AU605351B2 - Rotary-drum type amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

~I I: i A 8!ZA Form PATENTS ACT 1952 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

FOR OFFICE USE Short Title: Int. CI: Application Number: Lodged: a Complete Specification-Lodged: Accepted: s Lapsed: Published: oPriority 04 S 0 00o 0 00a 16th October 1987 Japan No. 62-261439 This document contains the amendments made under Section 4 9 and is correct for printing Related Art: S00* 0 00 0 00 0 a 9 Name of Applicant: Address of Applicant: Actual inventor: Address for Service: TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT KABUSHIKI KAISHA SOPHIA 201, Sakainocho 7-chome, Kiryu-shi, Gunma-ken, Japan.

Kichihei Niiyama HALFORD MAXWELL, Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, 49 51 York Street, SYDNEY. N.S.W. 2000.

Complete Specification for the invention entitled: Rotary-Dum Type Amusement Machine.

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: a

SPECIFICATION

[TITLE OF THE INVENTION] Rotary-drum Type Amusement Machine [BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION] The present invention relates to an amusement machine which is to award a pre-determined number of playing tokens in proportion to the number of playing tokens betted on the game when a set of rotary drums stops rotating hence discovering a combination of pico otures or symbols whose pattern represents a class of oo prizes, and more specifically, its control of the drums' arrest.

It is known that a common amusement machine such a as a slot machine has a set of drums which start rotating when a playing token(s), e.g. a coin, is inserted Go into the machine and are, manually stopped by the a0player. The machine awards a specified number playing o 20 tokens, as a prize, complying with odds preliminarily determined for each class of prizes, if the combination of pictures or symbols appearing on the drums when they are immobilized matches the specific prize.

Instead of coins, pinballs (of a pinball machine) may be used as playing tokens in an amusement machine of the slot-machine type.

This type of amusement machine can award a specified number of pinballs complying with the odds for a class of prizes involved when the drums stop, as one (or more) pinball instead of a coin has been inserted into it. It is known that the pinballs accepted by such an amusement machine are common playing tokens and widely used in many pinball parlors having pinball machines.

A common amusement machine of this type has 1

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2 controls or a computer as an automatic control for the acceptance and distribution of pinballs and the drums' rotation and more particularly, involves a stop control which can substantially be operated by the player to stop the drums' rotation. The drums will thus be brought to a stop by the player through the manual stop operation.

This makes it difficult to control the allocation of prizes hence, such an arrangement is insuitable for incorporation in such amusement machine which has controls such as a computer so as to automatically reguo o late the rotating motion of the drums.

There exists another concept where a time lag is introduced between the stop control operation and the o o 15 drums' rotation arrest, i.e. the drums do not stop ino stantly but a little bit after the stop control is engaged. This lessens the amusement derived from a game which is the main goal involved with an amusement machine of this type. More specifically, the player is prevented from amusing himself by playing a game offered by such a rotary-drum type amusement machine in 0000 o o which he can stop the drums' rotation manually at any time using his reflexes in order to get a favorable displayed combination of pictures or symbols so that o d 0 o.

25 the fun of playing the game is increased along with thrilling expectations.

[SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION] The primary object of the present invention is to provide an amusement machine which enables the control over the allocation of prizes without lessening the amusement involved in a game with a rotary-drum type amusement machine.

According to the present inventio_ ,the--amuem-ent machine set of drums, each of which L L rO -3- The present invention provides a rotary-drum type amusement machine comprising a set of rotatable drums each having indicia applied to the periphery thereof and visible to the player, means for selecting betting lines determining means for determining classes of prizes 9 according to respective combinations of the patterns 0 of selected indicia relative to the betting lines; me 0 09 stop instruction means associated with each drum operable by the player to cause a stop signal in o 15 respect of a selected drum; means identifying the rotary position of a given drum upon the issue of a stop signal in respect of that drum 20 means determining whether a selected indicium of a given drum is within a specified rotational distance of o*l a betting line when a stop signal is given in respect of that drum; means operable in response to such a determination to stop that drum at a position dependent upon whether said selected indicium is within said distance.

Preferably that drum is stopped with the selected indicium at said betting line.

The winnings may thus be determined within a short period of time by combining the picture or symbol patterns on the drums after the stop control is activated. Accordingly, it will be possible to control the allocation of prizes automatically and ,Ktherefore, to benefit from a game.

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-3a Additionally, the drums stop a short time after the stop control is activated by the player so that he can win through his control of stopping the drums while enjoying an increased feeling of expectation and getting more excitement out of the game.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

o 0 l o. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS o e a o 0 a Fig. 1 is a perspective external view showing one 0 0 assembly of the present invention in the form of an amusement machine using pinballs; s0 e9o 09 0 S a *o 9 0 9 -4- Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of the machine; Fig. 3 is a view showing the back of the amusement machine; Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a main structural frame of the machine and a pinball distribution unit mounted on the main structural frame; Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the amusement machine excluding the main structural frame; Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a game device; Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the arrange- 0 ment of a game display panel and an auxiliary structural part; °o Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a pinball 15 feeding unit; Fig. 9 is a front view showing a pinball shell motion; Fig. 10a is a side view of the pinball feeding n device; 0o0 20 Fig. O10b is a side view of a route shift device in the pinball feeding device; 0000 oo0 0 Fig. 11 is a block diagram of a control system; Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of a control program; o, 25 Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing a control sequence of drum starting process; Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing a control sequence of winning evaluation; Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing a control sequence of stage renewal; a b are Fig. 16-Y a flow chart showing a control sequence of renewal for magnetizing motion; Figs. 17a to 17e are flow charts showing control sequences of drum stop process respectively; Fig. 18 is a flow chart showing a control sequence of interval setting for motion arrest; Fig. 19 is a flow chart showing a control sequence of response processing for stop activation; Fig. 20 is a flow chart showing a control sequence of determining process; Fig. 21 is a flow chart showing a control sequence of award indexing; Fig. 22 is a table of the data for pulse motor magnetizing; Fig. 23 is an explanatory illustration showing the counter resetting; O Figs. 24 and 25 are schematic illustrations show- ,ing tables of success and failure respectively; Fig. 26 is an explanatory view showing the ar- 15 rangement of patterns carried by the drums; ~Q 0 Fig. 27 is an explanatory view showing the relationship between a bit and a judge line; Figs. 28a and 28b are explanatory illustrations o showing the process target selection; So 20 Fig. 29 is a table showing the quantity of prize pinballs in the award table.

[DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSEMBLY] This assembly of the present invention is shown in 25 the form of an amusement machine of slot-machine type 0*04 using pinballs.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the numeral 1 is a housing of hollow box shape consisting of a top frame part IA having a notch la therein, a right frame part iB, a left frame part IC, and a bottom frame part ID, all of which are arranged in a rectangular shape as shown in Fig. 3. Further, 3 is a game device loosely mounted on a shelf plate 2 in the housing 1 and including three rotary drums 4. 5 is a front reinforcement plate securely fixed to the lower end of an opening in I1 6 the housing 1 while 6 is a base plate securely attached to the front end of the front reinforcement plate 5. 7 is a main structural frame mounted for opening and closing the housing 1 while covering an upper region of the opening of the housing 1 which is defined by the front reinforcement plate 5. 8 and 9 are an upper and a front cover securely attached to the front of the main structural frame 7 respectively and designated as first and second front structural parts. The upper and front covers 8, 9 are so expansively arranged as to have, on the side of the main structural frame 7, open space areas 8A and 9A respectively. Additionally, there are various components, described later, mounted o0 on the front cover 9. Both the front structural parts 15 (8 and 9) are integrally attached to the main struc- *o tural frame 7 so that they can be opened and closed simultaneously when the main structural frame 7 is opened or closed to the housing 1.

a Although there are two front structural parts; a S 20 first front structural part (upper cover 8) and a second front structural part (front cover 9) according to I the assembly, it is possible to arrange them into one front structural part.

The first front structural part or upper cover 8 found at the top has a specified amusement display installation or character installation 10 for displaying the range of a game mounted in the central portion and additionally, display function installations 11A and 11B arranged in the left and right portions. These display installations offer positive instructive information about the game when located at the top and will give a more effective result with the use of a combination of sound and light.

The second front structural part or front cover 9 has a game display board 12 for displaying a game and LMa-

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7 its result mounted thereto in such a manner that it faces the player. The game display board 12 is illuminated frontally and downward by a fluorescent light emitter 14 (an upper fluorescent light emitter) mounted on the top of an auxiliary front structural part 13 attached to the rear of the game display board 12. Beneath the game display board 12 there is attached in a downward order operating function board 15 for control of start, stop, feed, and other operations for the game, a lower game display board 16 acting as a second game display board and illuminated by a lower fluoreso cent light emitter 17, and finally a supply tray 18 for O supplying pinballs in a line to the inner side of the o 0machine housed in an recessed space 19.

The base plate 6 has a recess 62 for providing an accommodating space housing a pinball container beneath the supply tray 18.

