JP2003340023A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine which effectively increases player's expectation of an occurrence of a specific game state in a prescribed game process. <P>SOLUTION: The second type Pachinko game machine, which is equipped with a variable prize winning ball device 60 enabling variable prize winning by prize starting and produces a jackpot game state by winning a prize with a ball entering in a specific prize winning region (V region) inside the variable prize winning ball device 60, is equipped with movable members 72a, 72b and a cup 85 operated in a high probability operation mode where winning the prize with the ball entering in the V region or V prize winning is likely to happen and in a low probability operation mode where the V prize winning is less likely. The Pachinko game machine determines whether to operate the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 85 in the high probability operation mode in prescribed game processes such as at the prize starting and variable prize winning. If the Pachinko game machine determines to operate them in the high probability operation mode, it controls to operate the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 85 in the high probability operation mode, and makes notification light emitting diodes or LEDs 85, 86a, 86b, 87 notify of the decision. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a first state in which game balls shot in a game area are easy to win, and no win.
Alternatively, the variable winning device is provided with a variable winning device that can be changed to a second state that is difficult to win, and the variable winning device is first operated in a predetermined starting mode based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the starting region provided in the game region. The variable winning device is in the first state in a specific mode that is more advantageous to the player than the starting mode based on the fact that the game ball that has won the variable winning device enters a specific region of the plurality of regions. After a specific game state that can execute a round controlled to a predetermined upper limit number of times occurs, and the game ball that won the variable winning device during the round entered the specific area, after the end of the round. Regarding the ball game machine that can be moved to the next round.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a second-class pachinko game machine, when a game ball wins at a starting opening, the game is started and the variable winning device is opened, and the game ball is won in a specific area in the variable winning device (V When a prize is won, a specific game state is generated, and in the specific game state, the variable winning device is continuously opened. The variable winning device is continuously opened for a predetermined number of rounds (opening cycles) on condition of V winning. In addition, in the case where a V prize is generated in the starting game state, an internal lottery is performed, and there is one configured such that the number of rounds is determined according to the lottery result.

Then, the determined number of rounds is displayed on the display device in the specific game state and notified to the player.
The result of the lottery performed after the V winning is reflected in the degree of the game value given to the player (for example, the payout number of game balls as a prize), so that the player has a great sense of expectation in the lottery result.

In each round other than the final round, when a predetermined condition (for example, V winning) is established, the continuation right is established and the next round is started.
When the predetermined condition for establishing the continuation right is V winning, in order to enhance the interest of the game, there is one that changes the internal structure of the gaming machine to make the V winning easier or less likely to occur. is there. Changing the internal structure of the gaming machine means, for example, moving a movable member to make it easier or harder to win a game ball in a specific area. As described above, the player plays the game while enjoying the particular game state and how to generate the continuation right in the particular game state.

[0005]

However, in a pachinko gaming machine having a movable member as described above, even if a game ball is won in a specific area, there is a possibility that the game ball will be guided to the specific area at that time. Since it depends on the operation mode of the movable member, the player's expectation for the occurrence of the specific game state in the game process before the game ball enters any area in the variable winning device is increased. However, there is a problem that the player's willingness to play is likely to be reduced.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such problems, and a ball-and-ball game which can effectively enhance the player's expectation for the occurrence of a specific game state in a predetermined game process. The purpose is to provide a machine.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the ball game machine of the present invention has a first state in which a game ball shot in a game area is easy to win, and a game ball is not won or won. It is equipped with a variable winning device that can be changed to a difficult second state, and the variable winning device is first operated in a predetermined starting mode based on the fact that a game ball has passed through a starting area provided in the game area. The variable winning device is controlled in a state, and the variable winning device is first in a specific mode that is more advantageous to the player than the starting mode, based on that the game ball that has won the variable winning device enters a specific region of a plurality of regions. Based on the fact that a specific game state in which a round controlled in the state of a predetermined number of times can be executed occurs, and a game ball that has won the variable winning device during the round has entered the specific region, Round In the ball game machine that can be moved to the next round after completion, the operation mode of the movable member provided movably in the variable winning device is set to increase the probability that the game ball enters the specific area. A high-probability operation mode, a low-probability operation mode that lowers the probability of entering a game ball into the specific area, and a movable member control means for controlling the operation so as to change the movable member in a predetermined game process. Control means for determining whether or not to control the movable member in the high-probability operation mode, and the movable member control means controls the operation in the high-probability operation mode by the mode determination means. If it is determined that the movable member includes a forced motion control unit that controls the movable member to the high-probability motion mode, the mode determination unit determines to control the motion to the high-probability motion mode. It is characterized in that it comprises a notifying means for notifying to that effect when it is.
According to this feature, the fact that it is determined that the motion control is performed in the high-probability operation mode, that is, the expectation that the movable member becomes the high-probability operation mode and the specific game state is generated is high, is a game in a specific area. Since the notification is given in the predetermined game process before the ball enters, it is possible to effectively increase the player's expectation for the occurrence of the specific game state in the game process before the game ball enters the specific region. .

The variable winning device of the ball game machine of the present invention enables the game ball to enter the specific area even when the mode determining means does not determine to control the operation in the high probability operation mode. It is preferable that it is configured as follows. In this way, even if the notification is not made because it is not determined to control the operation in the high-probability operation mode, there is still a possibility that the specific game state will occur, so that the player's expectation for the specific game state is increased. You can avoid the decline.

The ball game machine of the present invention includes a plurality of the movable members, and the movable member control means includes an asynchronous control means for asynchronously controlling the movement by changing the operation cycle of the plurality of movable members. It is preferable to include. By doing so, it is not easy to determine the timing of the high-probability operation mode, so that the playability can be improved.

The predetermined game process of the ball game machine of the present invention is preferably a time point when the game ball passes through the starting area. By doing so, the fact that the probability that the game ball will enter the specific area is high is notified at the time of the highest expectation, so that the player's expectation for the occurrence of the specific game state can be further increased. .

