JP2006034564A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine in which a game ball shot by a shooting device hardly collides with a ball return preventive member before passing a shooting area. <P>SOLUTION: The ball return preventive member 12 for preventing a game ball from returning to the shooting area 5 is disposed near an exit 5a of the shooting area 5 for guiding the game ball shot by the shooting device to the game area A. The ball return preventive member 12 is stored to open the shooting area 5 when the game ball shot by the shooting device approaches, and is pushed out at prescribed timing to close the shooting area 5 after the shooting area 5 is opened. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine, and more particularly to a ball game machine provided with a ball return prevention member.

A ball ball game machine (a so-called pachinko machine) has a launch area formed between an outer guide rail and an inner guide rail that partitions a game area and guides a game ball launched from a launcher to the game area. ing. Then, by launching a game ball into the game area of the game board through the launch area, the game ball rolls by a large number of game nails and game ball guiding members (for example, a stage and a ceiling passage) provided in the game area. The game ball flows down and a game ball is won at a predetermined prize opening, and a predetermined effect is produced.
In the case of a ball game machine, during a game, the game ball launched into the game area may bounce off a game nail or the like and return in the direction of the launch area.
Therefore, in order to prevent such a ball return, conventionally, a ball return prevention member has been provided at the upper end of the inner guide rail.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of ball game machines including this type of ball return prevention member are known, including the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.
Prior arts including the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 include a thin flat plate-shaped ball return prevention member having elasticity at the upper end portion of the inner guide rail, and the ball return prevention member allows the outlet of the constant firing region to be constantly exited. In general, the game ball launched by the launching device collides with the ball return prevention member and pushes away against the elasticity of the ball return prevention member to launch the launch area. From the exit of the game to the gaming area.
JP 2003-159389 A

Since the ball return prevention member prevents the game ball once released to the game area from returning to the launch area, the game ball returned to the launch area does not collide with the ball return prevention member. That is the purpose.
However, in the above-described prior art ball return prevention member structure, the vicinity of the exit of the launch area is arranged so as to always block the vicinity of the exit of the launch area. Not only does the returning game ball collide, but every time the game ball is fired, the launched game ball always collides with the ball return prevention member, so depending on the frequency and strength of the collision, the ball return prevention member There was a risk of deformation or damage.
In addition, due to the occurrence of such deformation and breakage, the function as a ball return prevention member can no longer be performed, so replacement is forced, requiring replacement work and not only costing work, but also performing replacement work. There is also a disadvantage that the gaming machine cannot be used during this time.
The cause of such a problem lies in the structure of the ball return prevention member described above, and the game ball launched from the launching device rather than the game ball that returns to the launch area and collides with the ball return prevention member. This is because the rate of collision with the ball return preventing member is higher.
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem. The purpose of the present invention is to prevent a game ball launched by a launching device from colliding with a ball return prevention member before passing through the launching area. The purpose is to provide a small number of ball game machines.

In order to achieve such an object, the first invention provides a launch area 5 for guiding a game ball launched by the launch device to the game area A, and an exit 5a near the upper end of the launch area 5 And a ball return preventing means 12 for preventing the return of the game ball to the firing area 5, and the ball return preventing means 12 is configured to prevent the ball from returning to the launch area 5. When the member 13 and the game ball fired from the launching device approach the ball return prevention member 13, the ball return prevention member 13 is stored to open the launch area 5, and after opening the launch area 5, a predetermined And a ball return prevention member retracting mechanism 14 for projecting the ball return prevention member 13 at the timing and closing the firing area 5.
According to the present invention, since the game ball released to the game area A collides only when returning from the game area A to the launch area 5, the collision frequency with the ball return prevention member 13 is preceded. It is extremely reduced compared to technology. Therefore, the deformation / breakage of the ball return preventing member 13 is greatly reduced, and the ball return preventing member 13 is protected. In addition, the replacement of the ball return prevention member 13 is reduced, which not only reduces the burden of maintenance, but also leads to cost reduction.

According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the ball return prevention member retracting mechanism 14 includes a ball passage detection unit 19 near the launching device of the ball return prevention member 13, and allows passage of a game ball launched by the launching device. When the ball passage detecting unit 19 detects, the ball return preventing member 13 is stored to open the launch area 5, and the ball return is detected at a timing when a predetermined time has passed after the ball passing detection unit 19 detects the passing of the game ball. The bullet ball game machine is characterized in that the prevention member 13 protrudes to close the firing area 5.
According to the present invention, since the passage of the fired game ball is detected by the ball passage detection unit 19 provided near the launch device of the ball return prevention member 13, the fired game ball can be accurately detected. At the same time, the retracting operation of the ball return preventing member 13 can be performed accurately.

