JP2004073756A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of enhancing interest in a game by varying continuation rates to a next round in a high probability round and a low probability round by varying an aspect of a specified area. <P>SOLUTION: A game control means for controlling the aspect of the specified area and an assigning means for assigning game balls to the specified area 36 and areas except for the specified area 36. The assigning means is composed of a rocking member 35 for moving the specified area 36; and accumulating members 33a, 33b for accumulating the game balls and ejecting the game balls by releasing the accumulation. The game control means can vary the continuation rate to the next round in the high probability round and the low probability round by varying the aspect of the specified area 36 by controlling states of the accumulating members 33a, 33b and the rocking member 35 to the high probability round and the low probability round by using a high probability control means for controlling in an aspect of a high probability time and a low probability control means for controlling in an aspect of a low probability time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes a variable winning prize ball device that changes between a first state in which a game ball fired in the game area is likely to win and a second state in which no game is won or hardly wins, and is provided in the game area. The variable winning ball device is controlled to the first state in a predetermined starting mode based on the passing of the game ball in the starting region, and the game ball winning the variable winning ball device is placed in a specific region of the plurality of regions. A specific game state in which the variable prize ball device can execute a round in which the variable prize ball device is controlled to the first state up to a predetermined upper limit number of times in a specific mode more advantageous to the player than the start mode based on the entry, When a game ball that has won the variable prize ball device during the round enters the specific region, the game is shifted to the next round, and a game ball that has won the variable prize ball device during the round does not enter the specific region. sometimes Serial relates pinball game machine to terminate a particular game state.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, in a second type of ball game machine having a variable winning ball device that changes the internal structure (opens and closes a movable member) from a first state disadvantageous to a player to a second state advantageous to the player, In a cycle (round) in which the movable member is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, a high probability round with a high continuation rate to the next round and a low probability round with a low continuation rate are set. Conventionally, in a high-probability round, by controlling the game balls received in the variable winning device to be stored, it is easy to make the game balls win in a specific area that is a condition for continuing the next round, and a low-probability round In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. H11-163686 and H10-163686, the continuation rate to the next round is changed between a high-probability round and a low-probability round by controlling such that the game balls received in the variable winning device are not stored. reference).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-154236 (page 4, FIG. 7)
[0004]
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-9-38282 (page 4, FIG. 2)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional configuration in which the continuation rate to the next round is changed depending on whether or not the game balls received in the variable prize device are stored, when the game balls are stored, the player is required to perform the next round. Because the effect of the game, which shows that the continuation rate to the game becomes higher, is monotonous, it did not improve the interest of the game. The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to allow a game ball to be always stored in a variable prize ball device so that the stored game ball can be stored in a specific area. A game ball that can raise the player's attention to winning and change the continuation rate of the next round between the high-probability round and the low-probability round by changing the mode of the specific area to enhance the interest of the game. Is to provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a variable state is changed between a first state in which a game ball fired in a game area is easy to win and a second state in which no game is won or hard to win. A variable winning prize ball device is provided, and the variable prize ball device is controlled to the first state in a predetermined starting mode based on a game ball passing through a starting area provided in the game area, and the variable prize ball device is won. A predetermined upper limit number of rounds in which the variable winning ball device is controlled to the first state in a specific mode that is more advantageous to the player than the starting mode based on the game ball having entered a specific area of the plurality of areas. In addition to generating a specific game state that can be executed up to, the game ball that has won the variable prize ball device during the round is shifted to the next round when the game ball enters the specific area, and the variable prize ball device wins during the round did In a ball game machine for terminating the specific game state when a game ball does not enter the specific area, a game control means for controlling the specific game state, and a game ball which has won the variable winning ball device. A distribution area for distributing to the specific area or the area other than the specific area, wherein the distribution means is a specific area moving means for moving the specific area, and the opened game ball is the variable winning ball apparatus of the variable winning ball apparatus. Storage means for storing the game ball at a predetermined position that can enter a specific area or an area other than the specific area, and releasing the storage and releasing the game ball when a predetermined condition is satisfied. A high-probability control means for controlling the state of the distribution means in a high-probability time mode in which the probability that the game ball released from the storage means enters the specific area is high; Using the low probability control means to control the state of the distribution means in a low probability mode in which the probability that the game ball released from the storage means enters the specific area as compared to the round, A high-probability round in which the probability that the game ball enters the specific area is controlled, and a low-probability round in which the probability that the game ball enters the specific area is lower than the high-probability round. With this configuration, the game balls can be always stored in the variable prize ball device, so that the player can pay more attention to the prize winning in the specific area of the stored game balls. Can be. In addition, since the continuation rate to the next round is changed between the high-probability round and the low-probability round by changing the mode of the specific area, the continuation rate can be changed with a visually rich effect. , Can enhance the interest of the game
In the invention of claim 2, the high probability mode is a mode in which the specific area is stopped at a position where the probability that a game ball released from the storage means enters is high, and the low probability mode is In this case, the specific area is stopped at a position where the probability that the game ball released from the storage means enters is lower than the high probability mode. With this configuration, in the high probability mode, the game ball can easily flow into the specific area, and in the low probability mode, it can be clearly recognized that the game ball is unlikely to flow into the specific area. it can.
