JP2008220878A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine allowing a player to simultaneously perform the operation for adjusting the shooting speed of game balls and the operation for controlling the display in an image display means by one hand. <P>SOLUTION: The pinball game machine 1 includes game ball shooting means for shooting game balls onto a game board and the image display means 11 disposed on the game board. The pinball game machine 1 also has a control stick device 20 equipped with means for generating speed control signals for controlling the shooting speed of game balls shot by the game ball shooting means and means for generating display control signals for controlling the display in the image display means 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine comprising a game ball ejection means for ejecting a game ball onto a game board, and an image display means for displaying information arranged on the game board.

  Ball game machines generally have a handle for adjusting the launch speed of the game ball at the lower right position of the device, and the game ball launched by the rotation operation of the handle wins a prize on any one of the game boards. As a result, game balls as prize balls are paid out to the player.

  In addition, many recent ball game machines are provided with an image display device such as a liquid crystal display for displaying information on the game board.

  For example, in a ball game machine called a seven machine, a lottery lottery is executed every time a predetermined condition is satisfied, and if the result of the lottery is a big hit, a special game in which a large number of prize balls are paid out is executed. At the same time, a symbol change game is executed in which a plurality of symbols (decorative symbols) are displayed in a variable manner on the image display device and then stopped, and the result of the lottery is announced by the combination of the symbols (stop symbols) when stopped. The structure to be adopted is adopted.

  In the above-described symbol variation game, for the purpose of enhancing the interest of the game, a background image using content such as animation or a movie is displayed, or a character (character) of the content makes a reach or a notice of success. An effect display such as performing is performed.

  However, no matter what kind of production is performed, if the same production is repeatedly watched, the interest will gradually fade away, and you will be bored with simply watching the production that progresses automatically. Some players feel unsatisfactory.

  For this reason, a push button type operation input device is arranged at the player's hand, and an interactive type (player involvement type) reach effect is executed in which the effect mode changes in response to an input to the operation input device. The ball ball game machine that can select the type of background in the symbol variation game by operating the operation input device is gaining popularity.

  However, in the conventional ball game machine, since the handle and the operation input device are arranged at positions separated from each other, it is necessary to use both hands to perform operations on both. Also, since operation on the steering wheel is always necessary while the game is in progress, it is necessary to use both hands at the same time when performing input to the operation input device. For some players such as older players Has the problem that the difficulty of operation becomes too high. Further, a right-handed player performs a button operation with a left hand that is not a dominant arm, and it is difficult to perform a complicated operation or an operation that requires delicate timing.

  Furthermore, in ball and ball machines that require many button operations within a short period of time, there are some players who repeatedly hit the buttons with the utmost effort, and female players feel a rough impression. It may have an unfavorable effect on the store atmosphere.

In addition, the handle in conventional ball game machines is configured to adjust the injection speed of the game ball by rotating the handle, so that the wrist can be moved or twisted to adjust and maintain the injection speed. Although the operation to maintain is required, the operation of twisting the wrist is a heavy operation, and there is a problem that the hand becomes tired when playing a game for a long time.
JP 2006-158493 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to achieve one or more of the following.

  That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of performing an operation for adjusting the injection speed of a game ball and an operation for controlling display on the image display means in parallel with one hand. There is to do.

  Another object of the present invention is that it is easier for more players to perform an operation for adjusting the ejection speed of a game ball and an operation for controlling the display on the image display means in parallel. The object is to provide a ball game machine.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine that can be operated without giving a rough impression even when the buttons are operated many times within a short time.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of adjusting the injection speed of a game ball with a less burdensome operation, or a bullet capable of reducing a player's fatigue when playing for a long time. It is to provide a ball game machine.

  The present invention solves the above problems, and is a ball game machine comprising a game ball ejecting means for injecting a game ball onto the game board, and an image display means arranged on the game board, A joystick device for transmitting a speed control signal for controlling the ejection speed of the game ball ejected by the game ball ejecting means and a display control signal for controlling display on the image display means is attached. This is a characteristic ball game machine (Claim 1).

  In the ball game machine of the present invention, a joystick device that can generate a speed control signal for controlling the injection speed of the game ball and a display control signal for controlling display on the image display means is attached. With one hand, the control of the injection speed of the game ball, which is performed using the handle in the conventional ball game machine, and the display control of the image display device, which is performed using the push button type operation input device, are performed. It is possible to input and / or it is easier to perform these two operations in parallel.

  The display control signal in the present invention is a signal for performing arbitrary control on arbitrary display such as an image or a character displayed on the image display device, and represents the aspect of the reach effect in the player-related reach effect. A signal for changing (for example, a signal for selecting an item displayed on the image display device or performing a specific action on the character) or a signal for selecting a gaming environment (for example, during a game) And a signal for designating the background type in the symbol variation game).

  In the present invention, the joystick device has a base and an operating rod attached to the base so as to be tiltable in the front-rear direction and / or the left-right direction, and the display control signal is transmitted to the base. A direction signal generated based on the tilting direction of the operating rod is included (Claim 2), or the operating rod includes a push switch for detecting a pressing operation, and the display control signal is the push signal. It is preferable that a push signal generated in response to a pressing operation on the switch is further included (claim 3).

  In such an invention, there are a plurality of directions that may be used in a ball game machine that allows operations such as item selection and character operation in player-involved reach production, or background selection in symbol variation games. A function equivalent to an operation input device including an instruction button or an operation input device including a plurality of direction instruction buttons and a determination button can be realized by a joystick device.

  In the present invention, the operating rod includes a lever member that changes a pull-in amount according to the pull-in strength, and the joystick device transmits the speed control signal according to the pull-in amount of the lever member. (Claim 4) is preferable.

  In this invention, since the ejection speed of the game ball can be adjusted by pulling the lever member so as to grasp the operating rod, the conventional ball game in which the ejection speed of the game ball is adjusted by rotating the handle Compared to the machine, the burden on the wrist can be reduced.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the joystick device is attached to the center in the left-right direction of the ball game machine (claim 5).

  According to this invention, it is possible to realize a bullet ball game machine in which both right-handed players and left-handed players can comfortably input various operations for games.

  In the following, a winning / losing lottery is executed in response to a winning of a game ball at a predetermined starting port (first starting port), and three decorative symbols are variably displayed and then stopped and displayed with a predetermined stop symbol. Is displayed on the image display device, and under a predetermined condition, an operation for selecting a background in a symbol variation game and an operation for controlling an image in a reach effect can be input. A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking 1 as an example.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an external configuration of a ball game machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view (a) of a joystick device 20 attached to the ball game machine 1. FIG. 4 is a side view (b), a plan view (c), and an explanatory view (d) showing an operation state of the joystick device 20.

