JP2007244636A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a player from losing his/her interest therein as a game progresses. <P>SOLUTION: This Pachinko game machine executing a game by shooting game balls to a game area on a board face of a game board 7 is provided with a movable lighting device 46. The movable lighting device 46 has a movable member 461 movable along the direction crossing with the board face and LEDs 462 provided in the movable member 461, and is fixed to the game board 7. The movable member 461 is movable between a first position and a second position having a projecting amount toward the game area 31 higher than that of the first position. When the movable member 461 is in the second position, the LEDs 462 illuminate a prescribed area of the board face diagonally from the front. This game machine can thus execute a novel performance unprecedented in the conventional Pachinko game machine, an unexpected performance and a performance synchronized or harmonized with game balls rolling on the game area 31 so as to prevent the player from losing his/her interest therein as the game progresses. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine.

  In general, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a launching device that launches a game ball by a handle operation, and the game ball fired by this launching device passes through a specific winning opening (start winning prize opening). In response to this, the change of the special symbol displayed on the display device (electronic winning / losing lottery) is started. When the winning / losing lottery is won, a combination of predetermined special symbols is displayed on the display device, and a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player is generated. In the jackpot gaming state, the special winning opening (big winning opening) opens and closes to accept gaming balls, so that the player can acquire many winning balls.

JP 2005-131076 A

  However, in conventional ball game machines, since the performance is performed using electrical equipment and a display device that is fixed to the game board and does not move, the performance tends to be monotonous, and as the game progresses, the player's interest There was a risk of scraping.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of preventing the player's interest from being lost as the game progresses.

  In order to achieve the above object, a ball game machine according to the present invention is a ball game machine that plays a game by launching a game ball to a game area on a board surface of the game board, and includes a movable illumination device. The movable lighting device has a movable member that can move along a direction crossing the board surface, and illumination means provided on the movable member, and is fixed to the game board. The movable member is movable between the first position and a second position where the amount of protrusion to the game area is larger than that of the first position. The illumination means irradiates a predetermined area of the board surface obliquely from the front when the movable part is at the second position.

  In the above configuration, the illumination means of the movable member at the second position irradiates a predetermined area on the board surface of the game board from diagonally forward, thereby causing an unexpected lighting effect on the irradiated game board area. In addition, it is possible to provide an effect that gives a novel impression to the player.

  Moreover, the illumination means is not limited to the second position, and can irradiate the board surface between the first position and the second position where the movable member is movable. This makes it possible to produce a variety of effects by irradiation, and synchronize or harmonize with innovative effects, unexpected effects, game balls, etc. that exist in the game area. It is possible to perform a good performance and the like, and it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost as the game progresses.

  The ball game machine may include a transparent cover member that covers the front of the game area, and the cover member may include a movable member housing portion that houses the movable member at the second position.

  In the above configuration, when the movable member is in the second position, the game ball in the game area can be prevented from contacting and colliding with the movable member in the second position by being accommodated in the cover member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dirt from being attached or damaged due to the illumination means of the movable member coming into contact with or colliding with the game ball, and the illuminance of the illumination means can be maintained.

  In addition, the above-mentioned bullet ball game machine may apply a light-emitting paint to a predetermined region irradiated by the irradiation means on the board surface of the game board.

  According to the said structure, the effect which the location irradiated by an irradiation means can be emphasized more can be performed. Therefore, a more innovative gaming machine can be provided to the player.

  The ball game machine includes a structure that is fixed to the game board and protrudes from at least above the movable member to the game area, and the structure prevents contact between the movable member and the game ball. Also good.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent dirt from being attached or damaged due to the game ball coming into contact with the illumination means of the movable member, and the illumination intensity of the illumination means can be maintained.

  Further, by providing the structure, the movable member does not affect the flow direction of the game ball in the game area.

  Further, by providing the structure, it is possible to prevent the game ball in the game area from being sandwiched between the movable member and the cover member.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost as the game progresses.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a ball game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This gaming machine is installed in a place such as a gaming machine-installed store, and plays a game based on the supply of gaming balls.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card purchased by a player from a game machine-installed store is paid into a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as a CR unit) 1 by paying a value such as cash. Thus, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine in which a player plays a game in the form of borrowing a game ball used for the game will be described. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine is electronic when a borrowed game ball is received in a predetermined winning opening (start chucker, starting winning opening) 2 and enters a winning state. If the result of the lottery is selected and the result of the lottery is a win, the game ball is easy to win the special winning opening (large winning opening) 3 so that the gaming state is advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state. It is a game machine to make. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is classified as a pachinko gaming machine in the regulations on the appropriateness of customs business and the law concerning the appropriateness of business (Fairness Optimization Act) and the enforcement regulations of the law.

[Outline of gaming machine structure]
The gaming machine of this embodiment has an outer frame (wooden frame) 4, a main body member (main body) 5, an opening frame door 6, a game board 7, a door 8 with a ball tray, a ball tray 9, and a rotating type as external structures. An operation handle (ball launching handle) 10, a ball lending-related operation unit 11, a stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball tray 9, and the like are provided on the front side thereof. In addition, this gaming machine has, as an internal structure, a main control device 13, a sub-control device 14, a game ball payout device 15, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a collection passage member 18, a storage tank 19, A passage member (prize ball opening) 20 used when paying out game balls, and a power supply device 21, a firing control device 22, a firing drive device 23, and the like are provided on the rear surface side.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described in detail in the order of an external structure, an internal structure, a game area configuration, and an electrical configuration with reference to FIGS.

