Symbol display device for game machine

A symbol display device for a game machine includes a reel unit having a plurality of reels, each having a peripheral surface with a plurality of peripheral symbols. A reel supporting member that supports the reels rotatably and independently includes a lateral wall having a plurality of lateral symbols arranged around the rotational axis of the end reel, whereby any one of the lateral symbols is indicated by a pointer that rotates about the rotational axis of the end reel. A pivoting unit pivots the reel unit to a first angular position where the peripheral surfaces of the reels are observable and to a second angular position where the pointer and the lateral symbols on the lateral wall of the reel supporting member are observable. The pivoting unit is located above the reel unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a symbol display device for use in game machines.

2. Related Art

A game machine, such as a slot machine, includes a reel unit having a plurality of reels supported rotatably and independently, each having a peripheral surface with a plurality of peripheral symbols. When the reels stop rotating, it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbols on the reels corresponds to any one of predetermined prize patterns.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,756 discloses a slot machine including a special symbol display device in addition to the usual reels. This special symbol display device is arranged above the usual reels and has a single reel with a first display portion on its side surface and with a second display portion on its periphery. When a player wins a normal slot game using the usual reels, this special symbol display device enables players to play subsidiary games. In performing a first subsidiary game, the side surface of the special single reel is perpendicular so that the first display portion is observable. In performing a second subsidiary game, the periphery of the special single reel is horizontal so that the second display portion is observable.

However, such a special symbol display device arranged at a different position from the usual reels results in a waste of space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a symbol display device having a plurality of reels for use in a game machine that can enable players to play a plurality of types of games, including games using the plurality of reels, and that may allow effective use of space.

In accordance with the present invention, a symbol display device for a game machine includes a reel unit including: a plurality of reels each having a rotational axis and aligned in a manner such that the rotational axes are coincident or substantially parallel, each of the reels having a peripheral surface at which a plurality of peripheral symbols are displayed, the reels including an end reel arranged at an end position of the reels; a reel supporting member that supports the reels rotatably and independently, the reel supporting member including a lateral wall having a plurality of lateral symbols arranged around the rotational axis of the end reel; a plurality of driving units that rotate the reels respectively; and a pointer that rotates about the rotational axis of the end reel due to rotation of the end reel, the pointer indicating one of the lateral symbols on the lateral wall of the reel supporting member when the end reel and the pointer stop rotating. The symbol display device further includes a pivoting unit that pivots the reel unit to a first angular position at which the peripheral surfaces of the reels are observable and to a second position at which the pointer and the lateral symbols on the lateral wall of the reel supporting member are observable, the pivoting unit being located above the reel unit.

By virtue of the single reel unit according to the present invention, players can play a plurality of types of games, including a game using the plurality of reels, and the space is effectively used. When the pivoting unit pivots the reel unit to the first angular position, players can play a first game using the peripheral surfaces of the plurality of reels. When the pivoting unit pivots the reel unit to the second position, players can play a second game using the end reel with which the rotatable pointer is engaged. Since the pivoting unit is located above the reel unit, the pivoting unit need not bear the entire weight of the reel unit, and the reel unit can be disengaged from and engaged with the pivoting unit easily. Accordingly, the reel unit can be repaired easily.

Preferably, the reels include a second end reel arranged at a second end position of the reels opposite to the end reel, the reel supporting member including a second lateral wall having a plurality of second lateral symbols arranged around the rotational axis of the second end reel, the reel unit including a second pointer that rotates about the rotational axis of the second end reel due to rotation of the second end reel, the second pointer indicating one of the second lateral symbols on the second lateral wall of the reel supporting member when the second end reel and the second pointer stop rotating, the pivoting unit further pivoting the reel unit to a third angular position at which the second pointer and the second lateral symbols on the second lateral wall of the reel supporting member are observable. When the pivoting unit pivots the reel unit to the third angular position, players can play a third game using the second end reel with which the second rotatable pointer is engaged.

Preferably, at least one of the lateral symbols and the second lateral symbols are changeably displayed by one or more electronic display devices.

The reel supporting member of the reel unit may further include a bottom wall having a lower surface, and the reel unit may further include a plurality of casters, each including a bracket mounted on the lower surface of the reel supporting member and a roller rotatably attached to the bracket for facilitating pivoting of the reel unit. Since the casters facilitate pivoting of the reel unit, the energy consumption of the pivoting unit can be reduced.