In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the ball return preventing member retracting mechanism 14 includes a first ball passage detecting portion 19a near the launching device of the ball return preventing member 13, and the ball return preventing member 13 A second ball passage detection unit 19b is provided near the game area A, and the ball return prevention member 13 is stored when the passage of the game ball launched by the launching device is detected by the first ball passage detection unit 19a. The launch area 5 is opened, and when the game ball passes through the second ball passage detecting portion 19b, the ball return prevention member 13 protrudes to close the launch area 5. It is that.
According to the present invention, the ball return detecting members 19a and 19b are provided before and after the ball return preventing member 13, so that the operation of the ball return preventing member 13 can be accurately performed.

In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the ball return preventing member retracting mechanism 14 operates the ball return preventing member 13 in conjunction with the launching device, and returns the ball at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the game ball was launched. The prevention member 13 is stored to open the launch area 5, and the ball return prevention member 13 protrudes at a timing when a predetermined time has passed to close the launch area 5. .
According to the present invention, even if the game board 1 is not provided with a special ball passage detection unit, the operation of retracting the ball return preventing member 13 can be performed accurately.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the ball return game machine is characterized in that the ball return prevention member 13 protrudes into the launch area 5 to close the launch area 5 when a game stop state is detected. That is.
According to the present invention, the ball return prevention member 13 protrudes into the firing area 5 when the game is stopped. Therefore, in such a state, since the launch area 5 is closed and a game cannot be performed, an illegal game can be prevented.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a ball game machine including a ball return prevention member that suppresses the collision frequency of the game balls without colliding when the game balls launched from the launch device are released from the launch area to the game area. I was able to provide it.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on Examples 1 to 6. The first to sixth embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and are not construed as being limited thereto. The design can be changed within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is also intended for a ball-enclosed ball game machine.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a game board 1 constituting a ball game machine (also called a pachinko machine) to which the present invention is applied. The game board base 2 includes an inner guide rail 3 and other various game members. The game board 1 is configured, for example, by rotating a lever of a handle of a launching device (not shown) in a clockwise direction, for example, by operating a built-in launching solenoid, and the inner guide rail 3 and the outer guide rail 4 are A game ball is launched into the game area A via the launch area 5 in between.

The launch area 5 is an area for guiding a game ball fired by the launching device to the game area A, and is stored when the game ball approaches the vicinity of the outlet 5a opened to the upper end of the launch area 5. There is provided a ball return preventing means 12 that opens the vicinity of the outlet 5a of the launch area 5 and then projects at a predetermined timing to close the vicinity of the outlet 5a.
Although not particularly limited in this embodiment, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a projection type image display device that displays a moving image or a still image from a projector by being refracted by a reflector. It is also possible to arrange. Other game members include, for example, a starting port 6 made of a tulip-type electric motor that activates the display of variation of the display device and activates a lottery process for determining whether or not to win, an attacker opening when the jackpot Out ball that missed the winning in the game area A, such as the first prize opening 7 of the first-class special electric equipment, the left and right prize winning openings 8 as general prize opening, the stage 9 as the game ball guiding member, the heaven passage 10, etc. As an example, there are an out port 11 for discharging the game, and a large number of game nails (not shown) hitting the game board base 2. Note that game members such as the game board base 2 or the inner guide rail 3 are made of a transparent member or a non-transparent member.
Since the present invention has a novel and useful characteristic structure for the ball return prevention means 12, only the description of the ball return prevention means 12 will be given below, and other configurations will not be particularly limited and will not be described in detail. Omitted.

  The ball return prevention means 12 includes a ball return prevention member 13 and a ball return prevention member retracting mechanism 14.

The ball return prevention member 13 is a cylindrical pin made of a non-magnetic material that can be projected and retracted (projected / stored) in the vicinity of the outlet 5a of the launch area 5, for example, and has a slightly smaller diameter than the game ball. Thus, it is located at the approximate center in the region width direction W in the vicinity of the outlet 5 a of the launch region 5.
The ball return prevention member 13 is integrally attached to the ball return prevention member retracting mechanism 14 embedded in the bottom surface (the surface 2a of the game board base 2) near the outlet 5a of the launch area 5, From the cylindrical hole 2b provided in the bottom face 2a in the vicinity of the outlet 5a, the launch area 5 is provided so as to be able to appear in the launch area 5 so as to cross the length direction of the launch area 5 in the vertical direction.
That is, the ball return preventing member 13 has a length that fits in the height region H of the firing region 5 when protruding, and its distal end surface 13a is located on the same plane without a step with the bottom surface 5a of the firing region 5 when stored. Thus, it is designed to have a length that fits inside the bottom surface 5a.

