Band, wheel for symbol position detector of mechanical slot machine, symbol position detector for mechanical slot machine, and mechanical slot machine

Abstract

A mechanical slot machine is disclosed in which a band is arranged around a peripheral edge of a wheel capable of rotating together with a reel and coaxially with the rotational axis of the reel, for the purpose of detecting the positions of individual symbols formed on the reel. The band includes regions having mutually different attributes, and the boundary between the regions of the band shifts position across the width of the band as the boundary extends along the length of the band.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a band for recognizing the symbol positions on a slot machine reel, to a wheel for a symbol position detector of a mechanical slot machine, to a symbol position detector for a mechanical slot machine, and to a mechanical slot machine.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] An angle sensor has been proposed in the past that detects the rotational angle of a rotary shaft by using an optical sensor to detect the transmission position of light passing through a spiral slit made in a disk fixed to the rotary shaft (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. S60-225024).

[0005] The angle sensor disclosed in this prior art reference is configured such that a disk in which a spiral slit has been made is fixed to a rotary shaft. When this rotary shaft rotates, the slit in the disk passes between a light emitter of the optical sensor and a light receptor arranged to face the light emitter. A linear position detection element is used as the light receptor. The light reception position of the light receptor varies when the disk rotates, and this change is utilized to detect the rotational position of the disk from the light reception position.

[0006] However, when an attempt is made to detect the positions of individual symbols formed 360 degrees around a reel, as when detecting the symbol positions on the reel of a slot machine, a spiral slit must be provided all the way around (360 degrees), which makes it difficult to maintain enough strength in the disk so that the disk will not deform when rotated together with the rotary shaft. If deformation does occur, not only will the precision of the angle sensor decline, but the angle sensor itself may break.

[0007] An angle sensor provided with ribs at regular intervals along the slit is known as a way to maintain the strength of the disk, but the rotational position of the disk cannot be detected when a rib is at the position of the optical sensor.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a band that has adequate strength even when rotated together with a slot machine reel and that allows the symbol positions on the slot machine reel to be detected directly, as well as a wheel for a symbol position detector of a mechanical slot machine, and a symbol position detector for a mechanical slot machine, and a mechanical slot machine, in which the same is used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a band for detecting positions of individual symbols formed on a reel of a mechanical slot machine includes regions having mutually different attributes, and a boundary between the regions of the band that shifts position across a width of the band as the boundary extends along a length of the band. The band is arranged around a periphery of a wheel that is rotatable with the reel and coaxial with a rotational axis of the reel.

[0010] Thus, when the band according to the present invention is to be used to detect symbol positions, it is formed into a ring and fixed to a wheel. The benefit of this structure is that the band remains strong enough so as to not deform when rotated. In addition, since it is produced in the form of a band, there is no need to provide a slit in the band, making production and handling easier and facilitating the production of regions with different attributes.

[0011] As mentioned above, the boundary between the regions of the band shifts position across the width of the band as the boundary extends along the length of the band. This allows the symbol positions on the reel to be identified merely by detecting the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band, without having to rotate the reel. Therefore, there is no need to provide the band with a portion that will serve as a reference position. In addition, the current symbol position on the reel can be detected as soon as the power is turned on, without having to rotate the reel first. Furthermore, in detecting the current symbol position on the reel, there is no need to calculate the symbol position on the reel from the difference between the reference position on the band and the current position. Moreover, since the current symbol position on the reel can be detected directly, the stopping position of the reel does not have to be controlled with a precision motor such as a stepping motor, and it is possible to control stoppage while monitoring the current symbol position on the reel. Therefore, the drive of the reel can be controlled even before the reel reaches a constant rotational speed. In addition, since the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band corresponds directly to the symbol positions on the reel, if the actual position of a symbol should deviate from the detected position as a result of vibration of the cabinet housing the slot machine, this can be rectified with ease by fine-tuning.

[0012] Furthermore, since the boundary between the regions on the band trace a continuous path along the length of the band, the symbol positions on the reel can be detected precisely.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the attributes of the band according to the first aspect are defined by brightness, chromaticity, or optical transmissivity that can be identified with an optical sensor, or by magnetization that can be identified with a magnetic sensor.

[0014] As a result, when the attribute is brightness, the band according to the present invention can be easily produced merely by printing a pattern of regions of different brightness by using black ink on a white band, for example. When the attribute is chromaticity, the band can be easily produced merely by coating the band with colored paint in a pattern, for example. When the attribute is optical transmissivity, the band can be easily produced merely by printing a pattern of black ink on a band made of a transparent plastic film, for example. When the attribute is magnetization, a sensor can be formed merely by providing a reading function since the band itself is magnetic.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a band for detecting positions of individual symbols formed on a reel of a mechanical slot machine includes regions having mutually different attributes, and a boundary between the regions of the band. The band is arranged around a periphery of a wheel that is rotatable with the reel and coaxial with the rotational axis of the reel, and the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band corresponds with a position of the boundary with respect to the length of the band.

