JP2006325805A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pachinko game machine which achieves a higher performance effect by making game balls roll on a stage. <P>SOLUTION: A rotary type display device 8 is provided at the upper part of a display part 6a of the pachinko game machine and is equipped with a shutter 83. When the shutter 83 is opened, a pattern for the advance notice of the game state possible in the subsequent shift is displayed. Players try to predict the subsequent game state from the pattern shown with the opening of the shutter 83 and keep their eyes on the closed shutter. Prior to the opening action of the shutter, advance notice is given for the opening of the shutter with an optical display device 802 thereby further enhancing the expectations felt by the players. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine, and more particularly to an effect device having a configuration in which a cylindrical display body rotates.

  As is well known, in pachinko games, when a pachinko ball wins in various winning holes provided in the game area of the gaming board surface provided in the gaming machine, a predetermined number of prize balls set in the winning hole. Is to be paid out.

Some pachinko machines have a symbol change display device using a liquid crystal panel or the like at the center of the game board, and it is now possible to change and display symbols such as lottery status and lottery results according to winnings. Yes. A display device that displays the symbol is provided with a decorative member surrounding the periphery, and some of the decorative members are provided with a blinking lamp or a moving character according to the contents of the effect.
JP 2004-57655 A (Fig. 2, reference numerals 280 and 270))

  In the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the front structural member 200 provided around the variable display device includes a mounting base 210, a display window frame 220, a right decoration unit 230, and a left side. The decorative unit 240 includes a decorative lens member 250 and a light emitting unit 260, and further includes a side decorative member 270 on which a tubular decorative member 280 is disposed. These components basically have no movement, and exhibit a production effect mainly by flashing light.

  In the effects by these decorative members, there is little visual change, and it is difficult to expect a great effect for a player who has experienced the effects of a conventional game.

  In addition, in order to employ a configuration in which the decorative member is moved by a motor or the like, the arrangement space is small, and there are many restrictions in arranging a mechanism for transmitting power and a drive source such as a motor. In other words, in order to make the mechanism of the decorative member complicated, it is necessary to expand the area used for the production device, such as securing a space for providing the production mechanism and a route for routing the wiring. It is necessary to make itself large, and this is particularly difficult in a gaming machine with a limited area.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an effect device for a gaming machine that has a higher effect than before and that can be made compact in arrangement area.

The present invention for solving the above problems has the following configuration.
(1) A ball game machine that causes a game ball to flow down to the game area of the game board,
A rotary display device that displays identification information by moving the identification information displayed on the rotating member to a display position by rotating the rotating member;
A shutter that rotates along the surface of the rotating member of the rotary display device;
A shutter driving device for reciprocally driving the shutter between a shielding state in which a display position is hidden and a storage state in which the display position is opened;
An optical display device that performs a predetermined display with light;
Housed in a housing,
A light emitting window provided in the housing and transmitting light from the optical display device;
A light emitting device control means for controlling display contents of the light display device;
The light emitting device control means is characterized in that the shutter driving device controls the display content of the optical display device in accordance with the driving of the shutter.

  (2) When the shutter driving device starts driving the shutter, the light emitting device control means changes the display content of the optical display device prior to the shutter driving device, thereby performing shutter driving advance notice (1 ).

  (3) The bullet ball game machine according to (2), wherein the light emitting device control means issues a prior notice before the shutter driving device starts to drive the shutter from the shielded state to the retracted state. .

  (4) The bullet ball game machine according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the identification information displayed on the rotating member is identification information corresponding to a gaming state to be transferred next.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, by changing the display of the optical display device according to the driving of the shutter, it is possible to stimulate the player's vision and to pay attention to the movement of the shutter.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, since the player is interested in the identification information of the rotating member, the optical display device notifies the movement information of the rotating member by announcing the movement of the shutter. , Can promote the player's sense of expectation and attract more interest.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, particularly when the shutter is closed, the identification information of the rotating member when opened is not visible, and the interest is particularly promoted. By doing so, a player's sense of expectation can be further promoted, and interest is enhanced.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the identification information of the rotating member is the identification information for notifying the next game state to be transferred, the interest is particularly shown in the identification information when the shutter is released. Therefore, the player's expectation can be further increased by notifying the movement of the shutter by the optical display device.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, in this specification, the side on which the player of the gaming machine is arranged is expressed as the front, the front, or the front side, and the opposite side to the arrangement position of the player is the back, the rear, or the rear side, and is shown in FIG. In the front view as defined above, the left-right direction is defined as the Y-axis direction, the front-rear direction is defined as the X-axis direction, the vertical direction is defined as the Z-axis, the right direction is the positive direction of the Y-axis direction, and the direction from the front side to the rear side The positive direction of the X-axis direction and the direction going vertically downward are defined as the positive direction of the Z-axis.

In FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 100 is for opening and closing mounted on a front surface of an outer frame 1 that is formed in an outer rectangular frame size and constitutes a vertically long fixed holding frame, and is formed in a rectangular frame size in accordance with the outer frame 1. A front frame 2 is provided.
The front frame 2 is attached to the outer frame 1 so as to be openable and closable by hinge fittings 3A and 3B attached to the front left and upper sides of the outer frame 1, and further, by a locking device 12 provided on the front right side of the outer frame 1. It is held in a closed state.

  In the upper area of the front frame 2, a game board 3 is arranged. The game board 3 is a base plate made of a decorative board obtained by processing cells (bonding holes) by attaching cells to the back side of a laminated plywood having a predetermined thickness. Although not shown in the figure, a substantially circular gaming area 6 is provided on the front side thereof surrounded by a guide rail attached in an annular shape.

The game area 6 is provided with a display unit 6a formed of a window portion in which a symbol variation display device 6j is installed as a display device at a substantially central portion.
A decorative member 6B, a start winning opening 6c, a special winning opening 6d, and the like are arranged around the display portion 6a. An out port 6e for collecting the out ball is also provided at the lower part of the game area, and the out ball that has fallen without winning in the start winning port 6c and the special winning port 6d can be discharged from the back side of the game board 3 to the outside of the machine. It is like that.

In addition, a glass frame 70 having a transparent glass board so that the game board 3 can be visually recognized is provided on the upper front side of the front frame 2 so as to be openable and detachable in the horizontal direction. It is held in a closed state and covers the front surface of the game board 3.
A dish unit 701 is provided on a lower side of the front surface of the front frame 2 and below the glass frame 70 by being attached to a back plate (not shown) supported to be opened and closed by the front frame 2.

The dish unit 701 is normally held in a closed state by a locking device (not shown). The dish unit 701 includes a ball storage unit 701a constituting a ball tray, an ashtray 701b provided at the lower left front portion of the ball storage unit 701a, and a firing handle 701c provided at the lower right front portion of the ball storage unit 701a. have.

  FIG. 2 is an overall front view of the decorative member for explaining the configuration of the decorative member 6B that decorates the periphery of the symbol variation display device 6j constituting the display unit 6a, and FIG. 3 is a decorative member 6B (stage) that is a frame. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the left end part of 9). As shown in FIG. 2, the symbol variation display device 6j has a frame that is mounted on a display device 6a of the game board 3 so that a display device such as a liquid crystal panel is attached from the back side so that it can be seen from the front side. A plurality of decorative pieces 601, 602, 603, and 604 that are part of the frame body are arranged on the front side of the frame body, and a stage 9 that receives a game ball is provided on the bottom surface of the frame body. Yes. In addition, a rotary display device 8 is disposed on the top of the decorative member 6B.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, an introduction path 61 is provided on the left side of the decorative member 6B from the upper part to the lower part. The introduction path 61 has an introduction port 61b into which a game ball is taken in at the upper end, and a deduction port 61c for the game ball at the lower end, which is curved so as to bulge outward with respect to the symbol variation display device 6j. It has. In other words, the upper part of the introduction path 61 is an upper inclined part that is lowered to the left, the central part of the introduction path 61 is a vertical part that falls in a substantially vertical direction, and the lower part is a lower inclined part that is lowered to the right.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the introduction path 61. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a passage sensor 62 is provided at the upper portion of the introduction path 61 at an inclined portion. The passage sensor 62 is a sensor that detects whether or not a game ball has passed, and detects the passage of the game ball when the game ball passes through the inside of the annular ball detector 621. The annular ball detector 621 is arranged such that the inner end side 622 of the ball detector 621 coincides with the inclined inner wall surface 610 of the introduction path 61 on which the game ball is placed. As a result, when the game ball passes, the ball can smoothly roll from the inclined surface into the ball detection unit 621, and the passage speed is suppressed from being reduced by the interference of the ball detection unit 621. A sufficient firing speed from the guide member 63 can be obtained.
In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the introduction path 61 is configured such that the shape of the inner method is a quadrilateral, but the inner end side of the sphere detection unit 621 is formed on each inner wall surface 610 constituting each of the four side surfaces. It is a more preferable aspect that they are arranged to match.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a firing guide member 63 having a base end connected to the outlet 61 c of the introduction path 61 is provided at the left end of the stage 9. The firing guide member 63 is a member having a curved surface formed in a concave shape upward, a firing guide portion 631 whose upper side surface is curved in a concave shape, and a flange portion 632 formed on the front side of the firing guide portion 631. The firing guide portion 631 is formed so that the front side (the negative direction of the X axis) is slightly lower in the front-rear direction (X axis direction). In addition, the shape of the firing guide portion 631 has an inclination angle at which the traveling direction of the game ball to be discharged is directed downward on the outlet port 61c side of the base end, and the inclination angle gradually decreases, and the center of the emission guide portion 631 The inclination angle becomes substantially zero at the portion.