[External structure]
First, the external structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The outer frame 4 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body member 5 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 4 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 4 via a hinge portion 26. Moreover, the main body member 5 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside.

  The opening frame door 6 has a lock function 25 and is attached to the front surface of the main body member 5 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable via a hinge portion 26, and is configured in a frame shape. This is a door member having an opening 27 inside thereof. The opening frame door 6 is provided with a transparent plate member (cover member) 28 made of glass or resin so as to face the opening 27, and in the vicinity of the opening 27, an electric decoration 29 and a speaker 30 are provided. Is attached.

  The game board 7 is detachably attached to the main body member 5 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space portion of the main body member 5. Further, as described later, the board surface of the game board 7 and the space partitioned by the game board 7 and the transparent plate member 28 constitute a game area 31.

The door 8 with a ball tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. In the present embodiment, the following members are attached to the door 8 with a ball tray.
(1) A ball tray 9 in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device 23 is provided.
(2) A rotary operation handle 10 having a game ball launch stop button 10a for launching a game ball guided to the launch drive device 23 to a game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7. .
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit 11 including buttons for instructing a prepaid card reading process and a lending process related to a game ball borrowed by a player (hereinafter referred to as a lending ball).
(4) A stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball receiving tray 9 for allowing the player to discharge the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 9 to a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).

[Internal structure]
Next, the internal structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The main control device 13 functions as a control means, and is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to these. The main control device 13 performs electric game control processing and generates main processing information.

  The sub-control device 14 is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to them, and performs control to execute a predetermined output mode process according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Device. As will be described later, the sub-control device 14 includes a symbol control device 14a, a lamp control device 14b, a voice control device 14c, and a payout control device 14d.

  The game ball payout device 15 is a device provided with a drive source for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as a game profit (hereinafter referred to as a prize ball) in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined winning condition.

  The ball lending signal control device 16 controls the prepaid card reading processing relationship and the lending lending processing relationship.

  The movable object control device 17 has a plurality of movable objects (for example, a movable piece 44, a movable door 45, a movable illumination device 46, a winning area) arranged in the game area 31 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control apparatus 13. Device for moving a distributed object, a moving object for production, etc.), and is provided individually corresponding to a plurality of movable objects. The movable object control device 17 of the present embodiment includes a movable piece drive device, a movable door drive device, a winning area distribution drive device, a movable illumination device drive device, and an effect moving object drive device.

  The collection passage member 18 is a passage for collecting the game balls that have been launched into the game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7 by the rotary operation handle 10 to the back side of the game board 7 (common name, collective bowl). It is the member which becomes.

  The passage member 20 used when paying out the game ball is a member that serves as a passage for guiding a winning ball or a rental ball to the ball tray 9.

  The power supply device 21 is a device that supplies power to each control device in the gaming machine in response to power being turned on.

  When an operation for launching a game ball to the game area 31 is performed via the rotary operation handle 10, the launch control device 22 launches 100 play balls in one minute. And the like, and the launching intensity of the game ball is adjusted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the rotary operation handle 10.

  The launch drive device 23 is a device that activates the launch drive unit for the game ball in accordance with launch control by the launch control device 22 and launches the game ball into the game area 31.

[Composition of game area]
Next, the configuration of the game area 31 of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

The game area 31 is a space defined by the game board 7 and the transparent plate member 28, and is partitioned and formed so as to be substantially circular by a guide rail 32 and a game ball regulation rail 33 for sliding the game ball. Area.
The game ball regulation rail 33 is configured to be continuously connected to the guide rail 32, and the guide rail 32 and the game ball regulation rail 33 are spirally arranged on the board surface of the game board 7 as a whole. .

  Further, in the game area 31, a variable display device (special symbol display device) 34, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display device 35, a stage 36, a predetermined winning port (general winning port) 37, a predetermined passing port (through chucker). 38, an out port 39, a game nail (not shown), a windmill 40, a specific reservation number display lamp 41, a passing reservation number display lamp 42, an effect display lamp 43, a movable illumination device 46, and the like.

  The variable display device 34 has identification information in accordance with a result of an electronic winning lottery executed in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, winning a game ball into a predetermined winning opening). The display control device stops display after variably displaying the identification display information (for example, a symbol, a character, a background image, etc.). The variable display device 34 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a drum display device, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, or an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device. .

  The LED display device 35 is a device that displays various information to the player using LEDs. For example, a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball passes through a predetermined passage, etc.). In accordance with the result of the electronic winning lottery executed according to the above, the identification lighting information as identification information is variably displayed by the LED and then stopped and displayed.

  The stage 36 is a structure provided with a landing that allows the game ball to stay temporarily below the variable display device 34 and then allows the game ball to fall.