[0007]
In the invention of claim 3, the high probability mode is a mode in which the specific area is stopped at a position where the probability that the game ball released from the storage means enters is high, and the low probability mode is The specific area is moved between a position where the probability that the game ball released from the storage means enters is high and a position where the probability of entry is low. With this configuration, in the high probability mode, it is possible to clearly recognize that the game ball easily flows into the specific area, and in the low probability mode, it is determined whether the game ball flows into the specific area. Can be expected to improve the interest of the game.
[0008]
Further, in the invention according to claim 4, there is provided a specific ball detecting means for detecting a game ball which has entered the specific area, and the specific ball detecting means does not move even when the specific area moves. Thus, it is characterized by being provided fixedly. With this configuration, the detection state of the specific sphere detecting means does not change even if the specific area is located in any of the moving ranges, so that the specific sphere detecting means can reliably detect the game ball. Can be.
[0009]
Further, in the invention of claim 5, the predetermined condition that the storage means releases the game ball includes that the variable winning prize ball device has changed to the first state a predetermined number of times during the round, and the game control means includes: In the low probability round, the variable winning prize ball device is changed to the first state during the round, and the storage means opens the game ball when the storage means opens the game ball. It is characterized by including an entry control means for moving a specific area. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a player from aiming for a prize in a specific area due to hitting and stopping. That is, for example, the time when the variable winning prize ball device enters the first state a predetermined number of times is synchronized with the position of the specific area, and the position of the specific area at the time when the game ball is released from the storage means is changed to the game ball. If the ball is in a position where it is easy to flow, the player waits until the game ball is released from the storage means without hitting the ball, that is, until the variable winning ball device reaches the first state a predetermined number of times. In this case, the meaning of the low-probability mode that makes it difficult to win a specific area is lost. However, if the position of the specific area is such that it is difficult for the game ball to flow in when the game ball is released from the storage means, it is only necessary to wait until the variable winning ball device reaches the first state a predetermined number of times. Since the possibility of winning a prize is reduced, the player must hit the ball toward a specific area, thereby preventing the player from being hit.
[0010]
In the invention according to claim 6, the game control means starts control in a low probability mode based on a predetermined control start condition being satisfied in the low probability round. With this configuration, an excessive effect can be omitted by shortening a period in which the specific area moves wastefully.
[0011]
Further, in the invention according to claim 7, when the game is controlled in the high probability mode, the game balls other than the stored game balls are compared with when the game is not controlled in the high probability mode. Has a low probability of entering the specific area. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the game balls other than the game balls stored in the storage means from flowing into the specific area during the round, and to prevent the round from being quickly continued.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the ball game machine 101 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a ball game machine 101 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the ball game machine 101 has an outer frame 102 formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and is pivotally supported by one side of the outer frame 102 to be openable and closable. The front frame 103 includes a front frame 103 in which almost all of the components are collectively provided, and a front opening / closing frame 104 provided at an upper portion of the front of the front frame 103 so as to be openable and closable. The main components provided on the front frame 103 include the front opening / closing frame 104, the lower plate 114, the operation handle 117, the game board 1, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, a card unit device 113 for renting a game ball to a player is attached to the side of the ball game machine 101.
[0013]
In the front opening / closing frame 104, a circular see-through window 105 that can substantially see through the game area 3 of the game board 1 is opened, and a multilayer glass plate is mounted from the back of the circular see-through window 105. On the upper side of the front opening / closing frame 104, a decorative lamp 106 faces along the outer periphery of the circular see-through window 105. The decorative lamp 106 is lit or flashed in accordance with the game state, and informs the player when a special game state has occurred or has continued, and enhances the atmosphere of the game. Also, on the outer periphery of the circular see-through window 105, a ball-out lamp 107 for notifying that a prize ball is insufficient to pay out, or a notification that a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out based on the occurrence of a winning ball. A prize ball lamp 108 (a method of notifying when there is a prize ball unpaid portion may be provided) is further provided. Speakers 109a, which generate sound effects according to the progress of the game, are provided on the upper left and right of the front opening frame 104. 109b is provided.
[0014]
Below the front opening / closing frame 104, an upper plate 111 for temporarily storing the prize balls paid out from the prize ball payout port 110 and then guiding the prize balls to the firing position is attached. Above the open side of the upper plate 111, a ball release operation lever for guiding the game balls stored in the upper plate 111 to a lower plate 114 by flowing down a ball release path (not shown) formed on the back surface side. 112 are provided. Further, the upper plate 111 is provided with an operation unit for operating when renting a game ball via the card unit device 113 attached to the ball game machine 101. The operation unit includes a balance display board (not shown) on which a ball lending switch, a return switch, and a display LED are mounted. The balance display board is provided so as to face the upper surface of the upper plate 111.