[0016] Thus, in a symbol position detector for a mechanical slot machine of the present invention, a band is arranged annularly around the peripheral edge of a wheel and coaxial with the rotational axis of the reel of the mechanical slot machine. This structure allows enough strength to be maintained in the band so that no deformation occurs even when the band is rotated. In addition, since there is no need to provide a slit in the band, production and handling are easier, and it is also easy to produce regions thereon having different attributes.

[0017] Furthermore, the symbol positions on the reel can be identified merely by detecting the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band, without having to rotate the reel. Therefore, there is no need to provide a portion that would serve as a reference position. In addition, the current symbol position on the reel can be detected as soon as the power is turned on, without having to rotate the reel first. Furthermore, in detecting the current symbol position, there is no need to calculate the symbol position on the reel from the difference between the reference position on the band and the current position. Moreover, since the current symbol position on the reel can be detected directly, the stopping position of the reel does not have to be controlled with a precision motor such as a stepping motor, and it is possible to control stoppage while monitoring the current symbol position on the reel. Therefore, the drive of the reel can be controlled even before the reel reaches a constant rotational speed.

[0018] In addition, since the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band corresponds directly with the symbol positions on the reel, if the actual position of a symbol should deviate from the detected position as a result of vibration of the cabinet housing the slot machine, this can be rectified with ease by fine-tuning.

[0019] Furthermore, since the boundary on the band is configured such that the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band corresponds with the position of the boundary with respect to the length of the band, the symbol positions on the reel can be detected precisely.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a wheel for a symbol position detector of a mechanical slot machine includes a band arranged around a periphery of the wheel. The band includes regions having mutually different attributes, and a boundary between the regions of the band that shifts position across the width of the band as the boundary extends along the length of the band. The wheel is rotatable with a reel of the mechanical slot machine and coaxial with a rotational axis of the reel.

[0021] Thus, with the wheel for a symbol position detector of a mechanical slot machine of the present invention, a band is arranged annularly around the peripheral edge of a wheel capable of rotating coaxially with the rotational axis of the reel. This structure allows enough strength to be maintained in the band so that no deformation will occur even when the band is rotated. In addition, since there is no need to provide a slit in the band, production and handling are easier, and it is also easy to produce regions having different attributes.

[0022] In addition, as noted above, the boundary between the regions of the band shifts position across the width of the band as the boundary extends along the length of the band, which allows the symbol positions on the reel to be identified merely by detecting the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band without having to rotate the reel. Therefore, there is no need to provide the band with a portion that will serve as a reference position. In addition, the current symbol position on the reel can be detected as soon as the power is turned on, without having to rotate the reel first. Furthermore, in detecting the current symbol position on the reel, there is no need to calculate the symbol position on the reel from the difference between the reference position on the band and the current position. Moreover, since the current symbol position on the reel can be detected directly, the stopping position of the reel does not have to be controlled with a precision motor such as a stepping motor, and it is possible to control stoppage while monitoring the current symbol position on the reel. Therefore, the drive of the reel can be controlled even before the reel reaches a constant rotational speed. In addition, since the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band corresponds directly with the symbol positions on the reel, if the actual position of a symbol should deviate from the detected position as a result of vibration of the cabinet housing the slot machine, this can be rectified with ease by fine-tuning.

[0023] Furthermore, since the boundary between the regions on the band trace a continuous path along the length of the band, the symbol positions on the reel can be detected precisely.

[0024] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the attributes of the band according to the fourth aspect of the present invention are defined by brightness, chromaticity, or optical transmissivity that can be identified with an optical sensor, or by magnetization that can be identified with a magnetic sensor.

[0025] As a result, when the attribute is brightness, the band can be easily produced merely by printing a pattern of regions of different brightness by using black ink on a white band, for example. When the attribute is chromaticity, the band can be easily produced merely by coating the band with colored paint in a pattern, for example. When the attribute is optical transmissivity, the band can be easily produced merely by printing a pattern of black ink on a band made of a transparent plastic film, for example. When the attribute is magnetization, a sensor can be formed merely by providing a reading function since the band itself is magnetic.

[0026] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a symbol position detector for a mechanical slot machine sequentially detects the positions of individual symbols formed on a reel of the mechanical slot machine. The symbol position detector includes a wheel capable of rotating together with the reel and coaxial with the rotational axis of the reel, and a band is arranged around the peripheral edge of the wheel. The band includes regions having mutually different attributes, and a boundary between the regions of the band that shifts position across the width of the band as the boundary extends along the length of the band. The symbol position detector further includes a sensor arranged near the band that sequentially detects the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band, a memory unit that correlates the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band with positions of the symbols formed on the reel, and a symbol identification unit that identifies a symbol corresponding to a detected boundary position by comparing the detected boundary position with the data stored in the memory unit.