  The predetermined winning opening 37 is a structure provided with a plurality of openings at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and having openings for receiving the falling game balls. Note that the specific prize opening 2 and the special prize opening 3 are also included in the predetermined prize opening 37.

  Here, the specific winning opening 2 is any of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable piece 44 for expanding and reducing the opening range of the winning opening, and the game ball wins the winning opening. In response to this, the variable display device variably displays the identification display information, and is a winning opening for allowing the player to acquire a prize ball. The special winning opening 3 is one of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable door 45 that generates an open state in which the winning opening is exposed and a closed state in which the winning opening is closed. Is a winning opening that allows a player to acquire more prize balls than other winning openings in response to winning a winning opening. Hereinafter, a plurality of predetermined winning ports 37 other than the specific winning port 2 and the special winning port 3 are referred to as other winning ports 37.

  The predetermined passage 38 is a structure provided with a predetermined number of gates at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and through which a falling game ball passes.

  The out port 39 is a game ball collection opening provided at a position where the game balls that have not entered any of the predetermined winning ports 37 are converged.

  The game nail has a plurality of rod shapes that are driven into appropriate positions on the board surface of the game board 7 in order to make the movement direction of the game ball irregular by making contact with the game ball or to regulate the movement direction of the game ball. It is a member.

  The windmill 40 is a rotating member that can rotate by contact with a game ball.

  The specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 is a light-emitting device that notifies a hold state related to the start of variable display after winning a prize to the specific winning opening 2 by turning on or off.

  The passing hold number display lamp 42 is a light emitting device that notifies the holding state relating to the start of variable display after the passage to the predetermined passage port 38 is turned on or off.

  The effect display lamp 43 is a light-emitting device that has various lighting modes according to changes in the gaming state after the power is turned on.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the game board 7 includes a movable lighting device 46. The movable illumination device 46 includes a movable member 461 and a motor 463 that drives the movable member 461. The motor 463 is unitized with the variable display device 34 and provided on the game board 7. The movable member 461 includes an LED 462 including eight LEDs. In addition, the movable member 461 is covered with a transparent resin film that prevents the LED 462 from coming into contact with the game ball.

  The front surface portion 464 (surface visible from the player side) of the movable member 461 has the same pattern and color as the board surface 341 on which the movable member 461 is accommodated. The design of the front surface portion 464 of the movable member 461 is not limited to this, and a special design may be applied to the portion, or electrical decoration or liquid crystal may be provided.

  Further, on the board surface of the game board 7, a metal powder-containing paint (lamé powder-containing paint) that is irregularly reflected is applied as a light-emitting paint in a region 311 that can be irradiated to the LED 462 of the movable illumination device 46. As the light-emitting paint, a paint with a high reflectivity, a paint with pearl powder, a paint with pearl powder, a phosphorescent paint, or the like can be used alone or in combination.

  Further, for example, a plurality of LEDs may be arranged in a substantially circular shape around the movable illumination device 46 in the area 311 of the board surface of the game board 7 that can be irradiated to the LEDs 462 of the movable illumination device 46.

  A game ball distribution decoration member (structure) 24 is arranged on the surface of the game board 7 so as to surround the variable display device 34 and the movable illumination device 46. The game ball distribution decoration member 24 includes the LED display device 35, a specific reservation number display lamp 41, and a passage reservation number display lamp 42, and distributes the game balls in the game area 31 flowing down above the variable illumination device 46 to the left and right. It is a transparent resin member.

[Electrical configuration]
Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has, as an electrical configuration, a CR unit 1, a main control device 13, a sub control device 14, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a power supply device 21, and a launch control device 22. , A firing drive device 23, a detection sensor 47, a centralized management device 48, and the like. The configurations of the CR unit 1, the ball lending signal control device 16, the movable object control device 17, the power supply device 21, the launch control device 22, and the launch drive device 23 are as described above, and hence the description thereof is omitted below. To do.

  The main controller 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13b for storing a predetermined control program (computer program), and a generated process. It consists of a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13c that temporarily stores information and deletes the stored information, a frequency generation circuit unit 13d that generates a periodic signal, and the like, and performs main information processing in the gaming machine. This is a device that performs processing and generates processing information to be input to the sub-control device 14.

  The sub-control device 14 includes a symbol control device 14a, a lamp control device 14b, a voice control device 14c, and a payout control device 14d, and performs predetermined output mode processing according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. The sub-control device 14 may be configured as a device for each output mode process, or may be configured by combining a plurality of output mode processes. Each control device constituting the sub-control device 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM so that the processing can be executed independently according to the processing information.

  Here, the symbol control device 14a is identified by controlling the variable display device 34 or the LED display device 35 via the video display processor (VDP) 50 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that performs control to stop and display after lighting information or identification display information is variably displayed.

  The lamp control device 14b is used for effects provided in the electrical decorations 29 (including effect notification lamps, payout lamps, trouble lamps) and the game area 31 of the opening frame door 6 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that controls lighting of the display lamp (electric decoration) 43, the specific hold number display lamp 41, the passing hold number display lamp 42, or the like. The information represented by the specific hold number display lamp 41 or the passing hold number display lamp 42 may be notified as identification display information by the variable display device 34.

  The voice control device 14c is a device that controls the voice generation device 51 such as the speaker 30 and the sound processor according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13 to generate voice.