  As illustrated, the ball game machine 1 includes a base body 2, a game board 3 inserted in the base body 2, an outer rail 4a and an inner rail 4b surrounding the game board 3, and a space between the outer rail 4a and the inner rail 4b. Are provided with a launch lane 4 formed on the base 2, a saucer 5 attached below the base 2, a speaker 6 for outputting sound, a plurality of lamps 7 for performing an electrical decoration effect around the base 2, and the like. A joystick device 20 is attached to the lower right of the saucer unit 5.

  The game board 3 is hit with a large number of nails and windmills for changing the moving path of the game ball launched from the launch lane 4, a decorative symbol display unit 11, a special diagram display unit 12, The figure display part 13, the 1st starting port 14, the 2nd starting port 15, the 1st reservation ball display part 16, the 2nd reservation ball display part 17, the big winning device 18, the out port 19, etc. are provided.

  The decorative symbol display unit 11 displays a mode in which three decorative symbols (in the present embodiment, symbols having the numbers “0” to “9”) are displayed in a variable manner and stopped in a symbol variable game. For the decorative symbol display unit 11, an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT that can display other effect images such as a background and characters together with the decorative symbol is preferably used. For the decorative symbol display unit 11, other types of display devices such as a dot matrix and a mechanical rotary drum can be used.

  The special symbol display unit 12 and the general symbol display unit 13 respectively display a special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a “special symbol game”) and a normal symbol variation which display a mode in which the special symbol and the normal symbol are displayed in a variable manner and stopped. A game (hereinafter referred to as “general game”) is executed. Various display devices similar to the decorative symbol display unit 11 can be used for these display units 12 and 13, but from the viewpoint of reduction in manufacturing cost and occupied area, a 7-segment display or the like is inexpensive. A small display device is preferably used.

  The first start port 14 is a conductive member including a pocket-shaped winning port 14a through which a game ball can be won and movable wing pieces 14b on both sides of the winning port 14a. The first start port 14 is opened by opening and closing the movable wing piece 14b. It is possible to change the state of the mouth 14 between a state where the game ball is easy to win and a state where it is difficult to win. That is, the movable wing piece 14b can be driven to a normal state where the movable wing piece 14b stands up and an open state where the movable wing piece 14b is rotated outward by a solenoid 14c installed on the back of the game board 3. In the normal state, the game ball can be won only from the gap between the movable wing pieces 14b. However, in the open state, the game ball can be won from the lateral direction, and the winning probability of the game ball is increased. The first start port 14 is further provided with a game ball sensor 14S that detects a game ball won in the winning port 14a and transmits a game ball winning signal (hereinafter referred to as "winning signal").

  The second starting port 15 is a gate-shaped member that allows the game ball to pass through from the upper side to the lower side. The second starting port 15 detects the game ball that has passed through the second starting port 15 and detects a game ball passing signal (hereinafter, “passing signal”). The game ball sensor 15S is transmitted.

  The first and second reserved ball display units 16 and 17 display the number of held game balls won in the first starting port 14 or the number of game balls that have passed the second starting port 15, respectively. The two reserved ball display units 16 and 17 can be configured by a simple display device such as an LED.

  Below the first start port 14, a large winning device 18 having a horizontal rectangular opening / closing door 18a is provided. The open / close door 18a is normally closed so that a game ball cannot win a prize, and by opening the open / close door 18a by driving a solenoid 18b on the back of the game board 3, a game to the big prize winning device 18 is performed. Ball winning is possible. The big winning device 18 includes a gaming ball sensor 18S that detects a gaming ball won in the big winning device 18 and transmits a winning signal.

  Below the large winning device 18, an out port 19 is provided for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports on the game board 3.

  In addition to the above, the game board 3 can be provided with an additional prize opening, an accessory, or the like.

  The tray unit 5 stores the game balls paid out from the prize ball payout device 50 based on the winnings at the winning ports, and guides the stored game balls to the game ball ejection unit on the back of the joystick device 20. . The game balls stored in the saucer unit 5 can be extracted into a ball storage box or the like disposed below the saucer unit 5 by pressing the ball extraction button 5a.

  The joystick device 20 includes a mounting plate 21 projecting forward from the base body 2 of the ball game machine 1, a base 22 fixed to the mounting plate 21, a rod-shaped operation rod 23 attached to the base 22, and an operation A push button 24 and a lever member 25 attached to the collar 23 are provided.

  The operating rod 23 is pivotally supported at its base end 23 a so as to be tilted to the approximate center of the base 22. The degree of freedom in the tilting direction of the operation rod 23 is arbitrary. For example, the operating rod 23 can be tilted only in the front-rear direction (A direction) or the left-right direction (B direction), or can tilt in the front-rear left-right direction (AB direction). The operating rod 23 of this embodiment can be tilted in the front-rear and left-right directions (AB direction). The base 22 is provided with a tilt direction sensor 23S composed of four contact switches arranged at intervals of 90 degrees around the base end 23a of the operation rod 23, and tilts the operation rod 23 in any direction. As a result, a direction signal indicating the tilting direction is transmitted.

  The operation rod 23 can be provided with a biasing means such as an elastic member 23b that returns the operation rod 23 to a neutral state when the player releases the hand, or makes the operation rod 23 easier to grip. It is possible to provide a grip 23c made of rubber or soft plastic.

  A push button 24 is arranged on the top of the operation rod 23. When the push button 24 is pressed, the displacement is detected and a push switch 24S embedded in the lower part of the push button 24 is pushed. A signal is transmitted. The push button 24 includes an urging means (not shown) that applies a restoring force in a direction opposite to the pressing force, so that a push signal is transmitted and the pressing force is removed only while the pressing force is applied. It is possible to configure so that the transmission of the push signal is automatically stopped.

  In addition, although the utilization aspect of the said direction signal and a push signal can be made arbitrary, the direction signal and push signal in this embodiment are transmitted to the display control board 40, and control of the display in the decoration symbol display part 11 ( For example, it is used for background selection in symbol variation games, image control in player-involved reach production, and the like.

  A lever member 25 that changes the pull-in amount L according to the pull-in force P acting by gripping the grip 23c is attached to the middle part of the operation rod 23 (FIG. 2D). The built-in pull-in amount detection sensor 25S detects the pull-in amount L of the lever member 25 and transmits a pull-in signal. In addition, the operating rod 23 includes a touch sensor 26S that detects a player's contact with the operating rod 23 based on a change in capacitance and transmits a touch signal.

  The lever member 25 can be provided with an elastic member (not shown) that acts in a direction opposite to the pulling force P, whereby the lever member 25 is moved to the neutral position only by releasing the hand from the lever member 25. It is possible to return to the position. Further, the pulling amount L of the lever member 25 may be easily fixed by providing a ratchet mechanism between the lever member 25 and the operating rod 23. In this case, by providing a release button that can release the engagement of the ratchet by button operation, the engagement between the lever member 25 and the operating rod 23 can be easily released.

