JP2003199893A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can effectively prevent possible dissatisfaction among players attributed to failure in the operation of variable winning ball devices that may occur when winning balls exist in starting slots (as a result of winning by game balls) while the variable winning ball devices are in operation. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 10 is provided with the variable winning ball device 23 which starts to perform variable operations based on the winning of the starting slot 21 with the game balls, also with a winning ball memory means for storing balls winning the starting slot 21 while the variable winning ball device 23 is in operation and a game control means for controlling the game operations of the variable winning ball device 23 based on the winning ball memory means. An announcing means 26 may be provided to inform players of the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball memory means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine, and more particularly, to a winning ball device for a game machine such as a two-class pachinko machine which plays by using a game ball or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Pachinko machines have become widespread in Japan as popular entertainment. Further, due to the widespread use of CPUs (Central Processing Units) based on semiconductor technology, CPUs have also been adopted in game machines such as pachinko machines, and their amusement is enhanced by complicated control. When a game ball wins in any of a plurality of starting openings provided on the game board (that is, when there is a winning ball), the variable winning ball device is activated. Then, during the operation of the variable winning ball apparatus, the winning ball that has won the winning a prize again is not stored, and the variable winning ball apparatus is configured not to operate with respect to the winning ball.

[0003]

However, even if there is a winning ball during the operation of the variable winning ball device, the variable winning ball device of the conventional gaming machine does not work, which is a dissatisfaction for the player. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to avoid such a disadvantageous case for the player and eliminate or reduce the dissatisfaction of the player,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine capable of sustaining interest in games.

[0004]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In a gaming machine equipped with a variable winning ball device that starts operation and controls opening / closing of a blade or the like based on winning of a game ball into a starting opening, the variable winning ball device is Provided is a winning ball storage means for storing winning balls that have won the start opening during operation, and game control means for controlling the game operation of the above-mentioned variable winning ball device based on the storage result of the winning ball storage means. It is characterized by

According to a preferred embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, the winning ball storage means described above stores a predetermined number of winning balls as an upper limit. The game control means controls to start the operation of the variable winning ball device for the winning balls stored in the winning ball storage means after the operation time of the variable winning ball device for the winning ball that has won a prize is finished. Characterize. Furthermore, the game control means continuously performs operations such as opening and closing of the variable winning ball device for the previously won winning ball and operations such as opening and closing of the variable winning ball device for the winning ball stored in the winning ball storage means. It is characterized by controlling to operate. Furthermore, the game control means operates the time for opening and closing the variable winning ball device for the previously won winning ball by the time for opening and closing the variable winning ball device for the winning ball stored in the winning ball storage means. It is characterized in that it is controlled to. Further, it is characterized in that a notification means is provided for notifying the player that the winning ball is stored, based on the storage result of the winning ball storage means. Finally, the notifying means emits the light of the number corresponding to the winning ball or the number of LEDs indicating the number of LEDs.
A display device such as a (light emitting diode) is used for display.

[0006]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The configuration and operation of a preferred embodiment of a game machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, FIG. 1 is a front view showing a structure of a game board which is a main part of a preferred embodiment of a game machine according to the present invention. This game machine 10 has a substantially circular game board (or game area) 20. In this game board 20, a plurality (for example, 5
Individual) starting opening 21, specific area 22, variable winning ball device 23, blade portion 24, determination device 25 and memory display LED (informing means) 26
Is included.

When a game ball (not shown) wins any one of a plurality of starting ports 21 (hereinafter, this won game ball is called a winning ball), the variable winning ball device 23 is operated based on this winning. Then, the blade portion 24 is opened and closed once, for example. When the winning ball that has won the variable winning ball device 23 passes through the internal specific area 22 while the blade portion 24 is operating, the determination device 25 determines the maximum number of consecutive rounds and puts the gaming machine 10 in the special gaming state. The variable winning ball device 23 operates until the blade portion 24 is opened and closed 18 times, for example, opened for 30 seconds, or until 10 winning balls are generated. Meanwhile, when the game ball passes through the specific area 22 again, the variable winning ball device 23 immediately starts the operation of the next round. This is repeated up to the number of rounds determined by the determination device 25 (when this repetition reaches the predetermined number of rounds, the game ends). However, if the game does not pass through the specific area 22, the special game state described above in that round ends.