[0027] Thus, with the symbol position detector for a mechanical slot machine of the present invention, a band is arranged annularly around the peripheral edge of a wheel that rotates coaxially with the rotational axis of the reel of the mechanical slot machine. This structure allows enough strength to be maintained so that no deformation occurs in the band even when the band is rotated. In addition, since there is no need to provide a slit in the band, production and handling are easier, and it is also easy to produce regions having different attributes.

[0028] In addition, as noted above, the boundary between the regions of the band shifts position across the width of the band as the boundary extends along the length of the band, which allows the symbol positions on the reel to be identified merely by detecting the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band, without having to rotate the reel. Therefore, there is no need to provide the band with a portion that will serve as a reference position. Furthermore, the current symbol position on the reel can be detected as soon as the power is turned on, without having to rotate the reel first. Moreover, in detecting the current symbol position on the reel, there is no need to calculate the symbol position on the reel from the difference between the reference position on the band and the current position. In addition, since the current symbol position on the reel can be detected directly, the stopping position of the reel does not have to be controlled with a precision motor such as a stepping motor, and it is possible to control stoppage while monitoring the current symbol position on the reel. Therefore, the drive of the reel can be controlled even before the reel reaches a constant rotational speed. Furthermore, since the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band corresponds directly to the symbol positions on the reel, if the actual position of a symbol should deviate from the detected position as a result of vibration of the cabinet that houses the slot machine, this can be rectified with ease by fine-tuning.

[0029] In addition, since the boundary between the regions of different attributes on the band traces a continuous path along the length of the band, the symbol positions on the reel can be detected precisely.

[0030] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the attributes of the band according to the sixth aspect of the present invention are defined by brightness, chromaticity, optical transmissivity, or magnetization, and the sensor is an optical sensor capable of identifying different levels of brightness, chromaticity, or optical transmissivity, or a magnetic sensor capable of identifying magnetization.

[0031] As a result, when the attribute is brightness, the band for the symbol position detector can be easily produced merely by printing a pattern of regions of different brightness by using black ink on a white band, for example. When the attribute is chromaticity, the band for the symbol position detector can be easily produced merely by coating the band with colored paint in a pattern, for example. When the attribute is optical transmissivity, the band for the symbol position detector can be easily produced merely by printing a pattern of black ink on a band made of a transparent plastic film, for example. When the attribute is magnetization, a sensor can be formed merely by providing a reading function since the band itself is magnetic.

[0032] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a mechanical slot machine includes the symbol position detector according to the sixth or seventh aspects of the present invention.

[0033] Thus, with the mechanical slot machine of the present invention, a band is arranged annularly around the peripheral edge of a wheel that rotates coaxially with the rotational axis of the reel of the mechanical slot machine. This structure allows enough strength to be maintained so that no deformation occurs in the band even when the band is rotated. In addition, since there is no need to provide a slit in the band, production and handling are easier, and it is also easy to produce regions having different attributes.

[0034] Furthermore, as noted above, the boundary between the regions of the band shifts position across the width of the band as the boundary extends along the length of the band, which allows the symbol positions on the reel to be identified merely by detecting the position of the boundary along the width of the band, without having to rotate the reel. Therefore, there is no need to provide the band with a portion that will serve as a reference position. In addition, the current symbol position on the reel can be detected as soon as the power is turned on, without having to rotate the reel first. Furthermore, in detecting the current symbol position, there is no need to calculate the symbol position on the reel from the difference between the reference position on the band and the current position. Moreover, since the current symbol position on the reel can be detected directly, the stopping position of the reel does not have to be controlled with a precision motor such as a stepping motor, and it is possible to control stoppage while monitoring the current symbol position on the reel. Therefore, the drive of the reel can be controlled even before the reel reaches a constant rotational speed. In addition, since the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band corresponds directly to the symbol positions on the reel, if the actual position of a symbol should deviate from the detected position as a result of vibration of the cabinet housing the slot machine, this can be rectified with ease by fine-tuning.

[0035] Furthermore, since the boundary between the regions on the band trace a continuous path along the length of the band, the symbol positions on the reel can be detected precisely.