The use mode of the pull-in signal and the touch signal can be arbitrary. However, in the present embodiment, the pull-in signal and the touch signal are transmitted to the game ball ejection device 60 to control the game ball ejection to the game board 3. It is configured to be used. That is, the game ball ejection device 60 includes an ejection motor 61 that is activated when a touch signal is received, and a striking rod (not shown) that is driven by the ejection motor, provided that the touch signal continues. Then, the game balls guided from the tray unit 5 to the game ball ejection unit are ejected toward the game board 3 at predetermined time intervals. Further, the striking ball is provided with a biasing means for applying a biasing force corresponding to the pulling amount L indicated by the pulling signal, and the game ball is launched into the game board 3 with an initial speed corresponding to the pulling amount L. It is.
In the above-described ball game machine 1, by grasping the lever member 25 of the joystick device 20, the game ball stored in the saucer unit 5 is launched into the game board 3 with an initial speed corresponding to the pull-in amount L of the lever member 25, The game board 3 is dropped while repeatedly making contact with a nail or a windmill. And when a game ball wins the 1st starting port 14, the success / failure lottery by the 1st lottery means 72a is performed, and after changing three decoration symbols in the decoration symbol display part 11, it stops sequentially. The symbol variation game is executed, and the result of the above-mentioned lottery determination is notified to the player by a combination of the decorative symbols (stop symbols) that are stopped and displayed.

  The type of decoration symbol in the above-mentioned symbol variation game and the notification mode of the lottery result are arbitrary, but in this embodiment, numbers “1” to “9” are used as the decoration symbols, and all three decoration symbols are used. Is displayed with a stop symbol of the same number, it will be announced that the result of the lottery was “winning”, otherwise it will be announced that it was “lost”. Has been.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration built in the ball game machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown, the ball game machine 1 includes a main control board 30, a display control board 40, a prize ball payout device 50, a game ball ejection device 60, and the like.

  The main control board 30 includes a main control circuit 31 including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and an input processing circuit 32, an output processing circuit 33, a communication processing circuit 34, and the like connected to the main control circuit 31 via a BUS 35. It is composed of

  The input processing circuit 32 receives game ball signals (winning signals and passing signals) transmitted from the game ball sensors 14S, 15S, 18S, etc., and stores them in a reception buffer provided in the RAM or the like of the main control circuit 31. Execute the process.

  The CPU of the main control circuit 31 processes the game ball signal and the like according to the game program recorded in the ROM, and generates various control signals including an effect signal (a change start signal and a change end signal) and a prize ball payout signal. Thus, overall control of the ball game machine 1 is performed. The RAM provides a recording area for recording data generated by the CPU in temporary recording.

  The communication processing circuit 34 transmits an effect signal and a prize ball payout signal generated by the main control circuit 31 based on the information recorded in the reception buffer to the display control board 40 and the prize ball payout device 50.

  The output processing circuit 33 converts the control signal from the main control circuit 31 into a predetermined data format, and displays the special figure display unit 12, the general map display unit 13, the first reserved ball display unit 16, and the second reserved ball display unit 17. Are transmitted to external devices such as solenoids 14c and 18c.

  The display control board 40 includes a display control circuit 41 including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and an input processing circuit 42, an output processing circuit 43, an image processing circuit 44, and the like connected to the display control circuit 41 via a BUS 47. The audio processing circuit 45, the communication processing circuit 46, and the like are included.

  The input processing circuit 42 receives the effect signal transmitted from the main control board 30 and transmits it to the display control circuit 41 via the BUS 47. The CPU of the display control circuit 41 processes the effect signal and the operation signal from the joystick device 20 according to the effect processing program recorded in the ROM, and executes various effect processes. Various data generated in the effect process are temporarily recorded in the RAM. In addition, in a predetermined image data recording area of a recording means such as a ROM, data for displaying decorative symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display unit 11 and various background images B1 to Bp are recorded in a predetermined format. .

  An electrical decoration device such as a lamp 7 is connected to the output processing circuit 43, and the output processing circuit 43 transmits a control signal generated by the display control circuit 41 to these electrical decoration devices, so that a game process is being performed. Control the lighting effect.

  The image processing circuit 44 generates an image to be displayed on the decorative symbol display unit 11, and the image processing circuit 44 of this embodiment includes semiconductor devices such as a GPU, an image decoder, and a display controller.

  Here, the GPU decodes the CG image generated in accordance with the signal from the display control circuit 41 and the image data recorded in the recording area such as the ROM by the image decoder so that the screen data is obtained every predetermined frame time. Is recorded in a predetermined recording area (VRAM or the like). The display controller sequentially reads out the image data recorded in the storage area and outputs it to the decorative symbol display unit 11.

  The audio processing circuit 45 is a semiconductor device that generates sound effects, BGM, and the like output from the speaker 6, and outputs an audio signal synthesized in a sound buffer (not shown) to the speaker 6.

  The communication processing circuit 46 is connected to the tilt direction sensor 23S and the push switch 24S of the joystick device 20, and switches between enabling / disabling of the tilt direction detecting sensor 23S and the push switch 24S according to a control signal from the display control circuit 41. Then, processing such as conversion of the direction signal and the push signal transmitted from the tilt direction detection sensor 23S and the push switch 24S in the valid state into a predetermined data format and transmission to the display control circuit 41 is executed.

  The prize ball payout device 50 executes payout of game balls to the tray unit 5 in accordance with the prize ball payout signal transmitted from the main control board 30.

  A retraction amount detection sensor 25S and a touch sensor 26S of the joystick device 20 are connected to the input side of the game ball ejection device 60, and the game ball ejection device 60 drives an injection motor 61 based on signals from these sensors, and has a predetermined value. A game ball is ejected to the game board 3 at time intervals.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a main functional configuration realized in the ball game machine 1.

  In the figure, a main control means 70 is a functional block mainly realized by the main control board 30, and a lottery table recording means 71, a lottery means 72, a lottery recording means 73, a holding number display means 74, a flag recording means 75, a special figure. The game means 76, the usual game means 77, the special game means 78, the normal game means 79, etc. are comprised.

  The lottery table recording unit 71 records various lottery tables used in the lottery unit 72. Specifically, the lottery table recording means 71 includes a jackpot table 71a used for the jackpot lottery by the first lottery means 72a, and the case where the result of the jackpot lottery is “big hit” and “losing” The first and second effect tables 71b and 71c used in the effect pattern lottery by the effect lottery means 72b, the normal hit table 71d used for the normal hit lottery by the second lottery means 72c, and the like are recorded.

  In the case of the ball game machine 1 having the probability variation function, as the jackpot table 71a, separate tables having different winning probabilities for the “jackpot” for use during normal operation and probability variation operation are used. In the case of a ball game machine 1 that can be prepared and has a time reduction function, the normal hit table 71d is used as the normal hit table 71d, and the winning probability of “normal hit” for use during normal operation and short time operation, respectively. It is possible to prepare separate tables with different.

  The lottery means 72 includes a first lottery means 72a, an effect lottery means 72b, and a second lottery means 72c.