  In this embodiment, a cylindrical pin will be described as an example of the ball return prevention member 13, but the game ball returning from the game area A toward the launch area 5 in the vicinity of the outlet 5a of the launch area 5 is described. Any member may be used as long as it has a configuration that prevents intrusion, for example, a plate-like member having a rectangular shape in a plan view formed slightly narrower than the region width direction W of the launch region 5. Can be adopted and the design can be changed within the scope of the present invention.

The ball return prevention member retracting mechanism 14 stores the ball return prevention member 13 when the game ball launched from the launching device approaches the ball return prevention member 13 and opens the launch area 5. After opening, the ball return preventing member 13 is projected at a predetermined timing to close the firing area 5.
For example, in this embodiment, the plunger type solenoid 15 and a ball passage detection unit 19 that detects that a game ball has passed through a predetermined region (passage region) of the launch region 5 are configured.

The plunger type solenoid 15 includes a solenoid coil 16, a plunger (movable iron core) (not shown) that reciprocates by switching the excitation / demagnetization action of the solenoid coil 16, and a rod (shaft) 17 provided at the tip of the plunger. The thing of the well-known structure comprised is employ | adopted. That is, when energized (excited), the plunger moves forward against a spring member (not shown), and when energized is released (demagnetized), the plunger retracts due to the return force of the spring member.
The ball return preventing member 13 is integrally attached to the tip of the rod 17.

In this embodiment, the plunger type solenoid 15 is housed and held in a casing 18 embedded in the bottom surface 2a near the outlet 5a of the launch area 5. A cylindrical recess 18b is formed at the front end of the casing 18 to receive and retract the ball return prevention member 13 attached to the front end of the plunger 17, and the plunger 17 can be inserted into the bottom of the recess 18b. An insertion hole 18c is formed. Further, the casing 18 is disposed so that the front end surface 18a thereof is located on the same plane as the bottom surface 5a of the firing region 5 without any step.
The casing 18 is schematically illustrated in the illustrated example, and is not limited to the illustrated shape, and a configuration in which the plunger-type solenoid 15 is directly embedded and fixed in the game board 1 without using the casing is adopted. Is also possible.

  Further, the mechanism for causing the ball return preventing member 13 to appear and disappear is not limited to the present embodiment, and other known appearance and appearance mechanisms can be employed within the scope of the present invention.

  A ball passage detection unit (also referred to as a launch ball detection switch) 19 detects that a game ball launched from the launch device has passed a predetermined area of the launch area 5, and the detected signal is a game ball passage determination. When the passage of the game ball is judged to be sent to the means (main CPU) 66, a signal for switching the excitation / demagnetization operation of the plunger solenoid (also referred to as a ball return prevention solenoid) 15 is sent to the plunger solenoid 15 for excitation. -The plunger is reciprocated by the switching of the demagnetizing action (the protrusion / retraction process of the ball return preventing member 13).

In the present embodiment, for example, the ball passage detection unit 19 is a non-contact type detection unit that detects the passage of the game ball in a non-contact manner, and employs a reflective optical sensor.
Further, the ball passage detection unit 19 is embedded in, for example, the bottom surface 5a of the launch area 5 so that the bottom surface 5a and the detection surface 20 are in the same plane.
The ball passage detection unit 19 is not limited to the reflection type, but may be a transmission type (blocking type) optical sensor (infrared sensor).
Specific examples include a through-pass sensor and a photo interrupter.
Moreover, it is also within the scope of the present invention for the ball passage detection unit 19 to adopt a contact type as well as a non-contact type, and the design can be changed as appropriate.

In the present embodiment, the ball passage detecting section 19 is provided in two places, one each near the launching device (upstream side) and the game area A (downstream side) of the ball return prevention member 13. The upstream sphere passage detector is referred to as a first sphere passage detector 19a, and the downstream sphere passage detector is referred to as a second sphere passage detector 19b.
In this case, the upstream-side ball passage detection unit 19 a and the downstream-side ball passage detection unit 19 b are arranged so as to be positioned on the trajectory of the game ball that passes through the launch area 5.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first and second ball passage detection units 19 a and 19 b provided on both the upstream side and the downstream side of the ball return prevention member 13 include ball return prevention members. One is provided at a position separated from each other by two game balls.

