JP2002136719A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent game contents from becoming monotonous, a passing probability from becoming low and a player from feeling unsatisfied at the time of changing the passing probability of a specified area. SOLUTION: A CPU 70a performs drawing due to the passing of a game ball through a gate 43, and when the drawing is winning, a solenoid 42 is controlled, guide members 41 are turned to enlarging positions and the probability of passing through a middle area 30 is increased. Thus, whether or not the guide members 41 are turned to the enlarging positions at the time of start opening is important. Since winning or losing is drawn by a random number value selected at the timing of passing through the gate 43 and whether or not the guide members 41 are to be turned to the enlarging positions is decided by the winning or losing of the drawing, the player can not predict whether or not the guide members 41 are to be turned to the enlarging positions. Thus, the game contents are prevented from becoming monotonous.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of ball and ball game machines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A variable prize is variable between an open state in which prizes can be easily won and a closed state in which prizes are difficult or impossible, and has a specific area and a non-specific area different from the specific area. The variable prize device is opened (started and released) within a set range on the condition that a game ball enters or passes through an open start region set for starting the variable prize device and the start thereof. A state in which the variable prize device is opened for a longer time than the start-up release (special release) due to a game ball that has won the variable prize device during opening, passing through a specific area.
There is a ball-and-game machine provided with a fluctuation control means. For example, there is a ball game machine described in Japanese Patent No. 2552466.

In the ball game machine disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2552466, when the entry of a game ball into a predetermined area (for example, a winning opening) is detected, the winning control member is moved or the moving direction is changed to a specific area. The prize winning probability is changed to improve the fun.

[0004]

However, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2552466 discloses a configuration in which a winning control member is moved or a moving direction is changed when a game ball enters a predetermined area, that is, when the game ball enters the predetermined area. Then, the winning control member moves, so that the game content is monotonous.

[0005] Further, even if the winning control member moves, the winning probability does not always become a high state, and the other way around, the player is dissatisfied. In addition, although the jackpot state is established only by the behavior of the game ball, it is somewhat interesting. However, there are some aspects that are not enough for a player who is familiar with the establishment of the jackpot by a symbol in a so-called fever machine or the like.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ball game machine which is variable between an open state where winning is easy and a closed state where winning is difficult or impossible. A variable prize device in which a specific region and a non-specific region different from the specific region are provided, and a game ball enters an open start region set for starting the variable prize device. Or that the variable prize winning device is set to the open state (start open) within a set range on condition that passing has passed, and that the game ball that has won the variable prize winning device passes through the specific area during the start opening. And a variation control means for causing the variable prize device to be in an open state (special release) for a longer period than the start-up release due to the above, wherein the gaming ball having won the variable prize device sets the specific area. Sure to pass (Passing probability) means for changing the (passing probability) to at least two levels, a lottery means for performing a lottery due to a game ball entering or passing through a lottery start area set for the lottery, Display means for displaying a lottery result of the lottery means, pass probability control means for controlling the pass probability varying means to increase the pass probability when the lottery is a hit, and during a set period after the end of the specific opening Is characterized by comprising a lottery probability changing means for increasing a probability (lottery probability) that the lottery means wins the lottery.

When the game ball enters or passes through the opening start area, the start opening is executed. Therefore, by making a prize during the start opening and passing through a specific area, the variable winning apparatus can be made special opening. . This is the same as the conventional case. In this ball game machine, the lottery means performs a lottery due to a game ball entering or passing through a lottery start area set for lottery, and if the lottery is a hit, the passing probability control means The passage probability changing means is controlled to increase the passage probability. As a result, the possibility of passing through a specific area increases, and the probability of special opening increases. The display means displays the lottery result of the lottery means.

When a game ball enters or passes through the lottery start area, a lottery is performed, and the lottery result is displayed. If the lottery result is a hit (a phenomenon recognized by the player is a hit on the display means). The probability of passage is increased. That is, from the point of view of the player, the passing probability is increased or not increased depending on whether or not a hit is displayed on the display means, so that the player can enjoy the display and the game content becomes monotonous. Can be avoided. Further, if the hit is displayed, the passing probability is always increased, so that the player does not feel dissatisfied. In addition, the relationship that the passing probability is increased by the hit display is clear and extremely easy to understand.