  The first lottery means 72a executes a jackpot lottery for determining whether or not a “hit” is based on a winning signal from the game ball sensor 14S. That is, the first lottery means 72a obtains a jackpot random number within a predetermined numerical range (for example, 0 to 65535) generated by a counter (not shown) at the timing of receiving the winning signal, and compares it with the jackpot table 71a. To decide whether or not to win the jackpot.

  The effect lottery means 72b selects one of a plurality of preset effect patterns using an effect random number in a predetermined numerical range generated by a counter (not shown) and the first effect table 71b or the second effect table 71c. The process which performs is performed.

  Here, as an effect pattern in the present embodiment, a “perfect loss pattern” to which a relatively short (for example, 5 to 15 seconds) variation time Th is assigned and a relatively long (for example, 30 seconds to 3 minutes) are used. A plurality of “normal reach patterns 1, 2,..., N” to which the variation times Tr1 to Trn are assigned, and a plurality of “normal reach patterns 1, 2,... N” to which the variation times Ti1 to Tim are assigned relatively long (eg, 30 seconds to 3 minutes). Player-involved reach patterns 1, 2,... M ”are prepared, and the first effect table 71b has a plurality of“ normal reach patterns 1, 2,. And data to be assigned to any of the plurality of “player-involved reach patterns 1, 2,... M” are defined, and the second effect table 71c indicates the values that the effect random numbers can take as “complete lose pattern”, Data to be assigned to any number of "normal reach pattern 1, 2 · · · n" and a plurality of the "player-participatory reach pattern 1, 2 · · · m" is specified. The “player-involved reach pattern” is a pattern prepared for a player-involved reach production, that is, a reach pattern in which the contents of the production are changed by a signal from the joystick device 20. The “pattern” is a pattern for normal reach production, that is, a reach pattern in which the content of the production is not changed by a signal from the joystick device 20.

  Then, the effect lottery means 72b stores the effect random number acquired at the timing of receiving the winning signal from the game ball sensor 14S in the first effect table 71b when the lottery result by the first lottery means 72a is “big hit”. If the lottery result is “losing” by collating, one of the effect patterns is selected by collating with the second lottery table 71c. Therefore, when the result of the jackpot lottery is “big win”, either the normal reach effect or the player-involved reach effect is always executed. When this is “lost”, the complete lose effect Either the normal reach effect or the player-involved reach effect is executed.

  The winning probability of each effect pattern in the first and second effect tables 71b and 71c can be arbitrarily determined. For example, one of the “normal reach patterns” is selected for the second effect table 71b. The probability of being selected is about 3 to 15%, the probability that one of the “player-involved reach patterns” is selected is about 2 to 15%, and the probability that the “completely lost pattern” is selected is about 70 to 95%. It is possible to do.

  The second lottery means 72c executes a normal winning lottery for determining whether or not the “normal winning” is true based on the reception of the passing signal from the game ball sensor 15S. In other words, the second lottery means 72c obtains a normal hit random number in a predetermined numerical range generated by a counter (not shown) at the timing of reception of the passing signal, and compares it with the normal hit table 71d to obtain the “normal hit table 71d”. Is decided.

  The lottery recording unit 73 includes a first lottery recording unit 73a and a second lottery recording unit 73b. The first lottery recording means 73a records the jackpot random numbers and the effect random numbers acquired by the first lottery means 72a and the effect lottery means 72b, respectively, up to a predetermined number (for example, four). The jackpot random number and the effect random number recorded in the first lottery recording means 73a are erased sequentially from the oldest one every time the special figure game means 76 executes the special figure game. The second lottery recording means 73b records the normal random numbers acquired by the second lottery means 72c up to a predetermined number (for example, four). The normal winning random numbers recorded in the second lottery recording means 73b are erased sequentially from the oldest one every time the ordinary figure game means 77 executes the ordinary figure game.

  The hold number display means 74 includes a first hold number display means 74a and a second hold number display means 74b. The first number-of-holds display unit 74a executes a process of turning on the same number of LEDs as the number of jackpot random numbers and effect random numbers recorded in the first lottery recording unit 73a in the first reserved ball display unit 16. The second number-of-holds display means 74b executes a process of turning on the same number of LEDs as the number of ordinary random numbers recorded in the second lottery recording means 73b in the second reservation ball display unit 17.

  The flag recording means 75 records various flags necessary for the operation of the main control means 70. The flags recorded in the flag recording means 75 include a big hit flag Fb, a special game continuation flag Fs, a normal win flag Fr, a normal game continuation flag Fn, a special figure start flag Fss, a special figure continuation flag Fsc, and a normal figure start flag Fns. , A normal continuation flag Fnc and the like are included.

  The special figure game means 76, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the lottery result by the first lottery means 72a and the variation time T (Th, Tr1 to Trn, Ti1 to 1) assigned to the effect pattern selected by the effect lottery means 72b. The special figure game is executed according to (Tim). That is, the special figure game means 76 continues the fluctuation display of the special symbol over the fluctuation time T in the special figure display unit 12 and then displays the special symbol indicating the lottery result by the first lottery means 72a (for example, “big hit” "", The symbol "7", and in the case of "losing", the symbol "-") is stopped and displayed as a stop symbol. Also, the special figure game means 76 notifies the display control means 80 of the lottery result by the first lottery means 72a and the effect pattern selected by the effect lottery means 72b at the start of the variable display in the special figure game. A variation start signal is transmitted, and a variation end signal is transmitted to the display control means 80 at the time of stop display in the special figure game.

  The general-purpose game means 77 executes the general-purpose game according to the lottery result by the second lottery means 72c when a predetermined condition is established. That is, the general figure game means 77 continuously executes the normal symbol fluctuation display for a predetermined time in the general figure display unit 13, and then displays the normal symbol indicating the lottery result by the second lottery means 72c (for example, “normal” In the case of “winning”, the symbol “7” is displayed, and in the case of “losing”, the symbol “-”) is stopped and displayed as a stop symbol. In addition, the said predetermined time can be about 1-3 minutes, for example, and the said predetermined time at the time-short operation | movement in the ball game machine 1 which has a time-shortening function can be about 3-15 seconds, for example. it can.

  The special game means 78 is for executing a special game advantageous to the player when a symbol of “big hit” (for example, a symbol of “7”) is stopped and displayed as a stop symbol in the special symbol display unit 12. In this special game, a round of opening the grand prize winning device 18 is repeated a predetermined number of times until a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a game according to the number of game balls won in the grand prize winning device 18 during the special game. The balls are paid out to the tray unit 5 as prize balls.

  The normal game means 79 executes a normal game advantageous to the player when the “normal hit” symbol (for example, “7” symbol) is stopped and displayed as a stop symbol in the general symbol display unit 13. . In this normal game, the first start port 14 is opened until a predetermined condition is satisfied, and during that time, a special game is executed as many times as the number of game balls won in the first start port 14, and The prize balls corresponding to the number are paid out to the tray unit 5.

  The display control means 80 in FIG. 4 is mainly realized by the display control board 40, and includes a background image recording means 81, a background image selection means 82, and a symbol variation means 83.