  The payout control device 14d is a device that performs control for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls by the game ball payout device 15 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Further, the payout control device 14d refers to the data information stored in the prepaid card read into the CR unit 1 via the ball lending signal control device 16 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13, and determines a predetermined value. It is a device that performs control to pay out a number of rented balls and counts and manages the number of lent out balls.

  The detection sensor 47 includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error detection. It is constituted by a sensor 47g. Each of the detection sensors includes a specific winning port 2, a special winning port 3, a winning specific region (for example, a region on the right side from the approximate center of the special winning port 3), a predetermined passing port 38, other winning ports 37, and a winning ball port. 20 and in the vicinity of the ball passage 49a of the ball passage member 49 where ball clogging is likely to occur, and detects whether or not a game ball passes at each location.

  The centralized management device 48 is a device that manages processing information generated by the main control device 13 outside the gaming machine.

[Game machine operation]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described by dividing it into the operations of the main control device 13, the sub control device 14, and the movable object control device 17.

[Operation of main controller]
First, the operation of the main controller 13 that performs main game control will be described.

  The power supply device 21 supplies power to the electrical control device of the gaming machine in response to power being turned on. Then, when the power is supplied, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 checks the following necessary confirmation items as an initial setting, and checks whether or not the gaming machine is in an appropriate activated state.

  Here, the main routine processing in the present embodiment is executed by a control program (computer program) stored in advance in the ROM 13b provided in the main control device 13. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs, as main routine processing, random number update processing, input detection reception processing, input management processing, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, normal symbol control processing, lamp management processing, and preparation ball payout processing. External information management processing and output management processing are performed.

  The main routine processing is to generate a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) by frequency division setting based on a periodic signal generated by the frequency generation circuit unit 13d, and to match the generated timing pulse. The CPU 13a is a basic routine that repeatedly executes a control execution process including reading and updating of each of the processes, writing and storing, or deletion of the memory.

  Hereinafter, “random number update processing”, “input detection reception processing”, “input management processing”, “special symbol control processing”, “normal symbol control processing”, “lamp management processing” and “output management processing” of the main routine processing. Is explained.

"Random number update process"
The random number update process is a process of setting a lottery game process and a random number generation range composed of a group of a plurality of predetermined numerical groups for each individual type, and generating a random number based on this setting.

"Input detection reception process"
The input detection reception process includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error. This is a process of monitoring whether there is input information generated by the detection sensor 47g according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) and receiving the input information from the sensor.

"Input management process"
The input management process analyzes the input information received by the input detection reception process, and, for example, according to the analysis result such as from which detection sensor the input signal is, Performs processing such as counting management of the number of game balls, time management from the time of reception related to winning detection until control processing based on the winning is started, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, and normal symbol control processing described later In the lamp management process and the prize ball payout process, the process result can be used as appropriate.

"Special symbol control process"
In the special symbol control process, an electronic winning / losing lottery is performed in response to receiving input information from the specific winning ball detection sensor 47a provided in the vicinity of the specific winning opening 2, and in the case of winning, a normal game This is a process for making it easy for a game ball to win a special winning opening 3 so that a game state advantageous to the player (a big hit game state) is obtained. In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 is related to display control of separate display information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol) of the variable display device 34, and lighting / drive control of the movable illumination device 46. Also process.

  Here, the special symbol is a plurality of pieces of identification information (for example, three symbols of left, middle, and right) that variably display the result of the success / failure lottery based on the winning of the game ball in the specific winning port 2. When the lottery result is a win, a plurality of identification information is displayed in a display mode stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, a state in which all three symbols of left, middle, and right are aligned with the same symbol) Thereby, it is notified that the game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player has been shifted. In such a gaming state, a state in which more prize balls can be acquired in a shorter time than in the normal gaming state occurs continuously. On the other hand, if the lottery result is out of place, a plurality of pieces of identification information are stopped in a display mode other than a predetermined combination (for example, at least one of the three symbols of left, middle, and right is different from the other). Thus, it is notified that the normal gaming state is continuing.

  Moreover, the variable display in the special symbol is a mode in which a plurality of different special symbols (for example, 12 types) set in advance are periodically displayed at a predetermined speed in a plurality of display areas (for example, This is a display method performed in three ways (left, middle, right, etc.). Hereinafter, the effect in the variable display and the background fluctuation (including character display) accompanying the variable display is referred to as a notification effect.

  In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 receives the winning of a game ball in the specific winning opening 2 as a trigger, and determines whether or not the lottery results according to the comparison of predetermined numerical values by random number extraction and the lottery result. In order to perform such display control, a random number for determining whether or not to shift to an advantageous gaming state for determining whether or not to win (lottery) and a variable display according to the determination result of whether or not the variable display device 34 is used. Random number update processing generates a random number for determining a variation pattern for providing a notification effect and a random number for determining a special symbol for setting a stop display according to the determination result of the variable display device 34 in the same manner. To do. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 individually reads the generated random numbers and stores them in the storage means as acquired random numbers.