Further, even if the lottery does not win (even if the win is not displayed), if the game ball enters or passes through the opening start area, the starting and opening is executed even in a short time. There is an opportunity to get special opening as well. The player is not only concerned with whether or not the variable prize winning device is started and opened, but also whether or not a win is displayed by the display means, and can enjoy the display of symbols.

[0010] Therefore, it is possible to entertain the player with the result of the display of the symbol, while maintaining the fun that the special opening (so-called big hit state) occurs due to the behavior of the game ball. The activation or non-operation of the passing probability varying means is determined by the success or failure of the lottery, and just because a game ball enters the lottery starting area does not always activate the passing probability varying means. That is, the player cannot predict whether or not the passage probability changing means will operate. Therefore, it is avoided that the game content becomes monotonous.

When the passage probability varying means is activated, the passage probability is increased, and the player welcomes the passage probability. Note that the object of the present invention can be achieved if the passage probability is two stages of high and low, but it may be three or more stages, or may be continuously variable from the lowest to the highest. However, it is desirable that a specific area can be passed even when the passing probability is minimized.

Further, in this ball-and-ball game machine, the lottery probability changing means increases the probability of the lottery being won by the lottery means (lottery probability) during the set period after the end of the specific opening. That is, if the player succeeds in passing through the specific area at the time of starting and opening and acquires the specific opening, the probability of the lottery is increased, and thus the probability of passing is increased. Crushing makes it easier to get the next specific release. In a ball game machine of the type in which special opening is realized by the behavior of a game ball, the so-called probable change can be adopted, so that the possibility of a so-called consecutive chan can be achieved, and the interest can be enhanced.

The period in which the lottery probability is set to a high probability, that is, the set period, is, for example, until the next special opening is established, until the lottery is executed a set number of times (for example, 200 times), or so-called design items that can be set as appropriate. It is. The difference between the special opening and the starting opening can be defined as the length of the opening operation time of the variable winning device. For example, in the case of an intermittent opening operation, a small number of times (for example, two or three times) at the time of starting opening and a large number of times (for example, twenty or thirty times) at the time of special opening.
Times) to distinguish them. Also, in that case, in the special opening, one opening time is lengthened (for example, it is 0.5 seconds in the starting opening, but 1 second in the special opening).
You may do that. If you do not perform intermittent operation,
The two can be distinguished from each other by shortening the start-up opening time (for example, about 0.5 seconds) and increasing the special opening time (for example, about 30 seconds). It should be noted that the numbers and times given here are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

There is no particular limitation on the configuration or technique for increasing the probability (passing probability) that a game ball passes through a specific area. For example, in the case of intermittent opening, the number of times may be increased or
By increasing the opening time of each round, the chances of winning in the variable winning device can be increased, and the probability (passing probability) that the game ball passes through the specific area can be increased. Further, by moving a member for guiding a winning game ball to the variable winning device, the passing probability can be increased by making it easier for the game ball to pass through a specific area than usual. Alternatively, the extension of the opening time of the variable prize device and the guidance by the guidance member may be combined.

The open start area and the lottery start area may be entrance holes (winning openings) or passage openings. Both can be a winning opening or both can be a passing opening, but the lottery starting area is a passing opening where prize balls are not paid out to give a lot of lottery (symbol display) opportunities, and the opening starting area is
In order to prevent the variable winning device from being started and released frequently (to be started and opened at an appropriate frequency), it is desirable to give a prize ball to a winning port which is more difficult to enter than a passing port.

If the period during which the passage probability is increased is not terminated at an appropriate point, the player becomes too advantageous, which is not convenient. Therefore, as described in claim 5, in the ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, it is preferable that the period in which the passage probability is increased is limited.

This time limit is set, for example, when the elapsed time after the passage probability is increased reaches a set value, when the number of game balls winning the variable prize device reaches the set number, when the specific area is set to the set number. When (for example, one) game ball passes, when the open state of the variable winning device reaches a set number of times,
When the duration of the open state of the variable prize winning device reaches a set value, or when the number of times a game ball enters or passes through the open start region reaches a set value, an event relating to the variable prize device or a specific area causes this. The period may be ended.

However, during the period in which the passing probability is increased, the duration of the start-opening, the number of times of starting-opening, or the number of winnings to the variable winning device has reached a set value. With such a configuration, unnecessary trouble can be avoided in an easy-to-understand manner.