[0036] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

[0038] FIG. 1 is an oblique view of the mechanical slot machine according to the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the electrical configuration of the mechanical slot machine;

[0040] FIG. 3 is an oblique view of a reel unit of the mechanical slot machine;

[0041] FIG. 4 is a lateral view in which the reel unit of the mechanical slot machine is viewed from the direction indicated by arrow C in FIG. 3;

[0042] FIG. 5 is an exploded oblique view of the reel unit of the mechanical slot machine;

[0043] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the reel unit controller and the reel unit of the mechanical slot machine;

[0044] FIG. 7 is an oblique view of a sensor employed in the mechanical slot machine;

[0045] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a band employed in the mechanical slot machine;

[0046] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the mechanical slot machine;

[0047] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a band which shows a position on a boundary between two regions of the band;

[0048] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a portion of the light receiving device;

[0049] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the reel unit;

[0050] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a band in which the boundary has been modified;

[0051] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a band in which the boundary has been modified;

[0052] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a band in which the boundary has been modified;

[0053] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a band in which the boundary has been modified; and

[0054] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a band in which the boundary has been modified.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0056] FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a mechanical slot machine 1 according to the present invention. The mechanical slot machine 1 includes a cabinet 2, and a front panel 3 attached to the front of the cabinet 2 so as to open and close the cabinet 2. A symbol display unit 7 that displays symbols in three rows, for example, is arranged on the rear of the front panel 3.

[0057] For example, the symbol display unit 7 has three reels that show fluctuating and stationary displays of symbols in the columnar direction (the vertical direction of the mechanical slot machine 1). Each reel can show fluctuating and stationary displays of various symbols.

[0058] Also arranged on the front of the cabinet 2 are a token insertion slot 10 and a token return button 10a that returns a token in the event that the inserted token becomes jammed, etc. A start lever 11 is used to start the rotary display (fluctuating display) of the symbol display unit 7.

[0059] The game performed by this mechanical slot machine 1 is begun when a player places a bet and specifies a winning line. The winning line can be set in a number of ways, such as the horizontal middle line, the upper or lower horizontal line, or a diagonal line. The bet is placed by inserting a token into the token insertion slot 10 (discussed below), or by betting accumulated tokens with an accumulated token insertion button 21. A bet can also be placed by a combination of these methods.

[0060] When the player specifies a winning line by placing a bet, and then operates the start lever 11, the symbol display unit 7 puts the symbols into a fluctuating display. Once a predetermined length of time has elapsed, the symbol display unit 7 successively puts the symbols that are in fluctuating display into stationary display. The symbols are stopped at specific time intervals one by one, starting on the left as viewed facing the symbol display unit 7, for example. If a specific combination of symbols appears on any of the winning lines once the symbols have stopped, a prize is awarded corresponding to that combination of symbols.

[0061] A token payout opening 15 and a token tray 16 are provided under the front panel 3, and a play direction display 17 that is driven in order to provide directions to the game is provided above the front panel 3. The play direction display 17 includes an LCD (liquid crystal display) or various types of lamps, for example. An LCD is employed in this embodiment. A bonus game display 18 is provided above the front panel 3. The bonus game display 18 includes an LED (light emitting diode), and displays to the player that he or she has won the game or has won a bonus prize that imparts higher game value, displays directions for the game, and indicates when an error has occurred. A speaker 19 generates voice instructions, music, sound effects, and so forth. When a bonus prize is won, this will make the game develop in a way that is advantageous to the player, such as resulting in a winning percentage of 1/3, for example.

[0062] A plurality of lamps 20 arranged on the front panel 3 are turned on or off, or made to flash, thereby providing a display related to the game, such as a display indicating the winning lines that have been activated in accordance with the number of tokens inserted (or the number of credits bet), or a display indicating a win. The accumulated token insertion button 21 is used to play a specific number of tokens that have been accumulated in a token accumulator (not shown), and an accumulated token insertion button 22 is used to play a maximum number of tokens accumulated in the token accumulator (not shown). An accumulated token count display 23 displays the number of tokens accumulated in the token accumulator (not shown). A win count display 24 displays the number of wins or remaining plays when a bonus prize has been won, for example. A token payout count display 25 displays the number of tokens paid out. The accumulated token count display 23, the win count display 24, and the token payout count display 25 are composed of LEDs, for example. A payback button 26 pays back all the accumulated tokens, and a locking device 27 will unlock the door depending on the direction it is turned. Labels 28 indicate the model of the mechanical slot machine 1, the manufacturer's name, and other similar information.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the electrical configuration of the mechanical slot machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the mechanical slot machine 1 includes a main board A and a sub-board B. On the main board A, a CPU 30 includes a ROM 31 and a RAM 32, and performs control operations according to a preset program. The ROM 31 stores a control program for controlling the operation of the mechanical slot machine 1, as well as a prize group drawing table used for advance determination (internal drawing) of prize groups, etc.

[0064] The CPU 30 is connected to a clock generation circuit 33 that generates reference clock pulses, and a random number generation circuit 34 for generating specific random numbers. The CPU 30, the ROM 31, the RAM 32, and the random number generation circuit 34 constitute a drawing device. The control signals sent out from the CPU 30 via an output port 35 are outputted to a token payout device 36 that performs token payout, and a reel unit controller 70 that controls the reel units of the symbol display unit 7. The symbol display unit 7 and the reel units 37 constitute a display unit.