  Furthermore, the inclination angle gradually increases so that the game ball is guided upward as the game ball advances to the firing tip portion 633 at the tip. That is, the curved surface of the firing guide portion 631 is configured in a curved shape such that the inclination direction gradually changes from the lower side to the upper side as the game ball progresses. In this way, the curved shape of the firing guide portion 631 is not discontinuous, but constitutes a continuous curve, in other words, a smooth curve, and makes maximum use of the speed of the game ball discharged while rolling. (The momentum of the game ball is reduced as much as possible), and it can be launched from the launch end 633 by the momentum of the game ball. Further, since the curved surface of the firing guide portion 631 is formed in a shape continuous with the concavely curved inner wall 610 in the lower inclined portion of the introduction path 61, smooth outflow of game balls is ensured. Such a configuration is realized by integrally forming the inner wall 610 and the firing guide portion 631 and configuring the single wall with a single member. In addition, although the cross-sectional shape of the firing guide part 631 is L-shape which consists of the flange part 632 and the firing guide part 631, it is not restricted to this shape and may be another shape. For example, an arc shape along the outer shape of the game ball or a rectangular groove may be used.

  A discharge inclined portion 634 is provided at the lowest point of the firing guide portion 631, that is, at the center portion. The discharge inclined portion 634 is configured by an inclined surface such that the rear side in the front-rear direction (the opposite side of the flange portion 632) is lowered (the X-axis positive direction is lowered). A game ball that does not have a speed capable of being fired from the launch end 633 stays at the lowest point of the launch guide 631, but is discharged and dropped onto the stage 9 by the discharge slope 634.

  As described above, the game ball received in the introduction port 61 b by the constructed introduction path 61 and the firing guide member 63 passes through the introduction path 61, the firing guide member 63, and the stage from the firing tip 633. 9 is fired up. With this firing guide member 63, it is possible to create a state in which the game ball flies to the space above the stage 9, and to produce a variety of movement of the game ball. In addition, the space located above the stage 9 is located on the front side of the symbol variation display device 6j, and when the game ball jumps into this space, the game ball overlaps the effect image displayed on the screen, and more High interest can be given to players.

  FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing the decorative member 6 </ b> B and the right end portion of the stage 9, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the ball catching portion 7. At the right end of the decorative member 6B, a ball catching portion 7 for receiving a game ball launched by the firing guide member 63 is provided. By providing the firing guide member 63 at the left end and the ball catching portion 7 at the right end on the stage 9, the width of the stage 9 can be utilized to the maximum, and the player can visually recognize the launch trajectory of the game ball. It becomes easy. The catching unit 7 may not be placed on the stage 9 and may be provided in the space above the stage 9. In this case, it is fixed to the inner surface of the frame, for example. The ball catching unit 7 may be provided at a position where the trajectory drawn by the game ball launched from the launch guide member 63 and the bottom surface 71 intersect.

  The catching portion 7 is configured by being surrounded by a bottom surface 71, a left catching wall 711, a front side wall 712, and a right partitioning portion 713 in approximately three directions. The game ball fired from the firing guide member 63 falls into the ball catching portion 7 and exhibits behavior according to the fall position, the fall angle, the fall speed, and the like. The bottom surface 71 is a surface that first receives a falling game ball, and the ball catching wall 711 has an action of bouncing up the game ball bounced up on the bottom surface 71 to the inside of the ball catching portion 7, and the front side wall 712 is The game balls are prevented from spilling on the board surface of the game board 3, and the partition portion 713 functions as a guide member for guiding the game balls to the sorting tray 5.

In the Y-axis direction, the bottom surface 71 is inclined in a direction downward toward the center of the stage (negative direction in the Y-axis), and is inclined slightly downward in the direction toward the back surface (positive direction in the X-axis). .
The sorting tray 5 is disposed adjacent to the catching portion 7, and the sorting tray 5 and the catching portion 7 are partitioned by a partition portion 713. A first insertion port 715 for introducing game balls from the catching portion 7 to the sorting tray 5 is provided at the tip of the partition member 713.

On the other hand, a protrusion 73 is provided at the upper end of the catching wall 711. The protruding portion 73 is composed of a plate material 731 protruding inward of the ball catching portion 7 at the upper end portion of the ball catching wall 711, and the plate material 731 is replaceably mounted by being pulled out in the front side direction (X axis, negative direction). Has been.
The game ball caught by the catching unit 7 jumps up at the bottom surface 71, hits the lower surface of the protrusion 73, and bounces back into the catching unit 7. The protrusion 73 has an action of suppressing the jumping of the game ball, and exhibits an action of returning the game ball into the ball catching section 7.

  The game ball launched into the space above the stage 9 by the firing guide member 63 is once secured by the ball catching unit 7, and the subsequent behavior of the game ball is guided to a desired position (such as the sorting tray 5). Becomes easy. In particular, since the protrusion 73 suppresses the jumping of the game ball, the game ball caught by the catching unit 7 is suppressed from being missed by the jump, and the game ball is easily guided to a desired position.

  A ball guide path 72 is provided on the back side of the ball catching section 7. The ball guide path 72 guides the game ball from the catching unit 7 to the sorting tray 5. The ball guide path 72 is provided along the ball catching portion 7 between the ball catching portion 7 and the back side wall 723, and the tip reaches the peripheral end of the sorting tray 5. A connection position between the sorting tray 5 and the catching portion 7 becomes the second insertion port 722.

  A step portion is formed between the ball catching portion 7 and the ball guide path 72, and a protrusion 714 that is a distributing means is formed protruding from the step portion. A passage 716 is provided between the projection 714 and the catching wall 711, and the width W 1 of the passage 716 is configured to be narrower than the width W 2 of the passage 717 between the projection 714 and the insertion port 715. The width W1 is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball so that one game ball can pass therethrough.

  On the other hand, the ball guide path 72 is inclined so that the left side (Y-axis negative direction) becomes lower in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), that is, the game ball rolls toward the distribution tray 5. ing. The protrusion 714 distributes the position where the game ball in the ball catching unit 7 rolls into the ball guide path 72 when the game ball rolls into the ball guide path 72. That is, the game balls distributed by the protrusions 714 and passed through the passage 716 roll into the base end 721 of the ball guide path 72, roll the ball guide path 72 from the base end 721 to the tip (input port 722), and the distribution tray. Will roll into 5. In this case, since the game ball starts to roll from the highest position, when it moves into the sorting tray 5, the rolling speed becomes the highest, and the speed of the game ball in the sorting tray 5 is increased and appeals visually. Increases effectiveness. In particular, the difference in speed becomes clear as compared with the speed of the game ball transferred into the ball guide path 72 through the passage 717, and the difference in behavior of the game ball in the sorting tray 5 is also clear. For this reason, the player's interest in the movement of the game ball in the sorting tray 5 is increased.