Conditions can be set to increase the lottery probability. The configurations of claims 2, 3, and 4 are preferred examples. The ball game machine according to claim 2 is the ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the lottery probability changing unit determines that the game ball has passed through the specific area during the period in which the passage probability is increased. The lottery probability is increased only during a set period after the end of the executed special opening.

That is, in the configuration of claim 2, obtaining the special opening when the passing probability is increased is a condition for increasing the lottery probability (possibility of consecutive chan). The configuration of claim 3 is an example in which another condition is set to the condition of claim 2. That is, in the ball game machine according to claim 3, in the ball game machine according to claim 2, the lottery probability changing means sets the lottery probability only when a predetermined probability change condition is satisfied. It is characterized by having a probability variation permitting means for permitting increase.

As an example of the probability variation condition, when a specific symbol is used in a hit display by the display means,
For example, a case where a symbol indicating that the lottery probability is increased after the special opening is displayed is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The structure of claim 4 is based on the condition opposite to that of claim 2. That is, the ball game machine according to claim 4 is the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The lottery probability changing means increases the lottery probability only during a set period after the end of the special opening performed by the game ball passing through the specific area during a period when the passage probability is not increased. It is characterized by the following.

Claims 2 to 4 are examples in which conditions 1 or 2 are provided in order to increase the lottery probability.
By setting such conditions, frequent consecutive changes can be prevented, and so-called ejaculation can be prevented from increasing. In addition, by setting conditions, the lottery probability is set to a high probability, which is fortunate for the player, and the value thereof is increased.

It is preferable to notify the player that the lottery probability is increased (or is increased) in some form. For example, in the case of the configuration of the third aspect, it can be displayed by a symbol or the like. Also, sound (for example, announcing a high probability) or light (for example, turning on a specific lamp)
Can also be notified. Alternatively, two or more of display, sound, and light based on a design or the like may be used in combination.

[0024]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine 10 which is a kind of a ball and ball game machine. As shown in FIG.
The pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which each part of the configuration is held by a housing including a rectangular outer frame 11 and a front frame 12. The pachinko machine 10 is a so-called CR machine, and includes a card reader unit (hereinafter, CR unit) 13 for reading and writing a prepaid card.

The front frame 12 is attached to the outer frame 11 by the upper and lower hinges 14 at the left end so as to be openable and closable, and is normally closed as shown in the figure. A window-shaped glass frame 20 is attached to the front frame 12 so as to be openable with respect to the front frame 12. A plate glass 21 is doubly fitted in the glass frame 20, and a game board 22 held by the front frame 12 is stored behind the plate glass 21.

An upper plate 15 is arranged below the glass frame 20 and is attached to the front frame 12 so as to be openable. The upper plate 15 is provided with a lending button 16 for instructing lending of game balls by a prepaid card, a settlement button 17 for instructing return of a prepaid card, and a balance display section 18 for displaying a balance of the prepaid card. Have been. When the prepaid card is inserted into the card slot 19 of the CR unit 13, the balance of the prepaid card is displayed on the balance display section 1.
8, when the lending button 16 is pressed, the lending of the game balls is executed within the range of the balance, and the game balls as the loaned balls are discharged to the upper plate 15. When the settlement button 17 is pressed, the prepaid card is ejected from the card slot 19.

Below the upper plate 15, the lower plate 23 is
2 and a firing handle 24 is attached to the right side of the lower plate 23. A dial portion 24a is mounted on the outer periphery of the firing handle 24. When the dial portion 24a is rotated clockwise, a firing device (not shown) operates to play the game balls supplied from the upper plate 15 and play the game board 22. Fire at. At this time, the strength of the firing force can be adjusted by the amount of rotation of the dial portion 24a. A conductive touch sensor 24b is provided adjacent to the dial portion 24a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 22 has a substantially circular game area 25a surrounded by a guide rail 25.
A central winning device 26, which is a variable winning device, is installed in the center of the device. The central winning device 26 includes a pair of opening and closing blades 27 on the left and right sides.
, The state changes to a closed state where winning is not possible, and the open state is easy to win when the opening and closing blades 27 are opened right and left (in the figure, both the standing state and the open state are overlapped and displayed (27).
Is the open state. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the central winning device 26 is provided with a solenoid 27a for opening and closing the opening and closing blades 27.