[0015]
The lower plate 114 attached to the lower portion of the front frame 103 stores excess prize balls overflowing from the upper plate 111. On the front wall of the lower plate 114, game balls stored in the lower plate 114 are stored. A ball-pulling operation lever 115 is provided for pulling a ball downward and transferring the ball to a portable ball box. An ashtray 116 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 114. On the other hand, on the right side of the lower plate 114, an operation handle 117 for driving a drive motor 118a (not shown) of a hit ball launching device 118 (not shown) to drive a game ball into the game area 3 by a rotation operation of the player. Is provided. The operation handle 117 includes a single-shot firing switch (not shown) for temporarily stopping the driving of the drive motor, and a touch sensor (not shown) for detecting that the player is touching the operation handle 117. And built-in. The operation handle 117 is provided with a finger hook 119 for adjusting the resilience, and a single-shot firing switch 120 for temporarily stopping a hit ball in response to an operation by the player.
[0016]
Next, the configuration of the game board 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the game board 1. In FIG. 2, on the surface of the game board 1, a guide rail 2 for guiding a hit ball is planted in a substantially circular shape, and an area defined by the guide rail 2 forms a game area 3. I have. At the approximate center of the game area 3, a variable winning ball device 20, which is a main part of the present embodiment, is disposed. Below the variable prize ball device 20, starting prize holes 4a to 4c as left, middle, and right starting regions each including a starting ball detector 5a to 5c are arranged. When a hit ball is awarded in the starting winning ports 4a to 4c, the starting ball detectors 5a to 5c detect this, and the variable winning ball device 20 is opened for a predetermined period. When the player wins the right and left starting winning openings 4a and 4c among the starting winning openings 4a to 4c, the variable winning ball device 20 is opened once, and the center starting winning opening 4b is opened among the starting winning openings 4a to 4c. When a prize is won, the variable prize ball device 20 is opened twice. The state in which the variable winning ball device 20 performs the opening operation in accordance with the winning detection of the starting ball detectors 5a to 5c is called a starting game state. In addition, in addition to the above-described configuration, the gaming area 3 has wins 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b with built-in ball detectors (not shown), and side lamps 10a, 10b (see FIG. 5). Are provided with side lamp decorations 9a, 9b, out port 11, etc.
[0017]
Next, the variable winning ball device 20 which is a main part of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the variable winning ball device 20 when the specific region 36 is located at the center, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the variable winning ball device 20 when the specific region 36 is located on the side. It is a perspective view. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the variable winning prize ball device 20 is provided with an accessory decoration lamp 39 for decorating the variable winning prize ball device 20 and for attaching the variable winning prize ball device 20 to the surface of the game board 1. It has a mounting substrate 21, on which an upper winning space 22 and a lower winning space 30 are formed. In the upper winning space 22, a pair of left and right opening / closing pieces 23a and 23b is rotatably provided. The open / close pieces 23a and 23b are connected to solenoids 24a and 24b (only reference numerals are shown in FIG. 5) via well-known link mechanisms, respectively, and open the upper winning space 22 when the solenoids 24a and 24b are turned on. While rotating in the (first state), when the solenoids 24a and 24b are turned off, it rotates in a direction (second state) in which the upper winning space 22 is closed. Thus, the variable winning prize ball device 20 changes between the first state in which the game balls fired in the game area 3 are likely to win, and the second state in which no or no winning is achieved.
[0018]
In the bottom wall portion of the upper winning space 22, a passage entrance (not shown) for guiding a hit ball winning in the upper winning space 22 to ball passages 26a and 26b described below is formed. The ball dropped from the passage entrance passes through ball passages 26a, 26b formed on both sides of the variable winning ball device 20, and in the process of passing, win ball detectors 25a, 25b provided in the ball passages 26a, 26b. It is detected by. The winning balls passing through the ball passages 26a and 26b and detected by the winning ball detectors 25a and 25b are sent to the lower winning space 30 from the ball outlets 27a and 27b. Further, a round indicator 28 for displaying the number of high-probability rounds in a specific game state, which will be described in detail later, is provided on a rear wall in the upper winning space 22.
[0019]
On the other hand, the lower winning space 30 includes a decorative member 29 provided substantially at the center of the lower winning space 30, a swing member 35 as a specific area moving means that can swing left and right below the decorative member 29, A rocking groove 40 in which the rocking member 35 rocks and a rolling plate 31 located in front of the rocking groove 40 are provided. The decorative member 29 is formed in a shape with a design of “UFO”, and its lower part moves in the left-right direction by a solenoid 41 (only the reference numeral is shown in FIG. 5) to change between an open state and a closed state. Are formed as storage members 33a, 33b that can be stored. In the closed state, the storage members 33a and 33b form a storage section 34 as storage means capable of storing one game ball between the storage member 33a and the storage member 33b. In the open state, the game balls stored in the storage section 34 are opened and dropped downward. Then, the dropped game ball enters the specific area 36 or the opening 32 described later. As described above, the storage members 33a and 33b store the game balls at predetermined positions where the opened game balls can enter the specific area 36 or the area other than the specific area 36 of the variable winning ball apparatus 20, and satisfy the predetermined condition. To release the storage and open the game ball.