0 Figs. 3 and 4 show the back of the main structural frame 7 to which a prize pinball distribution unit o 0 20 of approximate L-shape extending along the circumferen- 0: tial end of the main structural frame 7 and which is so mounted as to be easily detached. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, there are insertable assembly parts 21, each of which has two separate pointed hooks 21A and 21B flexible rightward and leftward and project from the back of the main structural frame 7. On the other hand, there are insertion holes 22A drilled in the assembly base plate 22 of the prize pinball distribution unit 20 so that the insertable assembly parts 21 can respectively be inserted into the insertion holes 22a with their respective pointed hooks 21A and 21B being fixed to the back of the assembly base plate 22. On the assembly base plate 22 of the prize pinball distribution unit 20 there is attached an upper tank 23, a leading chute 25 which is a chute for -8distributing pinballs from the upper tank 23 and has a pinball shortage detector 24 (a pinball shortage switch) attached to its unstream side, a prize pinball distribution device 26, a prize pinball distribution chute 27, an overflow device 28, and a pinball recovery device 29.

The main structural frame 7, front structural parts (upper and front covers 8, and prize pinball distribution unit 20 are assembled in a sandwitch arrangement which allows for a door portion for opening and closing hence improving the ridigity and thus, offering accurate, and smooth opening and closing for longer use.

3 As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, there is a pinball 15 feeding device 30 of a unit type mounted to the back of Q the front reinforcement plate 5 and on the side corresponding to a pinball outlet of the supply tray 18.

The pinball feeding device 30 includes its assembly base plate 31 on which there is attached a running S 20 chute 32 communicating with the pinball supply tray outlet 18, a pinball shell 33 communicating with the running chute 32, a feeding chute 34 for feeding a specified number of pinballs defined by the pinball shell 33 into the machine, and a pinball discharging 25 chute 35 (Fig. 10) for automatically discharging in a downward direction a fractional number of pinballs which is less than the number defined by the pinball S shell 33.

Housing As shown in Fig. 5, the shelf plate 2 extending from the left frame part 1C to the right frame part 1B in the housing 1 is introduced in order to reinforce the housing 1 and also, to devid the interior of the housing 1 into an upper and a lower section; a game system housing space 511 and a control system housing i 9 space 512. The control system housing space 512 contains a control device unit 700 including a CPU board, a power supply device unit 710, a terminal device unit 720, and so forth while the games system housing space 511 contains the game device 3. Such control units (including the power supply device unit 710, control device unit 700, and terminal device unit 720) are thus protected against damage which may be caused by a pinball falling from a pinball circulating system, particularly during the supply of pinballs to the upper tank S23 (See Fig. The control device unit 700 for the game device 3 is mounted onto the lower surface of the shelf plate 2.

The shelf plate 2 comprises a shelf portion 2A having a width smaller than the depth of the housing 1 and extending from the left frame part IC to the right frame part lB in the housing 1 and an installation portion 2B projecting frontward from the front opening in the housing i. The game device 3 is installed on 20 the installation portion 2B and securely fixed to it with simple attachments. The front portion of the game device 3 is so manufactured as to enter the open space 9A of the second front structural part or front cover 9 through the opening 7A provided in the main structural frame 7 shown in Fig. 4.

Game Device Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, the game device 3 is Sshown in which three of the rotary drums 4, each of which being assembled in a unit, are arranged in a row on a main board 40 so that each one can be driven, detected, and stopped individually. Each of the rotary drums 4 can also be disassembled individually while the entire assembly is housed in an enclosure 41.

Drum Unit The rotary drum 4 constituting a drum unit is i L i C- c~ 10 housed within and rotatably mounted in a unit casing 42 which is formed by freely joining a left unit frame 42A and a right unit frame 42B to each other by means of screws 421. According to the assembly, a boss portion 4A of the rotary drum 4 is screw mounted on the end of a rotary shaft 43 projecting from the left unit frame 42A and at the other end attached to the output shaft for power transmission from a pulse motor 44 (a drum motor PM1, PM2, or PM3) mounted to the right unit frame 42B and acting as a driving device.

It is possible for such a unit to have its own driving, detecting, or stopping devices and also, to have its parts separately replaced or overhauled when required. When each unit has one pulse motor 44, the 15 rotating speed can be controlled freely and its rotary 0 0 drum 4 can rotate even in a reverse direction for the control of prize award. The pulse motor 44 contains o magnetizing coils of 1 to 4 phase and rotates according to a 1 to 2 phase magnetizing method.

To detect the reference position (a home position) of an individual rotary drum 4, there is provided a detecting device 45 perpendicularly mounted on the side of the rotary drum 4, more specifically on its fork portion 4B which extends from the boss portion 4A to a o 25 drum cylindrical portion 4C, and a drum sensor 46 for recording the detection device 45 mounted onto the right unit frame 42B. Each rotary drum 4 has a series of patterns (of pictures, symbols, or numerals) consecutively attached to the outer periphery of the drum cylinder 4C by means of the attachment of a display belt 4D as shown or the direct printing of such patterns. The stop position of one of the patterns to be displayed on the game display board 12 can be precisely identified by counting the number of pulses from the home position because the series of patterns are ~4- 11 arranged in order. This also makes it possible to determine nine patterns to be displayed on the game display board 12, three in each of the upper, middle, and lower sections. The pulse motor 44 and drum sensor 46 in each drum unit are connected with lead wires 47 which carry at their terminals a connector 47A and are bound together.

Fig. 26 shows an example of the series of patterns attached to the drums 4 (Dl, D2, and D3) by the display belts 4D. Each one of the drums 4 has twenty-one (21) the patterns in series in which A represents a big bonus pattern while B and C represent small bonus patterns "watermelon" and "BAR" respectively). Additionally, the symbol represents a bonus S 15 towards a big win and 0represents a win of bonus.

40 As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, each one of the unit 0:0 4: casings 42 is installed on a portion of the bottom 4 panel 401 of the main board 40 of approximate L-shape cross section by means of screws 422 screwed from be- S 20 low. Additionally, the unit casing 42 is in contact t with portion of the back panel 402 of the main board °4 .and attached to it by means of screws 423 screwed from behind. The bottom panel 401 of the main board 40 has z a transversely extending base plate with an insertion recess 48 formed at its front end and carrying a wiring base plate 49 (a base plate M) secured thereto with screws 424. The contactors 47A from the units are respectively connected to connector terminals 49A of connecting-pin type mounted on the wiring base plate 49 in a separate assembly. On the wiring base plate 49 there is also mounted at the negative side a multiple connector terminal 49B for an input and output line contactor 700A connected to the control device unit 700 (a CPU board).

Back of Main Structural Frame 12 As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, there is provided above the housing 1 a distributor 501, a chute 502, a supply counting device 503, and a incoming conduit 504, all of which are adapted to each amusement machine of receiving pinballs from a pinball supply channel 500 (a main pinball supply line) used for a set of amusement machines. The incoming conduit 504 is then led to the bottom of the upper tank 23. The pinballs are supplied from the supply counting device 503 through the incoming conduit 504 to the upper tank 23 and further delivered through the leading chute 25 to the prize pinball distribution device 26. A specified number of pinballs which is delivered from the prize pinball A, adistribution device 26 when the player wins, pass through the prize pinball distribution chute 27 and 0 then flow through a prize pinball exit 18A into the supply tray 18. When the number of pinballs reaches a o Ga certain level in the prize distribution chute 27 and 0 00 the supply tray 18 is full, a swing plate 28A of the 20 overflow device 28 is pressure activated. This move- 0 0 ment activates the flow detector 28B (an overflow o switch) and stops further action of the prize distribution device 26 hence prohibiting the supply of pinballs ea00 o0 a to the pinball feeding device 30. The pinball recovery device 29 on the assembly base plate 22 is installed beside the prize pinball distribution device 26 in o 0a °0 0 order to transfer pinballs from the upper tank 23.

When necessary, for instance after the closing time of a parlor, all the pinballs from the upper tank 23 to the prize pinball distribution device 26 can be removed or discharged through the recovery chute 29A. The pinballs discharged from the recovery chute 29A and the feeding chute 34 in the pinball feeding device 30 are discharged in a recovery tray 506 provided beneath a base stand 505 installed separately.

13 Front Structural Part The second front structural part or front cover 9 is securely fixed to the main structural frame 7 by means of bolts which extend outward from the inner wa.l of the front cover 9 traversing the main structural frame 7 and tightened with nuts 901. Similarly, the first front structural part or upper cover 8 is securely fixed to the main structural frame 7 by bolts which extend from the back of the upper cover 8 traversing the main structural frame 7 and tightened with nuts 801.

Game Display Board The game display board 12 situated in the middle of the arrangement of the front structural parts (8 and 9) is provided in which a game display panel 69 is e housed in a rectangular game display opening formed in the front cover 9 and mounted on the back of the auxil- S' iary structural part 13.

The front cover 9 has in a front portion and des- S 20 ignated as the game display board 12 a sloping arrange- 0 0o ment which defines the game display opening at a posi- 0 00 000 °tion measured from the front end of the front cover 9.