A symbol display device 28 serving as display means is provided at a portion of the central winning device 26 which is sandwiched between the opening and closing blades 27. The symbol display device 28 includes three dot matrix display units 28a, 28b, and 28c. Each of the display units 28a, 28b, and 28c displays one symbol (for example, a number or an alphabet), and the three symbols are displayed. Is displayed by the combination of.

In this embodiment, the symbol display device 28 corresponding to the display means is integrated with the central winning device 26. However, the display means may be integrated with another winning device or the like, or the display means may be formed as an independent device. It is also possible to attach to the game board 22. It is not necessary to use three symbols, two or one symbol may be used, or a combination of four or more symbols may be used. The configuration of the display unit is not limited to a dot matrix, and a 7-segment LED, a liquid crystal display panel, a CRT, or the like can be used. That is, what kind of structure, form, and where to arrange the display means belongs to so-called design items and is arbitrary.

The game ball (winning ball) which has won the central winning device 26 is discharged behind the game board 22 through one of the left area 29, the middle area 30 and the right area 31 provided at the lower part. . Although not shown in FIG. 2, the left area 29, the middle area 3
Sensors 29a, 30a, and 31a for detecting game balls passing therethrough are installed in the 0 and right regions 31, respectively, so that passing balls can be detected in each region. In the case of the present embodiment, the middle region 30 is a so-called V and corresponds to a specific region, and the left region 29 and the right region 31 correspond to non-specific regions.

An internal stage 40 is disposed above the left area 29, the middle area 30 and the right area 31. All the winning balls of the central winning device 26 pass over the internal stage 40, and from the front edge thereof. It falls into any of the left area 29, the middle area 30, and the right area 31.

A pair of guide members 4 is provided above the middle region 30.
1, 41 are arranged. These guide members 41, 41
Is swingable about a lower end portion between a normal position in which the guide members 41 are substantially parallel to each other and an enlarged position (position indicated by (41)) inclined outward by about 45 degrees. . The central winning device 26 is provided with a solenoid 42 (not shown in FIG. 2) for swinging and displacing the guide members 41, 41.

When the guide members 41, 41 are in the normal position, the distance between the guide members 41, 41 is slightly larger than the diameter (about 11 mm) of the game ball (about 13 m in this embodiment).
m). However, in that state, the left area 29 and the right area 31
Is much larger than this, so that the inner stage 40
The game ball passing above is in the left area 29 or the right area 31
Is high, and the probability of falling into the middle area 30 is low. In the case of the present embodiment, the probability of falling into the middle region 30 is about 1/10 due to the structure of the internal stage 40 and the like.

On the other hand, when the guide members 41, 41 are in the enlarged position, the interval between the upper ends of the guide members 41, 41 becomes large, and the probability of falling into the middle region 30 increases. In the case of the present embodiment, the probability of falling to the middle region 30 when the guide members 41, 41 are in the enlarged position is about 1/3.

In the game board 22, normal winning ports 32 are provided on the left and right of the central winning device 26, and below them, a normal winning port 34 integrated with the side decoration 33 is provided. Further, a gate 43 which is a passage and corresponds to a lottery starting area is arranged below the central winning device 26, and three starting winning openings 35 which correspond to an open starting area are arranged below the gate 43. An out port 36 is provided at the bottom. Although not shown in FIG. 2, sensors 32a, 34a and 35a for detecting a winning ball are installed in the normal winning openings 32 and 34 and the starting winning opening 35, respectively, and a winning ball is provided for each winning opening. Can be detected. Also, the gate 43
Is a sensor itself and can detect the passage of a game ball.

A plurality of (six in this embodiment) windmills 37 are provided in the game area 25a, and a large number of game nails are hit. Since the game nail is well known, its illustration and description are omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, this pachinko machine 10
Has a main control board 70, a payout control board 75, a lamp control board 80, a display control board 90, a firing control board 95, and a voice control board 97.

The main control board 70 includes a CPU 70a, an RO
M70b, RAM 70c, random number counters 70d, 70
e, input / output ports, etc. This main control board 7
0 is the sensor 29a, 30a, 3
1a, sensors 32a, 34a of normal winning openings 32, 34,
The sensor 35a of the starting winning port 35, the gate 43, the touch sensor 24b, and other sensors installed in each part of the game board 22 and the pachinko machine 10 are connected, and the main control board 70 transmits signals from these. Can be obtained.