  In addition, the game ball rolling into the ball guide path 72 from the passage 717 cannot obtain a sufficient speed when it moves into the sorting tray 5 and has a circular trajectory that is insufficient in the sorting tray 5 as described later. It will show different behavior. In this way, by changing the game balls that roll into the ball guide path 72 by the protrusions 714, it is possible to change the movement of the game balls in the distribution tray 5.

  In addition, the protrusion 714 also has an effect of scattering the jumping direction of the game ball falling into the ball catching portion 7 in a random direction. The game ball that has fallen on the bottom surface 71 of the catching portion 7 usually jumps up in the direction of the catching wall 711, but the game ball that has fallen on the protrusion 714 cannot easily predict the jump-up direction, and in an unexpected direction. The game ball that jumps can increase the interest of the player.

  The game balls are also input to the sorting tray 5 from the first input port 715. The distribution tray 5 is a circular disc-shaped disk member, and a circular concave surface portion 51 on which the game ball rolls on the upper surface, a peripheral flange portion 52 formed at the peripheral end of the concave surface portion 51, Two distribution holes 53, 54 formed in the central portion of the concave surface portion 51, and a partition wall 56 provided below the concave surface portion 51 and provided between the distribution holes 53 and the distribution holes 54 are provided. The distribution holes 53 and 54 are provided at the lowest position of the concave surface portion 51, and by forming one hole at a position lower than the other hole, the probability of distribution to the hole 53 and the hole 54 can be changed. In this embodiment, the distribution hole 54 is set at a position lower than the distribution hole 53, and the probability that a game ball is distributed to the distribution hole 53 is high.

  An inner wall surface 521 that is inclined so that the inner side is lowered is provided inside the peripheral end flange portion 52. The peripheral flange portion 52 is configured such that the height h0 of the connecting portion 55 portion of the second inlet 722 is lower than the heights h1 and h2 of the peripheral flange portions 52 located on both sides thereof. The ball path 72 is provided so as to extend in the tangential direction of the peripheral flange portion 52. With this configuration, the rolling direction of the game ball thrown from the ball guide path 72 overlaps with the tangential direction of the inner wall surface 521 of the peripheral end flange portion 52, so Rolling along the peripheral flange portion 52 and rolling while drawing a circular locus while being guided by the inner wall surface 521. The inner wall surface 521 functions as a guide surface having a circular trajectory of the game ball. In addition, since the height h0 of the connecting portion 55 is set lower than the other positions (h1> h0, h2> h0), the level difference when the game ball rolls into the sorting tray 5 is small and smooth. Roll to draw a circular orbit. If the connecting portion 55 has the same height (h 1, h 2) as other positions, the step when the game ball rolls into the sorting tray 5 is large, and the rolling direction is toward the center of the sorting tray 5. Changes, and it touches the inner wall surface 521 smoothly and does not draw a circular locus.

In addition, since the ball guide path 72 has an inclination that goes down in the back direction (X-axis positive direction), the game ball rolls in the ball guide path 72 in a state where it always approaches (contacts) the back side wall 723. To do. For this reason, when rolling onto the sorting tray 5, the contact of the game ball is inherited from the rear side wall 723 to the inner wall surface 521 of the peripheral end flange portion 52, and a smooth rolling locus is drawn.
A partition wall 56 is provided on the lower side of the distribution tray 5 and has an action of distributing the game ball dropped from the distribution hole 53 and the game ball dropped from the distribution hole 54 to different positions on the stage 9.

  FIG. 8 is an overall perspective view showing the configuration of the stage 9. The stage 9 includes a distribution unit 91 disposed on the back side (rear side) of the stage and a rolling unit 92 disposed on the front side (front side) of the distribution unit 91. The distribution unit 91 and the rolling unit 92 are both provided in a strip shape along the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The distribution unit 91 includes a first distribution path 96 which is a high probability guide path located on the center line (X-axis direction) of the stage 9, and a second distribution path 93 </ b> L disposed on the left and right of the first distribution path 96. And a third distribution path 93R.

  The first distribution path 96 has a semicircular cross-sectional shape, is formed with a curvature slightly smaller than the curvature of the spherical surface of the game ball, and is provided with an inclination that goes downward (X-axis negative direction). The curvature gradually decreases toward the front (that is, the width of the road gradually increases). A spherical concave portion 95 is further provided at the front end portion of the first distribution path 96, and two positioning projections 951R and 951L for correcting the position of the game ball when the game ball is discharged are formed in the concave portion 95. Yes. When the game ball is discharged from the first distribution unit 96, it passes over the positioning protrusions 951R and 951L. At this time, the game ball is positioned between the positioning protrusions 951R and 951L, so that the game ball is positioned on the center line of the first distribution path 96 and discharged onto the rolling portion 92.

  Unlike the second distribution path 93L and the third distribution path 93R, which will be described later, the first distribution path 96 has a concave arc-shaped cross section with a particularly large curvature, and is formed in a groove-shaped path. The game ball passing through the first distribution path 96 rolls to the near side (X-axis negative direction) while slightly swinging left and right. At the final discharge end, the recess 95 greatly changes in the direction in which the gradient decreases, and the discharge speed increases. Therefore, the contact time between the positioning protrusions 951R and 951L and the game ball is shortened. For this reason, the action of storing the game ball on the center line by the positioning protrusions 951R and 951L may not be sufficiently exerted depending on the state of the game ball (rolling speed, shaking in the left-right direction, etc.). As described above, since the action of positioning the game ball on the center line of the first distribution path 96 is appropriately exerted, the direction of the game balls discharged from the first distribution path 96 is appropriately dispersed, and the whereabouts of the game balls Increased player interest in

  The second distribution path 93L and the third distribution path 93R are configured by inclined surfaces having a concave arcuate cross section having a gently curved surface, and the inclined surfaces are provided so as to descend toward the front (front side). On the further left side of the second distribution path 93L, an inclined surface that goes down toward the center is provided, and the game ball is configured to roll toward the center. The game balls in the second distribution path 93L and the third distribution path 93R roll forward and are discharged to the front rolling section 92 while swinging left and right along the concave inclined surface.

  On the other hand, ball receiving portions 97 and 924 are provided on the stage 9 below the sorting tray 5. The ball receiving portion 97 has a receiving surface 971 that receives a game ball dropped from the distribution hole 53 of the distribution tray 5, and is provided adjacent to the right end of the distribution portion 91. The ball receiving portion 97 has an inclination in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) so as to descend toward the adjacent distribution portion 91, and the game ball dropped from the distribution hole 53 due to this inclination is distributed to the distribution portion 91. Will be distributed. In addition, the ball receiving portion 97 is inclined downward toward the back side, and is guided to the back wall 911 of the stage 9, contacts the back wall 911, and is transferred to the distribution unit 91 while being guided by this. .

  The ball receiving portion 924 is a portion that receives a game ball that has dropped from the distribution hole 54, and is provided adjacent to the right end of the rolling portion 92. The ball receiving portion 924 has an inclination in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) so as to descend toward the adjacent rolling portion 92, and the game ball dropped from the distribution hole 54 due to this inclination rolls. It will be distributed to the part 92.

  The rolling portion 92 has inclined surfaces 921L and 921R that descend from the left and right sides toward the central portion so that the central portion is the lowest, and the central portion is configured by a concave surface having a more gentle curvature. A fan-shaped inclined surface 922 is provided. Flange 925R, 925L is provided on the front side of the inclined surfaces 921L, 921R, and the game balls are configured not to fall from the inclined surfaces 921L, 921R to the front side of the game board 3. A discharge port 98 is provided between the flanges 925R and 925L.

  A fan-shaped inclined surface 922 is provided at the position of the discharge port 98, and a discharge recess 923 is formed at the center of the fan-shaped inclined surface 922. The discharge recess 923 has a spherical concave curved surface, and is configured by a curved surface having a slightly larger curvature than the curved surface of the game ball. The inclined surface of the fan-shaped inclined surface 922 is an inclined surface that is inclined toward the discharge recess 923.