The symbol display device may further include a base including an upper surface which faces the lower surface of the bottom wall of the reel supporting member, a projection located at one of the upper surface of the base and the lower surface of the bottom wall, and a surrounding wall located at the other of the upper surface of the base and the lower surface of the bottom wall, the projection being aligned with a pivot axis of the reel unit, the surrounding wall surrounding the projection. Since the surrounding wall surrounds the projection aligned with the pivot axis of the reel unit, the reel unit can be pivoted stably without deviating from the concentricity to the pivot axis. In addition, the surrounding wall and the projection can be used as means for guiding the reel unit when the reel unit is engaged with the pivoting unit. More specifically, if the projection is received in the surrounding wall, the reel unit is positioned appropriately.

The reel supporting member of the reel unit may further include a top wall having a top surface, and the symbol display device may further include: a pivot shaft pivoted by the pivoting unit, the pivot shaft extending upwardly from the top surface of the top wall; a pair of disks located around the pivot shaft at different elevations; and three photosensors each having a light-emitting element that emits light and a light-receiving element that receives the light from the light-emitting element when there is no interruption between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, a part of one of the disks being capable of being interposed between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the photosensor due to pivoting of the pivot shaft. The disks have different contours and the photosensors arranged so that a combination of light reception states of the light-receiving elements of the photosensors is variable when the reel unit is positioned at the first angular position, the second position, and the third angular position. In this case, using the combination of the light reception states of the photosensors, the pivot angular position of the reel unit can be determined appropriately from among the first angular position, the second position, and the third angular position.

The disks may have different contours and the photosensors are arranged so that a combination of light reception states of the light-receiving elements of the photosensors is variable when the reel unit is positioned at the first angular position, the second position, the third angular position, a position between the first and the second positions, a position between the second and the third angular positions, and a position between the third and the first angular positions. In this case, using a combination of the light reception states of the photosensors, the pivot angular position of the reel unit can be determined appropriately from among the first angular position, the second position, the third angular position, a position between the first and the second positions, a position between the second and the third angular positions, and a position between the third and the first angular positions.

In the symbol display device, the rotational shaft for the end reel may penetrate through the lateral wall of the reel supporting member, and the pointer may be mounted on the rotational shaft. Also, the second rotational shaft for the second end reel may penetrate through the second lateral wall of the reel supporting member, and the second pointer may be mounted on the second rotational shaft. When each of the rotational shaft and the second rotational shaft is of a small cross section, the area of each of the lateral wall and the second lateral wall can be large, so that the symbols on the walls can be large enough to be seen easily.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a game machine includes the above-described symbol display device.

As shown inFIG. 1, a game machine10according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a symbol display device12that has a reel unit14. In the state shown inFIG. 1, the reel unit14has been stopped at a first angular position that will be described in more detail later.

The game machine10in the embodiment is a slot machine, but it may be another type of game machine. The game machine10comprises a housing16including a front stage18on which are mounted various buttons, e.g., a cash button20, a bet button21, a spin button22, and a credit button23. This game machine10is an automatic-stop type, in which each reel is automatically stopped, so that no stop buttons are provided. However, this game machine10may be of a manual-stop type having stop buttons (not shown) that are pushed by players for stopping the reels of the reel unit14, respectively.

The lower front panel of the housing16that is below the front stage18has a coin slot24into which coins are inserted. A spin lever25is rotatably mounted on the right side panel of the housing16.

An upper front door26is openably and closeably connected via a hinge27to the housing16. An electronic display device28is mounted on the upper front door26for displaying various information and guidance with regard to the game machine10. The electronic display device28may be a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic electroluminescent display, a light emitting diode display, an electrophoretic display, or any other suitable electronic display device.

The symbol display device12is located inside the housing16. A lower front door29is openably and closeably connected via a hinge30to the housing16for protecting the symbol display device12. A window32covered with a transparent panel is formed at the lower front door29, so that a part of the symbol display device12can be seen through the window32.

Details of the symbol display device12are shown inFIGS. 2 through 4. The symbol display device12includes a reel unit14. The reel unit14includes a plurality of (three) rotatable reels, namely, a right-end reel40A, a center reel40B, and a left-end reel40C, each having a rotational axis and aligned in manner such that the rotational axes are coincident with one another. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the rotational axes of the reels40A,40B, and40C may be substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, the cylindrical reels40A,40B, and40C are of the same size, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, each of the reels40A,40B, and40C has a peripheral surface42A,42B, or42C at which a plurality of peripheral symbols are displayed in a manner similar to that of reels in conventional slot machines. When the reels stop rotating, it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbols on the reels corresponds to any one of predetermined prize patterns.