  Further, in this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the condition on the condition that the preceding control process such as the notification effect process by the special symbol control has not already been performed at the time of obtaining the random number. The determination is made by comparing the acquired random number with a comparison value for success / failure preset in the table as a numerical distribution data group, and the result information is stored in the storage means.

  Next, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the variation pattern comparison numerical value for winning or losing that has been classified and stored in advance in the table on the basis of the success / failure, and the stored obtained random number for determining the variation pattern. Then, by comparing and comparing according to the success / failure information stored in the storage unit, the determination of the variation pattern is performed, and the variation pattern information (pattern number) to be used for hitting or losing is stored in the storage unit.

  Further, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 compares special symbols in a stop display mode (for example, left / middle / right alignment mode) that is preliminarily classified and stored in the table based on whether or not it is correct. The special symbol determination is performed by comparing the stored numerical value and the stored random number for determining the special symbol with the stored determination information according to the variation pattern information to be used for hitting or losing. Each of the plurality of special symbols obtained from the result is individually stopped and displayed, and special symbol information (left, middle and right special symbol numbers) for hitting or losing is stored in the storage means.

  Here, comparing and comparing according to a table having a numerical value for fluctuation pattern comparison or a special symbol comparison numerical value and an acquired random number corresponding thereto, This is the process of finding a match by determining the match of the combination with the acquired random number corresponding to, and if it is not, determining the match of the combination of the comparison numerical value for removal and the corresponding acquired random number. . Then, a variation pattern number for winning or losing according to the match or a plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing are stored in the storage means.

By the special symbol control process described so far, the following information is generated as the processing information obtained after winning a prize at the specific winning opening 2.
(1) A variation pattern number for winning or losing.
(2) A plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing that temporarily stop display (including fine motion display) for a predetermined variable display area.
(3) A fixed stop instruction number for making a stop display mode for a plurality of special symbols that are temporarily stopped.
(4) A jackpot transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success / failure.

  Then, when transmitting the variation pattern number and the plurality of special symbol numbers to the sub-control device 14 side through an output management process described later, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 sets the control processing execution time corresponding to the determined variation pattern. Set the timer to update the timer that performs the count calculation process. It should be noted that the fixed stop instruction number and the jackpot transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success / failure are transmitted via the output management process at a timing corresponding to the elapse of the control process execution time by the timer.

  In addition, when the combination of the special symbols (for example, the left, middle, and right special symbols are of the same type) is used for the stop and display mode to shift to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, one step before that The undecided display is referred to as a so-called reach effect. The contents of various other notification effects including such reach effect are as follows: (a) the result of the hit / decision determination, and (b) the aforementioned It is determined based on the obtained random number for determining the variation pattern and the special symbol for reading out according to the winning timing of the game ball with respect to the specific winning opening 2. In the present embodiment, when the reach effect is determined, the motor 463 of the movable illumination device 46 is driven and the LED 462 is turned on. Therefore, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 causes the movable object control device 17 and the sub control device 14 ( Information (lighting device processing information) to be transmitted to the lamp control device 14b) is generated.

  Further, when a prior control process such as a notification effect process by special symbol control has been performed at the time of acquisition of the random number by the random number generation means, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 reads until the control process is completed. In order to store the acquired random number related to the special symbol control as a result or the processing information for execution of the display mode in the storage means, and to notify the storage, the specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 is set every time a random number or the like is stored. Lighting command information to be transmitted to the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) side is generated to light one by one.

  Then, based on the timer that is updated by the count calculation that is set to manage the transition of the variation display time of the variation pattern that is variably displayed, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 notifies the stop display mode notification time. In accordance with this timing, unnecessary acquired random numbers or processing information stored in the storage means are deleted, and when the fixed stop instruction number is transmitted, the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned off one by one. That is, the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) uses the fixed stop instruction number as the turn-off command processing information when the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned on.

  Also, in this special symbol control process, the result of determination of whether or not to shift to the advantageous gaming state (big hit gaming state) is a hit, and in order to notify the winning result, a predetermined combination of the special symbols is predetermined. When executing the displayed stop display mode, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs the following processing. That is, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 responds to the win in order to shift to the advantageous gaming state (a) the movable door 45 provided to be closed with respect to the special prize winning port 3. Either an open state, (b) a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed, or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are awarded to the special winning opening 3 The closing of the movable door 45 is controlled on condition that the above condition is satisfied. Further, (c) any of the game balls won in the opened state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3. On the condition that the winning specific area detection sensor 47c has detected, the movable door 45 is continuously opened, and (d) the movable door 45 is opened and closed with the transition of the same condition as described above. , Reached the predetermined upper limit (for example, 16 times) Generating processing information for instructing to repeat until. In addition, along with the generation of the processing information, in this embodiment, the motor 463 of the movable lighting device 46 is driven and the LED 462 is lit when the gaming state is advantageous to the player. Information (illumination device processing information) to be transmitted to the control device 17 and the sub control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) is generated.

"Normal design control processing"
The normal symbol control process is a process for making the game state advantageous to the player, and electronic determination of lottery in response to receiving input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d provided in the vicinity of the predetermined passing port 38. In the case of winning, the movable pieces 44 provided on both sides of the entrance of the specific winning port 2 are expanded to expand the opening range thereof, and the launched game ball can easily enter the specific winning port 2 . Moreover, in this normal symbol control process, the display control of the identification information called a normal symbol is also performed by the LED display device 35.