[0065] Signals outputted from a token identifier 38 that identifies whether or not tokens are genuine, a payout token counter 40 that counts the number of tokens paid out, and a start lever 41 that initiates the rotation of the reels are also inputted to the CPU 30 through an input port 43. Signals outputted from the CPU 30 are subjected to control by a transmission timing control circuit 45 that controls the timing of signal transmission to the sub-board B, and outputted to the sub-board B through a data transmission circuit 46.

[0066] At the sub-board B, signals outputted from the data transmission circuit 46 are inputted to a data input circuit 47. The signals inputted to the data input circuit 47 are processed by a CPU 48. The CPU 48 is connected to a clock generation circuit 49 that generates reference clock pulses, a ROM 50 in which are recorded various programs and image data, and a RAM 51. Data related to video is outputted from the CPU 48 to a liquid crystal display 53 through a display circuit 52 that performs video processing and the like. The liquid crystal display 53 displays letters, stationary pictures, moving pictures, and so forth. Data related to audio is outputted from the CPU 48 to an amplifier circuit 56 through an audio LSI chip 54 that performs sound processing and the like. The audio LSI chip 54 extracts the necessary audio data from an audio ROM 55 and performs processing of audio data. The audio data that has undergone processing for amplification, etc., in the amplifier circuit 56 is outputted to a speaker 58 through an audio adjuster circuit 57 that adjusts the sound.

[0067] FIG. 3 is an oblique view of a reel unit 37 of the mechanical slot machine according to the present invention. When the symbol display unit 7 consists of three reels, for example, there is a reel unit for each of the reels, and each can be independently controlled for rotation, stoppage, and so forth. The reel unit 37 is constituted as follows. First, a lamp holder 63, a motor 64, and a sensor 65 are fixed to a reel body 62. The motor 64 is a stepping motor in this embodiment, but may instead be a DC motor. In the present invention, since the current symbol position on the reel can be detected directly, the stopping position of the reel does not have to be controlled with a precision motor such as a stepping motor, and it is possible to control stoppage while monitoring the current symbol position on the reel. Therefore, the drive of the reel can be controlled even before the reel reaches a constant rotational speed. Lamps 63a are fixed to the lamp holder 63, and a rotary shaft 66 (not shown in FIG. 3) is connected to the motor 64. A reel 67 and a wheel 68 are fixed to the shaft 66. A band 69 is bent into an annular shape and fixed to the wheel 68.

[0068] Thus, when the band 69 is used in position detection, it is fixed to the wheel 68, and this structure allows enough strength to be maintained so that no deformation occurs even when the band 69 is rotated. In addition, since the band 69 is produced in the form of a band, and there is no need to provide a slit in the band 69, production and handling are easier, and it is also easy to produce regions thereon having different attributes.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a side view, in which the reel unit 37 of the mechanical slot machine according to the present invention is seen from the direction indicated by arrow C in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the lamp holder 63 is disposed facing the symbol display unit 7 so that it illuminates the symbols on the reel 67 from behind, making the symbols easier to see.

[0070] The light emitter 65a and the light receptor 65b of the sensor 65 are disposed across from each other and on either side of the band 69. Since the reel 67 and the wheel 68 are both connected to the rotary shaft 66, they share a center axis of rotation. The band 69 is bent in the shape of a ring and fixed to the wheel so that the ends of the band 69 touch each other. While not shown in FIG. 4, the lamps 63a and the sensor 65 are electrically connected to the CPU 30 through connectors and wiring.

[0071] FIG. 5 is an exploded oblique view of the main units of the reel unit 37 of the mechanical slot machine according to the present invention. When not fixed to the wheel 68, the band 69 is in the form of a rectangular strip, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the reel unit controller 70 and the reel unit 37 of the mechanical slot machine according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the reel unit 37 of the mechanical slot machine includes the reel unit controller 70, the lamps 63a, and the sensor 65. The sensor 65 includes the light emitter 65a and the light receptor 65b. The reel unit controller 70 includes the CPU 30, the ROM 31, the RAM 32, the clock generation circuit 33, and an output port 35, and performs control operations according to a preset program. The reel unit controller 70 further includes a memory unit 71 and a symbol identification unit 72. The memory unit 71 is made up of the ROM 31 and the RAM 32, and stores both a program for detecting the symbol positions on the reel, as well as a control program for controlling the operation of the motor 64 by reflecting the detected symbol position on the reel. The memory unit 71 also stores data in table format that correlates the symbols with the position of a boundary between discrete regions on the band 69 (described in greater detail below). Note that blank portions, rather than the symbols, may be what correlates the position of the boundary. In addition, the data correlating the symbols to the position of the boundary does not necessarily need to be stored in the form of a table. The symbol identification unit 72 identifies the currently displayed symbol from the position of the boundary detected by the program and then referring to the table stored in the memory unit 71. The phrase "symbol positions on the reel" here refers to the state of the reel when the individual symbols on the reel are in specific positions. More specifically, the symbol positions on the reel will be identified when the sensor 65 determines point Xp and point Yp of the boundary between the regions of the band 69 (see FIG. 10).