As shown inFIGS. 2 through 4, the reel unit14also includes a reel supporting member or reel case50that supports the reels40A,40B, and40C rotatably and independently. Generally, the reel case50is of a hollow cubic shape having a right lateral wall50A, a left lateral wall50C, a top wall50T connected to the lateral walls50A and50C, and a bottom wall50B (seeFIG. 4) connected to the lateral walls50A and50C. The reels40A,40B, and40C are located in the space between the lateral walls50A and50C.

As is best shown inFIG. 4, two inner walls or supporting plates52and54that are arranged in parallel are located within the reel case50. The supporting plates52and54are fixed to the top and bottom walls50T and50B of the reel case50.

The reel unit14further includes a plurality of driving units, namely, reel motors56A,56B, and56C that rotate the reels40A,40B, and40C, respectively. The right-end reel motor56A is mounted on the right supporting plate52, whereas the center reel motor56B and the left-end reel motor56C are mounted on the left supporting plate54.

Generally, each of the reels40A,40B, and40C is of a hollow cylindrical shape. In addition, each of the reels40A,40B, and40C has a center hub58located at the center of the hollow cylindrical shape and a plurality of spokes60radially extending outward from the hub58. The outermost ends of the spokes60are fixed to the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical reels40A,40B, and40C.

The right-end reel motor56A has a rotational shaft62A to which the hub58of the right-end reel40A is fixed. The center reel motor56B has a rotational shaft62B to which the hub58of the center reel40B is fixed. The left-end reel motor56C has a rotational shaft62C to which the hub58of the left-end reel40C is fixed. Thus, the reel motors56A,56B, and56C directly rotate the corresponding reels40A,40B, and40C, independently.

Each of the reel motors56A,56B, and56C is of a type in which the rotational angle can be controlled and stopped precisely. For example, a stepping motor may be preferably used for the reel motors. Although the reel motors56A,56B, and56C directly rotate the corresponding reels40A,40B, and40C in the illustrated embodiment, a suitable transmission mechanism, e.g., a gear transmission mechanism, a belt-pulley transmission mechanism, or a chain-sprocket mechanism, may be used for transmitting the individual movement of the driving unit to the corresponding reel in an alternative embodiment (not shown).

The reel unit14further includes a plurality of sensors, namely, reel sensors64A,64B, and64C for estimating the rotational angle of the reels40A,40B, and40C, respectively. Each of the reel sensors64A,64B, and64C is, e.g., a photosensor or a proximity sensor. The right-end reel sensor64A mounted on the right supporting plate52detects a segment66A mounted on one of the spokes60of the right-end reel40A when the segment66A passes the right-end reel sensor64A due to rotation of the right-end reel40A. The center reel sensor64B mounted on the left supporting plate54detects a segment66B mounted on one of the spokes60of the center reel40B when the segment66B passes the center reel sensor64B due to rotation of the center reel40B. The left-end reel sensor64C mounted on the left supporting plate54detects a segment66C mounted on one of the spokes60of the left-end reel40C when the segment66C passes the left-end reel sensor64C due to rotation of the left-end reel40C. The number of pulses input to the reel motor after the time of the last detection of the segment by the corresponding sensor is related to the rotational angle of the corresponding reel. Therefore, the control system (center processing unit) of the slot machine can estimate the rotational angle of each reel on the basis of the detection signal from the reel sensor.

The rotational shaft62A for the right-end reel40A penetrates through the right lateral wall50A of the reel case50. A first rotatable pointer46A is mounted on the distal end of the rotational shaft62A, so that the first rotatable pointer46A rotates about the rotational axis of the right-end reel40A due to rotation of the right-end reel40A. The first rotatable pointer46A is of an elongated shape radially extending outward from the rotational shaft62A.

The rotational shaft62C for the left-end reel40C penetrates through the left lateral wall50C of the reel case50. A second rotatable pointer46C is mounted on the distal end of the rotational shaft62C, so that the second rotatable pointer46C rotates about the rotational axis of the left-end reel40C due to rotation of the left-end reel40C. The second rotatable pointer46C is of a generally elongated shape radially extending outward from the rotational shaft62C.

The shape of the pointers46A and46C is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiment, and other shapes can be used.