  With the configuration of the distribution tray 5 and the stage 9 described above, the game balls distributed to the distribution unit 91 side by the distribution tray 5 are guided to the distribution unit 91 and sent to the distribution unit 91 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The game balls roll to the left and right on the sorting unit 91, and are distributed to any one of the first sorting path 96, the second sorting path 93L, and the third sorting path 93R, and the rolling unit 92 passes through each path. Led to. The game balls distributed to the second distribution path 93L or the third distribution path 93R roll toward the central discharge port 98 through the inclined surface 921L or the inclined surface 921R of the rolling portion 92, and a part thereof is discharged. Others are discharged from the discharge port 98 through the recess 923 and not through the discharge recess 923. Further, the game balls distributed to the first distribution path 96 are discharged to the front side of the game board 3 through the recess 95, the positioning protrusions 951R, 951L, the discharge recess 923 of the fan-shaped inclined surface 922, and the like. The center lines of the first distribution path 96, the concave portion 95, the fan-shaped inclined surface 922, the discharge concave portion 923, and the intermediate points between the positioning protrusions 951R and 951L are located on the same straight line, and the straight line is the start winning opening 6c. It is configured to intersect with a vertical line passing through the center of

  In other words, the shape of the distribution unit 91 configured as described above is such that the cross-sectional contour shape when the distribution unit 91 is cut along the YZ plane is a wave shape composed of continuous curves, and the wave shape on the back side of the stage 9 is The wave shape is a small wave shape with substantially zero height, the wave height gradually increases toward the near side, and the height on the most near side (boundary with the rolling portion 92) becomes the highest. The bottom portion of the wave valley is configured to be continuous with the plane of the rolling portion 92.

  Accordingly, the game ball guided to the distribution unit 91 by the ball receiving unit 97 first reciprocally rolls in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on the back side of the distribution unit 91. Then, as it rolls in the forward direction while reciprocating, it shows a movement such that it is distributed to any one of the valleys, that is, one of the first distribution path 96, the second distribution path 93L, or the third distribution path 93R. It will be.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotary display device 8 fixed above the stage 9 will be described. FIG. 9 is an overall perspective view of the rotary display device 8, and FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the internal display drive mechanism 81. The rotary display device 8 includes a housing 80 fixed to the decorative member 6B side, a display driving mechanism 81 housed in the housing 80, and an optical display device 802.

  The housing 80 has a window 801 as a display opening at the center on the front surface side, and an opening 802h for fitting the light-transmissive member 802k of the optical display device 802 is formed on the upper surface of the center. Drive motor storage portions 803a and 803b are provided on both sides of the window 801. In the window 801, the display surface of the drum member 82 and the shutter 83 are exposed. The position of the symbol displayed on the surface of the rotating drum member 82 is changed by the rotation of the drum member 82. The position facing the window 801 is the symbol display position. The symbols arranged on the surface of the drum member 82 are identification information that can be recognized visually, and include figures, symbols, characters, and the like.

  The display drive mechanism 81 includes a drum member 82 as a rotation member, a shutter 83, a drive motor 87a that rotates the drum member 82, a drive motor 87b that rotates the shutter 83, and these drive motors 87a. , 87b, a support member 84 that supports the drum member 82 and the shutter 83, and a light emitting device 85 that is supported while being inserted inside the drum member 82.

  The support member 84 is divided into left and right, and is configured by abutting and integrating a first holding member 84a that supports the drive motor 87a and a second holding member 84b that supports the drive motor 87b. A stepping motor capable of controlling the rotation amount of each drive motor 87a, 87b is used. A drum member 82 is connected to the drive shaft 871a of the drive motor 87a, and the drive shaft 871a and the drum member 82 rotate as a unit. Here, the drum member 82 and the drive motor 87a constitute a rotational display device, and the shutter 83 and the drive motor 87b constitute a shutter opening / closing device. The drive motor 87a constitutes a rotation drive device, and the drive motor 87b constitutes a shutter drive device.

  FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view showing a state in which the drum member 82 and the shutter 83 are assembled. The drum member 82 has arms 822 and 822 installed in a cross shape at one end of a cylindrical main body, and has a fitting hole 823 for fitting the drive shaft 871a at a position where the arms 822 and 822 intersect. A boss (connection portion) is provided. The other end of the main body is an opening 821. The drum member 82 is made of a material capable of transmitting light, and a plurality of pieces of identification information are arranged and displayed in the circumferential direction on the outer surface. The identification information is visually recognizable information, and is, for example, a predetermined pattern (graphic or symbol), a character, or a combination thereof.

  FIG. 12 is an overall perspective view showing a state in which the drum member 82 and the shutter 83 are assembled. A drive shaft (not shown) of the drive motor 87b protrudes to a position facing the drive shaft 871a of the drive motor 87a, and these are provided in a direction in which they face each other on the same axis. A shutter 83 is connected to the drive shaft of the drive motor 87b, and the drive shaft of the drive motor 87b and the shutter 83 rotate together. The drum member 82 and the shutter 83 are made of a lightweight resin in order to reduce inertia.

  The shutter 83 is provided at the shielding portion 831 that is curved along the outer peripheral surface of the drum member 82, the flange 832 provided at the base end portion of the shielding portion 831 on the drive motor 87 b side, and the distal end of the flange 832. And a boss portion 833. The boss portion 833 is integrated with a metal fitting member 834 fitted therein. A drive shaft of the drive motor 87 b is fitted into the fitting member 834 via a washer 835. By supporting the shutter 83 via the fitting member 834, the connection strength between the drive shaft and the shutter 83 is increased, the deformation of the boss portion 833 is prevented, and the deformation of the entire shutter 83 due to the deformation of the boss portion 833 is prevented. Suppressed. The structure for preventing the shutter 83 from being bent is provided to prevent contact with the drum member 82. In particular, when the shutter 83 is made of a lightweight material such as a synthetic resin, the boss portion 833 may not have sufficient strength, and this connection portion has a cantilevered support structure. It is particularly preferable to provide a metal fitting member 834 because a concentrated load is applied to a connecting portion with the shaft.

  In the flange 832 of the shutter 83, notches 836 and 836 are formed on both sides of the boss portion 833 to form a storage recess. Further, a support piece for the boss portion 833 is formed by the notch 836. The light emitting device 85 is inserted into the opening 821 of the drum member 82. The shutter 83 reciprocates between a shielded state located on the front side of the drum member 82 and a stowed state located on the upper side of the drum member 82 as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. In the housed state, since the substrate 852 of the light emitting device 85 is positioned in the notch 836 of the flange 832, the flange 832 and the light emitting device 85 are configured not to interfere with each other. The shutter 83 has a movable region of approximately 180 degrees between the storage state positioned above the drum member 82 and the storage state positioned below. In this embodiment, the shutter 83 is configured to reciprocate between the upper storage state and the shielding state located on the front side.

  In the left member 84a, a contact support member 86 is provided at a position facing the front end piece of the shutter 83. The contact support member 86 has wing-like contact portions 861 and 862 formed in a shape along the curve of the shutter 83, and the tip of the shielding portion 831 of the shutter 83 is in the gap 863 between the contact portions 861 and 862. An edge is inserted. The outer contact portion 861 is located outside the shielding portion 831, and the inner contact portion 862 is located inside the shielding portion 831. The shutter 83 has a cantilever support structure at the boss portion 833. For this reason, the contact support member 86 is provided so that the shutter 83 is not bent due to the deformation of the boss portion 833 or the deformation of the shutter 83 itself and does not come into contact with peripheral members such as the drum member 82.

  When the tip of the shutter 83 is displaced outward or inward due to the bending of the shielding part 831 or the deformation of the boss part 833, the outer contact part 861 or the inner contact part 862 contacts the outer surface or the inner side of the shutter 83. And correct the displacement. That is, when the tip of the shutter 83 is displaced outward, the outer contact portion 861 comes into contact with the outer surface of the shutter 83 and corrects the displacement. When the tip of the shutter 83 is displaced inward, the inner contact portion 862 contacts the inner surface of the shutter 83 and corrects the displacement. Thus, even when the contact portions 861 and 862 are in contact with each other, the contact pressure is very small and does not hinder the rotation of the shutter 83.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the contact support member 86 is located at one end of the distal end side of the shielding portion 831 at the storage position, and is located at the other end of the distal end side at the shielding position, and is always at the distal end side. It is provided at a position where it can be guided. That is, the contact support member 86 is disposed in a movable region of the shutter 83 at a place where the shutter 83 is always present. In other words, the contact support member 86 is provided at the center of the movable region of the shutter 83.