[0073] The control signals sent out from the CPU 30 are outputted through the output port 35 to the lamps 63a, the motor 64, or the light emitter 65a of the sensor 65. The signals outputted from the center control board and the light receptor 65b of the sensor 65 are inputted through the input port 43 to the CPU 30.

[0074] The wheel 68, the band 69 fixed to the wheel 68, sensor 65, the memory unit 71, and the symbol identification unit 72 constitute the symbol position detector according to the present invention.

[0075] As discussed above, in this embodiment, the reel unit controller 70 functions to detect the symbol positions on the reel and control the operation of the reel unit, which reflects the detected positions of the symbols. However, a control board may be provided for each reel unit and disposed on the reel body, and the functions of these units may be included in that control board. In this case, the control board for each reel unit will also have the role of interrupting signals between the CPU 30 and the reel unit 37.

[0076] FIG. 7 is an oblique view of the sensor 65. The light emitter 65a of the sensor 65 functions to shine light onto the band 69, and is equipped with an LED or the like as its light emitting device. Meanwhile, the light receptor 65b of the sensor 65 is equipped with a light receiving device 75, and a PTr (phototransistor) is used as the element of the light receiving device 75. It is also possible for the element of the light receiving device 75 to be a PD (photodiode), a photo-IC, a modulated light photo-IC, or the like. The light receiving device 75 consists of a grouping of elements that are units capable of detecting received light, and as shown in FIG. 7, the light receptor of the sensor has a structure in which elements are arranged in a straight line. The number of elements per unit of length is constant, and is 16 per millimeter, for example. The sensor 65 is disposed on the reel body 62 so that the line of elements of the light receiving device 75 extends across the width of the band 69.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a band 69a according to the present invention. A line extends from corner to diagonally-opposite corner, with the left side of the line being colored black. In this example, the attribute of the band 69a is optical transmissivity. The material of the band can be a transparent plastic or the like. When the attribute is optical transmissivity, the band 69a can be easily produced merely by printing a pattern in black ink on a band made of a transparent plastic film, for example. Note that any material that is transparent to light and on which a light blocking portion can be formed (such as by printing or the like) can be employed. Thus, the band 69a has regions with mutually different light transmission properties. As shown in FIG. 8, the boundary between the regions having different light transmission properties extends lengthwise from the upper side to the lower side of the band 69a, and shifts from the left side to the right side with respect to the width of the band 69a.

[0078] As a result, the symbol positions on the reel 67 can be identified merely by detecting the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band, without having to rotate the reel 67. Therefore, there is no need to provide the band 69a with a portion that will serve as a reference position. In addition, the current symbol position on the reel can be detected as soon as the power is turned on, without having to rotate the reel 67 first. Furthermore, in detecting the current symbol position on the reel, there is no need to calculate the symbol position on the reel 67 from the difference between the reference position on the band 69a and the current position. Moreover, since the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band 69a correspond directly to the symbol positions on the reel 67, if the actual position should deviate from the detected position as a result of vibration of the cabinet housing the mechanical slot machine 1, this can be rectified with ease by fine-tuning.

[0079] In addition, since the boundary between the regions on the band trace a continuous path along the length of the band, the symbol position on the reel can be detected precisely. Unless otherwise specified, the boundary between the regions having mutually different attributes on the band will be referred to simply as the "boundary."

[0080] Next, the operation of the mechanical slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the mechanical slot machine 1 according to this embodiment.

[0081] First, the game is started in the usual manner by input from the player (step S1). Here, as discussed above, the player places a bet to specify a winning line, and operates the start lever 11.

[0082] Next, random numbers are obtained for use as stop numbers on the reel strip on the first to third reels (step S2), and the winning line is fixed (step S3). The rotation of the first to third reels is then started (step S4). At this point, the symbol display unit 7 shows that the symbols are rotating and fluctuating in the display areas of the various reels. The direction of rotation may be from the top down, or from the bottom up. Furthermore, the reels may be provided horizontally rather than vertically, and may rotated from left to right, or from right to left.