As shown inFIG. 2, the right lateral wall (first lateral wall)50A of the reel case50has a plurality of first lateral symbols74A, each of which has a generally sectorial shape. The first lateral symbols74A are arranged around the rotational shaft62A for the right-end reel40A, whereby the first rotatable pointer46A indicates one of the lateral symbols74A on the right lateral wall50A of the reel case50when the right-end reel40A and the first rotatable pointer46A stop rotating.

As shown inFIG. 3, the left lateral wall (second lateral wall)50C of the reel case50has a plurality of second lateral symbols74C, each of which has a generally sectorial shape. The second lateral symbols74C are arranged around the rotational shaft62C for the left-end reel40C, whereby the second rotatable pointer46C indicates one of the lateral symbols74C on the left lateral wall50C of the reel case50when the left-end reel40C and the second rotatable pointer46C stop rotating.

As shown inFIG. 4, the symbol display device12further includes a pivoting unit or reel unit motor80that pivots the reel unit14in a horizontal plane. The reel unit motor80is engaged with a pivot shaft82extending upwardly from the top surface of the top wall50T of the reel case50. Thus, the reel unit motor80directly rotates the reel unit14as a whole. Since each of the rotational shaft62A and the rotational shaft62C has a small cross section, the area of each of the right lateral wall50A and the left lateral wall50C can be large, so that the symbols74A and74C on the walls50A and50C can be so large as to be readily visible.

The reel unit motor80is of a type in which the pivot angle can be controlled and stopped precisely. For example, a stepping motor may be preferably used for the reel unit motor. Although the reel unit motor80directly pivots the reel case50in the illustrated embodiment, a suitable transmission mechanism, e.g., a gear transmission mechanism, a belt-pulley transmission mechanism, or a chain-sprocket mechanism may be used for transmitting the movement of the pivoting unit to the reel unit in an alternative embodiment (not shown).

The reel unit motor80pivots the reel unit14to a first angular position at which the peripheral surfaces42A,42B, and42C of the reels40A,40B, and40C are observable through the window32of the lower front door29as shown inFIG. 1. After the reel unit motor80pivots the reel unit14to the first angular position and stops the reel unit14at the first angular position, players can play a first game, i.e., a normal slot game using the peripheral surfaces42A,42B, and42C of the plurality of reels40A,40B, and40C.

An upper blindfold plate90and a lower blindfold plate92may be attached to the reel case50, so as to be located at the upper and lower parts in the front window of the reel case50. By virtue of the blindfold plates90and92, players can see only a middle level part of the reel unit14as shown inFIG. 1when the reel unit14is at the first angular position.

As shown inFIG. 5, the reel unit motor80pivots the reel unit14to a second position that is different from the first angular position by 90 degrees. In the second position, the first rotatable pointer46A attached to the right-end reel40A and the first lateral symbols74A on the right lateral wall50A of the reel case50are observable through the window32of the lower front door29. After the reel unit motor80pivots the reel unit14to the second position and stops the reel unit14at the second position, players can play a second game using the right-end reel40A with which the first rotatable pointer46A is engaged.

As shown inFIG. 6, the reel unit motor80further pivots the reel unit14to a third angular position that is different from the second position by 180 degrees. In the third angular position, the second rotatable pointer46C attached to the left-end reel40C and the second lateral symbols74C on the left lateral wall50C of the reel case50are observable through the window32of the lower front door29. After the reel unit motor80pivots the reel unit14to the third angular position and stops the reel unit14at the third angular position, players can play a third game using the left-end reel40C with which the second rotatable pointer46C is engaged.

By virtue of the single reel unit14according to the embodiment of the present invention, players can play a plurality of types of games, and in addition, the space is effectively used.

In order to facilitate the pivot action of the reel unit14, a plurality of (four) casters94are provided at the lower surface of the bottom wall50B of the reel case50as shown inFIGS. 4,7, and8. Each caster94includes a bracket94amounted on the lower surface of the bottom wall50B of the reel case50and a roller94brotatably attached to the bracket94afor facilitating pivoting of the reel unit14. Each of the rollers94brolls on the upper surface of a base plate96(FIG. 4) which faces the lower surface of the bottom wall50B of the reel case50and bears the weight of the reel unit14. The base plate96is located inside the housing16and is usually hidden by the lower front door29(FIG. 1). Since the casters94facilitate pivoting of the reel unit14, the energy consumption of the reel unit motor80can be reduced.

