JP2007037771A - Game machine and rotary reel - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine, or the like by which a time for detecting the rotational position of a rotary reel can be shortened. <P>SOLUTION: In the rotary reel (40), projecting pieces (151) as indexes (150) are formed in each of patterns (61) respectively, the projecting pieces (151) are formed so that their length in a rotational direction differ for every pattern (61) respectively, a base body has a passage timing detecting means (140) capable of detecting a passage start timing and passage end timing of the indexes (150) and outputting the detecting signals, a rotational position detecting and controlling means (130) has a passage time measuring means (160) measuring the lapsed time from the passage start timing to the passage end timing as the passage time and a time unit rotational position determining means (170) determining the index (150) depending upon which pattern (61) passes by the lapsed time measured by the passage time measuring means (160) to detect the rotational position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a rotating reel used therefor.

  As a rotating reel used in a gaming machine such as a conventional slot machine, a position detection start index for detecting a rotating position during rotation is formed. A conventional start index for position detection is formed only once at a part of the rotating reel. FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the reel tape 42 of the conventional rotary reel 40 and the protruding piece 151. Specifically, the start index for position detection is a plate-like protruding piece protruding from the rotating reel. A sensor capable of detecting passage of the start index is formed on the peripheral member of the rotary reel. As this sensor, an optical photo sensor, a magnetic sensor for detecting a change in magnetic force, or the like is used. Then, after the rotation by the drive motor is started, the current position can be specified by recognizing the rotation angle after the start index is detected by the sensor. And stop control is performed by stopping at a predetermined angle.

In addition, there are some in which a plurality of indexes are provided in a plurality of rotation columns, and a plurality of sensors capable of detecting the index of each column are arranged corresponding to the plurality of columns (for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-136640 (FIGS. 9, 10, 12, and 13)

However, the above-described conventional rotating reel having only one start index has a first problem that it takes a maximum of one turn to detect the rotational position of the rotating reel. .
In addition, as in the above-described document 1, a plurality of indexes and sensors corresponding to the indexes are required to have a plurality of sensors for detecting a plurality of rows of indexes, and the mechanism is complicated. There was a second problem of becoming.
In addition, the conventional method for detecting the rotational position of the rotating reel based on the passing time of the index is after the rotational speed of the rotating reel has reached the steady rotational speed, and the rotational speed is maintained constant. It is assumed that Therefore, when the rotational speed of the rotating reel does not reach the steady rotational speed or when the rotating speed of the rotating reel fluctuates, the third position in which the rotational position of the rotating reel cannot be accurately detected. There was a problem.

Accordingly, each invention described in each claim has been made in view of the problems of the conventional techniques described above, and the object thereof is as follows.
(Invention 1) That is, the invention described in claim 1 has been made in view of the first and second problems of the prior art described above, and the object is to rotate the rotating reel. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can shorten the detection time until position detection.
That is, the invention described in claim 2 is made in view of the first problem of the conventional technique described above, and the object is to detect the rotational position of the rotary reel. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotating reel capable of shortening the detection time until.

(Claim 3) That is, the invention described in claim 3 has been made in view of the first, second, and third problems of the prior art described above, and its object is to rotate It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can shorten the detection time until the detection of the rotational position of the rotating reel without being affected by the rotational speed of the reel.
That is, the invention described in claim 4 has been made in view of the first and third problems of the prior art described above, and the object is to rotate the rotating reel. An object of the present invention is to provide a rotating reel that is not affected by the speed and that can shorten the detection time until the rotation position of the rotating reel is detected.

(Claim 1)
(Features) The invention described in claim 1 is characterized by the following points. That is, a drive motor (120) that is fixed to a base (specifically, for example, a frame (62) of the reel unit (60)) and generates a rotational drive force, and a rotational drive shaft ( 63) and a rotational position detection control means for detecting the rotational position of the drive motor (120) and a cylindrical rotary reel (40) having a plurality of symbols (61) drawn on the outer peripheral surface thereof In the gaming machine (10) provided with (130), the rotating reel (40) has a protruding piece (151) as an index (150) formed so as to correspond to each symbol (61), and the protruding The pieces (151) are formed with different lengths in the rotation direction for each corresponding symbol (61), and the base detects the passage start timing and passage end timing of the index (150), and detects signals A single passage timing detection means (140) capable of outputting the rotation position detection control means (130) After the elapse of a predetermined time when the rotating reel (40) reaches a steady rotational speed, the elapsed time from the passage start timing to the passage end timing is calculated based on the detection signal from the passage timing detection means (140). The index (150) corresponding to any symbol (61) has passed by the passing time measuring means (160) that measures the passing time of the index (150) and the elapsed time measured by the passing time measuring means (160). And a time unit rotational position determining means (170) for detecting the rotational position of the rotating reel (40).

  In the present invention, the symbols (61) on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel (40) are given different symbol numbers depending on the display positions of the symbols (61), and the passing timing detecting means (140) is an index. (150) a passage timing detection sensor (141) for detecting the passage start timing and passage end timing, and when the detection of the index (150) is started by the passage timing detection sensor (141), an index detection start signal is output, Index signal output means (142) for outputting an index detection end signal when the detection of the index (150) is completed, and the time unit rotational position determination means (170) includes a predetermined rotary reel (40 ), The time unit index information storage means (171) that stores the passing time of each index (150) from the rotational speed (hereinafter referred to as “basic passing time”), and the passing time measuring means (160). ), The basic transit time selecting means (172) for selecting the basic transit time that is closest to the transit time of the index (150) measured by), and the pattern corresponding to the basic transit time selected by the basic transit time selecting means (172) Time unit symbol number determining means (173) for determining the number, and hour unit symbol position determining means for determining the rotational position of the rotating reel (40) from the symbol number determined by the hour unit symbol number determining means (173) (174) and the like.

  (Operation) In the present invention, the protruding piece (151) as the index (150) is formed so as to correspond to each symbol (61) on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary reel (40). Then, the passage timing detection means (140) detects the passage start timing and passage end timing of each index (150). Then, the passage time measuring means (160) measures the elapsed time from the passage start timing to the passage end timing as the passage time of the index (150). Then, the time unit rotational position determining means (170) calculates which symbol (150) corresponding to which symbol (61) has passed, based on the passing time measured by the passing time measuring means (160). The current rotational position of (40) can be detected.

  Since the present invention is formed so that the index (150) corresponds to each symbol (61), if the rotational speed of the rotating reel (40) reaches a predetermined value, the symbol (150) of each symbol (61) When the passage start timing and the passage end timing of the index (150) are detected by the passage timing detection means (140), the rotational position can be detected as described above. That is, if the passage start timing and the passage end timing of the index (150) of one symbol (61) can be detected by the passage timing detection means (140), the passage time is measured and the index (150) Can be detected and the rotational position of the rotating reel (40) can be detected. Therefore, if the passage time of the index (150) of one symbol (61) can be detected by the passage timing detection means (140) and the passage time measurement means (160), the symbol corresponding to the index (150) ( 61) can be detected, and the rotational position of the rotating reel (40) can be detected.

As a result, it is possible to avoid that the rotating reel has to rotate a maximum of one turn in order to detect the rotating position, as compared with a rotating reel having only one index. The detection time until the rotation position is detected can be shortened. Further, the time until the rotation of the rotating reel (40) is detected can be made substantially constant regardless of the rotation position where the rotating reel (40) is stopped.
In the present invention, the passage start timing and passage end timing of all indexes (150) are detected by a single passage timing detection means (140), and the passage time is measured by a passage time measurement means (160). Therefore, a plurality of sensors or the like for detecting a plurality of columns of indexes are not required. Thereby, only one passage timing detection means (140) is required as a sensor, and the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced as compared with a sensor requiring a plurality of sensors.

(Claim 2)
(Features) The invention described in claim 2 is characterized by the following points. That is, a rotary reel (40) of a gaming machine (10) coupled to a rotary drive shaft (63) of a drive motor (120) fixed to a base, wherein the rotary reel (40) has a plurality of outer peripheral surfaces. Are formed in a cylindrical shape on which the pattern (61) is drawn, and the protruding pieces (151) as the index (150) are formed so as to correspond to the respective patterns (61), and the protruding pieces (151) Each of the corresponding symbols (61) are formed with different lengths in the rotation direction, and the base (9) has the index ((2)) after a predetermined time elapses when the rotary reel (40) reaches a steady rotational speed. 150) has a single passage timing detection means (140) capable of detecting the passage start timing and passage end timing and outputting a detection signal, and the index (in accordance with the detection result of the passage timing detection means (140)) Index corresponding to any design (61) It is determined that whether or not (150) has passed and the rotational position of the rotary reel (40) can be detected.