[0020]
The rocking member 35 has a specific area 36 formed thereon for receiving a game ball, and can rock in the left and right directions along a rocking groove 40 by a motor 38 (only the reference numeral is shown in FIG. 5). As a result, the specific area 36 moves. The game ball received by the swinging member 35 passes through a specific ball detector 37 (only a sign is shown in FIG. 5) as a specific ball detecting means provided in the variable winning ball device 20. . The specific ball detector 37 is fixedly provided so as not to move even when the specific area 36 moves. In addition, the side of the rocking member 35 of the rocking groove 40 is formed as an opening 32 through which a game ball falls. The swinging member 35 and the storage members 33a and 33b are components of a distributing means for distributing a game ball won to the variable winning ball device 20 to the specific area 36 or an area other than the specific area 36. One.
[0021]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of the main board 50. FIG. 5 also shows a payout control board 60, a sound control board 61, and a lamp control board 62. On the main board 50, a basic circuit 51 for controlling the ball game machine 101 according to a program, and signals from the specific ball detector 37, the starting ball detectors 5a to 5c, and the winning ball detectors 25a and 25b are sent to the basic circuit 51. A switching circuit 52 for providing the solenoids, a solenoid circuit 53 for driving the various solenoids 24a, 24b, 41 in accordance with instructions from the basic circuit 51, and a motor circuit 54 for driving the motor 38 in accordance with instructions from the basic circuit 51 are mounted. .
[0022]
The basic circuit 51 includes a ROM 51a that stores a game control program and the like, a RAM 51b that is an example of a storage unit used as a work memory, a CPU 51c that performs a control operation according to a program, and an I / O port unit 51d. The main board 50 having such a basic circuit 51 controls the ball payout device 64 via the payout control board 60, controls the speakers 109a and 109b via the sound control board 61, and controls the lamp control board 62. , The side lamps 10a and 10b, the frame decoration lamp 106, and the accessory decoration lamp 39 are controlled, and further, the round display (shown as a variable display in the figure) 28 is controlled via the display control board 63. It is supposed to. The CPU 51c of the basic circuit 51 (main board 50) constitutes game control means, high-probability control means, low-probability control means, and introduction control means.
[0023]
Next, the operation control of the variable winning prize ball device 20 by the main board 50 will be described. First, when the start game state occurs, the solenoids 24a and 24b are turned on for a predetermined time, and the opening and closing pieces 23a and 23b are opened (predetermined start mode). When the hit ball wins in the upper winning space 22 during the opening operation, the winning ball passes through the winning ball detectors 25a and 25b through the ball passages 26a and 26b and is sent to the lower winning space 30. The prize balls sent into the lower prize space 30 are stored in the storage section 43 formed by the storage members 33a and 33b, or fall downward to win the specific area 36 or fall into the opening 32. Will not be awarded. Then, the winning ball that has won the specific area 36 is detected by the specific ball detector 37, whereby the specific game state (the variable winning ball device 20 is set to the first state in a specific mode that is more advantageous to the player than the starting mode). A mode in which the controlled round can be executed up to a predetermined upper limit number occurs. In the specific game state, the solenoids 24a and 24b are turned on / off by the main board 50, so that the opening / closing pieces 23a and 23b repeat the opening operation for a predetermined time 18 times (18 opening / closing cycles). If ten winning balls are detected by the winning ball detectors 25a and 25b before the opening and closing cycle is completed 18 times, the opening operation of the opening and closing pieces 23a and 23b is ended at that time.
[0024]
As described above, when the opening / closing cycle is completed 18 times (the variable winning prize ball device 20 enters the first state a predetermined number of times) or when 10 winning prize balls are detected, the solenoid 41 is simultaneously turned on, The storage members 33a and 33b are opened. At this time, as described above, the winning ball is stored in the storage section 34 (shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A), and further, as shown in FIG. When 35 is located at the center, the falling ball becomes easy to win the specific area 36 by opening the storage members 33a and 33b. The ball that has entered the specific area 36 passes through the specific ball detector 37, thereby establishing the right to continue the 18 opening / closing cycles as described above (transition to the next round). After the elapse, the opening / closing pieces 23a and 23b are opened again. In addition, the permissible continuation number of the opening / closing cycle is allowed up to 15 times (15 rounds). In addition, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the swing member 35 is not located at the center, the falling ball becomes difficult to win the specific area 36 due to the opening of the storage members 33a and 33b. Then, when the game ball does not win the specific winning area, the specific game state ends.