  The background image recording unit 81 records a plurality of types of background images B1 to Bp displayed as backgrounds of the decorative symbols 11a to 11c displayed on the decorative symbol display unit 11 in the symbol changing game executed by the symbol changing unit 83. To do.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing exemplary background images B1 to Bp recorded by the background image recording unit 81 of the present embodiment. As illustrated, in this embodiment, a plurality of background images are recorded, such as a background image B1 with a seascape as a motif, a background image B2 with a mountainscape as a motif, and a background image B3 with a cityscape as a motif. Has been. The number of the background images B1 to Bp recorded in the background image recording means 81 can be arbitrary, but considering the securing of sufficient variations and the ease of selection by the player, the number of records is about 3 to 5. It is preferable to do.

  The recording method and display method of the background images B1 to Bp are arbitrary, and the background image recording unit 81 can record still image data or moving image data depicting the background images B1 to Bp, or It is also possible to record data for generating the background images B1 to Bp using a computer graphics (CG) technique.

  The background image recording means 81 can also record image data such as characters and items displayed on the decorative symbol display unit 11 in a normal reach effect or a player-involved reach effect.

  The background image selection means 82 accepts selection of any one of the background images B1 to Bp according to signals from the tilt direction sensor 23S and the push switch 24S in the joystick device 20.

  The symbol changing means 83 includes a complete lose means 84, a normal reach means 85, and a player-involved reach means 86.

  The complete losing means 84 operates when a “complete losing pattern” is designated by the fluctuation start signal received from the special figure gaming means 76, and executes a complete losing effect in the decorative symbol display section 11.

  In other words, the complete loss means 84 generates a random number of stop symbols (a combination in which the stop symbols of the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c are different among the stop symbols of the decorative symbols 11a to 11c) that match the “complete loss pattern”. It is determined by appropriate means such as lottery using. Then, the complete loss means 84 starts the variable display of the decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display unit 11 upon receipt of the fluctuation start signal from the special figure game means 76, and the variable time Th assigned to the “complete loss pattern” is displayed. The symbol variation game is executed in which the stop symbols of the above combinations are stopped and displayed in the order of the left symbol 11a, the right symbol 11c, and the middle symbol 11b, and the symbol variation game is terminated by receiving the variation end signal from the special symbol game means 76. Let

  The normal reach unit 85 operates when any one of the “normal reach patterns” is designated by the variation start signal received from the special figure game unit 76, and executes the normal reach effect on the decorative symbol display unit 11. .

  That is, the normal reach means 85 determines the combination stop symbol for displaying the reach state according to the lottery result of the first lottery means 72a indicated by the fluctuation start signal by an appropriate means such as a lottery using random numbers. Specifically, when the same stop symbol is selected for the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c, and the lottery result by the first lottery means 72a is “big hit”, the left symbol 11a and the right symbol are also displayed on the middle symbol 11b. When the same stop symbol as the symbol 11c is selected and the lottery result by the first lottery means 72a is “losing”, a stop symbol different from the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c is selected as the middle symbol 11b. Then, the normal reach means 85 starts the change display of the decoration symbol in the decoration symbol display unit 11 upon receipt of the change start signal from the special figure game means 76, and when the predetermined time elapses thereafter, the left symbol is displayed. 11a, the right symbol 11c is stopped and displayed with the stop symbol determined as described above, and after the normal reach effect prepared corresponding to the variation times Tr1 to Trn specified by the variation start signal is executed, the middle symbol 11b is displayed. The symbol variation game to be stopped is executed, and the symbol variation game is terminated by receiving the variation end signal from the special symbol game means 76.

  The player involvement type reach means 86 operates when any of the “player participation type reach patterns” is designated by the fluctuation start signal received from the special figure game means 76, and the player's participation type is displayed in the decorative symbol display unit 11. The type reach production is executed.

  That is, the player-involved reach means 86 determines the stop symbol in the same manner as the normal reach means 85, and when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the symbol variable game, the stop is determined by determining the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c. A stop display is performed with symbols, and a player-involved reach effect prepared corresponding to the variation times Ti1 to Tim specified by the variation start signal is executed.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an exemplary aspect of the player involvement type reach effect that the player participation type reach means 86 displays on the decorative symbol display unit 11.

  FIG. 6A is an image at the start of the symbol variation game. In this state, the three decorative symbols (the left symbol 11a, the middle symbol 11b, and the right symbol 11c) are variably displayed in such a manner that they scroll downward from above. Has been.

  After a predetermined time has elapsed from the display of FIG. 6A, the player-involved reach means 86 stops and displays the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c with the same stop symbol ("7" in the illustrated example) determined as described above. The reach state is displayed (FIG. 6B), and further, as shown in FIG. 6C, an explanation of the operation to be performed by the player (in the illustrated example, the operation to the push button 24 is performed). An instruction window 90 displaying a desired image) is displayed, and an operation input from the joystick device 20 is waited for. In the illustrated example, the display size of the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c that are stopped and displayed is reduced in order to perform a powerful reach effect, while the middle symbol 11b that is being displayed in a variable manner is enlarged and displayed. ing.

  When a predetermined operation (in this example, an operation on the push button 24) is performed on the joystick device 20 when the middle symbol 11b is about to stop, as shown in FIG. 6 (d). When a larger number or larger explosion image 11e is displayed and the operation is not performed, as shown in FIG. 6 (e), a smaller number or smaller explosion image 11e. After that, the middle symbol 11b is stopped and displayed with the stop symbol determined as described above, and thereafter, the symbol variation game is terminated after receiving the variation end signal from the special figure game means 76 (FIG. 6 (f )). FIG. 6 (f) shows an example in which the lottery result by the first lottery means 72a is “big hit”, and all the three decorative symbols 11a to 11c become the same stop symbol (7). However, if the lottery result is “losing”, the middle symbol 11b stops at a stop symbol (0 to 6, 8, or 9) different from the stop symbol (7) of the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c. Will be displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of game processing executed at predetermined interrupt times (for example, 4 milliseconds) in the main control means 70.

  As shown in the figure, when the power of the ball game machine 1 is turned on, processing for resetting various flags in the flag recording means 75 is executed in step S11, and then in step S12, the reception buffer of the display control circuit 41 The game ball signals recorded from the various game ball sensors 14S, 15S, and 18S are inspected, and when a signal from any one of the sensors is recorded, the game ball signals are recorded in the RAM. After recording in the recording area, the reception buffer is cleared.

  In the following step S13, the record of the winning signal from the game ball sensor 14S in the gaming ball signal recording area is inspected, and if a winning signal is detected, the number of lottery results recorded in the first lottery recording means 73a in step S14. A determination is made as to whether N1 is less than 4.