The predetermined game process of the ball game machine of the present invention is preferably a time point when a game ball is won in the variable winning device. By doing so, the fact that the probability that the game ball will enter the specific area is high is notified at the time of the highest expectation, so that the player's expectation for the occurrence of the specific game state can be further increased. .

It is preferable that the ball game machine of the present invention further comprises a notification determining means for determining whether or not to execute the notification to the effect that it is determined that the high probability operation mode is controlled by the notification means. In this way, even if it is determined that the operation control is performed in the high-probability operation mode, the fact may not be notified, so even if the notification is not performed, the player's expectation for the specific game state decreases. It can be avoided.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a pachinko machine to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. First,
The second kind of pachinko machine of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as a pachinko machine)
The overall configuration of will be described. The pachinko machine includes a game board 30 having a game area formed on the front surface and a mechanism plate to which the game board 30 is detachably attached, and the mechanism board is attached to an outer frame of the game machine. Further, a front frame formed in a frame shape is provided on the front surface of the gaming machine, and a glass door frame having a glass plate is provided in a frame-shaped upper opening of the front frame, and a front surface having a hitting ball supply plate under the glass door frame. Each door plate is openable and closable. Further, on the surface of the lower part of the front frame, an extra ball receiving tray for storing the extra prize balls overflowing from the hit ball supplying tray is provided, and an operation handle for firing a hit ball is also provided.

Next, the game board 30 of the pachinko machine of this embodiment
The configuration of the game area 32 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a front view of a game area 32 of the game board 30, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the game board 30. In FIG. 1, the second variable winning ball device 60 is arranged substantially in the center of the game area 32. This second variable winning ball device 60
Is a pair of ball receiving members 65a and 65b and the ball receiving member 65.
A plurality of (three) winning areas 8 including a winning space 70 in which the winning balls received by a and 65b flow down, and a specific winning area 82 provided in the lowermost center of the winning space 70.
2, 83a, 83b (see FIG. 3 for 83a and 83b). The detailed structure of the second variable winning ball device 60 will be described later.

Further, below the second variable winning ball device 60, one first variable winning ball device 34 and two starting ports 38a, 38b for causing a starting game state are arranged. The first variable winning ball device 34 includes a pair of open / close wing pieces 35 that are opened / closed by a solenoid 36 (see FIG. 7).
As will be described later, when the hit ball passes through the passage gate 40 and the passage gate switch 41 is turned on,
After the normal symbol display device 500 starts the variable display, if the result of the variable display is a predetermined mode, it is controlled to a state advantageous to the player (open state). Further, the starting ports 38a and 38b are prize-type winning ports. Then, the first variable winning ball device 34 and the starting winning opening 38a,
38b includes starting ball detection switches 37, 39a, 39b.
Is built in. Then, the left and right starting ports 38a, 38
Ball hits in b and start ball detection switches 39a, 39b
Is turned on, the ball receiving member 6 of the second variable winning ball device 60
5a and 65b perform one opening for a relatively short time. Further, when a ball hits the first variable winning ball device 34 at the center and the starting ball detecting switch 37 is turned on, the ball receiving member 65
a and 65b perform opening for a relatively short time twice. The periphery of the first variable winning ball device 34 and the starting opening 38
The notification LEDs 85, 86a, 86b, 87 are provided on the front surfaces of the a, 38b and the lower front surface of the second variable winning ball device 60, respectively.
Is built in. These notification LEDs 85, 86a, 8
Reference numerals 6b and 87 are full-color LEDs that include individual LED elements that emit the three primary colors of light, red, blue, and green. In this embodiment, red, blue, green, purple, yellow, water, and white are used. , Of 7
It is possible to emit colors, and is mainly driven and displayed in a predetermined light emitting mode in a starting game state (starting winning) or a variable winning state (winning to the second variable winning ball device 60).

In the present embodiment, the first variable winning ball device 34 is for improving the winning rate of hitting the second variable winning ball device 60 at the time of starting winning when the predetermined condition is satisfied. It constitutes a part of the means. This will be described later in detail. Further, the number of prize balls paid out by the prize balls that have won the first variable winning ball device 34 and the starting openings 38a and 38b is the number of prize balls that are paid out by the prize balls that have won another prize hole or the winning ball device (this implementation). The number is set to be less than 15 in the example (5 in this embodiment), and the type of the winning ball is input to the basic circuit 90 for controlling the game state described later by the starting ball detection switches 37, 39a, 39b. It has become so.

Furthermore, on the front side of the first variable winning ball device 34, a normal symbol display device 500 which is a 7-segment display device.
Is provided, when the passage gate switch 41 detects a game ball, the numerical symbols 0 to 9 start updating display on the display portion of the normal symbol display device 500. Then, when the update display of the normal symbol display device 500 is stopped and the display result becomes a specific display mode (for example, "7"), the solenoid 36 described later is driven to drive the first variable winning ball device 34.
Is disadvantageous to the player in the second state (opening and closing blade 35a,
35b from the closed state to the first state (opening / closing blade piece 35a,
35b is changed to the open state) and is in the first state for a predetermined period.

Further, on the front side of the first variable winning ball device 34, a reserve storage indicator 600 capable of storing up to four game balls detected by the passage gate switch 41 is provided, and the player is provided with them. The ordinary symbol display device 500 can be seen at a glance how many times the display state is changed to derive the display result.