  When the shutter 83 rotates, if the displacement occurs at the tip of the shielding portion 831 along with the rotational movement, the outer contact portion 861 or the inner contact portion 862 is slidably in contact with the tip portion of the shielding portion 831 while the shutter 83 is moving. Correct the posture. The contact portion 861 and the contact portion 862 do not sandwich the distal end portion of the shielding portion 831 from both sides, so that the resistance to the rotation of the shutter 83 is suppressed to a minimum, and the movement of the shutter 83 is not hindered.

  Since the shutter 83 is provided particularly close to the drum member 82 in order to reduce the size of the apparatus, correcting the displacement due to the deformation of the shutter 83 is due to contact with the drum member 82. It is particularly useful for preventing mutual damage.

  The light emitting device 85 includes a long substrate 852 and a light emitting diode 851 as a light source mounted on the substrate 852. The substrate 852 is fixed to the second holding member 87b side. The light emitting device 85 is inserted inside the drum member 82, and is configured such that the light source illuminates the drum member 82 from the inside. The drum member 82 is made of a translucent material, and is made transparent or translucent, for example, with a resin such as polycarbonate, and has a configuration in which surface identification information is illuminated by an inner light source.

  As described above, the configured display drive mechanism 81 has the drive motor 87a and the drum member 82 held on the first holding member 87a side, and the drive motor 87b, the shutter 83, and the light emission on the second holding member 87b side. The device 85 is held. When the first holding member 87 a and the second holding member 87 b are brought together, the substrate 852 is inserted into the opening 821 of the drum member 82, and the tip of the shutter 83 is inserted into the gap 863 of the contact support member 86. The first holding member 87a and the second holding member 87b are abutted and fixed while being inserted. As described above, since the left and right first holding members 87a and second holding members 87b are combined in a state where the members are held, assembly is facilitated.

In addition, by assembling the support member 84 in this way, the display drive mechanism 81 configured as an integral unit is assembled, and the display drive mechanism 81 is inserted into the housing 80 to assemble the rotary display device 8. .
When the display drive mechanism 81 is repaired or maintained, the display drive mechanism 81 can be easily extracted from the housing 80, and the handling becomes easy.

  The optical display device 802 is provided on the upper portion of the housing 80. The optical display device 802 includes a light emitting substrate 802B and a translucent member 802k. The light emitting substrate 802B is provided with a light emitting diode 802j as a light source, and is configured to selectively emit light of a plurality of preset colors. The light emitting substrate 802 </ b> B is disposed on the inner back side of the opening 802 h formed in the upper part of the housing 80. A light guide member 802g is provided on the front side of the light emitting substrate 802B. A translucent member 802k is placed on the upper side of the light guide member 802g. The translucent member 802k closes the opening 802h, and the translucent member 802k constitutes a light emission window of the optical display device 802.

  When the light emitting diode 802j emits light in a predetermined color, light is guided to the light transmitting member 802k by the light guide member 802g, and the light emitting window formed by the light transmitting member 802 emits light in the predetermined color. On the other hand, when the light emitting device 85 arranged on the inner side of the drum member 82 emits light, the light may pass through the drum member 82 and reach the light transmitting member 802. In this case, the light source of the light emitting substrate 802B There is a possibility that the light from 802j and the light from the light emitting device 85 are mixed and the effect of the optical display device 802 is impaired. However, when the shutter 83 is in the shielding position, since the window 801 is shielded, there is no need to cause the light emitting device 85 to emit light, and the light emitting device 85 is turned off, so that light is transmitted to the light transmitting member 802. And the display of the light emitting display device 802 is not hindered. Further, when the window 801 is opened and the shutter 83 is in the retracted position, the shutter 83 is located between the light emitting device 85 and the translucent member 802k and blocks light from the light emitting device 85. Only light from the display device 802 reaches the translucent member 802. Thus, the shutter 83 also has an effect of ensuring the light effect of the light emission window.

Next, game control means for performing game control in this gaming machine will be described.
(Game control means)
In FIG. 13, the game control means 200 is a means for overall control of the entire ball and ball game machine 100 including the progress and effects of the game. The game control means 200 includes a CPU that performs calculations, a ROM that stores programs necessary for the progress of the game, data for production, and the like, and data that is captured when the CPU performs various controls. RAM and the like that are temporarily stored.

The game control means 200 is provided on a control board provided on the back side of the game board 3. Here, the game control means 200 is not limited to one control board, and may be provided over a plurality of control boards. For example, a main control board that is mainly responsible for controlling the part directly related to the progress of the game, and a part that is electrically connected to the main control board and mainly related to the production (image display, lighting of lamps, sound output, etc.) And a sub-control board in charge of control). In this case, the symbol variation display device 6j described above is electrically connected to the sub control board. In addition, the main control board and the sub control board may be connected via a relay board or the like.

In the present embodiment, the game control means 200 includes the following means.
(Winning ball detection means)
The winning ball detection means 21 detects a winning when a game ball wins the start winning port 6c and the special winning port 6d. The start winning opening 6c and the special winning opening 6d are respectively provided with a starting winning opening sensor 6cs and a special winning opening sensor 6ds, and are electrically connected to the winning ball detecting means 21, respectively.
That is, each of the start winning opening sensor 6cs and the special winning opening sensor 6ds is one of the game ball detection sensors for detecting the winning of the game ball in the present invention.

  The start winning opening sensor 6cs is a sensor that is provided at the entrance of the starting winning opening 6c and constantly monitors the winning of a game ball to the starting winning opening 6c. When a game ball wins the start winning opening 6c, it passes through the start winning opening sensor 6cs. Thereby, the detection signal at that time is transmitted to the winning ball detecting means 21 from the start winning hole sensor 6cs. When receiving this detection signal, the winning ball detecting means 21 detects that a game ball has won the start winning port 6c.

Similarly, the special winning opening sensor 6ds is a sensor that is provided at a predetermined position of the special winning opening 6d and constantly monitors the winning of a game ball to the special winning opening 6d. When a game ball wins the special winning opening 6d, it passes through the special winning opening sensor 6ds. Accordingly, the detection signal at that time is transmitted from the special winning opening sensor 6ds to the winning ball detecting means 21. When receiving this detection signal, the winning ball detecting means 21 detects that a game ball has won the special winning opening 6d.

  Instead of or in addition to the special prize opening sensor 6ds, the passage sensor 62 can be used as a special prize opening sensor. That is, when the passage sensor 62 detects the passage of the game ball, the detection signal is transmitted to the winning ball detection means 21. When this detection signal is received, the winning ball detection means 21 operates as if a game ball has won the special winning opening 6d, and is performed by the lottery means 22 described later to trigger a lottery start.

(Lottery means)
The lottery means 22 is variable on condition that the winning ball detecting means 21 detects the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening 6c (or the detection of the game ball being taken into the stage 9 by the passage sensor 62). The lottery concerning the stop symbol displayed on the symbol variation display device 6j as the display means is performed. In this embodiment, (1) presence / absence of winning / non-winning, (2) symbol variation display of the symbol variation display device 6j. The lottery of the later stop symbol and the variation pattern during the variation display of (3) symbol is performed. The lottery means 22 includes a winning lottery means 22a, a stop symbol lottery means 22b, and a variation pattern lottery means 22c in order to perform these lotteries (1) to (3).

(Winning lottery means)
In this embodiment, the winning lottery means 22a includes a winning determination random number generating means, a winning determination random number acquiring means, and a winning determination means.
The hit determination random number generating means generates a hit determination random number having a predetermined cycle (for example, a cycle of 0 to 65535 by a 16-bit random number) by a control program or the like. The hit determination random number obtaining means detects one hit determination random number among the hit determination random numbers generated by the hit determination random number generation means, at a predetermined time, in the present embodiment, a detection signal transmitted from the start winning opening sensor 6cs. Is acquired when the winning ball detecting means 21 receives the.

  The winning determination means determines whether the winning is determined or not based on the winning determination random number acquired by the winning determination random number acquiring means. Of the random numbers for hit determination of a predetermined period generated by the random number generator for hit determination, a random number corresponding to winning is determined in advance. Then, when the winning determination random number acquired by the winning lottery random number acquisition means matches the random number corresponding to winning, it is determined to be winning, and when it does not match, it is determined not to win.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the gaming state is a normal gaming state or a time shortening gaming state described later, the winning probability is set to 1/327.
On the other hand, in the probability variation gaming state described later, the winning probability is set to 1/51.