  A drive process executed when the ball return prevention member 13 moves in and out in the ball return prevention means 12 will be described below based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the first game ball passage detection unit 19a detects whether or not a game ball has passed (S30).
When the passing of the game ball is detected, the storing process of the ball return preventing member 13 is executed (S31).
Here, if the game ball is not detected, the process is terminated.

Next, it is detected whether or not a game ball is detected by the second game ball passage detection unit 19b (S40).
When the passage of the game ball is detected, the protrusion process of the ball return preventing member 13 is executed (S41).

Here, if no game ball is detected, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the first game ball passage detection unit 19a detected the game ball (S50).
If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the protrusion process of the ball return preventing member is executed (S41).
If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the determination (S50) is repeated until the predetermined time elapses.
When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, an abnormality determination process may be performed to end the ball return prevention member driving process or stop the game.

Specifically, the flow of the driving process described above will be described. In this embodiment, when the first ball passage detection unit detects the passage of a game ball from 19a, the detection signal is a game ball passage determination means (main CPU) 66. When the determination means 66 determines that the game ball has passed, a signal for demagnetizing the solenoid coil 16 of the plunger-type solenoid (also referred to as a ball return prevention solenoid) 15 is sent, and a return of a spring member (not shown) by demagnetizing action is sent. The rod 17 is retracted together with the plunger by force. Thereby, the ball return prevention member 13 is stored and the launch area 5 is opened.
After that, when the second ball passage detection unit 19b detects the passage of the game ball, the detection signal is sent to the game ball passage determination means (main CPU) 66, and the determination means 66 determines the passage of the game ball. Then, a signal for exciting the solenoid coil 16 of the plunger type solenoid (also referred to as a ball return prevention solenoid) 15 is sent, and the rod 17 moves forward against the spring member (not shown) together with the plunger by the exciting action. Thereby, the ball return preventing member 13 is protruded and the firing area 5 is closed.

Further, it is sufficient that at least one ball passage detecting unit 19 is provided near the launching device of the ball return preventing member 13. According to this, the number of installed ball passage detecting units 19 is reduced, and the cost is reduced. I can plan.
In this case, when the passage of the game ball is detected by the ball passage detection unit 19, the detection signal is sent to the game ball passage determination means (main CPU) 66, and when the passage of the game ball is determined by the determination means 66, the plunger A signal to demagnetize the solenoid coil 16 of the type solenoid (also referred to as a ball return prevention solenoid) 15 is sent, and the rod 17 is retracted together with the plunger by a return force of a spring member (not shown) by a demagnetizing action. Thereby, the ball return prevention member 13 is stored and the launch area 5 is opened. Then, the solenoid coil 16 of the plunger type solenoid (also referred to as a ball return prevention solenoid) 15 is excited at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed after detection by the ball passage detection unit 19 by the game ball passage determination means (main CPU) 66. The rod 17 is moved forward together with the plunger against a spring member (not shown) by the excitation action. Thereby, the ball return preventing member 13 is projected to close the firing region 5.

Further, a plurality of ball passage detection units 19... May be disposed on the trajectory of the game ball passing through the launch area 5 near the launch device of the ball return prevention member 13.
When such a configuration is adopted, when the passage of the game ball is detected from the first ball passage detection unit 19a by the first ball passage detection unit, the detection signal is sent to the game ball passage determination means (main CPU) 66. When it is determined that the game ball has passed, a signal for demagnetizing the solenoid coil 16 of the plunger solenoid (also referred to as a ball return prevention solenoid) 15 is sent, and the plunger 17 is retracted by a return force of a spring member (not shown) by a demagnetizing action. Thereby, the ball return prevention member 13 is stored and the launch area 5 is opened. After that, when the second ball passage detection unit 19b detects the passage of the game ball, the detection signal is sent to the game ball passage determination means (main CPU) 66, and the determination means 66 determines the passage of the game ball. Then, a signal for exciting the solenoid coil 16 of the plunger type solenoid (also referred to as a ball return prevention solenoid) 15 is sent, and the plunger 17 moves forward against a spring member (not shown) by the exciting action. Thereby, the ball return preventing member 13 is projected to close the firing region 5.