  If it is determined in step S14 that the number of records N1 is less than 4, the first lottery means 72a operates in step S15, and the value counted by a jackpot and effect counter (not shown). Are obtained as jackpot random numbers and production random numbers, respectively, and stored in the first lottery recording means 73a. In subsequent step S16, the first number-of-holds display means 74a operates to execute a process of increasing the number of the lighting LEDs on the first reservation ball display unit 16 by one. Note that if no winning signal is detected in step S13, and if it is determined in step S14 that the number of records N1 is equal to 4, steps S15 and S16 are skipped.

  In subsequent step S17, the big hit flag Fb and the special game continuation flag Fs are inspected. If any of the flags Fb and Fs is on, the process proceeds to step S80. If both the flags Fb and Fs are off, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S80, the special gaming means 78 is operated, and a round in which the grand prize winning device 18 is in an open state is repeated a predetermined number of times until a predetermined condition (for example, a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number of game balls have been won). A special game process is executed, and a large number of game balls corresponding to the number of game balls won in the big prize device 18 during the special game are paid out to the tray unit 5 as prize balls.

  In step S18, the state of the special figure start flag Fss and the special figure continuation flag Fsc, that is, whether or not the special figure game is being executed is checked. If both flags are off, that is, the special figure game is If not, the process proceeds to step S19. If either of the flags Fss and Fsc is on, the process proceeds to step S40 to execute the special figure game process.

  In step S19, it is determined whether or not the number N1 of the big hit random numbers and the effect random numbers recorded in the first lottery recording means 73a is 1 or more.

  If it is determined in step S19 that the number of records N1 is 1 or more, the special drawing start flag Fss is set on in step S20, and then the first lottery means 72a operates in step S21. The winning lottery is executed by comparing the oldest (first recorded) jackpot random number in the first lottery recording means 73a with the jackpot table 71a.

  In subsequent step S22, the effect lottery means 72b operates, and the effect pattern is selected by comparing the oldest effect random number in the first lottery recording means 73a with the first effect table 71b or the second effect table 71c. In this case, if the lottery result in step S21 is “big hit”, the first effect table 71b is used, and if it is “lost”, the second effect table 71c is used.

  Furthermore, in step S23, the first number-of-holds display means 74a operates to execute a process of reducing the number of lighting LEDs in the first reservation ball display unit 16 by one. At this time, the process of deleting the oldest jackpot random number and effect random number in the first lottery recording means 73a is executed simultaneously.

  If it is determined in step S19 that the recording number N1 is 0, the processes in steps S20 to S23 are skipped.

  In step S24, the presence or absence of a passing signal from the game ball sensor 15S in the game ball recording area is inspected, and if the signal is detected, the number N2 of lottery results recorded in the second lottery recording means 73b is determined in step S25. A determination is made as to whether it is less than 4.

  If it is determined in step S25 that the number of records N2 is less than 4, the second lottery means 72c operates in step S26, and the value counted by the normal winning counter (not shown) Obtained as a random number and store it in the second lottery recording means 73b. In subsequent step S27, the second number-of-holds display means 74b operates to execute a process of increasing the number of the lighting LEDs in the second reservation ball display unit 17 by one. If no passing signal is detected in step S24 and if it is determined in step S25 that the recording number N2 is equal to 4, the processing in steps S26 and S27 is skipped.

  In the following step S28, the state of the normal hit flag Fr and the normal game continuation flag Fn is inspected, and if either one is on, the process proceeds to step S90, and if both are off, The process proceeds to step S29.

  In this step S90, the normal gaming means 79 operates, and the movable wing piece 14b of the first starting port 14 is moved outward until a predetermined condition (for example, a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number of game balls have been won). A normal game process that is maintained in the rotated open state is executed.

  In step S29, the state of the general chart start flag Fns and the general chart continuation flag Fnc, that is, whether or not the general chart game is being executed is checked, and if both are off, that is, the general chart game is executed. If not, the process proceeds to step S30. If any of the flags Fns and Fnc is on, the routine game process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S30, it is determined whether or not the number N2 of lottery results recorded in the second lottery recording means 73b is 1 or more.

  When it is determined in step S30 that the number of records N2 is 1 or more, in step S31, the normal drawing start flag Fns is set on, and then in step S32, the second lottery means 72c operates. The winning / failing lottery is executed by comparing the oldest (first recorded) ordinary hit random number in the second lottery recording means 73b with the ordinary hit table 71d.

  Furthermore, in step S33, the second number-of-holds display means 74b operates to execute a process of reducing the number of lighting LEDs in the second reservation ball display unit 17 by one. At this time, the process of deleting the oldest ordinary random number in the second lottery recording means 73b is executed simultaneously.

  If it is determined in step S30 that the recording number N2 is 0, the processes in steps S31 to S33 are skipped.

  In the subsequent step S34, the record of the winning signal from the sensors installed at each winning opening such as the gaming ball sensors 14S and 18S in the gaming ball signal recording area is inspected, and if any winning signal is recorded. In response to this, a prize ball payout signal is transmitted to the prize ball payout device 50.

  In step S35, the data in the game ball signal recording area is cleared, and after waiting for an interrupt signal generated by the CPU of the main control circuit 31, the process returns to step S12.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing details of the special figure variation process (step S40).

  In the special figure changing process, the state of the special figure start flag Fss is inspected in step S41, and if the flag Fss is on, the special figure start flag Fss is reset (switched off) and special in step S42. The figure continuation flag Fsc is set (switched on), and in step S43, a process for resetting the timer Ta for measuring the execution time of the special figure game is executed. In step S44, the process proceeds to step S21. The process of notifying the result of the lottery determination and the effect pattern selected in S22, and transmitting to the display control board 40 a variation start signal instructing that the symbol variation game should be started. If the special figure start flag is off in step S41, steps S42 to S44 are skipped.

  In step S45, in order to measure the execution time of the special figure game, a process of adding an interruption time (for example, 4 milliseconds) to the timer Ta is executed, and in the subsequent step S46, the special symbol in the special figure display unit 12 is changed. A special symbol update process to be displayed is executed. Specifically, when the symbol “7” is displayed on the special symbol display unit 12, a process of switching to the symbol “−” is executed, and when the symbol “−” is displayed. The process of switching this to the symbol “7” is executed, thereby realizing the variable display of the special symbol in which the symbol “7” and the symbol “−” are alternately displayed. The special symbol update process is sufficient if the special symbol display unit 12 can visually recognize how the special symbol fluctuates, and the special symbol update process may not be performed at all timings when step S46 is executed. Yes, a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) is measured based on the timer Ta, and the special symbol update process may be executed only in step S46 every time the predetermined time elapses.

  In the subsequent step S47, the execution time of the special figure variation display has passed the variation time T (Th, Tr1 to Trn, or Ti1 to Tim) assigned to the effect pattern selected in step S22 based on the timer Ta. In step S48, the special symbol display unit 12 stops displaying the special symbol and displays the stop symbol in accordance with the lottery result in step S21. Executed. That is, when the result of the winning lottery by the first lottery means 72a is a “hit”, the symbol (for example, “7”) notifying this is stopped and displayed as a stopped symbol, and when it is “lost” A symbol (for example, a symbol “-”) that notifies this is stopped and displayed as a stopped symbol.