(Stop symbol lottery means)
The stop symbol lottery means 22b draws a stop symbol to be stopped and displayed on the symbol variation display device 6j based on the determination result of the hit determination means of the hit lottery means 22a. Here, if the winning determination means of the winning lottery means 22a determines that the winning is made, any one winning symbol is selected by lottery from a plurality of winning symbols.
The stop symbol lottery means 22b is used when the winning determination means of the winning lottery means 22a determines that the winning symbol selection means, a winning symbol selection random number generation means, a winning symbol selection random number acquisition means, and a winning symbol selection means With.

  The winning symbol selecting random number generating means generates a winning symbol selecting random number having a predetermined period by a control program or the like. Then, the winning symbol selection random number acquisition means acquires one winning symbol selection random number among the winning symbol selection random numbers generated by the winning symbol selection random number generation means. Next, the winning symbol selecting means selects a winning symbol corresponding to the winning symbol selecting random number acquired by the winning symbol selecting random number acquiring means.

  In the present embodiment, the stop symbol as identification information to be stopped and displayed on the symbol variation display device 6j is composed of three symbols (numbers) of left, middle and right, and 1000 from “000” to “999”. Have street. Then, a combination of three predetermined symbols is set as a winning symbol (for example, “777”, “331”, “531”, etc.). In the present embodiment, the stop symbol lottery means 22b has the same three symbols, "000", "111", "222", when the winning determination means of the winning lottery means 22a determines that the winning symbol is won.・ ・ Select one of the 10 winning symbols up to “999”. The design which is such identification information is not limited to characters represented by numerals, but may be symbols, figures, or a combination thereof.

  In this embodiment, the ten winning symbols “000”, “111”, “222”,..., “999” are all selected with the same probability. That is, the selection probability of each winning symbol is set to 1/10. As a result, the probability that an odd symbol (“111”, “333”, etc.) is selected as the winning symbol and the probability that an even symbol (“000”, “222”, etc.) is selected are both ½. Become.

Here, in the bullet ball gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, three types of gaming states are provided: a normal gaming state, a probability variation gaming state, and a time reduction gaming state.
The “probability variation game state” is a game after the special game is over when the symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol variation display device 6j becomes an odd symbol (for example, “111”) of the winning symbols. A gaming state that is set until the next special game is started and has a higher winning probability than the normal gaming state and the time-reduced gaming state (as described above, a game having a winning probability of 1/51 State).

Further, the “time-reduced gaming state” means that when a symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol variation display device 6j in the probability variation gaming state becomes an even symbol (for example, “222”) of the winning symbols. In the game after the end of the special game, it means a game state set only for a predetermined number of games (for example, 100 games). Then, when the predetermined number of games is performed in the time-reduced game state, the time-reduced game state is terminated and the normal game state is entered.

Here, in the probability variation gaming state and the time shortening gaming state, the time from the start of symbol variation to the stop display by the symbol variation display device 6j is set to be shorter than the normal gaming state.
When the symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol variation display device 6j in the normal gaming state or the time-saving gaming state becomes an even symbol (for example, “222”) of the winning symbols, the special game ends. The game after the game is in a normal game state. As described above, the normal gaming state and the time reduction gaming state are gaming states having a winning probability of 1/327.

  In addition, the stop symbol lottery means 22b is used when the winning determination means of the winning lottery means 22a is determined not to win, the non-winning symbol selection random number generating means, and the non-winning symbol selection random number acquiring means; And a non-winning symbol selection means.

  The non-winning symbol selection random number generating means generates a non-winning symbol selection random number having a predetermined cycle by a control program or the like. Then, the non-winning symbol selection random number acquisition means acquires one non-winning symbol selection random number among the non-winning symbol selection random numbers generated by the non-winning symbol selection random number generation means. Next, the non-winning symbol selecting means selects a non-winning symbol corresponding to the non-winning symbol selecting random number acquired by the non-winning symbol selecting random number acquiring means.

  In this embodiment, if it is determined that the winning symbol is not selected, the random number is independently acquired for each of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol by the random symbol generating means for selecting the non-selected symbol, and the random number thus acquired is acquired. The left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol are selected based on the above.

Here, the stop symbol lottery means 22b is “000” out of 1000 stop symbols from “000” to “999” when the hit determination means of the hit lottery means 22a determines that the winning symbol is not won. A non-winning symbol is selected so that ten winning symbols “111”,.

(Variation pattern lottery means)
The fluctuation pattern lottery means 22c draws a fluctuation pattern of symbols to be displayed on the symbol fluctuation display device 6j.
The fluctuation pattern lottery means 22c includes a fluctuation pattern selection random number generation means, a fluctuation pattern selection random number acquisition means, and a fluctuation pattern selection means.

  The variation pattern selection random number generation means generates a variation pattern selection random number having a predetermined period by a control program or the like. Then, the variation pattern selection random number acquisition unit acquires one variation pattern selection random number among the variation pattern selection random numbers generated by the variation pattern selection random number generation unit. Next, the variation pattern selection means stores the variation patterns of a plurality of types of symbols based on the variation pattern selection random number acquired by the variation pattern selection random number acquisition means and the determination result by the hit determination means of the winning lottery means 22a. One variation pattern is selected with reference to the data table.

  In the present embodiment, two data tables (for variation pattern selection) for winning and non-winning are provided, and when the winning determination means determines that the winning is made, the data table for winning is selected. The variation pattern corresponding to the obtained variation pattern selection random number is selected. Similarly, when it is determined that the winning determination means does not win, a variation pattern corresponding to the acquired random number for variation pattern selection is selected using the data table for non-winning.

Here, in this embodiment, at the start of the variable display of the symbols, after all the three symbols are variably displayed, the display is stopped in the order of the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol, and finally all the three symbols are displayed. To stop display.
At this time, when the left symbol and the right symbol are the same among the three symbols, control is performed so as to display the reach state. Here, the reach state means a state in which the left symbol and the right symbol are the same when the left symbol and the right symbol are stopped and the middle symbol is still in the variable display.

  For example, when the selected stop symbol is a winning symbol such as “333” or “777”, or the left and right symbols are the same but the middle symbol is the same as “313” or “787”. If not, the left and right symbols are stopped and displayed, and the middle symbol is variably displayed to indicate the reach state. Then, when such a stop symbol is selected, a variation pattern for displaying the reach state is selected. In this variation pattern, a plurality of variation patterns having different reliability, which are finally stopped and displayed with the winning symbol, are provided in advance. For example, it is possible to provide a variation pattern 1 having a low probability of being stopped and displayed on the winning symbol and a variation pattern 2 having a high probability of being stopped and displayed on the winning symbol.

In this case, when the winning symbol is selected by the stop symbol lottery unit 22b, the variation pattern lottery unit 22c selects the variation pattern 2 with a higher probability than the variation pattern 1.
On the other hand, when the non-winning symbol is selected by the stop symbol lottery means 22b, the variation pattern lottery means 22c selects the variation pattern 1 with a higher probability than the variation pattern 2.

(Design display control means)
The symbol display control means 23 performs symbol variation display and stop display of the symbol variation display device 6j on condition that the winning ball detection means 21 has received a detection signal due to the winning of a game ball in the start winning opening 6c. Is to control.
The symbol display control means 23 controls the change display and stop display of symbols based on the lottery result of the lottery means 22. That is, the symbol display control means 23 performs control so as to perform symbol change display and stop display according to the stop symbol selected by the stop symbol lottery means 22b and the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern lottery means 22c.

(Special game control means)
In the special game control means 24, the winning determination random number acquired by the winning determination random number acquiring means of the winning lottery means 22a matches the winning random number, and the symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol variation display device 6j is the winning symbol (for example, "777"), the game is shifted to a special game, and the special game is executed until the end condition is satisfied. Here, “special game” means that a state in which a game ball is more likely to win than a normal game is created. Specifically, the special game port 6d is opened and a game ball can be easily received. This is a game that can be expected to win prize balls.

During the special game, the special game control means 24 controls the driving of the special prize port driving device 6dd for opening and closing the special prize port 6d.
The special game control means 24 controls the driving of the special prize opening driving device 6dd to open the special prize opening 6d, and performs the opening time of the special prize opening 6d, the number of balls won in the special prize opening 6d, and the like. . When it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the driving of the special prize opening driving device 6dd is controlled so as to temporarily close the special prize opening 6d.