0 Particularly, the front cover 9 includes top, right, and left sloping frame parts 9B and a bottom sloping frame part 9C fixed around the game display panel 69.

The game display panel 69 consists of a transparent plate superposed on a game display plate whose assembly is substantially tilted towards the main structural frame 7 for visual observations by the player.

Game Display Panel As shown in Fig. 7, the game display panel 69 has three look-through windows 70 for the rotary drums 4 through which the peripheries of the rotary drums 4 housed in the opening 7A of the main structural frame 7 can be seen. On the circumferential periphery of each 14 rotary drum 4 there is arranged a set of patterns (of pictures, symbol, or numeral) in such a manner that when the drums 4 stop rotating, the look through windows 70 in the center can display nine the patterns; three patterns in the upper, middle, and lower sections of each window. To determine the winning combinations of the nine patterns displayed, provided on the game display panel 69 are directional lines 71 (judgement lines); three laterally extending upper, middle, and lower lines and two diagonally extending lines. There is also a fluorescent light emitter mounted above the three look-through windows On the left of the look-through windows 70 in the game display panel 69, there are mounted betting line display lamps 72 (play lamps) for indicating whether o the combinations of patterns arranged along the direcon~a tional lines are involved in the betting or not, as 00 0o shown in Figs. 1 and 7. There are five play lamps 72, one per directional line, constituting a betting combination display in which each of the betting combination is shown when illuminated.

0 0 Although such a play lamp 72 comprises an opening in the game display panel 69 and a lamp unit 72a mounted on the auxiliary structural part 13 in a practical arrangement, the opening in the game display Spanel 69 represents the display lamp 72. Similarly, the other openings represent other display lamps and items (73 to 82) described later.

Beneath the play lamps 72 there is mounted a start lamp 73 which blinks when the game is to begin and on its the left there is a stand by lamp 74 (a completion lamp) which lights when the game is brought to an end and the delivery of prize pinballs is being made in a predetermined manner. There are also stop lamps beneath the respective look-through windows

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ii 15 On the right of the windows 70 there is a supply request lamp 76 for requesting a supply of pinballs to the supply tray 18, a prize pinball lamp 77 which is lit when the prize pinballs are delivered, a score display 78 for indicating the points with a digital readout when a prize is awarded, a first bonus lamp 79 which is lit when a bonus game for a small or big bonus is played, a big award display 80 for indicating the number of times (maximum 6 times) of big award in the bonus game with a digital readout, a bonus time display 81 for indicating the number of times (maximum 3 times) of bonus in the big bonus comprising three LEDs, and a game-over lamp 82 which is lit when the big bonus ends.

(II) Auxiliary Structural Part S 15 As shown in Fig. 7, the auxiliary structural part 13 has a frame plate 200 on which a set of rectangular S0 rooms 202 formed at the right, left, and bottom frame •sections of the frame plate 200 in a beehive-like arrangement are provided so that the aforesaid lamp units 20 can be separately fitted into their respective rooms ,lI; from the front. The numeral 203 represents each parti- •tion by which the separate rooms 202 are defined. The separate rooms 202 contain their respective display lamp units, including a play lamp unit 72a, a start lamp unit 73a, a stand by lamp unit 74a, a stop lamp unit 75a, a supply request lamp unit 76a, a prize pinball unit 77a, and a bonus lamp unit 79a, so adapted as to prevent interference of light with each other and mounted on a wiring base board.

The frame plate 200 has on the right frame section an opening 204 for a score display unit 78a formed between the separate rooms 202 of the supply request and prize pinball lamp units 76a, 77a and additionally, openings 205 and 206 for a big award and bonus time display units 80a, 81a respectively formed between the Vwh..

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16 16 separate rooms 202 of the prize pinball and bonus lamp units 77a, 79a. These openings are also defined by the partitions 203.

The separate rooms 202 defined by the partitions 203 contain their respective lighting means for the display lamps (72 to 82), whereby the escape of light is prevented and a positive display is ensured.

Operating Function Board As shown in Fig. 1, the operating function board 15 of the front cover 9 is situated under the game display panel 69 having start, stop, and feeding function controls 84, 86, 88 arranged laterally.

More specifically, the operating function board includes the start control 84 with a start switch 85 of lever type for starting the game device 3 with a specified combination of betting (a number of units of pinballs to one of the unit) and a stop control 86 with stop pushbuttons 87, one for each rotary drum 4. On the right of the stop control 86, the feeding control 88 is arranged with three feeding switches 89 for determining the specific number (an integral number) by t't which the unit of pinballs is multiplied. According to the assembly, five pinballs is the minimum for a unit for betting on a play of the game and a maximum of three units of pinballs (15 pinballs) can be permitted for a bet.

The numeral 90 is a display device having three Sfeeding displays 91. (comprising first second and third(3) feeding displays) for indicating by means of a series of downwardly flashing light the eppectiveness of the operation with the feeding control 88. The feeding display device 90 is mounted on the sloping frame part 90 slanted downwards from the lowermost portion of the game display panel 69 to the operating function board 15, so that its three feeding displays r m i 17 91 correspond at a certain position to the respective feeding switches 89 of the feeding control 88.

When the start switch 85 is turned on, the stop lamp 73 lights and the three rotary drums 4 start rotating at once. By pressing one of the stop switches 87, the corresponding rotary drum 4 is brought to a stop. When one of the predetermined (winning) combinations of the patterns on the rotary drums 4 appears, the prize pinballs are delivered through the prize pinball exit 18A to the supply tray 18 in a specified number determined according to the score of points representing such a prize combination by the prize pinball delivery device 26 (Fig. 3).

°Pinball Feeding Device n 15 Fig. 8 shows the pinball feeding device 30 which O° supplies pinballs in a predetermined quantity at a time aoo to the machine. The pinball feeding device 30 has the o' pinball shell 32 mounted for tilt motion towards both the upstream and downstream sides of the central por- 20 tion of the running chute 32. The alternately tilting o °movements of the pinball shell 32 having an upstream inlet 33A and a downstream outlet 33B allows the specified number of pinballs to move into it at every So motion. On the assembly base board 31 in the pinball feeding devide 30, there is a wiring base board 306 (a base board N) for connection to the control unit 700.

Arrangement As shown in Fig. 8, the pinball shell 33 extending along the running chute 32 can pivot around a shaft 33C extending at a right angle to the running direction of running chute 32 and has a pin 33D fixed on its downstream side. The pin 33D is then connected through a pivot arrangement to the top end of a plunger 37A of an feeding solenoid 37 located under it. When the feeding device 30 is in a normal stand by position, the pinball 18 shell 33 is in a state of "pinball acceptance" as represented by the continuous line in Fig. 9. More particularly, the upstream inlet 33A faces the running chute 32 in order to accept the incoming pinballs while the downstream outlet 33B is in a position to prevent the pinballs in the pinball shell 33 from moving out by means of a stop piece 34B (Fig. 9) diagonally fixed to the corner of a cover plate 34A extending from the top inlet end of the feeding chute 34. When the pinball feeding device 30 is in an operating position when the feeding solenoid 37 is activated, the pinball shell 33 has its downstream outlet 33B tilted downward in a o state of "feeding" as represented by the broken line in ogo Fig. 9. More specifically, the upstream inlet 33A is o 15 deflected from the running chute 32 with its stop por- U U, tion 33E preventing any pinball from falling out from the running chute 32, while the downstream outlet 33B o ois free from the stop piece 34B thus allowing the pinballs in the pinball shell 33 to move downward.

While the pinball shell 33 is usually in its pinball accepting position, the pinballs arranged in a c line in the running chute 32 move from the upstream inlet 33A to the downstream outlet 33B of the pinball shell 33 so that five pinballs can be contained in the pinball shell 33 while the rest remains behind in the running chute 32. When the pinball shell 33 is shifted to its feeding position upon tilting backward, its stop portion 33E extending downward from the upstream inlet 33A prevents the front pinball in the running chute 32 from dropping and simultaneously, its downstream outlet 33B moves downward thus allowing the first pinball in the shell to be free from the stop piece 34B. Consequently, the five pinballs between the upstream inlet 33A and the downstream outlet 33B as a unit can be fed into the feeding chute 34.

LL~ i 19 (II) Detection of Pinball Presence The specified number of pinballs, 5, 10, or contained in the pinball feeding device 30 is identified by detecting with one of the stand-by sensors S5, SlO, and 515 arranged at intervals corresponding to the respective lengths of the units of pinballs and mounted along the running chute 32 as shown in Fig. 8.

There is a disadvantage for when the pinballs travel upon being supplied to the supply tray 18 or when the pinball feeding device 30 is in motion, hence the momentary detection of pinballs can hardly offer a positive judgement for the presence of pinballs.