[0083] The current symbol position on the reel is then detected by the sensor (step S5). As shown in FIG. 10, if we let the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band 69a be Xp, then the position of the boundary with respect to the length of the band 69a must be Yp. Since Yp corresponds to the symbol position on the reel, the current symbol position on the reel can be detected directly. Specifically, the position Xp of the boundary may itself be thought of as the symbol position on the reel. Therefore, in detecting the current symbol position on the reel, there is no need to calculate the symbol position on the reel from the difference between the reference position on the band and the current position, which used to be an essential processing step. In addition, the symbol identification unit 72 can identify the symbol currently being displayed by referring to the table that correlates the symbols with the positions of the boundary stored in the memory unit 71. The boundary currently detected by the sensor will be expressed below as Xp and Yp. The operation of the sensor at this time will now be described.

[0084] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a portion of the light receiving device 75. The squares in the drawing indicate the elements that constitute the light receiving device 75. The portions of the light receiving device that are shaded in FIG. 11 are those that are not receiving light transmitted by the band. On the other hand, the portions of the light receiving device shown as white are those that are receiving light transmitted through the band.

[0085] We will assume, as shown in FIG. 11, that the light receiving device up to the nth element is not receiving light, and the n+1th and subsequent elements are receiving light. The number of elements per unit of length in the light receiving device 75 is constant, which means that the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band can be detected. For instance, if the number of elements per unit of length of the light receiving device 75 is 16 per millimeter, the number of elements is 128, and the length of the light receiving device is 8.00 mm, then when n detected by the light receiving device 75 is 50, Xp is 3.13 mm. This processing is performed by the reel unit controller 70.

[0086] Next, a signal is sent out in order to drive the motor from the currently detected position of the boundary up to the position where the boundary is supposed to be stopped, and to stop at the position where the boundary is supposed to be stopped (step S6). The rotation of the first to third reels is then stopped sequentially on the basis of the above-mentioned signal transmitted from the reel unit controller 70 (step S7). We will assume here that the reels are stopped from the first to the third reel, in that order, at specific time intervals. The time interval can be 0.5 second, for example.

[0087] For instance, when a star symbol is to be stopped at the display position D as shown in FIG. 12, the motor is controlled so that the rotation of the reel will be stopped at the position Ys of the boundary of the band, which represents the star symbol. The star symbol here corresponds to the positions Ya to Yb along the length of the band 69a, and to the positions Xa to Xb across the width of the band 69a, and the center position Ys between Ya and Yb and the center position Xs between Xa and Xb are considered the representative values for this star symbol. This correlation is stored in advance as a table in the memory unit formed by the RAM 32. The symbols other than the star have been omitted from the reel 67 in FIG. 12.

[0088] Next the current symbol position on the reel is detected by the sensor 65 (step S8). More specifically, the position Xp of the boundary with respect to the width of the band 69a is detected at the position of the sensor 65. The position information transmitted to the motor in advance and the detected position information are then referred to (step S9), and a decision is then made as to whether or not there is a match (step S10). More specifically, it is determined whether or not the position Xp of the boundary with respect to the width of the band 69a is within the range of the positions Xa to Xb, which corresponds to the star symbol. If it is not within this range, an error message is displayed (step S11), and the machine is locked (step S12). When the stopped symbol position deviates from the position to be displayed, this may be corrected by control of the CPU 30. If Xp is within the range of Xa to Xb, the routine proceeds to step S13. It is then decided whether or not a prize has been won (step S13). If no prize has been won, the routine returns to a game start stand-by mode. If a prize has been won, however, the result is that the accumulated token count (credits) is incremented upward (step S14). The routine then returns to a game start stand-by mode.

[0089] Modifications

[0090] The above example featured the use of the band 69a in which the boundary was a corner-to-corner diagonal line and the left side of which was colored black. However, for example, the bands shown in FIGS. 13 to 17 may also be used. FIG. 13 is a plan view of a band 69b in which the boundary is a straight line that is inclined with respect to the length of the band 69b, the left of which is colored black. FIG. 14 is a plan view of a band 69c in which the boundary is drawn with a curve. FIG. 15 is a plan view of a band 69d in which just the diagonal line is colored black. In this case, since there are two boundaries on both sides of the line, the program must be written so that just the points on one of the boundaries will be detected in advance. FIG. 16 is a plan view of a band 69e in which the black portion and transparent portion have been reversed at a boundary at a specific length of the band shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 17 is a plan view of a band 69f which has a pattern which resembles a situation in which the band shown in FIG. 8 is cut at specific lengths, the pieces switched, and then put back together. In this case, the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band 69f corresponds with the position thereof with respect to the length of the band 69f.

[0091] These bands provide the same effect as the band 69a shown in FIG. 8 and discussed above. Specifically, the symbol positions on the reel 67 can be identified merely by detecting the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band, without having to rotate the reel 67. Therefore, there is no need to provide the band with a portion that will serve as a reference position. In addition, the current symbol position on the reel can be detected as soon as the power is turned on, without having to rotate the reel 67 first. Furthermore, in detecting the current symbol position on the reel, there is no need to calculate the symbol position on the reel 67 from the difference between the reference position on the band 69 and the current position.