When it is determined again that the special winning opening 6d opening condition is satisfied, the special winning opening 6d is opened while the special winning opening 6d is opened by controlling the driving of the special winning opening driving device 6dd. The number of balls won in the winning opening 6d is counted.
Specifically, one open state is maintained until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins the special winning opening 6d or until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. This operation is set to continue up to a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times).

  In addition to this, the following configuration may be included. That is, when the vehicle passes through a specific area (which is an area for acquiring the right to continue opening, not shown) provided in the special winning opening 6d, the above open state is repeated again. During the special game, this operation is set to continue up to the predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) on the condition that the specific region has been passed. A sensor (not shown) for detecting the passage of a game ball is provided in a specific area in the special winning opening 6d, and the detection result of the sensor is transmitted to the special game control means 24. Has been.

  Then, the special game control means 24 continues to determine whether or not the special game end condition is satisfied during the special game. When it is determined that the special game end condition is satisfied, the special game control means 24 controls to end the special game. .

(Ball carry-out control means)
The ball carry-out control means 25 controls the drive of the ball carry-out device 25d for paying out a prize ball. As described above, when the winning ball detecting means 21 receives the detection signals from the start winning port sensor 6cs and the special winning port sensor 6ds, the ball unloading device pays out the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning ball. 25d is controlled. When driven, the ball carry-out device 25d pays out the ball to the tray 701a of the ball game machine 1.

(Normal design control means)
The normal symbol control means 26 is for controlling the fluctuation display and stop display of the above-described normal symbol fluctuation display device 264d, and includes the following means.

(Entry detection means)
The incoming ball detecting means 262 detects when a game ball passes through the activated normal symbol starting port 6i.
Here, the normal symbol start port sensor 6is is a sensor that is arranged in at least a part of the passing area of the game ball of the normal symbol start port 6i and constantly monitors the passing of the game ball of the normal symbol start port 6i. is there.

When the game ball passes through the normal symbol start port 6i, a detection signal at that time is transmitted from the normal symbol start port sensor 6is to the ball detection means 262. When this detection signal is received, the incoming ball detecting means 262 detects that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol starting port 6i.
(Normal symbol lottery means)
The normal symbol lottery means 263 determines a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol variation display device 264d by lottery on the condition that the game ball has passed through the valid normal symbol start port 6i.
The normal symbol lottery means 263 includes a hit determination random number generation means, a hit determination random number value acquisition means, and a hit determination means, in the same manner as the above-described winning lottery means 22a.

That is, the normal symbol lottery means 263 generates a hit determination random number having a predetermined cycle by, for example, a software random number, and obtains a hit determination random number value when the game ball passes through the normal symbol start port 6i that is valid. Then, based on the winning determination random number value, it is determined whether the winning or not winning.
Further, the normal symbol lottery means 263 includes a stop symbol determining means for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol variation display device 264d based on the determination result of whether the winning or non-winning.

The normal symbol lottery means 263 determines the symbol to be stopped and displayed as “7” when the acquired random number for winning determination is determined to be winning. Further, the normal symbol lottery means 263 determines the symbol to be stopped and displayed as “5” or “6” when the acquired random number for winning determination is determined to be non-winning.
Here, whether the symbol “5” or “6” is selected is determined by generating a stop symbol selecting random number with the stop symbol selecting random number generating means and setting the stop symbol selecting random number value acquiring means with 1 stop symbol. Get random number for selection. Next, a stop symbol (either “5” or “6”) corresponding to the acquired random number value for selecting a stop symbol is selected.

  In addition, the normal symbol lottery means 263 determines whether the winning or non-winning determination method is different according to the state of the normal symbol starting port 6i that is valid, that is, the normal probability or the high probability. Control. Although the normal probability and the high probability are the same in that the random number for winning determination is acquired when the game ball of the normal symbol start port 6i passes, the winning probabilities are made different. In this embodiment, the normal probability is set to win with a probability of 1/2, and the high probability is set to win with a probability of 9/10. That is, at the normal probability and the high probability, 1/2 and 9/10 of the acquired hit determination random values are the random values determined to be winning.

(Normal design fluctuation control means)
When the game ball passes through the normal symbol start port 6i, the normal symbol variation control means 264 performs the symbol variation display and stop display of the normal symbol variation display device 264d based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery means 263. Is to control.
The normal symbol fluctuation control means 264 changes the symbol of the normal symbol fluctuation display device 264d for a predetermined time, and finally causes the normal symbol fluctuation display device 264d to stop-display the symbols determined by the normal symbol lottery means 263. .

(Sphere guidance device control means)
The ball guidance device control means 265 controls the operation of the ball guidance device 265d based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery means 263. Specifically, when winning is made by lottery by the normal symbol lottery means 263, the ball guiding device 265d is controlled to operate. On the contrary, when the normal symbol lottery means 263 is not selected in the lottery, the ball guiding device 265d is not operated.
The timing of operation is immediately after the symbol of the normal symbol fluctuation display device 264d fluctuates for a predetermined time and the symbol determined by the normal symbol lottery means 263 is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol fluctuation display device 264d.

When the normal symbol lottery means 263 is selected, the symbol “7” is finally stopped and displayed on the normal symbol fluctuation display device 264d. Immediately thereafter, the ball guidance device control means 265 operates the ball guidance device 265d to enlarge the electric tulip 6h at the entrance portion of the start winning opening 6c.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the normal symbol fluctuation | variation control means 264 controls so that the fluctuation time of the symbol of the normal symbol fluctuation | variation display apparatus 264d may be changed according to a gaming state.
First, in the normal gaming state, the time from the start of the change of the symbol by the normal symbol change display device 264d to the stop is set to 30 seconds. When the normal symbol lottery means 263 is selected, the ball guidance device control means 265 sets the time for operating the ball guidance device 265d to 0.5 seconds.

That is, the symbol change display is performed by the normal symbol change display device 264d for 30 seconds, and after the symbol is stopped and displayed, at the time of winning, the ball guiding device 265d is operated for 0.5 seconds to enter the start winning opening 6c. A state is formed in which the game balls are easy to win.
On the other hand, in the probability variation gaming state and the time shortening gaming state, the normal symbol variation control means 264 sets the time from the start of the symbol variation by the normal symbol variation display device 264d to the stop to 5 seconds. The ball guidance device control means 265 sets the time for operating the ball guidance device 265d to 3 seconds when the normal symbol lottery means 263 is selected.

That is, the symbol variation display is performed by the normal symbol variation display device 264d for 5 seconds, and after the symbol is stopped and displayed, the ball guiding device 265d is operated for 3 seconds at the time of winning and the game ball is placed in the start winning opening 6c. A state that makes it easier to win a prize is formed.
From the above, in the normal gaming state, the ease of winning the game ball to the start winning opening 6c hardly changes. However, in the probability variation gaming state and the time shortening gaming state, the ease of winning the game ball to the start winning opening 6c is significantly higher than in the normal gaming state.

(Image display control means)
The image display control means 27 controls the effect image displayed on the symbol variation display device 6j.
(Rotating drum control means)
The rotary drum control means 28 controls the amount of rotation of the drive motors 87a and 87b, and controls the rotation of the drum member 82 and the opening / closing (rotation) of the shutter 83. That is, the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the drive motor 87a are controlled, and the specific symbol displayed on the surface of the drum member 82 is controlled to be positioned in the window 801 of the rotary display device 8. Further, the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the drive motor 87b are controlled, and the position of the shutter 83 is switched. The shutter 83 is switched between a shielding position (shielding state) and a storage position (open state) where the window 801 is closed.

  An example of the control content is shown specifically. On the outer peripheral surface of the drum member 82, symbols corresponding to each gaming state (normal gaming state, special gaming state, probability variation gaming state, and time-saving gaming state) are arranged. At the time when the condition to be satisfied is established, the drum member 82 of the rotary display device 8 is rotated prior to the transition of the gaming state, suggesting the gaming state to transition. Thus, the rotary drum control means 28 has a function as a rotary display device control means.

  At this time, the shutter 83 is also controlled, and the shutter 83 is moved to the shielding position before the rotation of the drum member 82 is started. Then, after a symbol corresponding to the game state to be transferred next is arranged at the display position, the shutter 83 is returned to the storage position (the window 801 is opened), and the game state to be transferred next is shown. Thus, the rotary drum control means 28 also functions as a shutter drive device control means.