The stand-by sensors S5, Sl0, and S15 are however adapted to monitor the movement of pinballs towards the S 15 pinball shell 33 in a time period. When the detection signal represents a series of pulses having pitches at constant intervals, the pinballs are traveling cono stantly. In the opposite case, the following conditions are recognized. The first judgement is that the movement of the pinballs is completed if the pulse remains at a high pitch. This means that the relative 6 <number of pinballs is immobilized at the stand-by sensor. The second judgement is that the movement of the Spinballs is also completed if the pulse remains at a decreasing pitch, and thus, there is no pinball at any stand-by sensor. Accordingly, when there is a change in the constant movement of pinballs, faulty judgement for the presence of pinballs can be prevented. The presence of pinballs at the stand-by sensor is also indicated by examining the output of the sensor when the judgement is that the movement of pinballs has been completed. The number of pinballs is identified by counting the pinballs passing through the stand-by sensor.

According to the assembly, the stand-by sensor i i iLj-- c-- 0044 4a~ 4* 4 04 4W 4o 0 ~o 4* 0 174 4r 0 4 0 4 q 4* 44 4 20 is found in a position corresponding to the detection of the sixth pinball on the upstream side, not the fifth pinball from the front, because it is neither reliable nor durable to install the sensor S5 in the tiltable pinball shell 33. The stand-by sensor among others counts the pinballs passing through while the stand-by sensors S10 and S15 can read the respective number of pinballs upon detecting the presence of pinballs after the movement of the pinballs is completed.

Each of the stand-by sensor S5, S10, and S15 in the assembly is a reflex type photo sensor comprising a pair of light emitting and receiving elements (referred to as a coupled photo element). More specifically, the 15 stand-by sensor 15 representatively shown in Fig. 8 is incorporated with a C-shaped holder containing the coupled photo elements. Thus, the C-shaped sensors are respectively fitted into the insertion recesses 32A, 32B, and 32C formed in the running chute 32. The running chute 32 is securely covered with a cover plate 321 by which the sensors with the C-shaped holder are appropriately positioned in a vertical arrangement.

The cover plate 321 has openings 322 for cables to the sensors formed in the stepped regions 321a, 321b, and 321c.

(III) Running Route Shifting Device As shown in Figs. 10(a) and 10(b), there is mounted in the intermediate portion of the feeding chute 34 a running route shifting device 380 including a running route shifting reed 38 and a pinball removal solenoid 39 for the purpose of removing a fractional number of pinballs, lower than the number for a minimum unit, which remains between the supply tray 18 and pinball feeding device 30, particularly within the pinball feeding device 30. The running route shifting reed 38

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21 in the running route shifting device 380 is mounted for rotation about its axle 382 and connected by a link mechanism to a plunger 39A of the pinball removal solenoid 39 situated at the side of the feeding chute 34.

As the plunger 39A is loaded by a return spring 39B, the running route shifting reed 38 is substantially kept in its closing position (represented by the solid line in Fig. 10(a)) thus closing the pinball discharging chute 35. When the pinball removal solenoid 39 is activated, the plunger 39A moves against the load of the return spring 39B and thus, the running route shifting reed 38 is activated in order to close the feeding chute 34 and simultaneously, shifted to its opening position (represented by' the broken line in S 15 Fig. 10(a)) to open the pinball discharging chute o~o The pinballs passing downward through the feeding chute 34 are thus directed towards the pinball discharging chute 35 and return to the lower tray 63 through a discharging outlet in the base plate 6 after passing through the pinball discharging chute (IV) Removal of a Fraction of Pinball Unit When the pinball removal switch 99 is pressed for pinball return operation because of the presence of a fractional number of pinballs the pinball feeding device 30, the control device activates the pinball removal solenoid 39 in the running route shifting device 380 corresponding to a detection signal. When the pinball removal solenoid 39 in the running route shifting device 380 is operating, the running route shifting reed 38 is turned to the position represented by the broken line in Fig. 10(a) so that the running route of pinballs is lead to the lower tray 63. After the specified period of time required for shifting the running route, the feeding solenoid 37, a device for activating the pinball feeding device 30, is actuated and thus, "1 i; i 22the pinballs in the pinball feeding device 30 move from the intermediate portion of the feeding chute 34 to the pinball discharging chute 35 and finally, return to the lower tray 63. When a single operation of the pinball feeding device 30 has been carried out once, a specified time is taken for the judgement after the pinball shell 33 of the feeding device is returned to its original position to determine the completion of pinball discharging. When the first stand-by sensor $5 situated in a position for detecting the sixth pinball is kept closed for a certain period of time after the oo return of the pinball shell 33 and detects no supply of o pinballs, the removal of pinballs can be brought to an end and thus, the running route shifting device 380 is 15 returned to its stand by position with its running o oo route shifting reed 38 turned to its original position (represented by the solid line in Fig. oUo With respect to a control method for the running route shifting device 380, the aforesaid period of time may be adjusted for a greater length than a sum total oo 0of the time maximum remaining and the elapsed time 00 during which the pinballs run from the pinball shell 33 to the running route shifting reed 38. Additionally, a pinball detector may be installed adjacent to the downoo,.

stream outlet 33B of the pinball shell 33 so as to regulate the number of returning pinballs with the control device unit 700.

S(V) Error Detection The pinball removal sensor 36 mounted on the intermediate portion of the pinball discharging chute monitors whether the pinballs are returned back without stopping on their way. For instance, if the pinball removal sensor 36 remains open for a specified period of time for detecting the pinballs, it is judged that the lower tray 63 is full with pinballs or the pinballs

::I

i. 23 are blocked by dirt. In case of the error of pinball blocking, the return of pinballs stops. The pinball removal sensor 36 is also a refle type photo sensor comprising a coupled photo element.

The pinball removal sensor 36 is used not only to detect the error of pinball blocking but also to monitor and prevent a false play of the game. The false play is such that for the purpose of playing a game with the use of a lower quantity of pinballs than the unit number, the running route shifting reed 38 is ofalsely shifted to another position by inserting and 0000 manipulating a piano cable for returning some of the five pinballs running in the feeding chute 34 to the player through the pinball discharging chute 35. This false action can substantially be checked by detecting such abnormal state as when the pinball removal sensor 36 detects the number of passing pinballs when the 0:0: pinball removal solenoid 39 for the running route 0shifting reed 38 is not switched on. When the abnormal S| 20 state in which the pinball removal sensor 36 is on with the pinball removal solenoid 39 remaining closed is indicated, it is recognized as a false error and thus, such a false action can be aborted. In case of a false ,error, the game may be prevented from starting and also, the player may be asked to remove the pinballs obtained by a false action from the prize pinball delivery device 26 and, if any, re-start a play with the Sre-feeding of pinballs.

Prize Pinball Delivery Unit Arrangement of Prize Pinball Delivery Unit As shown in Fig. 4, the upper tank 23, leading chute 25, prize delivery device 26, and prize pinball delivery chute 27 are integrally mounted on the mounting base board 22 in the prize pinball delivery unit 24 The upper tank 23 is securely fitted for one-touch detachment by a hook mechanism 23A (a nylon latch) into an insertion recess formed in the assembly base board 22 of the prize pinball delivery unit 20. The leading chute 25 is divided at its intermediate portion into a couple of A and B channels. Above the intermediate portion of the leading chute 25, there is provided a pinball balance 254. There are also delivery sensors S1 and S2 mounted onto the downstream end of the leading chute s The prize pinball delivery device 26 comprises a o couple of prize pinball delivery installations arranged parallel to each other so as s to correspond to the A and B channels of the leading chute 25 respectively.

15 More specifically, the prize pinball delivery device 26 also has pinball shells 261 installed in a corner section where the leading chute 25 communicates with the prize pinball delivery chute 27. The pinball shells 261 can rotate on an axis so as to be shifted from a pinball receiving position to a pinball releasing posi- 0090 g tion by means of a delivery solenoid 263.

The pinballs are released from the prize pinball delivery device 26 and move into the prize pinball o delivery chute 27. The prize pinball delivery chute 27 communicates with the prize pinball exit 18A located above the pinball storage section of the supply tray 18 as with its lowermost end opening facing opening 7C (Fig. 4) formed in the main structural frame 7. The prize pinball delivery chute 27 has at the upstream side of its lowermost end opening a swing plate 28A which can rotate and is fixed to the side wall while there is an overflow detector 28B mounted on the outer side of the swing plate 28A and constitute the overflow device 28 of the arrangement.

The prize pinball delivery chute 27 is connected 25 at its intermediate portion to a recovery chute 29A branching off therefrom and having a lowermost end opening 29i oriented towards the interior of the housing 1. On the bottom frame plate ID of the housing 1, there is installed a delivery guiding part 290 slanted from the front to the rear for the reception of the pinballs delivered through the lowermost end opening 29a of the recovery chute 29A, as shown in Fig. 2.

Accordingly, the pinballs from the lowermost end opening 29a of the recovery chute 29A travel on the delivery guiding part 290 and are recovered in the recovery o 0 chute 506 of the insulated installation.

oo On the intermediate portion of the prize pinball delivery chute 27, above the branching point of the recovery chute 29A, there is mounted a switching reed 291 which acts as a component of the pinball recovery device 29 for the upper tank 23. The switching reed 291 is usually kept in a position, as represented by 0 04 the solid line in Fig. 3, thus keeping the prize pin- 20 ball delivery chute 27 open and can be switched over by a recovery solenoid 296 to open the recovery chute 29A, as represented by the broken line in Fig. 3, for pinball recovery.