  In subsequent step S49, a process of resetting the special figure continuation flag Fsc is executed, and in step S50, a process of transmitting a variation end signal to the display control means 80 is executed.

  Then, in step S51, the stop symbol stopped and displayed in step S48 is inspected, and if the stop symbol is a symbol that announces “big hit”, the big hit flag Fb of the flag recording means 75 is turned on in step S52. In addition to being set, a signal instructing execution of the effect for the special game is transmitted to the display control means 80. In the present embodiment, a malfunction occurs due to some disturbance or the like between the time of execution of the winning / failing lottery (step S21) and the time when the stop symbol is stopped and displayed in the special figure game process (step S48). For the purpose of avoiding troubles or the like when stop symbols that do not match the result of the winning / failing lottery are stopped, a set of jackpot flags Fb (that is, occurrence of “big hit” occurrence based on the stop symbols displayed in step S48). The determination of the jackpot flag Fb is performed when the winning lottery result is “big hit” at the time of execution of the winning lottery in step S21. Can also be performed.

  If it is determined in step S47 that the timer Ta has not reached the variation time T, if it is determined in step S51 that the stop symbol is not a symbol that announces “big hit”, or the processing in step S52 is completed. If so, the process proceeds to step S24 of the main routine.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the details of the process in the above-mentioned usual map change process (step S60).

  In the normal map change process, the state of the general map start flag Fns is checked in step S61. The figure continuation flag Fnc is set (turned on), and further, in step S63, a process for resetting a timer Tb for measuring the execution time of the ordinary game is executed. Note that if the usual diagram start flag Fns is off in step S61, steps S62 and S63 are skipped.

  In step S64, a process of adding an interrupt time (for example, 4 milliseconds) to the timer Tb is executed in order to measure the execution time of the general game, and in the subsequent step S65, the normal symbol on the general chart display unit 13 is changed. A normal symbol update process for display is executed. Specifically, when the symbol “7” is displayed on the universal symbol display unit 13, a process of switching to the symbol “−” is executed, and when the symbol “−” is displayed. The process of switching this to the symbol “7” is executed, thereby realizing the variable display of the normal symbol in which the symbol “7” and the symbol “−” are alternately displayed. Note that this normal symbol update processing is executed only in step S65 every time a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) elapses based on the timer Tb, as described above for the special symbol update processing. It doesn't matter.

  In the following step S66, it is determined whether or not the execution time of the ordinary game has passed a predetermined time T based on the timer Tb. The process of stopping the normal symbol variation display on the display unit 13 and stopping and displaying the stopped symbol according to the lottery result in step S32 is executed. That is, when the result of the lottery determination by the second lottery means 72c is “ordinary winning”, the symbol (for example, “7”) notifying this is stopped and displayed as a stop symbol, and when it is “lost” A symbol (for example, a symbol “-”) that notifies this is stopped and displayed as a stopped symbol.

  In the subsequent step S68, a process of resetting the normal figure continuation flag Fnc is executed. In step S69, the stop symbol that is stopped and displayed in step S67 is inspected, and the stop symbol is a symbol that announces “normal hit”. In step S70, processing for setting the normal hit flag Fr of the flag recording means 75 to ON is executed. In the present embodiment, the reason why the normal hit flag Fr is set based on the stop symbol stopped and displayed in step S67 is the same reason as described above for the special figure game process. The hit flag Fr can be set at a different timing.

  If it is determined in step S66 that the timer Tb has not reached the variation time T, if it is determined in step S69 that the stop symbol is not a symbol indicating “normal hit”, or the processing of step S70 is performed. If completed, the process proceeds to step S34 of the main routine.

  FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing the flow of display control processing executed by the display control means 80.

  When the display control processing is started by turning on the power to the display control board 40, the reception determination of the variation start signal from the special figure gaming means 76 in step S44 (step S101) is executed, and the signal is not detected. If so, it is checked in step S102 whether or not a push signal has been received from the push switch 24S of the joystick device 20.

  If a push signal is detected in step S102, the background image selection means 82 operates to display a background selection window 91 for accepting selection of a background image by the player on the decorative symbol display unit 11, Background designation is received by the player (step S103).

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an exemplary background selection window 91 displayed on the decorative symbol display unit 11 in step S103.

  As shown in the figure, in the background selection window 91, a plurality of selectable background images B1 to B3 and a cursor C indicating which of the background images B1 to B3 are selected are displayed. 82 executes a process of moving the cursor C between the background images B1 to B3 according to the direction signal transmitted from the joystick device 20.

  When a push signal is received from the joystick device 20, the background image selection means 82 finalizes the selection of the background images B1 to B3 on which the cursor C is placed at that time, and in step S104, the background image recording means. After the determined background images B1 to B3 are read from 81, the process returns to step S101.

  If the push signal is not detected in step S102, the process returns to step S101 after waiting for a predetermined interrupt signal generated by the CPU of the display control circuit 41 (step S105).

  On the other hand, when the variation start signal is detected in step S101, the process proceeds to step 110, and the symbol variation process is executed according to the effect pattern specified by the variation start signal. In the symbol variation game executed in the symbol variation process, any of the background images B1 to B3 read in step S104 is displayed as the background of the decorative symbols 11a to 11c.

  FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing details of the symbol variation process.

  In the symbol variation process, an effect pattern designated by the variation start signal is inspected in step S111.

  If the detected effect pattern is a “complete lose pattern”, the complete lose means 84 operates to execute the complete lose effect.

  That is, in step S112, a combination of stop symbols (a combination in which the stop symbols of the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c are different among the stop symbols of the decorative symbols 11a to 11c) that match the “completely lost pattern” is determined. After variably displaying the decorative symbols 11a to 11c in step S113, the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c are stopped and displayed in step S114, and the middle symbol 11b is stopped and displayed in step S115 without executing the reach effect. Thereafter, the symbol variation game ends after waiting for the variation stop signal from the special symbol game means 76 (step S116).

  If any of the “normal reach patterns” is detected in step S111, the normal reach unit 85 operates and a normal reach effect prepared corresponding to the detected “normal reach pattern” is executed.

  That is, in step S117, a combination of stop symbols (a combination of the stop symbols of the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c) matching the “reach pattern” is determined, and in step S118, the decorative symbols 11a to 11c are variably displayed. In step S119, the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c are stopped and displayed. Further, in step S120, the middle effect 11b is continuously displayed for a certain long time. 11b is stopped and displayed, and then the symbol variation game ends after waiting for the variation stop signal from the special symbol game means 76 (step S122). The reach effect in step S120 is a normal reach effect in which the content of the effect does not change due to an operation on the joystick device 20.

  If any “player-involved reach pattern” is detected in step S111, the player-involved reach means 86 operates and is prepared corresponding to the detected “player-involved reach pattern”. A player-involved reach production is executed.