The main control board 70 is also connected to the solenoid 27a and the solenoid 42 of the central winning device 26, a payout control board 75, a lamp control board 80, a display control board 90, a firing control board 95, and a voice control board 97. ing.
Then, the CPU 70a operates according to the program stored in the ROM 70b, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the various signals, and outputs the payout control board 75, the lamp control board 80, the display control board 9
0, output to the launch control board 95 and the voice control board 97.
Further, the CPU 70a can control the operation of the solenoid 27a and the solenoid 42, that is, the opening and closing of the central winning device 26 and the opening and closing of the guide members 41 and 41. Although the details will be described later, the passage members 41 and 41 and the solenoid 42 constitute a passage probability varying unit, and the CPU 70a functions as a variation controlling unit by controlling this.

The lamp control board 80 includes a CP (not shown).
U, ROM, RAM, I / O ports, etc.
In response to a command sent from the main control board 70, the controller controls lamps installed in each part of the game board 22 and the pachinko machine 10, motors and solenoids which are not controlled by other control boards.

The dispensing control board 75 includes a CP (not shown).
U, ROM, RAM, I / O ports, etc.
The payout device 75a is controlled in accordance with the command sent from the main control board 70, and pays out the number of prize balls specified by the command on the main control board 70. Also, CR unit 1
In response to the request from 3, the payout device 75a is operated to pay out the lent ball.

The display control board 90 includes a CP (not shown).
U, ROM, RAM, I / O ports, etc.
The display of the symbol display device 28 is controlled according to the command sent from the main control board 70. The audio control board 97 is provided with a CPU, ROM, RAM, sound source LSI, input / output ports, etc., not shown, and generates an audio signal in response to a command sent from the main control board 70. To drive the speaker 97a to output sound.

The operation of the pachinko machine 10 is the same as that of a known pachinko machine, for example, in that a prize ball is paid out when a prize port (winning device) is won. Next, referring to FIGS.
Main control board 70 mainly related to the control of the central winning device 26
Pachinko machine 1 focusing on the processing of (especially CPU 70a)
The operation of 0 will be described. In addition, each process shown in FIGS.
The CPU 70a is to be executed as a subroutine of a main routine (illustration and description is omitted) performed during operation of the pachinko machine 10.

First, the guidance member control for controlling the opening and closing of the guidance members 41 will be described with reference to FIG. In this process,
The CPU 70a determines whether a passing signal from the gate 43 has been input (S101). If a passing signal is input (if the game ball is passing through the gate 43),
It is determined whether the enlargement flag F1 is set to 1 (S102).

If the determination is affirmative in S102, the process returns from the process. If the determination is negative, the value of the random number counter 70d is read, and a random determination is made based on whether or not the value matches a predetermined winning value. S10
3, corresponding to lottery means). In the case of the present embodiment, the random number counter 70d is configured to repeatedly count integer values from 0 to 99 in ascending order. On the other hand, as for the winning value, a low probability setting with only 7 as the winning value (lottery probability is 1/100) and a high probability setting with four as the winning values of 7, 37, 57 and 77 (lottery probability is 4 / 100). The lottery probability is set to a low probability in the initial setting at the time of starting the pachinko machine 10, but thereafter is set to a high probability according to the progress of the game, and to a low probability. The change of the setting will be described later. In addition, these lottery probabilities (1/110,
4/100) is an exemplification, and can be set to an appropriate probability upon implementation.

If the lottery is successful (S104: YE
S), a probability change lottery is performed (S105). In the case of this embodiment,
The probability variation lottery is performed using the value of the counter 70e. If this value is odd, the probability variation lottery is won, and if the value is even, the probability variation is lost.
In the present embodiment, the counter 70 is used when a positive determination is made in S103.
Although the configuration is such that the value of e is read (selected), it may be read simultaneously with the counter 70d in S102.

Then, based on the result of the probability change lottery, a command (winning display command) for displaying a symbol indicating a win (winning symbol) on the symbol display device 28 is generated and sent to the display control board 90 (S106). . In the case of the present embodiment, 000, 11
1, 222, 333, 444, 555, 666, 77
7, 888, 999 are set, and among these winning symbols, five types of 111, 333, 555, 777, 999 are set as specific symbols. Therefore,
In S105, if the probability variable lottery (S105) wins, one of these specific symbols is determined.
One of the types of winning symbols is determined, and a command corresponding to that is generated and transmitted.