Electrical System As shown in Fig. 5, the terminal device unit 720 contains relays to connect the amusement machine with a centralized control apparatus (not shown). The relays are a score relay 721, an feeding relay 722, a small bonus relay 723, a big bonus relay 724, etc.

There is also provided a clear switch 725, a computing switch 726, and a power supply switch 727.

Control Device Fig. 11 illustrates a partial arrangement of the control system in which 700 is a control device unit (a 4 26 CPU board) using a microcomputer.

The microcomputer comprises a CPU, a ROM unit, and a RAM unit. The RAM has non-volatile memory with the use of a back-up power source. The ROM contains a program to control the CPU. According to the program, the CPU carries out an arithmetic operation upon receiving the necessary external data through its I/O terminals and by exchanging this data with the RAM and thus, sends the processed data to its I/O or output terminal or to an audio IC (a audio circuitry) °Fig. 12 illustrat!.s an outline of the program 0 ID stored in the ROM while Figs. 13 to 16, 17(a) to 17(e), 99 and 18 to 21 are detailed flow charts for drum start, drum stop, and judgement processing in the program.

As shown in Fig. 12, the program proceeds in order from "initial process" to "feed process", "drum start", "drum stop", "judgement process", and "delivery proo cess" (0.01 to 0.07) for main processing 49 lCheck for Presence of Unit Pinballs 9 9 4 Upon starting the program, the microcomputer operates "initial processing" to examine whether the pinballs present at the stand-by sensors S5, S10, and in the pinball infeeding device 30 throughout a specified period of time, as shown in Fig. 12. When the stand-by sensors S5, S10, S15 are activated upon detecting the presence of pinballs with a rise-time timer being adjusted to a setting, the presence of pinballs during the period determined by the timer will be reviewed. If yes, the rise-time timer is adjusted for resetting; i.e. each "pinball presence flag" is set to Betting Rate Selection For selecting a betting rate, the display for betting rate is shown when the "pinball presence flag" is The selection of a betting rate is carried out i 27after examining the presence of pinballs or when the "pinball presence flag" is set to because misjudgement may momentarily be made of the presence of pinballs as the output from the stand-by sensor S5, or S15 appears in the form of a series of pulses in a flashing manner when the pinballs travel downward in the running chute 32.

If there are 3 units of pinballs in the pinball feeding device 30, the stand-by sensors S5, SI0, and S15 are activated: For 2 units, the sensors S5 and Sare on; for one unit, the sensor S5 only is on.

0909 o 0 oWhen the stand-by sensor 515 is on, the third dis- 9o play in the feed display 91 is lit indicating that the betting of 3 units or "betting rate of 3" can be o 15 selected. When the sensor S10 is on, the second display is lit indicating that "betting rate of 2" is selectable. When the sensor S5 is on, the first disooo play is lit indicating that "betting rate of 1" is 9 selectable.

S6 20 Feeding Process When there is more than one unit pinballs in the pinball feeding device 30 and the feed display is lit, the feeding process can be carried out.

After an feed switch SWI of the feed switch 89 in the feeding control 88 is turned on, the feeding solenoid 37 is activated by switching feeding solenoid timer so that it is adjusted for setting, particularly when the stand-by sensor S5 is on for the specified period, i.e. the pinball shell 33 of the pinball feeding device 30 is filled with a unit of 5 pinballs which are stored.

When the feeding solenoid 37 is activated, the pinball shell 33 tilts towards the feeding side without disturbing the pinballs thus transferring the unit of pinballs to the feeding chute 34. The feeding solenoid 28 ON timer is adopted to ensure the normal feeding of pinballs and thus, set a period for time during which of the pinballs can leave from the pinball shell 33 with the feeding solenoid 37 being switched on and completely pass through the pinball sensor The pinballs delivered from the pinball shell 33 to the feeding chute 34 pass through the discharge outlet 34C and then, are recovered in the recovery tray 506. The number of pinballs passing through the discharge outlet 34C is counted by the pinball sensor °When the completion of the feeding solenoid ON no timer is confirmed, the feeding solenoid ON timer is o° reset and thus, the feeding solenoid 37 is switched off. Additionally, the start lamp 73 is lit indicating S 15 that the start switch 85 is operable when the pinballs have passed.

If the number of pinballs is less than 5, the oo failure lamp is lit indicating an error or a false play oo and thus, no action will be effected until the clear switch 25 in the terminal device unit 720 is turned on.

i o~oAs the failure lamp is lit, the activation of the start 00 switch 85 is prevented and thus, the start of a game is brought to a halt.

9 o~After one unit of pinballs is fed from the pinball shell 33 through the feeding chute 34 to the recovery tray 506, two and three units of pinballs can also be transferred in the same manner by means of the operation of the respective feeding switches SW2 and SW3.

When the start switch 85 is turned on after the completion of the feeding of more than the unit of pinballs, the process of drum start begins.

Game Start Operation of Feeding Switch When the player pushes the far left switch (feeding switch SWI) of the three feeding switches 89 to bet i 4 4 sn4 o 44 4 U4 4 40 4r 4 00 04 29 on one unit of pinballs, the CPU activates the pinball feeding device 30 to operate one feeding action and simultaneously, lights the "betting rate of I" or center one of the play lamps 72 and inform the player that the laterally extending center line 71 represents a betting line which involves a bet on the game. Then, when the feeding switch SW2 (at center) is pushed for betting on two units of pinballs, the feeding action is carried out twice and the "betting rate of 2" or two upper and lower ones of the play lamps 72 incorporated with the laterally extending lines 71 are lit indicating that three of the upper, center, and lower lines 71 involve a bet. Further, when the feeding switch SW3 (at right) is pushed for betting on three units of 15 pinballs, the feeding action is carried out three times and the "betting rate of 3" or two of the play lamps 72 incorporated with the diagonally extending lines 71 are lit indicating that all five lines 71, three upper, center, and lower laterally extending lines and two diagonally extending lines, involve a bet.

(II) Operation of Start Switch When the lever of the start switch 85 is activated, the process of drum start begins and during this operation, the assignment for a win is made.

Drum Start Process Referring to Fig. 13, when the start switch 85 is turned on, the pulse motors PM 1, 2, and 3 are excited in the first phase to read-in the start data (a timer value) for slow starting of rotation from the predetermined data table (1.01, 1.07). Then, the start data is supplied to a magnetizing timer which activates the pulse motors PM 1, 2, and 3 so that they are alternatively excited in the first and second phases according to the frequency of the magnetizing timer (1.09, 1.13). The first and second phase magnetizing starts .oll ,kV

I

30 the rotating movement of the rotary drums 4 and thus, the timer value including the start data is changed alternatively (1.09, 1.13) The drums 4 can rotate through the first and second magnetizing phases according to a table for the timer values including the start data shown in Fig. 22.

Additionally, when the start switch 85 is turned on, a one-minute timer starts operating, with the rotational flags 2, and 3) of the rotary drums 4 set to (representing a rotating motion), stage counters 2, and 3) set to step counters 2, and 3) 8889 set to and a IS timer adjusted for a setting o (1.02, 1.06).

The one-minute timer is a timer for positively o stopping the rotary drums 4 one minute after the start switch 85 is turned on. The IS timer is a timer for rendering the stop switch 87 unoperable for a period of one second (a waiting time for ensuring the stable, 0 constant rotating movements of the drums) after the start switch 85 is turned on.

The stage counter 2, or 3) is a counter for counting the number corresponding to the twenty-one patterns on each rotary drum 4 the counting result is .limited to the judgement line 1 described later. The 4491 step counter 2, or 3) is a counter for detecting the position of a step which is defined by dividing a circle of 360 degrees into a specified number of steps.

~According to the assembly, there are 400 steps through 360 degrees one step through 0.90) and the stage counter is regulated by the stepping action of the step counter (19) which is activated synchronizingly when the pulse motor is excited. As shown in Fig. 23, the ON position of the drum sensor 46 clears the step and stage counters. Although the rotary drum 4 has 21 stages (0 to 20 in number), there is a surplus step 31 allowing the stage counter to go up to "21".

When the magnetizing is completed according to the start data and the drum 4 starts rotating the time data for normal rotating movements (See Fig. 22.) is supplied to the magnetizing timer for setting (1.14) and the win assignment and the stage change will follow (1.15, 1.16).

Win Assignment The win assignment involves the selection from the winning table and the lose table according to the difo ference between the number of betting pinballs fed to the amusement machine and the number of prize pinballs o"0 delivered as an award (2.01) as shown in Fig. 14. The data of the selected table becomes a target (2.02).

S 15 Regular game In case of a regular game, the following formula gives a win whence the win table is chosen.

o a (Number of pinballs fed x 0.56 130) q, 4 (Number of delivered pinballs) Big and small bonus wins In case of a regular game, the following formulas give wins of big bonus and small bonus respectively and their respective tables of big bonus and small bonus are selected. At the time, the feeding pinball counter and delivery pinball counter are totally cleared.