[0025]
By the way, the above-mentioned maximum 15 rounds include a high-probability round in which the probability that the game ball enters the specific area 36 is high and a low-probability round in which the probability that the game ball enters the specific area 36 is lower than the high-probability round. The high probability round and the low probability round appear with a certain probability. This is indicated by a number derived and displayed on the round display 28. For example, when a number “7” is derived and displayed on the round display 28, the number of rounds is from 1 to 6 in the specific game state. Is a high probability round, and after the seventh round, a low probability round. Therefore, the high probability round and the low probability round will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 to 9. FIG. 6 is a time chart showing a case in which the variable winning prize ball device 20 (opening / closing pieces 23a, 23b) is opened 18 times in the high probability round, thereby completing the round. FIG. FIG. 8 is a time chart showing a case where the round is completed by detecting the winning ball. FIG. 8 shows the specific area 36 when the variable winning ball apparatus 20 (opening / closing pieces 23a and 23b thereof) is opened for the 14th time in the low probability round. FIG. 9 is a time chart showing a case where the (oscillating member 35) starts to oscillate. FIG. 9 shows a specific area in which the winning ball detectors 25a and 25b detect the sixth winning ball in a low probability round. It is a time chart which shows the case where 36 (oscillation member 35) starts oscillation.
[0026]
First, in the high-probability round, the CPU 51c (high-probability-time control unit) of the main board 50 stores the storage member 33a in a high-probability mode in which the probability that the game ball released from the storage members 33a and 33b enters the specific area 36 is high. , 33b and the state of the swinging member 35 are controlled. In the present embodiment, the high probability mode is a mode in which the specific area 36 is stopped at a position where the probability that a game ball released from the storage unit 34 enters is high. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a high-probability round starts and the variable prize ball device 20 is opened 18 times, or 10 prize balls are detected by the prize ball detectors 25a and 25b. Until the end of the round, the specific area 36 is stopped at the center position as shown in FIGS. 3 (A), 3 (B), 6 and 7. Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the storage members 33a and 33b move right and left simultaneously with the end of the round, so that the storage portion 34 is opened and the game balls stored in the storage portion 34 are lowered. Fall. At this time, since the specific area 36 is located at the center as described above, the falling game balls can easily win. In the high probability mode, the specific area 36 is located below the storage section 34 (the storage members 33a and 33b), and the game balls other than the game balls stored in the storage section 34 are stored in the storage members 33a and 33b. 33b is an obstacle, making it difficult to win the specific area 36. That is, when controlled in the high probability mode, the probability that game balls other than the stored game balls enter the specific area 36 is lower than when the control is not performed in the high probability mode. It has become.
[0027]
Next, in the low-probability round, the CPU 51c (low-probability control means) of the main board 50 has a low probability that the probability that the game ball released from the storage unit 34 enters the specific area 36 is lower than in the high-probability mode. The states of the storage members 33a and 33b and the swing member 35 are controlled in a timely manner. In the present embodiment, the low probability mode is a mode in which the specific area 36 is moved between a position where the probability that the game ball released from the storage unit 34 enters is high and a position where the probability that the game ball is low is low. . Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the low probability round starts, and the 14th opening of the variable winning ball device 20 or the 6th winning ball by the winning ball detectors 25a and 25b is performed. By the detection, the specific region 36 located at the center starts swinging in the left-right direction. As described above, the predetermined control start condition (the 14th opening of the variable winning ball device 20 or the detection of the sixth winning ball by the winning ball detectors 25a and 25b) is established in the low probability round. The CPU 51c (game control means) of the main board 50 is controlled to start the control in the low probability mode. In addition, the low probability mode is not only when the probability that the game ball released from the storage unit 34 enters the specific area 36 is lower than the high probability mode, but also when the game ball does not enter the specific area 36. Includes.
[0028]
In the low probability round described above, as shown in FIG. 8, when the swing of the specific area 36 is started by the 14th opening of the variable prize ball device 20, when the variable prize ball device 20 is opened for the 18th time, In the case where the variable winning prize ball device 20 is opened (changed to the first state) a predetermined number of times during the round and the storage unit 34 releases the game ball, the ball is released by the CPU 51c (entry control means) of the main substrate 50. The specific area 36 is moved to a position where the probability that the game ball enters will be low. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the swinging of the specific area 36 is started by the detection of the sixth winning ball by the winning ball detectors 25a and 25b, and the variable winning ball device 20 is opened for the 18th time. At the time, that is, when the timing at which the storage section 34 is opened after the round ends and the timing at which the specific area 36 is located at the center match (in FIG. 9, the curve indicating the movement of the specific area 36 In the case shown), the swing cycle of the specific area 36 is shifted, and when the storage unit 34 opens the game ball, the released game ball enters by the CPU 51c (entry control means) of the main board 50. The specific area 36 is moved to a position with a low probability (in FIG. 9, a curve indicating the movement of the specific area 36 is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line). In this manner, when the storage unit 34 is opened, the swing cycle of the specific area 36 is shifted so that the specific area 36 is not located at the center, so that the variable winning prize ball device 20 can be identified when it is opened for the 14th time. The number of winnings is adjusted so that the area 36 starts to move, and the variable winning prize ball device 20 is opened for the 18th time, that is, the specific area 36 is opened by opening the storage unit 34, or the variable winning prize ball device 20 is opened for the 18th time. In other words, it is possible to prevent the aiming of detecting the sixth winning ball by the winning ball detectors 25a and 25b in order to win the specific area 36 by opening the storage section 34, that is, opening the storage section 34.