  That is, in step S123, combination symbols that match the “reach pattern” are determined (the combination in which the symbols of the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c are the same), and in step S124, the decorative symbols 11a to 11c are variably displayed. In step S125, the left symbol 11a and the right symbol 11c are stopped and displayed, and subsequently, in step S126, a reach effect is performed in which the variable symbol display of the middle symbol 11b continues for a certain long time.

  At this time, the player involvement type reach means 86 displays the decorative symbols in response to a signal (for example, a direction signal or a push signal) from the joystick device 20 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 6C to 6E. The display in the part 11 is changed.

After the effect in step S126 has been executed for a certain period of time, the middle symbol 11b is stopped and displayed in step S127, and then the symbol variable game ends after waiting for a variable stop signal from the special symbol game means 76 (step S128).
After steps S116, S122, and S128, the process returns to step S101.

As described above, in the ball game machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the lever member 25 (retraction amount sensor 25S) for generating a speed control signal for adjusting the injection speed of the game ball to the game board 3 and The operation rod 23 (tilt direction sensor 23S) and the push button 24 (push switch 24S) for generating a display control signal for controlling display on the decorative symbol display unit 11 are integrated into a single joystick device 20. Therefore, the operation for adjusting the injection speed of the game ball and controlling the display in the decorative symbol display unit 11 can be easily performed with one hand.
In addition, in the ball game machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game ball ejection speed can be adjusted by the operation of grasping the lever member 25. Therefore, the game ball ejection speed has been adjusted by rotating the handle. The degree of fatigue caused by playing a game for a long time can be reduced as compared with the conventional ball game machine.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a ball game machine 1 ′ according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  This ball game machine 1 ′ is different from the ball game machine 1 only in that the joystick device 20 is mounted on the tray portion 5 in the vicinity of the center of the device in the left-right direction. It has the same configuration as the ball game machine 1.

  Therefore, in the ball game machine 1 ', in addition to achieving the same effect as described above for the ball game machine 1, both the right-handed player and the left-handed player can input operations for comfortable game play. The additional effect of being able to perform is achieved.

  The present invention has been described based on the exemplary embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. is there.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a ball game machine generally called a pachinko machine has been described. However, the present invention injects a game ball such as a sparrow ball game machine or an arrangement ball to a game board. The present invention can be similarly applied to other types of ball game machines including a game ball ejecting unit and an image display unit arranged on the game board.

  In addition, the types and shapes of the members such as the operation rod, push button, and lever member included in the joystick device shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the joystick device of the present invention has a different type and shape. It is also possible to be constituted by members.

  In the above embodiment, the injection speed of the game ball is adjusted according to the retraction operation of the lever member 25, and the display control in the image display device is performed in response to the tilting operation to the operation rod 23 or the operation to the push button 24. The bullet ball game machine to be performed has been described as an example. However, the game ball ejection speed is adjusted according to the tilting operation to the operation rod 23, and the display on the image display device is responded to the operation on the lever member 25 and the push button 24. It is also possible to use the joystick device 20 of the present invention in a mode different from the above-described embodiment, such as performing control.

  In the above embodiment, as an example of the display control based on the display control signal, the case where the selection of the background image and the control of the explosion image in the reach effect is performed, but the display control in the present invention is performed in the image display device. Other optional aspects of control are included.

  In addition, the apparatus configuration and functional configuration, specific processing contents, effects, image modes, and the like in the above-described embodiments are described merely as examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

Explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance structure of the ball game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The front view (a) of a joystick apparatus, a side view (b), a top view (c), and explanatory drawing (d) which shows the operation state of a joystick apparatus. Explanatory drawing which shows the hardware constitutions of the ball game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the main functional structures of the ball game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the example background image recorded on a background image recording means. Explanatory drawing which shows the aspect of the exemplary player involvement type reach production performed by a player participation type reach means. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the ball game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the ball game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process in the ball game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the display control process in the ball game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the aspect of an example background selection window. Explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance structure of the ball game machine which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ball game machine, 2 ... Base | substrate, 3 ... Game board, 4 ... Launching lane, 4a ... Outer rail, 4b ... Inner rail, 5 ... Receptacle part, 5a ... ball extraction button, 6 ... speaker, 7 ... lamp, 11 ... decorative design display, 11a-11c ... decorative design, 12 ... special display, 13, ...・ Normal display part, 14 ... first start port, 14a ... winning port, 14b ... movable wing piece, 14c ... solenoid, 14S ... game ball sensor, 15 ... second Start opening, 15S ... gaming ball sensor, 16 ... first holding ball display, 17 ... second holding ball display, 18 ... big winning device, 18a ... open / close door, 18b ..Solenoid, 18S ... game ball sensor, 19 ... out port, 20 ... joystick device, 21 ... mounting plate, 2 ... Base, 23 ... Operation rod, 24 ... Push button, 25 ... Lever member, 23S ... Tilt direction sensor, 24S ... Push switch, 25S ... Retraction amount detection Sensor, 26S ... Touch sensor, 30 ... Main control board, 31 ... Main control circuit, 32 ... Input processing circuit, 33 ... Output processing circuit, 34 ... Communication processing circuit, 35 ... BUS, 40 ... Display control board, 41 ... Display control circuit, 42 ... Input processing circuit, 43 ... Output processing circuit, 44 ... Image processing circuit, 45 ... Audio Processing circuit 46... Communication processing circuit 47... BUS 50. Prize ball payout device 60. Game ball injection device 61. 71 ... lottery table recording means, 72 ... lottery means, 72a ..First lottery means, 72b ... Production lottery means, 72c ... Second lottery means, 73 ... Lottery recording means, 73a ... First lottery recording means, 73b ... Second lottery record Means 74... Hold number display means 74 a. First hold number display means 74 b. Second hold number display means 75. Flag recording means 76. Special figure game means 77 ... ordinary game means, 78 ... special game means, 79 ... ordinary game means, 80 ... display control means, 81 ... background image recording means, 82 ... background image selection means 83 ... Symbol variation means, 84 ... Completely lost means, 85 ... Normal reach means, 86 ... Player participation type reach means, 90 ... Instruction window, 91 ... Background selection window

Claims (5)

A ball game machine comprising a game ball ejecting means for ejecting a game ball to the game board, and an image display means arranged on the game board,
A joystick device for transmitting a speed control signal for controlling the ejection speed of the game ball ejected by the game ball ejecting means and a display control signal for controlling display on the image display means is attached. Characteristic ball game machine. The joystick device has a base and an operating rod attached to the base so as to be tiltable in the front-rear direction and / or the left-right direction,
The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control signal includes a direction signal generated based on a tilting direction of the operation rod with respect to the base. The operating rod includes a push switch for detecting a pressing operation,
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the display control signal further includes a push signal generated in response to a pressing operation on the push switch. The operating rod includes a lever member that changes a pull-in amount according to a pull-in strength,
4. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the joystick device transmits the speed control signal in accordance with a pulling amount of the lever member.   The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the joystick device is attached to a central portion in the left-right direction of the ball game machine.

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