(Number of pinballs fed) (Number of delivered pinballs) (Predetermined table value) (150) 5 (Number of pinballs fed) 5 (300) The bonus games are given with the following order of formulas.

S (Number of pinballs fed) 5 (165) 5 (Number of pinballs fed) 5 (195) (345) 6 (Number of pinballs fed) 5 (375) 32 0 0*0000 a 0009 00 00 0 00 0 0 00b 0 04 O 0 *0 0 0 00 0 00 s QB 0 40 0000 4t The characteristics of the win table (for big bonus) and the lose table are shown in Figs. 24 and The numerals in the data correspond to the number of stages on each rotary drum Dl, D2, or D3 (See Fig.

26.).

(II) Stage Renewal For the stage renewal, the pulse motors PM 1, 2, and 3 are excited respectively when the rotational flags 1, 2, 3 are (3.01 to 3.06) as shown in Fig.

10 15. On the other hand, the step counters 1, 2, 3 and stage counters i, 2, 3 are reset to for the magnetizing change (4.02 to 4.04) whenever the drum sensors 1, 2, 3 are activated as shown in Fig. 6. Then, while the pulse motors PM 1, 2, and 3 are excited in 15 the first and second phases by the magnetizing timers adjusted according to the time data for a normal operation (4.07 to 4.11), the step counters SlI, 2, 3 are added up by adding +1 (4.12 and 4.13) every time the time data are supplied to the magnetizing timers for adjustment or the magnetizing change if made. Further, the stage counters 1, 2, 3 are added up by adding +1 (4.14 to 4.16) when the step counters 1, 2, 3 return to upon reaching "19" When the stage counter reads "22" after the counting operation on the rotary drums 4 which rotate continuously, it is concluded that the rotary drums 4 were brought to a stop on purpose by an external force or there is an error in the detection section. The drum error flag and the unknown flag are then set to at the same time as the lamp for false 92 is lit (4.17 to 4.22). Furthermore, the start data are supplied to the magnetizing timer once again for resetting (4.21 and 4.22) and thus, the rotary drums 4 are reactivated as shown in the steps of 4.23 and further. When the rotary drums 4 are in a state of constant rotation after 4k -1 33 re-starting, the drum error and unknown flags are cleared and the false lamp 92 is switched off (4.27, 4.05, and 4.06). Thus, the step and stage counters start counting in a normal manner.

When the unknown flag is set to no prize will be awarded even if the display's assignment process offers a win. In particular, when the stop mode register indicates it will be reset to and simultaneously, the rotational flag is set to as will be described later. Then, the magnetizing of the pulse motor stops (4.33 to 4.35) S (III) Choice of Stop Lines o Referring back to Fig. 13, after the IS timer is reset the choice can be made for stopping the 0 rotary drums 4 at their respective stop lines (corresponding to the assignment lines 71 on the game display panel 69).

o o When the number of pinballs fed in is 5 during the ouo pinball feed process described above, the stop line oa o* register is set to so that the stop position match- Fo es the laterally extending center line 1 shown in Fig.

27 (1.19 and 1.20). When there are 10 pinballs, the stop line register is set to "7H" so that the stop position matches the laterally extending upper, center, and lower lines 1, 2, 3 (1.21 and 1.22). When there are 15 pinballs, the stop line register is set to "1FH" so that the stop position matches all the judgement lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 including the two diagonally extending lines (1.23 and 1.24).

Each value to be set is shown in hexadecimal notation while the stop line register is set using a binary number. More specUiically, is equal to 00001 having 1 bit: "7H" represents 0000111 having 3 bits; and "1FH" represents 11111 having 5 bits. The "bit 0", "bit "bit "bit and "bit 4" represent the 34 judgement lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 respectively.

Drum Stop Process After the process of the drum start the process of the drum stop follows as shown in Figs. 17(a), 17(b), 17(c), 17(d), and 17(e).

To start the drum stop process, the stop mode register is set to (5.01) and the stop lamps 75 (1, 2, and 3) which indicate that the stop switches 87 (SW1, SW2, and SW3) which stop the rotary drums Dl, D2, o 0 and D3 are operable respectively are lit After Sthe stop switch SW1 is switched on the stop S mode register 1 is set to and the disactivating bit setting can be made (5.11 and 5.12).

S The disactivating bit setting offers a choice of o 15 stopping the rotary drums Dl, D2, and D3 to match any of the assignment lines shown in FIg. 27 with the use of bit information. When the stop mode register is set to as shown in Fig. 18, any one of and S "lFH" determined by the steps of the process (1.19 to 1.24) shown in Fig. 16 can be made available for the disactivating bit setting (6.01 and 6.02). More specifically, when the number of pinballs fed in is 5, "1" 00001 is used for the setting; when there are pinballs, "7H" 00111 is used; and, when there are pinballs "1IFH" 11111 is used.

Referring back to Fig. 17, a stop stage register for storing in memory the stage data of the drums to be stopped is set to (vacant) and all the step lamps 1, 2, 3 are switched off (5.13 and 5.14). Fig. 17(b) shows the process for the rotary drum Dl, in which the stop switches SW2 and SW3 are kept unoperable while the stop lamps 1, 2, 3 are switched off.

It is determined whether the stop on the assignment line 1, i.e. disactivating bit 0 1, is accepted If so, the value on the stage counter 1 (a 35 value with respect to the assignment line 1 as the start switch SWI is on) is supplied to the stage counter 4 for adjustment (5.16) and then, the process for stop stage determination follows (5.17).

At the beginning of the stop stage determination process, the controllable flag which indicates that control is possible is set to and whether the winning stage counter reads (7.01 and 7.02) The winning stage counter has for initial setting the number data of a table selected by the process shown in Fig. 14; for example, if the big bonus table is selectou 0 ed (See Fig. 3 is the data number as a count o value for the rotary drum Dl.

Then, the value set in stage counter 4 is transg" a 15 ferred to stage counter 5 (a register) and compared with the data of the target from the table selected by the process shown in Fig. 14 (7.03 and 7.04). When the target data is within a range of +3 from the setting on stage counter 5, the stop at the target can be made and the targetting action will be carried out following the o steps after 7.03.

When the big bonus table is selected, the operations are as follows, as shown in Figs. 28(a) and 4 28(b): When the stage counter 5 reads as shown in Fig. 28(a), the value is compared with the target (the letter A of big bonus) As 4>0, +3 is added to 4 The sum 7 is smaller than 21 and thus, the winning stage counter is added up by adding -1 (7.11 and 7.07) so as to change the target from "0" to of the stage counter 5 is then compared with the target="7" (7.04) As 467, +3 is a,!ed to 4 Then, the sum of 72"7" (7.06) satisfies the condition. The target="7" is then supplied to the stop stage register for setting (7.13) and the controllable flag is thus set to (7.14).

36 When the stage counter 5 reads "20" as shown in Fig. 28, the following steps are 0>0 20+23 21 (7.1.0 and 7.11), and 23-21 0 (7.12 and 7.06). Then, the target="0" is supplied to the stop stage register for setting (7.13) and the controllable flag is thus set to (7.14).

It is found that there is a target within the range of the three stages on the rotary drum when the stop switch is switched on, so that the stop can corre- S 10 spond to the target. If no target is found within the range, it will be returned to the procedure shown in J

B

Fig. 17.

'Ot° Referring to Fig. 17(b), it is primarily investigated whether the controllable flag is set to "1" a o B, 15 If so, the setting on the stop line register and the value are added as the rotary drum Dl is operable and can stop at the corresponding judgement C s line 1 (since the stage required has been determined by j o the procedure shown in Fig. 19) and thus, only the "bit 0 can remain on this top register In the S, opposite case the setting on the stop line register and the "FEH" are added functions and thus, the "bit 0" is removed from the stop line register (resulting in the setting (5.20) The bit setting is then carried out in such a procedure When bit 0=1, the next step will be 5.35. When bit 0=0, the next steps will be 5.22 to 5.34.

The procedure in the steps 5.22 to 5.34 is carried out when the stop cannot be made corresponding to the assignment line 1 in the aforesaid stop stage determination process with the use of 10 or 15 of the pinballs fed in.

To determine the stop corresponding to the assignment line 2 or 5, the disactivating bit 1=1 or bit 3=1 37 (5.22) are examined. After confirmation the process in step 5.20) of that, the value found by adding +1 to the setting on the stage counter 1 is supplied to the stage counter 4 for setting The stop stage determination process shown in Fig. 19 is then repeated The stop stage determination process is carried out in the same manner as described above in which it is found that there is a target within a range of three stages on the rotary drum 1 after the stop switch is on. As the stage counter 4 has been Sa set to the value found by adding +1 to the setting on o the stage counter 1, it is thus found that there is a o target within a range of three stages on the rotary drum from the line 2 or 5 when the stop switch SWI is S 15 switched on.

When the target is present, its value is supplied to the stop stage register for setting and the controlo The setting on the stop line register and the "OAH" are added and the "bit 1" and "bit 3" can remain on the stop line register (5.25 and 5.26). When no target is found, the setting on the stop line register and the "F5H" are added as the controllable flag is other 'than The "bit I" and "bit 3" are thus removed from the stop line register (resulting in the setting to (5.25 and 5.27).