[0029]
In the above-described embodiment, after the variable winning prize ball device 20 enters the starting game state in which the opening operation is performed in accordance with the winning detection of the starting ball detectors 5a to 5c, until the gaming ball wins in the specific area 36. The swing member 35 swings in the left-right direction or stops at the left side or right side.
[0030]
Although the ball game machine 1 according to the embodiment has been described in detail above, in the present embodiment, the first state in which the game ball fired in the game area 3 is easy to win, the non-winning or difficult to win. And a variable winning prize ball device 20 that changes to the second state. In a predetermined starting mode based on the fact that the gaming ball has passed through the starting winning ports 4a to 4c as starting areas provided in the gaming area 3. The variable winning prize ball device 20 is controlled to the first state, and based on the fact that the game ball that has won the variable prize winning ball device 20 has entered the specific area 36 of the plurality of areas, it is more advantageous to the player than the starting mode. In a specific mode, the variable winning prize ball device 20 generates a specific game state in which the round in which the variable prize ball device 20 is controlled to the first state can be executed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. Said A ball that shifts to the next round when entering the fixed area 36, and terminates the specific game state when a game ball that has won the variable prize ball device 20 during the round does not enter the specific area 36. In the gaming machine 1, the CPU 51c of the main board 50 as game control means for controlling the specific game state, and the game balls that have won the variable winning ball device 20 are distributed to the specific area 36 or an area other than the specific area 36. An oscillating member 35 serving as a specific area moving means for moving the specific area 36; and an open game ball for the specific area 36 of the variable prize ball device 20. Alternatively, storage means for storing game balls at a predetermined position where they can enter an area other than the specific area 36 and releasing the game balls to release the game balls when predetermined conditions are satisfied. The CPU 51c of the main board 50 as the game control means, the CPU 51c of the main board 50 as the game control means, the game ball released from the storage members 33a, 33b as the storage means enters the specific area 36 The CPU 51c of the main board 50 as high probability control means for controlling the state of the storage members 33a, 33b and the swinging member 35 as the distributing means in a high probability time mode having a high probability of performing Thus, the storage members 33a, 33b and the rocking member 35 as the distributing means are arranged in a low probability mode in which the probability that the game balls released from the storage members 33a, 33b as the storage means enter the specific area 36 is low. Using the CPU 51c of the main board 50 as low probability control means for controlling the state, the game balls enter the specific area 36 in each of the rounds. By controlling the high-probability round with a high probability and the low-probability round with a low probability that the game ball enters the specific area 36 as compared with the high-probability round, the game ball is always stored in the variable prize ball device 20. As a result, it is possible to increase the player's attention to winning of the stored game balls in the specific area 36. In addition, since the continuation rate to the next round is changed between the high-probability round and the low-probability round by changing the mode of the specific region 36, the continuation rate can be changed visually with a variety of effects. Therefore, the interest of the game can be enhanced.
[0031]
In the present embodiment, the high probability mode is a mode in which the specific area 36 is stopped at a position where the probability that a game ball released from the storage members 33a and 33b as the storage means enters is high. The low probability mode is a mode in which the specific area 36 is stopped at a position where the probability that a game ball released from the storage members 33a and 33b as the storage means enters is lower than in the high probability mode. Accordingly, in the high probability mode, the game ball can easily flow into the specific area 36, and in the low probability mode, it can be clearly recognized that the game ball is unlikely to flow into the specific area 36.
[0032]
In the present embodiment, the high probability mode is a mode in which the specific area 36 is stopped at a position where the probability that a game ball released from the storage members 33a and 33b as the storage means enters is high. The low probability mode is a mode in which the specific area 36 is moved between a position where the probability of entry of the game ball released from the storage members 33a and 33b as the storage means is high and a position where the probability of entry is low. In the high probability mode, it is possible to clearly recognize that the game ball easily flows into the specific area 36 in the high probability mode, and it is expected whether the game ball flows into the specific area 36 in the low probability mode. It can improve the interest of the game.
[0033]
In the present embodiment, a specific ball detector 37 as specific ball detection means for detecting a game ball that has entered the specific area 36 is provided. Even if the specific area 36 is moved, the specific ball detector is fixedly provided so that it does not move even when the specific area 36 is moved. Since there is no change in the detection status of the game ball 37, the game ball can be reliably detected by the specific ball detector 37 as the specific ball detection means.