  (Operation) The rotating reel (40) according to the present invention is formed with protruding pieces (151) corresponding respectively to a plurality of symbols on the outer peripheral surface. The length of the protruding piece (151) in the rotation direction is different for each protruding piece (151). For this reason, after the rotational speed of the rotating reel (40) reaches the steady rotational speed, the passage timing detection means (140) detects the passage start timing and passage end timing of the index (150), and the detection result If the passing time of the index (150) is measured, it is possible to determine which index (150) has passed, and it is possible to specify the symbol position corresponding to the index (150).

  Therefore, if the passage start timing and the passage end timing of the index (150) of any one of the symbols (61) among the plurality of symbols (61) can be detected by the passage timing detection means (140), the index. The type of the symbol (61) corresponding to (150) can be detected, and the rotational position of the rotating reel (40) can be detected. Thus, in order to detect the rotational position, the rotating reel (40) has to rotate a maximum of one turn compared to a rotating reel having only one index around the rotating reel. Can be avoided, and the detection time until the detection of the rotational position can be shortened. Further, the time until the rotation of the rotating reel (40) is detected can be made substantially constant regardless of the rotation position where the rotating reel (40) is stopped.

(Claim 3)
(Features) The invention described in claim 3 is characterized by the following points. That is, a drive motor (120) including a stepping motor (122) that is fixed to a base (specifically, for example, a frame body (62) of a reel unit (60)) and generates a rotational drive force, and the drive motor Detects the rotational position of the drive motor (120) and the cylindrical rotary reel (40) connected to the rotary drive shaft (63) of the (120) and having a plurality of symbols (61) drawn on the outer peripheral surface. In the gaming machine (10) provided with the rotational position detection control means (130) for performing the above, the rotating reel (40) corresponds to the projecting piece (151) as the index (150) to each symbol (61). Each of the protruding pieces (151) is formed such that an angle in a rotation direction of the protruding piece (151) is an integral multiple of a step angle of the stepping motor (122), and the protruding piece (151) has a corresponding pattern ( 61) The number of passing steps corresponding to the angle of the rotation direction is different every time, and the base is It has a single passage timing detection means (140) capable of detecting the passage start timing and passage end timing of the index (150) and outputting a detection signal, and the rotational position detection control means (130) Based on the detection signal from the timing detection means (140), the number of steps of the stepping motor (122) that passed from the passage start timing to the passage end timing is measured as the number of passage steps of the index (150). By means of the means (180) and the number of passage steps measured by the passage step number measuring means (180), it is determined which index (150) corresponding to which symbol (61) has passed, and the rotating reel (40) And a step unit rotational position determining means (190) for detecting the rotational position of the step.

The present invention is such that one index (150) corresponds to one symbol (61) in a plurality of symbols (61) around the rotating reel (40). .
Here, the “stepping motor” is a motor used for high-precision positioning that rotates by a certain angle (step angle) every time a pulse signal is input. Since there is a large holding force even in the stop state, the stop position can be maintained without relying on a mechanical brake or the like. Here, the “step angle” means an angle at which the stepping motor moves when one pulse is input to the motor driver 121 by the stepping motor.

  In the present invention, the symbols (61) on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel (40) are given different symbol numbers depending on the display positions of the symbols (61), and the passing timing detecting means (140) is an index. When the detection of the index (150) is started by the passage timing detection sensor (141) that detects the start and end of passage of (150) and the passage timing detection sensor (141), an index detection start signal is output, and the index ( When the detection of 150) is completed, an index signal output means (142) for outputting an index detection end signal is provided, and the step unit rotational position determination means (190) is set in advance for each index (150). The step unit index information storage means (191) that stores the number of passage steps and the symbol number corresponding to the number of passage steps of the index (150) measured by the passage step number measurement means (180) Step unit symbol number determining means (192) for determining the step reel symbol position determining means for determining the rotational position of the rotating reel (40) from the symbol number determined by the step unit symbol number determining means (192) ( 193) and the like.

  (Operation) In the present invention, the protruding piece (151) as the index (150) is formed so as to correspond to each symbol (61) on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary reel (40). The angle in the rotation direction of the protruding piece (151) is formed to be an integral multiple of the step angle of the stepping motor (122). Then, the passage step number detection sensor (200) detects the passage start timing and passage end timing of each index (150). Then, the passage step number measuring means (180) measures the number of steps of the stepping motor (122) that has passed from the passage start timing to the passage end timing as the passage step number of the index (150). The protruding piece (151) is formed so that the number of passing steps corresponding to the angle in the rotation direction differs for each corresponding symbol (61). For this reason, the step unit rotational position determining means (190) determines, based on the number of passing steps, which index (150) corresponding to which symbol (61) has passed, and the current rotation of the rotating reel (40). The position can be detected.

  In the present invention, the index (150) having a different number of passing steps corresponds to each symbol (61). For this reason, even if the rotational speed of the rotating reel (40) does not reach a predetermined numerical value (steady rotational speed), the passage start timing and passage end timing of the index (150) of each symbol (61) are detected, When the number of passing steps is measured by the passing step number measuring means (180), the index (150) can be identified, the corresponding symbol can be identified, and the rotational position of the rotating reel (40) can be detected. be able to. That is, if the number of passing steps of the index (150) of any one of the symbols (61) can be detected, the type of the symbol (61) corresponding to the index (150) And the rotational position of the rotary reel (40) can be detected. For this reason, it is possible to avoid that the rotating reel has to rotate a maximum of one turn in order to detect the rotation position, as compared with a rotating reel having only one index. The detection time until the rotation position is detected can be shortened. Further, the time until the rotation of the rotating reel (40) is detected can be made substantially constant regardless of the rotation position where the rotating reel (40) is stopped.

In the present invention, the passage start timing and passage end timing of all indexes (150) are detected by a single passage timing detection means (140), and the number of passage steps is measured by a passage step number measurement means (180). The number of passing steps is measured. This eliminates the need for a plurality of sensors or the like for forming and detecting a plurality of columns of indexes. Thereby, only one passage timing detection means (140) is required as a sensor, and the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced as compared with a sensor requiring a plurality of sensors.
The present invention provides an index (150) having a different number of steps corresponding to each symbol (61), by means of a passage timing detecting means (140) and a passage step number measuring means (180). Along with the rotation, the number of passing steps is measured. The step unit rotational position determining means (190) detects which symbol (61) has passed based on the number of passing steps. That is, the step unit rotational position determining means (190) detects the number of passing steps, not the passing time. Therefore, even if the rotational speed of the rotating reel (40) is not affected by the rotational speed of the rotating reel (40) and the rotational speed of the rotating reel (40) does not reach the steady rotational speed, the rotational speed of the rotating reel (40) The rotational position of the rotating reel (40) can be detected without being affected by the rotating speed of the rotating reel (40) even when the rotating speed is not fixed at a constant rotational speed. it can. Therefore, it is not necessary to start the game and wait until the rotational speed of the rotary reel (40) reaches the steady rotational speed, and the progress of the game can be accelerated.

(Claim 4)
(Features) The invention described in claim 4 is characterized by the following points. That is, a rotary reel (40) of a gaming machine (10) connected to a rotary drive shaft (63) of a drive motor (120) consisting of a stepping motor (122) fixed to a base, the rotary reel (40 ) Is formed in a cylindrical shape with a plurality of symbols (61) drawn on the outer peripheral surface, and a protruding piece (151) as an index (150) is formed to correspond to each symbol (61). The projecting pieces (151) are formed with different numbers of passage steps corresponding to the lengths in the rotation direction for the corresponding symbols (61), and the base body has a passage start timing and passage of the index (150). It has a single passage timing detection means (140) that can detect the end timing and output a detection signal. Based on the detection result of the passage timing detection means (140), the number of passage steps of the index (150) is measured. The index (150) corresponding to any symbol (61) It is formed so as to be able to detect the rotational position of the rotary reel (40) by determining whether it has passed.

  (Operation) The rotating reel (40) according to the present invention is formed such that the protruding piece (151) as the index (150) corresponds to each symbol (61) on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel (40). Yes. The angle in the rotation direction of the protruding piece (151) is formed to be an integral multiple of the step angle of the stepping motor (122). The protruding piece (151) is formed so that the number of passing steps corresponding to the angle in the rotation direction differs for each corresponding symbol (61). For this reason, if the passage timing detection means (140) detects the passage start timing and passage end timing of the index (150) and measures the number of passage steps of the index (150) based on the detection result, any index is obtained. It is possible to determine whether (150) has passed, and it is possible to specify the symbol position corresponding to the index (150).

  Therefore, if the passage start timing and the passage end timing of the index (150) of any one of the symbols (61) among the plurality of symbols (61) can be detected by the passage timing detection means (140), the index. The type of the symbol (61) corresponding to (150) can be detected, and the rotational position of the rotating reel (40) can be detected. Thus, in order to detect the rotational position, the rotating reel (40) has to rotate a maximum of one turn compared to a rotating reel having only one index around the rotating reel. Can be avoided, and the detection time until the detection of the rotational position can be shortened. Further, the time until the rotation of the rotating reel (40) is detected can be made substantially constant regardless of the rotation position where the rotating reel (40) is stopped.