According to the present invention, the winning balls that have won the starting opening 21 while the variable winning ball device 23 is operating are temporarily stored in winning ball storage means (not shown) such as a semiconductor memory circuit,
One memory display LED 26 is turned on. This stores a maximum of a predetermined number of predetermined winning balls (for example, four), and turns on the corresponding number of memory display LEDs 26. One set of the memory display LEDs 26 may be provided for one starting port 21 or one set may be provided for a plurality of starting ports 21. In addition to the LEDs, a 7-segment displaying the number of winning balls numerically, a dot matrix, a liquid crystal display device, or the like may be used.

For example, the operation time of the variable winning ball device 23 for the winning ball stored in the winning ball storage means is changed after the operating time of the variable winning ball device 23 for the winning ball that has won first is finished. A case of controlling the game operation of the winning ball device 23 will be described. In this case, the variable winning ball device 23 starts to operate based on the winning ball that has won the starting opening 21. When the player wins the winning opening 21 again during the operation, the winning ball is once stored in the winning ball storage means and the memory display LED 26 is turned on. Then, the variable winning ball apparatus 23 starts to open the blade portion 24 after the elapse of the pre-opening interval time (for example, 1.0 seconds) with respect to the winning ball that has won the starting opening 21 first, and then the opening time (for example, 0.9 It will be closed after a second). This blade
When the interval time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after closing 24, the variable winning ball apparatus 23 is immediately activated for the stored winning ball and the memory display LED that is lit up.
Turn off one 26. After that, the variable winning ball device 23 ends the operation after the pre-opening interval time (for example, 1.0 seconds), the opening time (for example, 0.9 seconds) and the post-closing interval time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

Next, for example, the game control means opens and closes the variable winning ball device 23 for the winning ball that has won the prize, and
The case of controlling the game operation of the variable winning ball device 23 so as to continuously operate the operation of opening and closing the variable winning ball device 23 for the winning ball described in the winning ball storage means will be described. In this case, the variable winning ball device 23 starts to operate based on the winning ball that has won the starting opening 21. When the game ball again wins the starting opening 21 during the operation, the winning ball is once stored in the winning ball storage means and the memory display LED 26 is turned on. Then, in the variable winning ball apparatus 23, the blade portion 24 is opened after the elapse of the pre-opening interval time (for example, 1.0 seconds) with respect to the winning ball previously winning in the starting opening 21, and the opening time (0.
When the interval time (for example, 0.5 seconds) elapses after the blade portion 24 is closed after the elapse of 9 seconds), the variable winning ball apparatus 23 is immediately set to the stored winning ball without waiting for the pre-opening interval time. Operate from the opening operation. At the same time, one of the lit memory display LEDs 26 is turned off. After that, the variable winning ball device 23 ends the operation after the opening time (for example, 0.9 seconds) and the interval time after closing the blade portion 24 (for example, 0.5 seconds).

In addition, for example, the game control means, the opening time of the variable winning ball device for the winning ball previously won, for example, the time of opening the variable winning ball device for the winning ball stored in the winning ball storage means. Variable winning ball device to operate for a long time
A case of controlling 23 game operations will be described. In this case, the variable winning ball device 23 starts to operate based on the winning ball that has won the starting opening 23. The game ball starts again during its operation.
When the player wins the prize 21, the winning ball is temporarily stored in the winning ball storage means, and the memory display LED 26 lights up. Then, the variable winning ball device 23 for the winning ball that has won the starting opening 21 earlier,
The blade portion 24 is opened after the pre-opening interval time (for example, 1.0 seconds) has elapsed, and does not close even after the open time (for example, 0.9 seconds) elapses. Let it start. At the same time, one of the lit memory display LEDs 26 is turned off. Then, the variable winning ball device 23 ends the operation after the opening time (for example, 0.9 seconds) and the interval time (for example, 0.5 seconds) after the closing of the blade portion 24 have elapsed.

Next, FIG. 2 shows an operation explanatory diagram in some cases of the above-mentioned gaming machine 10. FIG. 2A shows an example of the operating time of the variable winning ball device 23, that is, the opening time and the closing time for one winning ball. A game ball has multiple starting ports 21
When one of the winning prizes is won, the variable winning ball device 23 starts to operate, and the vane portion 24 waits for the pre-opening interval time of 1.0 seconds to shift from the closed state to the open state, and then the 0.9 seconds After the open time has elapsed, the open state is changed to the closed state, and 0.5
It shows that the operating time (2.4 seconds) of the variable winning a prize ball device 23 ends after the interval time after closing the second.