The passage gate 40 as a condition for starting the above-mentioned ordinary symbol display device 500 is arranged on one side (left side) of the second variable winning ball device 60 and has a passage gate switch 41 built therein. is doing. Further, a passage port 42 is also arranged at a symmetrical position of the passage gate 40, but this passage port 42 is not provided with a switch and simply allows a hit ball to pass therethrough. Further, the game area 32 is provided with winning openings 43a and 43b and winning openings 45a and 45b. The winning openings 43a and 43b are arranged on the left and right sides of the lower portion of the second variable winning ball device 60, and under-shoulder lamps 44a and 44b are built in the lower portions thereof. Winning holes 45a, 4
5b is arranged below the winning openings 43a, 43b,
A windmill with a lamp is attached at the bottom of the lamp.
Called sleeve lamps 46a, 46b. Also, game area 3
Side lamps 47a and 47b are arranged at both left and right ends of 2, and an outlet port 49 for collecting hit balls that have not won is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 32, and an inlet portion of the game area 32 is Backflow prevention member 48 for preventing backflow of a hit ball
Is provided. Shoulder lamps 44a, 44 described above
b, sleeve lamps 46a, 46b, side lamps 47a, 4
7b is driven in a predetermined manner during the start-up game state (start-up winning) or during the big hit game state (during the specific game state).

Here, the above-mentioned first variable winning ball device 34
And in the starting game state (starting winning) in which the hit ball has won the starting openings 38a, 38b, the winning balls accepted during one or two opening / closing operations of the second variable winning ball device 60 are guided to the specific winning area 82. The operation of the second variable winning ball device 60 when played is described. First, when the winning ball accepted in the starting gaming state wins the specific winning area 82, the specific gaming state (hereinafter referred to as the jackpot gaming state)
become.

When the big hit game state, ball receiving member 65
a and 65b perform the opening / closing operation a predetermined number of times (18 times in the present embodiment) within a predetermined time (28 seconds in the present embodiment), or a predetermined number (10 in the present embodiment) during the predetermined number of opening / closing operations. It is designed to open and close until a winning ball is generated (hereinafter called a round). When a winning ball accepted while such a round is being executed is guided to a specific winning area (hereinafter referred to as a V area) 82, the current round is immediately stopped to continue to the next round. To be done.

The number of continuations is set to a predetermined number (up to 15 times in this embodiment) on condition that the winning ball wins the V area 82 during the round. That is, when the predetermined number of rounds are completed, even if the winning ball received in the second variable winning ball device 60 next wins V in the V area 82, the winning ball is treated as invalid, and after that, It has become impossible to continue the round.

As mentioned above, when the big hit game state,
Since a large number of winning balls can be generated in a short time,
In this type of ball game machine, the player's attention is concentrated on the starting game state, which is a prerequisite for a big hit game state.

On the other hand, on the back surface of the game board 30, as shown in FIG. 2, a guide path for guiding the various winning holes and the winning balls won in the winning ball device along a predetermined path is formed. The winning ball guide cover 50 is fixed. Further, a passage groove 49a for guiding the out ball downward is engraved on the back side of the out port 49. The case where the out ball guiding member 51 is fixed to the upper end of the passage groove 49a There are cases where it is not done. These selections are made according to the type of mechanism plate that is provided on the back surface of the pachinko machine so as to be openable and closable.

Next, the configuration of the second variable winning ball device 60 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Second
The variable winning ball device 60 has a mounting board 61 mounted on the surface of the game board 1, and a winning space 70 in which a winning ball falls is formed in a concave shape in the rear in a substantially central portion of the mounting board 61. Then, the hit space that falls in the game area 32 is received in the winning space 70 only when the ball receiving members 65a and 65b, which will be described later, are opened and becomes a winning ball.

An obstruction frame 63 is provided on the upper front surface of the mounting board 61 along the upper edge and the left and right edges of the winning space 70. The obstruction frame 63 is provided behind the obstruction frame 63. Has a winning opening 62, so that a hit ball can be taken in as a winning ball. Further, on the rear surface of the space below the obstacle frame 63, a display device 64 for displaying various kinds of information is provided. This display device 64 is composed of dot matrix LEDs, and is a "wrestler" when the power is turned on.
Is scrolled from right to left at a predetermined speed, and at the time of winning the start prize, the character "Nocotta" blinks at a predetermined speed. Further, in the case of the specific game state, before the ball receiving members 65a, 65b are opened, the character "Gotzandes" is scroll-displayed at a predetermined speed, and during the last opening / closing cycle and after the end. ,
The letters "Chiakiraku" are scrolled at a predetermined speed and the number of open / close cycles is "First day""2ndday" ...
And flashes in a predetermined cycle, and at the end of the first time in the specific game state, the fact that the specific game state occurs once with a short interval is displayed with the character "at once", and in response to an abnormality when an abnormality occurs The letters "E1" and "E2" are lit up, and the number of winning prizes during the opening / closing cycle is lit up and displayed by the letters "1".

A pair of ball receiving members 65a and 65b are provided on both sides of the lower portion of the obstacle frame 63 so as to be openable and closable so that the hit ball flowing down the game area 32 is received in the second variable winning ball device 60. Has become. Ball receiving members 65a, 65
The solenoid b is opened and closed by a solenoid 66 via a link mechanism.

The hit balls received by the ball receiving members 65a and 65b enter the ball inlets 68a and 68b (only 68a is shown in FIG. 6) which are guided rearward by the upper ball rolling plate 67 and are formed on the left and right. The balls are discharged into the winning space 70 from ball outlets 69a and 69b formed on the upper left and right sides of the winning space 70. The ball inlets 68a and 68b and the ball outlet 69
10 count switches 71a, 71 for detecting the number of winning balls in the opening / closing cycle are provided in the passages between a and 69b.
b is provided.

Below the ball outlets 69a and 69b, a movable member 72 which is variable in a horizontal direction and a downward inclination direction.
a and 72b are provided, and when the movable members 72a and 72b are horizontally driven by the solenoid 73,
The hit ball discharged from the ball exits 69a and 69b is the winning space 7
When it is guided to the cup 75 of the character member 74 provided at the center of 0 and is in the downward inclination state, the prize space 70 is dropped downward as it is. The character member 74 provided in the center of the prize space 70 is provided with a design for sumo wrestling, and the winning sumo wrestler has a cup 75 and drinks sake.