  Here, the normal symbol is a predetermined number of pieces of identification information for variably displaying or blinking the result of the success / failure lottery according to the input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d (for example, “O · −” → winning symbol, “ − · × ”→ off symbol). When the lottery result is a win, a predetermined number of pieces of identification information are displayed in a specific combination that is stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, “O · −”), and thereby a gaming state advantageous for the player (for example, , Small hit) is notified. In such a gaming state, compared to the normal gaming state, a state in which a launched game ball is likely to win a prize occurs once or continuously. On the other hand, when the lottery result is out, the predetermined number of pieces of identification information becomes a display mode (eg, “− · ×”) that is stopped in a combination other than a predetermined specific combination, and thus the normal gaming state continues. Is informed.

In the normal symbol control process, in order to obtain the advantageous gaming state,
(A) The pair of movable pieces 44 that have been configured to reduce the opening range with respect to the specific winning opening 2 are operated to expand the opening range for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) (specific winning opening) 2)
(B) Then return to the original state,
The process information which instruct | indicates to perform the process called predetermined times (for example, once) is produced | generated.

"Lamp management process"
The lamp management process monitors whether there is processing information related to lamp lighting, such as winning process information generated in the input management process, according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds), and the lamp lighting This is a process for generating light emission processing information that is an output mode corresponding to the processing information when there is processing information related to the processing information. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 transmits the generated light emission processing information to the sub-control device 14 side, and stores the light emission processing information in the storage means (RAM 13c) for execution as a lighting notification output mode in the lamp management processing. To remember. The light emission processing information of the present embodiment includes information (lighting device processing information) for executing lighting control of the LED 462 of the movable lighting device 46.

"Output management process"
The output management process is an output for transmitting processing information generated by the abnormality monitoring process, the special symbol control process, the normal symbol control process, the lamp management process, and the preparation ball payout process to the sub-control device 14 side. This is a process of editing the data and transmitting the output edited storage information together with a strobe (STB) signal for notifying the output timing of the processing information.

[Operation of sub-control unit]
Next, the operation of the sub control device 14 will be described.

  The sub-control device 14 performs an initial setting at the start of activation upon power-on, and performs a check process for necessary confirmation items. If the check processing result is normal, the shift to the main routine processing in the sub-control device 14 is permitted, and main control activation start information, which is stored information transmitted from the CPU 13a of the main control device 13, is received. .

  The main routine process of the sub-control device 14 is a main control program stored in advance in the ROM provided in each of the symbol control device 14a, the lamp control device 14b, the voice control device 14c, and the payout control device 14d. In accordance with a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) generated by the frequency generation circuit unit 13d, a basic routine for repeatedly executing control execution processing including read update, write storage, or deletion of the storage That is. Hereinafter, an example of basic processing in the main routine processing of the sub-control device 14 will be described.

  First, the sub-control device 14 monitors whether or not the processing information transmitted in the output management processing has been received according to the timing pulse, and if it is received, the sub-control device 14 stores it in the storage means (for example, RAM). Remember. Next, the sub-control device 14 performs an analysis process on the received process information, and in any gaming state, any of an abnormality monitoring process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, a lamp management process, and a ball payout process It is determined which processing information (preceding command) and what kind of output mode the processing information (subsequent command number) is executed.

  Then, the sub-control device 14 sets a flag according to the result of the analysis process, sets a timer for counting based on the control process execution time according to the output mode, and stores a predetermined control program A control process for reading out and executing a control program for an output mode corresponding to the result of the analysis process from (for example, ROM) is performed.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the lamp control device 14b when processing information is received will be described.

“Operation of the lamp controller”
When the received information is a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the special game state for special symbol control or a jackpot shift instruction number, the lamp control device 14b emits light in the normal game state for special symbol control. Based on the data table, the light emission data corresponding to the variation pattern number or jackpot shift instruction number is set, and the light emission data according to the set light emission data in the panel-related electric decoration 43 and / or the frame door-related electric decoration 29 A lamp lighting process is performed so as to achieve a light emission mode.

  If the received information is stored information (light emission processing information) in a gaming state or privilege gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control, the lamp control device 14b Referring to the light emission data table in the privilege game state, light emission data that has a light emission mode different from that for the normal game state is set.

  Further, when the received information is stored information (lighting command processing information) in the normal gaming state for special symbol control or the advantageous gaming state or privilege gaming state for lighting the specific hold number display lamp 41 In this case, the lamp control device 14b turns on the specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 one by one, and from the fixed stop instruction number transmitted in accordance with the timing of the stop display mode notification time based on the timer of the main control device 13. In response to receiving the information, the specific hold number display lamps 41 are turned off one by one.

  When the received information is a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal game state for normal symbol control, or a small hit transition instruction number, the lamp control device 14b has the normal game state for normal symbol control. The light emission data corresponding to the variation pattern number or jackpot shift instruction number is read out from the light emission data table and set in accordance with the light emission data set in the panel-related electric decoration 43 and / or the frame door-related electric decoration 29. The lamp lighting process is performed so as to obtain the light emission mode.