  Next, the control system of the ball game machine of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the control system of the ball game machine of the present embodiment.

The main control circuit 60 as game control means includes a main CPU 66, main ROM (read only memory) 68, and main RAM (read / write memory) 70 as control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.
The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68. Thus, the main CPU 66 functions as various means described later.
In the main ROM 68, a program for controlling the operation of the gaming machine by the main CPU 66 is stored, and in addition, a jackpot referred when making a jackpot judgment referred to when making a jackpot judgment by random number lottery Various tables such as a determination table and an effect condition selection table referred to when selecting an effect are also stored.

  In this embodiment, the main ROM 68 is used as a medium for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded and recorded in the main RAM 70 after the power is turned on. Furthermore, each of the programs may be recorded on separate storage media. In this embodiment, the main CPU 66, the main ROM 68, and the main RAM 70 are provided separately. However, a one-chip microcomputer in which these are integrated may be used.

The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags, counters, timers, and data values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66.
The main control circuit 60 also includes an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a command output port 72 for outputting a command to the sub-control circuit 200 described later. The initial reset circuit 64 and the command output port 72 are connected to the main CPU 66.

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60 via an I / O 71. For example, a V / count switch 102, a count switch 104, a general winning port switch 106, a passing gate switch 114, a starting winning port Switch 116, start port solenoid 118, prize winning port solenoid 120, seesaw solenoid 122, backup clear switch 124, ball return prevention solenoid (plunger solenoid of ball return prevention member retracting mechanism) 15, launch ball detection switch (ball passage detection unit) ) 19 is connected.

  The V / count switch 102 is provided in a specific area in the special winning opening 7 provided on the game board 1. The V / count switch 102 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through a specific area in the special winning opening 7.

  The count switch 104 is provided in a general area different from the specific area in the special winning opening 7. The count switch 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the general area at the special winning opening 7.

    The general winning opening switch 106 is provided at the general winning opening 8 provided on the game board 1. The general winning opening switch 106 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through each general winning opening 8.

  The passage gate switch 114 is provided in a ball passage detector provided on the game board 1. The passage gate switch 114 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the ball passage detector.

  A start winning opening switch 116 is provided at the start opening 6 provided on the game board. The start winning port switch 116 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins the start port 6.

  The start port solenoid 118 is connected to a blade member provided in the start port 6 via a link member, and drives the blade member in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to open the start port 6. Alternatively, it is closed.

  The big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter, and drives the shutter in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 so that the big prize opening 7 is opened or closed.

  The seesaw solenoid 122 is connected to a seesaw provided inside the shutter in a plate state, and displaces the seesaw in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to change the inclination of the seesaw. As a result of tilting the seesaw, the seesaw is switched so as to easily pass through a specific area in the special winning opening 7 or to easily pass through a general area.

  The backup clear switch 124 is provided on the front side of the gaming machine and is connected to the main CPU 66 via the I / O 71, and clears backup data in the event of a power failure or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager. It has a function.

  The ball return prevention solenoid (plunger type solenoid) 15 is embedded in the game board base 2 and reciprocates the rod 17 together with the plunger in accordance with a drive signal (excitation or demagnetization) supplied from the main CPU 66. The ball return prevention member 13 attached to the tip of the rod 17 is moved into and out of the firing area 5.

  The launch ball detection switch (ball passage detection unit) 19 is disposed on the game board base surface 2a in the launch area 5, and when a passage of the launch ball (game ball passing through the launch area 5) is detected, a predetermined The detection signal is supplied to the main control circuit 60.

A payout / firing control circuit 126 is connected to the main control circuit 60.
The payout / launch control circuit 126 is connected to a payout device 128 that pays out game balls and a launch device 130 that fires game balls. The payout / launch control circuit 126 is connected to the card unit 300, and the payout / fire control circuit 126 and the card unit 300 transmit / receive data related to the CR card inserted into the card unit 300.

The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a ball lending control signal supplied from the card unit 300, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the payout device 128 pays out the game ball. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs a control of launching a game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 130.
The payout device 128 is employed as an example of a payout means for paying out game media when the launched (injected) game media passes through a predetermined area.

  In addition, the launching device 130 includes a device for launching a game ball such as a launching motor and a touch sensor. When the launching handle is gripped by the player and is turned clockwise, power is supplied to the launching motor according to the turning angle, and the game ball stored in the upper plate is played by the launching motor. Fired sequentially on the board. Note that such a launching device 130 is employed as an example of a game medium throwing unit that launches (puts) a game medium in response to a player's operation.