[0034]
In the present embodiment, the predetermined conditions under which the storage members 33a and 33b as the storage means release the game ball include that the variable winning ball device 20 has changed to the first state a predetermined number of times during the round, The CPU 51c of the main board 50 as the game control means determines that the storage members 33a and 33b as the storage means are changed to the first state by the variable winning prize ball device 20 changing to the first state a predetermined number of times during the low probability round. When the ball is released, the CPU 51c of the main board 50 as an entry restricting means for moving the specific area 36 to a position where the probability that the released game ball enters is low is included, so that the player can stop the specific area. It is possible to prevent the shooting of the prize to 36. That is, for example, the time when the variable winning prize ball device 20 enters the first state a predetermined number of times and the position of the specific area 36 are synchronized, and the time when the game ball is released from the storage members 33a and 33b as storage means. If the position of the specific area 36 in the above is a position where the game ball easily flows, the player does not hit the ball until the game ball is released from the storage members 33a and 33b as storage means, that is, What is necessary is to wait until the variable winning prize ball device 20 reaches the first state a predetermined number of times. In this case, there is no meaning in the low probability mode that makes it difficult to win the specific area 36. However, if the position of the specific area 36 is a position where it is difficult for game balls to flow in when the game balls are released from the storage members 33a and 33b as storage means, the variable winning ball device 20 is set to the first state a predetermined number of times. Simply waiting until a certain point in time reduces the possibility of winning in the specific area 36, and the player must hit the ball toward the specific area 36, thereby preventing the player from being hit. can do.
[0035]
Further, in the present embodiment, the CPU 51c of the main board 50 as the game control means starts the control in the low-probability mode based on a predetermined control start condition being satisfied in the low-probability round. Accordingly, by shortening the period in which the specific area 36 moves wastefully, it is possible to omit an excessive effect.
[0036]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the game is controlled in the high probability mode, the game balls other than the stored game balls are compared with when the game is not controlled in the high probability mode. Since the probability of entering the specific area 36 is low, game balls other than the game balls stored in the storage members 33a and 33b as storage means flow into the specific area 36 during the round, and the round is immediately continued. Can be prevented. When the game is controlled in the low probability mode, the probability that game balls other than the game balls stored in the storage members 33a and 33b enter the specific area 36 is high. Expectation to enter the specific area 36 can be expected, and the interest of the game can be improved.
[0037]
In the above-described embodiment, the low probability mode is a mode in which the specific area 36 is moved between a position where the probability that the game ball released from the storage unit 34 enters is high and a position where the probability that the game ball is low is low. Although the drive control has been described, the present invention is not limited to such a form, and the specific area 36 is stopped at a position where the probability that the game ball released from the storage unit 34 enters is lower than the high probability time mode. That is, the driving control may be such that the specific area 36 is stopped on the left side or the right side, for example.
[0038]
In the embodiment described above, the low-probability mode controls the operation in the high-probability mode at first, and after a predetermined opportunity, the specific area 36 is opened from the storage unit 34 at a position where the game ball is hard to flow and a position where the game ball is easy to flow. Although the driving control is shown in the form of moving, the specific area 36 is stopped from the beginning at a position where the game ball released from the storage unit 34 is difficult to flow, or the specific area 36 is released from the storage unit 34. The driving control may be such that the game balls are moved between a position where it is difficult for the game ball to flow in and a position where the game ball is easy to flow.
[0039]
In the above-described embodiment, the specific region 36 moves in the left-right direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game ball enters the specific region 36, such as the up-down direction and the front-back direction. Any movement may be used as long as the probability is changed.
[0040]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a motor is shown as a drive source for moving the specific region 36. However, the drive source is not limited to a motor, but may be any type of drive source such as a solenoid that can move the specific region 36. It may be.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, in the invention of claim 1, since the game balls can be always stored in the variable winning ball device, the stored game balls can be stored in a specific area. The player's attention to winning can be raised. In addition, since the continuation rate to the next round is changed between the high-probability round and the low-probability round by changing the mode of the specific area, the continuation rate can be changed with a visually rich effect. , Can enhance the interest of the game
In the second aspect of the present invention, in the high probability mode, the game ball can easily flow into the specific area, and in the low probability mode, it is clearly recognized that the game ball hardly flows into the specific area. be able to.
[0042]
In the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to clearly recognize that the game ball easily flows into the specific area in the high probability mode, and to determine whether the game ball flows in the specific area in the low probability mode. It is possible to have an expectation of whether or not the game is fun, and the interest of the game can be improved.
[0043]
Further, according to the invention of claim 4, since the specific ball detecting means does not change the detection state even when the specific area is located in any of the moving ranges, the specific ball detecting means reliably detects the game ball. can do.