As is best shown inFIG. 7, a projection97is mounted on the lower surface of the bottom wall50B of the reel case50. On the other hand, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 8, a surrounding wall98having a U-shape is mounted on the upper surface of the base96. The projection97is aligned with the pivot axis of the reel unit14, whereas the surrounding wall98surrounds the projection97. Since the surrounding wall98surrounds the projection97aligned with the pivot axis of the reel unit14, the reel unit14can be pivoted stably without deviating from the concentricity with the pivot axis. In addition, the surrounding wall98and the projection97can be used as means for guiding the reel unit14when the reel unit14is engaged with the reel unit motor80for deployment of the reel unit14. More specifically, if the projection97is received in the surrounding wall98, the reel unit14is positioned appropriately. Since the surrounding wall98has a U-shape, in which a side is open, the projection97is easily passed through the open side of the surrounding wall98so as to be positioned within the surrounding wall98. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a similar projection may be located at the upper surface of the base96, and a similar surrounding wall may be located at the lower surface of the bottom wall50B of the reel case50.

As shown inFIG. 4, the above-described reel unit motor80is mounted on an upper base plate104which is located inside the housing16and is usually hidden by the upper front door26(FIG. 1). The upper base plate104lies above the reel case50, whereas the pivot shaft82for the reel unit14is located in a cutout formed at the upper base plate104. Since the reel unit motor80is thus located above the reel unit14, the reel unit motor80need not bear the entire weight of the reel unit14, and the reel unit14can be disconnected from and connected to the reel unit motor80easily. Accordingly, the reel unit14can be repaired easily. When the reel unit14is disengaged from or engaged to the reel unit motor80, the upper front door26and the lower front door29are opened.

The first and second lateral symbols74A and74C may be printed or written on the right and left lateral walls50A and50C of the reel case50. However, at least either of the first lateral symbols74A and the second lateral symbols74C may be changeably displayed by one or more electronic display devices. For example, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 5, the right lateral wall50A of the reel case50includes an upper right lateral wall display120A and a lower right lateral wall display122A which are embedded in the right lateral wall50A of the reel case50, so as to display the first lateral symbols74A.

Each of the displays120A and122B may be a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic electroluminescent display, a light emitting diode display, an electrophoretic display, or any other suitable electronic display device. The upper half of the first lateral symbols74A is displayed on the upper right lateral wall display120A, whereas the lower half of the first lateral symbols74A is displayed on the lower right lateral wall display122A. However, each of the first lateral symbols74A may be individually displayed on a plurality of small display devices, respectively, in an alternative embodiment (not shown). In another alternative embodiment, all of the first lateral symbols74A may be displayed on a single displace device that is correspondingly modified.

As shown inFIG. 9, the game machine10includes a central processing unit (CPU)130that controls the overall operations of the game machine10on the basis of a program. Various signals are supplied to the CPU130from the buttons20,21,22, and23, the spin lever25, and the reel sensors64A,64B, and64C. The CPU130supplies drive-pulses to the motors56A,56B,56C, and80. The CPU130controls the right lateral wall displays120A and122A. In addition, the CPU130continually drives three photosensors110,112, and114, which will be described in detail, and receives signals from the photosensors110,112, and114.

As shown inFIGS. 10,11, and12, the photosensors110,112, and114are mounted on the interior surface of a cutout formed at the upper base plate104in which the pivot shaft82is located. The photosensor110is mounted on the left inner surface of the cutout, whereas the photosensor112is mounted on the back inner surface of the cutout and the photosensor114is mounted on the right inner surface of the cutout. Each of the photosensors110,112, and114includes a light-emitting element that continually emits a light beam and a light-receiving element that receives the light beam from the light-emitting element when there is no interruption between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element.

A pair of disks100and102are located around the hollow pivot shaft82at different elevations. The disks100and102are fixed to the pivot shaft82, so that the disks100and102pivot together with the reel unit14when the reel unit motor80pivots the pivot shaft82. As shown inFIG. 13, the upper disk100has two semicircular sections100aand100b, namely, a greater-radius semicircular section100aand a smaller-radius semicircular section100b. When the reel unit14is at the first angular position (the peripheral surfaces42A,42B, and42C of the reels40A,40B, and40C are seen by the player), the smaller-radius semicircular section100bis oriented to the near side for the player and the greater-radius semicircular section100ais oriented to the far side for the player.