The above-mentioned cup 75 is lifted by the driving of the motor 77 and causes the hit ball stored in the cup 75 to flow out from the ball outlet, but by driving the motor 77,
The mouth 76 formed on the character member 74 is opened,
It accepts batted balls that flow from the cup 75. The received hit ball is guided downward as it is and is discharged to the center of the lower ball rolling plate 80 from between the legs of the character member 74.

However, a temporary stop plate 78 for temporarily stopping the ball is provided immediately before the discharging part, and the leading ball entering from the mouth 76 is stored in the temporary stop plate 78, and the following balls are temporarily stopped. Since it collides with the leading sphere stored by the plate 78 and is distributed to the left and right, only one sphere is discharged to the center of the lower ball rolling plate 80. In addition, the temporary stop plate 78,
Driven by solenoid 79, solenoid 79
It discharges one stored sphere when N, and two photosensors are provided to control the operation of the motor 77 that drives the cup 75 and the mouth 76.

The lower ball rolling plate 80 described above is used in the winning space 7
It forms the bottom surface of 0, is formed in a downward slope from the rear to the front of the winning space 70, and has a specific winning area 82 and normal winning areas 83a and 83b at the front edge thereof. One specific winning area 82 is formed in the center, and two normal winning areas 83a and 83b are formed on the left and right. Further, in the specific winning area 82, a specific ball detection switch 84 is provided, and when the specific ball detection switch 84 is turned on, it is controlled so as to be in a specific game state or to continue the round. .

By the way, since the central passage forming pieces 81 are projected on the lower ball rolling plate 80 at intervals corresponding to the lateral width of the specific winning area 82, one piece opened by the temporary stop plate 78. A ball hitting the character member 74
The hit ball released from the center of the foot and rolling in the center of the lower ball rolling plate 80 is almost certainly guided to the specific winning area 82 by the central passage forming piece 81. Conversely, the lower ball rolling plate 8
It means that the hit ball flowing down the left and right passages of 0 is prevented from being guided to the specific winning area 82 by the central passage forming piece 81, and is guided to the normal winning areas 83a and 83b with a high probability.

That is, the second variable winning ball device 60 described above.
Of the ball hitting members 65a and 65b and guided to the inside, the movable members 72a and 72b.
Since the hit ball guided to the cup 75 by the cup is almost certainly guided to the specific winning area 82, in the present embodiment, the movable members 72a and 72b are specified at the time of starting winning when the predetermined condition is satisfied. It constitutes a part of means for improving the inductivity of the hit ball to the winning area 82. This will be described later in detail. The second variable winning ball device 60 is provided with an accessory lamp, a decorative LED, a notification LED 87, and the like in addition to the above-described configuration, and lights up or blinks at a predetermined operation to enhance the decorative effect. ing.

The structure of the game board 30 of the pachinko machine including the second variable winning ball device 60 has been described above, but these game devices are controlled by the game control circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing the game control circuit in a block configuration, which is controlled by a basic circuit 90 including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and an input / output circuit. Then, the basic circuit 90, via the switch circuit 91, the starting ball detection switch 37, the starting ball detection switches 39a and 39b, the passing gate switch (passing gate switch) 41, the 10 count switches 71a and 71b, the specific ball detecting switch ( V
A count switch) 84 and a detection signal of a photo sensor (without a code) are input to the address decoding circuit 9
A chip select signal is applied from 2 to the basic circuit 90. Further, when the power is turned on, a reset signal is given from the initial reset circuit 93 to the basic circuit 90.

On the other hand, from the basic circuit 90,
A control signal (hereinafter referred to as a command) is output to a control board other than the game control board on which the circuit and the basic circuit 90 are mounted. Then, various control boards that have received a command from the basic circuit 90 perform control according to the command. In addition, in response to each command from the basic circuit 90, the motor circuit 95 gives a drive signal to the motor 77 to drive the motor 77, and the sound turn control board 96
A voice signal is given to the speaker to generate voice.

The lamp control board 97 which receives the command output from the basic circuit 90 controls the display device (display device) 64 in accordance with the command, and the decorative LED provided on the second variable winning ball device 60. It also controls (unsigned). Further, the lamp control board 97 which receives the command output from the basic circuit 90 causes the notification LEDs 85 and 86 to
a, 86b, 87, rail decoration lamp 33, under-shoulder lamps 44a, 44b, sleeve lamps 46a, 46b, side lamps 47a, 47b, ordinary symbol display device 500, reserved memory display device 600 and second variable winning ball device 60. The accessory lamps (without reference numerals) provided are drive-controlled according to their respective states. Further, according to the command of the basic circuit 90, the solenoid 3 is connected via the solenoid circuit 99.
Drive signals are given to 6, 66, 73, and 79.

The basic circuit 90 outputs the prize ball number information from the prize ball signal output circuit 101, and the information output circuit 102.
It outputs jackpot information and effective start information. In addition,
Electric power having various voltages is supplied from a power supply board (not shown) to boards other than the game control board on which the above-described devices, circuits and basic circuits are mounted.

FIGS. 8A to 8D show the variable winning ball device 6
It is a figure which shows the operation mode of the movable members 72a and 72b and the cup 75 provided in 0.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the movable member 72
The a, 72b and the solenoid 73 are driven to swing in the vertical direction, and the cup 75 is driven by the motor 77 to swing in the vertical direction independently of the movable members 72a and 72b. There is.

The operation modes of the movable members 72a and 72b and the cup 75 are a high probability operation mode, a medium probability operation mode, and a low probability operation mode.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the high-probability operation mode means that the movable members 72a and 72b are located above and the cup 75
Is located at the lower side, and at this time, the variable winning ball device 6
This is a mode in which the pachinko balls that have reached the movable members 72a and 72b that have won within 0 receive almost V.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the medium-probability operation mode is a state in which the movable members 72a and 72b are located below, but the cup 75 is located below. At this time, the variable winning ball device 60 is used. This is a mode in which there is still some possibility that the pachinko ball that has reached the movable members 72a and 72b that have won the prize will win the V prize.