  The rotating reel (40) according to the present invention is formed to be an integral multiple of the step angle such that the angle of the protruding piece (151) in the rotating direction differs for each symbol around the rotating reel (40). Then, the rotational position of the rotating reel (40) is detected by detecting the number of passing steps of the protruding piece (151). That is, the information necessary for detecting the rotational position is the number of passing steps, not the passing time. Therefore, even if the rotational speed of the rotating reel (40) is not affected by the rotational speed of the rotating reel (40) and the rotational speed of the rotating reel (40) does not reach the steady rotational speed, the rotational speed of the rotating reel (40) The rotational position of the rotating reel (40) can be detected without being affected by the rotating speed of the rotating reel (40) even when the rotating speed is not fixed at a constant rotational speed. It is possible. Accordingly, it is not necessary to start the game and wait until the rotational speed of the rotary reel (40) reaches the steady rotational speed, and the progress of the game can be accelerated.

Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exists an effect as described below.
(Claim 1) According to the invention of claim 1, the following effects can be obtained. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of shortening the detection time until the detection of the rotational position of the rotary reel.
(Claim 2) According to invention of Claim 2, there exist the following effects. That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a rotating reel that can shorten the detection time until the rotation position of the rotating reel is detected.
(Claim 3) According to invention of Claim 3, there exist the following effects. That is, according to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine capable of shortening the detection time until the detection of the rotational position of the rotating reel without being affected by the rotational speed of the rotating reel. can do.

  (Claim 4) According to invention of Claim 4, there exist the following effects. That is, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotary reel that is not affected by the rotational speed of the rotary reel and that can shorten the detection time until the detection of the rotational position of the rotary reel. can do.

(First form)
(Explanation of Drawings) FIGS. 1 to 11 show a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external perspective view of a rotating reel, FIG. 2 is a schematic conceptual diagram of a relationship between a pattern on a reel tape and a protruding piece, and FIG. 3 is a partial schematic conceptual diagram of a relationship between a pattern on the reel tape and a protruding piece, 4 is a schematic diagram of points of the concept of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of input, control and output of the gaming machine, FIG. 6 is a block diagram of rotational position detection control means, FIG. 7 is an external front view of the gaming machine, FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 respectively show a schematic flow of the operation of the gaming machine.
(Gaming Machine 10) The gaming machine 10 includes a square box-shaped casing 11, as shown in FIG. The gaming machine 10 is specifically a so-called slot machine, but may be another gaming machine such as a pachinko that uses the rotating reel 40. A display window 12 having a substantially square window shape facing the player side is formed from the central part to the upper part of the casing 11. A symbol display window 13 through which the symbols 61 of the three rotary reels 40, that is, so-called stop symbols 61, can be seen is formed in the approximate center of the display window 12.

  The rotating reel 40 includes a left rotating reel 43 positioned on the left end side in FIG. 7, a right rotating reel 45 positioned on the right end side in FIG. 7, and the left rotating reel 43 and the right rotating reel 45. And a central rotating reel 44 located at the center. On the front side of the gaming machine 10, although not particularly shown, a total of five winning lines are formed, three in the horizontal direction and two in the diagonal direction on the left and right diagonal lines. This winning line is a winning effective line in which winning is valid according to the number of inserted medals. Specifically, when the number of inserted game medals is 1, one of the five horizontal winning lines is the winning effective line. When the number of inserted game medals is 2, three of the five winning lines are the winning effective lines. Then, when the number of game medals inserted is 3, all of the five winning lines including the diagonal lines are winning effective lines.

Inside the gaming machine 10, although not shown, a control device 20 (see FIG. 1) for controlling the overall operation of the gaming machine 10 is incorporated.
(Control Device 20) Although not shown, the control device 20 is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. Then, the CPU has the following (1) game control device 21 and (2) effect control device 22 by reading the program stored in the ROM.
As shown in FIG. 1, by operating the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50, a game control device 21 for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40, and an effect for controlling the notification means 66 such as a lamp and a speaker. A control device 22 is incorporated. Further, although one CPU is arranged in each of the game control device 21 and the effect control device 22, it is not particularly limited to this, and may be controlled by one CPU, or two or more. The CPU may be controlled. Further, the CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and the like may be integrated to form a one chip.

(Game Control Device 21) This game control device 21 functions as the following means.
(1) Game control means 27
(2) Winning lottery 110
(3) Rotation position detection control means 130
Further, the game control device 21 is not limited to the means (1) to (3) described above, and may include other means.
(Production Control Device 22) The production control device 22 is mainly related to production data, and controls the notification lamp 69, the speaker 67, and the notification means 66 of the display device 68. In order to secure the reliability of the internal data of the game control device 21, the exchange of signals between the game control device 21 and the effect control device 22 is set to be one-way. That is, it is set so that only an output signal is sent from the game control device 21 toward the effect control device 22, and no signal is sent from the effect control device 22 toward the game control device 21. Thereby, the data protection of the game control device 21 having data relating to the lottery such as the winning rate can be facilitated. The effect control device 22 functions as the following means.

(1) Production data storage means 25
(2) Production control means 26
Further, the production control device 22 is not limited to the above-described means, and may include other means.
Input means for sending a signal to the control device 20 is mainly arranged on the input side of the control device 20, and output means for mainly sending a signal from the control device 20 is arranged on the output side of the control device 20. Yes.
(Input Means) The following parts are connected to the input side of the control device 20 as shown in FIG.

(1) Switch 15
(2) Bet switch 16
(3) Checkout switch 17
(4) Start switch 30 (start operation means 31)
(5) Stop switch 50 (stop operation means 51)
(6) Passing timing detection means 140 (141, 142)
Note that the input means is not limited to the parts (1) to (6) described above.

(Output Means) As shown in FIG. 5, the following parts are connected to the output side of the control device 20.
(1) Reel unit 60
(2) Dispensing device 65
(3) Notification means 66 (notification lamp 69, speaker 67 and display device 68)
The output means is not limited to the parts (1) to (3) described above.
(Insertion Switch 15) As shown in FIG. 7, the insertion switch 15 is a switch positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40, and detects a game medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 18 of the game medal. Is.

(Bet Switch 16) As shown in FIG. 7, the bet switch 16 is a switch located below the rotary reel 40, and is for reducing the number of stored medals and replacing it with medals.
(Settlement Switch 17) As shown in FIG. 7, the settlement switch 17 is a switch located obliquely below the rotary reel 40, and is used for paying out the stored inserted medal.
(Start switch 30) The start switch 30 is a change start operation means 31 that can be changed by a player in order to shift the rotation stop display of the rotary reel 40 as the symbol display means to a rotation change display. As shown in FIG. 7, the lever is located obliquely below the rotary reel 40, subject to the insertion of a game medal or the bet switch 16, or at the time of "replay (replay)" This is for starting the driving of the reel unit 60 on the condition that a predetermined time has passed.

Here, “replay (Replay)” means that the “replay (Replay)” flag is set by the lottery of the winning lottery means 110, and “replay (Replay)” When the symbols are aligned on the winning line, the game can be played again in the next game without newly inserting a game medal.
(Stop switch 50) The stop switch 50 is a variable stop operation in which a plurality of symbol display means can be stopped independently by a player in order to shift the rotation variation display of the symbol display means to a rotation stop display. Means 51 for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the stop switch 50 includes three switches corresponding to each rotary reel 40, and one stop switch 50 is disposed below each rotary reel 40. The rotation reel 40 corresponding to the rotation reel 40 is set to stop rotating by a stop operation such as pressing or touching the stop switch 50 corresponding to the rotation reel 40 with a finger.

(Passing timing detecting means 140) The passing timing detecting means 140 detects a passing start timing and a passing end timing of a protruding piece 151 as an index 150, which will be described later, and detects a detection signal (an index detection start signal and an index detection end signal, which will be described later). ) Is a single sensor that can output. As shown in FIG. 1, a total of three passage timing detection means 140 are formed on the frame body 62 of the reel unit 60 as a base, one for each rotary reel 40. The passage timing detection means 140 includes the following (1) and (2).
(1) Passing timing detection sensor 141
(2) Index signal output means 142
(Passing Timing Detection Sensor 141) The passing timing detection sensor 141 is a sensor for detecting the passing start timing and the passing end timing of the index 150. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the passage timing detection sensor 141 is an optical sensor having a substantially U-shaped overall shape, and a U-shaped region in which the protruding piece 151 of the rotating reel 40 rotates is moved. It is arranged so as to be sandwiched between parts. A light emitting element (LED) is embedded at one end of the U-shaped inner surface of the passage timing detection sensor 141, and a light receiving element (phototransistor) is embedded at the other end of the U-shaped inner surface. Then, as the protruding piece 151 moves through the U-shaped interior, the light from the light emitting element is blocked, and the position of the protruding piece 151 can be detected. Specifically, the passage timing detection sensor 141 detects the timing at which the protruding piece 151 blocks the light from the light emitting element as the passage start timing. Then, the passage timing detection sensor 141 detects, as the passage end timing, the timing at which the protruding piece 151 further moves from the state where the light from the light emitting element is blocked by the protruding piece 151 and can be received by the light receiving element. .