  The operation of closing the shutter 83 has a function as a notice that suggests shifting to a different gaming state, and the shutter mechanism also functions as a notice effect unit. Since the player expects the symbol displayed on the window 801 when the shutter 83 is opened when the shutter is closed, the player stares at the shutter 83 and the interest in the game is enhanced.

  As described above, the control timing of the drum member 82 is not limited to the case where the gaming state is switched to the normal gaming state, the time shortening gaming state, and the probability variation gaming state, but the drum member 82 is controlled according to each gaming state. It is good also as a structure which changes and displays the symbol currently displayed on the surface suitably. The shutter 83 may be controlled such that it is closed in the normal gaming state and opened in the probability varying gaming state. In addition, according to the image selected by the symbol variation display device 6j, the control of selecting the shielding or storing of the shutter 83 or the symbol of the drum member 82 may be performed.

Further, when the passage sensor 62 detects the passage of the game ball, a predetermined symbol of the drum member 82 may be displayed or the symbol may be changed based on the detection. Furthermore, control for changing the opening and closing of the shutter 83 may be performed based on the supply of the detection signal of the passage sensor 62. Alternatively, the rotation of the drum member 82 can be controlled so as to be executed when the shutter 83 is in the shielding state.
In addition, the control content is such that the passing sensor 62 counts the number of times the game ball has passed, and starts (or stops) the driving of the drum member 82 and the shutter 83 when a predetermined number of times is reached. It is good.

(Light display device control means)
The light display device control means 29 controls the color selection of the light source of the light display device 802, the presence or absence of light emission, the light intensity, the blinking speed of the light source, and the like. The light display device control means 29 detects an operation of opening the shutter 83 (moves to the storage position), controls the emitted light prior to this operation, and notifies the opening of the shutter 83. The player is interested in the identification information of the drum member 82 when the shutter 83 is opened, and stares at the shutter 83. However, the player becomes less interested when the opening timing is unknown. For this reason, when the shutter 83 is opened, the optical display device 802 gives a notice to that effect, and the interest is enhanced.

  Control for attracting the player's interest by the optical display device 802 is performed by changing the optical display. Specifically, the light emission state is changed to the light emission state. The intensity of light changes, such as changing from weak light to strong light. The color of light changes. The light begins to flash. Or the flashing speed of the light changes. Etc.

  In addition to such control, the timing of the selection or change of the light emission color is, for example, in accordance with each game state in which the game state is a normal game state, a time shortening game state, and a probability variation game state, or each game It may be performed when transitioning to a state. Further, at the same time when the game state is changed or when the shutter 83 is opened or closed, the light display can be controlled to change.

  In addition, similar control may be performed according to the image selected by the image display control means 27. In addition, since the light display device 802 makes a notice by flashing light or changing colors, the structure is simpler than that of an image display device or the like, and the structure can be simplified.

  In the configuration as described above, the gaming machine of the present invention includes variable display means (for example, symbol variation display device 6j) that can variably display a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols) that can identify each of them. After a variable display execution condition (for example, winning a game ball to the start winning opening 6c) is established, a variable display start condition corresponding to the execution condition (for example, final stop of special symbol and end of big hit game) Based on the establishment of the game, the variable display of a plurality of types of identification information is started, and the specific game that is advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display of the plurality of types of identification information becomes a specific display result (for example, jackpot symbol) Transition to a state (for example, a big hit gaming state), and a first transition condition that is satisfied after the specific gaming state ends (the specific gaming state has ended and the special symbol stop symbol is confirmed. The result of the variable display of the identification information a predetermined number of times (for example, four times) compared to the normal state (a state other than the probability variation state, the short time state, and the specific gaming state) due to the establishment of the symbol) A transition is made to a first advantageous state (for example, a probability variation state) that is a state in which the probability of obtaining a specific display result has been improved, and a second transition condition (for example, a first state) that is satisfied when the first advantageous state ends. With the establishment of the advantageous state), the variable display period of the variable display of the identification information a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 times or 100 times) is shortened as compared with the normal state and the first advantageous state. A gaming machine that shifts to a second advantageous state (for example, a short-time state). When the gaming machine shifts to the first advantageous state (probability change state), the shutter moves to the shielding position and turns before the transition. Type display device 8 is the first Move the symbol corresponding to the advantageous state of the display position, with a subsequent configuration in which the shutter 83 is opened. Further, when the shutter 83 is opened, the player's expectation can be enhanced by giving a notice by the optical display device 802 prior to the opening.

1 is an overall front view of a ball game machine of the present invention. It is a whole front view of a decoration member. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the decoration member and the left end part of a stage. It is a fragmentary sectional enlarged view which shows the sensor attachment structure of an introduction path. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the right end part of a decoration member and a stage. It is an enlarged view perspective view of a catching part. It is an expansion perspective view of a distribution tray. It is a whole perspective view which shows the structure of a stage. It is a whole perspective view of a rotation type display device. It is a disassembled perspective view of a display drive mechanism. It is a whole perspective view which shows the state which assembled the drum member and the shutter. It is a whole perspective view which shows the state which assembled the drum member and the shutter. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a game control means.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Ball game machine 1 Outer frame 12 Locking device 2 Front frame 200 Design change display device 3 Game board 3A, 3B Hinge metal fitting 5 Distribution tray 51 Concave surface portion 52 Peripheral flange portion 521 Guide surface 53 Distribution hole 54 Distribution hole 55 Connection portion 56 partition wall 6 game area 6a display unit 6B decoration member 6c start winning port 6d special winning port 61 introduction path 61b introduction port 61c outlet port 610 inner wall surface 62 passage sensor 621 ball detection unit 622 inner end 63 firing guide member 631 firing guide member 632 Flange portion 633 Launch end portion 601-604 Decoration piece 7 Ball catching portion 71 Bottom surface 711 Ball catching wall 712 Front side wall 713 Partition portion 714 Projection 715 First input port 716 Passage 717 Passage 72 Ball guiding path 721 Base end 722 Second Input port 723 Rear side wall 73 Projection 731 Plate material 70 Glass 701 Plate unit 701a Ball storage unit 701b Ashtray 701c Firing handle 8 Rotary display device 80 Housing 801 Window 802 Optical display device 802h Opening portion 802k Translucent member 81 Display drive mechanism 82 Drum member 821 Opening 822 Arm 823 Insertion hole 31 83 Shield part 832 Flange 833 Boss part 834 Fitting member 835 Washer 84 Support member 85 Light emitting device 851 Light emitting diode 852 Substrate 86 Contact support member 861, 862 Contact part 863 Clearance 87a Drive motor 871a Drive shaft 87b Drive motor 9 Stage 9 11 Dividing part 9 Back wall 92 Rolling portion 921L Inclined surface 921R Inclined surface 922 Fan-shaped inclined surface 923 Discharge recess 925R Flange 925L Flange 93L Second distribution path 93R Third distribution path 924 Ball receiving portion 95 Recessed portion 951R Positioning projection 951L Positioning projection 96 First distribution path 97 Ball receiving portion 971 Receiving surface 98 Discharge port

Claims (4)

A ball game machine that causes a game ball to flow down to the game area of the game board,
A rotary display device that displays identification information by moving the identification information displayed on the rotating member to a display position by rotating the rotating member;
A shutter that rotates along the surface of the rotating member of the rotary display device;
A shutter driving device for reciprocally driving the shutter between a shielding state in which a display position is hidden and a storage state in which the display position is opened;
An optical display device that performs a predetermined display with light;
Housed in a housing,
A light emitting window provided in the housing and transmitting light from the optical display device;
A light emitting device control means for controlling display contents of the light display device;
The light emitting device control means is characterized in that the shutter driving device controls the display content of the optical display device in accordance with the driving of the shutter.   2. The light emitting device control means according to claim 1, wherein, when the shutter driving device starts driving the shutter, the display content of the light display device is changed prior to the shutter driving device to perform shutter driving advance notice. A ball game machine.   3. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the light emitting device control means makes a prior notice before the shutter driving device starts an operation of driving the shutter from the shielded state to the retracted state. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the identification information displayed on the rotating member is identification information corresponding to a gaming state to be transferred next.

Images