  When the received information is stored information (light emission processing information) in a state that is a game advantageous for a player for normal symbol control or a privilege game state, the lamp control device 14b determines that the advantageous game With reference to the light emission data table in the state or the privilege gaming state, the light emission data that sets the light emission mode different from that for the normal gaming state is set.

  Further, the received information is stored information (lighting command processing information) for the normal game state for normal symbol control, the state that becomes the advantageous game, or the privilege game state for lighting the passage hold number display lamp 42. If there is, the lamp control device 14b turns on the passage holding number display lamp 42 one by one, and the fixed stop transmitted in accordance with the timing of the stop display mode notification time based on the timer of the main control device 13. In response to the reception of the information including the instruction number, the passage hold number display lamps 42 are turned off one by one.

  Furthermore, when the received information is other storage information such as processing information related to an error in a predetermined gaming state or processing information related to a preparation ball payout, the lamp control device 14b stores the stored information in a reference light emission data table. Light emission data to be a light emission mode according to information is set.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the received information is stored information (illuminating device processing information) in a gaming state or reach effect state advantageous for a special symbol control player for lighting the LED 462 of the movable lighting device 46. In this case, the lamp control process 14b performs the lighting process with reference to the light emission data table in each state.

  Specifically, when the received information is in a gaming state advantageous to a player for special symbol control, the eight LEDs 462 are set to the clock from the start to the end of the state. A process of turning on for 1400 milliseconds with a delay of 200 milliseconds every turn in turn, and turning on for 1400 milliseconds after turning off for 200 milliseconds.

  In addition, when the received information is in the reach effect state, a process of turning on / off the eight LEDs 462 every 400 milliseconds for every two groups (four by two every other group). Do.

  In the present embodiment, when the movable illumination device 46 is subjected to the lighting process, the movable member 461 including the LED 462 is in the second position by the movable illumination device driving device of the movable object control process 17 described later. As shown by, a predetermined area 311 of the board surface of the game board 7 is irradiated obliquely from the front by the LED 462. Therefore, a lighting effect unexpected by the player is generated in the region 311 of the irradiated game board 7, and an effect that gives a novel impression to the player can be performed. In addition, since the light emitting paint is applied to the irradiated region 311, it is possible to produce an effect in which the irradiated portion is more emphasized.

  In this embodiment, since the LED 462 is provided at a position where it cannot be visually recognized from the player side, the player is interested in what is performed by the movable member 461 until the LED 462 is turned on. Can be held. Therefore, the timing of irradiation by the LED 462 is not limited to the above control. For example, after the variable member 461 moves to the second position, the LED 462 is turned on after a time of about 2 seconds elapses. It is possible to sufficiently attract the interest of what is performed by the movable member 461 that has appeared until the start of the illumination according to.

  Note that the lighting process of the LEDs 462 is not limited to the above process, and control such as lighting of the eight LEDs 462 can be performed.

  In addition, as described above, by giving a special design to the front surface portion 464 of the movable member 461, or providing an electric decoration or a liquid crystal, an effect in cooperation with a game state such as display of the variable display device 34, a special You can also produce. Furthermore, when the LED is arranged on the board surface of the game board 7, it can be turned on together with the lighting process of the LED 462.

[Operation of movable object control device]
Next, the operation of the movable illumination device driving device of the movable object control device 17 will be described.

"Operation of movable lighting device drive device"
In the present embodiment, in the processing by the main control device 13, the movable object control device is generated in accordance with the generation of processing information (illumination device processing information) in a gaming state or reach effect state that is advantageous for a player for special symbol control. The movable lighting device driving device 17 generates a command for moving the movable member 461 by applying a predetermined voltage (for example, 12 V) to the motor 463 during this state.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the movable member 461 approaches (does not contact) the transparent plate member from the same position (solid line position / first position) as the variable display device 34 in the direction intersecting the board surface of the game board 7. It moves to the position (dotted line position / second position).

  As described above, the front surface portion 464 of the movable member 461 has the same pattern and color as the panel surface 341 on which the movable member 461 is accommodated. Accordingly, when the movable member 461 is in the first position, it is difficult for the player to recognize that the movable member 461 is a member that performs a special effect, and the movable member 461 performs a special effect by moving to the second position. Since the player recognizes that it is a member, the player's interest in the game can be enhanced by moving the movable member 461 that is normally in the first position to the second position.

  In the present embodiment, the movable member 461 of the movable illumination device 46 lights the LED 462 at the second position, but it may be controlled to light between the first position and the second position. At this time, the movable member 461 can be controlled to be stationary between the first position and the second position, or can be controlled to change the moving speed.