Upon receiving the command, the display control board 90 instructs the symbol display device 28 to display the display units 28a, 28b, 28
After the symbols are displayed in a variable manner at c, for example,
By stopping and displaying in the middle and right order, a hit symbol (for example, 777) according to the command is displayed. This allows the player to know that the lottery has been won. In addition, it recognizes that if it is any of the specific symbols, a high probability is set as described later.

After sending out the hit display command (waiting for the winning symbol to be confirmed and displayed on the symbol display device 28), the enlargement flag F1 is set to 1 (S107),
The solenoid 42 is operated to bring the guide members 41, 41 to the enlarged position (S108, corresponding to passage probability control means).
In the case of the present embodiment, the period in which the guiding members 41, 41 are in the enlarged position is set to perform 15 times of starting and opening, and the CPU 70a performs 15 times of starting and opening after the process of S108, and the solenoid 42 Turn off the guide member 4
1, 41 are returned to the normal position. However, the guide member 4
If the game balls pass through the middle area 30 when the positions 1 and 41 are in the enlarged position, the guide members 41 and 41 are returned to the normal position even if the start-up and opening have not reached 15 times. Details of the control will be described later.

On the other hand, when the lottery is out (S104:
NO), a command (missing display command) for causing the symbol display device 28 to display a combination of symbols other than the above-mentioned winning symbols (so-called three-digit uniform), that is, a symbol indicating a miss (missing symbol), and controlling the display. It is sent to the substrate 90 (S109). Display control board 90 which received the command
Are displayed on the display units 28a, 28
After the symbols are variably displayed at b and 28c, for example, by displaying the symbols in the order of left, middle, and right, a miss symbol according to the command is displayed. This allows the player to know that he / she has been removed by lottery.

As described above, each time a game ball passes through the gate 43, a lottery is performed.
Since the positions 1 and 41 are the enlarged positions, the probability that the winning ball to the central winning device 26 passes through the middle region 30 increases. However,
When the guide members 41, 41 are already in the enlarged position (when the enlarged flag F1 is set to 1, S10
2: NO), no lottery is performed. Therefore, at that time, no new symbol change is performed, and the display of the hit symbol (including the specific symbol) is maintained until the guide members 41, 41 return to the normal position.

Next, referring to FIG.
Will be described. In this process, the CPU 70a determines whether a signal (start winning signal) from the sensor 35a of the starting winning port 35 has been input (S201).
If the start winning signal has been input (if the player has won the start winning port 35), the solenoid 27a is operated to open and close the opening and closing blade 27 of the central winning device 26 twice in a very short time (for example, 0.5 seconds). (Start opening, S202).

Next, the CPU 70a plays the game ball (winning ball) which has won the central winning device 26 by the two opening operations.
Is determined based on the signal from the sensor 30a (S203). Note that the processing in S203 is sufficient to ensure that all of the winning balls at the time of starting and opening pass through any of the left area 29, the middle area 30 and the right area 31 at the end of starting and opening (that is, after the second closing). Executed after waiting for time.

If the winning ball has not passed through the middle area 30 (S203: NO), it is determined whether or not the enlargement flag F1 is set to 1 (S204). When the enlargement flag F1 is not set to 1 (that is, when the guide members 41, 41 are at the normal position), the routine returns.

On the other hand, when the enlargement flag F1 is set to 1 (S204: YES), the value of the start counter C provided in the RAM 70c is incremented by 1 (S205). In other words, the start counter C is incremented by one each time the start opening is performed. And the starting counter C
Is determined to be 15 (S206). If the determination is negative, the process returns. If the determination is affirmative, that is, the 15th start opening, the process proceeds to S210.

On the other hand, if the winning ball has passed the middle area 30 (S203: YES), the hit flag F2 is set to 1 (S207), and it is determined whether or not the enlargement flag F1 is set to 1. (S208). In the above-described S204, the number of times of starting and opening is counted, but here, it is to determine whether or not the guide members 41, 41 have passed the middle region 30 which is the specific region when in the enlarged position. . If the determination is affirmative, the enlargement time flag F3 is set to 1 (S209), and the enlargement flag F1 and the start counter C are cleared (S210).