The bit setting is then carried out in such a procedure When the stop corresponds to the assignment line 2 or 5 in the stop stage determination process described above, the next step will be 5.35.

When this is not possible, we examine either the disactivating bit 2=1 or bit 4=1 for the stop action to correspond to the assignment line 3 or 4 in the procedure of step 5.27) The value found by adding -1 to the setting on the stage counter 1 is I 38 supplied to the stage counter 4 for setting (5.30) and then, the stop stage determination process shown in Fig. 19 is repeated More particularly, we confirm that there is a target within a range of the three stages on the rotary drum from the assignment line 3 or 4 when the stop switch SWI is switched on as the stage counter 4 has been set to the value found by adding 1 to the setting on the stage counter 1.

When the target is present, its value is supplied to the stop stage register for setting and the control- 4a e lable flag is also set to (7.13 and 7.14 in Fig.

°o 19). The setting on the stop line register and the o "1411" are added and the "bit 2" and "bit 4" can D remain on the stop line register (5.32 and 5.33). When S" 15 not present, the setting on the stop line register and the "EBH" are added as the controllable flag is not "1" o° and then, th "bit 2" and "bit 4" are removed from the o 0o stop line register (resulting in the setting (5.32 and 5.34).

It is determined in this manner how to stop the rotary drum D1 corresponding to the pre-determined assignment lines. After the determination, the value 0 00 on the stage counter 1. is supplied to the stage counter 0OS* 4 for setting as carried out in the step (of 5.108) returning from 5.25. Then, the rotary drum D1 stops when the value on the stage counter 4 coincides with the setting on the stop stage register (5.111 to 5.116).

Accordingly, when the pulse motor PM1 for the rotary drum D1 is excited in the second phase and, the step counter 1 reads or the magnetizing of the pulse motor PM1 in all four phases activates the rotary drum D1 so that it stops without over running and the center of the pattern on the drum can match the predetermined assignment line. The stop data is then 1- 39 supplied to the magnetizing timer (See Fig. 22) and also, the stop mode register is set to Thus, the magnetizing of the pulse motor PMl is stopped by carrying out the procedures (4.08 and 4.33 to 4.35) sown in Fig. 16.

When the stop stage on the rotary drum Dl and the stop line are determined, the value found by adding +1 to the setting on the stage counter 1 is supplied to the stop stage register for setting so that the assign- 10 ment line 1 can be a stop line (5.35 to 5.37). Then, upon returning to step 5.108, it stops the rotary drum Dl so that the assignment line matches the next stage on the rotary drum which follows the preceding stage where the stop switch SW1 is switched on.

15 Secondly, the process for the rotary drum D2 follows. As shown in Fig. 17(c), when the stop switch SW2 sO is switched on the stop mode register 2 is set to and, the disactivating bit setting can be made on the rotary drum D2 (5.41 and 5.42).

20 For this disactivating bit setting, the "7H" and the setting on the stop line register which has been determined by the process of the rotary drum Dl (shown a o0o in Fig. 17(b)) are added as shown in Fig. 18. The result is then used as a disactivating value for setting (6.03 and 6.04). When, for example, the "bit 0" remains after the process shown in Fig. 17(b) is carried out, the setting will be "bit 0 00001". When "bit 1" a.nd "bit 3" remain, the settings will be "bit 1 01010" and "bit 3 01010" respectively. When "bit 2" and "bit 4" remain, the settings will be "bit 2 10100" and "bit 4 10100" respectively. Particularly, when bit 3=1 or bit 4=1, the "bit 0" can also be used for disactivating setting (6.05 to 6.07). In this case, if the "bit 1" and "bit 2" remain, the number of pinballs fed in is 10 or 15. If "bit 3" and "bit 4" 40 remain, the number is As shown in Fig. 17(c), the stop stage -egister is set to and the stop lamps i, 2, and 3 are switched off (5.43 and 5.44). To determine the stop corresponding to the assignment line 1, we examine whether bit 0 1 is disactivating The value on the stage counter 2 (a value when the stop switch SW is switched on, corresponding to the assignment line 1) is supplied to the stage counter 4 for setting (5.46) and thus, the oo: 10 stop stage determination process shown in Fig. 19 can 00o0 be carried out (5.47).

o For the stop stage determination process, we examine in the same manner as for the rotary drum D1 that Sthere is a target within a range of the three stages on 15 the rotary drum D2 from the assignment line 1 after the stop switch SW2 is switched on. When the target is aoo apresent, its value is supplied to the stop stage regis- 0oO ter for setting and the controllable flag i.s set to "1" (7.13 and 7.14 in Fig. 19). Then, the "bit 0" o°:a 20 remains on the stop line register (5.48 and 5.49).

When the target is not present, the "bit 0" is removed from the stop line register (5.48 and 5.50) a The bit setting then follows When it is r* 0 possible for it to stop at the assignment line 1 in the stop stage determination process described above, the next step will be 5.65. When bit 1=1 or bit 2=2 even in a disactivating condition, the steps 5.59 to 5.64 can be executed according to the "bit" information.

In steps 5.52 to 5.58, it is determined whether there is a target within a range of the three stages on the drum from the assignment line (bit 1=1) and also, whether the stop can be made corresponding to the assignment line 2. When the stop is possible, the "bit 2" can remain on the stop line register. When not possible, the "bit 2" is removed from the stop line 41 register.

When the stop stage on the rotary drum D2 is determined to match the specified assignment lines, the value on the stage counter 2 is supplied to the stage counter 4 for setting (5.109). Thus, the rotary drum D2 can stop when the setting on the stage counter 4 coincides with the setting on the stop stage register (5.111 to 5.116). This stop process can be carried out in the same manner as indicated above.

Furthermore, the process for the rotary drum D3 is O O carried out as shown in Fig. 17(d) (5.68 to 5.97). For °o the stoppable bit setting of the rotary drum D3 (5.72), the resultant value from the AND operation of the "7H" oe and the setting on the stop line register determined by the process (shown in Fig. 17(c)) for the rotary drum D2 is used for stoppable setting (6.08 and 6.09).

So When, for example, the "bit 0" remains after the process shown in Fig. 17(c) is carried out, the "bit 0 00001" is used for setting. When "bit 1" or "bit 2" o0 20 remains, "bit 1 00010" or "bit 2 00100" are used respectively. Particularly, when bit 4=1 and bit 3=1, "bit 1" and "bit 2" can also be used for setting re- •a spectively (6.10 to 6.13).

When the stoppable bit 0=1, we examine through steps 5.75 to 5.81 whether there is a target within a range of the three stages on the rotary drum from the assignment line 1 and whether the stop can be made corresponding to the assignment line 1. When bit 1=1 or bit 3=1 the pinballs fed in are 10 or 15 respectively), we examine through steps 5.82 to 5.88 whether the stop can be made corresponding to the assignment line 2 or 5. Further, when bit 2=1 or bit 4=1, we examine through steps 5.89 to 5.94 whether the stop can be made corresponding to the assignment line 3 or 4. Then, it is determined to stop the rotary drum 42 0 00 0 0a a a a 0* ao a o 00a a a a D3 so that its stop stage can match the predetermined assignment line.

After the determination, the value on the stage counter 3 is supplied to the stage counter 4 for setting (5.110). Thus, the rotary drum D3 stops when the setting on the stage counter 4 coincides with the setting on the stop stage register (5.111 to 5.116). This stop process can be carried out in the same manner as indicated above.

10 More specifically, the rotary drums DI, D2, and D3 stop respectively so that the target patterns thereon are in a row along the assignment line 1, or the assignment line 2 or 3 when the assignment line 1 is not applicable because the 10 pinballs fed in are applied, 15 or the assignment lines 2 and 3 or 4 and 5 when there are 15 pinballs fed in, depending on their respective positions where the stop switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 are switched on.

Particularly, when the one-minute timer having 20 started when the start switch 85 is switched on has run out (5.99 and 5.100), the stop flags 1, 2, and 3 are turned to (5.101 to 5.106) in numerical order. The process steps (of 5.10 in Fig. 17(b), 5.40 in Fig.

17(c), and 5.70 in Fig. 17(d)) follow according to the stop flags 1, 2, 3 but regardless of the activation operations of the stop switches SWI, SW2 and SW3, so that the rotary drums Dl, D2,, and D3 are forcefully brought to a stop.

Assignment Process When the rotary drums Dl, D2, and D3 stop, the assignment process is carried out as shown in Fig. At the beginning of the assignment process, the prize pinball register for setting prize pinballs is returned to (8.01) and the retrieval of the winnings is then made as shown in Fig. 21 For 00000 ja a S0 0 '0 00 o ea 0 a af 0000 ,gi _i I 43 retrieving a win, the data 1, 2, and 3 are read-in from the wining table pre-determined as shown in Fig. 29 (9.01) and, it is confirmed that the data 1, 2, 3 coincide with the values on the stage counters of the rotary drums Dl, D2, D3 respectively (9.03 to 9.05).