As shown inFIG. 14, the lower disk102has a generally circular contour having three slits102a,102b, and102c. When the reel unit14is at the first angular position (the front face covering the peripheral surfaces42A,42B, and42C of the reels40A,40B, and40C is seen by the player), the slit102ais oriented to the near side for the player and the slit102bis oriented to the left side, whereas the slit102cis oriented to the far side for the player.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the elevation of the upper disk100is between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of each of the photosensors112and114. When the greater-radius semicircular section100ais interposed between the elements of photosensor112, the light beam of the photosensor112is interrupted, but while the greater-radius semicircular section100ais away from the photosensor112due to the pivot action of the disk102, the light-receiving element of the photosensor112receives the corresponding light-emitting element. The same is true for the photosensor114.

On the other hand, the elevation of the lower disk102is between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the photosensor110. When the periphery of the lower disk102is interposed between the elements of photo sensor110, the light beam of the photosensor110is interrupted. However, when one of the slits102a,102b, and102cis positioned between the elements of photosensor110, the light-receiving element of the photosensor110receives the corresponding light-emitting element.

Using the signal from the photosensor110related to the disk102, it is possible to detect that the angle of the reel unit14is exactly 0, 90, or −90 degrees. When the reel unit14is exactly at the first angular position (the angle is zero and the front face is seen by the player), the slit102bis positioned between the elements of photosensor110, so that the light-receiving element of the photosensor110receives the light beam from the corresponding light-emitting element and the output signal is in the OFF state, as shown inFIG. 15. When the reel unit14is exactly at the second position (the angle is 90 degrees and the right side (right lateral wall50A) is seen by the player), the slit102ais positioned between the elements of photosensor110, so that the light-receiving element of the photosensor110receives the light beam from the corresponding light-emitting element and the output signal is in the OFF state. When the reel unit14is exactly at the third angular position (the angle is −90 degrees and the left side (left lateral wall50C) is seen by the player), the slit102cis positioned between the elements of photosensor110, so that the light-receiving element of the photosensor110receives the light beam from the corresponding light-emitting element and the output signal is in the OFF state. Otherwise, the periphery of the disk102interrupts the light beam of the photosensor110, so that the light-receiving element of the photosensor110does not receive the light beam from the corresponding light-emitting element and the output signal is in the ON state.

Using the signal from the photosensor112related to the disk100, it is possible to determine whether or not the angle of the reel unit14is between 90 and −90 degrees. When the reel unit14is exactly at the second position (the angle is 90 degrees and the right side (right lateral wall50A) is seen by the player), the greater-radius semicircular section100ais not positioned between the elements of photosensor112, so that the light-receiving element of the photosensor112receives the light beam from the corresponding light-emitting element and the output signal is in the OFF state. When the reel unit14is exactly at the third angular position (the angle is −90 degrees and the left side (left lateral wall50C) is seen by the player), the greater-radius semicircular section100ais not positioned between the elements of photosensor112, so that the light-receiving element of the photosensor112receives the light beam from the corresponding light-emitting element and the output signal is in the OFF state. Only when the angle of the reel unit14is between 90 and −90 degrees, the greater-radius semicircular section100ainterrupts the light beam between the elements of photosensor112, so that the light-receiving element of the photosensor112does not receive the light beam from the corresponding light-emitting element and the output signal is ON state.

Using the signal from the photosensor114related to the disk100, it is possible to determine whether or not the angle of the reel unit14is between 0 and 180 degrees. When the reel unit14is exactly at the first angular position (the angle is 0 degrees and the front face (covering all reels40A,40B, and40C) is seen by the player), the greater-radius semicircular section100ais not positioned between the elements of photosensor114, so that the light-receiving element of the photosensor114receives the light beam from the corresponding light-emitting element and the output signal is in the OFF state. When the reel unit14is exactly at 180 degrees, the greater-radius semicircular section100ais not positioned between the elements of photosensor114, so that the light-receiving element of the photosensor114receives the light beam from the corresponding light-emitting element and the output signal is in the OFF state. Only when the angle of the reel unit14is between 0 and 180 degrees, the greater-radius semicircular section100ainterrupts the light beam between the elements of photosensor114, so that the light-receiving element of the photosensor114does not receive the light beam from the corresponding light-emitting element and the output signal is in the ON state.

By virtue of the contours of the disks100and102and the arrangement of the photosensors110,112, and114, the combination of light reception states of the light-receiving elements of the photosensors is variable when the reel unit14is positioned at the first angular position (0 degrees), the second angular position (90 degrees), the third angular position (−90 degrees), a position between the first and the second angular positions, a position between the second and the third angular positions, and a position between the third and the first angular positions as shown inFIG. 15. Using the combination of the light reception states of the photosensors110,112, and114, the CPU130determines the pivot angular position of the reel unit14appropriately from among the first angular position, the second angular position, the third angular position, a position between the first and the second angular positions, a position between the second and the third angular positions, and a position between the third and the first angular positions. Accordingly, the CPU130can make a fast and precise angular orientation of the reel unit14to the first, second, or third angular position.