If a negative determination is made in S208 or S210
Then, the guide members 41 are returned to the normal position (S2
11), the lottery probability is set to a low probability (S212), and the process returns. In addition, in S212, the lottery probability may already be set to the low probability, but in that case, the low probability setting is maintained. Of course, a low probability setting may be made again.

As is clear from this description, the guiding member 4
When the start and release are performed 15 times after the positions 1 and 41 are set to the enlarged position (S206: YES), or when the winning ball passes through the middle area 30 (S203: YES), the positions are returned to the normal position. When the prize ball passes through the middle area 30 in the opening start, a special game is performed as described below.

Next, the special game will be described with reference to FIG.
Note that the special game itself of the present embodiment is almost the same as a pachinko machine provided with a variable winning device called a second type special electric accessory. In this process, the CPU 70a first determines whether or not the hit flag F2 is set to 1 (S301). If the determination is affirmative, the process from S302 is performed, but if the determination is negative, the process returns without performing the substantial process.

In S302, the CPU 70a operates the solenoid 27a to open and close the opening and closing blades 27 of the central winning device 26 intermittently. Specifically, the opening / closing operation is performed a set number of times (18 times in the present embodiment) within a set time (30 seconds in the present embodiment), or the upper limit number (10 in the present embodiment) of winning balls is set in the central winning device 26. The opening and closing operation is performed intermittently until the occurrence of. This series of opening and closing operations is special opening.

When the special opening is completed once, it is determined whether or not to start the next special opening, that is, whether or not to continue the special game (S303). In the case of the present embodiment, based on whether or not any of the winning balls to the central winning device 26 in the special opening that has just ended has passed through the middle area 30 (whether or not the sensor 30a has detected a game ball). If there is a winning ball passing through the middle area 30, it is determined that the continuation is continued. However, when there is no winning ball passing through the middle area 30, and when the number of times of special opening is continued is the upper limit value (in the case of this embodiment, 1
(5 times), it is determined that the game will not be continued (end of the special game).

If the special game is to be continued (S303: YE
S) Returning to S302, a new special opening is started. If the special game is over (S303: NO), the hit flag F2 is cleared (S304), and whether or not the expansion time hit flag F3 is set to 1, that is, the guide members 41, 41 are in the expanded position. Is determined to be a special game due to passing through the middle area 30 at the time (S305).

If a negative determination is made, the process returns. If an affirmative determination is made, it is determined whether or not the hit symbol which triggered the expansion of the guide members 41 is a specific symbol (S306). If this is a specific symbol (S30
6: YES), the lottery probability is set to a high probability (S30).
7) Otherwise, as a low probability setting (S308),
Return from this process. The process of S307 corresponds to a lottery probability changing unit, and is performed only when a positive determination is made in S306.
The point of executing step 07 corresponds to the probability variation permission means. In this case, when the specific symbol is displayed (in the processing of the CPU 70a, the probability change lottery (S104) is performed in S105, and the high probability is set here, the high probability is set until the vehicle passes through the middle area 30 at the start-up opening. Since the setting is maintained (see S203: YES to S212 in FIG. 5), the possibility of winning in the lottery (S103 in FIG. 4) is increased, and as a result, there is a possibility that the guide members 41, 41 are set to the enlarged position. Increase.
Therefore, there is a high possibility that the next special game will be executed within a short time after the end of the special game (so-called consecutive chan).

As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, since the game ball has passed through the gate 43,
U70a performs a lottery, and if the lottery is a hit, the solenoid 42 is controlled to cause the guide members 41, 41 to be in the enlarged position and increase the probability of passing through the middle area 30 which is a specific area. There is a very high possibility that the game will shift to a special game once it is started and opened. Therefore, it is very important whether or not the guide members 41, 41 are in the enlarged position at the time of starting and opening, and the player welcomes that the guide members 41, 41 are in the enlarged position. However, there is a limit to the period in which the guiding member 41 is in the enlarged position and the probability of passing through the middle area 30 is increased, so that there is no possibility that the player becomes too advantageous.