If so, the data of prize pinballs is added to the setting on the prize pinball register (9.06).

Fig. 20 shows in step 8.02 one of the winnings' retrieval along the assignment line 1. If the pinballs 0 0 10 fed in are 10, 2 is supplied to its respective play oo" counter for setting. If 15, 3 is supplied to its re- 0o& spective play counter. The process is then carried out in steps 8.03 to 8.11.

m When the play counter 2, the winning retrieval is made by adding to the settings on the stage counter 1, 2, 3 with respect to the assignment line 2 (8.03 0. to 8.05). Then, the same is repeated for the assignment line 3 by adding to the settings on the stage counters 1, 2, 3 (8.06 and 8.07).

.ova 20 When the play counter 13, the winning retrieval is made by updating (stage counter 1 2 0, and 3 the settings on the stage counters 1, 2, 3 with 9 respect to the assignment line 4 (8.08 to 8.10). Then, the same is repeated by updating (stage counter 1 +1, 2 0, and 3 the settings on the stage counters 1, 2, 3 with respect to the assignment line 5 (8.11 and 8.12).

During the winning retrieval, the prize pinball data is added up whenever a win is found. When the prize pinball data exceeds the maximum of 150, the prize pinball register is then set to 150 (8.13 and 8.14).

When the prize pinball data is determined for setting through the winning retrieval, the delivery process starts delivering a specified number of prize I 44 pinballs according to the prize pinball data from the prize pinball delivery device. Each distinct play of the game will then be described in general.

Summary of Game Normal Game The CPU examines whether the combination of patterns matches a win. There are provided 3 kinds of specified "winning combinations" according to the present invention; big bonus display (specified display 10 1) small bonus display (specified display and #9Qs o third particular display (specified display Each a 0 *specified winning combination consists of three particular patterns arranged in a row along one of the bet- 9 ting lines; the numerical patterns of "7 for the big 15 bonus display, the picture patterns of "hat" or "BAR" for the small bonus display, and the patterns of "JAC red-color bar" for the third particular display. The 00 big bonus display represents the most difficult combination to obtain. The small bonus display is less 20 difficult to obtain and the third particular display is further less difficult to obtain. Nevertheless, each can be obtained during a normal game.

There are some other "winning combination" consisting of three identical patterns such as "bell", "plum", or "orange". There is also a win when the "cherry" pattern on the rotary drum 4 appears across the betting line. These combinations are however designated to appear in no regular game.

The CPU gives a return after a game restriction process when there is no winning combination. When one of the specified or common winning combinations appears, the total sum of prize pinballs to be delivered is calculated by the prize pinball number adding process carried out after the rotary drums stop rotating.

When it is found that the combination is for a i ~7a 45 "small bonus display" or "big bonus display", the next process will be as follows: (II) Small Bonus Display In case of the small bonus display such as "BAR, BAR, BAR", the small bonus game can be played in which it is a win when only one particular pattern, e.g.

"JAC" according to the present invention (overlapping another pattern), on either of the rotary drums 4 matches the center betting line, but not when three identical patterns are in a row on the rotary drums 4.

r I When it matches the line, a specified number, e.g. ii units of prize pinballs are delivered. This small bonus game offers four plays in each of the three rotary drums 4, 12 times in total, by allowing the rotary drums 4 to stop for their respective runs.

However, whenever the rotary drums 4 give 6 wins upon stopping respectively with their respective "JAC" pat- 466" tern matching the line, the small bonus game will be over regardless of the 4 running times for each drum.

20 In this respect, "specified display 4" described later means the position where a pattern accompanied by "JAC" on one of the rotary drums 4 matches the center betting line as indicated above.

When "small bonus display" is obtained in the assignment, it is set to as the initial number for the specified display 4. Also, the winning times for bonus is set to and, the bonus flag is set to "1" for a return.

(III) Small Bonus Game "Betting rate of 1I" is only applicable for the grade selecting operation in the small bonus game.

When the start switch is switched on, all the three rotary drums 4 start rotating. The player can prevent any of the rotary drums 4 from rotating. The CPU, then examines whether a "JAC" on the drum coincides with the 46center betting line or a "specified display 4" is established. If so, it operates the prize pinball number processing and holds the resulting total number (75) of prize pinballs in memory. Also, it rewrites the memory area of the fourth specified display number (the number of "specified display by adding +1 and then, determines whether the fourth specified display number is greater than 6. If the number of times when "specified Sdisplay 4" is established is less than 6, it calculates 0 the total number of stoppages of the rotary drums 4 as "number of big winning times" after the rotary drums 4 stop.

The small bonus game ends when the arrest of the B rotary drums is made 4 times consisting of one stop for 00 each one of three drums. Then, the bonus flag is set to for a return operation. When the "specified °o display 4" is established six times, the rotary drums 4 Qo are immediately brought to a stop and the bonus flag is also set to for a return.

S: 20 (IV) Big Bonus Display When a "big bonus display" is obtained in the assignment i.e. 7, 7" is established, the big bonus game which provides "a right for big bonus" can be played.

The big bonus game offers K times (K=3 as determined) the chances of having the aforesaid small bonus game under a specified condition in which within the scope of a game (a normal game with such a right) similar to the normal game which comes prior to the small bonus games after the right for big bonus is given, three particular patterns on the rotary drum 4; "JAC" red color bar" (overlapping another pattern) according to the assembly; are displayed in a row along one of the betting lines selected by the player for betting before the play of such a preliminary game is I i _i

V

0 0 o r, 0 00 o 4 09 0 o aqo 04sn0 47 repeated 30 times. When three patterns of "JAC red bar" are displayed in a row, the small bonus game can be started according to the program. If the small bonus game is repeated less than K=3 times, the normal game with the right order starts again and continues until it is carried out K=3 times. The K=3 is a maximum because the right for a big bonus is lost and thus, it returns to the normal game or becomes void when there has been on success at having three patterns of "JAC red bar" in a row (even before the K value is exhausted) during the normal game with a right order times) In case of a big bonus display, the counter for "lost plays" in a normal game with the right order or the number of plays in which there is no success at having three patterns of "JAC red bar" is set to and, the big bonus playing number counter and right flag (a big bonus flag) are set to and respectively.

Normal game with a right order The CPU operates to deliver pinball accordingly when a winning combination is established once and at the same time, allows the specified display 3 or the combination of three "'JAC red bar" patterns to appear.

Before the specified display 3 is established, the normal game playing number counter is readjusted by -1 if the result of the play in the normal game with a right order is lost. When the counter reaches or the lost playing number is 30, the big bonus flag is reset to "0" When the specified display 3 is established before the lost playing number reaches 30, the small bonus game starts in the same manner as when three "BAR" patterns are displayed in a row.

48 Small bonus game In the small bonus game, when the patterns "JAC" on the rotary drums 4 match the center betting line as the drums 4 are brought to a stop with respect to "betting rate of (75 of) determined the prize pinballs are delivered. Also, when the arrest of the rotary drums, one of the three drums, is carried out 4 times or the "specified di lay 4" is established 6 times, the small bonus game is over and thus, the bonus t 1 0 flag is reset to Then, upon confirming that the Sa big bonus flag is set to the CPU carries out an arithmetic operation by adding -1 to K for the right order. While the right order (K times) for big bonus is still valid, is supplied to the renewed flag for a return to the start. The normal game with a right order is carried out again and the bonus game can start r 6under the same condition as those indicated above.

4 o When the bonus game is carried out K times, the big bonus game ends to finish the play is carried out.

6441 a 20 The scope of the present invention is not limited to this assembly. Other improved variations and modifications may be possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (7)

1. A rotary-drum type amusement machine comprising a set of rotatable drums each having indicia applied to the periphery thereof and visible to the player, means for selecting betting lines, oon o determining means for determining classes of prizes CF according to respective combinations of the patterns of selected indicia relative to the betting lines, stop instruction means associated with each drum operable by the player to cause a stop signal in respect of a selected drum, *000 0oo means identifying the rotary position of a given drum upon the issue of a stop signal in respect of that drum, means determining whether a selected indicium of a given drum is within a specified rotational distance of a betting line when a stop signal is given in respect of that drum, means operable in response to such a determination to stop that drum at a position dependent upon whether said selected indicium is within said distance.

2. An amusement machine according to claim 1 wherein that drum is stopped with said selected indicium at said betting line.

3, A rotary-drum type amusement machine according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising stopping means for forcefully stopping the drums at a predetermined period of time after the drums start rotating in the absence of stop signals received from the stop instruction means.

4. A rotary-drum type amusement machine according to any preceding claim wherein the drums are driven by pulse motors.

5. A rotary-drum type amusement machine as defined in claim 1 wherein the playing tokens are pinballs. r- S*

6. A rotary-drum type amusement machine as defined in claim 5 wherein a set of pinballs as a unit is used in one game.

7. A rotary-drum type amusement machine substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 4th day of October 1990 KABUSHIKI KAISHA SOPHIA Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: HALFORD CO. LS