As shown in FIG. 8 (d), the low-probability operation mode means that the movable members 72a and 72b are located above, but the cup 75 is located above, and the movable members 72a and 72b are located above.
Is in the lower position and the cup 75 is in the upper position,
At this time, the movable member 72 that has won the variable winning ball device 60
This is a mode in which there is no possibility that a pachinko ball that reaches a or 72b almost wins a V prize.

These movable members 72a, 72b and cup 75
Are controlled so as to repeatedly execute the basic pattern based on the timing chart shown in FIG. 9, and operate so as to have the above-described high-probability operation mode, medium-probability operation mode, or low-probability operation mode depending on the situation. Aspect changes. Also,
In the present embodiment, the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 periodically perform repeated vertical movements.
The operation cycle of 2a and 72b is different from the operation cycle of the cup 75, and only the start point (end point) of the basic pattern is the start point (end point) of the operation cycle of the movable members 72a and 72b and the cup 75.
The start points (end points) of the operation cycles of are matched.

In this basic pattern, the period a is a period in which the probability operation mode is always high during the period, and the pachinko balls that win the variable winning ball apparatus 60 during this period are almost V.
It is a period during which a big hit game state occurs after winning a prize, that is, a period when the big hit expectation is highest. In this embodiment, this period a is referred to as the high probability period 1.

The period b is a period in which the low probability operation mode is always set during the period, and the variable winning ball device 60 is included in the period b.
The pachinko ball that wins inside is a period in which almost no V is won, that is, a period when the jackpot expectation is the lowest. In this embodiment, this period b is called a low probability period.

Further, the period c is a period in which the low-probability operation mode is always set during the period, but is a period in which a high-probability period 2 described later is about to be reached, that is, a jackpot expectation level increases. In the present embodiment, this period c is set to the high probability precursor period 2
Call.

The period d is a period in which a high-probability operation mode is temporarily set during the period, and the pachinko balls that have won the variable winning ball device 60 during this period have the highest probability of V winning after the high-probability period 1. Then, the jackpot gaming state occurs, that is, the jackpot expectation level is the second highest after the high probability period 1.
In the present embodiment, this period a is called the high probability period 2.

The period e is a period in which the low-probability operation mode is always set during the period, but is a period in which a high-probability period 3 to be described later is about to be reached, that is, a jackpot expectation level increases. In the present embodiment, this period e is set to the high probability precursory period 3
Call.

The period f is a period in which a medium-probability operation mode is temporarily set during the period, and the pachinko balls that have won in the variable winning ball apparatus 60 during this period have the highest probability of V winning after the high-probability period 2. This is the period when the big hit game state occurs, that is, the period when the big hit expectation degree is second highest after the high probability period 2. In this embodiment, this period f is called the high probability period 3.

Further, the period g is a period in which the low-probability operation mode is always set during the period, but is a period in which the high-probability period 1 having the highest jackpot expectation degree is about to shift, that is, the jackpot expectation degree rises. In the present embodiment, this period g is referred to as a high probability precursory period 1.

In the basic pattern, a high probability period 1, a low probability period, a high probability precursor period 2, a high probability period 2, a low probability period,
High probability omen period 3, high probability period 3, low probability period, high probability omen period 2, high probability period 2, low probability period, high probability omen period 1 It has become.

In FIG. 10, the pachinko ball has starting ports 38a, 3
8b and the start ball detection switch 39a, 39b when it is detected by the CPU mounted on the basic circuit 90 of the game control board start winning a prize time process and the variable winning ball device 60 winning the count switch 71a. , 71b is a flowchart showing the control contents of the variable winning time process executed by the CPU of the game control board when detected. It should be noted that since the starting winning process and the variable winning process are substantially the same, the starting winning process will be described here.

In the start winning process, first, the movable member 72
A movable member operation lottery is performed to determine whether the operating states of a, 72b, and cup 75 are set to the high-probability operating mode (S).
1). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the movable member operation lottery in the step S1 is won (S2), and when the movable member operation lottery is won, the fact that the movable member operation lottery is won, that is, the operating states of the movable members 72a, 72b, and the cup 75 is confirmed. Is performed is determined to be a high-probability operation mode, an execution lottery 1 is performed (S3), and it is confirmed whether or not this execution lottery 1 is won (S4). A command for instructing the light emission mode of the pattern A is transmitted to the control board 97 (S5), and based on this, the notification LEDs 85, 86a,
The corresponding notification LED of 86b and 87 is driven to display. As shown in FIG. 11, the pattern A is a pattern in which the light emission mode blinks in red, and the display is driven so that the corresponding notification LED blinks in red. This allows the movable member 7
It is notified that the operating states of 2a, 72b and the cup 75 are in the high-probability operating mode. Then, the movable members 72a, 72b,
The cup 75 is operated so as to be in the high-probability operation mode regardless of the current operation state (S6).

In the high-probability operation mode, at least the ball receiving members 65a and 65b are opened based on the start winning and the pachinko balls taken into the variable winning device 60 (variable winning pachinko balls in the variable winning process). Is the movable member 72
a, 72b, held until a sufficient time to reach the cup 75, then returns to normal operating conditions.

If the movable member actuation lottery is not won in step S2, the movable members 72a, 7a
It is confirmed whether the operation states of 2b and the cup 75 are high probability states (S7). Whether or not the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 are in the high-probability state is a pachinko ball taken in by the opening of the ball receiving members 65a, 65b based on the starting winning (the pachinko ball which is variable winning in the variable winning process). The timing at which the ball reaches the movable members 72a and 72b and the cup 75 is one of the high probability periods 1 to 3 described above, and the time when the pachinko ball wins the starting openings 38a and 38b (in the variable winning process). (At the time when the pachinko ball receives a variable prize)
It is determined whether or not the high probability periods 1 to 3 are based on the current operating state of the movable members 72a and 72b and the cup 75, which are calculated back from the operating state.