Operations of the game machine10will be described. Before starting operations, the reel unit motor80has pivoted the reel unit14to the first angular position and has stopped the reel unit14at the first angular position, so that the peripheral surfaces42A,42B, and42C of the reels40A,40B, and40C are observable through the window32of the lower front door29, as shown inFIG. 1. A player can play a first game, i.e., a normal slot game using the visible peripheral surfaces42A,42B, and42C of the plurality of reels40A,40B, and40C. Once the player pushes the spin button22or turns the spin lever25, a start signal is supplied from the spin button22or the spin lever25to the CPU130. Then, the CPU130starts supplying drive-pulses to the reel motors56A,56B, and56C for rotating the reel motors56A,56B, and56C, and then stops the individual rotations of the reel motors56A,56B, and56C at different random times. For example, the CPU130stops the left-end reel motor56C first, the center reel motor56B next, and then the right-end reel motor56A.

Upon stopping all the reel motors56A,56B, and56C, the CPU130estimates the rotational angle of each of the reels40A,40B, and40C on the basis of signals received by the CPU from reel sensors64A,64B, and64C and the number of pulses supplied to the respective reel motors from the CPU130. For example, the CPU130estimates the rotational angle of the reel40A on the basis of the number of pulses input to the reel motor56A after the time of the last detection signal supplied from the reel sensor64A that indicates the last detection of the segment66A by the sensor64A.

Next, the CPU130determines whether or not the combination of the symbols on the reels40A,40B, and40C (i.e., the rotational angles of the reels40A,40B, and40C) corresponds to any one of predetermined prize patterns, including a special pattern. If the combination of the symbols does not coincide with any prize pattern, the player loses the game. If the combination of the symbols coincides with a prize pattern that is not the special pattern, the CPU130supplies a command to a payment device (not shown) for paying a prize amount corresponding to the prize pattern in coin, and stands ready to perform the normal slot game.

If the combination of the symbols coincides with the special pattern, the CPU130supplies drive-pulses to the reel unit motor80for pivoting the reel unit14by 90 degrees to the second angular position as shown inFIG. 5. In the second angular position, the first rotatable pointer46A connected to the right-end reel40A and the first lateral symbols74A on the right lateral wall50A of the reel case50are observable by the player through the window32of the lower front door29. After the reel unit motor80stops the reel unit14at the second angular position, the player can play the second game using the visible right-end reel40A to which the first rotatable pointer46A is connected and the visible first lateral symbols74A on the right lateral wall50A of the reel case50. Each of the first lateral symbols74A represents a prize amount to be given to the player. Accordingly, the second game is a subsidiary game (prize-amount-determining game) for determining the prize amount that the player can acquire.

In the second game, once the player pushes the spin button22or turns the spin lever25, a start signal is supplied from the spin button22or the spin lever25to the CPU130. Then, the CPU130starts supplying drive-pulses to the right-end reel motor56A for rotating the right-end reel motor56A, and then stops the rotation of the reel motor56A at a random time.

Upon stopping the reel motor56A, the CPU130estimates the rotational angle of the right-end reel40A on the basis of the number of pulses input to the corresponding reel motor56A after the time of the last detection signal supplied from the corresponding reel sensor64A that indicates the last detection of the segment66A by the sensor64A. The rotational angle of the right-end reel40A signifies the angle of the first rotatable pointer46A that has been stopped. Therefore, the CPU130determines the first lateral symbol74A (indicating a prize amount) pointed by the first rotatable pointer46A. At this stage, by means of the first lateral symbol74A indicated by the first rotatable pointer46A, the player also knows the prize amount that the player can acquire.

The player can select to play the third game or to receive the prize amount indicated by the first rotatable pointer46A. If the player pushes the cash button20to receive the prize amount, the CPU130supplies a command to the above-mentioned payment device (not shown) for paying the prize amount in coin, and supplies drive-pulses to the reel unit motor80to pivot the reel unit14by 90 degrees to the first angular position so as to stand ready to perform the first game again, as shown inFIG. 1.