(Index signal output means 142) The index signal output means 142 outputs an index detection start signal when the detection of the index 150 is started by the passage timing detection sensor 141, and an index detection end signal when the detection of the index is finished. Is output. Specifically, the index signal output means 142 outputs an index detection start signal when the passage timing detection sensor 141 detects the passage start timing. The index signal output means 142 outputs an index detection end signal when the passage timing detection sensor 141 detects the passage end timing.
(Reel unit 60 (rotary reel 40, motor driver 121, drive motor 120)) The reel unit 60 includes a plurality of symbol display means 41 for displaying rotation variation display or rotation stop display of a plurality of arranged symbols. It is what. The symbol display means 41 is a cylindrical rotary reel 40 in which 21 symbols are evenly arranged around the periphery. The 21 symbols 61 on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary reel 40 are given different symbol numbers depending on the display positions of the symbols 61 as shown in FIG. A stepping motor 122 as a drive motor 120 that is a rotation drive source for rotating the rotation reel 40 is fixed to the rotation drive shaft 63 of the rotation reel 40. The drive motor 120 generates a rotational driving force fixed to the frame body 62 that is a base of the reel unit 60. In the reel unit 60, a motor driver 121 for rotating the drive motor 120 is formed. The motor driver 121 is supplied with driving power for rotationally driving the stepping motor 122 by receiving a pulse signal as a control signal from the game control device 21. The stepping motor 122 is set to rotate 360 degrees, that is, one round in 504 steps. The stepping motor 122 is set to rotate by one step angle (specifically, 0.7142 ·· °) when a one-pulse control signal is input to the motor driver 121. That is, when a control signal of 504 pulses is input to the motor driver 121, the stepping motor 122 rotates 360 degrees, that is, one rotation. Since 21 symbols are arranged around the rotary reel 40, when a 24 pulse control signal is input to the motor driver 121, the stepping motor 122 moves 24 steps, resulting in a rotation of 24 step angles. It is set to move and rotate by one symbol.

  The reel unit 60 includes three drive motors 120 that are fixed or supported on a frame body, and three rotary reels 40 that are fixed to the rotation drive shaft 63 of each drive motor 120, although not particularly illustrated. ing. Each rotary reel 40 includes a bottomed cylindrical reel frame-shaped portion 46 made of synthetic resin, and a tape-shaped reel tape 42 attached around the reel frame-shaped portion 46. On the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape 42, a plurality of (for example, 21) symbols 61 are displayed. The reel frame-like portion 46 is formed into a skeleton shape, that is, a frame shape as a whole, and is reduced in weight. The reel frame-shaped portion 46 includes a cylindrical reel cylindrical portion 47, a ring-shaped ring-shaped portion 49 attached to one circumferential side edge (right side in FIG. 1) of the reel cylindrical portion 47, Three reel support shaft portions 48 extending from the inner peripheral edge of the ring-shaped portion 49 toward the rotation drive shaft 63 are provided. The ring-shaped portion 49 is formed with a square plate-shaped protruding piece 151 that protrudes in the axial direction from the inner surface side of the ring-shaped portion 49.

(Protruding piece 151) The protruding piece 151 is formed so that the protruding piece 151 as the index 150 corresponds to each symbol 61. Twenty-one protruding pieces 151 are formed so as to correspond to the 21 symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape 42 on a one-to-one basis. That is, a protruding piece 151 as one index 150 is formed for one symbol 61.
The protruding pieces 151 are formed with different lengths in the rotation direction for the corresponding symbols 61. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the length in the rotation direction of the protruding piece 151 as the index 150 corresponding to the symbol number 1 is formed to be the longest. And the length in the rotation direction of the projecting piece 151 corresponding to the symbol numbers 2, 3,... Is sequentially shortened, and the length in the rotation direction of the projecting piece 151 corresponding to the symbol number 21 is the largest. It is formed to be shorter. Of course, the arrangement of the projecting pieces 151 having different lengths in the rotational direction is not limited to this, and as the symbol number increases, the length of the projecting pieces 151 in the rotational direction may be increased. Alternatively, it may be arranged so that the length is random.

The protruding pieces 151 are arranged so that the front and back surfaces thereof are aligned on the same circumferential surface of the ring-shaped portion 49. The rotating reel 40 is arranged so as to be able to cross the U-shaped interior of the passage timing detection sensor 141 by rotating. Then, after the rotation by the drive motor 120 is started, the index 150 is identified by detecting the index passage start timing and the passage end timing, and measuring the index passage time, and corresponds to the index 150 It is formed so that the symbol number symbol can be specified and the current rotational position of the rotary reel 40 can be detected.
(Payout Device 65) The payout device 65 is a so-called hopper unit, and although not shown, can store a game medium that has been thrown in and, when winning, a predetermined number of game media toward the player Is for paying out medals.

  (Notification means 66) The notification means 66 is for notifying the player of winning, winning, etc. by sound, light or video. Specifically, the notification means 66 includes two left and right speakers 67 embedded in the lower part of the housing 11, and a display device 68 composed of a dot-like large panel LED disposed in the upper center of the display window 12. It is provided with five notification lamps 69 arranged on the peripheral edge of the display window 12. Then, the notification means 66 generates a winning sound or winning sound from the speaker 67 at the time of winning or winning under the control of the effect control device 22, and turns on or blinks the notification lamp 69, and also on the display device 68. By lighting up a design pattern or a character string, the player is notified of winning or winning.

(Game Control Unit 27) The game control unit 27 is for playing a game.
That is, when the start switch 30 is operated on the condition that the medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted, or on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous game at the time of “replay (Replay)”, the reel unit 60 is driven. The three reels 40 start to rotate. Thereafter, when one of the stop switches 50 is operated, the rotation of the corresponding rotary reel 40 is stopped. When all three stop switches 50 have been operated, all the rotations of the three rotary reels 40 are stopped. At this time, when a predetermined symbol 61 stops on the winning line of the display window 12, a predetermined number of medals are paid out via the hopper unit 65. In addition, you may credit instead of paying out a medal.

  When winning a prize, a game medal will be paid out, and a small role winning that will give the player a profit (if this small role winning wins will be a small role winning), and if winning, this small role will be awarded Special wins that give players even greater profits than wins (if this special win wins, a special win will be awarded), and when winning, no game medals will be paid out, but a new game medal will be thrown in And “winning replay (replay)” (when this replay win is won, it becomes a replay win). When the lottery result is one of the winnings (also referred to as an internal winning), a winning flag corresponding to the winning is established.

  Here, the “flag” is a memory for storing the fact that the lottery result of the winning lottery means 110 is winning a predetermined winning combination, and in the case of a small winning combination, A small winning combination flag is established, and when the lottery result is a special winning, a special winning flag is established. While the special winning flag is established, the combination of the stop symbol 61 of the rotating reel 40 of the reel unit 60 is a predetermined winning symbol 61 (for example, three “7” s on the winning line). It is formed so that a special game advantageous to the player can be performed on the condition that the game matches. If the special winning flag is established by lottery, but the combination of the stop symbol 61 of the rotating reel 40 does not match the winning symbol 61, the right to establish the winning flag is set to be carried over to the subsequent games. Yes. Note that the winning flag for winning the small role is not carried over to the next game with the right to establish the winning flag when the winning flag is not awarded in the game in which the winning flag is established.

(Kick-off setting and pull-in setting) As a stop control for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40, even if the player tries to stop the combination of winning symbols by operating the stop switch 50 at a predetermined position, the rotary reel 40 The kick setting is set so that the winning symbol does not align at the predetermined position, and the retractable symbol located on the upstream side of the rotation of the rotary reel 40 by the predetermined number of symbols from the state where the stop switch 50 is operated. In addition, when a winning symbol for which a winning flag is established is included, a pull-in setting is set so that the winning symbol is pulled to a predetermined position and stopped.
Whether or not the corresponding winning symbol 61 can be aligned on the winning line while any of the winning flags is established depends on the timing of the stop switch 50 when the rotational speed of the rotary reel 40 is constant. It is. Specifically, since the rotary reel 40 is set to stop within 190 ms after the stop switch 50 is operated, it can be stopped as it is after the stop switch 50 is operated or can be stopped within 190 ms. When the corresponding winning symbol 61 is included in the retractable symbols 61 on the circumference of the rotating reel 40, for example, the four retractable symbols 61 consecutive from the stop symbol, the time until the stop is stopped. Delaying the time, the rotating reel 40 pulls the winning symbol 61 on the winning line and stops. On the other hand, when the corresponding winning symbol 61 is not included in the four retractable symbols 61, the winning symbol 61 cannot be drawn on the winning active line and stopped. In addition, when no winning flag is established, it is set so that winning determination of a winning symbol is impossible. In other words, when none of the winning flags is established, the winning symbol is stopped so as to stop at a position where the winning symbols are not aligned on the predetermined winning effective line.