  Further, the sub control circuit 200 is connected to the command output port 72. The sub control circuit 200 is configured to display control in the variable display device and control related to sound generated from the speaker 46 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60 to the command input port 201 via the command output port 72. Control of the lamp 132 including the hold lamp, the normal symbol hold lamp, and the decoration lamp is performed.

  In this embodiment, a command is supplied from the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 200 and a signal cannot be supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. The present invention is not limited to this, and there is no problem even if it is configured such that a signal can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

The sub-control circuit 200 as an effect control means includes a sub CPU 206 as a variable display control means, a program ROM 208 as a storage means, a work RAM 210, an image control circuit 250 for performing display control in a liquid crystal display device (LCD) 32, a speaker. 46 includes a sound control circuit 230 that performs control related to sound generated from 46, a lamp control circuit 240 that controls a lamp 132 including a hold lamp (not shown), and a decorative lamp (not shown).
The sub control circuit 200 executes an effect corresponding to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60.

In the present embodiment, an effect operating means is connected to the sub control circuit 200.
The effect operation means changes the aspect of the effect display of the liquid crystal display device for effect display relating to the game, and the liquid crystal display device normally displays a game aspect such as a symbol variable display, but the effect operation unit When the effect operation button is pressed, the signal is supplied to the sub-control circuit 200, and in the game mode, for example, switching between characters and background screens, operation on the effect selection screen when a reach occurs, game information (hit history display) And rotation speed display).

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. The sub CPU 206 functions as various means described later.

The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling the game effect of the gaming machine by the sub CPU 206, and also stores various tables such as a table for making a decision regarding the effect.
The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns. This effect pattern relates to the progress of the effect display. The effect display is executed according to the variable display of the identification information.
In the present embodiment, the program ROM 208 is used as a storage means for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Of course, the main ROM 68 may be used as the storage means. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each of the programs may be recorded on separate storage media.

  Further, in this embodiment, the main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 66 and the main ROM 68 and the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 are separately configured. In this case, the program stored in the program ROM 208 may be stored in the main ROM 68 and executed by the main CPU 66. Of course, it may be configured only by the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208. In this case, the program stored in the main ROM 68 is stored in the program ROM 208 and executed by the sub CPU 206. You may comprise.

The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables such as an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern are positioned.
In the present embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as temporary storage for the sub CPU 206, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

The image control circuit 250 includes, for example, an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) as variable display control means, an image data ROM that stores various image data, a D / A converter that converts image data as an image signal, and a power source It comprises an initial reset circuit that generates a reset signal at the time of input.
The VDP described above is connected to the sub CPU 206, an image data ROM storing image data, a D / A converter for converting the image data into an image signal, and an initial reset circuit. The VDP includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a pallet circuit, and the like, and is a device that can perform various processes for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display device 32.
In the image data ROM, various types of image data such as identification information image data indicating identification information, background image data, effect image data, and normal symbol image data indicating normal symbols are stored separately.
The VDP reads various image data from the image data ROM in accordance with an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206 and generates image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. The VDP supplies the generated image data to the D / A converter. The D / A converter converts image data as an image signal, and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device at a predetermined timing, thereby causing the liquid crystal display device to display an image.

The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC that performs control related to audio, an audio data ROM that stores various audio data, and an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals.
The sound source IC is connected to the sub CPU 206, the initial reset circuit, the audio data ROM, and the AMP. The sound source IC controls sound generated from the speaker 46.
The sound source IC selects one sound data from a plurality of sound data stored in the sound data ROM in accordance with a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 206. The sound source IC reads the selected sound data from the sound data ROM, converts the sound data into a predetermined sound signal, and supplies the sound signal to the AMP. The AMP amplifies the sound signal and generates sound from the speaker 46.

The lamp control circuit 240 includes a drive circuit for supplying a lamp control signal and a decoration data ROM in which a plurality of types of lamp decoration patterns are stored.
"Modification"

The ball return preventing member retracting mechanism 14 may be configured to allow the ball return preventing member 13 to appear and retract within the firing region 5 in conjunction with the launching device.
That is, the ball return prevention member 13 is stored at the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from the launch of the game ball and the launch area 5 is opened, and the ball return prevention member 13 is protruded and the launch area 5 is closed at the timing when the predetermined time has passed. The game ball passage determining means (main CPU) 66 controls the ball return prevention member 13 to appear and disappear. The ball return prevention member 13 and the ball return prevention member protrusion / extraction mechanism (except for the ball passage detection unit 19) 14 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
According to this, even if the ball passage detection part is not separately provided in the game board, the operation of retracting the ball return preventing member 13 can be performed accurately.