On the other hand, FIG. 2B shows various examples of the operating time of the variable winning ball apparatus 23 when the winning ball storage means stores the winning balls. (A) is a case where the operation time for one unit is simply repeated. That is, when one of the starting openings 21 wins, the variable winning ball device 23 starts to operate and the blade 24
Waits for 1.0 second before opening interval time, shifts from the closed state to the open state, and after the opening time of 0.9 seconds, shifts from the open state to the closed state, 0.5 second interval time after closing After waiting for 1.0 seconds before the opening interval time (1.5 seconds in total), the closed state is changed to the opened state for 0.9 seconds. Then, after the closing time of 0.5 seconds, the variable winning ball device 23 finishes its operation and enters the standby state.

Next, FIG. 2 (B) (b) shows an operation example in which the blade portion 24 of the variable winning ball device 23 repeats the number of times of opening and closing. First, if there is a winning ball, it will be opened after 1.0 second which is the pre-opening interval, and will remain open only for 0.9 seconds. After that, when the winning ball is stored in the winning ball storage means, the blade portion 24 is opened again for 0.9 seconds after the interval after opening, and after that, the variable winning is performed after the interval after opening (0.5 seconds). The ball device is deactivated and goes into standby (this corresponds to the case of claim 4). When two or more winning balls are stored in the winning ball storage means, it goes without saying that this operation is repeated.

Further, FIG. 2B (c) shows a case where the opening time of the variable winning ball device 23 is lengthened. Starting port 21
When a game ball wins in any of the above, the blade portion 24 of the variable winning ball device 23 passes through the pre-opening interval (1.0 second),
It becomes open. This opening time changes according to the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball storage means. As in the case shown, if there is only one winning ball stored,
It is 0.9 seconds x 2 = 1.8 seconds. When the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball storage means is 2, 0.9 seconds × 3 =
2.7 seconds. Similarly, the opening period of the blade portion 24,
Depending on the number of winning balls stored in the winning ball storage means, 0.
It becomes longer by a multiple of 9 seconds. Finally, the variable winning ball apparatus finishes operating and enters a standby state after an interval of 0.5 seconds after opening (this corresponds to the state limited to claim 5).

The configuration and operation of the preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention have been described above. However, it should be understood that such an embodiment is merely an example of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0018]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the following remarkable practical effects can be obtained. First, by providing a storage means for storing the winning sphere won at the start opening while the variable winning sphere device is operating, the variable winning sphere device is opened even for the winning sphere won while the variable winning sphere device is operating. It is possible to secure the time of, so that the player's dissatisfaction can be resolved, and the interest in the gaming machine can be maintained.

Further, by providing game control means for controlling the game operation of the variable winning ball device, it is possible to control various operations of the variable winning ball device based on the stored winning balls. Can be increased. Furthermore, it is possible to notify the player of how many winning balls are stored by providing a notifying means for notifying the player that the winning balls are stored.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board which is a main part of a preferred embodiment of a game machine according to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory view in various cases of the variable winning ball device of the gaming machine shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 amusement machines 20 game board 21 Starting port 23 Variable winning ball device 24 blade 26 Notification means (memory display LED)

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine including a variable winning ball device that starts operation based on winning of a game ball into a starting opening and controls opening of a blade or the like, wherein the starting opening is active while the variable winning ball device is operating. A gaming machine provided with a winning ball storage means for storing a winning prize winning ball and a game control means for controlling a game operation of the variable winning ball device based on a storage result of the winning ball storage means. . 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the winning ball storage means stores a predetermined number of winning balls as an upper limit. 3. The game control means, of the variable winning ball device for the winning balls stored in the winning ball storage means, after the operation time of the variable winning ball device for the winning ball that has won first is finished. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is controlled to start operation. 4. The game control means performs operations such as opening and closing of the variable winning ball device with respect to the previously won winning ball, and opening and closing of the variable winning ball device with respect to the winning ball stored in the winning ball storage means. The game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation is controlled to operate continuously. 5. The game control means opens the variable winning ball device for the winning balls stored in the winning ball storage means, for example, for the time of opening the variable winning ball device for the winning ball that was previously won. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine is controlled to operate for a longer time. 6. The game according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising notification means for notifying a player that a winning ball is stored, based on a storage result of the winning ball storage means. Machine. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the notification means emits light in a number corresponding to the winning ball or displays the number on the display device such as an LED.