actually stops,
The detection signal of the index mark detection means corresponding to the rotating body that is the target of the stop command signal is output from the gaming machine to the outside,
Based on this detection signal and a stop command signal from the stop command signal output means, it is configured to detect a time from when the stop command signal is output until the rotating body actually stops. A gaming machine inspection method. A plurality of rotating bodies provided with a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction, and each rotating body is provided at predetermined intervals along the rotation direction, at least a part of which is provided in any of the plurality of symbols. The associated index mark,
In order to rotationally drive each of the rotating bodies, a plurality of motors provided for each rotating body,
A plurality of index mark detection means for detecting an index mark provided on each rotating body;
Control means for driving and controlling the motors with reference to detection signals from the index mark detection means;
A start command signal output means for outputting a start command signal for instructing the rotation start of each rotating body to the control means;
In the gaming machine provided with a stop command signal output means for outputting a stop command signal for stopping each of the plurality of rotating bodies individually to the control means, the stop command signal is output after the stop command signal is output. A gaming machine inspection device that inspects the time until the rotating body that is the target of the command signal actually stops,
Index mark detection signal input means for inputting a detection signal by the index mark detection means;
Stop command signal input means for inputting a stop command signal from the stop command signal output means;
Based on the detection signal input to the index mark detection signal input unit and the stop command signal input to the stop command signal input unit, until the rotating body actually stops after the stop command signal is output A game machine inspection device comprising: a time detection means for detecting the time of the game. In the gaming machine inspection device according to claim 2,
The time detection means;
Stop command signal input time counting means for timing the input time of the stop command signal to the stop command signal input means;
A stop time calculation means for calculating a stop time of the rotating body based on a change state of a detection signal input to the index mark detection signal input means,
A gaming machine configured to detect a time from when a stop command signal is output to when the rotating body actually stops from a stop time of the rotating body and an input time of the stop command signal Inspection device. A rotating body provided with a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction;
Index marks provided at predetermined intervals along the rotation direction with respect to the rotating body,
A motor for rotationally driving the rotating body;
Index mark detecting means for detecting the index mark;
Control means for driving and controlling the motor with reference to a detection signal from the index mark detection means;
A gaming machine comprising an external output terminal for outputting a detection signal of the index mark detection means from the gaming machine to the outside. The gaming machine according to claim 4,
Start command signal output means for outputting a start command signal for instructing the control means to start rotation of the rotating body;
A gaming machine comprising: a stop command signal output means for outputting a stop command signal for stopping the rotating body to the control means. In the gaming machine according to claim 4 or 5,
Provided with a plurality of rotating bodies provided with the index mark, provided with the index mark detection means and the motor for each rotating body,
A gaming state change means for changing a gaming state on the premise that the combination of symbols selected from each rotating body along the winning line is a specific combination. Machine. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
A gaming machine, wherein all or part of the index mark is associated with one of the plurality of symbols. The gaming machine according to claim 7,
A gaming machine comprising a corresponding symbol determination means for determining a symbol from an index mark associated with the symbol. The gaming machine according to claim 8,
One or more index marks meaning a reference position as the index marks,
The corresponding symbol determination means specifies the relationship between the index mark associated with the symbol and the symbol based on the positional relationship between the index mark indicating the reference position and other index marks on the rotating body. A gaming machine comprising a corresponding symbol specifying means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 4 to 9,
The rotating body is an endless belt;
The design and the index mark are printed on the endless belt,
A gaming machine, wherein the detecting means is constituted by an optical sensor. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 4 to 9,
The rotating body is an endless belt having a light-impermeable portion;
The index mark is formed in a hole shape so that light can pass through the light-impermeable portion,
The detection means is constituted by a transmissive optical sensor in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are paired,
The game machine characterized in that the track of the index mark crosses the optical path of the detection light of the transmissive optical sensor.

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