Further, when the game stop state is detected, the ball return prevention member 13 can be protruded into the launch area 5 to close the launch area 5. That is, when the main CPU 66 receives the game stop detection signal, an excitation signal is sent to the plunger solenoid 15 of the ball return prevention member retracting mechanism 14, and the rod 17 together with the plunger resists a spring member (not shown) by the excitation action. Advance. Thereby, the ball return preventing member 13 is protruded and the firing area 5 is closed.
For example, (1) when the ball is full, when the lower pan is full, when the ball is out of passage, (2) when payout (overpaid, unpaid) is abnormal, (3) when the ball is removed, (4) retry It is conceivable that the process is stopped due to processing abnormality, (5) counting switch abnormality, (6) reception abnormality, or the like. According to this, since the ball return preventing member 13 protrudes into the launch area 5 and the launch area 5 is closed when the game is stopped, an illegal game can be prevented because a game cannot be performed.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the ball game machine of the present invention, which is another embodiment of the ball return preventing means 12.
In the present embodiment, the ball return prevention member 13 is configured to be able to appear and retract so as to cross the firing region 5 in the horizontal direction from the side surface 4a of the outer guide rail 4 in the vicinity of the exit 5a of the firing region 5. The plunger type solenoid 15 of the ball return prevention member retracting mechanism 14 is incorporated in the casing 18 in the outer side of the outer guide rail 4. Since other configurations and operational effects such as the ball passage detection unit 19 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the ball game machine of the present invention, which is another embodiment of the ball return preventing means 12.
In the present embodiment, a flat ball return prevention member (flap) 13 provided inside the outer guide rail 4 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction around the base end side 13 b is used as the side surface 4 a of the outer guide rail 4. To the vicinity of the exit 5 a of the launch area 5. In this case, a well-known mechanism such as a stepping motor can be adopted as the protrusion / retraction mechanism of the ball return preventing member 13 although not shown. That is, in this embodiment, a stepping motor (not shown) is embedded in the game board base 2 outside the outer guide rail 4 (outside the launch area 5).
According to the present embodiment, when it is detected that the game ball has passed through the first ball passage detection unit 19a, the ball return prevention member 13 is stored inside the outer guide rail 4, and the second ball passage detection unit. When it is detected that the game ball has passed through 19 b, the ball return prevention member 13 is projected to the launch area 5. The ball return preventing member 13 is preferably configured to be flush with the side surface 4a of the outer guide rail 4 when stored.
Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the ball game machine of the present invention, which is another embodiment of the ball return preventing means 12.
In the present embodiment, a flat ball return preventing member (flap) 13 provided so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction with the vicinity of the proximal end side 13b as a fulcrum is disposed near the exit 5a of the firing region 5 from the distal end position of the inner guide rail 3. It is configured so that it can appear and disappear.
In this case, the retracting mechanism of the ball return preventing member 13 is formed with a retracting mechanism accommodating space 3a at the tip of the inner guide rail 3, and a plunger type solenoid on the base end side 13b of the ball return preventing member 13 located in the space 3a. The tip of the pressing portion 15a provided at the tip of the 15 rod 17 is fixed integrally, and the ball return preventing member 13 is rotated in the horizontal direction by the reciprocating operation of the rod 15 so as to be able to appear and disappear in the firing area 5. is doing.
According to the present embodiment, even if the protruding and retracting mechanism of the ball return preventing member 13 is arranged on the inner guide rail 4 side, it is housed in the housing space 3a and cannot be visually recognized from the outside, and the appearance and appearance are not impaired. It won't get in the way. The ball return preventing member 13 and the ball return preventing member retracting mechanism 14 are not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and other known configurations can be applied within the scope of the present invention.
Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the ball game machine of the present invention, which is another embodiment of the ball return preventing means 12. FIG. 7A shows a closed state of the launch region 5, and FIG. 7B shows an open state.
In the present embodiment, the ball return prevention member 13 formed in a semicircular disk shape has its rotation center positioned outside the outer guide rail 4 so that it can appear and exit from the outer side of the outer guide rail 4 into the firing region 5. It is composed. In this case, a well-known mechanism such as a stepping motor (not shown) can be adopted as the protrusion / retraction mechanism of the ball return prevention member 13. That is, in this embodiment, a stepping motor (not shown) is arranged outside the outer guide rail 4 (outside the launch area 5). A notch 4b in which a semi-disc shaped ball return preventing member 13 can appear and disappear is formed in the protruding and protruding area of the outer guide rail 4, and when protruding into the firing area 5, the notch 4b prevents the ball returning preventing member 13 from A part protrudes, and at the time of storage, the part that protrudes is stored outside the outer guide rail 4.
Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 8 shows a sixth embodiment of the ball game machine of the present invention, which is another embodiment of the ball return preventing means 12.
In the present embodiment, a transmission type (blocking type) optical sensor (infrared sensor) is used as the ball passage detection unit 19. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the ball passage detectors (first ball passage detectors 19 a and 2) are respectively disposed near the launch area (upstream side) and the game area (downstream side) of the ball return prevention member 13. Sphere passage detector 19b) is provided. The interval between the first sphere passage detection unit 19a and the second sphere passage detection unit 19b shown in the drawing is approximate and is not limited to this, and the design can be arbitrarily changed.
When a game ball passes between the light emitting unit 21 and the light receiving unit 22 constituting the first ball passage detecting unit 19a, the light is blocked and the passage of the game ball is detected, and the storing process of the ball return prevention member 13 is executed. Is done. Then, when the game ball passes between the light emitting unit 21 and the light receiving unit 22 constituting the second ball passage detection unit 19b, the light is blocked and the passage of the game ball is detected, and the ball return prevention member 13 is protruded. Is executed. Other configurations and functions and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Schematic which shows one Embodiment of the game board in this invention bullet ball game machine. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic plan view showing one embodiment of a ball return preventing means in Example 1. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the operation state of a ball | bowl return prevention means, (a) shows the retracted state of a ball | bowl return prevention member, (b) shows the protrusion state of a ball | bowl return prevention member. FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic plan view showing an embodiment of a ball return preventing means in Example 2. FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic plan view showing one embodiment of a ball return preventing means in Example 3. FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic plan view showing an embodiment of a ball return preventing means in Example 4. It is an enlarged plan schematic diagram showing one embodiment of a ball return prevention means in Example 5, (a) shows a closed state of launch region 5, and (b) shows an open state. FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic plan view showing an embodiment of a ball return preventing means in Example 6. The block diagram of the control system of this invention ball game machine. The flowchart figure which shows the drive process of a ball | bowl return prevention member.