  Further, the movable member 461 of the movable lighting device 46 may be configured to rotate, for example, clockwise as viewed from the player. By adopting a configuration in which the movable member 461 is rotated, the irradiation light of the LED 462 is incident on the luminescent paint applied to the board surface while changing the angle, so that a novel effect can be performed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, there is no conventional gaming machine due to the movable member 461 of the movable illumination device 46 protruding toward the player side and the LED 462 provided on the movable member 461. Since various novel effects can be performed, the player's interest in the game can be attracted.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the region 311 irradiated with the LED 462 of the movable lighting device 46 of the game board 7 is coated with the lame powder-containing paint as the luminescent paint, and thus the portion irradiated with the LED 462 is emphasized. Therefore, a novel gaming machine can be provided to the player.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the game ball distribution decoration member 24 prevents the movable ball 461 from coming into contact with the movable member 461. Therefore, adhesion and damage of dirt due to the game ball coming into contact with the LED 462 of the movable member 461 can be prevented, and the illuminance of the LED 462 can be maintained. Moreover, since the game ball distribution decoration member 24 is a transparent resin member, it does not interfere with the light emitted from the LED 462 to the game board 7. Further, the movable member 461 does not affect the flow direction of the game ball in the game area 31. Further, since the length L shown in FIG. 8 is shorter than the diameter of the game ball flowing down the game area 31, the game ball is prevented from being sandwiched between the movable member 461 and the transparent plate member 28.

[Other Embodiments]
Here, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show another embodiment. In the present embodiment, the transparent plate member 28 is formed in a multilayer by two resin plates, and a part of the resin plate on the game board 7 side is recessed on the other resin plate side among the two resin plates. Thereby, the movable member accommodating part 28a which accommodates the movable member 461 in a 2nd position is provided.

  In addition, the movable member 461 of the present embodiment includes an LED 462 composed of four LEDs, and a small liquid crystal display device 465 in the front portion as viewed from the player side. The movable member 461 in FIG. 10 is in the second position, and the movable member 461 in the first position is accommodated so that the liquid crystal display device 465 is substantially flat with the variable display device 34.

  In addition, when the movable member 461 is in the second position, the LED 462 of the present embodiment irradiates the region 31a above the game board 7 and the regions 31b to 31d including the specific winning port 2 and the predetermined passing port 38, respectively. To do.

  In the present embodiment, when a game ball is detected at the specific winning opening 2, the predetermined passage opening 38, etc., the LED 462 is turned on at a timing at which the player can advantageously advance the game, and the areas 31b to 31d are individually set. Irradiate. Specifically, the area 31d is irradiated when the specific winning opening 2 is open, and the areas 31b and 31c are irradiated when the specific winning opening 2 is closed. Further, the region 31a is irradiated when the player can have a sense of expectation. Specifically, the region 31a is irradiated in the reach effect state.

  In the present embodiment, since the second position of the movable range of the movable member 461 can be set in the movable member accommodating portion 28a in which a part of the transparent plate member 28 is recessed, the movable range of the movable member 461 is set as described above. It can be made larger than the embodiment that has been described. Therefore, when the movable member is moved, it is possible to give a novel impression to the player and enhance the interest of the player in the game.

  In the present embodiment, when the movable member 461 is accommodated in the movable member accommodating portion 28a, it is difficult for the game ball to contact and collide with the LED 462. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the LED 462 from being contaminated or damaged, and to maintain the illuminance of the LED 462.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in order to prevent damage to the transparent plate member 28 due to the game ball being sandwiched between the movable member 461 and the movable member accommodating portion 28a and the burden on the motor 463, the movable control of the movable member 46 is performed. In this case, if it is determined that the second position cannot be sufficiently extended, the control is performed to return to the first position and then return to the second position.

  In addition, the method of providing the movable member accommodating portion 28a in the transparent plate member 28 does not form a recess in the transparent plate member 28 as in the present embodiment. For example, the cup-shaped accommodating portion is formed in the flat transparent plate member 28. The structure of providing etc. may be sufficient.

  As mentioned above, although the embodiment to which the invention made by the present inventor is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited by the discussion and the drawings that form part of the disclosure of the present invention according to this embodiment. That is, it should be added that other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a back perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a front perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a rear view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a front perspective view of the game machine of other embodiments. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 9.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 7 ... Game board, 13 ... Main control device, 13a ... CPU, 13b ... ROM, 13c ... RAM, 14 ... Sub-control device, 24 ... Game ball distribution decoration member (structure), 28 ... Transparent board member (cover member) , 28a... Movable member housing, 31... Gaming area, 34... Variable display device, 35 .. LED display device, 46 .. movable illumination device, 461 .. movable member, 462 ... LED (illumination means), 463. means)

Claims (4)

A ball game machine that launches a game ball into a game area on the surface of the game board and plays a game,
A movable member movable along a direction crossing the board surface, and an illumination means provided on the movable member, and comprising a movable illumination device fixed to the game board,
The movable member is movable between a first position and a second position where the amount of protrusion to the gaming area is larger than the first position.
The illuminating means irradiates a predetermined area of the board surface obliquely from the front when the movable member is at the second position. The ball game machine according to claim 1,
A transparent cover member covering the front of the gaming area;
The said cover member has a movable member accommodating part which accommodates the said movable member in the said 2nd position. The bullet ball game machine characterized by the above-mentioned. A ball game machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
A bullet ball game machine, wherein a light-emitting paint is applied to the predetermined area irradiated by the irradiation means in the board surface. A ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A structure that is fixed to the game board and protrudes from at least above the movable member to the game area;
The structure according to claim 1, wherein the structure prevents contact between the movable member and the game ball.

Images