A random lottery is performed based on the random number value of the counter 70d selected at the timing of passing through the gate 43, and whether the guide members 41, 41 are in the enlarged position is determined by the randomness of the lottery. Just because the game ball has passed through the gate 43 does not mean that the guiding members 41, 41 are in the enlarged position. That is, the player cannot predict whether or not the guide members 41, 41 will be at the enlarged position. Therefore, it is avoided that the game content becomes monotonous.

Further, since the lottery result is displayed on the symbol display device 28 before the guide members 41, 41 are set to the enlarged position, the player can change the aiming place, determine the timing of firing, etc. in response to this. Can be prepared in advance. In addition, when a specific symbol is displayed in the lottery, the high probability setting is set after the end of the special game, and the high probability setting is maintained until the vehicle passes through the middle area 30 at the start and release. The possibility of winning in the lottery increases, and as a result, the possibility that the guide members 41, 41 are set to the enlarged position increases. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the next special game will be executed within a short time after the end of the special game (so-called consecutive chan).

In this embodiment, the passage probability is changed in two steps by displacing the guide members 41, 41 in two steps of a normal position and an enlarged position. However, instead of the solenoid 42, for example, a stepping motor is driven. The guide members 41, 41 are displaced in three or more steps or steplessly by using the source (the passage probability is changed in three or more steps or continuously).
It is also possible.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the examples. However, the present invention is not limited to such examples, and may be variously implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say. In addition,
The example of the special game in the embodiment is merely an example, and other forms such as a special game similar to that of a known pachinko machine called a first type or a third type can be used. It may be different.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a guide member control process executed by the main board of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a start opening control process executed by the main board of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a special game process executed by the main board of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Pachinko machine (ball game machine) 22 Game board 25a Game area 26 Central winning device (variable winning device) 27 Opening / closing feather 28 Symbol display device (display means) 29 Left area (non-specific area) 30 Middle area (specific area) 31 right area (non-specific area) 35 starting winning opening (start opening area) 41 guide member (passing probability changing means) 42 solenoid (passing probability changing means) 43 gate (lottery starting area) 70 main control board (change control means, Passage probability control means, lottery means, lottery probability variation means, probability variation permission means) 70a CPU (variation control means, passage probability control means, lottery means, lottery probability variation means, probability variation permission means)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Shogo Tatsumi 1-3-3 Taiheidori, Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Takaonai F-term (reference) 2C088 AA39 AA43 EB58 EB74

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A variable prize which is variable between an open state in which a prize is easy and a closed state in which a prize is difficult or impossible, and in which a specific area and a non-specific area different from the specific area are provided. Device and the open state (hereinafter referred to as “start”) in a range in which the variable winning device is set on condition that a game ball enters or passes through an open starting region set for starting the variable winning device. In this case, the variable winning device is opened for a longer period of time than the starting opening (hereinafter, referred to as “open”) because the game ball that has won the variable winning device during the starting and opening has passed through the specific area. , A "special opening"), the probability that the game ball that has won the variable winning device passes through the specific area (hereinafter, referred to as "passing probability"). At least high Passage probability changing means for changing to two stages, Lottery means for performing a lottery based on a game ball entering or passing through a lottery start area set for the lottery, and displaying a lottery result of the lottery means Display means for performing, the passing probability control means for controlling the passing probability varying means to increase the passing probability when the lottery is a hit, the lottery by the lottery means during the set period after the end of the specific opening A ball game machine comprising: lottery probability changing means for increasing a probability of winning (hereinafter referred to as “lottery probability”). 2. The special ballistic game machine according to claim 1, wherein the lottery probability changing unit executes the special opening performed when a game ball passes through the specific area during a period in which the passing probability is increased. A ball game machine characterized by increasing the lottery probability only during a set period after the end of the game. 3. The ballistic game machine according to claim 2, wherein said lottery probability changing means increases said lottery probability only when a predetermined probability change condition is satisfied. A ball game machine comprising: 4. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the lottery probability changing means executes the special opening performed when the game ball passes through the specific area during a period when the passage probability is not increased. A ball game machine characterized by increasing the lottery probability only during a set period after the end of the game. 5. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein a period during which the passage probability is increased is limited. 6. The ball-and-ball game machine according to claim 5, wherein, during the period in which the passing probability is raised, the start-open duration, the number of start-open times, or the number of winnings to the variable winning device are set values. A ball game machine that is terminated by reaching.