Explanation of symbols

A: Game area 3: Inner rail 5: Launch area 12: Ball return prevention means 13: Ball return prevention member 14: Ball return prevention member retracting mechanism 15: Plunger solenoid 19: Ball passage detection unit

Claims (5)

A launch area for guiding a game ball fired by the launch device to the game area;
Provided in the vicinity of the outlet opened at the upper end of the launch area, and provided with a ball return prevention means for preventing the return of the game ball to the launch area,
The ball return prevention means includes a ball return prevention member configured to be able to appear and disappear in the launch area,
When the game ball launched from the launching device approaches the ball return prevention member, the ball return prevention member is stored to release the launch area, and after the launch area is opened, the ball return prevention member at a predetermined timing. And a ball return prevention member protruding and retracting mechanism for projecting the ball and closing the firing area. The ball return prevention member in / out mechanism includes a ball passage detection unit near the launching device of the ball return prevention member,
When the passage of the game ball launched by the launching device is detected by the ball passage detection unit, the ball return prevention member is stored to release the launch area, and after the game ball passage is detected by the ball passage detection unit, a predetermined time The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the ball return prevention member is protruded at the elapsed timing to close the firing area. The ball return prevention member retracting mechanism includes a first ball passage detection unit near the launching device of the ball return prevention member, and a second ball passage detection unit near the game area of the ball return prevention member,
When the passage of the game ball launched by the launching device is detected by the first ball passage detection unit, the ball return prevention member is stored to open the launch area, and the game ball is moved to the second ball passage detection unit. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein when the ball passes, the ball return prevention member protrudes to close the firing area. The ball return prevention member in / out mechanism operates the ball return prevention member in and out in conjunction with the launching device,
The ball return prevention member is stored at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from the launch of the game ball to open the launch area, and further, the ball return prevention member is protruded at a timing after a predetermined time to close the launch area. The ball game machine according to claim 1. 2. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein when the game stop state is detected, the ball return prevention member is protruded into the firing area to close the firing area.

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