Next, when the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 are in the high-probability state in the step S7, the ball receiving members 65a, 65 based on the starting winning prize.
The pachinko balls that have been variably won when the b is opened (the pachinko balls that have been variably won in the variable winning process) are movable members 72a, 72.
b, the execution lottery 2 for determining whether or not to notify that the timing of reaching the cup 75 is the high probability period is performed (S
8) Confirm whether or not this execution lottery 2 is won (S
9) In the case of winning, a command for instructing the light emitting mode of the corresponding pattern among the patterns B-1 to B-3 is transmitted to the lamp control board 97 (S1).
0). Specifically, when the timing at which the pachinko ball with the variable winning reaches the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 is the high probability period 1, a command for instructing the light emitting mode of the pattern B-1 is transmitted, In the case of high probability period 2, a command to instruct the light emission mode of pattern B-2 is transmitted, and in the case of high probability period 3, a command to instruct the light emission mode of pattern B-3 is transmitted. To do. Based on this, the corresponding notification LED among the notification LEDs 85, 86a, 86b, 87 is driven for display.

The pattern B-1 is, as shown in FIG.
The light emission mode is a pattern in which red light is lit, and the display is driven so that the corresponding notification LED lights in red. As a result, the timing at which the pachinko balls that are variably won when the ball receiving members 65a and 65b are opened based on the start winning (the pachinko balls that are variably won in the variable winning process) reach the movable members 72a, 72b, and the cup 75 is high probability period 1. Is notified.

The pattern B-2 is, as shown in FIG.
The light emission mode is a pattern in which white is lit, and the display is driven so that the corresponding notification LED lights in white. As a result, the timing at which the pachinko balls that are variably won when the ball receiving members 65a and 65b are opened based on the start winning (the pachinko balls that are variably won in the variable winning process) reach the movable members 72a, 72b, and the cup 75 is high probability period 2. Is notified.

The pattern B-3 is, as shown in FIG.
The light emission mode is a pattern of lighting in green, and the display is driven so that the corresponding notification LED lights in green. As a result, the timing at which the pachinko balls that have been variably won when the ball receiving members 65a and 65b are opened based on the start winning (the pachinko balls that have been variably won in the variable winning process) reach the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 is high probability period 3. Is notified.

Further, in step S7, the movable member 7
When the operation states of 2a, 72b and the cup 75 are high probability states, the execution lottery 3 is performed to determine whether or not to notify the operation states of the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 in real time for a predetermined time (S11). ), It is confirmed whether or not this execution lottery 3 is won (S12), and when it is won, a command for instructing the light emission mode of the pattern C is transmitted to the lamp control board 97 (S13). . Based on this, the corresponding notification LED among the notification LEDs 85, 86a, 86b, 87 is driven for display.

In the pattern C, as shown in FIG. 11, the light emitting mode is such that the light emitting color is continuously changed for each period for a predetermined time, and the light emitting color of the corresponding notification LED is continuously changed according to each period. The display is driven to change to. Specifically, when the high probability period 1 is entered, the corresponding LED
Changes to red, the corresponding LED changes to blue when transitioning to the low probability period, and the corresponding LED changes to yellow when transitioning to the high probability sign period 2 and high probability period 2
When it shifts to, the corresponding LED changes to white, when it shifts to the high probability sign period 3, the corresponding LED changes to light blue, and when it shifts to the high probability period 3, the corresponding LED turns green. When the high probability precursory period 1 is entered, the corresponding LED turns purple. As described above, in the light emitting mode of the pattern C, the expectation degree according to the operating state of the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 at that time is changed by changing the emission color for each period, that is, according to the expectation degree for the big hit state. You will be notified.

As described above, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the notification LED 85, depending on the degree of possibility that the pachinko ball that has won the variable winning ball device 60 will win the V, that is, the expectation of the jackpot gaming state. 86a, 86b,
Since the emission color of the corresponding notification LED among 87 is changed and notified, it is possible to effectively increase the player's expectation for the occurrence of the big hit game state even in the game process before the V winning.

Further, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the notification L
Since the EDs 85, 86a, 86b, and 87 are composed of light emitting diodes including a blue light emitting element, a red light emitting element, and a green light emitting element, a combination of the light emitting states of the respective light emitting elements that emit the three primary colors of these lights. As a result, more emission colors can be realized, and the life of the notification means can be extended by using the light emitting diode.

Further, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the notification L
The EDs 85, 86a, 86b, 87 are adapted to continuously change the emission color in accordance with the expectation of the big hit game state, and the player can easily understand the process in which the expectation of the big hit game state changes.

In this embodiment, the movable member 7 at that time is
Notification LED based on the operating status of 2a, 72b and cup 75
Although the light emission colors of 85, 86a, 86b, and 87 are changed, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a pachinko ball with a variable winning is a movable member 72.
It is also possible to change the emission color of the notification LEDs 85, 86a, 86b, 87 in accordance with the operating states of the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 in consideration of the time lag until the timing of reaching a, 72b. The operation state at the time when the pachinko ball actually arrives can be grasped by the emission color.

Further, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the notification LEDs 85, 86a indicate that the pachinko ball that has won the variable winning ball device 60 is highly likely to win the V, that is, the expectation of the jackpot gaming state is high. , 86b and 87, the player's expectation for the occurrence of the big hit game state can be effectively increased even in the game process before the V winning.

Further, in the present embodiment, the variable winning ball device 60.
If there is a high possibility that a pachinko ball that wins inside will win a V, that is, even if the expectation of a jackpot gaming state is high,
If the winning is not performed in the execution lottery 2, the notification is not made, that is, even if the notification is not made, the expectation of the jackpot gaming state may be high. Therefore, even if the notification is not made, the player's expectation for the jackpot gaming state is high. You can avoid the decline.

Further, in the present embodiment, when it is determined by the movable member operation lottery that the operation modes of the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 operate in the high-probability operation mode, that effect is given.
That is, the fact that the operating states of the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 have become the high-probability operating state and the expectation of the jackpot gaming state has increased is notified by the light emitting modes of the notification LEDs 85, 86a, 86b, 87. Even in the game process before winning the V prize, the player's expectation for the occurrence of the big hit game state can be effectively increased.

Further, in this embodiment, when it is not determined by the movable member operation lottery that the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 operate in the high-probability operation mode, that is, the high-probability operation mode is missed in the execution lottery. Even if the pachinko ball reaches the movable members 72a and 72b at the timing of the high-probability operation mode even if it does not operate to V, it is configured to be able to win the V, and by doing so, the high probability is achieved. Even if the notification is not made because it is not determined to operate in the operation mode, there is still a possibility that the big hit game state will occur, and thus it is possible to avoid the player's expectation for the big hit game state from being deteriorated.

Further, in the present embodiment, even when it is determined by the above-mentioned movable member operation lottery that the operation modes of the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 operate in the high probability operation mode,
If the player does not win the execution lottery 1, the notification is not made, that is, even if the notification is not made, it may operate in a high-probability operation mode. Therefore, even if the notification is not made, the player's expectation for the jackpot gaming state is reduced. You can avoid doing it.

Further, in this embodiment, the movable members 72a, 7a
The operation cycle of 2b and the cup 75 are set to be different, and it is not easy to determine the timing of the high-probability operation mode, so that the playability can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, the variable winning ball device 60.
At the time of starting winning, the fact that the pachinko ball that has won the prize is highly likely to win the V and that the operation modes of the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 are determined to operate in the high-probability operation mode are announced. By doing so, since these notifications are performed at the time when the expectation is highest, the player's expectation for the occurrence of the jackpot gaming state can be increased.

Further, in this embodiment, the variable winning ball device 60.
The variable winning ball device 60 indicates that the pachinko balls that have won the prize are highly likely to win the V prize, and that it is determined that the operation modes of the movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 operate in the high probability operation mode.
It will be notified when the prize is won, and by doing so, these notifications will be made at the time when the highest expectation is raised, so that the player's expectation for the occurrence of a bigger jackpot gaming state can be increased. Can be increased.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and even if there are changes and additions within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, the present invention is not limited. Included in the invention.

For example, the shape and structure of the second variable winning ball device 60, especially the movable members 72a and 72b as the movable members and the cup 75 are not limited to those described in the above embodiment, but the movable members. , So that the state can be changed between a high-probability operation mode in which the probability of a game ball entering a specific area is high and a low-probability operation mode in which the probability of a game ball entering a specific area is low. If it is configured, it can be variously modified.

In this embodiment, the full-color LED is used as the notification means, but the notification means may be constituted by a lamp module or a liquid crystal display capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors.

The respective elements in the above embodiment correspond to the present invention as follows.

According to claim 1 of the present invention, the first state (open state) in which the game balls shot in the game area 32 are easy to win,
2nd state (closed state)
A variable winning device (variable winning ball device 60) that can be changed to and is provided, and based on the fact that the game ball (pachinko ball) has passed through the starting area (starting openings 38a, 38b) provided in the game area 32. The variable winning device (variable winning ball device 60) is controlled to the first state (open state) in the starting mode of
Based on the fact that the game ball (pachinko ball) that has won the variable winning device (variable winning ball device 60) has entered a specific area (specific winning area (V area) 82) of a plurality of areas (V winning) In a specific game state in which the variable winning device (variable winning ball device 60) is controlled to the first state (open state) in a specific mode that is more advantageous to the player than the starting mode, a predetermined upper limit number of times can be executed. When a big hit game state occurs, a game ball (pachinko ball) that has won the variable winning device (variable winning ball device 60) during the round has entered the specific region (specific winning region 82). Based on the ball game machine (pachinko machine) that can be moved to the next round based on the end of the round, the movable prize is movably provided in the variable winning device (variable winning ball device 60). Wood 72a, 72b (cup 75)
The operation mode is a high-probability operation mode that increases the probability of entering a game ball (pachinko ball) into the specific area (specific winning area 82), and a game ball (pachinko) in the specific area (specific winning area 82). A low-probability operation mode for lowering the probability of entering a ball, and a movable member control means for controlling the operation so as to change to (operation control of the movable members 72a and 72b by the CPU mounted on the basic circuit 90, and the cup 75). , In a predetermined game process, the movable member control means (basic circuit 90
The movable members 72a, 72b and the cup 75 are controlled by the CPU mounted on the movable members 72a, 72b.
Mode determining means (C mounted on the basic circuit 90) for determining whether or not to control the (cup 75) in the high-probability operation mode.
PU movable member operation lottery), and the movable member control means (operation control of the movable members 72a, 72b and cup 75 by the CPU mounted on the basic circuit 90) is the mode determining means (basic circuit 90). The movable members 72a, 72b when it is decided to control the operation in the high-probability operation mode by the movable member operation lottery by the mounted CPU.
The mode determining means (installed in the basic circuit 90) includes forced operation control means (operation of the high probability operating mode by the CPU mounted in the basic circuit 90) for controlling the operation of the (cup 75) in the high probability operating mode. When it is determined that the operation control is performed in the high-probability operation mode by the movable member operation lottery by the CPU), the notification means (informing LED 8)
5, 86a, 86b, 87).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the variable winning device (variable winning ball device 60) is set to the high-probability operation mode by the mode determining means (movable member operation lottery by the CPU mounted on the basic circuit 90). Even when it is not decided to control the operation, the game ball (pachinko ball) can enter the specific area (specific winning area 82).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the movable member 72 is
a), 72b (cup 75), the movable member control means (the movable member 7 by the CPU mounted on the basic circuit 90).
2a, 72b, the operation control of the cup 75), the asynchronous control means (mounted on the basic circuit 90) to asynchronously control the movement by making the operation cycle of the plurality of movable members 72a, 72b (cup 75) different. Movable member 7 by CPU
2a, 72b, operation control in different cycles of the cup 75).

According to claim 4 of the present invention, the predetermined game process is a time point when a game ball (pachinko ball) passes through the starting area (starting openings 38a, 38b).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined game process is a time when a game ball (pachinko ball) is won in the variable winning device (variable winning ball device 60).

According to claim 6 of the present invention, the notification means determines whether or not to execute the notification by the notification means (the notification LEDs 85, 86a, 86b, 87) to the effect that the operation control is performed in the high probability operation mode. The determining means (execution lottery 1 by the CPU mounted on the basic circuit 90) is provided.

[0087]

The present invention has the following effects.

(A) According to the invention of claim 1, it is determined that the operation control is performed in the high-probability operation mode, that is, the expectation that the movable member is in the high-probability operation mode and the specific game state occurs is high. Since the fact that the game ball has entered the specific area is notified in the predetermined game process before the game ball enters the specific area, the player's response to the occurrence of the specific game state in the game process before the game ball enters the specific area Expectations can be effectively increased.

(B) According to the invention of claim 2, even if the notification is not made because it is not decided to control the operation to the high-probability operation mode, there is still a possibility that the specific game state occurs. It is possible to prevent the player's expectation for the specific game state from diminishing.

(C) According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is not easy to determine the timing of the high-probability operation mode, so that the playability can be improved.

(D) According to the invention of claim 4, it is notified that the probability that the game ball will enter the specific area is high at the time when the highest expectation is obtained. The expectation of the player can be increased.

(E) According to the invention of claim 5, it is notified that the probability that the game ball will enter the specific area is high at the time when the highest expectation is obtained. The expectation of the player can be increased.

(F) According to the invention of claim 6, even when it is decided to control the operation in the high-probability operation mode, the fact may not be notified. Therefore, even if the notification is not made, the specific game state It can be avoided that the player's expectation for is diminished.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine as an example of a game machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the game board.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a second variable winning ball device provided on the game board.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a second variable winning ball device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view in which a part of a second variable winning ball device is cut away.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of a second variable winning ball device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control circuit for controlling a game state.

8 (a) to (d) are diagrams showing an operation mode of a movable member and a cup.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an operation mode of a movable member and a cup.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control contents performed by the CPU at the time of starting winning and a variable winning.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a light emitting mode of a notification LED.

[Explanation of symbols]

30 game board 32 game areas 33 lamps 34 Variable winning ball device 35a, 35b open / close wing piece 36 solenoid 37 Start ball detection switch 38a, 38b Starting port 39a, 39b Starting ball detection switch 40 passage gate 41 Passage Gate Switch 42 Passage 43a, 43b Winning mouth 44a, 44b under shoulder lamp 45a, 45b Winning mouth 46a, 46b Sleeve lamp 47a, 47b Side lamp 48 Backflow prevention member 49 Out mouth 49a, 49b passage groove 50 winning ball guide cover 51 Out ball guiding member 60 Variable winning ball device 61 Mounting board 62 prize holes 63 obstacle frame 64 display 65a, 65b Ball receiving member 66 solenoid 67 Upper ball rolling plate 68a, 68b Ball entrance 69a, 69b Ball exit 70 winning space 71a, 72b Count switch 72a, 72b movable member 73 solenoid 74 Character parts 75 cups 76 mouths 77 motor 78 Pause plate 79 solenoid 80 Lower ball rolling plate 81 Central passage forming piece 82 Specific prize areas 83a, 83b Normal winning area 84 V count switch 85 Notification LED 86a, 86b Notification LED 87 Notification LED 90 Basic circuit 91 switch circuit 92 address decoding circuit 93 Initial reset circuit 95 motor circuit 96 sound control board 97 Lamp control board 99 solenoid circuit 101 Award ball signal output circuit 102 information output circuit 177 speaker 500 normal pattern display 600 Reserved storage indicator

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A variable winning device, which is capable of changing between a first state in which a game ball shot in a game area easily wins and a second state in which a game ball does not win or is hard to win, is provided in the game area. The variable winning device is controlled to the first state in a predetermined starting mode based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the provided starting region, and the game ball which has won the variable winning device out of a plurality of regions. Based on the fact that the player has entered a specific area, a specific game state in which the variable prize winning apparatus is controlled to the first state in a specific mode that is more advantageous to the player than the starting mode is executed, can be executed a predetermined number of times. Along with the game ball that won the variable winning device in the round, the ball game machine that can move to the next round after the end of the round based on the fact that the game ball has entered the specific area The high-probability operation mode for increasing the probability of moving the game ball into the specific area and the probability of moving the game ball into the specific area for the operation mode of the movable member movably provided in the variable winning device. Low-probability operation mode for lowering the movable member control means for controlling the operation to change to, and whether or not the movable member control means controls the operation of the movable member in the high-probability operation mode in a predetermined game process. Mode determining means for determining whether or not the movable member control means controls the movable member to move to the high-probability operation mode when it is determined by the mode determining means to operate in the high-probability operation mode. When the mode determining means determines that the motion control is to be performed in the high-probability motion mode, the mode determining means includes a notification means for notifying that effect. The gaming machine. 2. The variable winning device is configured to allow a game ball to enter the specific area even when the mode determining means has not determined to control the operation in the high-probability operation mode. The ball game machine according to claim 1. 3. The movable member control device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of the movable members, wherein the movable member control means includes an asynchronous control means for asynchronously controlling the movement by making the operation cycles of the plurality of movable members different. The listed ball game machine. 4. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined game process is a time point when a game ball passes through the starting area. 5. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined game process is a time point when a game ball is won in the variable winning device. 6. The bullet according to claim 1, further comprising notification determining means for determining whether or not to execute the notification indicating that the notification means has decided to control the operation in the high-probability operation mode. Ball game machine.