[0092] In addition, since the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band 69 corresponds directly to the symbol positions on the reel, if the actual position should deviate from the detected position as a result of vibration of the cabinet, this can be rectified with ease by fine-tuning.

[0093] Furthermore, since the boundary with respect to the width of the band 69 corresponds to the position thereof with respect to the length of the band 69, the symbol positions on the reel can be detected precisely.

[0094] In the above example, the band 69 was deformed annularly and fixed to the wheel. However, a band unit may be provided to the wheel itself, and the same pattern may be produced on this band unit as when the above-mentioned band 69 was formed into a ring. This will afford the same effect.

[0095] In addition, in the above example, a transmission type of optical sensor was used for the sensor 65, but a reflection type of optical sensor that detects a difference in brightness or chromaticity, or a sensor that detects magnetization, may also be used. When a reflection type of optical sensor is used, the sensor 65 can be provided to just one side of the band 69, either the rotary shaft side or the reel side. Just as in the above example, the light emitting element can be an LED or the like, and the light receiving device 75 can be a PTr or the like. When a sensor that detects a difference in brightness is used, the band 69 can be a piece of white plastic that has been printed with black, for example. Thus, the band according to the present invention can be produced very easily when the attribute is brightness. Meanwhile, when a sensor that detects a difference in chromaticity is used, the band 69 can be a piece of yellow plastic that has been coated with a blue paint, for example. Thus, the band according to the present invention can be produced very easily when the attribute is chromaticity.

[0096] When a sensor that detects magnetization is used for the sensor 65, the sensor can be provided to just one side of the band, just as with a reflection type of optical sensor. This sensor can be a magnetic sensor that reads standard magnetic tape or magnetic cards. When the attribute is magnetization, since the band itself is magnetic, a sensor can be formed merely by providing a reading function. The band 69 can also be a type that is coated with a plastic or the like containing magnetic powder, and is subjected to a specific processing to produce a specific pattern of magnetization, with this pattern stored in the coated portion.

[0097] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-425722. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-425722 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0098] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A band for detecting positions of individual symbols formed on a reel of a mechanical slot machine, the band comprising: regions having mutually different attributes; and a boundary between the regions of the band that shifts position across a width of the band as the boundary extends along a length of the band; wherein the band is arranged around a periphery of a wheel that is rotatable with the reel and coaxial with a rotational axis of the reel.

2. The band set forth in claim 1, wherein the attributes are defined by brightness, chromaticity, or optical transmissivity that can be identified with an optical sensor, or by magnetization that can be identified with a magnetic sensor.

3. A band for detecting positions of individual symbols formed on a reel of a mechanical slot machine, the band comprising: regions having mutually different attributes; and a boundary between the regions of the band; wherein the band is arranged around a periphery of a wheel that is rotatable with the reel and coaxial with a rotational axis of the reel, and a position of the boundary with respect to a width of the band corresponds with a position of the boundary with respect to the length of the band.

4. A wheel for a symbol position detector of a mechanical slot machine, comprising: a band arranged around a periphery of the wheel, the band comprising regions having mutually different attributes, and a boundary between the regions of the band that shifts position across a width of the band as the boundary extends along a length of the band; wherein the wheel is rotatable with a reel of the mechanical slot machine and coaxial with a rotational axis of the reel.

5. The wheel set forth in claim 4, wherein the attributes are defined by brightness, chromaticity, or optical transmissivity that can be identified with an optical sensor, or by magnetization that can be identified with a magnetic sensor.

6. A symbol position detector which sequentially detects positions of individual symbols formed on a reel of a mechanical slot machine, the symbol position detector comprising: a wheel that is rotatable with the reel and coaxial with a rotational axis of the reel; a band arranged around a periphery of the wheel, the band comprising regions having mutually different attributes, and a boundary between the regions of the band that shifts position across a width of the band as the boundary extends along a length of the band; a sensor arranged near the band that sequentially detects the position of the boundary with respect to the width of the band; a memory unit which stores data that correlates the positions of the boundary with respect to the width of the band with positions of the symbols formed on the reel; and a symbol identification unit that identifies a symbol corresponding to a detected boundary position by comparing the detected boundary position with the data stored in the memory unit.

7. The symbol position detector set forth in claim 6, wherein the attributes are defined by brightness, chromaticity, optical transmissivity, or magnetization; and the sensor is an optical sensor capable of identifying different levels of brightness, chromaticity, or optical transmissivity, or a magnetic sensor capable of identifying different levels of magnetization.

8. A mechanical slot machine equipped with the symbol position detector set forth in claim 6.