[0044]
Further, according to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to prevent a player from aiming and winning a prize in a specific area by hitting and stopping. That is, for example, the time when the variable winning prize ball device enters the first state a predetermined number of times is synchronized with the position of the specific area, and the position of the specific area at the time when the game ball is released from the storage means is changed to the game ball. If the ball is in a position where it is easy to flow, the player waits until the game ball is released from the storage means without hitting the ball, that is, until the variable winning ball device reaches the first state a predetermined number of times. In this case, the meaning of the low-probability mode that makes it difficult to win a specific area is lost. However, if the position of the specific area is such that it is difficult for the game ball to flow in when the game ball is released from the storage means, it is only necessary to wait until the variable winning ball device reaches the first state a predetermined number of times. Since the possibility of winning a prize is reduced, the player must hit the ball toward a specific area, thereby preventing the player from being hit.
[0045]
Further, in the invention of claim 6, by shortening the period in which the specific area moves in vain, an excessive effect can be omitted.
[0046]
Further, in the invention according to claim 7, it is possible to prevent the game balls other than the game balls stored in the storage means from flowing into the specific area in the middle of the round, thereby preventing the round from continuing immediately. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a ball game machine according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the game board.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the variable winning ball device when a specific area is located at the center.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the variable winning ball device when a specific area is located on a side.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration on a main board.
FIG. 6 is a time chart showing a case where the round is completed by opening the variable winning prize ball device 18 times in a high probability round.
FIG. 7 is a time chart showing a case where a round is completed by detecting a winning ball in a high probability round.
FIG. 8 is a time chart showing a case where a specific area starts swinging by a 14th opening of the variable winning ball apparatus in a low probability round.
FIG. 9 is a time chart showing a case where a specific area starts swinging when a winning ball detector detects a sixth winning ball in a low probability round.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ball and ball game machine
3 game area
20 Variable winning ball device
4a ~ 4c Starting winning opening
33a, 33b storage member
35 rocking member
36 Specific area
37 Specific ball detector
50 main board (game control means,

Claims (7)

A variable winning prize ball device that changes between a first state in which a game ball fired in the game area is likely to win, and a second state in which no game is won or hardly won,
The variable winning prize ball device is controlled to the first state in a predetermined starting mode based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the starting region provided in the game region, and a plurality of game balls having won the variable prize ball device in the plurality of regions. A specific game in which a round in which the variable winning prize ball device is controlled to the first state in a specific mode more advantageous to the player than the start mode based on entering a specific area of the predetermined number of times can be performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. A state is generated, and when the game ball that has won the variable winning ball device during the round enters the specific area, the game is shifted to the next round, and the game ball that has won the variable winning ball device during the round is identified. In a ball game machine for ending the specific game state when not entering the area,
Game control means for controlling the specific game state,
Distributing means for distributing the game ball that has won the variable winning ball device to the specific area or an area other than the specific area,
The distributing means includes a specific area moving means for moving the specific area, and a game ball at a predetermined position where the released game ball can enter the specific area or the area other than the specific area of the variable winning ball device. Storing means for releasing the game ball by releasing the storage when the predetermined conditions are satisfied and stored,
The game control means includes a high-probability control means that controls the state of the allocating means in a high-probability time mode in which the probability that the game ball released from the storage means enters the specific area is high, and the high-probability time mode The low probability control means for controlling the state of the sorting means in a low probability mode in which the probability that the game ball released from the storage means enters the specific area is low, and A ball game machine characterized by controlling a high-probability round in which the probability of a ball entering a specific area is high and a low-probability round in which a game ball is less likely to enter a specific area than in the high-probability round. The high probability mode is a mode in which the specific area is stopped at a position where the probability that the game ball released from the storage unit enters is high,
The said low probability mode is a mode which stops the said specific area | region at the position where the probability that the game ball opened | released from the said storage means approaches compared with the said high probability mode is low. Ball game machine. The high probability mode is a mode in which the specific area is stopped at a position where the probability that the game ball released from the storage unit enters is high,
The said low probability mode is a mode which moves the said specific area | region between the position where the probability that the game ball released from the said storage means enters is high, and the position where the probability of entering is low. 2. The ball and ball game machine according to 1. It is provided with specific ball detection means for detecting a game ball that has entered the specific area, and the specific ball detection means is fixedly provided so as not to move even when the specific area moves. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The predetermined condition under which the storage means releases the game ball includes that the variable winning ball device has changed to the first state a predetermined number of times during the round,
In the low probability round, when the storage means opens the game ball due to the variable number of winning balls device changing to the first state during the low probability round, the released game ball enters. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an entry control unit that moves the specific area to a position with a low probability. 6. The game control means according to claim 1, wherein the control in a low probability mode is started based on a predetermined control start condition being satisfied in the low probability round. The ball game machine described. When controlled in the high probability mode, the probability that game balls other than the stored game balls enter the specific area is lower than when not controlled in the high probability mode. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:

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