(Winning lottery means 110) The winning lottery means 110 performs a lottery for determining whether or not to win based on a predetermined winning rate. When the lottery result by the winning lottery means 110 is a winning (also referred to as an internal winning), a winning flag is established, and during this winning flag, a combination of stop symbols of the rotating reel 40 is determined in advance. The game is set on the condition that it matches, and the player is given a medal payout or special game profit.
As shown in FIG. 1, the winning lottery means 110 is roughly divided into the following means.
(1) Winning random number generator 111
(2) Winning random number extraction means 112
(3) Winning determination table 113
(4) Winning determination means 114
The winning lottery means 110 is not limited to the above (1) to (4).

  (Winning Random Number Generating Unit 111) The winning random number generating unit 111 generates a random number for lottery within a predetermined area (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal number). Here, the “random number generating means” includes random numbers such as an average sampling method as a soft random number (a random number generating method by repeating n-digit numbers squared and taking out the central n-digit number). And a counter that uses a counter that adds a certain range of numbers one by one at high speed. For example, a counter in which numbers in the range of 0 to 65535 are sequentially repeated about several million times per second can be considered. The “winning random number extraction means” reads the counter number at the timing when the start switch is pressed. If formed in this way, the “winning random number generation means” does not generate random numbers, but the numbers extracted by the “winning random number extraction means” have a distribution like random numbers. In this case, a means for obtaining a number indicating a distribution such as a random number as a result is considered to be included in the “winning random number generating means” or the “winning random number extracting means”.

(Winning Random Number Extracting Unit 112) The winning random number extracting unit 112 extracts a random number generated by the winning random number generating unit 111 under a predetermined condition (for example, operation of the start switch 30). This extracted random number is used as extracted random number data.
(Winning Determination Table 113) The winning determination table 113 has a winning area for each winning item among all random number areas taken by the winning random number generator 111. The winning determination table 113 is formed with a plurality of different lottery probabilities stored therein. Specifically, the winning determination table 113 includes a first setting winning determination table, a second setting winning determination table, a third setting winning determination table, a fourth setting winning determination table, and a fifth setting winning determination table. And a sixth setting winning determination table. In the first to sixth setting winning determination tables, different lottery probabilities are recorded, and the lottery probabilities are set in order from the first setting winning determination table to the sixth setting winning determination table.

(Winning determination means 114) The winning determination means 114 is based on the extracted random number data extracted by the winning random number extraction means 112 and the winning rate data in the winning determination table 113, in all areas of random numbers taken by the winning random number generation means 111. The winning determination area data including the winning area of each winning item is collated, and the winning corresponding to the winning area to which the extracted random number data belongs is determined.
(Rotational position detection control means 130) The rotational position detection control means 130 is for detecting the rotational position of the stepping motor 122 as the drive motor 120. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotational position detection control means 130 includes the following (1) and (2).
(1) Passing time measuring means 160
(2) Time unit rotational position determining means 170
(Passing time measuring means 160) The passing time measuring means 160 starts from the passing start timing based on the detection signal from the passing timing detecting means 140 after the elapse of a predetermined time when the rotating reel 40 reaches a steady rotational speed. This is for measuring the elapsed time until the passage end timing as the passage time of the index 150.

  Specifically, the passage time measuring means 160 stores a predetermined specific time for the rotating reel 40 to start rotating and reach a steady rotational speed. The passing time measuring means 160 counts the time from when the start switch 30 is operated to start rotation of the rotary reel 40 until the predetermined specific time elapses. During this time, the passage time measuring means 160 is set not to measure the passage time of the index 150. The passage time measuring means 160 measures the passage time of the index 150 after the elapse of a predetermined time when the rotating reel 40 reaches the steady rotational speed. That is, the passage time measuring unit 160 starts measuring the passage time of the index 150 when the index detection start signal is input from the index signal output unit 142 after the specific time has elapsed, and the index signal output unit 142 In response to the input of the detection end signal, the measurement of the passing time of the index 150 is ended. Then, the passage time measuring means 160 counts the time from the input timing of the index detection start signal to the input timing of the index detection end signal as the passage time of the index 150.

(Time unit rotation position determination means 170) The hour unit rotation position determination means 170 passes through the index 150 corresponding to any of the symbols 61 out of 21 symbols, according to the elapsed time measured by the passage time measurement means 160. This is to detect the rotational position of the rotary reel 40. At this time, the unit rotational position determining means 170 includes the following means (1) to (4) as shown in FIG.
(1) Time unit index information storage means 171
(2) Basic transit time selection means 172
(3) Time unit symbol number determining means 173
(4) Hour unit reel symbol position determining means 174
(Time unit index information storage means 171) The time unit index information storage means 171 stores the passage time (so-called basic passage time) of 21 indexes 150 from a predetermined rotation speed of the rotary reel 40. is there. This basic passage time means the time during which the length in the rotation direction of each protruding piece 151 moves at the position of the passage timing detection sensor 141 when the rotary reel 40 is rotating at a steady rotational speed. The lengths of the protruding pieces 151 in the rotation direction are set to 21 different lengths as the indexes 150 of the symbols 61. For this reason, the time for which each protruding piece 151 moves is set to be different for each protruding piece 151. As a result, the basic passage time is set for each of the 21 protruding pieces 151.

(Basic transit time selecting means 172) The basic transit time selecting means 172 is for selecting the basic transit time closest to the transit time of the index 150 measured by the transit time measuring means 160. Specifically, the basic passage time selection means 172 includes the passage time of the index 150 measured by the passage time measurement means 160, and all the 21 basic passage times stored in the hourly index information storage means 171. Calculate the absolute value of the difference. The basic passage time selection means 172 selects the basic passage time that minimizes the absolute value of the calculated difference.
(Time unit symbol number determining means 173) The time unit symbol number determining means 173 is for determining a symbol number corresponding to the basic passage time selected by the basic passage time selecting means 172. Thereby, it is possible to determine which symbol number index 150 of the 21 symbol numbers assigned to the 21 symbols has passed. Note that the symbol number corresponding to the basic passage time is stored in advance.

(Hour unit reel symbol position determining means 174) The hour unit reel symbol position determining means 174 is for determining the rotational position of the rotary reel 40 from the symbol number determined by the hour unit symbol number determining means 173. . Note that the passage end timing, that is, the rotational position of the rotary reel 40 at the time when the index detection end signal is output, is stored in advance for all 21 protruding pieces 151. Thus, when the symbol number is determined, the passage end timing of the protruding piece 151, that is, the rotation position of the rotary reel 40 when the so-called index detection end signal is output can be specified.
(Production data storage means 25) The production data storage means 25 is for storing the production data of the notification means 66. Specifically, for example, sound generated from the speaker 67 of the notification means 66 at the time of winning a prize, data such as lighting and flashing time and order of the notification lamp 69, and a design pattern and a character string displayed on the display device 68 Is stored. Needless to say, the contents of the effect to be stored are not limited to these, and may be a sound stored in advance, various notification means such as vibration, lighting of other lamps, and the like.

(Production control unit 26) The production control unit 26 outputs each production data from the production data storage unit 25 to the notification unit 66 based on a control signal from the control device 20 or the like, and controls the device. belongs to.
Specifically, when the winning flag is highly likely to be established, or when a winning is achieved by matching the winning symbol on the predetermined winning active line while the predetermined winning flag is established, the effect from the effect data storage means 25 Based on the information, the lamp at a predetermined position of the notification lamp 69 is turned on or blinked, a predetermined electronic sound is generated from the speaker 67, or a predetermined pattern and character string is lit on the display device 68. It is.

(Operation of Gaming Machine 10) Next, an outline of the operation of the normal game of the gaming machine having the above-described configuration will be described using the flow shown in FIGS.
First, in step 102 shown in FIG. 8, when the start switch 30 is operated, the start switch 30 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 103.
In step 103, a lottery process is performed by the winning lottery means 110. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 104.
In step 104, the rotation of the rotary reel 40 is started. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 105.

In step 105, the rotational position detection process of each rotary reel 40 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 106.
In step 106, when the stop switch 50 is operated, the stop switch 50 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 107.
In step 107, rotation stop processing for the rotary reel 40 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 108.
In step 108, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 has been performed. If it is determined that the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step 109.

In step 109, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned on the winning effective line while the winning flag is established, that is, whether or not a winning is achieved. If it is determined that a prize has been won, the process proceeds to the next step 110.
In step 110, a medal corresponding to the winning symbol is paid out. Then, the game ends.
If it is determined in step 108 that the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 is not operated, the process returns to step 106.
If it is determined in step 109 that no winning has been made, step 110 is skipped and the game ends.

The lottery process in step 103 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 200, the random number is extracted by the winning random number extracting means 112 from the random numbers generated by the winning random number generating means 111 of the winning lottery means 110. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 201.
In step 201, the extracted random number is stored inside the winning random number extraction means 112. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 202.
In step 202, the winning determination means 114 compares the extracted random number with the winning determination area data in the winning determination table 113. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 203.

In step 203, the winning determination means 114 determines in which winning area of the winning determination table 113 the extracted random number is included, and the evaluation of the winning lottery process is determined. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 204.
In step 204, a predetermined symbol kick-in and a predetermined symbol pull-in are set. Then, the winning lottery process ends.
The rotational position detection process of each rotary reel 40 in step 105 described above will be described with reference to FIG. This rotational position detection process is performed for each of the three rotary reels 40, but the flow content is the same for any one of the rotary reels 40. Only the rotational position detection process will be described.

First, in step 250, the passage time measuring means 160 determines whether or not a specified specific time has elapsed since the rotation of the rotary reel 40 was started. The specific time is a time that the rotational speed of the rotating reel 40 reaches a predetermined steady rotational speed after the rotation of the rotating reel 40 is started, and is stored in advance. If it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 251.
In step 251, it is determined whether or not the passage timing detection means 140 has started detecting the protruding piece 151 that is the index 150, that is, whether or not the passage start timing has been reached. If the passage timing detection sensor 141 determines that the detection of the index 150 has started, that is, the passage start timing has been reached, the process proceeds to the next step 252.

In step 252, the index signal output means 142 outputs an index detection start signal. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 253.
In step 253, the passage time measuring means 160 starts measuring the passage time of the index 150. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 254.
In step 254, it is determined whether or not the detection of the protruding piece 151 that is the index 150 by the passage timing detection sensor 141 has been completed. When it is determined that the detection of the index 150 by the passage timing detection sensor 141 is finished, the process proceeds to the next step 255.

In step 255, the index signal output means 142 outputs an index detection end signal. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 256.
In step 256, the passage time measuring means 160 ends the measurement of the passage time of the index 150, and the passage time of the index 150 is determined. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 257.
In step 257, the basic passage time selection means 172 selects the basic passage time closest to the measured passage time. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 258.
In step 258, the symbol number corresponding to the selected basic passage time is selected by the hourly symbol number determining means 173. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 259.

In step 259, the rotational position of the rotary reel 40 is determined based on the selected symbol number. Then, the rotational position detection process ends.
If the passage timing detection unit 140 determines in step 251 that the detection of the index 150 has not started, the process returns after step 250.
If it is determined in step 254 that the detection of the index 150 is not finished by the passage timing detection means 140, the process returns after step 253.
The rotation stop process of the rotating reel 40 in step 107 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step 300, it is determined whether or not the kick setting has been achieved for a predetermined symbol. This kick-off setting is set at all stop operation timings so as not to generate an unfair winning prize based on the lottery result of the winning lottery means 110 on all winning active lines. And when it determines with the setting of kicking of a predetermined symbol not having been achieved, it progresses to the following step 301. FIG.
In step 301, the rotary reel 40 is rotated by one symbol. That is, kicking is performed for one symbol. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 302.
In step 302, it is determined whether or not the number of symbols rotated by the rotary reel 40 by one symbol described above corresponds to the fourth symbol after the stop switch 50 is operated. Then, after the stop switch 50 is operated, when the number of symbols shifted by rotating the rotary reel 40 by one symbol is the fourth, the process proceeds to the next step 303.

In step 303, the rotation of the rotary reel 40 is stopped. Thereby, the operation of the gaming machine 10 from the medal insertion to the rotation stop of the rotary reel 40 is completed.
If it is determined in step 300 that the predetermined symbol kick setting has been achieved, the process proceeds to the next step 304.
In step 304, it is determined whether or not the drawing is set for any of the symbols. If it is determined that the drawing is set for any of the symbols, the process proceeds to the next step 305.
In step 305, it is determined whether the pull-in setting has been achieved. When it is determined that the pull-in setting has been achieved, the process proceeds to the next step 303.

If it is determined in step 304 that no drawing is set for any symbol, the process proceeds to step 303.
If it is determined in step 305 that the pull-in setting has not been achieved, the process proceeds to step 301.
In step 302, after the stop switch 50 is operated, if the number of symbols shifted by rotating the rotary reel 40 one by one is not the fourth, the process returns to step 300.
In the above-described embodiment, the stop reel 40 stop processing has been described in steps 301 to 305. In this example, the condition is checked from the drawing range symbols that are close to the reference position. It is an example of the minimum pull-in stop control. On the contrary, it is good also as what is called maximum pulling-in stop control which investigates conditions from the pattern far from a reference position among drawing-in range symbols.

Furthermore, for example, a so-called table stop control method may be used in which the stop position of the rotary reel 40 is determined according to a predetermined table at the timing of pressing the stop switch 50. This table stop control has a plurality of tables based on the presence / absence of a winning flag and a winning symbol in which a winning flag is established, and a table corresponding to the gaming situation is appropriately selected from the plurality of tables. .
Even in the table stop control, when the winning flag is established, the stop position is determined in advance on the table so that the symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned on the winning line, so-called pull-in setting. It has a kind of. Also, when the winning flag is not established, the stop position is determined in advance on the table so that other winning symbols are not aligned on the winning line, and it has a kind of so-called kick setting. is there.

(Operation) As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the length of the protruding piece 151 as the index 150 corresponding to each of the 21 symbols is different in the rotation direction. Each transit time is different. Thereby, by detecting the passage time, the protruding piece 151 and the corresponding symbol can be specified, and the current position of the rotary reel 40 can be specified.
Specifically, in this embodiment, the protruding piece 151 as the index 150 is formed so as to correspond to each symbol 61 on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary reel 40. Then, the passage timing detection means 140 detects the passage start timing and the passage end timing of each index 150. Then, the passage time measuring means 160 measures the elapsed time from the passage start timing to the passage end timing as the passage time of the index 150. Then, the hourly rotational position determining means 170 calculates which index 150 corresponding to which symbol 61 has passed by the passing time measured by the passing time measuring means 160, and detects the current rotating position of the rotating reel 40. can do.

  Since the index 150 is formed so as to correspond to each symbol 61, if the rotation speed of the rotary reel 40 reaches a predetermined steady rotation speed, the passage start timing and the passage end of the index 150 of each symbol 61 When the timing is detected by the passage timing detection means 140, the rotational position can be detected as described above. That is, if the passage start timing and the passage end timing of the index 150 of one symbol 61 can be detected by the passage timing detection means 140, the passage time is measured and the symbol 61 corresponding to the index 150 is detected. The rotational position of the rotary reel 40 can be detected. Therefore, if the passage time of the index 150 of one symbol 61 can be detected by the passage timing detection means 140 and the passage time measurement means 160, the symbol number of the symbol 61 corresponding to the index 150 can be detected. The rotational position of the rotary reel 40 can be detected.

As a result, it is possible to avoid that the rotating reel has to rotate a maximum of one turn in order to detect the rotating position, as compared with a rotating reel having only one index. The detection time until the rotation position is detected can be shortened. In addition, the time until the rotation of the rotary reel 40 is detected can be made substantially constant regardless of the rotation position where the rotary reel 40 is stopped.
In one rotating reel 40, the passage start timing and passage end timing of all the indexes 150 are detected by a single passage timing detection means 140, and the passage time is measured by a passage time measurement means 160. For this reason, a plurality of sensors or the like for detecting a plurality of columns of indexes are not required. Thereby, only one passage timing detection means 140 is required as a sensor, and the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced as compared with a sensor requiring a plurality of sensors.

In the rotary reel 40 according to this embodiment, protruding pieces 151 corresponding to a plurality of symbols on the outer peripheral surface are formed. The length of the projecting piece 151 in the rotation direction is different for each projecting piece 151. Therefore, after the rotational speed of the rotary reel 40 reaches the steady rotational speed, the passage timing detection means 140 detects the passage start timing and passage end timing of the index 150, and the passage time of the index 150 is determined based on the detection result. Can be determined which index 150 has passed, and the symbol position corresponding to the index 150 can be specified.
(Second form)
FIG. 12 to FIG. 16 show the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a partial schematic view of the relationship between the symbols on the reel tape and the protruding pieces. FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the points of the concept of the present invention. 14 is a block diagram of input, control and output of the gaming machine, FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the rotational position detection control means, and FIG. 16 shows a flow of the rotational position detection processing means.

In the first embodiment, the length of the protruding piece 151 in the rotational direction is determined by the passage time of the protruding piece 151 passing through the passage timing detecting means 140 after the rotary reel 40 reaches the steady rotational speed. 151 and index 150 were identified. However, in this embodiment, the protruding piece 151 identifies the protruding piece 151 and the index 150 not by the passing time but by the number of steps of the stepping motor 122 that passes through the passage timing detecting means 140, and detects the rotational position of the rotary reel 40. To do. Below, a different point from the 1st form is mainly demonstrated.
(Protruding piece 151) The protruding piece 151 is formed in the reel frame-like portion 46 as an index 150 corresponding to each of the 21 symbols of the rotary reel 40, as in the first embodiment. The angle of the projecting piece 151 in the rotational direction is formed to be an integral multiple of the step angle of the stepping motor 122. The protruding pieces 151 are formed so that the number of passing steps corresponding to the angle in the rotation direction is different for each corresponding symbol 61.

  The stepping motor 122 is set to rotate 360 degrees, that is, one round in 504 steps. The stepping motor 122 is set to rotate by one step angle (specifically, 0.7142 ·· °) when a one-pulse control signal is input to the motor driver 121. That is, when a control signal of 504 pulses is input to the motor driver 121, the stepping motor 122 rotates 360 degrees, that is, one rotation. Since 21 symbols are arranged around the rotary reel 40, when a 24 pulse control signal is input to the motor driver 121, the stepping motor 122 moves 24 steps, resulting in a rotation of 24 step angles. It is set to move and rotate by one symbol.

  And as shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion piece 151 as the index 150 of the symbol number 1 is formed in a shape whose length in the rotation direction corresponds to the length of 21 steps. This corresponds to a 21 step angle in rotation angle. Then, after the interval of the length of 3 steps is left, the protruding piece 151 as the index 150 of the symbol number 2 is formed into a shape whose length in the rotation direction corresponds to the length of 20 steps. ing. This corresponds to a 20 step angle in terms of rotation angle. Then, after the interval of the length of 4 steps is left, the protruding piece 151 as the index 150 of the symbol number 3 is formed in a shape whose length in the rotation direction corresponds to the length of 19 steps. ing. This corresponds to a 19 step angle in terms of rotation angle. Then, after the interval of the length of 5 steps is left, the protruding piece 151 as the index 150 of the symbol number 4 is formed in a shape whose length in the rotation direction corresponds to the length of 18 steps. ing. Thereafter, the protruding piece 151 is formed in the same relationship, and the protruding piece 151 as the index 150 of the symbol number 21 is formed in a shape whose length in the rotation direction corresponds to the length of one step. . This corresponds to one step angle in the rotation angle. Thus, the length in the rotation direction of the protruding piece 151 of each index 150 of symbol numbers 1, 2,..., 20, 21 corresponds to the length of 21, 20,. It is formed to do. For this reason, if it is possible to detect how many steps the length of the protruding piece 151 in the rotation direction corresponds to, the corresponding symbol number can be specified. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the lengths of the protruding pieces 151 as the index 150 are formed in different rotational directions, and the number of passing steps of each protruding piece 151 is different. If the number can be detected, the current position of the rotary reel 40 can be determined.

(Rotational position detection control means 130) The rotational position detection control means 130 is for detecting the rotational position of the stepping motor 122 as the drive motor 120. As shown in FIG. 14, the rotational position detection control means 130 includes the following (1) and (2).
(1) Passing step number measuring means 180
(2) Step unit rotational position determining means 190
(Passing step number measuring means 180) The passing step number measuring means 180 indicates the number of steps of the stepping motor 122 that has passed from the passing start timing to the passing end timing based on the detection signal from the passing timing detecting means 140. It is for measuring as 150 passing steps.

Specifically, the passing step number measuring unit 180 starts measuring the step number of the stepping motor 122 in response to the input of the index detection start signal from the index signal output unit 142, and detects the index from the index signal output unit 142. In response to the input of the end signal, the measurement of the number of steps of the stepping motor 122 is ended. Then, the passing step number measuring means 180 counts the number of steps that have passed from the input timing of the index detection start signal to the input timing of the index detection end signal as the passing step number of the index 150.
(Step unit rotation position determination means 190) The step unit rotation position determination means 190 determines which index 150 corresponding to which symbol 61 has passed by the number of passing steps from the passage step number measuring means 180, and rotates. This is for detecting the rotational position of the reel 40. As shown in FIG. 15, the step unit rotational position determining means 190 includes the following means (1) to (3).

(1) Step unit index information storage means 191
(2) Step unit symbol number determining means 192
(3) Step unit reel symbol position determining means 193
(Step Unit Index Information Storage Unit 191) The step unit index information storage unit 191 stores a predetermined number of passing steps for each index 150. Specifically, the length of the projecting piece 151 in the rotational direction is formed to be an integral multiple of the step angle, and 21 lengths (rotational direction) are set as the index 150 of each symbol 61. . That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the number of passing steps of symbol numbers 1, 2, 3,..., 20, 21 is 21, 20, 19,. It is set in advance.

(Step Unit Symbol Number Determining Unit 192) The step unit symbol number determining unit 192 is for determining a symbol number corresponding to the passing step number of the index 150 measured by the passing step number measuring unit 180. Thereby, it is possible to determine which symbol number index 150 has passed through the passage timing detection sensor 141 among the 21 symbol numbers assigned to the 21 symbols. Note that symbol numbers corresponding to the number of passing steps of the 21 protruding pieces 151 are stored in advance.
(Step unit reel symbol position determining means 193) The step unit reel symbol position determining means 193 is for determining the rotational position of the rotary reel 40 from the symbol number determined by the step unit symbol number determining means 192. . Note that the passage end timing, that is, the rotational position of the rotary reel 40 at the time when the index detection end signal is output, is stored in advance for all 21 protruding pieces 151. Thus, when the symbol number is determined, the passage end timing of the protruding piece 151, that is, the rotation position of the rotary reel 40 when the so-called index detection end signal is output can be specified.

(Operation of Gaming Machine 10) Next, an outline of the operation of the normal game of the gaming machine having the above configuration will be described using the flow shown in FIG. 8, 9, and 11 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted, and rotational position detection processing different from that in the first embodiment is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16. To do.
The rotational position detection process of each rotary reel 40 in step 105 of FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. This rotational position detection process is performed for each of the three rotary reels 40, but the flow content is the same for any one of the rotary reels 40. Only the rotational position detection process will be described.

First, in step 351, it is determined whether or not the passage timing detection means 140 has started detecting the protruding piece 151 that is the index 150, that is, whether or not the passage start timing has been reached. When the passage timing detection sensor 141 determines that the detection of the index 150 is started, that is, when it is determined that the passage start timing has been reached, the process proceeds to the next step 352.
In step 352, the index signal output means 142 outputs an index detection start signal. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 353.
In step 353, the passing step number measuring means 180 starts measuring the passing step number of the index 150. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 354.

In step 354, it is determined whether or not the detection of the protruding piece 151 that is the index 150 by the passage timing detection sensor 141 is finished. If it is determined that the detection of the index 150 by the passage timing detection sensor 141 is finished, the process proceeds to the next step 355.
In step 355, the index signal output means 142 outputs an index detection end signal. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 356.
In step 356, the measurement of the number of passing steps of the index 150 by the passing step number measuring means 180 is ended, and the number of passing steps of the index 150 is determined. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 357.

In step 357, a symbol number corresponding to the number of passing steps is selected by the step unit symbol number determining means 192. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 358.
In step 358, the rotational position of the rotary reel 40 is determined based on the selected symbol number. Then, the rotational position detection process ends.
In step 351, if the passage timing detection unit 140 determines that the detection of the index 150 has not started, the process returns to step 351.
If it is determined in step 354 that the detection of the index 150 by the passage timing detection unit 140 has not been completed, the process returns after step 353.

  (Operation) In this embodiment, the protruding piece 151 as the index 150 is formed so as to correspond to each symbol 61 on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary reel 40. The angle of the projecting piece 151 in the rotational direction is formed to be an integral multiple of the step angle of the stepping motor 122. Then, the passage step number detection sensor 200 detects the passage start timing and the passage end timing of each index 150. Then, the passing step number measuring means 180 measures the number of steps of the stepping motor 122 that has passed from the passing start timing to the passing end timing as the passing step number of the index 150. The protruding piece 151 is formed so that the number of passing steps corresponding to the angle in the rotation direction differs for each corresponding symbol 61. For this reason, the step unit rotational position determining means 190 can determine the index 150 corresponding to which symbol 61 has passed based on the number of passing steps, and can detect the current rotational position of the rotary reel 40.

  Indexes 150 having different numbers of passing steps for each symbol 61 correspond to each other. Therefore, even if the rotation speed of the rotary reel 40 does not reach a predetermined numerical value (steady rotation speed), the passage start timing and the passage end timing of the index 150 of each symbol 61 are detected, and the passage step number measuring means 180 is detected. When the number of passing steps is measured, the index 150 can be specified. The symbol corresponding to the index 150 can be specified, and the rotational position of the rotary reel 40 can be detected. That is, if the number of passing steps of the index 150 of any one of the symbols 61 of 21 symbols 61 can be detected, the type of the symbol 61 corresponding to the index 150 can be detected and rotated. The rotational position of the reel 40 can be detected. For this reason, it is possible to avoid that the rotating reel has to rotate a maximum of one turn in order to detect the rotation position, as compared with a rotating reel having only one index. The detection time until the rotation position is detected can be shortened. In addition, the time until the rotation of the rotary reel 40 is detected can be made substantially constant regardless of the rotation position where the rotary reel 40 is stopped.

For each rotating reel 40, the passage start timing and passage end timing of 21 indexes 150 are detected by one passage timing detection means 140, and the passage step number measurement means 180 determines the number of passage steps of the index 150. Measuring. This eliminates the need for a plurality of sensors or the like for forming and detecting a plurality of columns of indexes. Thereby, only one passage timing detection means 140 is required as a sensor, and the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced as compared with a sensor requiring a plurality of sensors.
Corresponding to each symbol 61, the index 150 having a different number of steps is measured by the passage timing detecting means 140 and the passage step number measuring means 180 as the rotation reel 40 rotates, and the number of passage steps is measured. . The step unit rotational position determining means 190 detects which symbol 61 has passed based on the number of passing steps. That is, the step unit rotational position determining means 190 detects the number of passing steps, not the passing time. For this reason, even when the rotational speed of the rotating reel 40 does not reach the steady rotational speed without being affected by the rotational speed of the rotating reel 40, the rotational speed of the rotating reel 40 is kept constant. Even if it is not fixed and fluctuates, the rotational position of the rotating reel 40 can be detected without being affected by the rotational speed of the rotating reel 40. Therefore, it is not necessary to start the game and wait until the rotation speed of the rotary reel 40 reaches the steady rotation speed, and the progress of the game can be accelerated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a rotary reel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is a schematic idea figure which shows the relationship between the design on a reel tape, and a protrusion piece. It is a 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is a partial schematic idea figure which shows the relationship between the design on a reel tape, and a protrusion piece. It is the 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is the schematic which shows the point of the concept of this invention. It is the 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is a block diagram which shows the input of a game machine, control, and an output. It is a 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is a block diagram which shows a rotation position detection control means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is an external appearance front view which shows a game machine. It is the 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is a flow which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of a gaming machine. It is a 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is a flow which shows a winning lottery process. It is a 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is a flow which shows a rotation position detection process. It is a 1st form of this invention, Comprising: It is a flow which shows a stop process. It is the 2nd form of this invention, Comprising: It is a partial schematic idea figure which shows the relationship between the design on a reel tape, and a protrusion piece. It is the 2nd form of this invention, Comprising: It is the schematic which shows the point of the concept of this invention. It is a 2nd form of this invention, Comprising: It is a block diagram which shows the input of a game machine, control, and an output. It is a 2nd form of this invention, Comprising: It is a block diagram which shows a rotation position detection control means. It is a 2nd form of this invention, Comprising: It is a flow which shows a rotation position detection process. It is a conventional form, Comprising: It is a schematic idea figure which shows the relationship between the design on a reel tape, and a protrusion piece.

Explanation of symbols

10 gaming machine 11 chassis
12 Display window 13 Symbol display window
15 Insert switch 16 Bet switch
17 Checkout switch 18 Medal slot
20 Controller 21 Game controller
22 Production control device 25 Production data storage means
26 Production control means 27 Game control means
30 Start switch 31 Fluctuation start operation means
40 rotating reel 41 Symbol display means
42 Reel tape 43 Left-hand rotating reel
44 Center rotation reel 45 Right rotation reel
46 Reel frame 47 Reel cylinder
48 Reel support shaft 49 Ring-shaped part
50 Stop switch 51 Fluctuation stop operation means
60 reel unit 61
62 Frame 63 Rotary drive shaft
65 Dispensing device 66 Notification means
67 Speaker 68 Display device
69 Notification lamp 110 Winning lottery means
111 Winning random number generation means 112 Winning random number extraction means
113 Winning judgment table 114 Winning judgment means
120 Drive motor 121 Motor driver
122 Stepping motor 130 Rotation position detection control means
140 Passing timing detection means 141 Passing timing detection sensor
142 Index signal output means 150 Index
151 Projection piece 160 Passing time measurement means
170 hour unit rotation position determining means 171 hour unit index information storage means
172 Basic transit time selection means 173 Time unit symbol number determination means
174 Time unit reel symbol position determining means 180 Passing step number measuring means
190 Step unit rotation position determination means 191 Step unit index information storage means
192 step unit symbol number determining means 193 step unit reel symbol position determining means

Claims (4)

A drive motor that is fixed to the substrate and generates a rotational drive force;
A cylindrical rotary reel connected to the rotary drive shaft of the drive motor and having a plurality of symbols drawn on its outer peripheral surface;
In a gaming machine comprising rotation position detection control means for detecting the rotation position of the drive motor,
The rotating reel is formed with a protruding piece as an index corresponding to each design,
The protruding pieces are formed with different lengths in the direction of rotation for each corresponding symbol,
The base has a single passage timing detection means capable of detecting a passage start timing and passage end timing of the index and outputting a detection signal;
The rotational position detection control means includes
The elapsed time from the passage start timing to the passage end timing is measured as the passage time of the index based on a detection signal from the passage timing detection means after a lapse of a predetermined time for the rotation reel to reach a steady rotation speed. A transit time measuring means,
A time unit rotational position determining means for determining which symbol corresponding to which symbol has passed based on the elapsed time measured by the passing time measuring means and detecting the rotational position of the rotating reel; To play. A rotary reel of a gaming machine connected to a rotary drive shaft of a drive motor fixed to a base,
The rotating reel is formed in a cylindrical shape in which a plurality of symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surface, and a protruding piece as an index is formed to correspond to each symbol,
The protruding pieces are formed with different lengths in the rotational direction for each corresponding symbol,
The base has a single passage timing detection means capable of detecting a passage start timing and passage end timing of the index and outputting a detection signal after a predetermined time elapses when the rotating reel reaches a steady rotational speed. Have
Based on the detection result of the passage timing detection means, the passage time of the index is measured, and the symbol corresponding to which symbol has passed is determined, so that the rotational position of the rotating reel can be detected. A rotating reel of a gaming machine characterized by A drive motor consisting of a stepping motor fixed to the substrate and generating a rotational drive force;
A cylindrical rotary reel connected to the rotary drive shaft of the drive motor and having a plurality of symbols drawn on its outer peripheral surface;
In a gaming machine comprising rotation position detection control means for detecting the rotation position of the drive motor,
The rotating reel is formed with a protruding piece as an index corresponding to each design,
The angle in the rotation direction of the protruding piece is formed to be an integral multiple of the step angle of the stepping motor,
The protruding piece is formed so that the number of passing steps corresponding to the angle in the rotation direction is different for each corresponding pattern,
The base has a single passage timing detection means capable of detecting a passage start timing and passage end timing of the index and outputting a detection signal;
The rotational position detection control means includes
A step number measuring unit that measures the number of steps of the stepping motor that has passed from the passage start timing to the passage end timing based on the detection signal from the passage timing detection unit, as the number of passage steps of the index;
A step unit rotational position determining means for determining which symbol corresponding to which symbol has passed based on the number of passing steps measured by the passing step number measuring means and detecting the rotational position of the rotating reel. A featured gaming machine. A rotary reel of a gaming machine connected to a rotary drive shaft of a drive motor comprising a stepping motor fixed to a base,
The rotating reel is formed in a cylindrical shape in which a plurality of symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surface, and a protruding piece as an index is formed to correspond to each symbol,
The protruding pieces are formed with different numbers of passing steps corresponding to the length in the rotation direction for each corresponding symbol,
The base has a single passage timing detection means capable of detecting a passage start timing and passage end timing of the index and outputting a detection signal;
Based on the detection result of the passage timing detection means, the number of passage steps of the index is measured, and the symbol corresponding to which symbol has passed is determined so that the rotational position of the rotating reel can be detected. A rotating reel of a gaming machine characterized by that.

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