On the other hand, if the player pushes a button (not shown) to play the third game, the CPU130supplies drive-pulses to the reel unit motor80for pivoting the reel unit14by 180 degrees to the third angular position as shown inFIG. 6. In the third angular position, the second rotatable pointer46C connected to the left-end reel40C and the second lateral symbols74C on the second lateral wall50C of the reel case50are observable by the player through the window32of the lower front door29. After the reel unit motor80stops the reel unit14at the third angular position, the player can play the third game using the left-end reel40C to which the second rotatable pointer46C is connected and the second lateral symbols74C on the second lateral wall50C of the reel case50. Each of the second lateral symbols74C represents a multiplier that should be multiplied by the prize amount to be given to the player. As a result of the third game, the player can obtain the product of the multiplier and the prize amount in coin. However, the symbol “Extra Spin” or “PROGRESSIVE” means that the player should retry the third game. Accordingly, the third game is another subsidiary game (multiplier-determining game) for determining the multiplier that should be multiplied to the prize amount, and for determining the product (total amount) that the player can acquire.

In the third game, once the player pushes the spin button22or turns the spin lever25, a start signal is supplied from the spin button22or the spin lever25to the CPU130. Then, the CPU130starts supplying drive-pulses to the left-end reel motor56C for rotating the left-end reel motor56C, and then stops the rotation of the left-end reel motor56C at a random time.

Upon stopping the reel motor56C, the CPU130estimates the rotational angle of the left-end reel40C on the basis of the number of pulses input to the corresponding reel motor56C after the time of the last detection signal supplied from the corresponding reel sensor64C that indicates the last detection of the segment66C by the sensor64C. The rotational angle of the left-end reel40C signifies the angle of the second rotatable pointer46C that has been stopped. Therefore, the CPU130determines the second lateral symbol74C (indicating a multiplier) indicated by the second rotatable pointer46C. At this stage, by means of the second lateral symbol74C indicated by the second rotatable pointer46C, the player also knows the multiplier.

The player can receive the total amount that is the product of the prize amount and the multiplier indicated by the second rotatable pointer46C. The CPU130supplies a command to the above-mentioned payment device (not shown) for paying the total amount in coin, and supplies drive-pulses to the reel unit motor80for pivoting the reel unit14by 90 degrees to the first angular position so as to stand ready to perform the first game again as shown inFIG. 1.

If the second rotatable pointer46C indicates the symbol “Extra Spin” or “PROGRESSIVE”, the player pushes the spin button22or turns the spin lever25to replay the third game, and then a start signal is supplied to the CPU130, again. Then, the CPU130starts supplying drive-pulses to the left-end reel motor56C for rotating the left-end reel motor56C, and then stops the rotation of the left-end reel motor56C, again. The multiplier indicated by the second rotatable pointer46C at this stage will be multiplied with the last total amount resulting from the last third game.

Since the first lateral symbols74A are realized by the right lateral wall displays120A and122A, a wide variety of symbols can be shown. Furthermore, the game machine according can provide more kinds of games. When the reel unit motor80is pivoted to the first angular position as shown inFIG. 1, players can play a first game, i.e., a normal slot game using the peripheral surfaces42A,42B, and42C of the plurality of reels40A,40B, and40C. Thereafter, when the reel unit motor80is pivoted to the second angular position as shown inFIG. 5, players can play a second game using the right-end reel40A with the first rotatable pointer46A and the first lateral symbols74A displayed by the right lateral wall displays120A and122A. Thereafter, when the reel unit motor80is pivoted to the third angular position as shown inFIG. 6, players can play a third game using the left-end reel40C with the second rotatable pointer46C and the second lateral symbols74C displayed by the left lateral wall display102C. Thereafter, when the reel unit motor80is pivoted to the second angular position again, the CPU130causes the right lateral wall displays120A and122A to present another pattern of the first lateral symbols74A and players can play a fourth game using the right-end reel40A with the first rotatable pointer46A and the new first lateral symbols74A.

In the above described embodiment, the lateral symbols74A and74C are at least one of numerals and letters of the alphabet. However, other types of symbols including other letters, marks, or pictures may be used as the lateral symbols in alternative embodiments (not shown).

In the above-described embodiments, the right side of the reel unit14is provided with the single first rotatable pointer46A and the left side of the reel unit14is provided with the single second rotatable pointer46C. However, in an alternative embodiment, two or more pointers may be disposed at least one of the right and left side of the reel unit14. In this case, a greater variety of games may be presented.

It will be understood that the present invention has been described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, and that improvements and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof.